In this region, we depend upon Tennessee Valley Authority electricity. And high or low, TVA's operating costs are reflected in our monthly electric bills.

TVA generates most of its power at nuclear plants, hydroelectric facilities at its dams, and coal-burning plants.

But TVA's Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant near Athens, Ala., unfortunately had to stop producing electricity for a while after tornadoes cut power into and out of the facility.

Because of that loss - which had to be replaced by more costly energy - TVA's wholesale rates will be going up 4.5 percent in July.

That will mean $3 to $6 more on monthly home bills, and more for businesses and industries.

"The loss of power from Browns Ferry alone cost about $90 million to replace that generation with more expensive power," TVA spokesman Scott Brooks told the Times Free Press.

Nobody likes higher prices. But for most of us most of the time, TVA service continues to be reliable and economical.