FLASHES
WFEC Celebrates Safety Milestone
West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC) employees recently achieved a safety milestone that is something to celebratetwo years without a lost-time accident.
“Our industry requires a wide range of skills and professionals to operate safely and efficiently. When we think of maintaining a strong safety record, the first thing that comes to mind is the danger of working on or near energized power lines. This isn’t just a 40-hour-aweek job, it often demands long hours and overtime to keep the lights on,” said Donnie Worley, Director, Safety and Loss Control.
Everything at WFEC centers around the safety of its employees and members. No matter the role a person has at the co-op, they play a role in safety. For instance, the radio dispatchers are instrumental in helping keep linemen safe. They ensure switching and tagging procedures are done and they keep accurate records. Dispatchers also organize and orchestrate power restoration efforts behind the scenes, making sure they know everyone’s location and where they are working. This helps ensure linemen stay safe by preventing overlapping job assignments and reducing the risk of accidental contact with energized lines or equipment.
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WFEC Celebrates Safety Milestone (continued)
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Preparation Helps WFEC and Members Weather Storms
Page 4: Report and Track Power Outages with a Tap
Safety personnel, Terrell Culbreth (front left) and Donnie Worley (front right) recently conducted safety training for local first responders. This is just one of the ways WFEC educates its members about the importance of electrical safety.
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. WFEC Right-of-Way Crews will be cutting & trimming in the following area(s) during
Many other employees help achieve the co-op’s goal of keeping everyone safe. There are mechanics, warehouse workers, substation meter technicians, the employees of the engineering department, and other office personnel who support the co-op’s mission.
Did you know that slips, trips, and falls are the leading causes of workers’ compensation claims? These often happen to office workers. When any type of accident occurs, workers’ comp premiums can increase and the expense modifier goes up. This modifier is based on the number of accidents and the cost it takes to get an employee as close to full Major Medical Improvement as possible and back to work. When there are no accidents, the costs go down. This is a win for everyone, including our members.
“In addition to safety training for employees, West Florida Electric Cooperative is continuously raising awareness about electrical safety in the communities it serves by performing demonstrations at local schools, for emergency response teams and at community events,” said Worley. “There, we show members just how easy it is for an accident to occur when working with electricity and how to prevent these dangerous and sometimes deadly mishaps.”
Get the Most Out of Your Heat Pump
When the temperature climbs, so can your electric bill. With a few smart habits and upgrades, you can stay cool and keep more money in your pocket.
1. Use your thermostat wisely: Set your thermostat to 78 degrees or the highest comfortable setting during hotter months. Raising the temperature by 7-10 degrees for 8 hours a day can lower your annual cooling costs by up to 10%. Use fans to help circulate cool air and avoid cranking your thermostat down too low.
2. Keep your system running smoothly: Change air filters monthly during peak use. This can help improve your home’s air quality. Clearing obstructions away like leaves and debris from around your outdoor units to ensure good air flow is also important. Good air flow keeps your system running efficiently and avoids overworking it.
3. Schedule regular tune-ups: A yearly HVAC checkup helps prevent costly breakdowns and keeps your system performing efficiently. You should also have your duct work inspected every year. Leaky ducts can reduce efficiency by as much as 20%.
The co-op’s publications, social media, and website are great resources for the public and our members to learn more about electrical safety.
“Our goal is to have no accidents. We strive every day to minimize these dangers by investing time and attention to safety measures and careful work practices,” said Worley.
Take advantage of “shoulder months,” which refer to transitional periods between peak heating & cooling seasons. During the fall, these milder weeks typically occur between Sept. and Nov. Shoulder months offer great opportunities to reduce energy consumption. Look for simple ways to boost indoor comfort without running heating or cooling systems. Use ceiling fans and open windows on breezy days to ventilate your home. On cooler days, add a layer of clothing.
4. Install a programmable thermostat: Programmable or smart thermostats automatically adjust temperatures when you’re asleep, at work or on a vacation. Set it and forget it for effortless efficiency. You will be able to override preset programming, if needed, but remember you will use more energy and pay more if you consistently override the preprogrammed settings. If your programmable thermostat uses batteries, don’t forget to change them each year.
5. Consider an upgrade: If your system is over 10 years old or needs frequent repairs, replacing it with a high-efficiency heat pump can cut energy use by up to 50%. Heat pumps move heat rather than generate it, which makes them far more efficient. Plus, they help dehumidify your home - a big bonus during muggy months.
With a few smart habits, you can boost efficiency and get the most out of your energy dollars (and your HVAC unit). Small changes can equal savings.
