Yes, when there are many people without power.  If you're unlucky enough to be one of a few, rather than one of many, they're not going to activate a crew, just for you.  EWEB's higher rates pay for many other services as well, including educational programs about energy, the environment, and conservation, low income energy assistance, generation of power independent of BPA, and other programs that contribute to the community.  SUB provides a very basic energy service - the resale of BPA energy.  That's fine, if that's what you want.  Eugene's voters have chosen a more comprehensive and resilient model through their elected officials.  

On the larger issue, Comcast is essentially paying for the right to use the City's right of way to get cable to your house.  My beef is not with the tax, but with the effective monopoly granted to Comcast and the poor service it provides.