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Author: Amanda Richardson

SECO Energy and CoBank Award $30,000 in Sharing Success Contributions to Strengthen Rural Communities

SECO Energy and CoBank have awarded $30,000 in Sharing Success contributions to four nonprofit organizations serving Central Florida. The recipients — Wildwood Soup Kitchen in Sumter County, Citrus Abuse Shelter Association (CASA) in Citrus County, The Rock Program in Marion County, and Lake Support & Emergency Recovery, Inc. (LASER) in Lake County — each received $7,500 to expand critical services addressing hunger, domestic violence, student support, and disaster recovery. 

 

“These organizations are on the front lines of serving our rural communities,” said Curtis Wynn, Chief Executive Officer of SECO Energy. “Through our partnership with CoBank, we are proud to support programs that improve lives and strengthen communities every day.” 

 

In Sumter County, Wildwood Soup Kitchen provides more than 17,000 hot meals each month to homebound residents, individuals experiencing homelessness, and others facing food insecurity. Operated entirely by volunteers, the organization serves as a vital lifeline, offering both nourishment and human connection to thousands of Sumter County residents in one of the region’s most rural areas. 

 

In Citrus County, the Citrus Abuse Shelter Association (CASA) provides emergency shelter and advocacy for survivors of domestic violence and their children. Last year, the nonprofit assisted more than 1,200 individuals, helping families find safety, support, and stability during some of the most critical moments of their lives. 

 

In Marion County, The Rock Program operates in-school resource centers known as Rock Rooms, where students can discreetly access clothing, hygiene items, food, and school supplies. By addressing basic needs within schools, the organization removes barriers that can interfere with learning and helps students thrive academically and socially. 

 

In Lake County, Lake Support & Emergency Recovery, Inc. (LASER) works with residents recovering from hurricanes and other disasters, particularly those who are uninsured, underinsured, elderly, or disabled. The organization provides critical recovery and mitigation support, helping communities rebuild stronger, and more resilient after major events. 

 

Funding for these contributions was made possible through a partnership between SECO Energy and CoBank, a national cooperative bank that matches charitable contributions from electric cooperatives to support rural communities nationwide. CoBank’s Sharing Success program aligns with SECO Energy’s commitment to investing in the community beyond providing reliable electricity and supporting local organizations that strengthen families and enhance the quality of life across the region.  

 

For more information about CoBank’s Sharing Success program visit CoBank.com. 

SECO Energy Trustees Morgan Hatfield & Gerald Anderson Maintain Director Gold Credential

SECO Energy congratulates District 3 Trustee Gerald Anderson and District 9 Trustee Morgan Hatfield on maintaining their Director Gold Credential (DGC) from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees is one of the very few in the nation among electric cooperatives in which every Board member has earned the Director Gold Credential.  

  

According to the NRECA, The Director Gold credential recognizes directors committed to continuing their education beyond the Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD) and Board Leadership Certificate (BLC). The DGC offers a continued education path for those who desire a tangible credential that demonstrates their ongoing commitment to advancing their knowledge and performing their fiduciary duty to the best of their ability.  

  

SECO Energy is a not-for-profit electric cooperative, operated for and owned by its members. SECO’s nine-member Board of Trustees consists of members who live in SECO’s service area. They are elected to oversee the governance of the cooperative. Each Trustee on the Board is elected by the members who reside in his/her District. Collectively, the Trustees are responsible for establishing, reviewing and revising corporate policies to ensure that SECO continues to preserve reliable, affordable service for all members.  

 

President Anderson lives in The Villages and has been a SECO member since 2013, he was first elected to the Board of Trustees in 2019. 

  

President Anderson stated, “I am proud to continue my Board education through the NRECA. I am honored by the trust that District 3 members have placed in me to represent them on SECO’s Board of Trustees. I look forward to SECO Energy’s continued success.”  

 

Vice President Hatfield lives in Umatilla and has been a SECO member since 2019, she was first elected to the Board of Trustees in 2021. 

  

Vice President Hatfield stated, “I am proud to serve as the District 9 Trustee and am extremely grateful for the trust that District 9 members have placed in me to represent them on the SECO Board of Trustees. Board education classes are essential to my Board service, and I am proud to continue my education through the NRECA.”  

  

CEO Curtis Wynn said, “Congratulations, President Anderson and Vice President Hatfield, on maintaining your Director Gold Credential, I am thankful for your desire to further your education and your willingness to serve as leaders on our Board for our members in Districts’ 3 and 9 and throughout our entire service region.”  

  

To view the SECO Board of Trustees and a map of their respective service territories, visit SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees page on SECOEnergy.com.

SECO Energy District 2 Members Re-Elect Trustee Joyce Anderson

SECO Energy members in District 2 have re-elected Secretary-Treasurer Joyce Anderson to the cooperative’s Board of Trustees for  a new three-year term. The District 2 election was held on January 29 at the Sumter County Fairgrounds Cow Palace.  

 

SECO Energy is a not-for-profit electric cooperative owned by and operated for more than 265,000 Central Florida members. The Cooperative is geographically divided into nine Districts, each represented by a Trustee who serves on the SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees. The nine-member Board meets monthly to make decisions in the best interests of the membership. As SECO’s governing body, the board plays a pivotal role in shaping the cooperative’s present and future. 

 

In accordance with SECO’s bylaws, the cooperative conducts in-person elections, as required by Florida statute. Trustee Joyce Anderson of Sumterville, John McCumber of The Villages, and Wayland Wagner also of The Villages were certified candidates who expressed their intent to seek election for the District 2 Trustee position. Trustee Anderson was elected by a majority vote. 

 

First elected in February 2020,  Anderson  has earned a Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD) Certificate and Director Gold Credential (DGC) from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). She has been a SECO Energy member since 2017.  

 

“I’m honored to be re-elected to the SECO Board of Trustees and want to thank the members of District 2 for trusting me to represent them. I take this responsibility with great care,” Anderson said. “To grow with this cooperative is a privilege and I remain committed to making decisions that will benefit members in the long run alongside my fellow Trustees.” 

 

Gerald Anderson, President of the Board of Trustees, stated, “Thank you to the District 2 members who took part in the voting process. Congratulations to Trustee Anderson on her re-election as District 2 Trustee. The Board and I are  pleased with the outcome and look forward to continuing our work together.” 

 

During the district meeting, SECO Energy CEO Curtis Wynn provided members with an update on the cooperative and emphasized the importance of member participation in the democratic process. 

“We appreciate the strong turnout from District 2 members and thank everyone who participated, whether in person or through our drive-thru voting option,” Wynn said. “Members asked insightful questions during the panel discussion, and that engagement reflects the cooperative difference – ensuring our members have a voice in choosing their representatives and in the future of their cooperative.  Congratulations to Secretary-Treasurer Joyce Anderson on her re-election. We look forward to continuing our work  together to ensure SECO’s future success.” 

A member shares their questions with the Executive Leadership Team during the Member Engagement Panel segment at the District 2 Meeting.

A member shares their questions with the Executive Leadership Team during the Member Engagement Panel segment at the District 2 Meeting.  

SECO Energy Advises Members to Prepare for Weekend Cold Weather Event

SECO Energy is advising members across its service territory to prepare for an anticipated cold weather event expected to impact Central Florida this weekend. Forecasts indicate significantly cooler temperatures, which may lead local governments to activate shelters or warming centers for vulnerable residents. 

 

SECO Energy encourages members to take precautions to protect themselves, their families and their homes during cold conditions. Simple actions such as dressing in layers, checking on elderly neighbors and ensuring pets have adequate warmth can help keep everyone safe and comfortable. 

 

As temperatures drop, energy use naturally increases in many homes. SECO energy encourages members to practice everyday energy-smart habits that can help manage personal usage and potential bill impacts while maintaining comfort, such as adjusting thermostats efficiently and turning off unnecessary lights or electronics. These small steps can help conserve energy while keeping homes comfortable during colder weather. 

 

Members seeking information on shelters or warming centers should contact their local Emergency Operations Center (EOC) or county emergency management office. Information is available for residents in Levy, Marion, Hernando, Lake, Pasco, Sumter and Citrus counties through county EOCs and FloridaDisaster.org. 

 

SECO Energy will continue to monitor weather conditions and share updates as needed. Members are encouraged to stay informed through trusted weather sources and local emergency management agencies. 

 

For outage reporting and updates, members can visit StormCenter.

SECO Energy Deploys Crews to Assist with Winter Storm Restoration Efforts in South Carolina and Georgia

In response to a request from the Florida Electric Cooperatives Association (FECA), SECO Energy is deploying crews to assist with power restoration efforts in the northern regions of South Carolina and Georgia ahead of the anticipated impacts from Winter Storm Fern.

 

A SECO Energy crew of nine (9) employees departed SECO Energy headquarters today at 7:00 a.m. and is expected to arrive in South Carolina this evening. Upon arrival, the team will report to Laurens Electric Cooperative to begin preparations for restoration efforts as conditions allow.

 

Meteorologists predict that Winter Storm Fern will bring accumulating ice, snow, and significant tree-related damage beginning early Sunday morning. SECO Energy crews are prepared to assist with power restoration and infrastructure repairs once the storm has passed and conditions are safe.

 

“Mutual aid is a cornerstone of the electric cooperative network,” said Kathy Judkins, Vice President Communications, Community and Member Experience “We are proud to support our fellow cooperatives and the communities they serve during severe weather events.”

 

SECO Energy will continue to monitor storm conditions and coordinate closely with FECA and partner cooperatives throughout the response.

SECO Energy Champions Relief for Members Following Record Summer Heatwave

After an extreme summer heatwave drove record energy use across Central Florida, SECO Energy is championing two sources of bill payment relief for eligible members in the coming months. 

 

Through a partnership with FloridaCommerce, SECO will deliver payment assistance funded by the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The federal program assists income-qualified households with energy costs. Typically, members must apply to receive LIHEAP support, but thanks to this partnership, qualifying member accounts will automatically receive federal energy assistance credit on their SECO electric bill – no application required.  

 

At the same time, SECO’s Board of Trustees has approved a significant change to its residential deposit policy. Beginning in October, residential members who paid a deposit when opening an account and have completed 24 consecutive months of excellent payment history will automatically have their deposit credited back to their bill – no request needed. Only accounts that meet these criteria are eligible for the automatic deposit refund.  

 

“Members are at the heart of every decision we make, “said Curtis Wynn, SECO Energy CEO. “This summer’s record heat has strained household budgets, and we wanted to act quickly. Thanks to our partnership with FloridaCommerce, qualifying accounts will receive automatic LIHEAP credit. And looking ahead, our deposit return policy rewards members who have consistently paid on time. Although we cannot help every member with these two initiatives, a considerable number of members meet the requirements.” 

 

“This change reflects our commitment to putting members first,” said Gerald Anderson, President of SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees. “After this summer’s extreme heat, we wanted to find tangible relief for those eligible for a deposit refund and thank them for their loyalty and good payment history.” 

 

District 6 Trustee Mike Muffett, an early advocate for automatically refunding member deposits, shared, “We know our members work hard, and many have been stretched thin. These steps show that SECO is their trusted energy provider, especially in challenging times.” 

 

Both initiatives highlight the cooperative difference: being not-for-profit, member-owned and committed to strengthening community while putting members’ needs first.  

 

There is no action required from SECO members to benefit from these initiatives.  Qualifying accounts will automatically receive LIHEAP credits, and eligible deposit refunds will be applied beginning in October.  Members can review SECO’s Rate Tariff for full details on deposit requirements.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

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What is LIHEAP?

LIHEAP stands for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. It’s a federal program that helps income-qualified households with their energy costs.

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How is SECO involved?

SECO partnered with FloridaCommerce to make the process easier. Normally, members must apply for LIHEAP funds. But through this partnership, Florida Commerce will automatically match qualifying SECO accounts and apply the credit directly.

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Do I need to apply for LIHEAP?

No. If your household qualifies, FloridaCommerce will automatically apply a bill credit to your SECO account.

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How will I know if I qualify?

If your account qualifies, the credit will show up automatically on your bill. No further action is required.

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My account didn’t receive an automatic LIHEAP disbursement. How can I apply for LIHEAP funds?

Members can visit FloridaCommerce and apply for LIHEAP funds online. SECO Energy also provides an interactive map of social service agencies that may be able to help with utility bill payment assistance. Visit our website and view our Find Bill Payment Help section.

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What about the deposit refund? Who qualifies?

Beginning in October, SECO will automatically return deposits to eligible residential members. To qualify, you must:

  • Have paid a deposit when opening a residential account with SECO and still have an active deposit balance on the account

Have completed 24 consecutive months of excellent SECO payment history.

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What does “excellent SECO payment history” mean?

When you applied for a new service connection with SECO, you were required to have a deposit because your credit score did not qualify for a waiver.

Excellent SECO payment history means that during the previous consecutive 24-month period,

  • Your bill was paid by the due date,
  • Your account had no disconnections, and
  • There were no instances of meter tampering, or other adverse actions on your account.

 

If you would like to review your account payment history, please contact Member Services at (352) 793-3801.

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Do I need to request my deposit back?

No. If you meet the qualifications, your deposit will be credited directly to your SECO bill starting in October.

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Does this apply to all accounts?

No. The automatic deposit refund applies only to residential members who originally paid a deposit and meet the 24-month payment history requirement.

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Why is SECO doing this now?

Because members come first. The summer heat brought record energy use and higher bills. By partnering with Florida Commerce and adjusting our deposit procedures, SECO is easing today’s burdens and rewarding members’ long-term reliability.

SECO Energy Foundation Funds Community Outreach Programs

The SECO Energy Foundation has funded over $740,000 transformative community programs in Central Florida so far in 2025. SECO Energy serves more than 250,000 homes and businesses in Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Levy, Marion, Pasco, and Sumter Counties. The SECO Energy Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to uplifting local communities.

 

During its third quarter Board Meeting, the Foundation’s Board of Directors approved 18 grants totaling $215,646:

 

Find, Feed & Restore – $25,000: Supports transitional housing, career training, financial counseling, and mental health support for families in Lake County.

 

Levy County Board of County Commissioners – $25,000: Funding to support the Community Paramedicine Program, which reduces emergency calls and improves healthcare access in Levy and Citrus Counties.

 

The Arc Nature Coast – $24,935: Developing a vocational auto shop for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Hernando and Sumter Counties.

 

Habitat for Humanity of Citrus County – $24,886: Provides funding for energy-efficient exterior doors to improve homes’ energy efficiency for low-income homeowners.

 

Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind – $23,640: Funds smart glasses and training to increase independence for blind or visually impaired individuals in Citrus, Hernando, and Pasco Counties.

 

Umatilla Police Department – $21,010: Enhances officer safety and public service through the purchase of new mobile data terminals (MDTs) that will improve emergency response and field communications.

 

Disability Achievement Center – $20,000: Supplies durable medical equipment to individuals with disabilities through the Consumer Equipment & Modification Assistance (CEMA) Program, enabling them to live independently in Pasco County.

 

Trout Lake Nature Center – $5,000: Serving Lake, Marion, and Sumter Counties

 

Thrive Clermont – $5,000: Serving Lake and Sumter Counties

 

Mom’s Guide to Robotics – $5,000: Serving Hernando, Lake, and Sumter Counties

 

Powerhouse Youth Project – $5,000: Serving Lake County

 

South Lake Community Ministries – $5,000: Serving Lake County

 

Community Health Centers, Inc. – $5,000: Serving Lake County

 

Libby’s Legacy Breast Cancer Foundation – $5,000: Serving Lake County

 

Healing Hearts Farm – $4,900: Serving Citrus, Marion, and Pasco Counties

 

Good Spirit Foundation – $4,775: Serving Citrus County

 

Friends of Marion Baysinger Memorial Library – $4,000: Serving Lake County

 

Sheltering Hands – $2,500: Serving Lake, Marion, and Sumter Counties

 

“I want to acknowledge the generosity of our SECO Energy members,” said SECO Energy CEO Curtis Wynn. “Without the contributions of SECO members, many of these community organizations and projects supported by the SECO Energy Foundation would remain unfunded. Thank you, members, for your support of the SECO Energy Foundation – you are helping to make a difference in your communities.”

 

The SECO Energy Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting local community initiatives. The Foundation awards grants to organizations that address pressing community needs, with a special emphasis on projects for health and human services, public safety, veteran initiatives, educational STEM, energy related, and environmental. For more information or to apply, visit www.SECOFoundation.org.

SECO Energy District 4 Trustee Earns NRECA National Leadership Credentials

SECO Energy Trustee James LaMotte has earned both the Board Leadership Certificate and Director Gold Credentials from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). Trustee LaMotte represents members who reside in District 4 – in Marion County – one of the not-for-profit electric cooperatives’ fastest growing areas. 

 

The Board Leadership Certificate (BLC) is awarded to Trustees who complete a rigorous series of advanced courses focusing on key issues such as cooperative governance, financial oversight, strategic planning, and the challenges impacting the energy industry. Building on the BLC, the Director Gold Credential is the highest level of accreditation earned by Trustees through the NRECA. Once Director Gold status is earned, Trustees must attend continuing education classes in order to keep their knowledge and skills sharp and maintain Director Gold status. 

 

“Trustee education is a key component to SECO Energy’s success,” said SECO Energy’s Chief Executive Officer Curtis Wynn. “The SECO Energy Board of Trustees has made it a priority to further their Trustee-level education to better govern the cooperative. I am thankful to Trustee LaMotte for his commitment to expanding his knowledge and leadership skills to serve our membership.” 

 

“Congratulations to Trustee LaMotte on earning both his Board Leadership and Director Gold certifications,” said Board President and District 3 Trustee Gerald Anderson. “These certifications require Trustees to complete a roster of college-level coursework – SECO’s Board has invested hundreds of hours to advancing their education. I continue to be impressed by their willingness to serve and dedication to our members.”    

 

“I continue to be thankful for this unique opportunity to serve my community through my service on SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees,” said Trustee LaMotte. “My goal is to continue to increase my knowledge of the energy industry, remain responsive to SECO members, and assist in leading the cooperative to future success through our Board oversight.”  

 

SECO Energy is a not-for-profit electric cooperative that is operated for and owned by the members it serves. SECO Energy’s 2,100-square-mile service area is divided into nine geographic Districts. Trustees are democratically elected by the members who reside in each District. As SECO Energy’s governing body, the Board of Trustees provides oversight and plays an essential role in policy-making decisions. To learn more about SECO Energy’s Board, visit our Board of Trustees page. 

SECO Energy Board of Trustees Elects 2025 Officers

At its March 31 meeting, the SECO Energy Board of Trustees elected its Officers for 2025. Board President and District 3 Trustee, Gerald Anderson, was re-elected to serve a fourth consecutive term as Board President. District 9 Trustee and Board Secretary/Treasurer, Morgan Hatfield, was elected to serve her first term as Board Vice President. District 2 Trustee, Joyce Anderson, was elected to serve as the Secretary/Treasurer – a role she previously held between 2022 and 2023.

 

SECO Energy is a not-for-profit electric cooperative that is operated for and owned by the members it serves. SECO Energy’s 2,100-square-mile service area is divided into nine geographic Districts. Trustees are democratically elected by the members who reside in each District. As SECO Energy’s governing body, the Board of Trustees provides oversight and plays an essential role in policy-making decisions.

 

President Anderson expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to continue serving as a SECO Trustee. “SECO Energy is a well-run cooperative that puts the needs of its members first,” said Anderson. “As Board members, we work closely with SECO’s Executive Leadership Team to guide the cooperative toward fulfilling its Mission. In my six years of service on the SECO Board, we have approved new technologies and innovations that help our members understand and manage their monthly energy use – putting them in control of their budget.”

 

SECO Energy’s Mission, as a not-for-profit electric cooperative, is to provide reliable and innovative energy services to its members and communities.

 

SECO Energy CEO Curtis Wynn is grateful for the dedication of the SECO Board of Trustees. “Our nine-member Board of Trustees dedicates countless working hours in service to the membership,” said Wynn. “Trustee governance is integral to a cooperative’s success. This group understands that members’ needs are evolving, and that SECO needs to evolve as well.”

 

Wynn continued, “I am very grateful for the foresight of our Trustees. They understand our values, our goals, and our strategic vision. Together, we continue to explore new technologies and programs that enhance reliability and safety, while maintaining affordable electric service.”

 

“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 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.

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.