StormCenter logo

Archive

SECO Energy Celebrates 2024 Scholarship Awardees

SECO Energy has announced its 2024 SECO Energy Scholarship Awardees. Each of the twelve scholarship awardees will receive $3,000 to advance their education. SECO Energy’s scholarship program targets local students who will attend a Florida college, university, or trade school. 

 

The applicants were judged on their scholastic record (weighted GPS), school/community activities, and financial need. Consideration was given to applicants whose stated major was a degree in technology, business, engineering, or mathematics, especially as they relate to the energy sector. Relevant majors include, but are not limited to, computer science, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, chemical, nuclear, environmental, civil, agricultural/biological, industrial, materials science, and various branches of mathematics. 

 

SECO Energy Scholarships are awarded to high school seniors graduating in May or June of the current year who live in a home served by SECO Energy. The awardee must enroll as a full-time student in an accredited Florida college, university, or trade school before the end of 2024.

 

 

2024 SECO Energy Scholarship Winners

Name High School Resides In
Garrett Harrison The Villages Charter High School Fruitland Park
Presley S. Stanton Florida Virtual School Clermont
Armand Grable Wildwood Middle-High School Wildwood
Charles Anthony Tavares High School Astatula
Fabian DeJesus-Colon West Port High School Ocala
Delbie Zayas Rosado Wildwood Middle-High School Groveland
Ramiya Blackwell Wildwood Middle-High School Ocala
Jubilette Huff Wildwood Middle-High School Wildwood
Eden Thomas West Port High School Ocala
Faith Long South Sumter High School Webster
Michael A. Viel, Jr. Eustis High School Eustis
Jacob R. Davis Leesburg High School Lady Lake

 

2024 SECO Energy Scholarship Awardees Congratulated

SECO Energy CEO Curtis Wynn

SECO Energy CEO Curtis Wynn congratulated the 2024 SECO Energy Scholarship recipients. Wynn stated, “I want to congratulate our 2024 Scholarship awardees, it is uplifting to see students investing in themselves by pursuing an advanced education. Their efforts in the next few years could launch a fruitful career that opens the door to personal achievements that impact entire communities and beyond. The energy industry is growing, and the technology we rely on is advancing quickly. We will need an ongoing supply of ambitious talent in many capacities to carry SECO Energy forward. By awarding these scholarships, SECO is investing in students who have demonstrated their readiness to work hard and build a bright future for themselves.” 

 

Wynn continued, “We hope these twelve awardees continue to set high goals and work to achieve them. When they look to begin their professional career, we hope they will consider joining SECO Energy. We are growing rapidly and will be a leading employer in our region for years to come. Our compensation and benefits package, which includes comprehensive medical and dental insurance, generous paid time off, 401k with company matching contributions, a retirement pension plan, an employee-referral program, and student loan reimbursement are competitive in any market. So, when it’s time to get to work, make SECO Energy your first call.” 

 

SECO Energy is hiring! To view open positions, set up job alerts, and apply online, visit: SECOEnergy.com > Your Co-op > Careers. 

 

“Like” SECO Energy on Facebook and follow @SECOEnergy on X/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 when SECO Energy crews/contractors are working in your area, visit our new System Improvement Map. To learn more about SECO Energy as a not-for-profit cooperative, visit About SECO Energy.

April 2024 Sunshine State Stats

In April 2024, the average high and low temperatures continued to rise from last month as the arrival of warmer weather prevailed in Central Florida. The month’s average high temperature was 82 degrees, and the average low was 62 degrees, both measurements are 2 degrees lower than the “normal” averages as recorded at Leesburg International Airport (KLEE). The month’s highest temperature peaked at 90 degrees on the 19th and the lowest temperature was recorded on the 14th, when the mercury fell to 52 degrees.

April 2024 Sunshine State Stats

Reported rainfall decreased significantly from the March total, dropping to 1.88 inches, nearly one inch less than normal for April. Measurable precipitation was limited to just 3 of 30 days, the rainiest day was April 3, when .8 inches fell. 

 

Thunderstorm activity within a 20-mile radius of Leesburg International Airport declined from the 2,227 strikes recorded in March. In April, WeatherSentry detected 593 cloud-to-ground strikes on just two days, the 3rd and 11th. The second half of the month was much less active with only nine strikes recorded on the 21st.

 

 

Lightning Archive Report – 20-mile radius from Leesburg International Airport (KLEE) 

Data and charts provided by weathersentry.dtn.com 

 

Cloud to ground lightning in April 2024

Cloud to Ground Lightning April 1-14, 2024 (593 strikes) 

 

 

Cloud to Ground Lightning – April 2024

Cloud to Ground Lightning – April 15-30, 2024 (9 strikes) 

 

 

Florida residents know that thunderstorm activity will likely increase in the coming months, and SECO Energy reminds those who own a backup power generator to be sure the unit is in safe operating condition. In 2023, lightning was the single highest cause of power outages in SECO Energy’s service area. SECO offers a meter-based surge arrester designed to protect large appliances (motors and compressors) by reducing surges at the meter BEFORE they enter the home. Members can lease or purchase the Surge MitiGator surge protection program by filling out a contact form.

 

HVAC is the largest energy user in Central Florida homes, accounting for an average of 35 to 40% of kWh usage. As daytime temperatures are rising into the 80s and 90s, many households may notice an increase in energy costs. Be sure to check your thermostat settings to properly update them for these warmer months. The energy-efficient thermostat setting during hotter months is 78 degrees.

 

May forecast from The Old Farmer’s Almanac:

The Old Farmer’s Almanac weather outlook for May 2024 begins with sunny conditions and warm temps in the first week, changing to cooler temps and thunderstorms between May 8 and 12. A return to sunny and warm weather is forecast for May 13 to 17, followed by cooling conditions under sunshine through May 20. The last ten days of May are predicted to offer scattered thunderstorms amid warm temperatures.

 

Online Energy-Efficiency Tools

Log into SmartHub to view past bills and consumption charts to check historical usage. If you want help in reducing your energy usage, 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.