I'd have to do some serious calculations and get back to you haha but our electricity is not terribly expensive. (I HIGHLY doubt it's hydro probably fossil fuels unfortunately) For me it was more about not wasting the herbs which cost me $3 a bundle. I could have saved time and energy by drying the herbs together just on separate racks . Also I use fresh herbs very little though I am trying to work on that so I will get more use out of them dehydrated. Dehydrating also means they will stay good even if our power goes out which after the hurricane and not having power for 6 days is something I always consider. You are right though it might not be the best solution for everyone