July 2023

Pages

Candace Croft (left, WFEC Communications & PR Coordinator presented Hayleigh Rattin of Chipley High School (left) with a $,1000 scholarship to utilize at the college or university of her choice. Hayleight plans to attend Gulf Coast State College to pursue a career in culinary arts and hospitality.

USPS:

Current

What Causes Your Power Outages?

Countless West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC) members have voiced their concerns, shared personal experiences, and frustrations over the frequency of power disruptions - especially in recent years after Hurricane Michael. WFEC wants our members to know we hear you and take this matter as seriously as you. Cooperative staff has been exploring the underlying causes of these power outages and seeking solutions to ensure a more reliable and robust electrical infrastructure for the future.

Several articles discussing the challeges faced by the co-op to maintain approximately 4,800 miles of overhead powerlines in the co-op's fourcounty service area have been published and shared with our members. But, those articles have not gone into detail about the primary causes of outagesespecially those associated with rights-of-way.

From January 1, 2019 through December 31, 2022, the four years following Hurricane Michael, the following issues were the primary causes of outages throughout WFEC's service area:

40% Right-of-Way Issues: These outages are caused primarily by dead trees, limbs on lines, tree growth, etc.

35% Weather: These outages are caused by lightning, wind, or other weatherrelated issues (which contributes to right-of-way issues).

11% Animals: These outages are caused by squirrels, birds, snakes, or other animals coming into contact with lines or equipment.

6% Equipment Failure: These outages are caused by faulty equipment or materials.

6% Accidents: These outages are caused by motor vehicle crashes, fires, heavy equipment, customer-caused, etc.

2% Planned Outages: These outages are caused by construction, maintenance, or line/equipment upgrades performed by the cooperative.

continued on page 4

ROW Update:

The top three outage causes are right-of-way issues, weather, and animals. Of the right-of-way outages, 87% of them were caused by falling trees and/ or limbs. The overwhelming majority are due to leaning trees and dead limbs that can be directly attributed to Hurricane Michael, which even nearly 5 years later still plague the area.

Considering that WFEC is in Florida, the lightning capital of the United States, it is no surprise that 93% of the weather-related outages were caused by lightning. The third largest cause of outages in WFEC's service area are caused by animals - this can be directly attributed to the rural nature of the cooperative's service area and the abundance of wildlife living in the area.

So, what is WFEC doing to mitigate some of these problems? Adding devices like fuses and reclosers, and upgrading existing lines and equipment. This is an on-going process - linecrews continually work to do this as part of maintaining the cooperative's distribution system.

Maintaining a distribution system with 4,800 miles of line is a challenge in itself. Cutting, trimming and trouble-shooting that many miles of rightof-way creates an even bigger challenge. To put it in perspective, 4,800 miles of right-of-way is approximately the distance from Jacksonville, Fla. to Los Angeles, Calif. and back.

Another of the steps WFEC is taking to mitigate outages - particularly those caused by right-of-way issues, is implementing an even more aggressive right-of-way program. Before Hurricane Michael, the cooperative was on a four-year right-of-way cutting cycle. Since the storm, this became a 5-year cycle. At this time, the cooperative is moving back to a four-year cutting and maintenance cycle which will help alleviate some of the right-ofway issues caused by trees and limbs falling onto or into powerlines. The cooperative maintains a 30-foot ground-to-sky right-of-way around power lines - that's 15 feet on each side of the lines. Keep in mind that maintaining the cooperative's right-of-way is one of the largest expenses and is an on-going process that just takes time. Florida has a long growing season for vegetation, and additionally, things like lightning and bugs that destroy trees also impact the health of trees near power lines. All of these things play a major role in what the co-op fights against to keep the rights-of-way clear. Another issue we contend with is large trees deep into the woods that often fall and cause a ripple effect knocking other trees or limbs into the power lines or breaking poles.

In addition to the things the cooperative is doing, there is something our members can do to help us. Don't plant trees or other vegetation that will grow to be more than 8 feet tall under or even near power lines. Make sure anything you plant is at least 15 feet away from the lines on each side. Also, if you see any dead or leaning trees near powerlines, let us know by calling the office at 800-342-7400.

Malone, Clarksville & Blountstown

West Florida Electric Right of Way

Clearing 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.

Swim into Savings this Summer

Lounging poolside is a time to relax, not a time to worry about energy efficiency. Did you know that the energy used to operate a pool’s cleaning and filtering equipment for one swimming season can equal the energy used to power an average home for the same time period?

“Pool pumps can have a significant impact on our cooperative’s demand during summer months, so we encourage all of our members to install timers, run them at lower speeds, and upgrade to the most efficient equipment available,” said Rhonda Byrd-Lee, Energy Services Representative.

Pool pumps often run much longer than necessary. Circulating your pool’s water keeps the chemicals mixed and removes debris. As long as the water circulates while chemicals are added, they should remain mixed so it is not necessary to re-circulate the water every day to remove debris – most of it can be removed using a skimmer or vacuum. Longer circulation times also don’t necessarily reduce the growth of algae. Using chemicals in the water and scrubbing the walls are the best methods.

Savings can come from decreasing pool pump operation time, no matter the pump size or type. Keep drains clear of debris, or your pump will work harder to circulate water. It is also important to find a proper balance for backwashing the filter. Too much backwashing (the process of filtering and disposing of dirty water) wastes water, while too little can strain the pump, causing it to run harder.

Installing timers to control the pump’s cycling is a great way to save, too. If debris is a problem, use a timer that can activate the pump for many short periods each day. Several short cycles keep the pool cleaner. Keeping the intake grates clear of debris is also important.

Clogged drains require the pump to work harder, using more energy.

To help save energy, reduce your filtration time to about six hours per day. If the water doesn’t appear clean, increase the time until it does.

Pool pumps should also be run during off-peak times. An off-peak time is a time of low demand on the system. In WFEC’s service area, 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. is the best time to run a pool pump.

Make sure your pool is not draining your energy dollars - adjust pump and filtration time and invest in energy-efficient equipment. The relief you will see on your power bill is worth the effort.

Empowering Students to Pursue Educational Goals

West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC) launched a new educational opportunity this year with an update to its scholarship program, offering $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors from throughout the cooperative's service territory. By providing this financial assistance, WFEC aims to alleviate the burden of educational expenses and create educational opportunities for students in Calhoun, Holmes, Jackson and Washington Counties to pursue their academic dreams.

The scholarships offered by the cooperative are a catalyst for students' academic aspirations, enabling recipients to cover various educational expenses such as textbooks, supplies, or even offsetting a portion of their

tuition fees. By lightening their financial burden, the co-op hopes to empower students to focus on their studies.

The co-op's scholarship program is not just about providing financial assistance; it is an investment in future leaders. By supporting these students' potential, WFEC is contributing to a highly skilled and educated workforce.

Braeden smitH • aLtHa sCHooL

Jared pauL • BetHLeHem sCHooL

dyLan tHrasHer • BLountstoWn Hs

HayLeigH rattin • CHipLey Hs

Haven WHite • CottondaLe Hs

One of West Florida Electric Cooperative's founding principles as a cooperative is providing educational opportunities to our members and future members. This year WFEC was proud to present ten $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors from nine local high schools. One scholarship was also awarded to a graduating home-schooled senior. The 2023 West Florida Electric Scholarship winners were:

• Braeden Smith, Altha School

•Jared Paul, Bethlehem School

• Dylan Thrasher, Blountstown High School

•Hayleigh Rattin, Chipley High School

•Haven White, Cottondale High School

•Chad Albury, Holmes County High School

• Alexis Baxley, Malone School

• Noah Mercer, Marianna High School

•Andrew Greenwood, Poplar Springs School

• Gracyn Johnson, Home-school

To qualify, a student's parent or guardian must be a member of West Florida Electric Cooperative. Applicants must also be graduating from a high school located within the cooperative's four-county service area. Applicants must complete an application and submit an essay on an assigned topic.

Scholarship applications for next year will be available in January 2024, so look for announcements in this publication, on the co-op's social media, and website.

CHad aLBury • HoLmes County Hs

aLexis BaxLey • maLone sCHooL

noaH merCer • marianna Hs

dreW greenWood • popLar springs Hs

graCyn JoHnson • Home-sCHooL

Fig-Strawberry Preserves

Ingredients:

3 cups mashed figs

3 cups sugar

2 small boxes of strawberry Jello

Submitted by: Judith Alexander

Directions:

Cook figs and sugar together for 20-25 minues. Add in the Jello and cook until the Jello is dissolved (about 5-10 minutes). Pour the mixture into jars and seal.

1)Receive 20,000 uChoose Reward Points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days with a new First Federal Bank Visa Rewards Credit Card. Reward points may take up to 40 days to show in your account. Cash back rewards may be subject to tax reporting. Subject to credit approval. Offers valid until June 30, 2023.

4 KEY FACTORS

That Impact Energy Bills

You pay for the electricity you consume each month, but there are additional factors that impact your energy bills.

1. Fuel Costs

Before electricity can be delivered to your home, it must first be generated at a power plant or from a renewable source. The cost of fuels used to generate electricity fluctuates, which is why you see a power or fuel charge on your monthly bill. This monthly charge covers cost fluctuations without having to continually restructure electricity rates.

2. Service Costs

Your bill includes a monthly service charge, which recovers part of the co-op’s ongoing investments in poles, wire, meters, system maintenance and additional costs necessary to provide electric service.

3. Weather

When temperatures soar or dip, your cooling or heating equipment must run longer and at maximum capacity, which can greatly increase your energy use. Extreme temperatures can also a ect electricity market prices. When the need for electricity increases due to extreme heat or cold, the price of power typically rises.

4. Energy Consumption

This is the amount of electricity you use each month to power your home’s cooling/heating system, appliances, lighting, electronics and more. The amount of electricity you consume is measured in kilowatt-hours, or kWh. You have control over how much energy you use, which can ultimately help manage your monthly costs.

SURVEYOR Florida

1969

Community Calendar

Cabin Patch Summer Camp

July 10-14 (7-9 years); July 17-21 (10-12 years) • 8AM-12PM daily

Panhandle Pioneer Settlement, 17869 NW Pioneer Settlement Rd., Blountstown

GUTTERS

Join the Settlement's signature kids education program and experience the pioneer lifestyle. Topics include blacksmithing, gardening, quilting, cooking, storytelling, foraging and much more. Space is limited so register today. Cost is $75 per child. For additional information and to register: 850-674-2777 or email pioneersettlement@panhandlepioneer.us.

West

Florida Turf

SOD SOD

Panhandle Pioneer Settlement Dinner & Live Auction

July 15 • 3PM-until

Panhandle Pioneer Settlement, 17869 NW Pioneer Settlement Rd., Blountstown Doors will open at 3PM; dinner will begin at 4PM and the auction will begin at 5PM. The cost is $12 in advance. The website will provide an overview of the items for auction (pioneersettlement@panhandlepioneer.us). Some items include furniture and home decor, sets of dinner, dessert, Christmas and serving pieces, luggage and much more. The auctioneer will be Ken Griffin. For more information and to register call 850-674-2777.

Homebuyer Education Class

July 17 & July 24 • 6PM-9PM (each night)

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

License Number: CMC1250499 (850)326-0330

God’s Handyman, LLC Specializing in Remodeling & Antique Restoration 20 years experience Licensed & Insured L19000238025 Vinyl Siding Floors Flooring Decks Additions Painting Custom Trim Siding Windows Sheetrock All Are Welcome! (850) 209-6593 Finish Carpentry Crown Baseboards Chair Rail Restore Hardwood Floors Much More! AFFORDABLE SEAMLESS

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 HUD-approved housing counseling agency. Due to class size limitations, pre-registration is required. No walk-ins. For more information call 850-638-6265 or 850-482-9620. 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.

Water Bath Canning Class

July 21 • 9AM-12PM

Jackson Co. Ag Offices, 2741 Penn Ave., Marianna

CLASSIFIEDS FOR SALE

Animals/Livestock

Red Angus bulls, low birth weight; 850-209-7919.

Antiques/Collectibles

Various Christmas decorations/ collectibles, electric & manual movement, like new, in original box, photos upon request via email or text; 850-674-1894.

Appliances

GE French door refrigerator, used 6 months, dimensions: 68”x26”x33”, $1,750; 850-372-7500.

Samsung front load washer & dryer, $400; 7 cubic foot stainless door apartment refrigerator, $135; 850-956-1224.

Home/Farm

33” Snapper riding lawn mower, older, runs and mows good, $300; 850-263-4339.

TroyBuilt plow, new, only used one time for about 10 minutes, $1,000; 850-317-5679.

American Drew glass top dining table, 6 chairs, buffet cabinet w/ silverware, setup corner China cabinet w/light, $1,200 OBO; 850-579-2662.

Miscellaneous

8x16 Express Cargo trailer, 7k GVWR, dual axle, rear ramp, side door curbside, high ceiling, front shelf, high quality trailer in very good condition, run about 5,000 miles, $6,500, near Graceville; 770-309-0509.

Campbell Hausfeld airless electric paint sprayer, 1/2 HP, Model AL2305, comes w/hose and spray gun, but gun needs to be rebuilt, pump and motor runs good; 850-573-5117.

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.

Lightly used rear tractor tire, Good Year Optitrac, size LSW420/75R34; 850-573-5117.

New Cannon AF 35MII camera w/case, $100; 1940s Polaroid land camera, model 95R w/flash and case, $50; 850-674-6242.

6” Snap-On vice, half horsepower Baldor bench grinder, sharpening stone on one side, wire brush on other; 850-836-4477.

New Yamaha 6-string acoustic guitar, w/electronic tuner, battery operated string tightner, two new sets Ernie Ball strings, gig bag, $200; 850-956-2221, Kenny.

Multiple Listings

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

Multiple Listings (cont.)

New Duo fast cordless roofing nailer, w/bonus pack, $549; new Eddie Western hats, $38; vinyl hall runner, $1.60/foot; 850-547-0448 or 850-373-3709.

Homemade/handmade quilts, lap quilts, baby quilts, twin, full or queen; 2 used bathtubs to be used for water or feed troughs, great price; 850-547-3649.

Two-horse trailer; grain wagon; barrel, roping, pleasure saddles; tack; Treeing Walker coon dog puppies registered PKC and UKC shots, wormed; 850-592-2494 or 850-209-8532.

Two clamp-on trolling motors, MotorGuide, Minnkota, $125 for both; 9 singing Billy Big Mouth Bass, $50; 850-674-6242.

Real Estate

One acre lot, 24x40 carport w/ concrete slab, 12x20 shed, 16x16 concrete RV pad, well and septic included; 850-768-4231.

Recreational Vehicles

Jon boat, 16’x4’ flat bottom, 1992 Camo Puracraft, 2015 Magic Tilt trailer, no motor, great shape, $4,000; 813-317-1907.

2000 Fleetwood travel trailer, 30', loaded w/essentials including smoke detectors, recently remodeled, $7,500; 850-573-6583.

Vehicles

1997 Chevrolet 1500 Cheyenne pickup truck, $5,000; 850-956-1217 or 850-768-4990.

WANTED

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, round pen panels; 850-592-2494 or 850-209-8532.

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

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

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

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

1953-1964 Studebaker hard-top two-door Commander, silver or golden hawk; 850-830-7653.

Someone to repair Bally Corvette pinball machine, have manual; 850-830-7653, Steve.

Looking for people who have loved ones buried at Hudson Hill Church Cemetery in Westville, would like to fix tombstones for free; 850-956-2221.

FREE

Three female kittens, about a month old, free to a good home; 850-638-8166.

Chest freezer, works good; bedroom suite; large wooden bookcase; dish cabinet; 850-326-0335.

Giant pines, 5 plus, for lumber, you cut and haul; 850-703-1859.