SECO Energy Announces Adjustments to Pole Charges, Reducing Previously Planned Increases
SECO Energy has announced adjustments to the planned pole charge increases, reducing the second phase of the previously scheduled rate adjustment. This decision follows a comprehensive review of operational efficiencies and direct feedback from our members.
These changes will directly impact SECO Energy members who are affiliated with homeowner associations (HOAs), property owner associations (POAs), developers, and city and county government organizations—many of whom manage lighting infrastructure within their communities.
After announcing the original increase in spring 2024, the Board and staff implemented a phased approach, applying half of the projected increase in October 2024 and planning the remaining adjustment for October 2025. However, through an updated cost analysis and key operational modifications, the second half of the increase has been significantly reduced.
Key Operational Modifications include:
- Outage Response: Adjusted from a very aggressive 24-hour response time to a 7– 30-day timeframe, which is more in line with industry standards.
- Outage Identification: Members and residents will now be responsible for reporting outages, replacing the previous practice of multiple annual system patrols performed by SECO personnel, sometimes resulting in overtime costs.
- Fiberglass Pole Replacements: Reducing capital outlay by transitioning from systemwide changeouts to an ‘as-needed’ replacement approach.
- Fixture Offerings: Reducing inventory carrying costs by shifting from a broad range of fixture offerings for new requests to a limited selection.
As a result of these changes, the originally anticipated increase for October 2025 has been significantly reduced. More specifically, wood pole rates will remain the same, aluminum pole rates will be reduced by 12%, concrete and fiberglass poles will increase by 19%, rather than the original 77% increase prior to the operational modifications.
The precise impact of these changes will vary by community based on the mix of pole types in place. More detailed breakdowns of anticipated billing impacts will be provided to members in the coming weeks to assist with budgeting and planning.
“We appreciate the feedback and patience of our members as we work to balance cost management with maintaining the high level of reliability and service our community expects,” said Curtis Wynn, CEO of SECO Energy.
