TyPeel, Executive Vice President & CEO is retiring from West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC) after serving its members in various capacities for 40 years.
His career at WFEC began on January 4, 1982 in the right-ofway department. During his long career at the co-op, Peel has served its members as an energy advisor and member services employee. He also ran the co-op’s safety program, the safety and transportation department, and oversaw the cooperative’s loss control and risk management department before taking over as Vice President of Engineer ing and Operations in January 2003. He served in that capacity until he was awarded the Executive Vice President & CEO position in January 2019 upon the retirement of his predecessor.
Peel says that during his time working at the cooperative the advances in technology were some of the biggest changes he saw that impacted the industry. Other notable changes occurred when all lineworkers and mechanics had to earn their commercial driving licenses or CDLs. He said that the transition was a big undertaking for his department at the time. He also said changes to OSHA rules and guidelines, environmental requirements becoming more stringent, and dealing with limited genera tion resources have been major challenges facing the industry.
Looking back on his long career, Peel said he is especially proud of the part he played in building the landfill gas to energy facility at Waste Management, securing Enviva, the co-op’s largest industrial member, and earning all of the safety awards and recognition (in particular the State President’s Safety Award) received by WFEC for excelling in that area.
Peel was born and raised in the Chipley area and is a graduate of Chipley High School. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he served four years as a member of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 235. During his military career, he earned his pilot’s license and attended the Marine Corps NCO Academy. In 1991, Peel joined the Air Force Reserve Special Operations Unit at Duke Field. While in the Air Force Reserves, he had the opportunity to attend the Staff NCO Academy as well as Vincennes University (Community College of the Air Force).
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When he was Manager of Loss Control, his Air Force Reserve Unit was deployed as a part of Operation Enduring Freedom. He was stationed in parts of Southeast Asia including Pakistan and Afghanistan from 20012002. In 2006, he made the decision to leave the reserves and focus solely on his career at WFEC.
During his career, Peel was also honored to serve on the PowerSouth Energy Cooperative Board, the Florida Electric Cooperatives Association Board, and many others. He also graduated from the Robert I. Kabat Management Internship Program (MIP) in February 2018. MIP is a prestigious and comprehensive program that provides in-depth analysis of the functions and processes of co-op management at the University of Wisconsin, Madison.
As he retires, Peel is looking forward to doing some forestry work, flying (as he plans to purchase a new plane), fishing, hunting, spending time with his family, and being a proud grandfather.
“It is bittersweet to be leaving. I have been very blessed. The co-op has been very good to me and blessed my family. I will never forget that. Being part of a family [who worked] in the utility business – my dad was with Gulf Power for 37 years – and I finished my career as CEO with 40 years of service, my mom and dad would be proud,” said Peel. “Over 40 years, you meet a lot of people, and somewhere along the way, you will have an influence on somebody. I hope that I have been a good influence and was able to help people when I could. I am so thankful to have the opportunity to serve our members and I have tried to do that with honesty and integrity. Semper Fi,” he said in conclusion.
OnSeptember 9, West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC) implemented a change to the wholesale power cost adjustment for members. The change in the wholesale power cost adjustment equates to an additional $5.12 per 1,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) for WFEC members.
As your hometown electric cooperative, owned by the members we serve, we understand the impact increases have on your households. We sympathize with our members who are faced with higher costs at the grocery store, pharmacy, fuel pump and other necessities impacted by the soaring inflation rates our nation is currently facing. Please understand that your cooperative only considers implementing a rate change when we have no other choice. This increase is due to the ever-rising cost of fuel needed for the generation of electricity.
As the nation struggles with rising inflation, electric cooperatives around the country face increased costs for the materials, and goods and services necessary to keep the lights on. We are also experiencing an unprecedented period of rising fuel prices. Since mid-2021, costs for coal and natural gas to produce the electricity powering our homes and businesses have increased significantly.
The additional amount each member pays will vary each month based on the amount of electricity used. The wholesale power cost adjustment is used to “adjust” the amount charged to members when the price of fuels used to generate electricity rise and fall throughout the year. When the cost of power is more expensive to produce, and more expensive for WFEC to purchase from our wholesale power provider, PowerSouth Energy Cooperative, the wholesale power cost adjustment is a charge. When the cost is less, the wholesale power cost adjustment is a credit. You will find an example of the changes to the wholesale power cost adjustment on the next page:
Previous cost per 1,000 kWh (before adjustment)
Energy Charge: 151.37
Wholesale Power Cost Adj: 11.10
Total bill per 1,000 kWh: $162.47 (excluding applicable taxes and fees)
Current cost per 1000 kWh (after adjustment)
Energy Charge: 151.37
Wholesale Power Cost Adj: 16.22
Total bill per 1,000kWh: $167.59 (excluding applicable taxes and fees)
Fuel costs are out of our hands, but we are working with our wholesale power provider, PowerSouth Energy Cooperative, to reduce the impact of higher fuel costs and stabilize rates. As part of these efforts, due to the unpredictability in natural gas prices, PowerSouth adopted a risk management policy to address natural gas price volatility. This policy includes “fuel hedging” contracts to help PowerSouth stabilize natural gas price impacts and prevent sudden, major spikes in pricing.
Through a partnership with other electric cooperatives across Alabama and northwest Florida, we secure generating resources from PowerSouth and gain economies of scale that otherwise may not be available. These combined efforts have helped to reduce the impact of higher fuel costs and stabilize rates to a degree, but have not mitigated all costs associated with unprecedented fuel prices along with increased costs for materials, goods and services.
Recently, PowerSouth implemented a rate increase to compensate for an additional increase in fuel and purchased power costs. PowerSouth is seeing the highest sustained prices for fuel they have witnessed in a decade. Global demand and tight fuel supplies, as well as labor shortages at coal mines and railroads, are affecting the cost of producing power. As a result, this has increased costs that WFEC must pay for wholesale power and will be reflected in the wholesale power cost adjustment on your bill. As a not-forprofit organization, we only collect what is necessary to recover our costs.
At this time, it is difficult to pinpoint how long this fuel adjustment might last or if there will be a need for an additional increase in the future.
The impact of rising fuel costs and market conditions are not only affecting WFEC, the impact is being felt across the nation. As your member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative, we have a mission to keep the lights on at the lowest possible cost. We take this role seriously, and we are responding to market conditions and public policy shifts as best we can.
by: Victoria A. Rocha, staff writer at NRECA
Consumers can expect to pay more for electricity this year than they did last year amid higher prices for natural gas, federal energy researchers say.
According to the Energy Information Administration's latest Short-Term Energy Outlook, the residential price of electricity will average 14.8 cents per kilowatt hour this year, up 7.5 percent from 2021. Higher retail prices "reflect an increase in wholesale power prices driven by rising natural gas prices," the report said.
Natural gas prices will hit their highest levels in 14 years this winter as global consumption remains high and inventories stay low, EIA said. The natural gas spot price at Henry Hub will reach a monthly average of $9 per million British thermal units (MMBtu) during the fourth quarter of this year - the highest inflation - adjusted monthly average since 2008.
"There are limited options for replacing natural gas in the short-term, especially for electricity generation," said EIA Administrator Joe DeCarolis.
Next year, however, natural gas production is expected to rise and Henry Hub spot prices are expected to drop to an average of $6/MMBtu, the report said.
Meanwhile, the largest increases in electricity generation will continue to come from renewable energy sources, mostly solar and wind. EIA expects
renewables to provide 22 percent of the nation's generation in 2022 and 24 percent in 2023, up from 20 percent last year.
As renewables' share of the generation mix increases, less power will come from natural gas and coal, according to the report. The share for natural gas is expected to be 37 percent this year and 36 percent in 2023. Coal-fired electricity is expected to account for 21 percent of the generation mix in 2022 and 19 percent in 2023.
"Growing generation from renewable resources limits growth in natural gas generation while coal's generation share declines due to the expected retirement of coal-fired capacity," the report said.
When it comes to home improvement projects, most people dream about new countertops, flooring, and paint colors. But before you begin your next renovation, consider tackling a home energy makeover. The best news? West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC) offers an affordable financing program to help cover the costs of energy efficiency upgrades that make your home more comfortable and save you money.
Maximize your energy dollars with efficient heating and cooling. Your home's heating and cooling unit has a tremendous impact on your energy bill, accounting for as much as 50 percent of your monthly energy costs. If your unit is more than 10 years old, constantly needs repairs or fails to keep a constant temperature, it is time to upgrade. A newer, more-efficient unit will provide increased comfort and lower energy bills. Through WFEC's Energy Efficiency Loan Program, approved members may finance up to $20,000 for 10 years to upgrade.
While you're at it, optimize your heating and cooling system's performance by repairing or replacing damaged ductwork. No matter how efficient your unit is, leaky ductwork results in a higher bill. Duct replacement and repair is eligible for financing through our program.
Keep conditioned air where it belongs. Your home's envelope protects it from the elements. Small gaps or cracks siphon your home's heating and cooling energy to the outdoors. Proper air sealing provides temperature and humidity control. Investing in energy-efficient windows, exterior doors, and insulation not only reduces your energy bill, it also lowers outside noise. Our low-interest loan program provides a cost-effective solution to helping ensure that your conditioned air stays where it belongs.
Keep your family in hot water. If your Pinterest board is filled with bathroom renovation dreams, be sure to include your water heater in your project plans. After all, nobody enjoys a cold shower, even in a brand new bathroom!
Because the energy used to keep your water warm and ready accounts for almost 25 percent of your home's energy costs, investing in an energy-efficient water heater can mean big savings. Our loan program offers low-interest loans for the purchase of heat pump water heaters, which will keep you in hot water all year long.
Not ready to replace your water heater? Install a blanket and pipe insulation for added efficiency.
Let your attic breathe. Attic ventilation plays an important role in your home's energy efficiency. In winter, attic vents help remove moisture from your home. In summer, ventilation helps keep attic temperatures down - resulting in energy cost savings. Both systems are eligible for financing through our Energy Efficiency Loan Program.
Whether you choose natural or fan ventilation, always follow proper air sealing and insulation strategies. Consult an
energy professional at WFEC for assistance in choosing the right system for your home.
Adding skirting or underpinning to your manufactured home. The crawl space beneath your manufactured home is often neglected, but there are many energy savings options under your floor. In addition to insulating your pipes and ducts, skirting protects your home's ductwork and wiring from critters. Our Energy Efficiency Loan Program allows you to finance the purchase and installation of energy-efficient skirting.
Let our experts help make your dreams come
Home improvements can be costly, but WFEC's Energy Efficiency Loan Program can help ease the burden for energy-efficiency upgrades.
Residential members of WFEC may qualify for low-interest loans to finance the purchase and installation of home efficiency upgrades including:
HVAC replacement and tune-ups
Heat pump water heater purchases
Windows
Exterior wall, floor, perimeter or attic insulation
Attic ventilation
Duct repair or replacement
Water heater blanket and pipe insulation
Insulated exterior doors
Air sealing
Manufactured home skirting
Here is how to take advantage of this program:
1. Contact West Florida Electric Cooperative by calling (800) 342-7400 and ask about the Energy Efficiency Loan Program.
2. A WFEC energy advisor will visit your home to conduct an energy audit and help identify areas of improvement.
3. You'll complete the simple loan application process with Regions Bank. The application asks for basic personal information (name, address, birth date); driver's license number, issue date and expiration date; and social security or tax identification number.
4. If approved, you will hire a licensed contractor to complete the improvements. The work must be completed within 90 days of loan approval and 100 percent of installation costs may be financed.
5. You will receive monthly loan billing statements from Regions Bank. Visit the cooperative's website (www.westflorida.coop) for more information.
Minumum Loan
Maximum Loan
Term
Annual Percentage Rate (APR)* (subject to approval)
$2,000
$10,000 (not including heat pump)
$20,000 (including heat pump)
Up to 5 years (not including heat pump)
Up to 10 years (including heat pump)
4.99% (5-year term)
6.99% (10-year term)
Monthly statements from Regions Bank Fees
Billing
No orgination fees or recording costs
WestFlorida Electric Cooperative (WFEC) line crews have one of the most dangerous jobs in the nation. These dangers increase when they are working along the roadside. Do your part to protect them.
If you’re driving and see crews working on the side of the road, slow down and move over. It’s the law. More importantly, you’ll help ensure those lineworkers return home safely to their families and continue to be there when you need them.
According to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website, hundreds of utility workers, law enforcement officers, first responders and other public service workers are injured or killed each year in roadside accidents that could have been prevented.
The Move Over law states that when motorists approach workers and stopped vehicles with flashing emergency lights along the roadside, the drivers must slow down and, if it is safe to do so, move out of the lane closest to the workers. Give them the space they need to stay safe while
doing their jobs. Like you, they have families waiting for them off the clock.
As you’re driving, stay alert. If you come upon roadside crews and cannot safely move over, slow down to at least 20 mph less than the posted speed limit. If you fail to do this, it can put workers at risk.
Protect our lineworkers. They are on the job for you, ensuring reliable power. It’s another way your hometown electric cooperative is always here for you.
members who drive fully electric, battery-powered
registering your vehicle, you’ll help
better understand how members are using power.
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October 8; 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Jackson Co. Ag Offices, 2471 Penn Ave., Marianna
Canning and dehydrating are two of the three main methods for preserving food. If you want a refresher or to learn how to get started, register now for this class. The course is designed to help you understand the science of how canning and dehydrating work, proper food safety techniques, differences in canning methods, and how to properly preserve food using a pressure canner. Cost is $20 per person. Participants will take home a sample jar of chicken prepared in class and a set of canning utensils. Pre-registration is required. Call 850-482-9620 for more info, or visit JacksonCountyFCS.eventbrite.com to register. People with disabilities requring special accommodations, contact 800-955-8771 at least 10 days prior to class so proper consideration may be given. UF/IFAS is an Equal Opportunity Institution.
Hike & Learn at Florida Caverns State Park
October 21; 8:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m. Florida Caverns State Park, 3345 Caverns Rd., Marianna
Learn about the various edible and medicinal plants growing locally while getting your daily steps in. Florida Caverns Park Manager, William Bailey, and UF/IFAS Extension Horticulture Agent, Ashley Stonecipher, will lead the hike and share info about plants growing in the park. Space is limited. Pre-registration is required. Call 850-482-9620 for more info, or visit JacksonCountyFCS.eventbrite.com to register. People with disabilities requring special accommodations, contact 800-955-8771 at least 10 days prior to class so proper consideration may be given. UF/IFAS is an Equal Opportunity Institution.
Frink Baptist Church Community Fall Festival
October 22; 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Frink Baptist Church, 11030 SW Frink Baptist Church Rd., Clarksville Bring your favorite chili for the cook-off or just come enjoy a variety of great chili. Prizes will be awarded to Best Overall, Spiciest & Most Original. Enjoy music by Stacy Mayo & her gospel group. Other activities include a cake walk, candy/ caramel apple station, duck pond, soda ring toss, bounce house, yard games and a hay ride. There will also be hot dogs, chips and water available. Everyone is invited. Questions? Call Pastor Cole at 850-557-4531 or Dove Thompson at 850-718-7197. Info is also available on Facebook or email FrinkBaptistChurch@gmail.com.
October 25; 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Washington Co. Extension Office, 1424 Jackson Ave., Chipley
Several specialists will be available to cover soil preparation, health, insects, disease control, and updates. The day will finish with updates about blackberries as an emerging fruit crop for the Panhandle. Cost is $10. Pre-registration is required. For more information, call 850-482-9620 or visit JacksonCountyFCS.eventbrite. comto register. People with disabilities requiring special accommodations, contact 800-955-8771 at least 10 days prior to class so consideration may be given.
UF/IFAS is an Equal Opportunity Institution.
If you’re driving and see utility crews working on the roadside, slow down and move over. Their families will appreciate your thoughtful and safe actions.
By observing the Move Over Law, you’ll help ensure those lineworkers continue to be there when you need them.
It’s another way your hometown electric cooperative is always here for you.
Garden to Table: Fruit
November 1; 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Jackson Co. Ag Auditorium, 2741 Penn Ave., Marianna
The last session of our Garden to Table Series is a fruit workshop. We will cover many of the popular fruits grown in the Panhandle and some unusual fruits not as common. Cost is $15 per person and participants will take home a potted fruit, printed materials and have the chance to taste several ways fruit can be used in cooking. Pre-registration is required. Call 850-482-9620 for more info, or visit JacksonCountyFCS.eventbrite.com to register. People with disabilities requiring special accommodations, contact 800-955-8771 at least 10 days prior to class so proper consideration may be given. UF/IFAS is an Equal Opportunity Institution.
Heart & Sole 5K Walk/Run and Health Fair
November 5; 7:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Citizen's Lodge Park, 4574 Lodge Drive, Marianna
Join us for the annual 5K Walk/Run to get your steps in. Learn about various health and safety topics, and find resources available in our community at the health fair. The health fair is free and registration for the 5K is only $5. Participation in the 5K is not required to take part in the health fair. Call 850-482-9620 for more info, or visit JacksonCountyFCS.eventbrite.com to register. People with disabilities requiring special accommodations, contact 800-955-8771 at least 10 days prior to class so proper consideration may be given. UF/IFAS is an Equal Opportunity Institution.
Approx. 40 of the larger Emmitt Kelly clowns, selling below the issued price, we have the wooden stands for all; 850-579-4840.
Frigidaire washing machine, good working condition, $300; 850-272-9222.
Electric range, 30” Frigidaire Model EF316BSD, like new, $150 OBO; 850-592-4740.
3” chipper/shredder gas powered tow bar, like new, $350; 850-209-4695.
Wood dining room table w/8 chairs, 2 ft. wide insert to sit 8 people, sits on 2 pedestals, really good condition, $400; 850-258-5300.
Argentine Bahia hay, 4x5 rolls, barn stored; 850-579-2732.
Coastal hay, 5x5 roll, excellent quality, fertilized and barn stored; 850-592-4798.
Tifton 9 and Argentine Bahia seed & hay; 850-718-7779, Pat or 850-592-2647, Dan.
Hospital bed, electric, with waterproof mattress, up and down rails, $100; 850-573-6583, leave message if no answer.
Bulb business, located in Greenwood, approximately 5,500 potted plants, includes website and ad listings, present customer base information and rights to over 400 YouTube videos; misc. items and tools, $48,000; 850-592-8769.
Dog pens, $75 or will give away for you to mow my yard; 850-419-0696, leave message, located in Ponce de Leon.
Homemade/handmade quilts, lap quilts, baby quilts, twin, full or queen; two used bathtubs, great price; 850-547-3649.
12x16 cooler box; 5x5 rolls grass hay; square bales of peanut hay; grain fed beef; 850-263-3427.
free classified ads in the
a service to its
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.
Ad Form
Type
Nine Singing Billy Bass, best offer; nine early 1900s Red Washington two cent stamps, $1,200 OBO; MinnKota trolling motor, 36 lb. thrust, 3.5 speed, 1 reverse clamp, runs fine, $55; 850-674-6242.
Gravity wagon, 300 bushel, EZ flow brand, good condition, Covington side dresser with 2 Sheffield sweeps; 850-557-8823.
Round table w/4 chairs; quilting material; 850-768-4112, leave message.
Land, 1 plus acres, water view in Silver Lake Estates, access to lake; 850-526-3108.
32’ 2018 Grand Design, outdoor kitchen, fireplace, recliners/ heat massage, electric awning, opposing slides, kitchen island, excellent condition, $23,000; 850-849-1769.
2010 Honda Ridgeline, AWD, 240K miles, all new Michelin tires; engine & AC in good condition, armrests/front seats are worn, back seats good condition, Bluebook value is $12,000, asking $10,000 OBO; 850-559-6779 or email Douglasdurden@gmail.com.
150-500 acres of 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 and professional; 850-326-3437.
1971 Monte Carlo Bumper; yard work worker; 850-547-0448.
License plates from any state, mainly Florida, prior to 1980; old motorcycles or parts prior to 1960; 850-557-7030, Greg.
TC Contender style single shot pistol, with scope & barrels, leave message with caliber & info; 850-830-7653.
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.
2002 Nissan Quest minivan; 850-573-4598.
Bed steps for high, four poster bed, mahogany preferable, but any type wood acceptable; 850-956-2203.
Thank you, everyone, for your kindness during the loss of our mother, sister, and aunt, Evelyn Everett. The Evelyn Everett Family
(850) 209-8039 debson1999@gmail.com
