USPS: 702-990 | ISSN: 1042-7767 | VOL 74, NO 10
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.
In last month's September article, I spoke about how to understand your monthly utility bill. A particular item I mentioned was West Florida Electric Cooperative Association's (WFECA) base rate. In the near future, this charge will be itemized separately on your utility bill for you to see. It is currently included in the line for Energy Usage.
What is a base rate, also known as the facilities charge? It is the cost associated with providing electric service to a member's location, whether it is a home, barn, business, well pump or even an electric fence. The cost is charged per meter each month even if there is no energy use.
Currently, the base rate for each residential account is $35.00 per month (not including any taxes). This monthly rate allows the cooperative to operate and is also used to maintain over 80,000 poles, approximately 5,000 miles of power lines, nearly 27,000 transformers and almost 30,000 meters! Material purchased now and dating back several years is outrageously priced compared to before the COVID pandemic. Inflation has affected everyone tremendously, but we all keep hoping to see a decline in the near future. One thing that may help you, the member, is to make sure all your meters are being used. If you have a meter that is not being used, please contact WFEC by calling 800-342-7400 and ask for it to be disconnected. That's a savings of $420 per year (excluding taxes) that will stay in your pocket.
I pray everyone has a safe month.
Sincerely,
by Shawn Walling, Executive VP and CEO
Our spotlight for this month is shining on the Engineering Department. This department is made up of a team of individuals who work together to accomplish three main objectives: planning and design, staking, and technical services. Many of these tasks are performed and completed behind the scenes to ensure that West Florida Electric Cooperative Association's (WFECA) members receive safe and reliable energy. Their roles, like many others at the co-op, are not thought about until they do not accomplish their goals.
This area covers a wide range of topics ranging from a person wanting a new service (a new house) all the way to what do you need in 20 years. This long-range planning not only includes where we could see new large loads and subdivisions but also where we need to upgrade the wire size to meet loads.
As part of our pole inspection program (where we inspect every pole every 10 years) we may find several bad poles that need to be replaced on the same line. When that happens, the Engineering Department will work with the Operations/Construction Department to determine if it makes sense to replace the poles in place, upgrade some of the other poles and upgrade the wire, or move the line to the road for easier maintenance.
In September, we conducted a scheduled or planned power outage to energize a newly-built line in Calhoun County. This line was built to replace an existing line where the load (demand) by members had outgrown the line capacity. As part of this job some of the line was moved closer to the road for easier maintenance.
Another planning and design function is system coordination or protection. This includes all the fuses and breakers on a line that kill power when there is a fault (a tree, animal, etc.) on the line. This is designed so an outage impacts the fewest members possible. If you have ever had a breaker in your house trip and only kill a few plugs or lights rather than your whole house, you have seen coordination. If a tree falls on a line, we only want that to impact a few members. If we install the wrong equipment an outage that should impact 50
meters could knock out 1,500. Proper coordination also helps us find the problem much quicker since we know where to look. Our distribution system is not set in stone, it is constantly changing, so coordination that worked 5 years ago may not work properly today.
Another important part of the engineering function is the Graphical Information System (GIS) or mapping. We have our system mapped and that allows the Engineering Analysis Software to determine what upgrades need to be made to handle system growth. The map is also used by the Stakers to design jobs using staking software that integrates with the map. When a job is completed, the
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design is pulled into the mapping software and added to it. The map is a very beneficial tool for our Dispatching Group. They use it for the Outage Management System (OMS) – this is what we use to locate and send crews to outages. When you log onto your account using a computer or our mobile app (which I feel everyone should download – it is such a useful tool) you can report outages to the OMS directly, without having to call us. You can also see our online outage map which lets you know if you are the only outage or if the system has been hit by a large event.
There are many other crucial functions performed by the Engineering Department which include Technical Services, Metering, Dispatching and Staking. We will look into these functions in future articles.
Most people don’t ever think about the other departments who work to keep the lights on and rates down for members. Thank you for taking the time to read this article. I hope this series will bring some perspective, respect and appreciation to each department, position, and employee that help make West Florida Electric Cooperative run.
Fluctuating bills and unexpected expenses can make it difficult to stay on top of your finances and managing your household budget can be a challenging task.
That's why our EZ Pay Power program (prepaid power) may be right for you. It's a flexible and convenient payment solution designed to help you simplify your budget and gain greater control over your energy expenses. This program allows you to pay for your electricity in advance, rather than receiving a traditional monthly bill. By prepaying for your energy, you can manage your power costs more effectively, avoid surprises, and take charge of your budget with ease.
Signing up is easy. Apply online or visit an office and tell them you're interested in prepaid electric service. Then, pay a fee of just $105 plus your first power purchase and you'll be on your way!
How does it work?
1. Set your budget. Start by choosing a prepaid amount that fits your financial plan. You can make payments as often as you like - daily, weekly, or monthly - based on what works best for you.
2. Monitor your energy use. You can track your energy use with the co-op's mobile app and easy-to-use online portal. You can also sign up to receive text alerts and reminders. Many prepaid members have noticed a reduction in the amount of power they're usingmostly because they've become more conscious about when and how they're actually using electricity.
3. Stay in control. With prepaid power, you'll receive alerts when your balance is running low, allowing you to top up as needed and avoid interruptions in service. Plus, you won't get any surprises!
wHy PrePaid?
• Flexible
Prepaying for electricity means you can align your energy payments with your income schedule, making it easier to manage your budget and avoid financial strain.
• Budget friendly
Eliminate the anxiety of unexpected costs. With prepaid power, you know exactly how much you've spent and how much is left.
• Easy to monitor
Gain real-time insight into your energy use and balance, helping you make informed decisions.
• Convenient & always available Electricity can be purchased 24/7/365 online, using the mobile app or member portal, over the phone by calling 855-699-3322, or in person at any office. There are no service charges when making purchases using the co-op's mobile app or calling 855-699-3322.
West Florida Electric Cooperative is committed to providing solutions that make managing your energy easier and more convenient. The EZ Pay Power program is just one way our members can achieve greater financial peace of mind.
by Molly Christian, NRECA
Misleading claims of no electric bill. False promises of free solar panels or tax rebates.
Posing as an electric co-op rep or partner.
These are some deceptive practices that co-ops and the federal government are warning consumers about because of a growing number of residential solar scams. The Treasury Dept. recently issued an advisory about these practices as rooftop solar installations surge. The complaints involve "a small number of unscrupulous solar companies" that consumers say deceived them on the costs and savings of the systems and relied on aggressive sales and marketing tactics.
Co-ops are also sounding the alarm, saying the incidents have climbed in recent years with devastating consequences for some members.
Deceptive sales practices involving rooftop solar systems are against the law, the Treasury Dept. warned in a recent customer advisory. Make sure to contact WFECA before you sign a solar contract. (Photo by: 19tencottages.com)
"Solar is great if sized appropriately and the member has made an educated decision with accurate calculations," said Sheena Lankford, vice president of member engagement and communications at Southside Electric Cooperative in Crewe, Virginia.
But some companies are not honestly or accurately presenting the benefits and costs to individual households, stranding them with uneconomic or unproductive panels, according to Lankford. "Several of our members have been deceptively sold solar and have had solar installed on roofs that need replacement, under trees, and in homes that are financially struggling," she said. "Many of the solar companies have gone under, and our members have no one to service their panels when needed."
Many members who fall victim to such schemes are unable to get out of their contracts, said Brittany Davis, communications supervisor at Tri-County Electric Cooperative based in Hooker, Oklahoma.
"It's incredibly upsetting for members to realize they will continue reeiving an electric bill," Davis said. "Initially, they are often frustrated with the cooperative, but once they understand they've been scammed, it's heartbreaking for our member service representatives to hear their stories."
How to spot & report scams: The advisory listed several ways to avoid scams urging consumers to gather and compare several quotes or bids if they are interested in adding solar. They should also check a contractor's history with state agencies and licensing boards; make sure the advertised cost savings are guaranteed; and consult a lawyer to help understand contract terms and lengths.
If a business doesn't make good on its promises or cheats consumers out of money, Treasury encouraged affected homes to report fraud to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.FTC.gov. The advisory also included links to find nonprofit legal services for challenging fraud, abuse and deception.
It was one of several new actions announced by Treasury, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission to address unfair and deceptive consumer practices in the residential solar power sector. The agencies also announced a new partnership with the Department of Energy and Department of Housing and Urban Development to help prevent predatory practices.
Co-ops are encouraging their members to use them as resources to decide on residential solar projects and what questions to ask rooftop solar providers.
Communication between members and their local co-op is key, said Tolu Omotoso, director of energy solutions at NRECA. "A lot of co-ops have energy advisors or member service professionals who are knowledgeable about these assets, this technology and also the companies. So, they will be able to tell you which company has maybe not been too good to our members."
You can use the co-op's Solar Calculator (westflorida.coop) to compare costs and see if solar is right for you.
Massive machinery is indispensable to farming, but the same impressive size, height, and extensions make them particularly vulnerable to contacting power lines. That's why staying alert, focused, and knowledgeable about potential hazards and safety procedures is crucial.
During a busy harvest season, the familiar sights around the farm can easily fade into the background, and farm workers can overlook the power lines overhead. However, failing to notice them can lead to deadly accidents.
360 Awareness: Awareness of your surroundings, around, above and below, and planning safe equipment routes can significantly reduce the risk of accidents. Even with GPS and auto-steering, it's imperative that farm workers keep a close eye on the equipment's location and are ready to take action.
Grain bins can pose a danger as well. The National Electrical Safety Code requires power lines to be at least 18 feet above the highest point on any grain bin with which portable augers or other portable filling equipment are used. If you plan to install new grain bins or you're concerned about the proximity of power lines to existing grain bins, contact West Florida Electric.
Smart Harvest Safety Tips:
To ensure a safer harvest season, SafeElectricity.org recommends the following tips to avoid electrical accidents on the farm:
• Exercise caution near power lines. Be careful when raising augers or the bed of grain trucks around power lines.
• Use spotters when operating large machinery near power lines. Ensure the spotters do not touch the machinery while it is moving near power lines.
• Lower equipment extensions, portable augers or elevators before moving or transporting equipment. Do not raise equipment, such as ladders, poles or rods into power lines. Remember non-metallic materials like lumber, tree limbs, ropes and hay can conduct electricity, especially when damp, dusty or dirty.
• Never attempt to raise or move power lines to clear
a path. Doing so could result in electric shock or death.
• Avoid using metal poles inside bins. Don't use metal poles to break up bridged grain inside or around bins.
• Hire qualified electricians. Ensure that qualified electricians handle work on drying equipment and other farm electrical systems.
While rare, the only reason to exit equipment that has come into contact with overhead lines is if the equipment is on fire. However, if it happens, jump off the equipment with your feet together and without touching the machinery and the ground at the same time. Then, still keeping your feet together, hop to safety as you leave the area.
Electrical safety during harvest season requires vigilance and proactive measures. Follow these tips to reduce the risk of electrical accidents.
1.
Maintain at least a 10' distance from power lines when operating equipment like grain augers, elevators and other tall machinery.
2.
Use a spotter to navigate safely around power lines and other electrical equipment.
3. Ensure all farm workers are trained on electrical safety procedures.
4. Regularly inspect all electrical equipment and machinery for signs of wear and damage.
5. Keep first aid kits and emergency contact numbers in an easily accessible location.
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11 6:54-8:54 7:18-9:18 1:21-2:51 1:45-3:15 SAT. 12 7:42-9:42 8:06-10:06 2:09-3:39 2:33-4:03
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Homebuyer Education Class • October 22 & 29; 9 AM-12 PM
Jackson Co. Ag Complex, 2741 Penn Ave., Marianna
Understand home buying, analyze personal financial and credit situations & learn basic home care/maintenance to help maintain the value of your home/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 850-674-8323.
Multi-County Private Well & Water Quality Workshop • October 23; 9 AM - 11:30 AM
Jackson Co. Ag Complex, 2741 Penn Ave., Marianna
Learn about what you can do to help protect groundwater quality, how private wells & septic tanks work, maintenance, and protecting drinking water quality. Registration is $5/ person. Facilitated water testing available - testing rates vary depending on tests requested. Pre-registration is required. Virtual options available. For pricing, more info, and to register, https://JacksonCountyFCS.Eventbrite.com or call 850-482-9620.
Garden to Table Fruit Workshop • October 30; 6-8 PM
Jackson Co. Ag Complex, 2741 Penn Ave., Marianna
Learn about blueberries, citrus, pears, and more. Cost is $15/person & you'll take home a potted fruit, materials & get to taste foods. Pre-registration is required. Call 850-482-9620.
Water Bath Canning Class • November 2; 9 AM - 12 PM
Jackson Co. Ag Complex, 2741 Penn Ave., Marianna
Understand the science of canning - how it works, food safety, canning methods & more. Cost is $20/person & you'll take home a jar of fruit prepared in class. Pre-registration is required. Call 850-482-9620 or visit https://JacksonCountyFCS.Eventbrite.com to register.
*UF is an Equal Opportunity Institution. Require assistance? Call 800-955-8771.*
Right-of-Way Crews will be cutting & trimming in the following area(s) during
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.
West Florida Electric Cooperative Assoc. (WFECA) District 8 Trustee. Misty
Erickson, has completed the first part of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) three-part Director Education Program, the Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD). This program consists of five courses that focus on basic governance knowledge and the essential skills required of cooperative directors. The CCD prepares directors to fulfill their fiduciary duty as elected officials serving on behalf of their co-op membership. Upon completion of all five CCD courses, directors are awarded the Credentialed Cooperative Director Certificate by NRECA. Erickson (right) was recently presented with her CCD by WFECA EVP & CEO, Shawn Walling (left).
Two Mountain Feist puppies, pups make excellent squirrel dogs or fine pets; 850-260-1289 for info.
Grain-fed Angus beef, no hormones, will be ready April 2025, $5.20 dressed weight, cut & wrapped; 850-326-2754.
Black Australorp chicks, female, $5; male, $4.50; unsexed, $3.50; eggs, $3/ dozen; 850-481-2023.
DR field brush mower, PROXL30, bought Jan. 24, new condition, 20 hp, $3,000; 334-797-7248.
2017 Massey Ferguson tractor, MF5612, 4-wheel drive, cab heated & AC, low hours - 32.4, mint condition, $49,000; 850-510-8219.
Bahia grass hay, fertilized 4x5 rolls, barn stored; 850-573-5145.
Queen & full wood bedroom furniture sets, head/foot board/rails, mattress, dresser, mirror; 850-725-8322, text.
New Lee Brass Pro 4000, powder complete, primers w/extras, 9 mm, 45, 223, dies, bullets, dies; $650; 850-352-4018.
Two poster twin bed, with hybrid mattress, 4 years old, clean, kept protected w/cover, $250; electric fireplace/heater, $200; futon, queensize, heavy-duty frame, $200 OBO; 350-768-4835.
Homemade/handmade quilts, lap. baby, twin, full or queen; 2 used bathtubs, to be used for water or feed troughs, great price; 850-547-3649.
Patient lift slings; Seating Matters hospital day chair; nice antique furniture; 850-510-3227.
16 acres of land, in the Graceville area, portions farmable; 727-403-4463.
20 acres of land, in northern Holmes County; 850-557-2981.
150-500 acres pasture land, in Holmes or Washington County; 850-234-7070.
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.
Penny through dollar coins, loose, in jars, collections or estates, trade or sell; 850-326-3437.
Enclosed trailer, will pay cash for one or possible trade; 850-332-8876, Joseph.
License plates from any state, mainly Florida, prior to 1980; old motorcycles or parts, prior to 1960; 850-557-7030, Greg.
Someone to remodel doublewide, experience needed, references required; 850-573-2579, Tammy.
Pasture land to rent, for cattle, small or large parcels; 850-703-5450.
Will trade Yamaha 6 string acoustic guitar, with strings, tuner and batt, string tightener for Crevecoeur chickens; 850-956-2221.
Free kittens, to good homes, two black & white ones, one gray, three tabbies; 850-638-8166.
CLF Free Ad Form Please Type or Print Neatly.
or Installed 850-638-4860 • Cellular 415-0385
Levon Carnley
Specialized in:
Decorative
Patios
Porches
Portable Corrals & Chute
Cattle Hauling
Practical Cattle Vet Work
Cattle Penned & Caught
5 Year Workmanship Warranty Licensed & Insured #CCC1330359
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.
