November 2025

CURRENT LIGHT

FLASHES

NOVEMBER 2025 | VOL. 75 NO. 11 | www.westflorida.coop Turn Efficiency into Savings with a Heat Pump Upgrade

I nside

West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC) has been encouraging members to take steps toward being more energy efficient for years. Simple no-cost or low-cost changes can help, but the biggest savings come from larger upgrades.

Page 2: Youth Tour Applications Available

Heating and cooling can make up nearly half of your home’s energy use. That’s why investing in a high-efficiency mini-split or dual-fuel system is one of the best ways to cut costs.

Page 3: Brown Earns Certified Financial Professional Certificate

A key factor to look at is the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the system will be adding to the money you’ll save on your power bill each month. While upgrading your HVAC system does require an upfront investment, the long-term savings from lower energy use can more than make up for the cost. 72716002 Another way to make upgrades more affordable comes from your co-op. WFEC offers a Heat Pump Rebate program for members who install qualifying heat pumps. They could be eligible for rebates of up to $400 per ton. It’s our way of rewarding you for choosing energy efficiency.

Unsure if it is time to upgrade or replace your system? WFEC’s energy experts can guide you through the process, help determine the correct size unit for your home, and ensure you get the more out of your investment.

For details, visit our website, www.westflorida.coop or call 800-342-7400 to learn more about this beneficial program.

Page 3: Light Out? Let Us Know.

Page 4: WFEC Supports Fallen Linemen

ROW U pdate WFEC Right-of-Way Crews will be cutting & trimming in the following area(s) during

November:

Alford Area South to Compass Lake & Westville 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.

Spot your WFEC account number & earn a $25 bill credit!

Give us a call or send an email to clf@westflorida.coop with your name and account number to verify.

1 • Current Light Flashes • November 2025 • Toll Free Outage Hotline: 844.OUTAGE1 (844.688.2431)

2025-2026 Youth Tour Applications Available Good news for your high school junior! 2025-2026 Youth Tour applications are now available from your guidance counselor. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to apply today and take the first step toward an incredible adventure.

What is Youth Tour?

The Youth Tour program is more than a trip - it’s a once-in-a-lifetime leadership opportunity for local students. Sponsored by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), the Florida Electric Cooperative Association (FECA) and West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC), Youth Tour connects outstanding high school juniors with opportunities to grow as leaders, explore civic engagement, and experience government in action. Each year, nearly 2,000 students from across the country step into the halls of power, visiting Tallahassee and the nation’s Capitol in Washington, D.C. These trips provide the opportunity to sharpen leadership skills, deepen their knowledge of history and government and discover how they can make an impact on their communities.

Local students representing high schools in our area who are chosen to participate are able to enjoy a two-day trip to Tallahassee, where they meet state leaders and gain firsthand insight into public service. From this group, two students will be selected to represent WFEC in Washington, D.C., joining peers from across the nation for a weeklong leadership adventure.

To recognize their achievement, the two Washington Youth Tour winners will each receive a $1,000 scholarship for college or trade school, and the alternate will receive a $500 scholarship.

Youth Tour isn’t just a trip - it’s an opportunity to build lifelong friendships, develop confidence, and take your place as a leader of tomorrow.

Apply for Youth Tour Today!

Youth Tour (YT) is a once-in-alifetime leadership opportunity for high school juniors, sponsored by WFEC. YT connects outstanding students with opportunities to grow as leaders and explore civic engagement.

Deadline to apply: December 9, 2025 Use the QR code Below for more info or contact Candace Croft, ccroft@westflorida.coop See Counselor to Apply

Applicants must be high school juniors and their parents or guardians must be members of WFEC.

2 winners win $1,000 college scholarships + 1 alternate wins a $500 college scholarship!

Don’t miss the chance to be a part of this unforgettable experience. If you’re a high school junior who meets the requirements, ask your guidance counselor for an application today. Youth Tour is an opportunity for you to grow, lead, and represent your community on a national stage. 95253002

New Entrance Location

Due to the recent need for mold removal and associated repairs at our Graceville office, we will be temporarily relocating the payment and service departments beginning in December 2025.

There are signs pointing to the new entrance, which is located on the north side of the building.

The drive thru window at the office will be closed, but members may use the payment drop box located there.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as these repairs are made.

2 • Current Light Flashes • November 2025 • Toll Free Outage Hotline: 844.OUTAGE1 (844.688.2431)

Brown Earns Certified Financial Professional Certificate West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC) is proud to recognize Holley Brown, Purchasing Agent and Executive Assistant, for earning the Cooperative Financial Professional Certificate (CFPC). This nationally respected credential is offered through a partnership between the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) and the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation (CFC). 98057001 The CFPC is a rigorous, competency-based program designed to deepen participants’ understanding of electric cooperative finance. Through two intensive sessions held in Madison, Wisconsin, and Dulles, Virginia, participants gain the tools needed to think beyond the numbers and position their cooperatives for long-term success.

Holley Brown

The program covers a wide range of topics including financial analysis and forecasting, equity and debt management, enterprise risk management, capital budgeting, rate design, and financial leadership. It is specifically designed for mid- to senior-level cooperative financial professionals who want to enhance their ability to contribute to the financial health of their cooperative.

By completing the program, Brown has strengthened her ability to integrate financial expertise with business stewardship practices.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to complete this program,” Brown said. “It provided me with a deeper understanding of cooperative finances and the tools to perform my role more effectively.”

Congratulations, Holley, on this impressive professional achievement. The cooperative is proud of your dedication to continuous growth and your efforts to better serve our members and the communities it serves.

Energy Efficiency Tip

R ecipe of the M onth Fluffy Pumpkin Dessert Submitted by: Carol Johnston

Submit your event by email clf@westflorida.coop. Visit the link below to view a list of events.

Find this recipe and more: www.westflorida.coop/recipes

Light Out? We need to know.

To Report an Inoperable or Malfunctioning Yard Light:

Call (800) 342-7400 or your local district office If you’re aware of a malfunctioning light on our lines, let us know.

Simply inform us of the location, and we’ll make sure it’s repaired.

3 • Current Light Flashes • November 2025 • Toll Free Outage Hotline: 844.OUTAGE1 (844.688.2431)

With the holiday season approaching and more time in the kitchen, consider ways to save energy in the heart of your home.

When possible, cook meals with smaller, energy efficient appliances, such as slow cookers, toaster ovens, and air fryers. When using the range, match the size of the pan to the heating element. Keep range-top burners and reflectors clean so they reflect heat more efficiently. After your holiday meals are complete, load the dishwasher fully before starting the wash cycle.

Source: energy.gov

WFEC Supports Fallen Linemen Organization

WFEC Board of Trustees

Several West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC) employees recently represented the cooperative on the softball field at the 2025 Home Runs for Heroes tournament hosted by PowerSouth Energy Cooperative in Andalusia, Alabama.

This annual event is an opportunity to bond with coworkers while supporting a cause very close to our hearts at West Florida Electric. The Fallen Linemen Organization supports families of line workers who have been injured or lost their lives in the line of duty. This year’s event raised more than $70,000. 109044001

DAVID TATUM

District 1/Treasurer

District 2/President

JACKIE POOSER

JOHN ADAMS

DAVID CORBIN

GEORGE C. OWENS

RANDY BUSH

MISTY ERICKSON

MYRON HUDSON

NATHAN BERRY

District 3

Luke Gates

District 4

Kaleb Frost

District 5/Vice President

District 7

Rhonda Byrd-Lee

TIM ALFORD

District 6

District 8

Kevin Nelson

District 9/Secretary

Executive VP & CEO

WFEC Offices Closed November 11 November 27 and 28

Notifications 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.

WFEC softball team: (front row, l-r) Brayson Blanton, Rhonda Byrd-Lee, Isaac Hobbs, Trey Burrell, Kenzie Nelson, Melissa Birge, Jason Blanton, and Luke Gates (back row, l-r): Austin Grissett, Kevin Nelson, Joshua Carr, Nathan Berry, and Kaleb Frost.

4 • Current Light Flashes • November 2025 • Toll Free Outage Hotline: 844.OUTAGE1 (844.688.2431)

This Institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.