October 2023

We are looking forward to seeing you at the co-op’s annual meeting on October 6th. Come early for the concert featuring Low D (LaDarius Daniels) and his Jam Band beginning at 12:30 p.m. They’ll play a mix of Jazz, Soul, Funk, Rhythm and Blues, Reggae, and Rock.

The business meeting will begin at 2:00 p.m. Members will be provided an update on cooperative activities. After the meeting, there will be a raffle for members, with prizes supplied by our generous vendors. One lucky member will win a $500 VISA card, and 10 members will receive $100 in electricity credit.

If you are unable to attend the meeting, you can view the co-op’s financial standings online. At 4:00 p.m. on October 7th, we'll post the financial report on wcec.org. Also, be sure to check out our Facebook page,to see photos from the meeting.

Transforming Lives Through the Power of Community

Small change, when combined with the power of community, can create significant transformations in the lives of others. Operation Round Up has proven just that, thanks to your generous contributions.

Over the span of just six years, the Wood County Electric Charitable Foundation, through your donations Operation Round Up, has made a substantial impact by granting over $727,000 to 91 local charitable organizations. Your pocket change has fueled this remarkable initiative, enabling positive change within our communities.

Your impressive generosity represents well over half a million dollars making a tangible difference in our communities.

In our most recent round of grant distributions, the board of directors at WCECF awarded a total of $65,573 to 7 deserving non-profit organizations. These organizations, their respective grant amounts, and the projects they will undertake are as follows:

The Texas Ramp Project - Awarded $5,000 to support their mission of establishing and bolstering regional wheelchair ramp-building programs across Texas. Their work provides free ramps to elderly and disabled clients in need, constructed entirely through the efforts of volunteer labor from individuals, local service clubs, and churches. The grant will support ramps in communities served by WCEC.

Alba Volunteer Fire Department - Received $17,500 to acquire much-needed radio equipment to enhance the safety and communication among the firefighters.

Help A Child Benefit - Granted $10,000 to assist local foster children through scholarships and to provide aid to both the Scottish Rite Hospital and The NE Texas Advocacy Center.

Winnsboro ISD Education Foundation - Awarded $8,400 to support teacher grants, STEM action kits, and the installation of a book vending machine.

Lake Fork Stables - Received $5,000 to facilitate the construction of restrooms and install a septic system in the barn. Their programs include a riding school, therapeutic riding lessons, and a horse-powered reading program that tailors reading and comprehension activities to the needs and age of each student.

Fouke Community Center - Awarded $4,673 to assist with the installation of a new HVAC system, building repairs, and the purchase of new playground equipment.

Wood County Healthcare Foundation - Granted $15,000 to support phase II of the development of the Memory Health Life Center, benefiting those affected by Alzheimer’s and Dementia, as well as their caregivers.

Your pocket change, when combined with the collective efforts of Operation Round Up, has made a monumental difference in our local communities. These grants are a testament to the positive impact that can be achieved when we come together with a shared commitment to improving lives.

Operation Round Up - WCEC members that participate in ORU, allow their monthly bill to be rounded up to the next dollar, with the money going to local charitable community endeavors. The average cooperative member donates about $6.00 annually. As money is collected through ORU, it is sent to a separate non-profit, the WCECF.

Wood County Electric Charitable Foundation - WCECF has a 7-member board of directors, one from each of WCEC’s Districts. This ensures that donations and grant decisions are in the best interest of the communities WCEC serves and that all 7 districts are considered. WCECF board members are: Marti Busbee, Yantis Region; Jeannette Giles, Winnsboro Region; Emile Pugh Clifford, Grand Saline Region; Wiley E. Vonner, Board Chair, Hawkins Region; David Maxton, Mt. Vernon Region; Robin Johnson, Board Vice Chair, Quitman Region; Manzell Manley, Ben Wheeler Region. WCEC GM/CEO Trey Teaff is the Executive Director.

In the heart of northeast Texas, in the "land of milk and honey," two iconic radio stations, KWJB "The Bee" and KMOO, stand as pillars of the community, broadcasting a blend of music, news, and local engagement that has endeared them to listeners for generations. Learn about Butler 7 Media, and the team of hosts in the October edition of the Texas Co-op Power magazine here.

Situated within Quitman's Governor Jim Hogg Park, the Wood County Arboretum and Botanical Gardens sprawl across 23 acres. This picturesque garden is freely accessible to the public and serves as a venue for numerous educational and cultural gatherings. Additionally, it offers a charming space for hosting various events.

To read about Wood County Arboretum & Botanical Gardens and opportunities to volunteer, or donate, visit their website: quitman arboretum. Also, mark your calendars for their Annual Plant Sale on October 14th, starting at 8:00 am. This non-profit gem in Wood County has been the past recipient of grants from Operation Roundup. To learn more about Operation Round Up click here.

Safety Tip of the Month

Surge Protection 101

A power surge is any unexpected increase in voltage, and when one strikes homes or businesses, it can cause extensive damage to sensitive electronic devices and equipment.

One of the most common causes of a power surge is lightning. When lightning strikes an electrical system, the excess current must be channeled somewhere—unfortunately in many cases, it’s sent through a home. Your best bet is to unplug unused devices and electronics during thunderstorms.

Another common cause of power surges is electrical overload. This happens when devices or appliances are plugged into an outlet that can’t handle the required amount of voltage, or when multiple devices are plugged into one outlet through an extension cord.

If you’re experiencing power surges due to electrical overload, it’s time to call a qualified electrician to evaluate your home’s circuits and electrical needs.

Faulty wiring in a home can also cause power surges. Damaged or exposed wires can cause spikes in voltage, creating a potentially dangerous situation. If you notice signs of faulty wiring, like visible burns on outlets, buzzing sounds from outlets or frequently tripped circuit breakers, your home may be due for electrical wiring repairs and updates.



In rare instances surges can also occur after a power outage. Sometimes, when electricity is being restored and reconnected, your home may experience a quick spike in current. As with a surge caused by lightning, it’s best to unplug sensitive electronics during the outage—then wait to plug them back in after power is fully restored.

Aside from unplugging devices when you expect a potential power surge, there are two other ways you can take precautions to protect electronics in your home.

Point-of-use surge protection devices like power strips can protect electronics during most surges. But remember, not all power strips include surge protection, so read the packaging label carefully before you buy, and don’t overload the power strip with too many devices. You can also install specialized electrical outlets that offer additional surge protection. Talk to a trusted electrician to learn more.

Another option is a whole-home surge protector, which can help protect your home from larger, more powerful surges. In most cases, whole-home suppressors are connected to your home’s service panel and include features like thermal fuses and notification capabilities that indicate when a device has been impacted by a surge.

Prices for whole-home surge protection vary based on the size of the home and suppressor. These systems should always be connected by a licensed electrician, so consider the cost of installation as well.

Occasional power surges are inevitable, but by unplugging devices when you think a surge may occur and using additional levels of protection like power strips or whole-home suppressors, you can better safeguard your sensitive electronics and devices.

Did you know using your dishwasher is more energy efficient than washing a load of dishes by hand? To maximize efficiency, wash full loads in the dishwasher and don’t block the arms or other parts that move while the appliance is in use.



For additional savings, turn on the “air dry” setting instead of using the “heat dry” setting and use a rinse aid to help dishes dry faster without spotting and streaking.