Keelan Pelham (right) , 2024 Scholarship winner from Poplar Springs School was presented with her scholarship from WFEC by Candace Croft (left), Communications & PR Coordinator.
USPS: 702-990 | ISSN: 1042-7767 | VOL 74, NO 12
Current Light Flashes is the official voice of West Florida Electric Cooperative Association, Inc., a member-owned Touchstone Energy® cooperative serving Calhoun, Holmes, Jackson, and Washington counties. It is published as a service to the Co-op’s members. Periodicals postage is paid at Tallahassee, Florida.
WFEC Board of Trustees
Important Dates on Your WFEC Utility Bill
As members, we all know when our power bill is due, but have we ever looked at any of the other dates associated with your utility bill?
West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC) uses three billing cycles for the majority of the membership (some members use our pre-paid service). This month, if you look at your bill, you will see a Bill Date of either 12/1, 12/10, or 12/20, and a Due Date that is approximately two weeks after the bill date. I've mentioned two weeks because WFEC adjusts the date so that your bill will be due on a day the cooperative is open to receive payment. It will not be due on a weekend or recognized holiday.
The service (usage) dates are also important dates to look at. If you haven't ever paid close attention to those, you might not realize that the energy usage on the bill is from over a month ago!
Cycle 1 10/15/24 11/15/24 12/01/24 12/16/24
Cycle 2 10/25/24 11/25/24 12/10/24 12/26/24
Cycle 3 11/05/24 12/05/24 12/20/24 01/06/25
Pre-paid Daily
All dates are approximate except for Bill Dates, depending on weekends and holidays.
Please remember that any payment made after the due date is considered delinquent.
In the near future, the cooperative may be adjusting those usage dates, but it won't affect your Bill Date or Due Date and you might not even notice if you aren't paying close attention.
As we enter into the holiday season, please make note that the co-op will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
For your information, if you need to change when your bill is due (it might be due when all of your other bills are due, or you might have multiple meters with WFEC due at different times) please contact the cooperative by calling 800-342-7400 and ask for a cashier.
I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Sincerely,
Tim Alford, WFEC Board President
Youth Tour (YT) is an annual contest sponsored by West Florida Electric Cooperative that gives high school juniors the opportunity to compete for a FREE week-long trip to Washington, D.C. Everyone who participates in WFEC's Youth Tour program will earn a trip to our state's capital for two days.
2 winners will win a $1,000 college scholarship & 1 alternate will win a $500 college scholarship!
Applicants must be high school juniors and their parents or guardians must be members of West Florida Electric. Use the QR code for more info or contact Candace Croft ccroft@westflorida.coop Deadline to apply: December 17
Make a Change that Pays!
Enjoy year-round comfort and savings by making a change that pays. Looking for a cozier home and lower electric bills? Call West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC) today. We're offering eligible homeowners rebates of up to $350 per ton* on high-efficiency dual-fuel or mini-split systems.
During cold winters and hot summers, questions about energy costs usually arise. Balancing comfort and cost in your home doesn't have to be difficult. Upgrading your home's heating and cooling system, or installing a highefficiency unit in your home, can go a long way toward lowering your energy costs. Increased efficiency, lower costs
Heating and cooling accounts for as much as half of your home's energy costs, so it's important that your unit is highly efficient. In addition to offering rebates on dual-fuel and mini-split heat pumps, we also offer rebates for the replacement of an electric furnace with a heat pump in a manufactured home.
Air-Source Heat Pumps*:
Minimum 14 SEER (package unit only)
Dual-Fuel Heat Pumps:
15 SEER
16 SEER
Mini-Split Heat Pumps:
15
We can help you upgrade
$400/ton
The energy experts at West Florida Electric can help you navigate the purchasing process. We can help you determine if it's time for an upgrade, as well as give advice on how to choose an HVAC contractor and how to purchase a unit that is properly sized for your home. Additionally, you could qualify for a low-interest loan to finance the purchase of a high-efficiency heat pump or to make other energyefficiency upgrades at your home. Some of the projects covered by the Energy Efficiency Loan Program include:
• Attic Insulation (no fiberglass)
• Double Pane, Low-E Windows
• Insulated Exterior Doors
• Caulking & Weather-stripping
• Duct Repair/Replacement
• Floor, Perimeter or Exterior Wall Insulation (no fiberglass)
• Heat Pump Water Heater (only) Purchase & Installation
• Water Heater Blanket & Pipe Insulation
• Mobile Home Skirting
• HVAC Tune-Up
Call us at 800-342-7400 to find out more.
Ways to Pay Your WFEC Bill at People's South Bank
Managing utility bills can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially if you are juggling multiple payments. Thankfully, West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC) offers many convenient ways to pay your bill online, and at the office (as discussed in preceding month's publications). The co-op even offers some specific off site locations to make a payment. No matter if you prefer online, in-person or a third-party location, there are plenty of avenues to ensure your bills are paid on time.
People's South Bank will accept payments from any WFEC member - even if you are not a People's South customer. West Florida Electric members can make cash or check payments inside any location listed below. You may also use the night drop.
Members must have a current payment coupon and must pay the full amount of the bill. Late payments will not be accepted at any off site location.
People's South Bank - Blountstown 20455 W. Central Ave. • Blountstown, FL 32424 • 850-674-5900
People's South Bank - Chipley 1615 Main St. • Chipley, FL 32428 • 850-415-1320
People's South Bank - Greenwood 4192 Bryan St. • Greenwood, FL 32443 • 850-594-4151
People's South Bank - Marianna 2260 FL-71 • Marianna, FL 32448 • 850-526-4331 or 850-482-4029
With the variety of options available for paying utility bills at off site locations, and WFEC's other payment options, managing your finances has never been easier. Whether you prefer the convenience of mobile payments, online payments, or the personal touch of in-person transactions, there's a method that fits your lifestyle. It's always a good idea to check with the co-op for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding payment options and any associated fees. By staying informed and organized, you can ensure your utility bills are paid on time, avoiding late fees and service interruptions.
WFEC Scholarship Applications Open
West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC) is thrilled to announce that our third annual scholarship applications are now open. We're offering graduating seniors a chance to apply for a $1,000 scholarship to the college, university or vocational/technical school of their choice.
Commitment to community is one of the basic foundations on which your local cooperative stands. To support the educational goals of the students in the communities it serves, West Florida Electric is proud to sponsor these scholarships for one eligible graduating 2025 senior from each high school within the cooperative's four-county service area. Scholarships will also be available to home-schooled students.
Investing in education is one of the most significant investments and decisions some of us make. However, we understand the financial challenges that many of our talented and deserving students may face. That's why WFEC is dedicated to supporting their dreams through our scholarship program.
Applications are available on the cooperative's website: www.westflorida.coop. The deadline to apply is February 21, 2025.
To qualify, a student's parent or guardian must be a member of West Florida Electric living on the co-op's distribution lines. Applicants must also be graduating in 2025 from a school located within the cooperative's fourcounty service area.
Recipients will be selected by a committee of judges who work at the cooperative who will judge the applications received.
To apply, please complete the application online, write a 500-1,000 word essay on the topic provided, and submit a photo. Incomplete, late or misdirected applications will not be considered.
Other Information:
• Applicants must be enrolled or enrolling in an accredited college program, either full-time or parttime.
• Recipients must be a vocational/ technical or undergraduate student only.
• Scholarship funds will be sent directly to the college's business office on behalf of the recipient in the amount of $1,000.
• Recipients must use the funds within three (3) years.
• Judges will review applications anonymously, so their decisions are based solely on the strength of the applicant's essay and application.
• All judges' decisions are final.
• Previous winners are not eligible to win.
Contact Candace Croft at 800-3427400 with any questions.
11
Community Calendar
Annual Craft Fair & Santa Shop
December 14; 9 AM- 2 PM
Panhandle Pioneer Settlement, Blountstown
This event will be held in the gym at the Settlement. Items for sale will be handmade crafts. There will be opportunities for children to "secret shop" in the clubhouse for gifts for family and friends. Each vendor will be asked to provide at least 15 items for sale for $10 or less. For more information contact 850-674-2777 or email panhandlepioneer@pioneersettlement.us.
Dot's Egg Bread & Dot's Southern Dressing
Ingredients (bread):
2 cups corn meal 1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. soda 2 eggs, beaten
2 tsp. baking powder 2 cups buttermilk
1/2 cup self-rising flour 1/4 cup oleo, melted
Directions:
in the
Sift dry ingredients together. Add eggs to buttermilk. Stir into dry ingredients and pour into 10" iron skillet. Bake at 400 degrees for 25-30 minutes.
Ingredients (dressing):
Make one recipe of Dot's Egg Bread (above) then add: 4 eggs 1 tsp. poultry seasoning
1 tsp. celery, chopped 1/2 cup onions, chopped
1 stick oleo chicken broth from hen salt & pepper to taste
Directions: Mix all together and bake for 30 minutes at 425 degrees.
When 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.
Submitted by: Dorothy Culbreth
CLASSIFIEDS FOR SALE
Animals/Livestock
Black Australorp chicks or chickens, female chicks, $5; male chicks, $4.50; unsexed, $3.50; other sizes available with different prices; eggs w/o carton, $3; with carton, $3.50; 850-481-2023.
Golden retriever puppies, AKC, ready in time for Christmas, mom and dad on site, taking reservations; 850-573-1239.
Entire 100% Full-blood ANGA
Registered Boer Goat herd dispersal, plus lots of extras, health issues causing the dispersal; 850-849-2426.
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
Home/Farm
200 gallon 3-point ag spray, 26-foot booms, used one season, stored under cover, $1,000; 850-260-5438.
Bahia grass hay, fertilized 5x4 rolls, barn stored; 850-573-5145.
Tifton 9 Bahia grass hay, 5x5 rolls, well fertilized, you pick up and haul; 850-592-4740.
DR Pro Leaf Lawn vacuum, 13.28 electric start motor, long hose kit, deck adapter, extra propeller, $1,500; 850-830-7653.
Rock Island Armory 1911 45 caliber handgun; 57 rounds; 3 clips; holster; extra grips; $650; 850-398-1031, text for information.
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.
Cane mill, Chattanooga 12, $500; 850-427-2524.
90’ used 2 AWG Copper CT wire, divided into three 30’ lengths, suitable for any use, $100; 850-573-5117.
Crosley record player, lots of Gospel and Country records, like new, $50; 850-592-2685.
Winchester rifle, CAL 243 Model XTR with a Burris scope, 4-12, $900; 850-643-8557.
Horse trailer; grain wagon; barrel, roping, pleasure saddles; tack; aluminum dog box; 850-209-8532 or 850-592-2494.
CLF Free Ad Form Please Type or Print Neatly.
# For Sale • Wanted • Free • Thank You • Lost (circle one)
Multiple Listings(cont.)
Homemade/handmade quilts, lap, baby, twin, full or queen; two used bathtubs to be used for water or feed troughs, great price; 850-547-3649.
Real Estate
16 acres of land, in the Graceville area, portions farmable; 727-403-4463.
Vehicles
2007 Toyota Avalon, 4-door, blue, great A/C, drives smoothly, great car; 251-979-5971, call Cindy.
1969 Ford F600 dump truck, recent engine O/H, new hydraulic lift, Pump King pins, $10,500; 850-209-1554.
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.
WANTED
100 gallon or more propane tank; 850-209-1361.
Dollar estimates for the removal of paper wasp nests, from eaves of 2-story house in Greenwood; 850-209-7383.
Horses; ponies; mules; donkeys; coon dogs; 850-209-8532 or 850-592-2494.
150-500 acres of pasture land, in Holmes or Washington County; 850-234-7070.
Penny through dollar coins, loose, in jars, or collections/ estates; 850-326-3437.
License plates from any state, mainly Florida, prior to 1980; old motorcycles or parts prior to 1960; 850-557-7030, Greg.
Pasture land and hunting land, to rent, the closer to Campbellton or Graceville the better; 850-703-5450.
3024 Firefly Lane Vernon, FL 32462
EPA POWER PLANT RULE
Affecting West Florida Electric Co-op. Affecting you.
Costs of Compliance
– Adding carbon capture and storage technology would cost at least $1 billion per plant. The technology is currently only used in pilot projects and is unproven at such a large scale.
– Plants would also need new pipeline to move CO2 to where it can be stored to comply with emissions goals. An estimated 65,000 miles of new pipeline would be needed—only 5,000 miles currently exist in the U.S.
Safety behind the wheel includes slowing down & moving over when you see crews working along the the roadside. You’ll help ensure crews return home safely & continue to be there when you need them.
