January 2024

WCEC.ORG is Getting an Update

We're happy to announce that our website, wcec.org, is undergoing a redesign, and we can't wait for you to see the results. The remodel has been crafted with you in mind, and the anticipated launch is expected later this month.  

By streamlining the design and enhancing readability with a high contrast color palette, we've created a user-friendly platform that makes it simpler for you to access the information you need.

Effortless Navigation with Intuitive Icons

Whether you're a new visitor or a seasoned member, large intuitive icons provide for speedy maneuvering and quick browsing experience.

Customizable Font Size and Quick Print Option

Explore secondary pages with widgets that allow you to increase or decrease font size based on your comfort level. For a printer-friendly experience, we’ve added a quick print button that selectively prints the data you need while conserving ink by removing unnecessary images.

Fixed Headers for Easy Navigation

As you scroll down, our main headers remain visible. This feature reduces the need for you to scroll back up to the top of the page to access the navigation menu, which will be especially helpful on longer pages.

Enhanced Accessibility for All

We are committed to inclusivity, so we are always focused on accessibility of our content to all. Our website is designed to meet the needs of all users, including those who rely on screen readers, Braille, or TTY devices.

Enhanced Energy Saving Center and Solar Section

As a non-profit, our motivation is not to gain profits, but to help our members save on their bills and to assist them in achieving their own goals. As part of that, we’ve built in a solar calculator, and educational materials.

Time-Tested Features You Love

While we've given our website a fresh look, we've retained the features that our members love. You'll still find the 24/7 outage map and efficient tools to complete tasks quickly.

We hope you enjoy exploring our new website. Whether you're a new visitor or a long-time member, we've tailored this experience just for you. Thank you for being a part of our local community.

One Lucky Student Will Win a Trip of a Lifetime

Do you know an outstanding high school student living within WCEC’s service territory? Would they benefit from a fun and educational all-expenses paid, action packed trip to Washington, D.C. from June 16-13, 2024? If so, encourage them to apply.

This trip, called the Government-in-Action Youth Tour, is organized by Texas Electric Cooperatives and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

The winning delegate will join 150 other teens from across rural Texas in Austin, and then fly to Washington for a fun-filled week of adventure and inspiration. They will meet congressional leaders, visit national monuments and historic sites, tour Smithsonian Institution museums, go on a boat cruise on the Potomac River, and rally with other students from across the country.

To apply for this trip of a lifetime, eligible applicants must:

• Be a high school student.
• Be a dependent of a WCEC member with permanent resident status in the co-op’s service area.
• Submit a brief essay of approximately 500 words interpreting one of the Seven Cooperative Principles (defined at wcec.org) The essay should demonstrate why electric cooperatives are unique and a critical part of the communities they serve.
• Submit the official application form available at wcec.org.

Applications can be submitted via email to [email protected], mailed or delivered in person to the cooperative’s headquarters at 501 S. Main St., Quitman, TX 75783. The application deadline is February 1. For more information about Youth Tour, visit texasyouthtour.com.

Stay Alert for Scams

In today’s tech-driven world, scams seem to be around every corner. Criminals will try just about anything— from impersonating government officials to posing as utility workers—to exploit unsuspecting victims.

The latest wave of utility scams involves individuals calling on the phone and posing as employees of WCEC. The scammer may use threats, like immediate power shut off, to frighten you into offering your credit card or bank account information.

Don’t fall victim to utility scams. Here’s what to know what to do.

These scammers like to call after office hours, or during extreme weather.

Scammers thrive on urgency, hoping to manipulate you into providing banking information or loading funds onto a prepaid card. WCEC will never call and ask you for your personal finance information over the phone.

If a caller demands immediate payment for your electric bill, resist the pressure and hang up! WCEC will never call you demanding payment.

If you have any doubts about the status of your electric bill, contact WCEC directly at 903-763-2203. And never call the scammer back on a number they provide.

While the need for constant suspicion is unfortunate, vigilance is key. Scammers are relentless, creative, and ever-evolving in their tactics. If you are ever in doubt, just give us a call. By working together, we can build a shield against scams and protect you and your financial information from harm.

Briana Sutton Clark, a mixed media abstractionist, offers viewers an experience open to their own interpretation with her watercolor art. Follow her journey from UT Tyler's immersive art program to having works in corporate collections in the January edition of the Texas Co-op Power Magazine.

The Texas Ramp Project is a local non-profit that constructs ramps for individuals facing mobility challenges. They provide free ramps to elderly and disabled clients. The ramps are built exclusively with volunteer labor by individuals, local service clubs and churches.

To learn more about the organization visit: https://texasramps.org/ The non-profit has been a past recipient of an Operation Round Up Grant. Learn more about Operation Round Up.

Safety Tip of the Month

What To Do If You Crash Into a Utility Pole

Accidents happen. Would you know what to do if your car crashed into an electric utility pole? Knowing what to do could be the difference between life and death.

Always consider power lines and other electrical equipment to be live and dangerous.

If you crash into a utility pole and a power line falls on your vehicle—and if there is no fire—your safest option is to stay inside your vehicle until help arrives. Even if you can’t see any wires, your safest bet is to stay in the car because there may be an energized power line on the ground.

The vehicle acts as a path for the electrical current to travel to reach the ground. Electricity may be flowing through the frame of your car and along the ground. You’re safe inside the vehicle, but if you get out, you could be electrocuted. Only leave the car if it’s on fire.

If a power line falls on your vehicle—and there is a fire—you should carefully attempt to leave your vehicle. Open the car door, rotate your body until you are facing out; then put both feet on the running board and hop out, landing with both feet on the ground at the same time. Make sure that no part of your body or clothing touches the ground and the vehicle at the same time. Taking shuffling steps or hopping with both feet together, move at least 40 feet away from the vehicle.

Shuffling or hopping away with both feet together decreases the risk of electrical shock.

Whether you stay in the car or safely move away using these instructions, tell others to stay away from the crash site. They’re in danger, too. If you see someone has hit a utility pole, do not approach the crash site. Shout instructions to the crash victim, and call 911 for help right away.

During winter months, ensure your home is well sealed and properly insulated to reduce the need for excessive heating. Seal air leaks around your home and add insulation where needed to save up to 10% on annual energy bills.

Install weather stripping on exterior doors and apply caulk around windows. Check attic insulation levels and hire a qualified contractor if additional insulation is needed.