December 2022

Text Us Next Time Your Power is Out

Try West Florida Electric’s (WFEC) Text Power service for a fast and easy way to report power outages. This convenient way to report outages provides peace of mind that your outage has been successfully communicated to dispatchers. It also eliminates much of the traffic overloading phone lines. All WFEC’s traditional outage reporting methods are still available but texting is much faster and easier.

If you have not used this method of outage reporting, we encourage you to give it a try to see if you like it. You can even receive updates about the status of your outage and be notified when your power is restored via text. Enrolling is easy, just follow these steps:

1. Text WFEC to (800) 342-7400.

2. You will receive a welcome message with instructions about reporting future outages.

3. When you need to report an outage, text OUT.

4. Text STATUS for updates, HELP for more info, and STOP to unsubscribe to the service.

continued on page 4

ROW Update:

You can now text in your outage, receive updates about its status and notifications when your power is restored.

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.

That’s all! Once power is restored, a text will be sent to confirm. If your phone number is not recognized, you will be prompted to contact the co-op by phone to report your outage using the outage management system. Here are a few other things you should note:

• Your phone plan’s standard data charges will apply.

• If your phone number is not recognized, the texting service will tell you to contact the cooperative by phone to report your outage using the outage management system. This means you need to update your phone number on the co-op’s billing system.

• If you text OUT to report an outage, but do not respond to the questions the system asks, it will say your outage was not reported and ask you to respond to the questions or call the office.

• When you have multiple meters, you’ll be asked if they are all out.

• To use the outage texting feature, members must have a mobile number associated with their account on the co-op’s billing system.

WFEC also offers an outage reporting feature on its mobile apps for both Android and IPhone users, on its website, and on the member portal. Call WFEC at (800) 342-7400 if you need help signing up or to update your contact information. Remember, the best time to make updates to your account is before an outage occurs.

Manage Auxiliary Mode to Heat for Less

Greg A. Varner Owner (850) 956-4325 Mobile: (850) 259-0467 Fax: (850) 956-4169

Heating systems throughout our area will be getting a workout over the next few months - especially January and February. But that doesn't mean your electric bill has to soar.

Heat strips provide supplemental heat and require more energy to function than the normal operations of your system. Though it is necessary for a heat pump to use heat strips to perform some tasks, here are some actions you can take to reduce how frequently they automatically switch on:

• Keep the thermostat set at 68 degrees. Keeping your house at a lower, regulated temperature will reduce the amount of heat your heat pump has to create, which reduces its need to rely on heat strips.

• Raise the temperature gradually. If you are cold and need to increase the temperature in your home, bring the heat up gradually in two-degree increments. More than two degrees at a time may make the system fall back on the heat strips for support.

• Don't use the emergency setting. Even if temperatures plunge, don't change the thermostat from the HEAT setting. In the emergency mode, only the electric heat strips are operational. Relying on heat strips for any extended amount of time can drive up your electric bill. Use the emergency setting only when there's an actual emergency, such as when the heat pump compressor fails.

Wishing you the gifts of the season - Peace, Joy, Hope.

John Adams, District 4 Trustee

Energy Efficiency Loan Program FAQs

What is the Energy Efficiency Loan Program? In collaboration with Regions Bank, West Florida Electric Cooperative's (WFEC) Energy Efficiency Loan Program offers low-interest loans to qualifying members to help cover the cost of certain home energy improvements.

What improvements are eligible for financing? The Energy Efficiency Loan Program helps members pay for home improvements including:

• Windows

• Exterior doors

• Air Sealing

• Heat pump purchase, installation and tune-up

• Exterior wall, floor, attic and perimeter insulation (foam and cellulose only)

• Duct repair or replacement

• Attic ventilation

• Heat pump water heater purchase and installation

• Water heater blanket and pipe insulation

• Manufactured home skirting

What is the process?

1. Contact us at (800) 342-7400 and ask about the Energy Efficiency Loan Program

2. We'll come to your home and conduct an energy audit to identify areas of improvement.

3. You'll complete the simple loan application by calling Regions Bank at (800) 475-2908.

4. If approved, you'll hire a licensed contractor to make the improvements.

5. Once improvements are complete, contact us so we can conduct a final inspection to certify the work is complete.

6. Regions Bank will contact you to schedule the closing.

7. Regions Bank will issue the payment directly to the contractor.

8. You'll receive monthly loan billing statements from Regions Bank.

How long can I finance the loan? If including a heat pump, you can finance for up to 10 years. Without a heat pump, the maximum term is 5 years.

What is the interest rate? The annual percentage rate is 4.99% for 5-year loans and 6.99% for 10-year loans.

How will I be billed? You will receive a monthly billing statement from Regions Bank for your loan.

What are the eligibility requirements? To qualify for a loan, members must:

• Own the dwelling which receives electric service from WFEC.

• Have received electric service for at least 1 year from WFEC.

• Be in good standing with WFEC.

• Have an energy efficiency audit completed by a qualified WFEC employee or contractor.

• Have either a social security number or tax identification number.

• Have a minimum FICO credit score of 625.

• Have a monthly debt-to-income ratio of 45% or less.

• Not currently be a debtor in a bankruptcy action and not have been a debtor in a bankruptcy action within 3 years of application for a loan.

• Be approved for financing by Regions Bank.

• Not have an outstanding loan under the program.

Can I install the improvements myself or do I have to hire a contractor? To ensure the improvements are installed safely and properly, any financed improvements must be installed by a licensed contractor.

Have additional questions? Contact our energy services experts by calling (800) 342-7400 to find out more about the Energy Efficiency Loan Program.

Easy Ways to Save this Holiday Season

Don’t think of your electric bill as a lump of coal this holiday season. The holidays can be the most expensive time of year for many. House guests, colder weather, longer nights, and extra décor can lead to more electricity use and higher bills. One way to ease the financial burden of this most wonderful time of year is by implementing energy efficiency measures.

If you happen to be hosting family or friends, your household could be consuming more electricity than normal. Think about installing a programmable thermostat and using it. Consider a setting of 68 degrees for heating or 78 for cooling when you and your family are home and dial the temperature back a few degrees when you leave or are sleeping. You might also consider lowering the thermostat when guests are over or when you’re cooking food.

Limit peeking into the oven when cooking holiday meals or treats. The urge to open the oven door to check the progress of dishes is tempting but use the oven light instead. Each time the door is opened the temperature inside your oven can be reduced by as much as 25 degrees, according to the

Department of Energy. Consider alternative cooking methods like slow cookers, microwaves, toaster ovens or warming plates, which all utilize less energy than the oven or stovetop. According to the Department of Energy, a toaster oven can use up to half of the energy of the average stove over the same cooking time. The type of pots and pans you use to cook with can also make an impact on cook times and reduce the amount of heat needed for baking. Consider using ceramic, stoneware or glass pots and pans – this can help reduce the temperatures suggested for cooking

Think about installing a programmable thermostat and setting it to 68 degrees when you're home. You can dial it back a few degrees when you're away or sleeping. Also consider lowering the temp when cooking or when guests are over.

by up to 25 degrees. You might also want to consider letting hot food cool to room temperature before placing it in the refrigerator. This prevents the temperature from increasing inside your fridge which can cause the appliance to use more energy to cool down.

Use LED lights for decorating this season. They use much less electricity than incandescent bulbs, and they last a lot longer, too. LEDs are also safer because they are made with epoxy lenses, not glass, making them more resistant to breaking – and cool to the touch. These lights can also be easier to install since up to 25 strings of LEDs can be connected end-to-end without overloading a wall socket.

Use a timer for lighting. Outdoor lights and decorative displays are frequently left on accidentally. Leaving them on all day long can quickly run up an electric bill. Most timers cost between $10 and $25 and can be purchased through online retailers like Amazon or at big box stores like Lowes or Wal-Mart. With a light timer, you can easily program when you want your holiday lights turned on and off, which will save you time, money, and energy. If you’re using a timer for exterior lighting, make sure it’s weatherproof and intended for outdoor use.

Consider downsizing lawn décor. This can do wonders for your utility bills. Try alternating which decorations you use each year. That way, every Christmas, decorations look brand new. You might also want to consider a

more natural approach to decorating this year. Many Christmas tree farms, and even some retailers, like Lowes, give away greenery and clippings from recently trimmed trees. With a little effort and some items like twine, ribbon, and ornaments, you can create garlands and wreaths to hang on your doors and windows. To add some extra twinkle at night, install solar-powered spotlights.

No matter how you decide to decorate, there are plenty of ways to save throughout the season. Start by considering some of the efficiency measures mentioned here. That way your holiday utility bills won’t seem like a lump of coal left in your stocking.

Add Comfort to Your Home and Money to Your Wallet

For optimal energy efficiency, your home should be insulated from the roof to the foundation.. A well-sealed home, coupled with the right amount of insulation, can make a real difference on your utility bills. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, sealing air leaks and adding insulation can save up to 10 percent on your annual energy bills. Insulation helps keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. A well-insulated home helps you avoid higher energy bills. Adding insulation in the attic is an investment that adds comfort to your home and money to your wallet. It is more cost-effective to add insulation during construction than to retrofit it after the house is finished, but almost all homes can benefit from additional insulation. Yours might be one of them if you’re experiencing drafty rooms, inconsistent temperatures between rooms and higher heating and cooling bills.

Insulation works best when air is not moving around or through it, making it very important to seal air leaks before installing insulation. It is also important to seal gaps in floors and walls around pipes and electrical wiring, and have your duct work inspected and repaired.

If your home experiences any of these problems, it might be a good candidate for an attic insulation project:

• Drafty rooms

• Hot or cold ceilings, walls, or whole rooms; uneven temperature between rooms

• High heating or cooling bills

A quick way to see if you need more insulation is to look across your uncovered attic floor. If your insulation is level with or below the attic floor joists, you probably need to add more. The recommended level for most attics is R-38 (or about 12-15 inches, depending on the insulation type). If your attic has no insulation, you may decide to insulate the underside of the roof with spray foam instead of covering the attic floor. It’s best to hire an experienced contractor for this task.

If your attic has enough insulation yet your home still feels drafty, too cold in winter or too warm in summer, you may need to add insulation to the exterior walls. This is more expensive and usually requires a contractor, but it may be worth the cost in lower utility bills. If you replace the exterior siding on your home, consider adding insulation at the same time.

Don’t overlook another area in your home where energy can be saved –the ductwork of the heating and cooling system. If your ducts run through unconditioned spaces in your home (such as the attic or crawlspace), they should be insulated and sealed with mastic tape.

Sealing leaks and adding insulation can also help reduce noise from outside; prevent pollen, dust and insects from entering your home; and provide better humidity control.

Home improvements like adding insulation can be costly, but WFEC’s Energy Efficiency Loan Program can help ease the burden for energyefficiency upgrades. West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC) offers an affordable financing program to help cover the costs of energy efficiency upgrades that make your home more comfortable and save you money. To find out more about our loan program, visit www.westflorida.coop or contact our energy services department by calling 800-342-7400.

Sweet Potato Nut Casserole

Ingredients:

4 cups sweet potatoes, cooked & mashed

1/2 cup sugar

2 eggs, beaten

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 cup butter, melted

1/2 cup milk

1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

1/3 cup flour

1 cup nuts, chopped

3 tablespoons, butter, melted

Directions:

by: Mary Cooke

Combine first 7 ingredients & mix well. Pour into casserole dish. Mix last four ingredients together and crumble over the top of the sweet potatoes. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes.

Submitted

Community Calendar

Christmas in Holmes

December 9; 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Gully Springs Church, Hwy. 90 West, Bonifay

Join the Holmes County Council on Aging as they bring a little Christmas cheer to the seniors of Holmes County. All the sights, sounds and favorite foods will be available to put you in the Christmas Spirit. Neysa Semmler from WJHG will be entertaining attendees with music and laughter, and there will be door prizes. This event is free to anyone age 60 and over. The menu will consist of ham or turkey, dressing, green beans, sweet potato souffle`, rolls, pumpkin and pecan pie. Please sign up by December 2nd For more information or to sign up call (805) 547-2345.

Tri-State Fruit and Vegetable Conference January 26; 7:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Jackson County Ag Conference Center, 2471 Penn Ave., Marianna CEUs are available for this event. The cost is $5 per person. For more info contact (850) 482-9620.

CLASSIFIEDS FOR SALE

Animals/Livestock

Three black Simm/Angus bulls; 1 red Angus bull, ready to breed, semen checked, $2,500 each; 850-573-0949.

Electronics

27-inch TV; swing out wall stand; Samsung remote, $75; 850-703-1859.

Home/Farm

46” round dining table, dark wood, excellent condition, $175; 850-209-6581.

Poulan 3700 chainsaw, excellent condition, very powerful, 21” bar, recently tuned up, minimal use; 850-317-5056.

Argentine Bahia hay, 4x5 rolls, barn stored; 850-579-2732.

Tifton 9 Bahia grass hay, 5x5 rolls, you pick up and haul, located in NE Jackson County near Lovedale; 850-592-4740.

Coastal hay, 5x5 rolls, excellent quality, barn stored; 850-592-4798.

Fertilized Tift/Coastal Bermuda hay, 4x5 rolls, $60 or $65, delivered; 850-593-5213.

Tifton 9 and Argentine Bahia seed & hay; 850-718-7779, Pat or 850-592-2647, Dan.

Miscellaneous

2021 Caterpillar 306 mini excavator, 15 hours, like new, 2 buckets, $95,000; 850-573-0949 or 850-526-3108.

Small amaryllis flower bulb business, approx. 5,500 potted plants, extensive ad listings on eBay and our website, present customer base info, rights to 440+ YouTube videos, misc. items, some training help, $54,000; 850-592-8769, Charlie.

Heavy-duty anti-sway bar hitch and electric brake, $350; 850-638-2999.

100 plus 2x6 white cedar decking boards, planed 4 sides; lots of old barn siding, no longer needed; 908-619-6047, ask for Andrew.

Multiple Listings

Craftsman 163cc lawn vacuum, new, $375; Strong Way towbehind spike aerator, excellent condition, $80; 321-431-3127, call or text.

Cedar chest, 1960s solid cedar, $200; cat tower, $25; 423-429-3624.

1958 Army A-Class uniform, valued at $100-$200; steel pot helmet, camo cover valve, $120; duffle bag, $25; 850-674-6242.

LocaL TeLephone prefixes

Alford 579

Altha 762

Bascom/Malone 569

Blountstown 674, 237

Bonifay 547

Caryville 548 Chipley 638, 415 Cottondale 352 Graceville 263

Grand Ridge 592 Greenwood 594 Marianna 482, 526

Ponce de Leon 836

Sneads 593

Sunny Hills 773 Vernon 535 Westville 956

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.

CLF Free Ad Form Please Type or Print Neatly. Name Acct. # St. Address/P.O. Box City Phone # For Sale • Wanted • Free • Thank You • Lost (circle one)

Multiple Listings (cont.)

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

Franklin drywall panel hoist, $175; two boxes of vinyl plank waterproof flooring, honey oak, new, $75 for both boxes; 850-272-5722.

Golf cart seats, $69; Eddie Western hats, $28; side bars, 3 sets; 4’ gates, $89, with wire, $129; 6’, $129; 850-547-0448 or 850-373-3709.

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

Barrel, roping, pleasure saddles; tack; horse trailer; trained Walker coon dogs; gentle horse; Welch pony; 16’ hay trailer; 850-592-2494 or 850-209-8532.

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.

Gehl 1870 hay roller; 165 MF tractor; New Idea two-row corn picker; 1 row sheller; gravity flow wagon; Gehl 125 feed mill; 850-856-5879.

Real Estate

1 acre +- mobile home, needs work, well and septic tank, Kimbell Rd., Greenwood; 850-209-1619.

48.8 acres farmland, in the Graceville area, access from paved road; 651-230-2451.

Three lots, 1-2 plus acres, water views, Silver Lake Estates, lake access; 850-526-3108 or 850-573-0949.

WANTED

Someone to do yard work, no drinkers, please; 850-547-0448 or 850-373-3709.

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

Clean fill; 609-709-6791.

150-500 acres of pastureland, in Holmes or Washington County; 850-234-7070.

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

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

FREE

Twenty-five 16” cement blocks; about 7 half size cement blocks; 850-209-6581.

1974 14x72 mobile home, needs work or for scrap, you move; 850-527-3320, call or text.

77 BINGO, INC. (850) 263-7788

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