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Those of us familiar with local weather patterns realize that the spring and summer storm seasons are quickly approaching. That’s when our area experiences thunderstorms almost every afternoon, and, despite our best efforts to prevent them, this is when our co-op sees the majority of its power
outages. 96581001

Last year, WFEC added a new way for you to report outages – by text! This easy and convenient way to report outages also provides peace of mind that your outage has been successfully communicated to our
dispatchers. This manner of reporting also eliminated some of the overwhelming traffic our phone lines see
during power outages.

Our traditional outage reporting methods remain available. If you haven’t used this method of outage reporting, we encourage you to give it a try and see if you like it. You can even receive updates about the
status of your outage and be notified when your power is restored via text.

Enrolling is easy, just follow these steps:
1. Text WFEC to (800) 342-7400.
2. You will receive a welcome message with instructions about how to report any future outages.
3. Then, when you need to report an outage, text OUT to (800) 342-7400.
4. Text STATUS for updates during the outage, HELP for more info or STOP to quit receiving all notifications.
5. Once your power has been restored, a text confirming restoration will be sent to you.
There are a few things you should note:
• Your phone plan’s standard data charges will apply.
• If your phone number is not recognized, the texting service will tell you to contact the cooperative by phone to report your outage using the outage management system. This means you need to update
your phone number on the co-op’s billing system. 

• If you text OUT to report an outage, but don’t respond to the questions the system asks, it will say your outage was not reported and ask you to respond to the questions or call the office.
• When you have multiple meters, and they are both off the same device, you’ll be asked if they are both out.
• To use the outage texting feature, members must have a mobile number associated with their account. Remember, it is best to make updates to your accounts before outages occur. 23018001

WFEC also added an outage reporting feature to its mobile apps for both Android and IPhone users. This allows members to report outages from our mobile apps as well as view the online outage map from the app.

The online outage map is also a great tool available for you to monitor outages 24/7. You can find that on our website. The map displays information about where outages are located, how many members are being impacted, what county it is in and if a crew has been dispatched to that location.

Unfortunately, we can’t prevent all outage situations, but we can provide easier and more convenient ways for you to report the outages that do occur.