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Month: December 2020

‘Tis the Season to Give – SECO Energy Donates Retired Laptops and iPads

SECO Energy broadens its commitment to its local communities by donating used retired laptops and tablets to Christmas Across South Lake, a charitable organization in Lake County dedicated to bringing a brighter Christmas to children. The donated laptops and tablets will give teenagers a Christmas gift they may not otherwise receive. This much needed equipment will help with their educational studies.

 

Christmas Across South Lake is a collaborative community Christmas project that aims to help over 1,000 children and families this holiday season with food for the families and toys for the children. According to Christmas Across South Lake volunteers, the organization has difficulty locating presents for their teens.

 

Each year, SECO Energy donates a small number of used retired laptops and tablets to community non-profit organizations within SECO’s service territory. SECO offered a small supply of recently retired laptops and tablets for the organization’s older teens who generally go without a Christmas present.

 

SECO Energy Sr. Consultant for Civic, Charitable & Government Relations Kathy Judkins stated, “As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO Energy is committed to supporting education in its service territory. It’s our hope a few of these laptop or tablet recipients will be interested in pursuing a career in the energy industry and apply for our educational scholarship in January 2021.”

 

SECO has long supported local students through educational scholarship opportunities for graduating high school seniors who live in a home served by SECO. For more than two decades, SECO has enabled over 300 young scholars to begin their dreams of a college education by awarding over $500,000 in scholarships. 2021 scholarship applications will be available on January 4, 2021, for qualifying graduating high school seniors. The application deadline is March 26, 2021.

 

For eligibility requirements and details about SECO’s Scholarship program or to print an application online, visit our
Scholarship page.

 

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

SECO Energy and Touch of Class Corvette Club Keep Christmas Spirit Alive with Toys for Tots

SECO Energy Member Service Centers serve as Toys for Tots drop-off locations. The not-for-profit cooperative’s Inverness Member Service Center received nearly 100 toys from the Citrus County Touch of Class Corvette Club (TOCC). Along with SECO employees’ toy donations and TOCC delivered toys, the spirit of Christmas will remain alive for many children in the Citrus County area.

 

Through the ongoing efforts of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program’s mission and community partnerships, new, unwrapped toys are collected and distributed as Christmas gifts to local children in need. “Santa is still coming to town,” said Paul Purely, Toys for Tots Coordinator for Citrus County.

 

SECO Energy CEO Jim Duncan stated, “Under normal business circumstances or amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, SECO’s employees continue to express their kindness by giving to others. With the effort of our employees and organizations such as The Touch of Class Corvette Club, hundreds of children will receive a present on Christmas day.”

 

A few Touch of Class Corvette Club members, SECO Energy employees and a Toys for Tots Marine representative in his Dress Blues put on celebratory, protective masks and posed for the camera while displaying the toys gathered for children in need.

 

TOCC President George Lentowicz stated, “Our club believes that the display of our community’s concern and generosity through the Toys for Tots Program is vital in providing families and children with hope and encouragement through the Christmas season that lasts throughout the year.”

 

SECO Energy members who want to partner with SECO Energy to improve the quality of life in local communities can enroll in its Pennies from Heaven program that rounds up monthly bills to the nearest dollar. The small change donated through Pennies from Heaven supports financial assistance to local worthy causes in SECO’s service area. Requests for Angel Fund bill payment assistance are administered through several local agencies by calling 211 or visiting 211.org. Members who need bill payment assistance can also visit SECOEnergy.com and find a local social service agency using our interactive map.

 

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

SECO Energy Brings Holiday Joy with Toys for Tots Drive

As challenging as 2020 has been for many folks, it has not prevented SECO Energy employees and its members from spreading holiday joy this year by donating toys to Toys for Tots.

 

The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation depends on local community support to brighten a child’s Christmas with a toy. That is why SECO Energy joined this worthy cause. The toys donated through Toys for Tots remain in the community where they are donated. For many local children, a toy donated through SECO employees’ and members’ generosity will be the only present received for Christmas.

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated,“Even during 2020’s time of uncertainty, SECO employees remain committed to bringing a smile to children this Christmas. The donated toys will bring happiness and a sense of normalcy to children across our service area. That makes me smile. As a Marine myself, I am proud of our commitment to this organization and our employees’ and members’ generosity.”

 

Greg Merimee a Lake & Sumter Toys for Tots volunteer is thankful for SECO employee’s generosity. Merimee stated, “SECO Energy has been one of the best supporters to Toys for Tots every year. We must always bring a large truck just for SECO employees’ donations. They bountifully give so many beautiful bicycles and fantastic toys. On behalf of the Marine Corp League and Toys for Tots, we thank everyone at SECO.”

 

In addition to the hundreds of toys donated by employees, SECO’s Pennies from Heaven program matched toy donations with an additional $5,000 courtesy of the employees and members who participate in the program.

 

Senior Consultant for Civic, Charitable and Government Affairs Kathy Judkins manages the Toys for Tots donation drive for the cooperative. Judkins stated, “The toys collected will give children of many families a glimpse of hope this Christmas. We’re so grateful for the opportunity to continue to spread holiday cheer.”

 

SECO Energy members who want to partner with SECO Energy to improve the quality of life in local communities can enroll in the Pennies from Heaven program that rounds up monthly bills to the nearest dollar. The small change donated through Pennies from Heaven supports financial assistance to local worthy causes in SECO’s service area. Requests for Angel Fund bill payment assistance are administered through several local agencies by calling 211 or visiting 211.org. To find a social service agency, use SECO’s online interactive map. Members can simply input their address and search for an agency in their county of residence.

 

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

Sunshine State Stats November 2020

November 2020 weather was warm with slightly fall-like temperatures in the early morning hours. The average temperature was a comfortable 72 degrees, which was 5 degrees higher than the average temperature of 67 degrees in November 2019. Sixteen days in the month reached 80 degrees or over. The highest recorded temperature was 86 degrees and the lowest recorded temperature was 52 degrees. The average high temperature was 80 degrees and the average low temperature was 63 degrees.

 

November 2020 Sunshine State Stats temperatures

 

Central Floridians experienced cooler temperatures in the low to mid-50s early and later in the month. Rainfall was higher than average at 4.22 inches for the month due in part to Tropical Storm Eta. The average rainfall for November is 2.5 inches. Rainfall in November 2019 was only 1.2 inches.

 

SECO Energy’s service area received its first tropical storm activity of 2020 when Tropical Storm Eta brought heavy rains and winds to the area on November 12. The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season broke records with the most named storms in the year. Atlantic hurricane season officially ended on November 30.

 

December forecast:

 

The December 2020 forecast calls for a cold snap the first week of the month with temperatures dipping into the 30s. High temperatures are forecast in the low 60s to 70s with low temperatures in the mid 40s. Expect a traditional Florida Christmas with temperatures in the high 60s during the day and mid 40s at night.

 

Before winter temperatures arrive, consider scheduling an HVAC tune-up. Regular maintenance helps your unit run more efficiently and can diagnose small issues before they become bigger problems.

 

To check historical usage, log into SmartHub to view past bills and consumption charts. If your usage is high, SECO offers several energy-efficiency tools to help you identify energy wasters. Take the Home Energy Assessment to receive a detailed email tailored to your home’s features and lifestyle. The energy-saving advice will provide low-cost ways to decrease your usage – and your electric bill.

 

To easily calculate how much energy your appliances, lighting, electronic devices, and other energy-using items in your home consume, use the Energy Estimator.

Florida Fauna & Flora – Ocala National Forest

The Ocala National Forest is located in SECO Energy’s backyard. This national landmark was established in 1909 and is the southernmost forest in the United States. In the forest’s beautiful 383,000 acres, you’ll find over 600 lakes, rivers and streams, as well as trails, animals, recreation areas and outdoor activities.

 

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the core of the Ocala National Forest is the Big Scrub that was first placed under protection by President Theodore Roosevelt, making it the first National Forest east of the Mississippi River. Most of the forest is in Marion County, with smaller portions found in Lake and Putnam Counties. The Florida Trail is a 1,300-mile United States National Scenic Trail that travels through the Ocala National Forest.

 

When visiting the Ocala National Forest, look for various wildlife, including alligators, coyotes, white-tailed deer, wild boar and small animals such as squirrels, gopher tortoises, bats, river otters, bobcats and more. Within the forest boundaries, you’ll also find the highest concentration of wild Florida black bears.

 

Fun Flora Fact: The 1946 movie The Yearling starring Gregory Peck and Jane Wyman based on Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings’ novel of the same name was filmed in the Ocala National Forest.

 

Read the full December 2020 SECO News online.

SECO News, December 2020

 

Duncan’s Digest – 2021 United Way Pledge Drive

 

SECO Energy employees have been exceptionally generous this year. Their philanthropic spirit is fostered by one of our Cooperative Principles: Concern for Community. Many employees, some who are not members themselves, have joined me in supporting SECO’s Pennies from Heaven charitable fund. Employee and member donations to Pennies from Heaven have funded member bill payment assistance and provided funds for local food banks experiencing critical shortages.Employees have also donated generously to our yearly Toys for Tots donation drive.

 

May 2018 SECO News Duncan's Digest

 

SECO employees recognize that local community help is needed year-round and not only during the Christmas season. For this reason, employees take part in an annual employee-funded United Way Pledge Drive. This year has been challenging for some local families who have struggled through the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting shutdown. The need may well extend into next year.

 

For our 2021 United Way Pledge Drive, employees willingly pledged $61,433 to United Ways in ten local counties. This donation makes a big difference in the lives of local families. SECO’s 400+ employees live in or near the counties we serve, and employees choose the county where their donated dollars will benefit.

 

The bulk of our employees live in Citrus, Lake, Marion and Sumter Counties, and these counties received the highest dollar amounts in donations. The breakdown by county is:

Lake and Sumter: $29,508

 

Marion: $20,885

 

Citrus: $6,023

 

Other Counties (Gilchrist, Hernando, Levy, Orange, Pasco and Polk): $5,017

 

Total: $61,433

 

Join SECO employees in their effort to promote the United Way’s mission to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities to advance the common good. Education, income and health care are United Way’s key focuses. Visit United Way to donate or volunteer.

 

I am grateful for our employees’ generosity and dedication to our members and the communities we serve. From the SECO family to yours, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

 

Sincerely,

 

Jim Duncan

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

SECO News December 2020 Engage With Electra To Win

Engage With Electra to Win

 

Earlier this year, SECO Energy upgraded its phone system to a new, user-friendly interactive voice response (IVR) system. Our virtual agent’s name is Electra, and she is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

 

Engage with Electra to win! Starting December 1, members who interact with Electra virtually and don’t request a SECO member service representative will be eligible to win a $25 gift card. We’ll draw one winner each week.

 

Electra is multi-functional. She can answer thousands of calls virtually and save you from waiting on hold for rep assistance.

 

BILLING INQUIRIES: Ask Electra “What is my balance?” or ask her “What is the due date?” Need more billing information? Electra can answer questions such as “What was my last payment amount?” or “When was my last payment date?”

 

PAY YOUR BILL: Tell Electra “Pay my bill,” and she will transfer you to our PayNow payment processor. You can pay your bill by phone using a credit or debit card or electronic check without a convenience fee.

 

PAYMENT ARRANGEMENT*: Ask for a “Payment Arrangement” or an “Extension.” Electra will schedule terms – all without you having to speak with a rep.

 

DISCONNECT SERVICE: If you’re moving out of SECO’s service area and need to disconnect service, tell Electra to “Disconnect Service.” Please provide Electra with a forwarding address for future Capital Credit returns.

 

REPORT A POWER OUTAGE/UPDATE OUTAGE NOTIFICATIONS: Call Electra to report a power outage. Say the word “Outage,” and she will guide you through easy prompts to report the outage for you. To update your outage notifications, say “Update Notifications.” If you’re calling from a cell phone, Electra will ask if you want her to text you a link to StormCenter to update your outage notification preferences on your smartphone or tablet.

 

CHECK OUTAGE STATUS: Electra can give you details on the status of a current outage. Just say “Check Status,” and Electra will provide the crew status, estimated restoration time and outage cause if known.

 

REPORT AN AREA LIGHT OUTAGE: Find an area light issue? Just locate the pole number, call Electra and say “Report an Area Light Outage.” Read page four to learn how you can report area light outages online 24/7 with SECO Energy’s LightFinder tool on StormCenter.

 

SERVICE TROUBLE: Experiencing a service problem such as partial power or a wire down? Call Electra and say “Service Trouble.” Electra will automatically create a service trouble ticket.

 

Call Electra at (352) 793-3801 and let her assist you virtually for a chance to win a $25 gift card each week. Winning account must be active at the time of the drawing. Look for the first month’s weekly winners in February 2021 SECO News.

 

Good luck!

 

*Electra can schedule a payment arrangement for eligible accounts only.

 

 

SECO News December 2020 Area Light Out? Report it Online

Area Light Out? Report it Online

 

Need to report a malfunctioning area light? Report a light that is completely off, flickering or staying on during the day using our easy and convenient online tool called LightFinder, which is available through SECO Energy’s StormCenter platform.

 

Visit StormCenter 24/7 to report power outages, report area light malfunctions, update your communications preferences and more. To report an area light outage, choose the LightFinder tile. Enter the area light pole number or near address in the search bar, then click on the light icon to report the lighting issue. Review the light’s details and add comments if needed. Include your email address in the submission to receive updates about the light’s repair status.

 

A green light icon indicates there is no known area light issue. When an area light trouble ticket is issued, the icon turns red. Lights represented by an orange icon have been repaired in the last 24 hours. Member-owned lights are shown as a blue icon, and a gray icon indicates an inactive light.

 

SECO repairs most area light issues in less than 24 hours.

 

 

SECO News October 2020 EV Charger Winner!

EV Charger Winner

 

Richard and Jill Nash from Clermont are the November winners of a SECO Energy branded JuiceBox Pro 40 EV Level 2 charger. We’re giving one charger away each month while supplies last. To enter, text “EV” to (352) 320-4500 for a link to enter. Or click on the EV Charger Giveaway homepage banner.

 

Learn more about the benefits of electric vehicle ownership on our EV website pages. You’ll find an EV savings calculator, information about CO2 reduction, an EV and PHEV model finder and a nationwide charger-finder map. Visit our Electric Vehicles page for more details.

 

Watch SECO News for next month’s charger winner.

 

 

SECO News December 2020 StormCenter Word Search

StormCenter Word Search

 

SECO Energy’s StormCenter outage and communications platform is available online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Report power outages, area light malfunctions and update or enroll in outage notifications. Visit StormCenter online.

 

December 2020 StormCenter word search

 

 

SECO News December 2020 Save Energy With A Smart Thermostat

Save Energy With a Smart Thermostat

 

Give yourself the gift of energy savings this holiday season. Invest in an ENERGY STAR rated smart thermostat to take the guesswork out of indoor temperature settings and to reduce your energy costs.

 

Smart thermostats are Wi-Fi-enabled devices controlled with your smartphone, tablet, smart speaker or other device connected to the internet. Installing a smart thermostat allows you to schedule your home’s temperatures for comfort. Some units learn your habits and preferences. Smart thermostats will provide you with data on your home’s energy use and other features.

 

The recommended thermostat setting for energy efficiency is no lower than 78 degrees in the summer and no higher than 68 degrees in the winter. You can save 6 to 8% annually for each degree higher you set the thermostat during the summer and reduce your heating costs by 3 to 5% in winter for each degree you lower the thermostat.

 

Bright Idea: If you’re going on vacation, set the thermostat to 82 degrees in the summer or 55 degrees in the winter.

 

 

SECO News December The Old Farmer's Almanac

Advice from The Old Farmer’s Almanac

 

Say goodbye, 2020, and hello to 2021. The Old Farmer’s Almanac shares ideas for us to embrace a healthier lifestyle. Make a 2021 resolution to spend at least 120 minutes outdoors each week, schedule doctors’ visits and add online aerobics classes to your workout routine. Give your health a boost by adopting a dog or cat. 92% of dog owners believe their dog makes them healthier, and 85% of cat owners feel the same.

 

Some of the fun trends for 2021 are restaurants using edible tableware, paperless menus and local farmers selling produce and veggies in traditional supermarkets. Also making a comeback are houseplants and native plant designs in outdoor landscapes.

 

 

SECO News December 2020 Surgeo Picks A Winner

Surgeo Picks a Winner

 

Congratulations, Harriette Lowrey from The Villages who won a free one-year Surge MitiGator lease! We chose Ms. Lowrey’s name at random from all members subscribed to SECO Energy’s Surge MitiGator protection on or before October 31.

 

Take Surgeo’s advice and enroll in SECO Energy’s Surge MitiGator protection to take the bite out of damaging surges and spikes. Our meter-based surge arrester helps prevent unnecessary financial loss by reducing surges BEFORE they enter your home through the meter. The Surge MitiGator is designed to protects your home’s large-motor appliances.

 

You can lease the MitiGator for only $5.95 plus tax per month plus $25 installation fee. The purchase price ranges from $349 to $399, with installation included. To enroll online or review the MitiGator warranty, visit Surge MitiGator online.

 

Read the full December 2020 SECO News online.