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Electricity powers nearly every aspect of our lives, so it is understandable how frustrating it can be when the power goes out. At West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC), our crews work diligently to restore power as quickly and safely as possible for our members. However, there is a specific process that must be followed to ensure power is restored efficiently to the greatest number of members.

After major storms, WFEC crews and PowerSouth Energy Cooperative crews begin by assessing damage to the core parts of the electric distribution and transmission systems - including substations, distribution lines, feeder lines, transmission towers and transmission lines (the last two are the responsibility of PowerSouth, our generation and transmission cooperative). If transmission lines or towers are damaged, restoring them is the first priority.

Transmission lines carry high-voltage electricity from power plants to local substations. These lines serve thousands of members and must be repaired first, as they supply power to all members downstream. Although, they are rarely damaged except during major storms like hurricanes or tornadoes, they are crucial to the power restoration process.

If the problem isn't within a substation, crews then move to main distribution lines, the large lines that carry electricity from substations to local areas. These lines are inspected and repaired based on which ones will restore power to the most members at once.

Finally tap lines, the smaller lines that deliver electricity to neighborhoods and individual homes, are repaired. Crews prioritize repairs to tap lines that will restore service to the greatest number of members. Many outages are restored once these lines are back in service.

If your power is still out but your neighbor's isn't, the issue may be with the service line between your home and the nearby transformer. These individual lines are the final step in the restoration process.

While we can't control the weather, we do prepare for it. WFEC maintains a stockpile of essential materials and assigns specific duties to every employee during major outages. When widespread damage occurs, multiple crews are dispatched simultaneously to work at different locations. We also partner with neighboring electric cooperatives and those across the nation to bring in additional help when needed. No matter the circumstances, WFEC is ready to restore power quickly and safely.