On The Wire @ WCEC

EXPECT AN IMPORTANT TEXT

FROM US ON MARCH 3!

We’ve updated our outage texting system. Now, there is just one number to TEXT or CALL in an outage. New technology has allowed us to “text enable” our existing high volume outage hotline, 866-415-2951. Having one number to report outages, instead of one to text and one to call, streamlines the process for all.

If you are already enrolled and have been texting outages to 85700, that number no longer works. Please use 866-415-2951.

This change improves our communications. We can now send relevant emergency, outage, and storm alerts to members whose mobile numbers we have on file.

Moving to this platform allowed us to auto-enroll all members in this service. Previously, a member was required to self-enroll. This removes the work for you.

We will never use this system to sell or promote. It will only be used to relay information on service related issues such as outage information, outage restoration efforts and emergency info.

When you receive the text, if you want to opt out, simply reply with “quit” to 866-415-2951. Once opted out, you will not receive WCEC outage or emergency related information. The only way your mobile number can be opted back in is for you to text “opt in” from the mobile phone to the number.

IMPORTANT! IMPORTANT!

If you don’t get a text from us on March 3, your mobile phone number is not in our database. For any of our calling or texting outage reporting systems to work for you, your mobile number must be in our customer database, and associated with your account. If your number has changed, and you’ve not updated it with us, please give us a call to change it. Or simply log in to your online account to add numbers or make changes. It’s better to do it now, than to need it and not have it work for you!

To Learn how to Text an outage, visit the Outage Reporting Page

$15 K in College/Vo-Tech Scholarships

Scholarship applications are now being accepted from area students. For 2021, WCEC is offering 13 $1,000 college scholarships and two $1,000 Vo-Tech scholarships. To be eligible, applicants must be dependents of active WCEC members and live in the service territory. The deadline to apply is April 6, 2021.

The program is funded entirely by unclaimed capital credit payments returned to WCEC by the state and does not come from WCEC's operating budget.

Applications and eligibility requirements are available online at wcec.org, under the Programs & Sponsorships tab.

Spring Cleaning Tips for Energy Efficiency

Spring cleaning time has arrived! It might be hard to get motivated to clean, but cleaning for the sake of saving energy and money might get you moving. By adding a few extra chores to your cleaning list, you not only will enjoy an orderly household, you’ll also save energy and money. Keep these tips in mind.

Dust your lamps and lightbulbs. Also replace incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LEDs.
Clean the air filter. If it’s over a month old, replace it. Replacing air filters allows your heating, ventilating and air conditioning system to run more efficiently.
Clean the air return vents and make sure drapes and furniture aren’t blocking the flow of air.
Dust your blinds. House too cool for comfort? Leave blinds open to let the sun’s rays heat your home. Home too warm? Keep them closed to block the sunlight, keeping your home insulated.
Dust your electronics, and if they’re not in use, unplug them.
Vacuum your refrigerator’s coils. The dust buildup can cause the fridge to run less efficiently.
Scrub your tub, and then install a low-flow shower head.

Safety Tip of the Month

We love our trees, but when branches are too close to power lines, they can cause power outages, fire hazards and other safety concerns.

Here are some rules to follow:

If a tree or a large branch is touching or falls onto an electric line, call your electric cooperative immediately.
Never trim trees that grow close to power lines; that is a job for professionals.
Use extreme caution when doing any overhead trimming. Branches often fall in unexpected places.
Don’t allow children to climb trees or build tree houses close to power lines.
Plant appropriate distances from all power lines.
When planting a tree, consider how tall the tree will grow. At maturity, trees should be at least 10 feet away from power lines.

If you have a tree that is encroaching on a power line, that you suspect may damage equipment in the future, give us a call at (903) 763-2203, or submit an online tree trimming request. Importantly, please note, our crews will only trim trees that jeopardize our lines and that are encroaching on our electrical system right-of-way.

Upon receiving a report from a member, we will visit the location within several days to analyze the issue. Situations that we deem critical will be prioritized. For others, because of the backlog, it may be up to a month before a trimming crew can be assigned because we currently we have a backlog on tree trimming requests.

Energy Efficiency Tip of the Month

Don’t keep your refrigerator too cold. The Department of Energy recommends a temperature setting of 35 to 38 degrees for the fresh food compartment and zero degrees for the freezer. Also, make sure the refrigerator doors are sealed airtight to maximize efficiency.