Look into Now Power. They specialize in prepaid plans and don't do credit checks or require deposits. As long as your place has a smart meter, they can usually get you connected the exact same day.

How do you handle the bottles on really sunny days? I've heard they can cook the seedlings if it gets too hot inside, so I'm curious if you've had to move them into shade or if the open cap is enough to stop that.

The Homestead strike records show some of those company stores actually had fair prices compared to town. The scrip system was more about keeping cash in the company for payroll.

Saw a buddy's cheap multimeter find a short his expensive one completely missed.

Terracotta pots bake the roots in that heat. Plastic holds moisture better for hot climates. Shade cloth is a good move, but the pot material is half the battle.