September 2023

Rhonda Byrd-Lee, WFEC Energy Services, says checking for air leaks is one of the most important things to do when conducting an energy audit. She recommends installing foam gaskets behind light switch covers and outlet covers to help stop air infiltration (as demonstrated here).

Congress Needs to Step Up for Electric Co-ops

American families and businesses expect the lights to stay on at a cost they can afford. But that's no longer a guarantee. Nine states saw rolling blackouts last December as the demand for electricity exceeded available supply.

This is no longer a theoretical conversation. And unless policy makers change course, it's going to get worse.

America has a reliability problem. And with the help of co-op leaders across the nation, West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC) has been a leading voice in sounding the alarm on reliability. Today's energy decisions will determine if there are sufficient resources to keep the lights on tomorrow. First, lawmakers need to acknowledge the problem and identify the challenges. Five issues are currently impacting the reliable delivery of electricity across the nation. They include:

•Increasing demand for electricity as other sectors of the economy are electrified.

•Decreasing electricity supply due to the disorderly retirement and insufficient replacement of existing generation.

•Permitting delays that prevent new electric infrastructure from being built and connected to the grid.

•Supply chain challenges, particularly electric transformer costs and delays.

•Problems with natural gas availability.

None of these challenges will be easy to address, but we can start by asking ourselves this question: Is this what America is supposed to be? Should the threat of rolling blackouts be a permanent facet of U.S. energy policy? The

answer to both of those questions is an obvious and resounding no for electric co-ops and the communities we serve.

The long-term solutions require policy makers and regulators to recognize the need for time, technology development and new transmission infrastructure. These are the essential ingredients for an energy future that prioritizes reliable electricity for all consumers, including 42 million Americans served by electric cooperatives.

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.

Vogtle Unit 3 Begins Commercial Operation

West Florida Electric Cooperative's (WFEC) commitment to powering homes and businesses 24/7/365 requires a diverse energy mix, and the co-op has completed crucial steps toward keeping reliable power flowing in the future.

Georgia Power announced on August 1 the commercial operation of the new Unit 3 of Vogtle Nuclear Power Plant in Georgia. WFEC's wholesale power supplier, PowerSouth, will purchase 125 megawatts of the carbonfree, zero-emission electricity generated by the Unit, which along with the currently-under-construction Unit 4 - becomes the first newly-constructed nuclear asset in the United States in over three decades.

"Vogtle's addition to the reliable energy mix that serves our community will have unparalleled value," said Shawn Walling, WFEC's Executive Vice President and CEO. "It is dependable around the clock, and it will help protect our members from the cost of potential carbon restrictions in the future. Nuclear has the ability to provide large amounts of power with no air pollutants or greenhouse gas emissions."

Unlike traditional fossil-fuel generation, nuclear plants do not burn anything. They use uranium, a naturally occurring element, as fuel. The atoms in the fuel are split to generate heat, which produces steam. The steam pressure turns a turbine connected to a generator that spins to

produce electricity. A half-inch uranium pellet creates as much energy as 149 gallons of oil, 17,000 cubic feet of natural gas and one ton of coal ore.

Vogtle Unit 4 will soon follow. Georgia Power reports the final stages of construction and testing are ongoing, and Unit 4 has received final approval from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to begin fuel load and startup testing.

Once online, Vogtle's two new units will produce enough energy to power half a million homes. Across the U.S., nuclear energy supplies more than half of America's carbonfree electricity.

continued on page 5

Nuclear generation is a steady energy production resource while renewable sources, like wind and solar, are variably limited by the weather. The cost of nuclear electricity is also projected to remain stable over the long-term, making it a predictable resource when fuel prices rise.

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, WFEC will continue to keep expenses as low as possible. We also offer resources to help you manage your use and your bills. Visit westflorida.coop for tips and tools.

Reliable nuclear energy will power our communities for the future. It will provide the next generation of service and affordable electricity for years.

(850)

263-6345

Randy:

415-2222

When many people use electricity at the same time, the demand for that power rises. This is called a “peak” and typically occurs on hot summer afternoons from 3 to 7 p.m. Peaks increase the cost of wholesale power, which can, in turn, cause your electric bill to rise. For easy ways you can help keep rates as affordable

Apples Nuts Peaches Figs Plums Pears Avocados Berry Patches Olives

Always here for

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.

Realizing Energy Savings through Personalized Energy Audits

Let West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC) help you discover ways to reduce utility bills and energy use as temperatures continue to rise. Whether you are tech-savvy or prefer face-to-face interactions, we have an energy audit that will appeal to you.

Energy audits are an indispensable tool in the arsenal of energyconscious practices. You can conduct a self-audit, use our online tools, or request an in-person audit. These assessments offer valuable insights into energy use, identify areas for improvement and empower you to make informed decisions that will benefit you and your bottom line.

The purpose of an energy audit is to identify places in the home where energy is being wasted and to prioritize actions needed to fix them. Audits range from do-it-yourself audits to in-person audits conducted by an energy services professional from West Florida Electric.

A self-conducted audit is a good starting point and the information you gather will be helpful to have if you decide to have an in-person audit. How do you perform your own audit?

• Begin with a simple walk around the outside and inside of your home looking for problems like holes where air can leak in or out and dripping faucets.

• Find and fix air leaks. Focus attention on places where air is leaking into and out of your home. Make a list of places where leaks are occurring as you walk around. Pay special attention to windows and doors. See if you can rattle them (movement means possible air leaks). If you can see daylight around door and window frames – the door or window leaks. Sealing these leaks is easy using weather-stripping or caulk. Consider replacing old doors and windows with newer, higher performance ones. The energy savings potential from reducing air leaks can be as high as 30 percent. Your home is usually more comfortable after air leaks are fixed, too.

• Check insulation levels. See if the level of the attic insulation is at least the minimum recommended. Adding insulation is one of the best energy efficiency improvements you can make – one that can benefit many existing homes.

• Take a look at your heating and cooling equipment. This is the largest energy consumer in your home. Inspect this equipment carefully looking for any obstructions that are near the outdoor compressor unit - this could include

vegetation, fallen leaves or anything obstructing the airflow. Make sure to change indoor filters often as well. To help you remember, a good rule of thumb is to change it when you receive your utility bill. Use an energyefficient temperature setting –

Inspecting heating and cooling equipment carefully is important your home. Look for obstructions near the compressor unit, including services department can also help you properly size your unit if you

WFEC recommends 78 degrees in the summer and 68 degrees in the winter.

• Evaluate your water heater. In most homes, the water heater is the second largest energy user. Check the temperature setting. Keeping it as low as possible will save energy and money – we recommend 120 degrees. You can also easily install a water heater blanket to provide added insulation to the water heater – especially if it is in unconditioned space. Make sure to check manufacturer’s recommendations before adding a water heater blanket.

WFEC also has some useful tools on its website (westflorida.coop) that will help you gain better insights to how and when you are using energy in your home. These customized reports based on information you enter and compiled using your actual billing data can identify the largest energy consumers in your home, illustrating just where your money is going. You can also see a comparison from the previous year’s expenses and temperatures (which directly impact how much energy you use on heating and cooling – the largest expense for most homes). The tool will also provide tips designed to help you use less energy based on your inputs.

Finally, WFEC offers free energy audits conducted by an energy services expert from the co-op. Any member experiencing an unusually high bill or interested in energy conservation may request an audit. A cooperative representative will come to your home to perform a walk-through audit and obtain additional information using a specialized questionnaire. This

information will help the auditor pinpoint problem areas and make suggestions about ways you can reduce your energy bill and energy consumption. These auditors use a variety of techniques (and sometimes) specialized equipment to determine the efficiency of your home. A roomby-room inspection and careful examination of past utility bills are utilized as part of the auditing process. Here are some tips that will help you get the most out of your audit:

1. Make a list of any problems or concerns you want to discuss.

2. Know what type of equipment is in your home: this includes heating & cooling, appliances, etc.

3. Do you have a tankless, gas, or electric water heater?

4. What type of insulation is in your home? What levels of insulation are in your home?

5. What type of windows do you have?

6. What are your typical thermostat settings?

WFEC is here to help if you have questions about efficiency improvements or are experiencing higher than average utility bills (even considering extreme temps). Our energy experts are just a phone call or email away so contact us at 800-342-7400 or send an email to Rhonda Byrd-Lee rbyrdlee@westflorida.coop for more information about energy saving programs and services available to WFEC members.

during an energy audit since it is the largest energy consumer in including vegetation or fallen leaves. Did you know the WFEC energy you are in the market for a new one? Just call us at 800-342-7400.

White Chicken Enchiladas

Ingredients:

10 soft taco shells

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded

2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

3 tablespoons butter

3 tablespoons flour

2 cups chicken broth

1 cup sour cream

4 oz. can diced green chilis

few green onions, chopped

Directions:

Submitted by: Darlene Blue

Preheat oven to 350 degrees & grease a 9x13 baking dish. Mix chicken and half the shredded cheese, roll into the tortillas and place in pan. In a sauce pan, melt the butter, stir in the flour and cook 1 minute. Add chicken broth and whisk until smooth. Heat on medium until thick and bubbly. Stir in sour cream or yogurt and chilis. Do not boil or it will curdle the cream. Pour mixture over enchiladas and top with remaining cheese & green onions. Bake 25 minutes and put under broiler for 3 minutes to brown cheese.

Don't Fall Victim to Utility Scams

Every day, millions of Americans are targeted by scammers through phone calls, emails, texts, online or in person. Scammers' tactics might change daily, which is why it is important for our members to stay on top of the latest scam reports from news outlets as well as us, your local electric cooperative.

It happens often - West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC) members are targeted through a phone scam where someone demands immediate payment for their bill and threatens to shut off the power if money is not received. WFEC will never call you to demand immediate payment without notice.

Many tactics are used to perpetrate scams but there are two that seem to be trending - the overpayment trick and smishing (short for SMS phishing).

The overpayment trick is when someone contacts you and claims you have overpaid your utility bill. They will say they need your personal banking info to deposit the credit back into your account. Don't fall for this! If you overpay your WFEC bill, we will automatically apply the credit to your account, which carries over to your next billing cycle.

SMS phishing is done via text message. Most of us know to be suspicious of emails from third parties but we tend to trust texts. Always question suspicious texts, especially from someone claiming to represent the co-op.

Avoid Utility ScAmS

Scammers will threaten you with everything from shutting off power to your home to legal action. Don't fall victim to these types of scams.

WFEC will only send you updates via text message if you've signed up for our text notifications or outage texting service. These are just some examples of scams, so it is important to watch for any red flags. Our increasingly connected world provides scammers with more and more opportunities to connect with unsuspecting members. Be vigilant, and report any utility scams to the cooperative so we can let others in our communities know. Together, we can help prevent our friends and neighbors from being victimized. If you are contacted by someone claiming to represent WFEC but you're unsure, just hang up and contact the cooperative directly at (800) 342-7400 to verify.

• Our employees will never show up at your door to demand payment.

• Never give personal information to an unknown caller or visitor. Our reps have access to the details they need to service your account.

• Demands for immediate payment by wire transfer, cryptocurrency, gift cards or cash reload cards should immediately raise red flags.

• If you think you've been contacted by a scammer falsely representing the co-op, please let us know as soon as possible.

AFFORDABLE SEAMLESS GUTTERS

20-Years Limited Warranty

21 Colors to Choose From Gary McIntosh (850) 593-0009 Tri-County

Community Calendar

Archeologists at the Scarecrow Building Contest

September 23 • 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Chipley Farmer's Market, 685 7th Street, Chipley

Bring artifacts to have them identified or check out finds from this year's dig. Enter a scarecrow in the contest. Entry forms/rules available on the Washington Co. Historical Society Facebook page or by calling 850-260-4049. $10 entry fee. Set up 8-9 a.m. day of contest. Check out food vendors, crafts and history. Call 850-638-0358 or email wchistorical@gmail.com for more info.

Homebuyer Education Class

September 23 • 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Washington County Extension Office, 1424 Jackson Ave., Chipley

Understand home buying, analyze personal financial and credit situations & learn basic home care/maintenance to help maintain the value of your home/save money. Completion satisfies the homeownership education requirement for SHIP & USDA Rural Development. Pre-registration is required. For more info 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 be given the request.

Graceville Harvest Festival Pageant

September 23 • 6:00 p.m.

Graceville Civic Center, Graceville

Entry fee is $70 w/additional $10 to participate in the photogenic contest. Apps available online, at Bush Paint & Supply, and Graceville City Hall. Apps due 9/8. Call Teresa Bush at 850-415-0692 or City of Graceville at 850-263-3250 for info.

Multi-County Private Well & Water Quality Workshop

September 26 • 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Washington County Ag Center, 1424 Jackson Ave., Chipley

Ensure drinking water is safe and learn what to do to protect groundwater quality. Topics include: how private wells and septic systems work, maintenance, and how to protect water quality. Presented by UF/IFAS Ext. Bay, Holmes, Jackson and Washington Counties. Registration is $5. Facilitated water testing is available with varying rates depending on the test. Visit JacksonCountyFCS.Eventbrite.com/ or call 850-482-9620 for more info. Pre-registration is required. Virtual options available. 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 be given the request.

120th Annual Andrew Elton Williams Family Reunion

October 7 • Registration @ 9 AM & Program @ 10 AM

Galilee United Methodist Church, Galilee Road, Graceville

For more information, contact Lamar Faircloth at 850-547-2275 or 850-326-3045.

Holmes Co. Council on Aging Golden Dayz Fall Festival

November 4 • 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

2490 Development Circle, Bonifay

Vendors welcome, kid's activities, arts & crafts, live music, food trucks and more. Call Kim Drummond at 850-547-2345 for more information.

CLASSIFIEDS FOR SALE

Animals/Livestock

Guinea pigs, hairless and American smooth coat, all ages; 334-369-9191, please text.

Antiques/Collectibles

25 old paintings, art collection; 120 pieces old American Oriental pottery; porcelain; ceramics, some could be very valuable; 850-674-6242.

Home/Farm

Antique Long 445 tractor, w/ bush hog and blade, $5,000; 251-979-5971.

Kamatsu WA250-1 3-yard loader, w/bucket and brush rake, older machine, open station, $17.500; 307-460-0807.

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

Troy Bilt front tine tiller, 208cc engine, good running condition, used approximately 10-12 hours; $200; 850-272-2208.

2022 CK3510SEHST cab w/ KL4040QA66 loader/bucket, 60" Titan grapple, factory installed 3rd function, 5' rotary cutter, box blade, landscape rake & rotary tiller, quick attach pallet forks & 50-gallon fuel tank w/pump; 850-394-7164, leave message or email jwwatson1953@outlook.com.

Bahia grass hay, 5x4 rolls; 850-573-5145 or 850-579-2732.

3-horse slant trailer; barrel, roping, pleasure saddles; tack; grain wagon; T-post; new rolls of barb wire; 850-592-2494 or 850-209-8532.

Coastal hay, 5x5 rolls, fertilized, excellent quality, barn stored; 850-592-4798.

9’ Ag-Bag silage bagger, hydraulic drive; 16’ real unload silage trailer; 12’ dump silage trailer, $5,000; 850-703-2476.

Miscellaneous

New and used VW parts; 850-209-1554.

Bulgarian SLR-95 AK variant, all milled, East German rain camo mag pouch w/four thirty round mags, $1,000; 850-573-8080.

Beekeeping supplies; 850-849-3033.

Multiple Listings

Iron bed, full size, $120; solid wood medium oak bench, 12”Wx46”Lx33”H, $45; 20 lb. weighted king blanket, $5; thermal curtains, maroon, 4 panels, each 30”Wx104”L, rod included, $30, pics available by text; 423-429-3624.

13” color TV, new, never used, $80; new activated Straight Talk cell phones, $50 each; 850-547-2238.

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.

Multiple Listings (cont.)

Real Estate

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

Women’s Birkenstock sandals, hardly used, $90; Clarity Amplified phone w/ digital answering machine, $50; 850-592-2628.

135 MF diesel, (48) 8N tractor, running, $3,800; 35 MF diesel, $3,500; 2004 Chevrolet GMC 150, $4,500; 2004 Chevrolet GMC 2500, new tires, $6,500, w/trailer $7,500, all running; 850-633-7672.

Millennium M-25 lock on tree stand, $60; 20’ of River Bottom stick climbing steps, $30, used one season; 850-768-9291, between 7 a.m.-5 p.m.

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.

Tiny house, will sell with or without land; 850-693-3756 or 334-661-5419.

16 acres of land, Butler Road, Grand Ridge, great for hunting; 850-693-3756 or 334-661-5419.

Recreational Vehicles

Blue 2022 Rider 10 ATV, like new, $1,200 OBO; 850-209-0613.

WANTED

Someone to do upholstery work on a pontoon boat, and someone who can remove/apply decals to a pontoon boat; 850-579-4208.

Horses, ponies, mules, and donkeys; 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.

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

Stationary exercise bike, good condition, reasonable price; 850-718-6394, leave message.

FREE

Tall pine trees, you cut and haul, Sneads area; 850-593-5560.

German shepherd mix puppies, free to good homes, ready for new homes on August 25; 850-573-1239.

THANK YOU

Thank you for the food, the calls, the visits, the flowers and attending the service. Thank you, Sister Debbie Williams, Bro. Timothy Jenkins, Sister Julie Cook, the Grace and Glory praise team and Peel Funeral Home. We love and appreciate you all. The Lafayette Shelley Family