April 2023

WFEC Scholarship Deadline

Approaching

Essay

WFEC is sponsoring a $1,000 scholarship to one eligible 2023 graduating student at each high school within the cooperative’s fourcounty service area. A scholarship will also be available to homeschooled students who wish to continue their education. These scholarships are for study at postsecondary or vocational/technical institutions.

Deadline to apply: April 18, 2023

Eligibility:

To qualify, a student’s parent or legal guardian must be a member of West Florida Electric Cooperative. Applicants must also be graduating in 2023 from a school located within the cooperative’s four-county service area.

ROW Update:

West Florida Electric Right of Way

Clearing Crews will be cutting & trimming right of ways in the following area(s) during the month of

April

Essay Topic:

What makes cooperatives different from other types of utilities?

LEngTh: 500-1,000 words

DEaDLinE: April 18, 2023

General Information: Thirteen (13) $1,000 scholarships (one to a graduating student from each high school in the co-op’s service area) will be awarded annually.

Instructions: Complete the application and write a 500-1,000 word essay on the topic provided. Incomplete, late or misdirected applications will not be considered.

Applications are available:

•online: www.westflorida.coop

•from your school's guidance counselor

•at any WFEC district office

Clarksville, Sneads, Altha & Blountstown Areas

When right-of-way (ROW) crews are trimming in your area, there may be several days between ROW cutting & clean-up crews due to inclement weather, equipment failure or other unforeseen circumstances.

What's Cooler Than Driving an EV?

Getting a rebate for it!

Have you purchased an EV? Here's some exciting news for West Florida Electric's residential members who drive fully electric, battery-powered EVs. You may qualify for a $100 EV rebate.

Applying for your rebate is as simple as going online to apply and register your vehicle. This will help us better understand how members are using power. This information will guide planning for our power delivery system, as well as additional EV programs and rebates that benefit you. Visit our website www.westflorida.coop to begin the rebate process. While online, check out the helpful information about the benefits of driving electric, from home and public charging to available offers and incentives, such as tax credits.

Is an EV right for you?

Consider the following:

• Your daily commute - is it under 330 miles? Most of today's EVs have a driving range-per-charge between 50 to 330 miles. If your daily commute is under 250 miles per day, there is likely an affordable EV model that fits your needs. When shopping for an EV, be sure to check the "range-per-charge" for the vehicle. This is the number of miles the car can typically drive between full charges.

• Do you frequently take long road trips? Long trips can present a challenge for electric vehicles. Public charging infrastructure and battery technology continues improving, but planning is required for long trips.

• Does your household have more than one car? An EV could represent an opportunity for your family to save money while improving the quality of the environment.

Whether you're already behind the wheel of an EV or considering one for your future ride, WFEC has a road map of resources to help. Visit the co-op's EV page (www.westflorida.coop/electric-vehicles) to find out more about EVs and the rebate program available to members who own them.

Powerful Information: Solar Myths & Facts

As more West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC) members express interest in renewable and zero-emission energy sources, it is the co-op’s job to help you make energy choices for your home. From insurance to interconnection agreements, there’s a lot that goes into installing solar at your residence. We can answer your questions and provide facts you can use to make the best decision. We’re here to answer your solar energy questions. Check out these myths and common misconceptions about solar:

Myth: I don’t need to contact my electric cooperative before I install a solar system on my property.

Fact: Owner’s of solar systems are required to notify WFEC of plans to construct, install and operate any solar system that will be connected to our distribution system. Talk to us about filling out an interconnection agreement application in advance of purchasing or installing your solar system.

Myth: Solar power is free.

Fact: It can take many years to pay off the up-front costs of solar.

Myth: Installing solar decreases or eliminates my electric bill.

Fact: Significant up-front costs and other factors should be included when calculating the true price of home solar.

Myth: If I install solar, I won’t need the grid.

At West Florida Electric Cooperative, we want to make sure your energy needs are met. Reach out to us before installing a solar system on your property. Learn more about solar on our website: www.westflorida.coop.

Fact: In order to ensure reliable and uninterrupted power, solar systems must be balanced with a continuous source of dependable power from WFEC. As peak production for solar generation is typically between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., the grid accounts for peak consumer use during other times of the day, including peak demand periods. Peak demand is set when many people use electricity at the same time, raising the demand for power, sometimes leading to the highest – or “peak” – demand of the day, week, month or year. During the summer, peak times are usually from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. We support and value renewable energy resources, including solar, that make sense for the people we serve. As your trusted energy advisors, we work hard to safely deliver power that is reliable and affordable. At WFEC, we want to make sure your energy needs are met. Reach out to us before installing a solar system on your property. For reliable and uninterrupted power, solar energy must be balanced with a continuous source of dependable power.

2023 Youth Tour Winners Selected

Ajunior from Graceville High School, Keshawn Daniels, and Malone School junior, Kaycie Rich, were named West Florida Electric’s Youth Tour competition winners on March 14. Heather Mears from Blountstown High School was named the alternate. These students have won an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. and will represent WFEC on the National Rural Electric Youth Tour taking place June 13-18, 2023. They’ll travel with around 30 other students from Florida to meet up with hundreds of other high school students from across the country.

Daniels and Rich also received a $1,000 college scholarship to use at any college, university, or technical/vocational school of their choosing.

Nine area students participated in the Youth Tour program this year. They were: Ruby Ann O’Bryan, Altha School; Tyson Summerall,

Bethlehem School; Heather Mears, Blountstown High School; Owen Page, Chipley High School; Kenlee Ammons, Cottondale High School; Keshawn Daniels, Graceville High School; Kaycie Rich, Malone School; Valiant Tew, Ponce De Leon High School and Hailey Causey, Sneads High School.

The purpose of the Youth Tour Program is to get students out of the classroom and familiarize them with

2023 Youth Tour participants with WFEC Trustees: (l-r) Owen Page, Chipley HS; Ruby Ann O'Bryan, Altha School; Heather Mears, Blountstown HS; Hailey Causey, Sneads HS; Keshawn Daniels, Graceville HS; Kaycie Rich, Malone School; Tim Alford, WFEC District 2 Trustee; Jackie Pooser, WFEC District 3 Trustee; Joe Rone, WFEC District 8 Trustee; Kenlee Ammons, Cottondale HS; Tyson Summerall, Bethlehem School, and Valiant Tew, Ponce De Leon HS.

the utility that brings electricity to their lives. They also get a first-hand look at the activities of our government at state and national levels. This is a great opportunity to meet new people, experience new things and travel.

The Washington, D.C. Youth Tour Program has been in existence since 1957 when co-ops sent students to Washington, D.C. to work during the summer, By 1964, the program caught on, and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) began to coordinate the efforts of the co-ops. Since then, thousands of young people have experienced this opportunity. WFEC has participated in the Youth Tour since 1979, sending students almost every year since. For more information about the Youth Tour program, visit www.westflorida.coop.

Above: 2023 Youth Tour winners (l-r) Heather Mears, Blountstown High School (alternate), Kaycie Rich, Malone School and Keshawn Daniels, Graceville High School. Below: Florida's Youth Tour delegation in the Florida State House of Representatives with Speaker Renner (front, center). Renner & his Chief of Staff visited with YT students on their trip to the Capitol.

Mobile: 850-260-5438 Xtreme

Oatmeal Cookies

Ingredients:

1 cup shortening

1 cup sugar

1 cup brown sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla

1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. baking soda

1 1/2 cups flour

2 cups oatmeal

Submitted by: Mary Dewees

Directions:

Cream

Making a Change that Pays: HVAC

Most people don’t think about their heating and cooling system until it isn’t working. But since your heating and cooling system is the highest contributor to your energy bill, you might consider giving it a second thought when looking for ways to trim costs.

If your unit is more than 10 years old, needs frequent repairs or has trouble keeping a constant temperature, it’s time for a replacement. West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC) is here to help guide you through that process, and we also offer rebates and low-interest financing to help ease the financial burden.

Heat Pump 101: Despite their name, heat pumps do a lot more than heating. They also provide air conditioning and humidity control. The cooling efficiency for heat pumps is measured by SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) – the higher the SEER, the higher the efficiency. The heating efficiency is measured by HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) – the higher the number, the better. When considering which heat pump is right for you, be sure to ask your dealer about the unit’s efficiency metrics.

Sizing is also important when purchasing a new unit. If a heat pump is oversized, it will not heat or cool effectively, increasing your energy usage. Similarly, an undersized unit will run more to maintain a constant temperature and cause higher power bills. Before you purchase a new unit, ask your dealer to perform a calculation to determine the right size for your home. This calculation takes into consideration your home’s foundation, wall thicknesses, insulation values, windows, air filtration and more.

Maximizing Efficiency: Because they are hidden in your attic or crawlspace, it’s easy to forget about duct work, yet problems could lead to higher energy bills or even negate the savings from upgrading to a high-efficiency heat pump. Ducts distribute airflow from your heating and cooling equipment to your entire home. Cracks in the seams and missing or damaged sections of ducting allow air to escape, causing your unit to work harder and increasing your energy bill.

Repairing or replacing duct work is usually best left to professionals. You may even qualify for a lowinterest Home Energy Efficiency Loan to finance the cost.

We’re Here to Help: Since purchasing and maintaining a new heating and cooling unit is a costly investment, WFEC’s Energy Efficiency Loan Program can help ease the financial burden. Members who qualify for a low-interest loan can finance up to $20,000 for up to 10 years when purchasing a new high-efficiency heat pump.

Members who live in a site-built home and purchase a dual fuel or mini-split system may also qualify for a rebate to help cover the cost. Manufactured home-owners who are upgrading from an electric furnace to an air source, dual fuel or minisplit system are eligible for a rebate as well.

For more information about these programs and services, and to see if you qualify, contact Rhonda Byrd-Lee at 800-342-7400 before you complete the purchase.

Your heating & cooling system is the highest contributor to your energy bill - give it a second thought when trying to trim costs.

Community Calendar

Water Bath Canning Class

April 11; 6-9 PM at Washington Co. Ag Center, 1424 Jackson Ave., Chipley

Learn the basics of water bath canning by canning fruit. Class format includes demonstrations with some hands-on learning. Registration is $5 and includes class materials. Space is limited so pre-registration is required by calling 850-638-6265 or 850-547-1108. UF is an Equal Opportunity Institution. People with disabilities requiring assistance should call 850-638-6265 or 800-955-8771 at least 5 days prior to the class so proper consideration may be given the request.

Private Well & Water Quality Workshop

April 13; 5-7:30 PM at Jackson Co. Agricultural Offices, 2741 Penn Ave., Marianna Do you know where your well water comes from or how it might become contaminated? Learn how private wells and septic systems work, about maintenance, and protecting drinking water quality. Facilitated water testing is available. Cost is $5 per person; water testing rates will vary depending on the type of test requested. For prices and additional details call 850-482-9620. Pre-registration is encouraged as seating is limited. UF is an Equal Opportunity Institution. People with disabilities requiring assistance should call 800-955-8771 at least 10 working days prior to the class so proper consideration may be given the request.

Hewett Harris Family Reunion

April 15, Caryville Community Center

Help spread the word.

WFEC Trustee Election Ballots Due Back: April 19

Homebuyer Education Class

April 27; 6-9 PM at Jackson Co. Agricultural Office, 2471 Penn Ave., Marianna

May 4; 6-9 PM at Jackson Co. Agricultural Office, 2471 Penn Ave., Marianna Understand the homebuying process, analyze your personal financial and credit situation, and learn basic home care and maintenance techniques to help maintain the value of your home and save money. The course is open to all participants from just starting the process to those further along. Completion satisfies the homeownership education requirement for the SHIP and USDA Rural Development programs. The Florida Cooperative Extension Service is a HUDapproved housing counseling agency. Due to class size limitations, pre-registration is required. No walk-ins. For more information call 850-482-9620 or 850-6386265. UF is an Equal Opportunity Institution. People with disabilities requiring assistance should call 800-955-8771 at least 10 working days prior to the class so proper consideration may be given the request.

Community Yard Sale

April 29; 7 AM-2 PM

Silver Lake Community yard sale on the corner of 167 and Lake Drive

Dellwood Amaryllis

CLASSIFIEDS FOR SALE

Animals/Livestock

GSP puppies, can send pics to cell; 850-693-5001, Archie.

Dominique chicks, limited quantities hatching, straight run, 15 chick maximum, $4 each; 850-814-7015.

Home/Farm

2022 Bahia grass seed, bag/bulk; 200 rolls quality barn-stored hay, $70/roll; 334-248-2047.

2016 Husqvarna zero-turn mower, model MZ52LE, 23.0 HP Kawasaki engine, 347 hours, pole-barn kept, $3,500; 334-714-6043.

Miscellaneous

White fiberglass topper, with windows, 72” long, make offer; 320-304-5414.

Wire fencing, about 100’, $90; 5’ metal posts, 27, $140; 2 gates, 4’ each, $50; 850-209-6581.

Winchester model 94 AE 30-30 rifle, good condition; 850-592-4798.

Multiple Listings

Two rolls of 50’ each wire fencing, $90; 27 metal fence posts, $140; large bird cage on wheels, $100; 36” dog crate, $2; 850-209-6581.

Three-horse slant trailer; treeing Walker coon dog puppies, champion bloodlines (Power Pack); barrel, roping, pleasure saddles; tack; 850-209-8532 or 850-592-2494.

Square bale annual peanut hay; grass hay, 5x5 rolls; walk-in cooler; 850-263-3427.

Golf cart seats, $69; side rails, 3 sizes, $125; gates, 4’ and 6’, $89.$129; puzzle clocks, $69; Sago Palms in beautiful large pots, $75; other palms; 850-547-0448.

CLF Free Ad Policy (Limited to one ad per household)

WFEC publishes free classified ads in the Current Light Flashes as a service to its members. The following limitations apply: 1) Ads must be 20 words or less and must be legible, with an active electric account number at the top. 2) Ads exceeding 20 words are subject to elimination. 3) Submit ads to the Graceville office by the 5th of the month to appear in the following month’s issue. (Example: An ad arriving by Jan. 5 will appear in the Feb. CLF) 4) Ads for services & businesses are not free. Service businesses include, but are not limited to, pet or livestock breeders or stud services, rentals, baby-sitting, etc. 5) Any buying or selling on a regular basis will be considered a business. On-going garage sales & the sale of similar items on a repeated basis do not qualify for free advertising. 6) WFEC may refuse to publish any ad . 7) You may submit your ad online at www.westflorida.coop WFEC will not accept ads over the phone.

Homemade/handmade quilts, lap quilts, baby quilts, twin, full or queen; two used bathtubs, great price; 850-547-3649.

Grizzly 1021 15” thickness planer carbide blades, $550; Delta 6” jointer with stand, no motor, $250, Bonifay; 941-704-2074.

Recreational Vehicles

2022 John Deere Gator, HPX615E, 59 hours, adult ridden, garage kept, $12,500; 850-415-0848.

2017 Forest River motor home, FR3, 30 DS, 3,400 miles, excellent condition, two slide outs, like brand new, used very little, barn stored, $73,000; 850-718-6525.

Vehicles

1997 Ford Ranger project truck, rust free body, comes with engine and parts to put back together, clean title, $1,500 OBO; 850-638-8166.

WANTED

Steel trusses, 20’ or 24’, reasonable price; 850-547-0448 or 850-373-3709.

Horses; ponies; mules; donkeys; 850-592-2494 or 850-209-8532.

Small, older model truck, single cab, 4-cylinder, standard transmission, 2WD, prefer Nissan or Toyota, running; 850-674-6243.

150-500 acres pasture land, in Holmes or Washington County; 850-234-7070.

Penny through dollar coins, loose, in jars, collections or estates, buy, trade, or sell, honest; 850-326-3437.

1971 Monte Carlo front bumper, will buy or trade; 1970 bumper; 850-547-0448 or 850-373-3709.

Long-haired all black female kitten, about 8 weeks old, none older; 850-419-0696, leave message.

License plates from any state, mainly Florida, prior to 1980; old motorcycles or parts prior to 1960; 850-557-7030, Greg.

FREE

Appliances, radiator heaters, for parts only, some work, have several, just pick up; 850-419-0696, leave message.

Notification Statement

Notice is hereby given that the West Florida Electric Cooperative Association, Inc. Board of Trustees regularly meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month, unless special circumstances warrant a change.

Main Business and Publications Offices

5282 Peanut Road

Graceville, Florida 32440-0127

(850) 263-3231 or 1-800-342-7400

Subscription Rate

Cooperative members, $2.50 per year

Non-members, $6.00 per year

Change of Address Notices

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Current Light Flashes

P. O. Box 127

Graceville, Florida 32440-0127

DISCLAIMER: Although paid advertisements may appear in West Florida Electric (WFEC) publications in print, online, or in other electronic formats, WFEC does not endorse the advertised product, service, or company, nor any of the claims made by the advertisement. WFEC reserves the right to edit or refuse to publish any advertisement, article or information.

This Institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

As a member of West Florida Electric Cooperative, you receive capital credits. This unique cooperative benefit represents your ownership in the cooperative.

After we set aside funds for system improvements, maintenance and expenses, such as storm recovery, the rest is returned to members, like you. This year, capital credits will be returned to members in the form of a bill credit. It’s another way your hometown electric cooperative is always here for you.

HWY. 77 BINGO, INC.

(850)

Paper Only Bingo. Located across the street from Graceville High School. Open 6 days a week. Closed Tuesdays. Session at 7:30 nightly. $50 payouts before & after session. Pull tab games up to $1,000!

Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays: All session games pay $250!

Saturdays 7 Sundays: Jackpot games @ 4-5-6-7-9 & 10 PM

Double Action Mini-Session at 4:00 PM

Mondays & Wednesdays: T-shirt night

Energy Efficiency

Tip:

This planting season, include energy efficiency in your landscaping plans.

Adding shade trees around your home can reduce surrounding air temperatures as much as 6 degrees.

To block heat from the sun, plant deciduous trees around the south side of your home.

Deciduous trees provide excellent shade during the summer and lose their leaves in the winter, allowing sunlight to warm your home.