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Month: September 2019

Energy Insider – 3rd Quarter 2019

SECO Energy Third Quarter 2019 Insider Motors

 

Many commercial and industrial members served by SECO Energy have a multitude of motors powering their daily processes. According to an article in the Business Energy Advisor, about half of the energy consumed in the U.S. is through electric motors.

 

According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the manufacturing industry can save about 11-18% using proven methods when it comes to motor replacement. It’s all about selecting the right replacement – one that is efficient and saves energy.

 

When replacing a motor, consider only motors that are newer than 2015. These motors are more efficient and meet guidelines set by the U.S. DOE. SECO member, E. R Jahna Industries understands the importance of newer motors. They utilize a multitude of motors in their mining operations. According to Lead Electrician, David Quinn, “Jahna purchases premium efficiency motors on all new equipment. Surprisingly, the efficiency of these motors is high when loaded to 60% of nameplate amperage.”

 

In energy conscious companies, it is common practice to replace all motors up to 125 hp with newer, premium efficiency motors. Some companies prefer to rebuild their motors or buy a rebuilt motor. However, if not done carefully, a failed rebuilt motor will be at least 2% less efficient.

 

Motor maintenance is very important for keeping efficiency in line with nameplate values. “Causes of motor failure are usually brought about by the user,” according to David Quinn. “For example, concrete plant motors are usually covered in concrete; at a sand mine, most motors are covered in sand. So, with that being said, put on a winter coat during summertime and run a 5K. You are lowering the life expectancy and the efficiency of the motor.”

 

When making the choice between motor replacement or rebuilding an existing motor, take into consideration the following:
• Purchase the right size motor
• Evaluate variable frequency drives
• Account for power factor
• Compare the economics for repair versus replacement

 

Moving forward when it comes to motors, you can benefit by developing a motor inventory and creating a basic motor management/maintenance plan with a focus on critical motors. When it comes time for replacement, do your homework and make the best choice for your business.

 

For more information on induction motors visit Biz Energy Insider.

 

SECO Energy Third Quarter 2019 Insider FAFO

 

Although Marion County is officially known as the “Horse Capital of the World,” it is also becoming known for the Ocala Arts Festival. The festival brings in thousands of people annually with attendance averaging around 24,000. It’s a big event and considered one of the best in the community with over 161 artists expected to participate again this year and sell their merchandise inside six city blocks.

 

The 53rd Ocala Arts Festival will be held on Saturday and Sunday, October 26th and 27th, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event features artists from all over the United States competing in various categories – drawing, graphics, painting, sculpture, wood, clay, glass, metal, and photography just to name a few. The festival provides artists with the opportunity to compete for awards totaling $27,000. Local elementary, middle and high school students are eligible to compete for awards totaling $1,240.

 

Entertainment is provided both days of the festival by a variety of local talent. The Mudd’s Jazz and Blue Combo, Left on Broadway (including special guest The Greg Snider Quartet) and Miranda Madison will perform on Saturday. On Sunday, Caly and Megan Music and Nino Castaneda Latin Jazz Band will be performing with many other bands, choirs, dance and drama groups from surrounding public and private schools. There will be a caricature artist, face painters and harp and flute performers. The festival is an event the entire family will enjoy.

 

Seventeen food vendors will be located throughout the downtown area serving a wide variety of options. Free parking is available at the parking garage accessed off southeast Broadway. Note, the first floor is reserved for handicap parking only.

 

This event is produced by Fine Arts for Ocala, a nonprofit, whose mission is to promote the appreciation of the arts and to enhance art education within the community. For more information, including history, volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, go to Fine Arts for Ocala.

 

SECO Energy Third Quarter 2019 Insider Wildwood

 

The City of Wildwood is a quaint town with many lifelong residents. Through decades of growth, these residents have seen such incredible change that is sometimes hard to fathom.

 

This history of Wildwood reflects stories of workers giving directions using the lingo “out in the wild woods.” Fast forward to 1980, the community housed over 2,600 residents. Almost forty years later, in 2018 7,000 folks call Wildwood home. As Loretta Lynn said, “we’ve come a long way, baby.”

 

Wildwood has grown in such a way that the facilities are getting facelifts to help “catch up with the times” aesthetically. Future roadway plans are in place to help with the parking and pedestrian issues – a result of the population growth as described by Jason McHugh, Wildwood City Manager, in a recent Chamber of Commerce meeting.

 

Recreation offerings from the City of Wildwood continue to move forward by leaps and bounds. From decades past, with minimal recreation offerings, to today with countless recreation offerings, it is clear Wildwood is forward-thinking regarding the growth of the community. Dennis Andrews, City of Wildwood Parks and Recreation Manager, states, “We have added over 35 programs and special events. We identified demographics including seniors, families and youth needing things to do in our community.” As a result, the City offers sports leagues for all ages.

 

Erika Corley, Wildwood’s Special Event Planner/Recreation Specialist says, “The recent growth of Wildwood has been wonderful. The support from our residents, both new and longtime, has been exciting. The best part about the growth within the community for the Special Events and Parks Recreation Department, is that it has given us the ability to raise the bar, providing bigger and greater special events, leagues and recreational activities!” Dennis Andrews says, “It is awesome to see the community come together and support us. I am looking forward to the future.”

 

To learn more of what Wildwood has to offer, visit Wildwood Florida and click on the Parks and Recreation tab. You can also visit the Wildwood Community Center at 6500 Powell Road and speak to the parks and recreation folks. Whatever you do, please don’t assume this is the same ol’ Wildwood from decades ago. There is something for everyone in the new city.

 

 

BARBIE SHAW

Manager of Key Accounts & Energy Services
OFFICE: (352) 569-9787
CELL: (352) 303-3567
barbie.shaw@secoenergy.com

Hank Bolduc, SECO Energy Key Accounts Consultant

HANK BOLDUC

Key Accounts Consultant
OFFICE: (352) 569-9789
CELL: (352) 303-3546
hank.bolduc@secoenergy.com

Ryon Meyers, SECO Energy Key Accounts Consultant

RYON MEYERS

Key Accounts Consultant
OFFICE: (352) 569-9781
CELL: (352) 636-9593
ryon.meyers@secoenergy.com

Jeff Light, SECO Energy Key Accounts Consultant

JEFF LIGHT

Key Accounts Consultant
OFFICE: (352) 569-9790
CELL: (352) 303-3183
jeff.light@secoenergy.com

 

 

SECO Energy Employee Involved in Vehicle Accident

On Friday evening, a SECO Energy first class lineman driving a 55-foot material handler bucket truck traveling north on Highway 441 in Lady Lake made contact with another vehicle. The accident occurred near the intersection of 441 and Eagles Nest Road.

 

In an attempt to minimize contact with the vehicle that crossed his path unexpectedly, the SECO bucket truck driver swerved and left the roadway. The bucket truck made contact with Duke Energy electric lines.

 

The truck’s energized contact with the lines resulted in significant damage to the bucket truck. Thankfully, the SECO Energy employee operating the truck escaped the vehicle and does not appear to be seriously injured.

 

While no serious injuries were apparent, the driver of the other vehicle was cited, and an occupant was transported to a medical facility as a caution.

SECO Energy vehicle accident 9/27/19 picture one

 

SECO Energy vehicle accident 9/27/19 picture two

 

SECO Energy vehicle accident 9/27/19 picture three

SECO Energy Earns Capital Credits Through Gresco Partnership

SECO Energy and fellow not-for-profit cooperative Gresco Utility Supply based out of Forsyth, Georgia have a long-standing partnership that continues to pay off for SECO and its members. Gresco presented SECO a check for $265,617 that represents SECO’s share of Gresco’s current Capital Credit retirement cycle.

 

Gresco is a cooperatively-owned business that was formed in 1960 by 15 electric cooperatives that recognized the need for a dedicated supply partner. SECO Energy is one such member-owner of Gresco and thus earns allocated margins annually from Gresco based on that year’s supply purchases. The utility supply cooperative works with hundreds of utilities in the southeast to meet their need for electric and lighting products and services, tools, telecom, solar, EV charging stations and unmanned aircraft systems.

 

Todd McLellan, Gresco’s Senior Vice President of Supplier Relationships, is thankful for the continuing partnership between SECO Energy and Gresco. McLellan stated, “Gresco is proud to be the service provider SECO Energy expects. Cooperatives doing business with fellow cooperatives makes sense. Cooperation among Cooperatives is also one of the seven cooperative principles and is a foundation of Gresco and SECO’s business models.”

 

SECO Energy CFO Gene Kanikovsky stated, “SECO Energy counts on Gresco’s ability to deliver high-quality electric supplies during normal business operations and during critical times. Gresco is one of our most reliable partners. When recovering from Hurricane Irma and preparing for Hurricane Dorian, Gresco was behind us every time. We value our partnership with Gresco and are honored to be one of its member-owners.”

 

Gresco is SECO Energy’s premier supply partner. SECO Energy’s equity in the company is now over $10.5 million making it one of Gresco’s largest member-owners by equity.

 

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO Energy also returns a portion of its margins in the form of Capital Credits to current and former members. With Board of Trustee approval, current members will receive their Capital Credits retirement on their November billing statement. Current commercial and industrial members with retirements over $1,000 will receive a check as will former members who have a forwarding address on file with SECO.

 

Learn more about Capital Credits online. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

SECO Energy Back-To-School Program Funds $3,000 for Sumter County Schools Enhancement Foundation

SECO Energy’s back-to-school program allocated Sumter County public school students with $3,000 through the county’s Enhancement Foundation. As a not-for-profit local electric cooperative, SECO believes in supporting the communities it serves.

 

The Sumter County Schools Enhancement Foundation will use the funds for back-to-school supplies for students and support for essential teacher and staff trainings. The Sumter Foundation partners with the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations (CFEF) to advance education in Florida. Collectively, the CFEF-aligned Foundations represent 99 percent or 2.8 million K-12 students.

 

The Sumter County Schools Enhancement Foundation’s Director Eileen Goodson is thankful for SECO Energy’s support and partnership. Goodson stated, “The Sumter County Schools Enhancement Foundation and the Sumter School District treasures the partnership we have had with SECO for many years. We offer our sincere gratitude for the support that SECO continues to show our students, staff and schools.”

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “SECO Energy is honored to support Sumter County students through its back-to-school program’s contribution to the Sumter County Schools Enhancement Foundation. As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO believes an investment in education is a benefit to all of our members. In Sumter County, we serve over 65,000 homes and businesses. Teachers are an invaluable community asset. They enrich our communities by educating our future leaders and as a benefit to SECO, possibly our future employees.”

 

Learn more about SECO Energy and its efforts to support education and local communities on our Community page. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

SECO Energy Tracking Tropical Cyclone Nine

SECO Energy is closely watching the track of Tropical Cyclone Nine that is expected to increase in speed and become Tropical Storm Humberto within the next 24 hours. Tropical Cyclone Nine appears to be on a similar path as Hurricane Dorian that passed Florida earlier this month, but this current tropical system is much weaker.

 

According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Tropical Cyclone Nine is located over the central Bahamas with maximum sustained winds of 25 mph. The current track continues to move further east of Florida posing less of a threat to SECO’s service area. SECO Energy members on the east side of I-75 may experience gusty winds around 35 mph on Saturday and Sunday with passing showers.

 

SECO Energy Vice President of Operations John LeSalva stated, “Currently, Tropical Cycle Nine is not expected to be a major weather threat for SECO Energy members. We will continue to monitor the cyclone’s track as it moves closer to Florida, but for now it appears that it will remain offshore and bring only rain and winds.”

 

September is the peak of Atlantic hurricane season and SECO Energy has created a new Hurricane Handbook to help members prepare before, during and after storms. Our Hurricane Handbook is available online at SECOEnergy.com.

 

StormCenter is SECO Energy’s outage and communications platform for members to report outages, check the status of an existing outage and enroll in outage communications and alerts via email, text, voice or all three. Visit StormCenter today and bookmark on your smartphone or tablet to report outages quickly and easily.

 

Stay up to date on weather affecting SECO Energy’s service area, the latest news releases and cooperative updates by “liking” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter.

SECO News, September 2019

SECO News Duncan's Digest 2019

 

Welcome to our new Hurricane Handbook. Named storms can cause extended outages even for a system like SECO’s that is well built, constructed and maintained. To prepare for the worst, review our people/pets preparation checklists, outage notification enrollment instructions, Florida Special Needs Registry details, restoration priorities, damage assessment warnings and lessons on hunkering down. Learn about generator safety by to watch our newest video. For the chance to win an 8,000 watt Briggs Stratton portable generator, click on the website’s home page banner to register at SmartHub (SECO’s online account platform) by October 15. All members with SmartHub accounts as of October 15 will be entered in the drawing.

 

Sincerely,

 

Jim Duncan

Chief Executive Officer

SECO News September 2019 Hurricane Handbook

HURRICANE STRENGTH STATS

 

The Saffir–Simpson wind scale classifies hurricanes that exceed the intensities of tropical depressions and tropical storms into five categories distinguished by the intensities of sustained winds.

 

CAT 1 74 to 95 mph
CAT 2 96 to 110 mph
CAT 3 111 to 129 mph (major)
CAT 4 130 to 156 mph (major)
CAT 5 157 mph or higher (major)

 

Even tropical storms can cause significant damage and flooding. Most storm casualties are from drowning and not wind. Always heed weather warnings, evacuate as instructed and don’t drive into high water. Keep your family safe.

 

DISCONNECTING IN ADVANCE: MYTH OR FACT

 

Many years ago, it was a common practice for utilities to completely de-energize their electric systems ahead of a storm in an effort to proactively prevent damage during the storm. SECO Energy does not employ this practice.

 

RESTORATION PRIORITY – WHO’S FIRST?

 

SECO Energy provides world-class reliability to 200,000+ homes and businesses. Outages due to weather, vehicle accidents, equipment issues, animal or tree contact with lines result in utilities being unable to guarantee 100 percent uninterrupted electric service.

 

During emergency restoration with widespread damage, SECO Energy’s first responsibilities are shelters, hospitals, schools and government agencies like emergency ops centers, fire stations and law enforcement facilities. SECO’s next priority is large commercial accounts providing food, water and damage-recovery supplies. Feeders with the largest number of members served are next. Our goal is to restore service to the highest volume of members as quickly as possible.

 

SECO News September 2019 Before a Storm

FLORIDA’S SPECIAL NEEDS REGISTRY

 

Register with the Florida Division of Emergency Management at floridadisaster.org before a storm hits to receive county specific lifesaving information. If an evacuation or emergency is declared, you will receive important options from local emergency management by signing up with your county’s emergency alert notifications (Alert Citrus, Alert Hernando, Alert Marion, Alert Levy, Alert Lake, Alert Sumter, Alert Pasco). Visit your county’s Emergency Operations online to sign up for the alerts you would like to receive.

 

MEMBERS USING MEDICAL EQUIPMENT

 

Residential members’ accounts coded as having medically necessary service are not the first priority after a storm with widespread damage. These members should prepare before storm season and anticipate the possibility of extended outages that could last for days. If you are dependent on electric-powered medical equipment, register with your county emergency management center’s Special Needs Registry. Most important, purchase a generator for use during power outages.

 

OUTAGE NOTIFICATION PREFERENCES

 

Visit us online and click StormCenter at the top right. Scroll down and select “Manage Notifications.” Log in with your account number or phone number. View and update your preferences for email, text or voice notifications. Set do not disturb parameters.

 

ADD STORMCENTER APP TO MOBILE DEVICE HOME SCREEN

 

On our website, click StormCenter. Select the Outage Map tile. Tap the Share Arrow. Select “Add to Home Screen” from options.

 

BOOKMARK DAILY RESTORATION PLAN MAP

 

SECO utilizes this interactive map when the Emergency Response Plan is activated. This map is different from the StormCenter outage map. The Restoration Plan Map displays the areas where crews are working each day and helps you know when you can reasonably expect service restoration. Access this map from the website home page banner during emergencies.

 

SUPPLY STOCK UP – SEVEN DAYS

 

September 2019 SECO News Supply Stock Up - Seven Days

 

Turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest settings. Only open refrigerator and freezer doors when necessary. Move freezable foods into the freezer. A refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours after a power outage; a full freezer will keep food frozen for about 48 hours. Move your emergency supplies into a secure room with no windows or fireplaces.

 

SECO News September 2019 During a Storm

HUNKER DOWN – STAY INFORMED

 

During the storm, remain indoors and prepare to wait out the weather safely. Stay informed with a battery-powered weather radio. Be ready to re-locate your family and pets to a secure location in your home with no windows or fireplaces. Break out the family board games and preserve your phone’s battery power.

 

NO RESTORATION IN WINDS ABOVE 35 MPH

SECO Energy invests heavily in an aggressive vegetation management program to keep our overhead lines clear. Still, severe storms with high winds create tree-related outages. Once sustained wind speeds reach 35 mph, it is not safe to use bucket trucks or perform restoration. When wind speeds have fallen below 35 mph, SECO deploys employees and mutual aid to begin restoration efforts.

 

TORNADOES – WATCH VS WARNING

Tornadoes are vertical funnels of rapidly spinning air often referred to as nature’s most violent storm. Winds can reach speeds of 300 mph. Tornadoes are commonly associated with severe thunderstorms. It is extremely likely that during a hurricane you may experience a tornado.

 

TORNADO WATCH: Tornadoes are possible in/near the watch area. Check supplies and your safe room. Be ready to act fast if a warning is issued or you suspect a tornado is approaching.

 

TORNADO WARNING: A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. There is imminent danger to life and property. Go immediately to your safe room, interior room or hallway. Avoid windows.

 

IF YOU EXPERIENCE A TORNADO, stay clear of downed power lines and damaged buildings. Treat downed lines as if they are energized.

 

SECO News September 2019 Electric System 101

 

 

HIGH VOLTAGE TRANSMISSION LINES: These supply power to SECO’s 48 substations which serve 200,000+ homes and businesses. If a storm damages a transmission line, substations also lose power. Much of the transmission serving SECO’s substations is owned/operated by Duke Energy. If Duke’s lines are down, SECO Energy cannot restore power to our members until these lines are repaired.

 

DISTRIBUTION SUBSTATION: A substation serves thousands of members. Our line crews inspect substations to determine if problems stem from transmission lines feeding into the substation, the substation itself, or if problems exist further down the feeders and lateral lines.

 

FEEDER DISTRIBUTION LINES: When problems cannot be isolated at a substation, distribution lines are inspected. These larger lines originate from substations and distribute power to large groups of members in our service area.

 

LATERAL DISTRIBUTION LINES: These smaller lines deliver power to transformers, either mounted on poles or placed on pads for underground service and deliver power to smaller groups of members in less densely populated areas.

 

SERVICE LINES: The service line is the line between a transformer and your residence or business.

 

SECO News September 2019 Generator Safety

STATIONARY GENERATOR: A permanently affixed generator installed by a licensed technician with an approved disconnect and transfer switch that isolates your home’s circuits from SECO Energy and eliminates the risk of backfeeding on utility lines.

 

PORTABLE GENERATOR: A common type of generator that does not require a licensed technician to install. Use extension cords to plug certain appliances into the outlets on the generator. Never operate indoors.

 

More lifesaving information on generator safety can be found on our website. Click on the generator banner for a chance to win a new 8,000 watt Briggs Stratton portable generator. Enter by October 15.

 

SECO News September 2019 After a Storm
RETURNING HOME-ASSESS DAMAGE

 

If your home or business is damaged and it is safe, turn off your main breaker to prevent fires. If appliances are wet, turn off each appliance’s main breaker. Once you’ve turned the breaker off, unplug the wet appliance.

 

If fuses blow when your power is restored, turn off the breakers and contact a licensed electrician. Always call an electrician or an appliance repair service if in doubt.

 

DEBRIS CLEANUP

 

Once the storm has passed, ensure that you and your home are safe while power is being restored. Do not make piles that interfere with utility trucks. Keep piles away from power lines, transformers and downed lines for safety and speedy restoration. Call your county’s emergency operations center if public roadway debris prevents utility and emergency vehicle access.

 

SECO News September 2019 Move Over It's the Law

 

• Move over a lane for law enforcement, emergency, sanitation, utility vehicles and tow trucks.
• If you can’t move over, slow to 20 mph less than the posted speed limit.
• If the posted speed limit is 20 mph or less, slow down to 5 mph.

 

#MoveOverFL

 

Read the full September 2019 SECO News online.

Hurricane Dorian Rain Bands Lash SECO Energy Area

Hurricane Dorian’s outer rain bands lashed the eastern portion of SECO Energy’s service area overnight Tuesday and continue into Wednesday. SECO’s electric system fared well during wind gusts that topped a reported 40 mph.

 

Hurricane Dorian is hovering off Florida’s east coast this morning as a CAT 2 hurricane with maximum sustained wind speeds at 105 mph. Dorian is moving north-northwest at 8 mph. SECO members can expect Hurricane Dorian’s outer bands to dump more rain on the already saturated ground. Dorian’s rain bands are forecast to clear SECO Energy’s service territory later tonight. For the remainder of the day SECO members located east of I-75 can expect rain bands, isolated lightning and wind gusts up to 40 mph.

 

September is typically the peak of Atlantic hurricane season. According to the National Hurricane Center, as of early Wednesday morning there are five active Atlantic tropical cyclones and disturbances. SECO Energy’s new Hurricane Handbook is available on SECOEnergy.com by clicking on the homepage banner. The Hurricane Handbook is a member guide for preparing before, during and after a storm. The cooperative has included tips on generator safety, restoration priorities, downed power line safety, electric system 101, Florida’s Move Over Law and more.

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “SECO Energy’s service area will most likely experience a rainy Wednesday while Hurricane Dorian moves away from Central Florida. Overnight, crews responded to a handful of outages. In fact, as of this morning less than 100 members experienced an outage caused by Dorian. The hurricane’s rain and wind bands haven’t cleared out of our system yet, outages caused by lightning, heavy rains and falling trees may still occur.”

 

Duncan added, “The 2019 Atlantic hurricane season is far from over. Hurricane Dorian was a timely reminder that Floridians need to prepare for tropical storms and hurricanes that affect our area. Read the Hurricane Handbook, keep your supplies updated and continue to watch local weather reports.”

 

StormCenter is SECO Energy’s outage and communications platform for members to report outages, check the status of an existing outage and enroll in outage communications and alerts via email, text, voice or all three. Visit StormCenter online and bookmark on your smartphone or tablet to report outages quickly and easily.

 

Stay up to date on weather affecting SECO Energy’s service area, the latest news releases and cooperative updates by “liking” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter.

Local Counties Preparing for Hurricane Dorian

Additional shelters are opening in the counties served by SECO Energy to assist residents in need of shelter during Hurricane Dorian. SECO members who require uninterrupted electricity to power medical devices are advised to wait out Hurricane Dorian at a shelter that meets their special needs. Deadly Hurricane Dorian stalled over parts of The Bahamas on Monday destroying property and is responsible for a reported five deaths.

 

Hurricane Dorian is spinning at about 120 mph at a forward speed of just 2 mph. Hurricane force winds extend 40 miles and tropical storm winds extend 160 miles. Dorian is expected to pick up forward motion later today and bring rain bands and sustained winds of about 25 mph to the SECO service territory. Overnight and into Wednesday, SECO Energy members east of I-75 will likely experience sustained winds of 35 mph and gusts up to 50 mph. SECO Energy is StormReady with 800 additional line and tree contractors from Rhode Island, Indiana, Alabama, Pennsylvania, Texas, New York and New Jersey.

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “Hurricane Dorian is forecast to move away from The Bahamas and move northwest with an eventual eastern turn that keeps it just off Florida’s coast. SECO Energy’s service area could begin to feel the hurricane’s effects late this afternoon. Members who live in homes or areas that are subject to flooding, suggested to evacuate, or need guaranteed power to sustain life should check in at a shelter today. If conditions deteriorate emergency personnel may be grounded and unable to help until the storm passes.”

 

Duncan added, “SECO Energy has been monitoring and preparing for Hurricane Dorian since early last week. The cooperative is prepared for power outages caused by Hurricane Dorian. Out-of-state crews began to arrive on Monday to assist. Please take this storm seriously and put your family’s safety first.”

 

Two shelters are open in Sumter County. A pet-friendly, general public shelter is available at the Sumter County Fairgrounds at 7620 SR 471, Webster. A special needs shelter is open in Wildwood at the Wildwood Community Center at 5600 Powell Road. Sumter County officials are concerned that flooding in the county will be worse than in 2017 with Hurricane Irma. Shelters are available for residents living in mobile homes, recreational vehicles and low-lying flood prone areas.

 

Six shelters are open in Lake County. The general public shelter is open at Mount Dora High School located at 700 N. Highland Street, Mount Dora. Two pet-friendly shelters are available at Round Lake Elementary 31333 Round Lake Road, Mount Dora and Spring Creek Elementary 44440 Spring Creek Road, Paisley. Three special needs, pet-friendly shelters are open at Leesburg Elementary 2229 South Street, Leesburg and Lost Lake Elementary 1901 Johns Lake Road, Clermont and Umatilla Elementary 401 Lake Street, Umatilla.

 

Marion County is opening four shelters. Two general population shelters are opening today at noon located at Fort McCoy Middle School at 16160 NE County Road 315, Ft. McCoy and North Marion Middle School at 20085 W Highway 329, Citra. A special needs only shelter is currently open at West Port High School at 3733 SW 80th Avenue, Ocala. A pet-friendly shelter at Lake Weir High School at 10351 SE Maricamp Road, Ocala opens at noon today.

 

Citrus, Hernando, Levy and Pasco Counties are not opening shelters at this time, but officials are closely monitoring Hurricane Dorian. Schools are closed on Tuesday (today) in Citrus, Hernando, Levy, Pasco and Sumter Counties. In Lake County, schools are closed Tuesday and Wednesday; in Marion County, schools are closed for the rest of this week.

 

SECO Energy’s Hurricane Handbook is available on SECOEnergy.com by clicking on the homepage banner. The Hurricane Handbook offers members tips for preparing before, during and after a storm. The cooperative has included tips on generator safety, downed power line safety, electric system 101, Florida’s Move Over Law and more.

 

StormCenter is SECO Energy’s outage and communications platform for members to report outages, check the status of an existing outage and enroll in outage communications and alerts via email, text, voice or all three. Visit StormCenter today at SECOEnergy.com>StormCenter and bookmark on your smartphone or tablet to report outages quickly and easily. Once the hurricane has passed SECO’s area later next week, members should use our Daily Restoration Plan Map to identify if crews are working in their area that day. Visit SECOEnergy.com and click on the homepage banner to access the map.

 

Stay up to date on weather affecting SECO Energy’s service area, the latest news releases and cooperative updates by “liking” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter.

Shelters Opening in Preparation of Hurricane Dorian

Shelters are opening in the counties served by SECO Energy that will feel the effects of Hurricane Dorian. SECO urges members who are dependent on electricity to operate life-sustaining devices to seek refuge at a shelter or have a backup source for power before Hurricane Dorian’s high winds and rain cause lengthy power outages.

 

In Sumter County, two pet-friendly shelters will open at 10 a.m. The Sumter County Fairgrounds at 7620 SR 471 in Webster will be available for the general population. The Wildwood Community Center at 5600 Powell Road in Wildwood is open for citizens with special needs. Sumter County officials will determine if additional shelter openings are necessary. Shelters are available for residents living in mobile homes, recreational vehicles and low-lying flood prone areas and east-coast evacuees.

 

Lake County is scheduled to open six shelters at noon today. The general public shelter is at Mount Dora High School located at 700 N. Highland Street in Mount Dora. Two public, pet-friendly shelters are opening at Round Lake Elementary 31333 Round Lake Road, Mount Dora and Spring Creek Elementary 44440 Spring Creek Road, Paisley. Special needs and pet-friendly shelters are opening at noon at Leesburg Elementary 2229 South Street, Leesburg and Lost Lake Elementary 1901 Johns Lake Road, Clermont and Umatilla Elementary 401 Lake Street, Umatilla.

 

At this time, shelters are not opening in Citrus, Hernando, Marion or Pasco Counties. Levy County is prepared to open shelters as needed. Schools are closed Tuesday in Citrus, Marion and Sumter Counties. In Lake County, schools are closed Tuesday and Wednesday.

 

Hurricane Dorian remains a CAT 5 storm with 165 mph sustained winds and has slowed to a 1 mph crawl. It is expected to maintain this slow speed for the next 24 hours. This pace will result in SECO Energy’s service area feeling the first effects around 2 a.m. on Wednesday morning and lasting through noon. The area will experience 25-30 mph sustained winds with 35-60 mph gusts.

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “Forecasters predict Hurricane Dorian will skirt Florida’s east coast and not make landfall in Florida. That track does not put SECO’s service area in the clear. SECO Energy is StormReady and prepared to begin what may be a lengthy restoration event. Crews from out of state begin arriving today to assist. Do not jeopardize your family’s safety – seek shelter in your county if needed.”

 

SECO Energy’s Hurricane Handbook is available on SECO’s homepage by clicking on the homepage banner. The Hurricane Handbook offers members tips for preparing before, during and after a storm. The cooperative has included tips on generator safety, downed power line safety, electric system 101, Florida’s Move Over Law and more.

 

StormCenter is SECO Energy’s outage and communications platform for members to report outages, check the status of an existing outage and enroll in outage communications and alerts via email, text, voice or all three. Visit StormCenter today at SECOEnergy.com and bookmark on your smartphone or tablet to report outages quickly and easily. Once the hurricane has passed SECO’s area later next week, members should use our Daily Restoration Plan Map to identify if crews are working in their area that day. Visit SECOEnergy.com and click on the homepage banner to access the map.

 

Stay up to date on weather affecting SECO Energy’s service area, the latest news releases and cooperative updates by “liking” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter.

SECO Energy Preparing for Out-Of-State Crew Arrivals Next Week

SECO Energy is StormReady and preparing for Hurricane Dorian’s effects on its service area next week. Line and tree crews from out of state begin arriving Monday and throughout the remainder of the week as needed to assist with restoration efforts.

 

Hurricane Dorian has strengthened to a CAT 5 hurricane and is moving west at 8 mph with maximum sustained winds of 160 mph. A slower westward motion should occur over the next days or two, followed by a gradual turn toward the northwest. Dorian should move closer to Florida’s east coast late Monday through Tuesday night. Currently, the eye is predicted to stay about 110 miles off the Treasure Coast.

 

For SECO Energy members, the current forecast means that the service territory will begin experiencing 30-35 mph sustained winds and 55 mph gusts starting Tuesday morning through Tuesday night. These conditions will undoubtedly result in outages. Trees will fall in already heavily saturated areas – bringing down lines and toppling poles. SECO has planned in advance for the storm. Crews from out of state begin arriving Monday and throughout the remainder of the week as needed from Alabama, New Jersey, Texas, Rhode Island, New York and Pennsylvania.

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “Hurricane Dorian’s track has been unpredictable, and the latest forecast may offer members a false sense of security. SECO’s service territory and Central Florida remain in the cone which puts us at risk of tropical-storm force winds and heavy rain. We are StormReady and caution members to remain on guard for this storm.”

 

SECO Energy’s Hurricane Handbook is available on SECOEnergy.com by clicking on the homepage banner. The Hurricane Handbook offers members tips for preparing before, during and after a storm. The cooperative has included tips on generator safety, downed power line safety, electric system 101, Florida’s Move Over Law and more.

 

StormCenter is SECO Energy’s outage and communications platform for members to report outages, check the status of an existing outage and enroll in outage communications and alerts via email, text, voice or all three. Visit StormCenter today and bookmark on your smartphone or tablet to report outages quickly and easily. Once the hurricane has passed SECO’s area later next week, members should use our Daily Restoration Plan Map to identify if crews are working in their area that day. Visit SECOEnergy.com and click on the homepage banner to access the map.

 

Stay up to date on weather affecting SECO Energy’s service area, the latest news releases and cooperative updates by “liking” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter.