Season of Giving: Powering Good in Our Communities
DEAR MEMBERS,
As the year draws to a close, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to our employees, Trustees, and members for once again demonstrating the true spirit of community. This season reminds us that our greatest power isn’t measured in kilowatts – it’s found in the kindness, compassion, and cooperation we share with others.
SECO employees and members came together to brighten the holidays for local families. Our Toys for Tots drive collected hundreds of toys, bringing smiles to children across our service area on Christmas morning.
I am especially proud of our employees’ and Trustees’ generosity through this year’s United Way campaign. Collectively, they raised more than $60,000 to help fund vital programs that provide food, shelter, and hope for those in need. That level of giving is a true reflection of the compassion and community spirit that defines our SECO family.
Our SECO Energy Foundation also made a meaningful impact this season by distributing grants to local nonprofits and community organizations. These funds support education initiatives, veterans’ services, and family-assistance programs – efforts that strengthen the communities we proudly serve. I want to extend a sincere thank you to our members who made this possible through Foundation donations and by participating in our round-up program. Your small change continues to create big change across our service territory.
These acts of generosity reflect the cooperative principles that guide us – especially Concern for Community and Cooperation Among Cooperatives. Whether it’s our team volunteering time, Trustees giving through the United Way, or members rounding up bills to support local causes, together we’re living out the cooperative difference.
This season of giving reminds us why SECO exists – to serve people, not profits. Together, our employees, Trustees, and members have made a real difference in the lives of others, and that’s something we can all take pride in. On behalf of our entire SECO team, thank you for all you do to make our communities brighter. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and a new year filled with peace, purpose, and promise.
Sincerely,
CURTIS WYNN
Chief Executive Officer
DID YOU KNOW?
Almost one-third of home Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical problems, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
TIPS FOR DECORATING SAFELY:
- Only use holiday lights that are safety-tested and carry the UL label.
- Inspect lights before hanging; check for broken sockets, frayed cords, or faulty plugs.
- Avoid overloading circuits. Always unplug lights before replacing bulbs and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for connecting light strands.
- When decorating outdoors, use lights, cords, and animated displays rated for outdoor use.
- Plug outdoor lights into outlets equipped with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs). If your outlets do not have GFCIs, use a portable adapter for added protection.
- Keep lights and decorations away from tree branches or areas near power lines and service connections.
- Place fresh-cut trees away from heat sources such as fireplaces or radiators, and water them regularly.
- Always match plugs with the correct outlets. Never force a 3-pronged plug into a 2-pronged outlet or extension cord, and never remove the third prong.
- Keep cords away from high-traffic areas. Never run them through doorways, under carpets, or tack them to walls.
- Turn off and unplug all lights before going to bed or leaving the house.
- Ensure extension cords are in good condition, UL-approved, and rated for the electrical load you plan to connect.
- Never allow children or pets to play with light strands or cords.
KEEP DECORATIONS OFF UTILITY POLES
Please do not nail, tack, or attach decorations or signs to SECO Energy poles. Doing so can:
- Endanger lineworkers—fasteners can puncture protective gloves and gear.
- Create electrical hazards—metal objects can conduct electricity.
- Damage poles—nails or staples weaken protective coatings and structure.
- Obstruct maintenance—decorations can make climbing or repairs more dangerous.
Keeping poles clear helps protect our crews and ensures safe, reliable service for everyone.
Make your home merry and bright this season while saving energy!
DAY 1: Light up the season with a programmable timer for your holiday lights.
DAY 2: Make your home glow with energy-saving LED bulbs.
DAY 3: Stay cozy in your favorite holiday sweaters instead of turning up the heat.
DAY 4: Schedule HVAC maintenance before winter temperatures arrive.
DAY 5: Keep the fireplace damper closed when not in use to prevent heat loss.
DAY 6: Clean and vacuum the coils on your refrigerator.
DAY 7: Cook festive meals using small appliances, such as slow cookers.
DAY 8: Keep things running smoothly by cleaning your dryer’s lint filter after each load.
DAY 9: Turn off lights when you leave a room — it all adds up!
DAY 10: Upgrade to a smart thermostat for jolly control over your home’s temperature.
DAY 11: Wash your laundry in cold water to save on heating and energy costs.
DAY 12: Set your water heater to 120°F for the perfect balance of hot water and energy savings.
Add a smart programmable thermostat to your Christmas wish list and enroll in SECO’s Smart Connect program! You’ll help reduce energy use during times of peak demand – and you can even enroll eligible EV chargers and battery backup systems.
QUESTION FROM MEMBER:
How can I save energy during the cooler months in Florida without sacrificing comfort?
YOU ASK; WE ANSWER:
Even in Florida, winter brings cooler mornings and evenings, which is the perfect time to optimize your energy use. Here are a few tips:
- Adjust your thermostat wisely – Set the temperature to 68°F when you’re home and lower it a few degrees when you’re away. Every degree lower can save energy and money.
- Seal and insulate – Check doors, windows, and attic spaces for drafts. Even small leaks can let warm air escape.
- Use ceiling fans – Reverse your ceiling fan to rotate clockwise at a low speed to push warm air down.
- Unplug idle electronics – Devices like TVs, chargers, and computers draw energy even when off.
- Take advantage of natural warmth – Open curtains during the day to let sunlight naturally heat your home.
BONUS TIP: Consider using a smart thermostat to optimize energy use automatically – perfect for Florida’s mild winter days.
As we enter this season of giving, I’m reminded of how much good can happen when we come together as a cooperative family. The SECO Energy Foundation continues to be one of the most inspiring examples of how our members’ generosity powers lasting change in the communities we serve.
Having had the honor of serving as one of the original SECO Foundation Board members – and now as a SECO Energy Board Trustee – I’ve seen firsthand how every contribution, no matter the size, creates a ripple of positive impact. The Foundation Board are SECO members just like you – neighbors who live and work in SECO’s service area – and who share a common goal: strengthening our communities.
Each organization that receives grant funding from the Foundation is evaluated by the Foundation Board to determine its impact and outreach to SECO members in Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Levy, Marion, Pasco, and Sumter Counties.
This year, the Foundation proudly invested over $1 million into local initiatives that touch lives every day: 2025 Foundation Funding Overview
- Health and Human Services – $747,502
- Education STEM Projects – $118,935
- Veterans Initiatives – $104,800
- Energy Efficiency – $60,900
- Public Safety – $51,010
- Environmental Projects – $10,000
Total Community Impact: $1,093,147
Your small change through SECO’s monthly bill round-up program continues to make a big difference – helping families in need, supporting students, honoring veterans, and improving the quality of life in our local communities.
This season, I hope you take pride in knowing that your kindness is Powering Good in Our Community. Together, we’re living out the cooperative spirit of giving – today and throughout the year.
On behalf of SECO’s Board of Trustees and the Foundation Board, I want to thank you – our members – for continuing to support the Foundation through SECO’s monthly bill round-up program. Your contributions help strengthen the very communities we call home.
The SECO Energy Foundation operates as a tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3), and contributions are tax-deductible. To learn more about the Foundation, view awarded grants, and explore funding guidelines, visit https://secofoundation.org/
Read the full December 2025 SECO News
