USPS: 702-990 | ISSN: 1042-7767 | VOL 74, NO 9
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.
Board of Trustees
We all want to know and understand what we're paying each month on our utility bills. I'm breaking it down to help you understand the terms used on West Florida Electric Cooperative's (WFEC) monthly billing statements.
At the top of your bill, it identifies your account number, name on the account, rate, class, phone number, location number, meter number, your service from date to date, number of days during your service period, previous to present meter reading, the multiplier, kilowatt hours used (kWh) and your total charges for the billing period. Charges are based on the kilowatt hours used during the service period, the wholesale power cost adjustment, and additional taxes and fees depending on where the meter is located (county, city, town). The co-op also charges a monthly base rate to provide power/service to each meter.
Sincerely,
Location Number = WFEC's Way of Identifying Meter Locations
Basic measure for the use of electricity
Rate 1 = Single Phase Residential
Class 1 = Residential
Wholesale Power Cost Adjustment: An adjustment made based on the co-op's purchased power costs.
All fees/taxes are collected by WFEC & passed through to the designated gov't entity
*May not see all fees/taxes. Example: FL sales tax is only charged on a residential account for a yard light (& ONLY the yard light)
Base rate: The cost associated with providing power to a members' facility whether it is a home, barn, well pump, etc. This includes the cost of materials such as lines, poles, wires, transformers, meters, etc. as well as labor to build the service and maintain it. WFEC's base rate is $35.
kWh: A standard measurement of electricity that is equal to the power consumption of 1,000 watts for one hour. WFEC's current kWh fee is: .11637¢ This cost is calculated using how many kilowatt hours are used per meter.
Wholesale Power Cost Adj: A correction or modification of a member's monthly electric bill caused by an increase or decrease in the cost of an electric utility's power supply. It absorbs the volatility of generation fuel costs & aims to spread it over the projected kWh sales for the year - helping mitigate the impact. It's calculated monthly and can be 0, + or - based on the actual power purchases and the estimated prices for future generation. This adjustment eliminates the need for a new rate approval each time power costs change.
Franchise fee: A utility franchise fee is part of an agreement between a gov't entity and a utility company that outlines certain requirements for the utility to use the county's public rights-of-way. This entire fee is passed through to whoever it it is collected for. It's listed as a separate line item on your bill.
Designed to make paying your bills quicker and easier than ever before, we encourage you to give West Florida Electric Cooperative's (WFEC) automated phone payment number a try. Whether you're at home or on the go, our system ensures you can manage your payments with just a few simple steps. Here's a quick guide to help you navigate this convenient way to pay.
1. Getting Started
Simply dial our dedicated payment line: 855-MYWFECA (855-699-3322)
This number is available 24/7/365, so you can make payments any time that suits you.
2. Follow the Prompts
Once you've dialed in, you'll be greeted by an automated voice that will be able to link your account info to the phone number you're calling from (if you are calling from the number listed on your WFEC account). It will read your account number to you and confirm this is correct. Then, you will be guided through the menu options. Listen carefully to the options provided, as they will help you navigate the system easily.
• Pay Your Bill: Select this option if you want to make a payment.
• Check Your Balance: Choose this option to hear your current balance.
• Select Your Payment Method: Use this option to select how you'd like to pay.
3. Choose Your Payment Method
The system will prompt you to choose your payment method. You can choose between credit/ debit card, your saved payment profile or your bank account.
4. Confirm Your Payment
After entering your payment info, the system will read back the details of your payment for confirmation. Listen carefully to ensure everything is correct. If you need to make changes, follow the prompts to edit your payment details. Once you confirm, the
system will process your payment and provide a confirmation number.
We hope you will find the automated phone system a valuable tool to help manage and pay your electric bills efficiently. If you have any problems using the automated system, our member services team is here to help. Just give us a call during business hours at 800-342-7400.
southroofing@centurylink.net
by Shawn Walling, Executive VP and CEO
When West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC) members see our linemen in the field working it's easy to associate them with our co-op. Linemen play a crucial part in the day-to-day operations of any electric utility. They have recently (and finally) been recognized as first responders - this can be attributed to linemen often being first on the scene during lifethreatening situations. Like other first responders, linemen work for the public good and put the needs of our communities above their own safety and comfort.
When our members see bucket trucks lined up on the highway heading to restore power after severe storms, they know the cavalry has arrived and help is on its way. Many people see linemen not only as first responders but also heroes. They head directly into storms when others are leaving.
As critical as linemen are at our co-op, every job at the company is vital in day-to-day operations. This was made clear during the early days of the COVID pandemic when only "essential staff" were authorized to report to work. When issuing documents recognizing employees as essential, it became evident that it takes each and every department and employee at the cooperative to keep the lights on.
In the next issues of this newsletter, each department at the cooperative will be in the spotlight and we will highlight the vital role each plays to accomplish WFEC's overall goals of providing safe, reliable, and affordable electricity to our members.
It's important to recognize that the success of WFEC relies on the collective effort of all of its employees. Each department contributes in meaningful, unique, and essential ways, ensuring that operations run smoothly.
As we continue to shine a light on the diverse roles within our cooperative, we hope to provide a deeper understanding and appreciation for the effort it takes to make WFEC a resilient and dependable provider of electricity. Every team member plays a crucial role in achieving our mission, and together, we are committed to meeting the needs of our communities with excellence and dedication.
Our area knows first-hand that severe weather can strike quickly and with little warning. Storm damage can occur anyplace, year-round.
At West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC), we continuously monitor the weather and stay ready to respond at a moment's notice by deploying our people to restore the power you depend upon.
But our efforts to weather the storm begin well before inclement weather arrives. WFEC prepares by:
• Having a plan in place and employees assigned to perform specific tasks before, during, and after the storm hits.
• Stocking supplies, such as transformers and poles, to quickly restore power when it is lost.
• Extending the life of current wires and poles through right-of-way maintenance.
• Improving existing infrastructure with the help of the latest tools and technologies.
When outages occur from storm damage, our first priority is minimizing hazards to our members while repairing damage and restoring power as quickly but safely as possible.
We offer our members several ways to report outages - by text, telephone, through our website or using the mobile app.
During major outages or when there has been a hurricane, tornado or other storm that causes a lot of damage and widespread outages, WFEC uses a particular process to restore power. One that is used industry-wide since it is the most efficient way to restore power to the greatest number of members as quickly but safely as possible.
When the power goes out, we expect it to be restored within a few hours. But when a major storm or natural disaster causes widespread damage, extended outages may result. Our line crews work long, hard hours to restore service safely to the greatest number of members in the shortest time possible. The graphic to the right provides a good explanation about what is going on behind the scenes and the process used to work outages and make repairs.
These lines carry large amounts of electricity. They rarely fail but must be repaired first.
Crews inspect substations, which can serve hundreds or thousands of people.
Main lines serve essential facilities like hospitals and larger communities.
After main line repairs are complete, we repair lines that serve individual homes and businesses.
Keeping the lights on at a cost our members can afford is the focal point of everything we do. Transparency is one of our core values, so in addition to sharing our co-op successes, we have the responsibility to share our challenges too.
In May, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a rule that impacts energy production from power plants. The power plant rule will undoubtedly threaten access to reliable electricity for our local community and communities across the country.
The rule constrains existing coal and new natural gas plants by requiring them to install carbon capture and storage (CCS) - a technology that has potential but has not been proven to be viable as required. No power plant in North America currently uses CCS at the scale and levels mandated by EPA. When power plants aren't able to comply with EPA's CCS requirements, they will be required to shut down, significantly limit operations, or switch fuels. These unrealistic standards will force the unnecessary and early shutdown of many power plants that currently provide reliable electricity 24/7.
Renewable sources, like wind and solar, are important components of our overall generation mix. But given the intermittent nature of these energy sources, we simply cannot depend on them because the wind doesn't always blow and the sun doesn't always shine. The need for always-available power generating resources is still essential.
The timing of the power plant rule is equally troubling. At the same time the EPA is leading our nation down the path to fewer power plants, utilities are facing a surge in electricity demand - driven by the on-shoring of manufacturing, the growth of the American economy and the rapid expansion of data centers to support artificial intelligence, e-commerce and cryptocurrency.
Many states have already experienced rolling outages, and if the supply of electricity is further threatened by the EPA's power plant rule, the problem will only get worse. In fact, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), the nation's electric reliability watchdog, recently
forecasted that over the next five years, all or parts of 19 states are at a high risk of rolling power outages during normal peak electricity demand conditions.
It's also no secret that when demand is high and supply is low, costs go up. We're concerned about threats to reliability as well as cost increases to our members.
We want all of our members to understand the challenges that lie ahead. Just as we've always done, we will look for solutions that serve our members best. We are joining electric co-ops across the country to fight these regulations, and we are working with our elected officials to help them understand the consequences this will have on all Floridians.
Co-ops are no strangers to innovation, and we're taking proactive steps to address today's energy challenges and tomorrow's energy needs. We'll continue to explore new technologies and strategies that bolster reliability and our local grid.
Electric cooperatives deliver power to 42 million Americans nationwide. At the end of the day, our top priority is to meet our member's energy needs, and we must have reliable electricity to do that.
Visit voicesforcooperativepower.com to sign up to learn more about policy impacts to reliable power.
Scan the QR code below to download the mobile app!
8 4:30-6:30 4:54-6:54
11:21-12:51
9 5:18-7:18 5:42-7:42 N/A 12:09-1:39 TUE. 10 6:06-8:06 6:30-8:30 12:33-2:03 12:57-2:27 WED. 11 7:42-9:42 8:06-10:06 2:09-3:39 2:33-4:03 THU. 12 8:30-10:30 8:54-10:54 2:57-4:27 3:21-4:51
13
14
20 2:06-4:06 2:30-4:30 8:33-10:03 8:57-10:27
Homebuyer Education Class
September 7; 9:00-4:00 p.m.; 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. 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 850-638-6265 or 850-482-9620 or visit https:tinyurl.com/FCSCalendarofEvents. UF is an Equal Opportunity Institution. Require assistance? Call 800-955-8771.
Garden to Table: Winter Herbs • September 10; 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Jackson Co. Ag Complex, 2741 Penn Ave., Marianna
Join us for this workshop about herbs. The cost is $15/person and participants will take home a small planter of seasonal winter herbs. They will also taste several ways to use winter herbs while cooking. Pre-registration is required. Call 850-482-9620 or visit the website: http://JacksonCountyFCS.eventbrite.com to register. UF is committed to providing universal access to all events. For disability accommodations, contact Terri Keith, teri2003@ufl.edu or call 850-482-9620 at least 2 weeks prior.
Food Forest Workshop • September 14; 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Jackson Co. Ag Complex, 2741 Penn Ave., Marianna
Join Jackson Co. Master Gardener volunteers for a Food Forest Workshop to learn about the importance of edible landscapes and how to create a food forest experience at home. The cost is $5 and pre-registration is required. Visit www.JcCoHorticulture.eventbrite.com or contact 850-482-9620 to sign up. UF is an Equal Opportunity Institution. Require assistance? Call 800-955-8771.
121st Andrew Elton Williams Reunion • October 5
Galilee UMC, Graceville
Registration at 9. Program begins at 10:30 a.m. For more information, contact Lamar Faircloth at 850-547-2275 or 850-326-3045.
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.
Cream colored male Pomeranian, 12 weeks, old ready for his new home, parents on sight, $1,200; small chihuahua; 850-573-1239.
Two Shih Tzu puppies, tiny, 1 girl, 1 boy, born on the eclipse, pad trained, joyful & affectionate; 850-768-0556, text.
100% ABGA Registered Boer goats, herd dispersal, kids, does, & bucks; 850-849-2426.
U.S. Mint commemorative and United Nation stamp collection, plus extras over $375 face value, will sell for $300 firm; 850-209-1221.
Bunk bed set, 3-years-old, dark wood frame, good shape, $350; 231-327-1863.
GenAir all-steel gas grill, cover and tank included; 850-237-2176.
Two 5’x7’ area rugs, like new, black and beige vine design; 1-8’x8’ off-white Flokati carpet from Greece; 850-326-8226.
6’ yard and landscaping rake, used only a few times, perfect condition, cost $779 new, asking $200; 850-592-4740.
Tyger T1 soft roll up truck bed Tonneau cover, for 2015-2020 Ford F-150, 5.5’ bed; 850-573-5117.
Post hole diggers, $15; 2 T-post, 6’6”, $2.50 each; 850-547-4639.
2023 Cricket electric scooter, 2 seater, 4 wheels, ramps, very stable, $4,900; 850-830-1505.
Guns, TC Contender, 3 barrels, ammo, $750; Remington 20G skeet, $950; Remington Speedmaster Model 55222; others; 850-830-7653.
Branson diesel tractor, model BL95S, 135 hours, front-end bucket, blade, rake, $13,000; 2016 Massimo 500 side by side, 384 miles, very good condition; 334-378-9328.
Three-horse slant trailer; grain wagon; bridle, saddles, tack; coon dog; Alpha 100 tracking system; 850-209-8532 or 850-592-2494.
Square bale annual peanut hay; square bale grass hay; 12x36 walk-in cooler; 850-263-3427.
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.
Australorp chicks, female, $5, male, $4.50, not sexed, $3.50; eggs w/cartons, $3.50, without carton, $3.50; 850-481-2023.
Homemade/handmade quilts, lap, baby, twin, full or queen quilts; two used bathtubs, to be used for water or feed troughs, great price; 850-547-3649.
16 acres of land, in the Graceville area, portions farmable; 727-403-4463.
Vintage 1981 Honda Goldwing GL1100, good condition, low miles, $6,500, with 8x12 trailer, $7,500; 850-547-0448.
1984 K-5 Blazer, new tires, transmission, brakes, military edition, 4 wheel drive, turbo, diesel, runs great, $6,000; 850-956-4325.
CLF Free Ad Form Please Type or Print Neatly. Name Acct. # St. Address/P.O. Box
Phone # For Sale • Wanted • Free • Thank You • Lost (circle one)
4 acres of 35–40-year pines, to cut; 850-547-0448.
Horses; ponies; mules; donkeys; 850-209-8532 or 850-592-2494.
150-500 acres pasture land in Holmes or Washington Co.; 850-234-7070.
Penny through dollar coins, loose, in jars, collections and estates, buy, trade or sell; 850-326-3437.
Someone to haul livestock w/pot, from Florida to Texas & Midwest; 850-451-1065.
License plates from any state, mainly Florida, prior to 1980; old motorcycles or parts prior to 1960; 850-557-7030, Greg.
20+/- pasture land, for rent; 850-693-9152.
3.5-year-old healthy, male neutered cat, free to good home; 850-260-0474.
Three females, 1 male mix breed puppies, free to good home, ready for their new home 8/14; 850-573-1239.
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.
P.O. Box
Graceville, FL 32440-0127
