February 2023

Board of Trustee Nominations

Due Feb. 22

In accordance with Article IV, Section 5, of West Florida Electric Cooperative’s bylaws, WFEC has appointed a nominating committee to identify interested and qualified members to be candidates for the board of trustees in the co-op’s upcoming elections. WFEC’s members will elect trustees to represent the following districts:

District 4: That part of Jackson County lying west of Marshall Creek, west of the Chipola River, north of U.S. Hwy. 90 and east of Holmes Creek.

District 5: That part of Jackson County south of U.S. Hwy. 90 and west of the Chipola River.

District 6: That part of Washington County served by the cooperative.

To be eligible to serve as a trustee, a person must be a bona fide WFEC member in good standing, residing in the respective district, and meet certain other requirements set forth in WFEC’s bylaws. Desired qualifications include the ability to become bonded, the capability of receiving and sending electronic mail transmissions and successfully meeting all requirements to become a National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Credentialed Cooperative Director within 36 months. All candidates must agree to abide by Board Policy No. 126: Board Election Campaign Policy. Any WFEC member living in Districts 4, 5 or 6 who is interested in running should contact a committee member in the appropriate district or Susie Johnson at (850) 263-3231. All completed documents must be mailed or delivered to the Graceville office and submitted to Susie Johnson or her designee by noon on February 22. The deadline for submitting nominations by petition is also February 22

The following are the names and telephone numbers of the nominating committee members:

District

Marvin Marley

(850) 638-0698

Matt Register

(850) 326-4944

West Florida Electric Right of Way

Clearing

February Sneads & Altha Areas

Mark Butler

(301) 471-5630

Kenny Brock

(850) 573-1863

W. Ralph Williams, Jr.

(850) 258-2956

Jarrod Adkison

(850) 260-2444

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

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.

Pool cages, screen rooms, car ports, rescreening & repairs.

Easy Ways to Pay

Save time and a stamp by using our online tools to pay your electric bill quickly and securely from the comfort of your couch. In just a few clicks, you can access your account anytime, anywhere.

Our free, secure mobile app allows you to pay your bill, manage your account or sign up for notifications. Download the mobile apps for Apple or Android by shopping your app store or visiting our website. To use the mobile app for the first time, please call 800-342-7400 to get started and to verify your WFEC account information is correct. You must have the correct phone number, social security number, account number and an email address on file to utilize the mobile app payment option. You can also use the app to report power outages.

WFEC also offers off-site payment locations at several People’s South Bank locations in Blounstown, Chipley, Greenwood, and Marianna. These bank locations will accept payment from any WFEC member, regardless of whether or not they are a People’s South customer. WFEC members may make payments with cash or check or may use the night drop at any of the bank locations. Members must have their current payment stub and must pay the entire amount of the bill. Late payments will not be accepted at these locations.

Members can also make payments using the co-op’s automated phone system by calling (855)-MYWFECA (855-699-3322). Credit and debit payments are accepted using this method. Calling one of the district offices

directly is another way payments may be made to WFEC accounts.

Another payment option available is the pre-paid power program. Do you want to save money on deposits and monitor your energy use more closely? If so, pre-paid power is the right choice for you. Signing up is easy. If you’re a new member, apply online. If you aren’t a new member but are interested in finding out more about pre-paid power, contact one of our offices to learn more. How does it work? Pay a fee of $105 plus your first power purchase and you’ll be well on your way. Electricity is sent directly to your home using our distribution power lines. You can receive text messages to notify you when your balance is low to decide when you need to purchase more power. Electricity may be purchased 24 hours a day using credit or debit cards using the co-op’s mobile app or by calling the automated payment system (855-MYWFECA).

To find out more about the payment options available to you at WFEC, visit our website (www. westflorida.coop) or contact the office by calling (800) 342-7400.

Member Portal Make-over

West Florida Electric Copperative’s member portal recently got a new look and has transitioned to a new member service portal (accessed through the pay bill button on our website). The new portal is designed to offer you improved features in an easy-tonavigate design. Due to this change with the portal, the login process has changed. The old member portal allowed members to login using either your member number or a custom login ID. The new portal requires you to login using your full account number (your member number plus the three-digit member separator at the end ex. 123456001).

If you have multiple accounts, you will still be able to see all of your accounts under one login – regardless of which member separator you use for the actual login.

If you are already using a custom login ID, you should be able to continue accessing the portal unless your login ID was numeric only. If this is the case, you need to login using your account number and change your login ID to an alpha-numeric ID. Note: When setting passwords for both the customer service portal and the mobile app, only the following special characters are acceptable (!@#$%) as part of your password.

Using the member portal, you can pay online, and set up convenient billing and payment options, like electronic billing and automatic bank draft.

Just visit our website (www.westflorida.coop) to create an account or sign in to the member portal. It's an easy and convenient way to make payments.

Mobile Substations Bring Versatility, Reliability to WFEC

When it comes to providing reliable power to WFEC’s 28,000 meters, substations are vital. If equipment failure happens inside a substation, especially with the substation transformer, it could leave thousands of homes and businesses in the dark.

While outages do happen, whether planned or unplanned, it is WFEC’s primary mission to ensure dependable electric service year-round. One way we do this is through our use of mobile substations, owned and operated by our wholesale power provider, PowerSouth.

These movable units are a backup plan that give us a versatile power supply.

Substations, and the importance of mobility.

Substations house transformers that change (or transform) voltage from high to low or reverse. When electricity is generated at power plants its voltage is much too high for residential use. The solution is for electric power to flow through a complex channel of substations – where voltage may be reduced or increased several times - on its path from a generating plant to your home or business.

But what happens if a substation must be deenergized for repair or if there is a prolonged outage?

Mobile substations keep reliable power flowing.

These mobile substations can be moved where crews need them.

“We try to build our fleet to cover several contingency scenarios to ensure reliable power to the end-use member,” said Brian Salter, PowerSouth’s Substation O&M Manager. “Whether an outage is planned or unplanned, we can mobilize these units to serve as a temporary delivery point when

stations are taken out of service for maintenance or if equipment in a substation has failed. We use them across our entire service territory, including northwest Florida. They are extremely valuable tools.”

The value of mobile substations

Mobile substations can weigh as much as 170,000 pounds and measure as long as 120 feet. This for oversized and overweight loads, as well as special routing. This is why it may take some time

is unmatched, and that is part of the reason they come with a hefty price tag. PowerSouth currently has only five distribution-class units in its fleet.

“The limited number is due to a combination of cost and necessity,” Salter said. “Mobile subs run from about $2.5 million to $3 million now.”

Getting there is half the battle.

Transporting and installing mobile substations is a labor-intensive and time-consuming process. These units can weigh as much as 170,000 pounds and measure as long as 120 feet. They are transported via tractor-trailer and require Department of Transportation approval permits for oversized and overweight loads, as well as special routing.

How long a mobile substation takes to arrive at its destination depends on location proximity, but installing a mobile unit can take nearly three hours. The installation process often requires building new transmission lines or re-routing existing lines, building roads and other site work to support the massive equipment’s weight.

When operating, mobile substations absorb the power load of permanent substations while crews perform restoration or maintenance work.

A steady supply or reliable power requires a team.

Because there is so much involved in transporting and installing mobile substations, the process requires careful coordination and planning between WFEC and PowerSouth. When possible, these substations are safely installed with zero outages to members. It's a testament to great teamwork when they are installed for maintenance and upgrade purposes while impacting members as little as possible.

At WFEC, we understand a steady supply of electricity to your homes and businesses is a necessity rather than a luxury. We take all measures to keep the lights on yearround, but sometimes backup plans are necessary.

That’s the value of a mobile substation.

requires transport via tractor-trailor and require Department of Transportation approval permits for mobile subs to arrive at a particular location.

How Renters Can Fight the Winter Chill

According to statistics, around 35 percent of Americans rent or lease their homes. Many lease agreements forbid major alterations to rental properties but renters can consider using these low-cost, energy-efficient tips from West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC) to improve the efficiency of their homes this winter.

One of the simplest things a renter can do to save energy and money is to set thermostats as low as comfortable in the winter – your WFEC energy experts recommend 68 degrees to boost energy efficiency.

Another thing you can do is take advantage of heat from sunlight. Open draperies and shades during the day to allow natural light to heat your home. Remember to close them in the evenings as the temperature drops and windowpanes become chilly.

Does your rental have window air conditioning units? This winter, remember to insulate the units from the outside with a tight-fitting cover, which are available at your local home improvement center or hardware store. This prevents heated air from escaping outside. You can also remove window units during winter months to prevent energy loss.

Yet another way to save on heating is to make sure your water heater is set at the lowest comfortable setting. Have you experienced scalding hot water while shower ing? If so, it’s likely that your water heater is set too high – a waste of energy. Older models of water tanks are often not well-insulated, which can be easily remedied by covering them with an insulating blanket which can be purchased at a home improvement store.

Lighting is another of the easiest places to start saving energy. These savings are not strictly limited to winter months. Try replacing a few of your most frequently used light bulbs with more energy-efficient lighting and save. LED light bulbs use up to 75 percent less energy and last several times longer, saving money on energy bills and replacement costs. Practicing energy-efficient habits is another great way to reduce energy usealways turn off your lights when leaving a room.

Other ways to save

Leasing an older home or apartment? Odds are you have single-pane windows and old or missing caulk. Don’t let the winter chill seep indoors! Apply caulk or weather sealing around window frames, sashes, and door panels to combat air leaks. Also, be mindful when using electronics at

home. Unplug devices when not in use, and use smart power strips to save on energy use. To learn more ways to be energy efficient around the home, visit www.westflorida.coop.

Everglades Chili

Ingredients:

2 lbs. ground chuck

1 lb. Conecah brand smoked sausage

2 cans beef broth

2 boxes Carol Shelby brand chili seasoning

16 oz. can tomato puree

1 large jar salsa (or fresh from produce section)

1 small can tomato paste

1 tablespoon sugar

1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce

16 oz. chicken broth

2 cans red kidney beans

Submitted by: Paige Nunn

Directions: Chop sausage into small pieces and brown in a large pot with 1/4 cup vegetable oil. Set aside to cool. Once cooled, pulse in a food processor until completely chopped. In the same pot, cook ground beef in beef broth, breaking the meat up until finely chopped. Meat will not brown completely but will be cooked through. Add the chili seasoning packs and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer about 5 minutes. Puree salsa in food processor. Add to the pot and continue cooking for about 5 more minutes. Add tomato puree, chicken broth and tomato paste. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer covered for about an hour, stirring frequently. Continue cooking for an additional hour, then add beans and the masa from the Carol Shelby seasoning kit. Simmer for about 20 minutes. Serve or transfer to a crock pot to simmer on low 2-3 hours. Best served after refrigerating overnight to meld spices. Can add one cup of non-alcoholic Zing Zang Bloody Mary mix to make it even tastier.

Statement of Non-Discrimination

West Florida Electric Cooperative is a recipient of Federal financial assistance from the Rural Utilities Service, an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Therefore, in accordance with Federal and civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA conducted or filing deadlines by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA's TARGET center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_ cust.html and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested on the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992.

Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

1)mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistance Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;

2)fax: (202) 690-7442; or

3)email: program.intake@usda.gov.

West Florida Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider, and employer.

Community Calendar

Central Panhandle Pesticide Training

February 13-16; 8:00 a.m. (class time endings vary)

Jackson Co. Ag Conference Center, 2741 Penn Ave., Marianna

A multi-county collaboration between Holmes, Washington, Calhoun and Jackson Co. extension agents. Applicators can attend classes that serve as an exam review prior to testing to obtain a new license or ear CEUs for thier existing license. Registration starts 20 minutes before each session. Cost is $15 per registration. Pesticide CEUs and testing available. To register and for more information call 850-674-8323.

Mix It Up Convenience Class

February 14; 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Washington Co. Ag Center, 1424 Jackson Ave., Chipley

Learn how to make your own baking mix, one-dish meal mixes and Cream of Whatever Soup mix plus many others. Registration is $5 and includes course materials. Pre-registration is required by contacting Washington Co. Extension, 850-638-6265 or Holmes Co. Extension, 850-547-1108. UF is an Equal Opportunity Institution. People requiring special accommodation should contact 800-955-8771 at least 5 working days prior to class so that proper consideration may be given the request.

Sacred Harp Sing

February 18; 10:00 a.m.

Panhandle Pioneer Settlement, Blountstown

Old-style harp singing a'cappella from shape notes with a potluck lunch. Admission is free. Call 850-674-2777 for more info.

Permaculture Workshop

February 18; 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Jackson Co. Extension Office, 2741 Penn Ave., Marianna

Permaculture is described as a designed landscape that mimics the patterns and relationships found in nature, yielding an abundance of food, fiber, and energy for local needs. This 3-hour workshop will be $5. Pre-registration is required. UF is an Equal Opportunity Institution. People requiring special accommodation should contact 800-955-8771 at least 5 working days prior to class so that proper consideration may be given the request. Visit the extension office or register online at ://JacksonCountyHorticulture.eventbrite.com.

Spring Garden Companion Vegetable Planning

February 22, 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Jackson Co. Extension Office, 2741 Penn Ave., Marianna

Planting a spring garden? Wondering what to do before planting time? We will answer all questions about soil prep, timing of planting seeds and transplants, and how to keep your garden healthy. Reduce insects and disease through companion planting. Fee is $5 at the door. Please call 850-482-9620 to reserve seats today.

Jackson Co. Master Gardner Plant Sale

March 17; 7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Keep your eyes out for details in the next issue of the Current Light Flashes.

Electronics

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

Home/Farm

Priefert 91 head gate, brand new, still has plastic on chains; 850-209-7917.

Wrapped peanut hay and Bahia grass hay; 850-557-2746.

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

Fertilized Tifton/Coastal Bermuda hay, 4x5 rolls, net wrapped, $60 or $65, delivered; 850-593-5213 or 850-209-4475.

Murray M2500 gas-powered weed eater, used, good condition, $45 OBO; 850-849-7750.

Miscellaneous

Tri-fold cover, fits F-150 with 5 1/2 ft. bed, two years old, like new, $300; 219-730-5597.

Medical supplies, briefs, booster, contour & abdominal pads; male guards, gauze, split sponges, adhesive dressings; 850-209-3945.

Pride four-wheel scooter, new, one month old, $1,500; 850-415-6510.

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

New Yamaha 6 string acoustic guitar, Korg electric tuner, gig bag, batt. string tightener, new pack of strings, $225 firm; 850-548-5405.

Rawmaxx 77” x 12’ 10k dump trailer, used once, new condition, $9,000; 850-625-2899, call or text.

Generator, Champion, dual fuel, used 3 times, $800; 850-703-1859.

Multiple Listings

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

Amaryllis bulbs, $2-$3, daffodils, 6 bulbs for $5; dirt scoop, $250; cultivator; $200; Coleman Mule, $350; John Deere LA, $5,000; two Jacques Mighty Mites, $1,200 & $1,500; 850-547-2864.

LocaL TeLephone prefixes

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.

Multiple Listings (cont.)

Three-horse slant trailer; 16 ft. hay trailer; 24 ft. Circle W stock trailer; barrel, roping, pleasure saddles; tack; 850-592-2494 or 850-209-8532.

120 pieces pottery, porcelain, ceramics, American, Oriental, lots more, $500 value, sell for $300; 9 Big Mouth Singing Billy Bass, $50; 850-674-6242.

Oak entertainment center, glass doors, claw feet; coffee table, glass top, eight sides; chest of drawers, 15 drawers, 9x5 inches; 850-693-0636.

Real Estate

Price reduced, 48.8 acres farmland, Graceville area, across from paved road; 651-230-2451.

Recreational Vehicles

20’ 1981 Grady White with trailer, many accessories, Yamaha V6 150 and Yamaha 6 4-stroke engines, $10,000; 850-593-0593.

MSU-500 Massimo, 2018 model, four-wheel drive; 850-643-7667.

Vehicles

2004 Mercury, $2,500, as is, engine is in very good condition; 850-658-2759.

WANTED

8mm Mauser rifle, Model 98, military or sporterized; 8mm brass; 850-526-8020.

Penny through dollar coins, loose, in jars, collections and estates, buy, trade or sell, honest & 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

Wood frame house, to be taken down and moved from land, Sneads; 850-593-5560 for more info.

Ten-month-old Blue Heeler, free to a good home; 850-768-4265.

Lost/Found

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.

Horses; ponies; mules; donkeys; 850-592-2494 or 850-209-8532. 150-500 acres pastureland, in Holmes or Washington County; 850-234-7070.

Found dog at Silver Lake Estates, off Hwy 167, female, blonde, looks Shepherd mix; 850-348-1419.

John White Owner

3024 Firefly Lane Vernon, FL 32462

Providing quality printing and service to the Florida panhandle and south Alabama since 1961. 955 Tate Drive Dothan, Alabama 334-792-8408 • dplinc@graceba.net

Mind the thermostat. If you have a traditional heating and cooling system, set the thermostat to 68 degrees or lower. Consider a smart of programmable thermostat for additional savings.

Get cozy. Add layers of clothing for additional warmth, and snuggle up under your favorite heavyweight blanket.

Don't block the heat. If your air vents or heating elements are blocked by furniture or rugs, your home isn't being adequately heated.

Take advantage of sunlight. Open window coverings during the day to let natural sunlight in to warm your home. Close them at night to block the chilly night air.

Block air leaks. Seal windows and exterior doors with caulk and weather stripping to improve indoor comfort and decrease the amount of energy used to heat your home.

Digging too close to a pad-mounted transformer like the one above can damage underground cables, leading to electrical shock or interruptions in service. Use caution when landscaping. Call 811 before you dig and stay safe.

HWY. 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