FLASHES
Voltage Upgrades in the Westville Area Should Improve Reliability and Service to Members
West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC) members traveling along Highway 181 and Highway 81 in Holmes County may have spotted WFEC line crews working along the roadside. Those crews were completing system improvements and upgrading voltage in the area - a project designed to enhance electric service and reliability for members.
As part of the project, WFEC upgraded the voltage along that section of line from 7,200 volts to 14,400 volts. This voltage increase allows the cooperative to serve the area more efficiently and strengthens the system to better meet current and future electric needs. 115221001
The upgrade required extensive planning and coordination among crews from all WFEC’s districts. During the scheduled outage, linemen worked to perform the voltage cutover by switching transformers from the previous voltage level to the new one. In all, crews physically changed settings
on 276 transformers in the area to complete the conversion.
The project also involved close collaboration between WFEC personnel, and PowerSouth Energy Cooperative. While WFEC and one of our contractors, Southern States, performed the field cutover work, WFEC metering, substation and line personnel worked alongside PowerSouth crews inside the Westville Substation, which is being upgraded to operate at 25 kV.
During the outage, they replaced lightning arresters on each circuit to prepare the substation for the voltage upgrade. They also installed a bypass continued on page 2
breaker and replaced a damaged switch insulator. PowerSouth crews removed the static lines above the substation to allow a crane to be positioned for upcoming work to replace the substation transformer and voltage regulators.
In addition, temporary circuits were
constructed from the low-side bus of a mobile substation. This work will allow the mobile sub to be utilized while voltage upgrades are completed inside the Westville substation as it transitions to its new 25 kV service.
“We appreciate our members’ patience during this outage as we
Managing Your Electric Account Has Never Been Easier
Easily manage your electric account at home, at work, or on the go.
West Florida Electric Cooperative’s (WFEC) mobile app puts power and information right at your fingertips.
The cooperative’s free app for mobile devices is designed to provide fast, secure, and convenient access to your account anytime and anywhere. With just a few taps, you can:
• Manage your profile and account details
• View current bills and account balances
• Make secure payments and view payment history
• Set up alerts and reminders
• View energy use
• Report and view power outages
Have the app send you reminders about when your bill is due, when it is past due, make changes to your account profile and more.
Easily monitor your daily energy use by viewing a graph, which can help you keep a handle on how much energy you are using and when you are using it. This helps you determine if you should modify habits and behavior to reduce your energy use.
Handle all these tasks from your smartphone or tablet, making it easy to stay connected to your account.
The app is 100 percent secure since all critical information is encrypted during every transaction processed through the app, and no personal information is stored on your mobile device. For added convenience, some phones and tablets may offer the option to save login credentials. If you choose this feature, keep in mind that anyone with access to your devices may also be able to access your account.
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To get started, search for West Florida Electric Cooperative in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and begin your download.
work on system improvements to improve their electric service and reliability,” said Tracey Crutchfield, Manager of Operations and Construction in the Graceville Office. “We strive to continuously improve our system from right-of-ways to construction.”
A daily use chart is one of the helpful tools you’ll find in the app.
Save time and manage your account whenever and wherever it is convenient for you.
Simple Ways to Offset Higher Summer Energy Use
When summer temperatures soar in the Florida Panhandle, it’s natural to rely more heavily on air conditioning to stay comfortable. But higher temperatures often lead to higher electric bills. The good news is that a few simple changes to your habits or investing in home upgrades, will help keep monthly electric bills in check.
Start with your thermostat: Cooling accounts for more than half of a typical home’s energy use, making HVAC systems the best place to focus energy-saving efforts. WFEC recommends setting thermostats to 78 degrees or higher (or whatever is most comfortable for your family) when you’re home. A programmable thermostat can help manage temperatures automatically.
Keep cool air inside: Seal gaps around windows and doors with caulk or weather stripping to prevent air leaks. Closing blinds, shades, and curtains during the day also helps block heat from the sun.
Use fans and appliances wisely: Fans make rooms feel cooler, allowing you to raise the thermostat a few degrees. Just remember to turn them off when you leave the room.
Maintain HVAC systems: Clean or replace air filters monthly, keep outdoor units clear of leaves and vegetation, and schedule annual professional tune-ups. Regular maintenance improves efficiency, safety and system lifespan.
Consider an upgrade: If your HVAC system is more than 10 years old, a newer heat pump can use significantly less enegy while providing yearround comfort and lower monthly costs. 41147002
Small changes make a big difference. By adjusting your thermostat, sealing air leaks, maintaining your HVAC system, and using fans effectively, you can stay comfortable and save energy all summer long.
10 WAYS TO SAVE ON YOUR ENERGY BILL
Master Your Thermostat 78o Summer
Run the Program
Use a programmable thermostat to make your savings automatic.
Change
Air Filters Monthly
Add life to your air unit and lower your bill.
Use Drapes and Blinds
Shut to stay cooler. Open for warmth.
Seal Cracks
Up to 1/3 of heated or cooled air escapes this way. Caulk Doors and Windows And use weatherstripping for a tight seal.
Power Outage? Here’s How to Report It
The easiest and most convenient way to report power outages is by using West Florida Electric Cooperative’s (WFEC) outage texting service. Just text OUT to 800-342-7400 and your outage will be sent directly to dispatchers. Texting in outages provides peace of mind that your outage is successfully reported since you’ll receive a confirmation text back from the co-op. This form of reporting outages also reduces congestion on WFEC’s phone lines.
Here’s how to get started:
1. Text WFEC to 800-342-7400.
2. Follow the prompts and instructions in the welcome message.
3. When you next experience an outage, text OUT to 800-342-7400.
4. Text STATUS for updates, HELP for assistance, or STOP to unsubscribe.
5. You’ll receive notification when your outage has been restored.
Please note that your account must have a mobile phone number associated with it to use the outage texting service and that
only one number may be registered per account for outage texting purposes. If your number is not recognized, you will be instructed to report your outage by calling. If you start the outage reporting process but do not answer the follow-up questions, the outage will not be reported. Members with multiple accounts will be asked whether all meters are affected.
Other outage reporting methods remain available to members. Those include calling 844-688-2431, logging into your member portal account online, or using WFEC’s mobile app. 22284003
Remember to updated your phone numbers and contact information before outages occur so you’re ready next time the power goes out.
Cake Mix Cookies
Submitted by: Rita Mansfield
Find this recipe and more: www.westflorida.coop/recipes
Submit your event by email clf@westflorida.coop. Visit the link below to view a list of events.
Notifications 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 at 1:00 PM, unless special circumstances warrant a change. If a change is warranted, it could include changing the time or date of the meetings. It is best to verify the details by calling (800) 342-7400. If you would like to address the Board of Trustees, please consult Board Policy 114 (located on the co-op website).
This Institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.