USPS: 702-990 | ISSN: 1042-7767 | VOL 75, NO 7
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
As Floridians living in the Panhandle, we have been devastated by hurricanes over the years. With hurricanes, we usually know ahead of time that they are headed our way, but don't forget that where we live, the weather can become extreme and dangerous in a matter of minutes. I want to take this opportunity to emphasize to all of West Florida Electric Cooperative's (WFEC's) members to prepare now before storms affect you and your loved ones.
Hope for the best but prepare for the worst. Ask yourself these questions:
• Have I made sure that WFEC has my current contact information? If you stop by or call in to make a payment, just verify that your physical address, phone numbers and emails are correct.
• Do I have a back-up power supply like a generator? If so, when is the last time it worked? How long will it run with the fuel you have?
Tim Alford, WFEC Board President
• When was the last time it was serviced? There are local businesses and people in the area who can help you if you don't know how.
• Do I have the supplies I need to take care of myself and my family? This includes water, nonperishable food, flashlights, fresh batteries, etc.
• Don't forget about your pets and animals.
• Do I have a family member that needs life-sustaining medical equipment like oxygen machines and CPAPs? Please make plans in case there is an extended outage in your area.
Even if you are on the medically essential list for WFEC, they cannot guarantee you will have power or be the first one restored. They do their best to get everyone back on as quickly as possible.
• If I have to evacuate do I have a place planned to go and alternative routes to get there in case conditions are worse than expected?
• Make sure you always keep enough gas in your vehicles to get there. Always keep extra supplies on hand in case you need them. Electricity is a valuable resource and when it isn't working, it is normal for us to become frustrated. Make sure that you report your outage, even if you think someone else has already done so. You can do this with the outage number (844-688-2431), by texting or even by the mobile app. If you haven't tried the mobile app to report an outage then you are missing out on how easy it is. Everyone stay safe during this storm season and thank you again for allowing me to represent you as a WFEC Trustee and God bless you all.
Sincerely,
Going paperless is a great way to eliminate mailing delays that may impact you!
Sign up for paperless billing online (www.westflorida.coop) or by calling our office at (800) 342-7400.
We're proud to recognize Terrell Culbreth, Safety, Loss Control and Risk Management Specialist, for earning the Certified Loss Control Professional (CLCP) credential, a significant achievement and a mark of excellence in the electric utility safety field.
The CLCP Program, formerly known as the Loss Control Internship (LCI), is a nationally recognized certification co-sponsored by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) and the National Utility Training and Safety Education Association (NUTSEA). The program is designed to equip safety professionals with a strong educational foundation, preparing them to lead the safety efforts of their organizations with confidence and expertise.
Earning the CLCP credential is no small feat. The program spans two years and includes intensive coursework, hands-on training, and a deep dive into critical safety topics. Participants who complete the program demonstrate both professional competency and a strong commitment to fostering a culture of safety in the electric cooperative industry.
Culbreth's dedication to this rigorous process reflects his leadership, perseverance, and passion for safety. We applaud his hard work and are proud to have him as a key part of our team. Congratulations!
Track and report power outages immediately with your phone – and view detailed outage maps with impacted areas and status. Rest assured we are on our way to you. Log on or download the app today!
Electricity powers nearly every aspect of our lives, so it is understandable how frustrating it can be when the power goes out. At West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC), our crews work diligently to restore power as quickly and safely as possible for our members. However, there is a specific process that must be followed to ensure power is restored efficiently to the greatest number of members.
After major storms, WFEC crews and PowerSouth Energy Cooperative crews begin by assessing damage to the core parts of the electric distribution and transmission systems - including substations, distribution lines, feeder lines, transmission towers and transmission lines (the last two are the responsibility of PowerSouth, our generation and transmission cooperative). If transmission lines or towers are damaged, restoring them is the first priority.
Transmission lines carry high-voltage electricity from power plants to local substations. These lines serve thousands of members and must be repaired first, as they supply power to all members downstream. Although, they are rarely damaged except during major storms like hurricanes or tornadoes, they are crucial to the power restoration process.
If the problem isn't within a substation, crews then move to main distribution lines, the large lines that carry electricity from substations to local areas. These lines are inspected and repaired based on which ones will restore power to the most members at once.
Finally tap lines, the smaller lines that deliver electricity to neighborhoods and individual homes, are repaired. Crews prioritize repairs to tap lines that will restore service to the greatest number of members. Many outages are restored once these lines are back in service.
If your power is still out but your neighbor's isn't, the issue may be with the service line between your home and the nearby transformer. These individual lines are the final step in the restoration process.
While we can't control the weather, we do prepare for it. WFEC maintains a stockpile of essential materials and assigns specific duties to every employee during major outages. When widespread damage occurs, multiple crews are dispatched simultaneously to work at different
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When a major outage occurs, our crews restore power to the greatest number of people in the shortest time possible - until everyone has power.
1. High Voltage Transmission Lines
These lines carry large amounts of electricity. They rarely fail but must be repaired first. They supply power to substations (and thousands of members).
2. Distribution Substations
Crews inspect substations, which can serve hundreds or thousands of people. Crews inspect substations to determine if problems stem from lines feeding into the substation, the sub itself, or if problems exist down the line.
3. Main Distribution Lines
Main lines serve essential facilities like hospitals and larger communities. If the problem can't be isolated at the substation, distribution lines are checked.
4. Individual Homes & Businesses
After main line repairs are complete, we repair lines that serve individual homes and businesses. Service lines between a transformer and a residence are the last things that may need to be repaired.
locations. We also partner with neighboring electric cooperatives and those across the nation to bring in additional help when needed. No matter the circumstances, WFEC is ready to restore power quickly and safely.
As the most active part of hurricane season is set to begin and summer storms pass through our service area, serious damage can occur to homes and electric distribution equipment. While WFEC is always ready to respond quickly and restore power safely, it's important to know which parts of the electric system are your responsibility to repair as a homeowner. These are questions the co-op received during the recent tornadic activity in Holmes County.
West Florida Electric is responsible for:
• Utility poles
• Electric meters
• Power lines to your home
• Pad mount transformers
Homeowners are responsible for:
• Equipment between the meter and the home
• Underground service lines to the home
• Weatherhead and service mast
If your equipment is damaged, always contact a licensed electrician. WFEC cannot restore power after storms until the equipment owned by the homeowner is repaired.
Understanding your responsibilities as a homeowner will help speed up power restoration during storm recovery efforts.
When planting trees, shrubs and other decorative plants, please be mindful of where power lines and transformers are located before doing so.
If you have any questions regarding your responsibilities when it comes to repairing damaged equipment, please contact WFEC by calling 800-342.7400.
This graphic depicts equipment owned by the co-op (in gold) and the member (in blue). If a storm damages any equipment owned by the co-op, we are responsible for repairs. If a storm damages any member-owned equipment, the member is responsible for repairs. Members should always hire licensed electricians when making any repairs.
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1. Important Account Information: Located in the upper left portion of the billing statement, this section includes information like account name, service address, telephone, statement date, account number and meter number.
2. Overview of Charges: Across the middle of the page, this area is divided into three color-coded boxes which includes: previous bill, balance and payment received (green); current bill which includes current charges and your due date (blue) and the total amount due including a late fee if paid after a certain date (orange).
3. Weather and Usage Data: This graph shows your daily kWh use compared to high and low temperatures during the billing period. It helps you see how weather patterns may affect your energy use, with bars representing daily use and lines showing temperatures.
4. Payment Coupon: Found at the bottom of the bill, this section is meant to be detached and returned with your payment.
5. Breakdown of Charges: Found under "Billing Details" on the left side of page 2, this section details all charges that make up the total amount due including a monthly base charge of $35 (which was not previously listed as a line item), the energy charge, wholesale power cost adjustment, franchise fee (if applicable), and state gross receipts tax.
6. Information and Terms: Located in the "Payment Information and Terms section" on the right side of page 2, this area includes payment options, payment information and terms, past due fee information, returned payment fees and the definitions of important terms used on your billing statement.
Generators can be a lifesaver during power outages, especially during severe weather and its aftermath. Using a portable generator can provide critical power, but using one improperly can be dangerous or even deadly.
Portable generators can power select appliances using heavy-duty extension cords or be wired to your home through a transfer switch - all standby generators must have a transfer switch installed by a licensed electrician. Never plug a generator into a wall outlet. This dangerous practice, called backfeeding, can electrocute linemen or neighbors.
Permanent standby generators, which power more of your home, also require a transfer switch to safely operate. Installation is not a DIY job - it must be done by a professional.
Before you start your generator up, follow these essential safety tips:
1. Check carbon monoxide (CO) detectors - make sure your home has working, battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors.
2. Read and follow the manufacturer's instructions - incorrect use can cause CO poisoning. Make the time to read and understand all instructions.
3. Always run portable generators outdoors - keep them at least 20 feet from windows and doors. Never use them in enclosed areas like garages, sheds, tents, or inside RVs.
4. Start the generator before turning on appliances - add one at a time to avoid overload.
5. Keep it dry - place the generator on a tarp if the ground is wet, and cover it with a portable, open canopy in rain or snow. Never use them in a carport.
6. Avoid backfeed - never plug a generator into a wall outlet or use a standby generator without switching the transfer switch - this can endanger utility workers and others.
7. Turn it off and cool it down before refueling - let the generator cool completely before adding fuel. Make sure to store the fuel in approved containers.
8. Maintain it - keep your generator in good condition and schedule regular inspections and maintenance. Running your generator for 10 minutes each month is suggested.
10. Keep children and pets awaysome parts of the generator can get extremely hot.
Generators are helpful but only when used safely.
For more safety tips, visit SafeElectricity.org.
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12:54-2:54
11 1:18-3:18 1:42-3:42 7:45-9:15 8:09-9:39 TUE. 12 2:06-4:06 2:30-4:30 8:33-10:03 8:57-10:27 WED. 13 2:54-4:54 3:18-5:18 9:21-10:51 9:45-11:15 THU. 14 3:42-5:42 4:06-6:06 10:09-11:39 10:33-12:03
15 4:30-6:30 4:54-6:54 10:57-12:27 11:21-12:51
16 5:18-7:18 5:42-7:42 N/A 12:09-1:39
Peanut Field Day • August 14; 7:30 a.m. sign in & field tours begin at 8:40 a.m.
Marianna North Florida Research and Education Center (NFREC), Marianna
The Annual UF Peanut Field Day will start at 7:30 a.m. with registration and CEU sign-in and will end with a sponsored lunch on site. Field tours will start promptly at 8:40 a.m.
Tour groups will rotate through six field stops and topics will include insect and disease management, variety updates, and a summary of recent EPA and product updates. This event has been approved for Florida, Georgia and Certified Crop Advisor CEUs. UF is committed to providing universal access to all events. For disability accommodations such as sign language interpreters and listening devices, please contact the Jackson Co. Extension Office at 850-482-9620 at least two weeks in advance.
WFEC Right-of-Way Crews will be cutting & trimming in the following area(s) during JULY:
Chipley, North Chipley Orange Hill & Wausau
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.
Spayed 6-month fostered Calico kitten, needs home, small re-homing fee, located in Chipley, indoor-outdoor cat, affectionate and a hunter; 321-305-1883.
Grass hay, 5x5 rolls & square bales; peanut hay square bales; 12x36 cooler; 850-263-3427.
2020 Jazzy Elite ES power chair, used less than 10 hours, excellent condition, $1,800; 850-547-3980.
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.
Six Ruger 22/45 Mark IV, 6 colors to choose, new, 10 round, 1911 grip, aerospace-grade aluminum, $400 each; 850-596-2681.
Pro Form Endurance 520E elliptical, excellent condition, $300; 937-573-7975.
Grain wagon; barrel; roping; pleasure saddles; large assortment of tack; 3-horse trailer; hay fork; 26’ Circle W stock trailer; 850-209-8532.
Trolling motors, Minn Kota Motor Guide, $100; 1910 Red Washington 2 cent stamps; 9 Big Mouth Singing Billy Bass, $50; 850-674-6242.
Used 200-amp power pole, $250; Gravely walk-behind model L8 and L, one motor did run, spare parts included, $300 OBO; 850-703-9208.
2006 Honda Goldwing trike, matching maroon Forest River pet trailer, 33,000 miles, many extras, 32,000 maintenance completed, $24,900; 352-409-8630.
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.
2014 Kia Soul, 200,000 miles, manual transmission, runs, drives, has cold air, but engine has a miss, $6,000; 330-503-5201.
1985 Chevrolet C10 4x4, good shape, needs some TLC, $9,500; 850-557-7034.
Horses; ponies; mules; donkeys; round pen panels; 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, collections, estates, buy, trade or sell; 850-326-3437.
Land for lease off 69A in Altha; 850-451-7936, call or text Cody for more information.
CLF Free Ad Form Please Type or Print Neatly.
License plates from any state, mainly Florida, prior to 1980; old motorcycles or parts, prior to 1960; 850-557-7030, Greg.
Pasture land to rent, the closer to Campbellton the better; 850-703-5450.
Five beautiful kittens, gray/white, black/white, tabby, 5-6 weeks old, eating hard/soft food, using the litter box; 850-638-8166.
Pole barn, take down and clean up for materials; 850-252-7917.
- Amp Power Pole Delivery & Installation Available Rick Carnley - Lic. # EC-13006648 Florida Meter Pole Company, Inc. Anthony Register 850-573-0219
summer months, run large appliances that emit heat such as clothes dryers and dishwashers during the evening when the outdoor temperature is lower. Running heatemitting appliances in the evening will reduce indoor heat gain during the day when outdoor temps are highest and ultimately keep your air conditioner from working harder than necessary.
Submitted by: Rita Marvin 200-Amp Power Pole
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.
10 Minute German
Chocolate Cream Pie
Ingredients:
1 4 oz. package Baker's German Sweet Chocolate bar 1/3 cup milk (use 2 tablespoons to melt chocolate) 2 tablespoons sugar or Splenda 1 4 oz. cream cheese, softened (can use 8 oz.)
1 8 oz. container Cool Whip (thawed) 8 inch graham cracker crust
Directions: Heat and stir chocolate and 2 tablespoons of milk in microwave oven on low power until melted. Beat sugar into cream cheese. Add remaining milk and chocolate mixture and beat until smooth. Fold in Cool Whip. Spoon into pie crust and garnish with chocolate curls or chocolate chips if desired. Freeze until firm (about 4 hours) and store in freezer.
