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Month: February 2023

SECO Energy Foundation Announces Scholarship Program for Energy Industry Students

The SECO Energy Foundation proposes $36,000 in scholarships for students interested in pursuing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) related careers in the energy industry. Scholarships are funded by the newly established SECO Energy Foundation, a 501c3 program previously known as Pennies from Heaven.

 

The Foundation Board of Directors is comprised of a member from each of the nine Trustee Districts to review and approve or deny scholarship and grant requests based on SECO Energy’s strategic initiatives, needs in the community, balance among members served, and other ranking factors determined on a grant score matrix.

 

The 2023 SECO Scholarship Program may award up to 12 recipients to receive a $3,000 scholarship each, subject to the Foundation Board of Directors’ approval. Scholarship winners may also be eligible for ongoing financial support and/or internship opportunities from SECO Energy throughout their studies.

 

The scholarship program is open to high school seniors graduating in May/June 2023. Applicants must live in a home served by SECO Energy and plan to pursue a career in the energy industry. Awardees must also be enrolled full-time by the end of 2023 in a vocational/technical school or accredited college/university located in Florida. Qualifying certifications or degrees are in technology, engineering, math or business. Applicants must apply through the new, streamlined online application process at SECOEnergy.com>Foundation banner>Scholarship Application. The deadline to apply for a scholarship is March 24, 2023.

 

The SECO Energy Foundation Board of Directors will determine scholarship winners during the April 27 Board Meeting. The winners will be notified via email.

 

SECO Energy is hiring and wants to connect with students who are potential employees through its Foundation’s Scholarship Program. According to the 2021 U.S. Energy and Employment Report (USEER), Florida currently employs 113,766 energy workers statewide. With an aging workforce and the number of employees needed to sustain the electric power generation and infrastructure in the energy sector, it is imperative SECO Energy recruits a steady stream of applicants to fill the requirement in this growing sector.

 

CEO Curtis Wynn encourages students to pursue a career in the energy industry. Wynn stated, “The SECO Energy Foundation Scholarship Program is a recruiting tool that helps us attract local students entering the energy field. The energy industry and SECO Energy are hiring bright, career-minded individuals for positions that offer competitive wages, quality benefits and life/work balance. We hope to engage students who want hands-on experience through paid-internship opportunities, our apprenticeship program or as a new employee on one of our dynamic teams.”

 

Wynn continued, “As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO Energy prioritizes community support, environmental stewardship, corporate citizenship and sustainability. SECO provides employees with a pension plan and a robust 401k match. We offer high-quality, low-cost medical plans, dental and vision coverage and a generous paid-time-off program. SECO is an essential employer offering internal advancement opportunities in fields like electric vehicle charging and solar energy.”

 

Ready to apply for employment today? Visit Careers at SECOEnergy.com to view open positions and set notifications for new postings. “Like” SECO Energy on Facebook and follow @SECOEnergy on Twitter for prize drawings, news releases, and severe weather alerts affecting SECO Energy’s service territory. Manage your outage notification preferences at StormCenter. To see reliability and expansion projects in your area, visit our new System Improvement Map. To learn more about SECO Energy as a not-for-profit cooperative, visit SECOEnergy.com > Your Co-op > About.

 

SECO Energy is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

 

SECO Energy District 4 Members Re-elect Trustee Richard Dennison

SECO Energy members who reside in District 4 re-elected Richard Dennison as the District 4 Trustee to serve on SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees. The meeting was held in the District on Tuesday, February 7, at the Marion Oaks Community Center in Marion County for the purpose of electing a Trustee to represent District 4 on SECO’s Board of Trustees.

 

SECO Energy is a not-for-profit electric cooperative, operated for and owned by its members. SECO’s service area is geographically divided into nine Districts. One Trustee is elected from each of the nine Districts to represent their fellow members on SECO’s nine-member Board of Trustees. Collectively, the Board represents the SECO membership, meeting monthly to monitor the financial status of the cooperative while providing fiduciary oversight and participating in policy decisions that serve the best interests of the membership at large.

 

Trustee Dennison submitted a letter of intent to run for Trustee and was unopposed in his candidacy. SECO’s Bylaws currently require that the cooperative hold District Meetings. Subsequently, Florida Statute requires SECO to hold in-person elections; therefore, the cooperative continues to hold District Meetings as a means of electing Trustees. A drive-thru voting option was available for members for added convenience.

 

A SECO member since 1999, Mr. Dennison was first elected to SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees in 2015. Trustee Dennison has served as both Board of Trustees Vice President and President. He has also participated in continuing education classes through the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) to maintain his Director Gold Credential which is the highest Trustee accreditation from the NRECA.

 

Trustee Dennison looks forward to a new three-year term working with SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees. Mr. Dennison stated, “Thank you to all District 4 members who attended the meeting. We are thankful for your SECO membership and your participation. I enjoy working with my community and fellow SECO members through my Board of Trustees service and look forward to promoting SECO and its successes.”

 

Board President Gerald Anderson stated, “Congratulations, Mr. Dennison, on your re-election as District 4 Trustee. On behalf of my fellow Board Officers and peers, we look forward to supporting SECO Energy’s Mission and Vision through our Board service.”

 

Curtis Wynn CEO stated, “Mr. Dennison, the Board of Trustees and the SECO Energy membership are thankful for your Board service as District 4 Trustee. I congratulate you on your re-election and look forward to working with you and the Board for continued success at SECO Energy.”

 

To learn more about the Board of Trustees, visit SECOEnergy.com>Your Co-op. “Like” SECO Energy on Facebook and follow @SECOEnergy on Twitter for prize drawings, news releases, and severe weather alerts affecting SECO Energy’s service territory. Manage your outage notification preferences at StormCenter. To see reliability and expansion projects in your area, visit our new System Improvement Map. To learn more about SECO Energy as a not-for-profit cooperative, visit SECOEnergy.com > Your Co-op > About.

 

SECO Energy District 2 Members Re-elect Trustee Joyce Anderson

SECO Energy members who reside in District 2 re-elected Joyce Anderson as the District 2 Trustee to serve on SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees. The meeting was held on February 2 at the Sumter County School Board located within the District for the purpose of electing a Trustee to represent District 2 on SECO’s Board of Trustees.

 

SECO Energy is a not-for-profit electric cooperative, operated for and owned by its members. SECO’s service area is geographically divided into nine Districts. One Trustee is elected from each of the nine Districts to represent their fellow members on SECO’s nine-member Board of Trustees. Collectively, the Board represents the SECO membership, meeting monthly to monitor the financial status of the cooperative while providing fiduciary oversight and participating in policy decisions that serve the best interests of the membership at large.

 

Trustee Anderson along with Mr. Leon “Lee” N. Chitty of The Villages, Mr. Vincent Heuser of The Villages and Mr. Mark Moran also of The Villages all submitted a letter of intent to run for Trustee. SECO’s Bylaws currently require that the cooperative hold District Meetings. Subsequently, Florida Statute requires SECO to hold in-person elections; therefore, the cooperative continues to hold District Meetings as a means of electing Trustees. A drive-thru voting option was available for members for added convenience and to encourage participation.

 

A SECO member since 2017, Mrs. Anderson was first elected to SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees in 2020. She has earned the Director Gold Credential from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) which is the highest Trustee accreditation from the NRECA. Mrs. Anderson also serves in an officer position on the Board of Trustees as Secretary-Treasurer.

 

Trustee Anderson enjoys serving her fellow District 2 neighbors. Mrs. Anderson stated, “Thank you to all District 2 members who were able to attend the District Meeting and for once again entrusting me to serve as your Trustee. It has been my honor to serve as the District 2 Trustee for the last three years. I have enjoyed learning about SECO Energy, serving the membership as a whole and continuing my Board of Trustees education through the NRECA and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve my community.”

 

Board President Gerald Anderson stated, “Congratulations, Mrs. Anderson, on your re-election as District 2 Trustee. And I also thank the District 2 members who attended the Meeting and participated in our cooperative’s governance process. On behalf of my fellow Board Officers and peers, we are excited to support SECO Energy’s Mission and Vision through our Board service.”

 

Curtis Wynn CEO stated, “Mrs. Anderson, the Board of Trustees and the SECO Energy membership is thankful for your Board service as District 2 Trustee. I congratulate you on your re-election and look forward to working with you and the Board for continued success at SECO Energy.”

 

To learn more about the Board of Trustees, visit SECOEnergy.com>Your Co-op. “Like” SECO Energy on Facebook and follow @SECOEnergy on Twitter for prize drawings, news releases, and severe weather alerts affecting SECO Energy’s service territory. Manage your outage notification preferences at StormCenter. To see reliability and expansion projects in your area, visit our new System Improvement Map. To learn more about SECO Energy as a not-for-profit cooperative, visit SECOEnergy.com > Your Co-op > About.
 

January 2023 Sunshine State Stats

January 2023 temperatures ranged between the 20s and 80s in the same month. Temperatures dropped to as low as 26 degrees on January 15 (data from the Ocala KOCF weather station) in SECO Energy’s service area and highs climbed to 85.

 

January 2023 Sunshine State Stats temps

 

The average temperature for January 2023 was 63 degrees, which was 1 degree lower than last month’s average. The average high was 74 degrees while the average low was 52 degrees. With the shifting temperatures from very cold to hot during the month, members may notice increased kilowatt hour (kWh) usage as they used both heating and cooling in their homes. The HVAC is the largest energy-user in Central Florida homes – accounting for 35 to 40% of kWh usage on average.

 

The highest daily recorded temperature (data from the Leesburg KLEE weather station) in January was 85 degrees and the lowest 35 – the highest daily recorded temperature in December was 83 degrees and the lowest 29. Rainfall in January 2023 was well below the average of 3.32 inches to measure only 1.22 inches.

 

February forecast:

 

Expect daily highs to reach the low 80s with lows in the mid-50s in February 2023. The Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts winter temperatures will be between 1 to 4 degrees below average, which has held true for the Winter 2023 season.

 

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.

 

SECO News February 2023

 

Dear Members,

 

SECO Energy’s 85th Annual Meeting is being brought to you live via virtual webcast on Thursday, March 23, at 6 p.m. Tune in to learn about our new Strategy and new Mission from me and Board of Trustees President Gerald Anderson. Watch to find out if you are one of 100 prize winners. 

 

Look for your Official 2023 Annual Meeting Notice enclosed in billing statements from mid-February through early March. Your Notice will provide further details on the meeting and voting instructions.

 

To access the meeting, click on the Virtual Business Meeting homepage banner on SECOEnergy.com at 6 p.m. on March 23. Links to the webcast will be published on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.

 

As SECO Energy’s member count increases, Virtual Annual Meetings allow us to reach more members through our live webcast, Member Engagement Panel (via phone and email) and interactions on social media. The Board of Trustees has voted to continue the practice of holding Annual Meetings virtually for cost-saving reasons and to make the meeting more inclusive. 

 

Once you receive your Official Notice, we need your vote on Annual Meeting business (and voting is how you enter the prize drawing as well)! This year the Board of Trustees has developed a short Bylaws Revision for membership vote. We also need approval of the 2022 Annual Meeting Minutes. Review the Bylaws Revision and the 2022 Annual Meetings by visiting SECOEnergy.com. Vote from February 10 until the start of the Annual Meeting on March 23 at 6 p.m.

 

After February 10, members without Internet access may pick up a copy of the proposed Bylaws Revision and 2022 Meeting Minutes at one of our five Member Service Centers and ask a Member Services Representative to cast their vote that enters them in the prize drawing.

 

Members can vote by mail or phone once they receive their Official Annual Meeting Notice. Voting opens on SECOEnergy.com on February 10, 2023. Click the Vote Now homepage banner. All members who cast a vote are counted as present in person for the determination of quorum as stated in the Bylaws Article III, Section E, #4.

 

We have 100 prizes up for grabs! All members who vote on Annual Meeting Business (Bylaws Revision and 2022 Annual Meeting Minutes) are eligible to win one of 100 prizes. The grand prizes are two golf carts, three $1,000 cash prizes, three Generac 7117 generators and two ChargePoint Level 2 EV Fast Chargers. Other prizes include SECO Energy electric bill credits, Wi-Fi programmable thermostats, smart power strips and more! Winners are announced at the close of the Annual Meeting and posted on the website that evening.  

 

Mark your calendar to tune in to our Virtual Annual Meeting on Thursday, March 23, at 6 p.m. If you miss it, the meeting’s video will be posted on YouTube in April.  

 

 

Sincerely,

 

Curtis Wynn

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

SECO News February 2023 Official Annual Meeting Notice

Official 2023 Annual Meeting Notice

 

Starting after February 10, watch your billing statement for your Official 2023 Annual Meeting Notice. You’ll find details about SECO Energy’s 85th Annual Meeting on Thursday, March 23. The meeting will be webcast at 6 p.m.

 

Listed in the Official Notice is the full list of 100 prizes that are up for grabs for members who vote on the Bylaws Revision that is proposed by the Board of Trustees and approve the 2022 Annual Meeting Minutes. Voting begins on February 10, until the meeting start time on March 23.

 

Also included in the Notice is the Meeting Agenda, voting ballot, a summary of the proposed Bylaws Revision, information about the Live Member Engagement Panel and more!

 

 

SECO News February 2023 Annual Meeting Agenda

Official 2023 Annual Meeting Agenda

 

Virtual Engagement Panel Opens for Questions

5 p.m. 

 

Business Meeting

6 p.m. 

 

Welcome and Call to Order 

Gerald Anderson President, Board of Trustees

 

Pledge of Allegiance 

Scott Boyatt Vice President, Board of Trustees

 

Invocation and Trustee Introductions  

Kathryn Gloria Vice President of Corporate Communications

 

Quorum Determination/2023 Notice Certification   

Joyce Anderson Secretary/Treasurer, Board of Trustees

 

President’s Report   

Gerald Anderson

 

Chief Executive Officer’s Report   

Curtis Wynn, Chief Executive Officer

 

Member Vote Results & Certification   

Scott Gerken, Cooperative Attorney

 

Old Business/New Business    

Curtis Wynn

 

Adjournment   

Gerald Anderson

 

Virtual Prize Drawing    

Kathryn Gloria 

 

 

 

SECO News February 2023 Bylaws Revision Summary

Bylaws Revision Summary

This year, the Board of Trustees has proposed a Bylaws Revision and is requesting member votes for approval.

In order to better serve the membership, the proposed Bylaws revision would allow the Board of Trustees to make adequate plans and preparations for the Annual Meeting. Although the Board of Trustees has the authority to provide for a virtual Annual Meeting, the proposed revision would expressly set forth that provision in the Bylaws. 

 

The full text of the proposed revision may be obtained on or after February 10 by reviewing the red-line version of the Bylaws revision at SECOEnergy.com or visiting any SECO Energy Member Service Center or calling to request a mailed packet.  

 

 

SECO News February 2023 Live Member Engagement Panel

Live Member Engagement Panel

 

Do you have a comment or question for us? Engage with SECO Energy during the 2023 Virtual Annual Business Meeting, and your question or comment may be addressed live. 

You can get in touch with us via email before the meeting at SECO2023AM@SECOEnergy.com. Or on the day of the meeting, give us a call at (352) 329-MEET (answered on March 23 after 5 p.m. only) or send a message on Facebook or Twitter starting at 5 p.m. on March 23. 

 

If you have an account-specific question, please get in touch with Member Services at CustomerService@SECOEnergy.com. Our Member Services staff will follow up on any account-specific questions received. 

 

 

 

SECO News February 2023 Ways To Vote

Ways To Vote

 

Vote on Annual Meeting business for the chance to win one of 100 prizes! This year we have two items to vote on. The Board of Trustees has asked for the membership vote on a proposed Bylaws Revision. We also ask your approval of the 2022 Annual Meeting Minutes.

 

To review the proposed Bylaws Revision and 2022 Annual Meeting Minutes, visit SECOEnergy.com. For members without Internet access, you can stop by any of our five Member Service Centers to pick up a copy of the proposed Bylaws Revision and 2022 Annual Meeting Minutes. 

 

Voting opens on February 10. To cast your vote online, visit SECOEnergy.com  >  Your Co-op  >  Annual Meeting, or text “VOTE” to (352) 320-2200. 

 

The mail-in ballot will be included in the Official 2023 Annual Meeting Notice starting February 10. 

 

We look forward to seeing you virtually on Thursday, March 23, at 6 p.m. for our 85th Annual Meeting! 

 

Read the full February 2023 SECO News online.

 

SECO Energy District 6 Members Re-elect Trustee Mike Muffett

SECO Energy members who reside in District 6 re-elected Mike Muffett as the District 6 Trustee to serve on SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees. The meeting was held in the District on Tuesday, January 31, at the Village View Community Church in Marion County for the purpose of electing a Trustee to represent District 6 on SECO’s Board of Trustees.

 

SECO Energy is a not-for-profit electric cooperative, operated for and owned by its members. SECO’s service area is geographically divided into nine Districts. One Trustee is elected from each of the nine Districts to represent their fellow members on SECO’s nine-member Board of Trustees. Collectively, the Board represents the SECO membership, meeting monthly to monitor the financial status of the cooperative while providing fiduciary oversight and participating in policy decisions that serve the best interests of the membership at large.

 

Trustee Muffett submitted a letter of intent to run for Trustee and was unopposed in his candidacy. SECO’s Bylaws currently require that the cooperative hold District Meetings. Subsequently, Florida Statute requires SECO to hold in-person elections; therefore, the cooperative continues to hold District Meetings as a means of electing Trustees. A drive-thru voting option was available for members for added convenience, to encourage participation, to practice social distancing and to reduce the size of the indoor meeting.

 

A SECO member since 1984, Mr. Muffett was first elected to SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees in 2020. Trustee Muffett earned his Director Gold Credential from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). The Director Gold Credential is the highest Trustee accreditation from the NRECA.

 

Trustee Muffett is grateful for the support of his fellow District 6 SECO Energy members. Mr. Muffett stated, “Thank you to all District 6 members who attended the District Meeting and participated in SECO Energy’s democratic voting process. I am grateful for the community support I have received from District 6 members and SECO’s membership as a whole. Serving my community through my SECO Energy Board of Trustees service is an honor.”

 

Board President Gerald Anderson stated, “Congratulations, Mr. Muffett, on your re-election as District 6 Trustee. Thank you to the District 6 members who attended the Meeting. On behalf of my fellow Board Officers and peers, we are excited to support SECO Energy’s Mission and Vision through our Board service.”

 

Curtis Wynn CEO stated, “Mr. Muffett, the Board of Trustees and the SECO Energy membership is thankful for your Board service as District 6 Trustee. I congratulate you on your re-election and look forward to working with you and the Board for continued success at SECO Energy.”

 

To learn more about the Board of Trustees, visit SECOEnergy.com>Your Co-op. “Like” SECO Energy on Facebook and follow @SECOEnergy on Twitter for prize drawings, news releases, and severe weather alerts affecting SECO Energy’s service territory. Manage your outage notification preferences at StormCenter. To see reliability and expansion projects in your area, visit our new System Improvement Map. To learn more about SECO Energy as a not-for-profit cooperative, visit SECOEnergy.com > Your Co-op > About.