As the New Year begins, it’s a time to start fresh. Have you considered that this time of year would be a great time to update all of your account information? Not just with West Florida Electric, but with any company with which you do business?
Most of us never consider the importance of updating our information, but it is very important! Especially with your electric cooperative. Why? Because we use your telephone number to identify your account and location when there are outages. Have you called and our automated system answered? When the automated system answers your call, it’s because we are experiencing an extremely high volume due to an outage. 60153003
The first thing our system does is try to recognize your phone number and link it to an account and location. This helps us with our restoration efforts. If the automated system does answer, and you are calling from a different number than is listed on your account, the system won’t recognize your location. This could delay your power restoration during a storm. You don’t want that to happen and neither do we, so please make sure all of your account information is completely up-to-date.
Another great reason to make sure your information is updated is for security purposes. Each time a member sets up a new account, the last four digits of the social security number listed on the account are verified. The correct mailing address and a good phone number are also needed when setting up new service or requesting a change or addition to the services the cooperative is providing.
Safety is another very important reason the information on your account needs to be correct. Having accurate information on file at the co-op is crucial if a hazardous situation occurs. This is especially important if the location is a vacation home, campsite or if the member lives out of town.
It’s really quite easy to make sure your account information is updated – sometimes, as simple as picking up the phone. You can call any district office to make simple changes like updating your phone number or address.
You can also update your information on our website. Here’s how: Visit www.westflorida.coop and look for the “Manage Your Account” field. Use your username and password to log in – if this is the first time you are using this service, you must call the office to obtain a username and password. Once you have them, follow the prompts to enter the member portal. After logging in, click on the “My Account” tab and then select the “Account Profile” option and update any phone numbers associated with your account. You can also update your address and other info under this tab. 58672001
Our automated phone system is another quick way to make updates. Call 1.855.MYWFECA (1.855.699.3322) and select option #4 to update or change your phone number or speak with a member services representative next time you are in the office and have them assist you with making any changes to your account information.