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Month: December 2016

Students Vie for $36,000 in SECO Scholarships

Annually, SECO Energy offers graduating high school seniors, who reside in its service area, the chance to compete for a $3,000 college scholarship.

 

Once again, SECO’s Board of Trustees has approved up to $36,000 in scholarships for twelve deserving high school seniors. For over 20 years, SECO Energy has awarded more than $500,000 in scholarships. As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO is proud to have a hand in launching hundreds of young scholars on their path to a college education.

 

To be eligible, student must:

 

  • Reside in a home served by SECO.
  • Graduate high school by the end of the current school year.
  • Provide proof of acceptance to an accredited college, university or vocational/technical school by the end of 2017.
  • Plan to be enrolled as a full-time college student.

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “Concern for Community is a key cooperative principle and what better way to connect with the communities we serve than through scholarship awards. SECO helps young citizens embark on their college careers and lightens the financial load for their parents who are our members. I hope they bring their new-found knowledge and skills back to the area and seek future employment with SECO.”

 

Board of Trustees President Ray Vick, stated, “I have served on SECO’s Board of Trustees for over 35 years, and I am so happy to have a hand in continuing SECO’s scholarship program for the last 20 years. On behalf of the entire Board, we are very proud of SECO’s community outreach programs and its strong corporate citizenship ties to the communities it serves.”

 

An independent panel of educators from SECO’s service territory evaluates all applicants and selects each year’s winners. Scholarship selections are based on past and present achievements in school, community service, financial need and scholastic records.

 

The scholarship application period begins January 1, 2017. Applications will be available at SECO’s five Member Service Centers in Lake, Sumter, Marion and Citrus counties, area high school guidance offices, at the SECO corporate offices in Sumterville and online.

 

To be considered, completed applications must be received no later than 5 p.m. on March 31, 2017. Applications can be dropped off at any SECO Member Service Center or mailed to:

 

SECO Energy

Attn: Youth Scholarship

330 South Hwy 301

Sumterville, FL  33585-0301

 

Winners will be notified by phone or mail on or about April 28, 2017. For additional questions, visit SECO’s scholarship page or call Eneida Robaina at (352) 569-9561.

 

“Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates. Visit SECO online to learn more about additional community outreach programs.

New Year, New Chance to Win with New ENERGY ESTIMATOR

SECO Energy introduces its newest online energy efficiency tool – just in time to make New Year’s resolutions that count. The Energy Estimator helps members resolve to save energy and lower their monthly energy bills in 2017.

 

The Energy Estimator is a usage calculator based on SECO’s current residential rate with the Power Cost Adjustment (PCA) credit factored in. The Estimator helps members understand the amount of energy and costs that appliances, lighting, electronics, tools, etc. use in their home. The Estimator calculates your monthly refrigeration costs, the price for each load of laundry, the annual amount of energy your oven uses and more.

 

After submitting their data inputs to SECO, within minutes members will receive an email comparing their usage to the average Central Florida household, along with specific tips to save energy and money.

 

SECO has three great prizes up for grabs for members who explore the Energy Estimator and increase their energy efficiency IQ. After the member completes the Energy Estimator, his/her name will be entered into a random drawing to win a $300 bill credit, a large package of energy efficiency tool that includes a $100 Lowe’s gift card or a programmable Wi-Fi thermostat.

 

Winners will be notified via email on February 16, 2017. Members must explore the Energy Estimator and submit their data input by February 15 to be eligible to win. Make a resolution to reduce your energy usage and lower your energy bill this year. Take SECO’s Energy Estimator for a test drive.

 

For other chances to win electric bill credits and prizes, “like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter.

Tis the Season for Scammers

During the Christmas season, scammers believe that people are more vulnerable to falling for their tricks. SECO Energy is reminding members to be cautious of any person claiming to be from the utility whether in person or on the phone. Be especially cautious of demands for immediate payment.

 

SECO has numerous employees and contractors working in the field who come in contact with members on a regular basis. All SECO employees and contractors carry company-issued identification. Members should ask for identification or call SECO and verify an employee or contractor’s identity. Be extremely cautious of any person who is asking for entry into your home or business. SECO employees will not arrive to conduct an energy audit or conduct a solar assessment on a home without a pre-scheduled appointment.

 

Phone scams are also a concern. SECO members, residential and commercial, have reported receiving phone calls threatening disconnection of service unless payment is made immediately. Be warned, SECO does not call and demand credit card payment over the phone. SECO uses a robo-call system after hours to remind members of late payments. A SECO employee will never arrange for a member to meet them at an off-site location and demand a cash payment.

 

Kathryn Gloria, Vice President of Corporate Communications and Energy Services, stated, “Be extra wary of scams during the Christmas season. A scammer’s main objective is to make a quick buck. They are likely to leave the property or end a call quickly if they believe their scam will be exposed.”

 

Gloria adds, “Be alert and call SECO immediately if you want to verify the identity a SECO employee or contractor or if you are questioning the legitimacy of a phone call from SECO. If at any time you feel your safety is at risk, call 911 immediately.”

 

“Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

Trustees Attend Cooperative Solar Ribbon-Cutting

SECO Energy leaders and members of the Board of Trustees attended Seminole Electric’s ribbon-cutting event unveiling its Cooperative Solar Project. This Cooperative Solar Project is a 2.2-megawatt solar facility located in Hardee County, Florida.

 

The ceremony was presided over by Seminole Electric Cooperative’s CEO and General Manager, Lisa D. Johnson, and the President of its board of directors, Mr. William Hart. SECO Energy is a member-owner of Seminole Electric Cooperative as Seminole is SECO’s wholesale power provider.

 

During her remarks, Seminole CEO and General Manager Lisa Johnson highlighted the hard work of, and extensive collaboration between, personnel from Seminole, CoBank, Farm Credit Leasing and Radiance Solar, who together enable the construction of the renewable energy facility. Johnson noted, “Cooperative Solar, among other initiatives, has been one more way in which Seminole can secure our Members’ future while upholding cooperative values,” and continued, “we are careful about how we plan and use resources today, and we are working to embrace new resources for the future.”

 

The Trustees from SECO’s Board who attended the ribbon cutting are:

 

Robin Henion, Secretary/Treasurer District 7
Dillard Boyatt District 2
Richard Belles District 3
Richard Dennison District 4
Earl Muffett District 6
William James District 8

 

SECO Energy’s CEO, Jim Duncan stated, “Seminole’s Cooperative Solar Project is just that, a cooperative project between the nine-member owners of Seminole – one of which is SECO Energy. Cooperatives working together is a key Cooperative Principle. SECO is excited that Seminole is broadening its generation mix to include solar energy, allowing SECO to introduce its Solar Life program to members.”

 

SECO Energy is offering members exclusive access to its allocated share of the Seminole solar array – its program is called “Solar Life.” For a flat monthly fee of $32, members’ utility-supplied power cost will be offset by the monthly output of four panels of the 2.2-megawatt array.

 

With Solar Life, members can begin living a greener, hassle-free lifestyle that requires no upfront investment. Subscribe to Solar Life today.

 

“Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

SECO Employees Embrace Local Charities

During this Christmas season of giving, SECO Energy employees embraced local charities by donating generously to United Way and Toys for Tots. Concern for Community is a key cooperative principle that SECO employees embody when they enrich the lives of thousands in local communities through donations.

 

A program that improves the quality of life of millions of people all over the world is United Way. During SECO’s 2017 United Way campaign, employees opened their checkbooks and donated generously. SECO employees pledged $50,171 for local communities aided by United Way.

 

The pledge amounts per county are:

 

Lake and Sumter Counties – $27,132
Marion County – $13,055
Citrus County – $5,876
Other counties – $4,108

 

SECO found the holiday spirit early by participating in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. The Toys for Tots mission is to collect new, unwrapped toys and distribute the toys collected as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community in which the campaign is located.

 

As a Toys for Tots drop-off location, SECO employees collected hundreds of toys to make local children’s holiday special this year. Many SECO members also stopped by and dropped off gifts for this worthy cause.

 

Jim Duncan, CEO, stated, “As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO believes in supporting local charities such as United Way and Toys for Tots. Generating pledges of over $50,000 for local communities is a testament to the generosity of the employees here at SECO. And hundreds of children will wake up to Christmas presents under the tree, thanks to our employees and members.”

 

SECO’s United Way and Toys for Tots emcee, Kathy Judkins, Deputy Director of Civic, Charitable and Government Affairs, is delighted by the generosity of SECO employees. Judkins stated, “The donated toys will bring smiles to many local children in need this holiday season. A big thank you to the entire SECO team for their generosity during our season of giving.”

 

Learn more about United Way and its impact on local communities. Visit Toys for Tots online to learn more about helping local children. More information about SECO’s community outreach programs is available online.

 

“Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

 

 

SECO News, December 2016

SECO News, Duncans Digest, November 2016

 

Duncan’s Digest

Those who have heard me speak at our Annual Meetings or keep up with company news are well aware that SECO takes a cautious, matter-of-fact approach to solar energy. Some might label my attitude toward solar a bit “Grinch-like.” I’m happy to announce that SECO is toning down the Bah HumBug slant today with the introduction of a new Cooperative Solar project that has the power to bring solar energy to you. Welcome to the Solar Life.

 

Just in time for Christmas, SECO teamed up with eight other distribution electric cooperative member-owners of Seminole Electric (our wholesale power provider) to purchase the energy output of a 2.2 megawatt solar array consisting of 8,040 panels in Hardee County adjacent to one of Seminole’s existing power plants. SECO’s allocated portion of the array is 1,986 panels, and our members have the opportunity to subscribe in advance to a four-panel bundle of output while supplies last.

 

SECO News, December 2016 - Solar Life - Four panels equal about 1.1 KW of production capacity

 

Four panels equal about 1.1 KW of production capacity.

Solar Life is perfect for members who want to live a greener lifestyle, but without the upfront investment in traditional roof-top solar panels. There are no insurance premiums required, no roof holes and no additional maintenance cost. No need to worry about HOA or zoning restrictions and no need to cut trees to allow a rooftop solar system to produce at full capacity.

 

Subscribers pay a flat monthly fee of $32 for the monthly output of four panels of the 2.2 megawatt array. The monthly output of the four panels will be shown as a kilowatt hour credit on your bill – reducing your utility-supplied power cost each month.

 

Subscribers can cancel at any time with no fee and no minimum term.

 

Florida is the Sunshine State, and using the power of the sun to create energy makes sense, but the production of solar power is still more expensive than power generated by traditional sources like natural gas and coal. The Solar Life program is not a money-saving program. Solar Life is an investment in the production of solar energy.

 

Visit Solar Power page to subscribe in advance today.

 

Panel subscriptions are first-come, first-served. If demand outweighs panel availability, interested members will be placed on a waiting list in anticipation of another large-scale solar project. The array is scheduled to be operational in the first quarter of 2017. Billing for the program will not begin until the array is producing out-put, and a solar dashboard for monitoring will be available on our website.

 

Subscribers will receive a Solar Life program welcome kit and a window cling to show neighbors and friends that you are living the Solar Life with SECO Energy. Learn more about the hassle free Solar Life here.

 

SECO News, December 2016 - Voted "Best of the Best" by Ocala Star Banner

Voted “Best of the Best!”

The Ocala StarBanner’s annual Readers’ Choice Awards voted SECO Energy as “Best of the Best” in the utility category in Marion County. Thank you, Marion County, for voting SECO “Best of the Best!”

 

SECO Energy COMMUNITY SUPPORT 2016, Pennies from Heaven

Spirit of Giving

During this season of giving, would you like to make a difference in your community through a small monthly contribution of just a few cents? When you join SECO Energy’s Pennies from Heaven program, your monthly energy bill is automatically rounded up to the nearest dollar. The extra pennies go directly to SECO’s Angel Fund. These funds are used for bill payment assistance and other worthy causes here in our service area that directly benefit our members.

 

Every cent collected is distributed here in our local communities. Join today. Visit our Pennies from Heaven page and use your extra pennies to change lives.

 

SECO News, December 2016 - Pull the Plug on Holiday Season Hazards

Pull the Plug on Holiday Season Hazards

Extension cords can be helpful while decorating for the holidays indoors and out. Don’t slip-up on safety. Follow these guidelines for using extension cords safely.

 

Choose the right cord for the job. Extension cords are rated for use indoors or outdoors. Cords intended for use indoors will not function well outdoors due to weather, humidity and mechanical stress.

 

Before use, inspect the cord for damage – if cords are cracked or frayed discard and replace.

 

Protect outdoor extension cords from the elements and don’t let them rest in standing water. Also, do not nail or staple electrical cords to any surface. Keep cords away from walk areas to avoid a tripping hazard.

 

Extension cords are not a substitute for permanent wiring. They should not be run through walls, windows, doorways, ceilings or floors. Extension cords are a temporary solution and should not be chained together. Plug directly into a mounted electrical receptacle.

 

Avoid electrical shock – never cut off the ground pin or force a 3-prong plug into an outlet with two slots. Do not overload extension cords.

 

Have a Safe and Happy Holiday Season!

 

SECO News, December 2016 - STOP a Surge in its Tracks and Win a $200 Lowe’s Gift Card

STOP a Surge in its Tracks and Win a $200 Lowe’s Gift Card

Enroll in SECO’s surge protection program and be entered for a chance to win! Members who sign up for surge protection by December 31, 2016 will be entered into a random drawing to win a $200 Lowe’s gift card.

 

SECO’s surge protection arrester at the meter can be leased for $5.95 per month plus tax, with a $25 installation fee or you may purchase the protection for $349 plus tax with installation included. For residential services greater than 200 amps, surge protection is available for “purchase only” for $399 plus tax with installation included.

 

Enroll online today or call 352-793-3801.

 

SECO News, December 2016 - A Twitter Bird in a Palm Tree? Twitter Contest

A Twitter Bird in a Palm Tree? Twitter Contest

Describe the bird in the photo above. Is it:
A: Partridge in a Palm Tree?
B: Chance to win a $500 bill credit?
C: An energy savings fly-in?
D: The Twitter icon?
E: All of the Above?

 

If you chose E: All of the Above – you are correct!

 

Ready for a chance to win? “Follow” SECO Energy on Twitter. Retweet our holiday/winter energy saving tips. Practice these energy saving tips to lower your energy usage and save on your bill.

 

Contest ends January 15, 2017. Must be a current SECO member to win. Winner will be notified through Twitter so be sure to follow SECO Energy today. Good luck!

 

SECO News, December 2016 - Winter Thermostat Settings

Winter Thermostat Settings

We may still be wearing our flip-flops here in Florida, but cooler weather is just around the corner. The Old Farmer’s Almanac is predicting a mild December, with a colder January and February to follow.

 

Give the gift of energy efficiency during this holiday season – put a programmable thermostat under the tree. ENERGY STAR, programmable thermostats make it easy to save energy by offering pre-programmed settings to regulate your home’s temperature in Summer and Winter.

 

During cooler weather, SECO recommends setting your thermostat at 68 to 70 degrees – for each degree lower, you can save 3 to 5% per degree. For members with a heat pump, remember to adjust the thermostat slowly 1 to 2 degrees at a time to prevent running the “auxiliary” heat and using more energy.

 

Looking for more energy efficiency solutions? Visit our Energy Solutions section. Try out our online Home Energy Assessment, find energy savings tips or schedule a free in-home energy audit.

 

Read the full December 2016 SECO News here.

 

Nature’s Reflections – Florida’s Scenic Dora Canal

Mile-long canal connects Lakes Eustis and Dora

 

The Dora Canal, originally known as the Elfin River, was once home to the Timucuan Indians, followed by French, Spanish and British settlers. In the late 1800s the waterway was dredged out and widened to accommodate easier passage of small steamboats and subsequently became known as the Dora Canal.

 

This scenic passage is a one-and-a-quarter mile-long waterway located in Lake County. It connects Lake Dora and Lake Eustis and is part of the Harris Chain of Lakes – nine lakes connected by streams and canals that extend north to the Ocklawaha River. Many of the county’s 1,000 lakes, with connecting canals, are part of the Ocklawaha Chain of Lakes. In the 1800s, steamboats, were vital to the area before the arrival of the railroad. The scenic Dora Canal connects the six-mile-long Lake Dora with other lakes leading to the St. John’s River, Jacksonville, and Atlantic Ocean.

 

This pristine, jungle-like waterway is part of a large wetland swamp, fed by underground springs and abundant rainfall. Its beautiful, stately old Bald Cypress trees draped with Spanish moss provide a picturesque canopy for the abundant flora and fauna below. During winter months, the cypress, although conifers, lose their leaves. The canal is different in the summer when the foliage is full.

 

SECO News December 2016, Nature’s Reflections – Florida’s Scenic Dora Canal 02

 

The opportunity to see wildlife in this sanctuary makes it a favorite location to observe many creatures in their natural habitat. A plethora of wading birds, herons, egrets, anhinga, wood ducks, ospreys, eagles, otters, alligators, turtles, snakes and fish are commonly seen here. The canal provides great subjects for photography, or an opportunity for a peaceful, quiet and enjoyable ride.

 

In 1951, the Dora Canal location was used to reshoot some of the river scenes in the now-classic movie, African Queen, starring Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn. Although it had been originally filmed in Africa, the Dora Canal was selected for the retakes because, other than a few residences at the southern end of the canal, it looks much like a wild river running through an uninhabited jungle.

 

Column & photo by: Sandi Staton