EVERYTHING gone up in leaps and bounds..How locals manage with their meager wages I have no idea. Power rates and fuel rates go up hand in hand depending on what part of the Phil's you reside and there are variations in charges. We decided to employ solar power and have just recently been connected to a net meter so hopefully we will soon get a zero electricity bill. Still trying to grow local veggies,plus the Mrs keeps free range chickens for eggs. When TSHTF I believe self sufficiency will be vital just about anywhere in the world..I still have a long way to go but definitely getting there! Having access to enough land is key IMO.