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Home / Your Cooperative / Current Light Flashes

Current Light Flashes

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Power Blinks are More Beneficial Than You Think

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Electricity flows to and from your home through power lines. You know that part. Occasionally, something comes into contact with a line and interrupts this flow. That’s what we call a “fault,” and they can be caused by a variety of things, from tree branches touching a line, to lightning strikes, or small animals or birds making contact with energized lines.

If a fault occurs, you may also experience a power blink that lasts a few seconds, or just long enough for your microwave’s clock to give up on life. These blinks are the result of protective devices, such as reclosers and cutouts, working like they should to prevent prolonged outages.

When reclosers and cutouts detect a fault on a line, they’ll open connectivity for a few seconds, or in other words, stop the flow of electricity to the point where the fault is in hopes the problem will clear itself. If the fault doesn’t go away the first time, the reclosers will repeat the process two more times before opening permanently, which limits the impact of the outage. This opening and closing is what causes power to blink. Without these blinks, every tree limb or critter coming into contact with a power line would cause a lengthy and widespread outage.

Of course, if you’re experiencing continuous power blinks at your home, there might be a more serious issue. The equipment that delivers your electricity might be in need of repair, or your transformer might be
overloaded, so it’s a good idea to give us a call and let us know.

Follow these tips:

1. Give it a minute. If you experience a power blink, there’s no need to report it to us immediately. Reclosers or cutouts might be operating nearby, in which case, you may experience a few blinks before the issue clears itself, or power goes out completely.

2. Let us know if the blinks don’t stop. If you’re experiencing continuous power blinks at your house, or if your lights are frequently dimming, that needs our attention. There might be damage to the lines or other equipment that bring power to your home, or there could be vegetation in need of clearing. Please call our main office and make us aware of the issue, and don’t try to handle it on your own. Remember, it’s our job to put ourselves on the line so you don’t have to.

3. You can help ease the effects. You can reduce the frustration of blinks by making sure your important electronic devices have battery backups. This is especially true for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors that are connected to your home’s wiring. An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) can also help minimize the effects of power blinks on computers and laptops.

  • Energy Efficiency Tip

    Energy Efficiency TipAre your ducts in a row? Meaning, have you checked your air ducts for leaks? Seal minor leaks with heat-approved tape. Large job? Call a pro!

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Your Bill

  • Pay Your Bill Online
  • Understanding Your Bill
  • Ways To Pay Your Bill
  • Ways to Reduce Your Bill
  • View Your Account
  • Modify Your Account
  • Levelize Your Bill
  • EZ Pay Power (Prepaid)

Your Electric Service

  • Apply for Service
  • Disconnect Your Service
  • Transfer Your Service
  • Mobile Apps
  • Text Power
  • Service Requirements
  • View Current Outages
  • Dual Service Requirements
  • Line Extension
  • Tree Trimming/Right-of-Way

Your Cooperative

  • Mobile Apps
  • Products and Services
  • Hurricane Preparedness
  • Medically Essential Service
  • GenerLink™ Transfer Switch
  • Current Light Flashes
  • Capital Credits
  • Electrical Safety
  • Youth Tour Competition
  • West Florida Electric Scholarship
  • Empower Energy Education Workshop
  • The Cooperative Difference
  • Economic Development
  • WFEC Member Survey
  • Solar Energy
  • Outdoor Lighting
  • Co-ops Vote
  • Community Involvement

Save Energy, Save Money

  • Relief Agencies Assisting with Bill Payments
  • Energy Audits
  • Manufactured Home Program
  • Heat Pump Rebates
  • Energy Efficiency Loan Program
  • ChooseEV Electric Vehicle Resources
  • Customized Home Energy Report
  • DIY Energy Savings Tools
  • Together We Save

About Us

  • Careers
  • Board of Trustees
  • Board Meeting Minutes
  • Touchstone Energy
  • Executive Staff
  • History
  • Company Overview
  • Statement of Nondiscrimination
  • Bonifay District Office
  • Graceville District Office
  • Sneads District Office
  • Electric Rates
  • Fees
  • WFEC Bylaws

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1.800.342.7400www.westflorida.coop

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