Current Light Flashes

by Shawn Walling, WFECA Executive VP & 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 life-threatening 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.