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Lightning is created when water droplets from warm air and ice crystals from cool air bump together in a  cloud, causing static electric charges to form. The lightning bolt is simply the energy being released from the cloud.

In turn, this bolt causes a boost in electricity also known as a power surge, which can fry electrical circuits. WFEC has partnered with Kenick - a provider of peace-of-mind surge protection solutions, for homeowners and businesses, to protect from dangerous and costly power surges.

Kenick has over 25 years of experience helping the customers and members of 110 utilities achieve their surge protection goals. They manufacture expertly engineered and patented surge protection devices. The surge protection provided with Kenick is designed with one goal in mind: "keep it outside". Their product is designed to stop power surges before they ever enter homes or businesses.

You may want to consider installing a surge protection device if you are concerned about power surges. These devices are like pressure safety valves on a boiler, which releases dangerous excess pressure from the system. They are installed across the power supply in parallel with the equipment to be protected.

A meter based protector is a high-energy surge protection device that is installed directly behind the electric meter at at your home. All power coming into your home runs through the meter base protector, making it the first stage of protection against power surges. WFEC's meter base surge protector is leased for $4.25 per month with a one time installation fee of $10. The leased device is replaced as many times as necessary during the life of the lease. Sign up during the month of May and WFEC will waive the $10  installation fee!

The meter base protector can be purchased for $124.95 plus tax with an installation fee of $10 (also waived for the month of May. This unit will only be replaced once without a charge to the member if purchased rather than leased.

If you are interested in finding out more about the surge protection devices available through WFEC, contact the cooperative at 800-342-7400 or visit westflorida.coop