Unpredictable spring weather patterns can bring power outages with them or as we’ve recently seen, the actions of a single animal can cause major damage to our lines and equipment, causing delayed outages. The approach of spring also means that hurricane season is just around the corner. West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC) needs your help to help reduce those outage times. You may be wondering how you can help us – it’s simple – update your account information.

When severe weather rolls into our area causing large power outages, the cooperative uses its automated Power Outage Response Call Handle Equipment or PORCHE system. The PORCHE is easy to use and guides members through reporting an outage. One key piece of information that is used by the PORCHE system is a phone number. When you call to report an outage, the PORCHE tries to associate the number you are calling from with an account number or location. That’s why it’s so important for WFEC to have your most recent phone number on file. If you call from a number that is not 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. 

WFEC strives to make updating your account information easy and hassle-free so there are several options available:

1. Speak with a Member Services Representative the next time you are in the office and have them assist you with changing your phone numbers or address. It is a good idea to add your cell phone number(s) to your account information.
2. Visit our website (westflorida.coop) and click on the “View Account” button located on the top of our home page. 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 be assigned a username and password – you can customize this later. Then click on the “My Account” tab, and select the “Account Profile” option. Update or add any phone numbers associated with your account. You can also change your address and other account information under this tab.

It really is that simple. With your help and the technology WFEC has at its fingertips, we hope to continue improving our outage response times.