Sometimes power goes out, and you are left in the dark for a day or two. Occasionally, you might want to run a compressor or power tools, and it isn't practical to run extension cords (or just too lazy). But mostly, I think people are anticipating higher rates, as Al Gore's Green Team pushes forward. We've been terrorized by the catastrophic visions, and soon we will be hit with the economic impact, which is ripe, considering the current state. Getting people to use electricity more responsibly, will be forced through a higher prices.
I doubt that I'll get to part ways completely with the electric company, but hope to negate some of the higher costs. Solar power here in Florida makes the most sense, wind isn't to reliable (very little, or way too much).