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.
I've mentioned in previous articles that West Florida Electric Cooperative's power supplier is PowerSouth Energy Cooperative.
In this article I share more details about them.
PowerSouth Energy Cooperative, headquartered in Andalusia, Alabama, is a generation and transmission (G&T) electric cooperative that provides wholesale power to four municipal systems and 16 electric cooperatives serving members in 39 counties in Alabama and 10 counties in Northwest Florida. (See map below).
PowerSouth Energy provides power to over 480,000 members and owns 300 plus substations throughout those 49 counties in Alabama and Florida. West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC) serves approximately 21,300 of those members from 13 substations located in our four-county service area (Calhoun, Holmes, Jackson and Washington Counties). The power is generated using a mixture of natural gas (fossil fuel), hydro, solar (renewable energy) and nuclear power. Coal (fossil fuel) was also used for many years, but its use was discontinued several years ago.
PowerSouth is a cooperative just like West Florida Electric. We are member-owners of WFEC and WFEC is a member-owner of PowerSouth. Just as I serve as a representative of our membership on the West Florida Board of Trustees, West Florida also has representatives who serve on the PowerSouth Energy Board of Trustees. Those representatives are Interim CEO, Wayne Williams, and District 7 Trustee, Randy Bush. They obtain up-to-date information from PowerSouth each month and provide that information back to WFEC's board and leadership team.
I hope everyone had a wonderful and blessed holiday season.
Sincerely,
west florIda electrIc cooperatIve's monthlY Base charge for provIdIng resIdentIal electrIc servIce to each memBer Is $35.
This charge has previously been included in the energy charge line item on WFEC's bills. Beginning this month, this charge will be listed as a separate line item on a member's monthly bill.
please note thIs Is not a new charge. See
Electricity is essential for nearly every aspect of daily life - so essential that we rarely think about how it's produced and delivered to our homes. You might be surprised to learn that behind the scenes, a network of experts is working daily (and even by the minute) to anticipate how much electricity you need before you even use it.
We're all connected to the electric grid, so ensuring the right amount of electricity for all involves a complex process of forecasting energy demand, planning for capacity and securing enough supply to meet our needs. First, electricity must be generated at a power plant using either traditional sources, such as coal, natural gas or nuclear energy, or from renewable sources, such as solar, wind or hydropower.
At West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC), we work closely with PowerSouth Energy Cooperative, our local wholesale power provider, to secure enough electricity for our communities, using a diverse mix of energy sources to generate the power we deliver. By maintaining a diverse energy mix - natural gas, hydropower, and some solar, WFEC has options to ensure reliable power at a competitive cost.
On a larger scale, across the country, electricity supply and demand are managed through a market that includes long-term planning agreements, where electricity is bought and sold just like other common goods and services. Because WFEC works with our wholesale power supplier, which is also a cooperative, we are able to pool resources and expertise to deliver affordable power to local communities.
Electricity supply changes throughout the day because demand fluctuates based on our members' needs. For example, WFEC knows that we need to ensure there is more electricity available in the mornings when you're starting your day, and in the evenings when you're cooking dinner, using appliances, and watching TV. Demand also increases when weather patterns change like when it's extremely cold or warm.
Other utilities across the country are managing the same task of balancing supply and demand - that's why we have a larger network of key players to make sure enough power is delivered across the grid.
As the energy sector undergoes rapid change, it's important for you to understand the basics of electricity supply and demand. Electricity use in the U.S. is expected to at least double by 2050. At the same time, energy policies are pushing the early retirement of always-available generation which could compromise reliability. That's why we're preparing now for future challenges,
Behind the scenes, a network of people and facilities work together to ensure you have electricity when you flip the switch.
The amount of electricity generated and how much is sent to where it's needed are typically coordinated and monitored by regional grid operators that essentially act as energy traffic managers.
Ensuring communities have the exact amount of electricity they need is a challenging task, but behind the scenes, a network of industry experts make it happen every day.
Electricity is generated at a power plant, then sent across the grid to homes, schools and businesses.
As electricity demand varies throughout the day, grid operators, power plant operators and electric utilities work to forecast, plan and purchase enough electricity to everyone.
Factors that Impact Electricity Supply and Demand
• Demand Surges
• Extreme Temperatures
• Infrastructure Costs & Availability
• Supply Chain Challenges
• Fuel Costs
• Federal & State Regulations
We all have a role to play in achieving energy efficiency.
Knowing where to start is half the battle of creating a more energy-efficient life, and making the right HVAC and appliance choices can save you money. As a member, you have control over improving the energy efficiency of your home or business. Taking a few easy steps allows you to carry out daily routines while using less.
Adjust Your Thermostat: A good starting point is setting your thermostat to 68 degrees in winter and lowering it when you're away. You can save as much as 10% on annual heating costs when you make a habit of this. A programmable thermostat can do this for you every day.
Modernize Your Lighting: Switch to LED light bulbs - they use less energy to provide light or complete tasks. LED bulbs save money and last up to 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs. Considering outside lighting? Solar lighting is a great choice for outdoor areas like paths and patios.
Choose Energy Efficient Appliances: Major appliance purchases may not happen often, but you can make better choices when replacing or upgrading appliances. Look for ENERGY STAR ® certified appliances use less energy and water.
Consider Upgrading Your HVAC: If you're facing a decision about upgrading your HVAC unit, consider a highefficiency heat pump. Replacing an electric furnace with a high-efficiency heat pump will give you the greatest return on investment. Bigger is not always better - choose the system that is sized correctly for your home. Maintain your filter and have yearly inspections done by a qualified HVAC technician.
Insulate and Seal: Walk around your home, inside and out, to spot opportunities to weatherize. Use caulking and weather-stripping to fill any gaps or cracks around windows and doors. This helps seal your home, making it easier to heat or cool it all year. Do you live in an older home? Check your attic because you might need additional insulation. If more blanket insulation cannot be installed, a good option is spray foam. Qualified techs can do this for you and check duct work to make sure there is no air loss.
New Construction: If you are building or renovating, the construction phase can be a great opportunity to maximize insulation in walls, install energyefficient windows, and use modern building materials that can save energy and money.
Making small decisions like a lighter roofing color can improve your energy efficiency. According to the IRS, if you make qualified energy-efficient improvements to your home, you can qualify for a tax credit of up to $3,200. This includes replacing exterior doors, windows and skylights or upgrading insulation. This program is available through 2032. Find out more at irs.gov. Improve Power Management: The emergence of smart devices allows homeowners even greater control, like lights that can be turned off from anywhere using a smartphone or programmable thermostats with apps you can control from anywhere.
Co-ops like WFEC also provide our members with resources like energy efficiency loans (for making energy-saving improvements to your home), and rebates (on certain high-efficiency heating and cooling systems). Our members can take advantage of programs like these to achieve greater efficiency and savings.
To find out more about the energy efficiency programs offered by West Florida Electric, please visit westflorida.coop.
Keep your thermostat at 68° in winter and stay cozy with a blanket and warm socks.
Clean or replace your filters once per month or as recommended.
Turn off kitchen, bath and other exhaust fans within 20 minutes after use.
Keep your curtains and blinds closed – at night in winter to help keep the chill out. Select energy-efficient products when you buy new equipment.
Congratulations to Candace Howell (center left) who received WFEC's 2024 Employee of the Year Award and to Terrell Culbreth (center right) who was recognized as the Outstanding Service Award Recipient. Penny Bryan (left), VP of Administrative Services and Wayne Williams (right), Interim Executive Vice President & CEO presented the awards on behalf of the cooperative.
Home Buyer Education Class
January 25; 9 AM - 4 PM; Jackson Co. Extension, 2741 Penn Ave., Marianna & Bay Co. Extension, 2728 E. 14th St., Panama City
Understand home buying, analyze personal financial and credit situations and learn basic home care/maintenance to help maintain the value of your home and save money. Pre-registration is required. The Florida Cooperative Extension service is a HUD-approved housing counseling agency. Completion of the course satisfies the homeownership education requirements for the SHIP and USDA Rural Development program. To register, call 850-482-9620, 850-638-6265 or 850-784-6105.
2025 Tri-State Fruit & Vegetable Conference
January 28; 7:15 - registration & 8 AM - conference; Jackson Co. Extension, 2741 Penn Ave., Marianna
Gain new info & knowledge about growing fruits and vegetables. New info will be shared about cucurbit crops and pesticide applicator CEUs will be available. The conference will focus on cucurbit disease and insect management, new data on growing media alternatives, and more. Admission is $10 and lunch will be provided. Pre-registration preferred. Call 850-482-9620 for more info or email payne.abigail@ufl.edu.
Spring 2025 Garden to Table Workshop Series
February 4; 6-8 PM; Jackson Co. Extension, 2741 Penn Ave., Marianna
The first session of a 3 part series will focus on growing and cooking food from your own garden and cover what to do in the month of Feb. to have a flourishing spring garden. This includes best practices for starting from seeds and saving seeds for future use. Participants will prepare a snack with vegetables they can grow at home and take home a seed starter kit. The series will continue with a session on summer gardening and herbs. Each workshop is $15 for one or $10 for all three. Pre-registration is required. Visit the office or register online: http://JacksonCountyFCS.eventbrite.com.
*UF is an Equal Opportunity Institution. Require assistance? Call 800-955-8771.*
Sweet Potato Pie
Ingredients:
3 large sweet potatoes
1 stick butter
1/4 cup flour
3 eggs
2 tablespoons vanilla flavoring
11/2 to 3 cups of sugar or sugar substitute
pinch of cinnamon
1/4 cup milk
3 pie shells
Directions:
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: Viola Smith
Cut potatoes into cubes and boil until done. Add potatoes and mix all ingredients together. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Black Australorp chickens & chicks, all sizes; eggs, $3/dozen w/o carton; $2.50/with carton; 850-481-2023.
Registered Red Angus bull, 14 months old, BSE/DNA complete, $4,800; 850-573-0949.
White Delta children’s crib, with Naturpedic mattress, $200, like new; 407-982-0737.
Bahia grass hay, fertilized 4x5 rolls, barn stored; 850-573-5145.
Gasoline generator, 30A 120/240V 6250/8500W, good condition, stored in home, w/30A power cord; 850-573-5117.
Tifton 9 Bahia grass hay, oversized 5x5 rolls, well fertilized, located in NE Jackson County near Lovedale/Paramore community; 850-592-4740.
Amaryllis bulbs, red and variegated, cleaning out my beds, $1.00 each; 850-209-2803.
Innova Inversion table, with heat & massage functions, used very little, like new, $90, Cypress area; 850-272-1745.
Recumbent exercise bike, w/digital display, excellent condition, $100; 850-326-1576.
Two pieces of 4’x8’x 3/4” birch veneer board, medium density, $45 each; 850-547-9269.
Nordic track RW 600 rowing machine, almost new, WIFI, 10" touchscreen, folds for space, $600; 850-557-7514, text.
Gasoline generator, excellent condition, 6250/8500W, 30A 120/240V w/30A power cord, always stored indoors; 850-573-5117.
Hay rings and mineral feeder, for cattle; 850-582-4798.
Like new Olympic weight bench, with Olympic weights, excellent condition, $575; 850-693-8110.
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.
New engine, 383 Stroker, The Wise Guy Base Package, painted royal blue chrome valve covers, flex plate, GM dipstick, $3,500; 850-768-4265.
Six-person hot tub, bought new 2018, $2,000, works very well, with all documents/operating manuals; 850-814-9953, leave message.
Yamaha 6 string acoustic medium light guitar, strings, sound hole pick up, $250; 850-956-2221, Kenny.
Grain wagon; Three-horse slant trailer; barrel, roping, pleasure saddles; tack; aluminum dog box; 850-209-8532 or 850-592-2494.
Mechanic shop liquidation, various tools, toolboxes, miscellaneous items; 850-525-5074.
CLF Free Ad Form Please Type or Print Neatly.
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.
16 acres of land, in the Graceville area, portions farmable; 727-403-4463.
Vintage 1981 Honda Goldwing 1100 GL, in good shape, $6,500; with 5x12 enclosed trailer, $8,000 OBO; 850-547-0448 or 850-373-3709.
Golf cart tire, size 22x100x8, size 280x65x8; 850-674-8585, leave message.
Horses; ponies; mules; donkeys; 850-209-8532 or 850-592-2494.
150-500 acres pasture land, in Holmes or Washington County; 850-234-7070.
Penny through dollar coins, loose, in jars, collections and 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.
Looking for cow pasture to rent, the closer to Campbellton, Florida, the better; 850-703-5450.
Two outdoor male kittens, about 6 months old, free to good home; 850-260-0474.
Black walnuts; 850-956-2360 for information.
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.
Specializing in Remodeling & Antique Restoration • 20 years experience
Finish Carpentry
Vinyl Siding
Baseboards
Crown/Custom Trim
Chair Rail
Toilets
Flooring
Decks
Additions
Windows
Painting
Sheetrock
Interior & Exterior Doors
Hard Wood Floor Restoration
Porches & Patios (wood or aluminim)
Much More!
Kitchen & Bathroom Remodels (850) 209-6593
Taking steps to help your home’s heating system run more efficiently can reduce energy use and lower your winter bills. Check to see if any air vents around your home are blocked by furniture, curtains or other items. Obstructed vents force your heating system to work harder than necessary and can increase pressure in the ductwork, causing cracks and leaks to form. If necessary, consider purchasing a vent extender, which can be placed over a vent to redirect air flow.
Affecting West Florida Electric Co-op. Affecting you.
– Early retirement of coal and gas plants will hurt reliability, especially during peak times when the most people need the most energy.
– Shifting generation to intermittent renewables, like solar, will make it harder for your electric utilities to maintain reliable power. Renewables like solar are dependent on weather and time of day
– Demand for power will cause supply shortfalls.
