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Author: Amanda Richardson

SECO Energy District 3 Members Re-elect Trustee Gerald Anderson

SECO Energy members who reside in District 3 re-elected current Board of Trustees President Gerald Anderson to represent them on SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees for another three years. The meeting was held on February 5 at Savannah Center of The Villages, located within the District.  

 

SECO Energy is a not-for-profit electric cooperative operated for and owned by its members. Its service area is geographically divided into nine Districts, with one Trustee elected from each district to represent their fellow members on SECO’s nine-member Board of Trustees. Collectively, the Board represents the SECO membership, meeting monthly to provide governance oversight and participate in policy decisions that serve the best interests of the membership at large.

 

President Anderson and Roger Weakley both submitted a letter of intent to run for the District 3 Trustee position. SECO’s Bylaws currently require that the cooperative hold District Meetings, and the Florida Statute mandates in-person elections. To encourage participation and enhance convenience, a drive-thru voting option was available for members.

 

A SECO member since 2013, President Anderson was first elected to SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees in 2019. In 2021, he earned the Director Gold Credential from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), the highest Trustee accreditation from the NRECA. He formerely served as both Board Secretary-Treasurer and Vice President before being elected as SECO Energy Board President in 2022. Mr. Anderson lives in The Villages. 

 

Trustee Anderson thanked his District 3 constituents for their attendance at the District Meeting and their vote of confidence. “I’m honored to be re-elected to the SECO Board,” he stated. “We’re entering a period of significant growth and development, and I’m committed to ensuring we navigate these opportunities effectively. I value the trust placed in me by the District 3 members and am enthusiastic about the work ahead.” 

 

CEO Curtis Wynn expressed his gratitude to the District 3 members for their impressive turnout at the meeting. He also acknowledged the two candidates who demonstrated a commitment to serving their community through SECO Energy Board service. “The Executive Leadership Team and I value Mr. Anderson’s contributions as District 3 Trustee and as Board President since 2022. I have worked with, or for, hundreds of Board members, President Anderson is one of the most hardworking board members I have had the pleasure to serve with. Congratulations, President Anderson on your re-election,” Wynn stated. “We look forward to continued collaboration with him and the Board to ensure SECO Energy’s ongoing success.” 

 

“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 Launches Youth Tour Program for Local High School Juniors

SECO Energy is excited to introduce a new Youth Tour program for local high school juniors. The program is designed to inspire youth who are passionate about the energy industry, history, leadership, and adventure.

 

This unique initiative offers up to ten local high school juniors – who live in a home served by SECO Energy – the chance to attend the Tallahassee Youth Tour, an overnight conference from February 12-13, 2025. Participates will explore the Florida State Capitol and Legislative Chambers while gaining insight into the legislative process and the Cooperative Business model. SECO Energy will cover the cost of transportation, meals and hotel accommodation.

 

But that’s not all! After the Tallahassee Youth Tour, these ten participants will have a second opportunity to compete for one of two exclusive spots to represent SECO Energy at a once-in-a-lifetime, sponsored trip to tour our Nation’s Capital as a 2025 Washington Youth Tour Delegates.

 

In June 2025, the two selected delegates will join more than 1,800 peers from across the country for a weeklong trip to Washington, D.C., where they will visit iconic landmarks like the U.S. Capitol, Arlington National Cemetery, and the Smithsonian Museums. They’ll also have the chance to meet elected officials, explore potential career paths, develop leadership skills, deepen their understanding of electric cooperatives, and build lasting friendships as they learn about our great nation and experience Washington like never before.

 

Whether students are interested in the energy industry, politics, history, or simply seeking an exciting adventure, the Youth Tour is a memorable experience that provides personal and professional growth.

 

Don’t let a high school junior miss out! The application period ends Friday, December 20, 2024. Help shape the leaders of tomorrow and encourage them to apply online today at SECOEnergy.com > Your Co-op > Youth Tour Application.

SECO Energy Announces Increase in Lighting Rates

SECO Energy, a trusted, local, not-for-profit electric cooperative, is deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve over 240,000 homes and businesses in seven Central Florida counties. We are honored that our electric service touches the lives of over 500,000 consumers every day. SECO Energy has been a member of your local community for over 85 years and is one of the fastest growing electric cooperatives in the nation.

 

Today, SECO Energy supplies reliable electric and lighting services to more than 62,000 families and commercial accounts within The Villages community. We invest millions each year in building and maintaining our state-of-the-art electric grid, so we stand ready to meet the increasing demand for safe and economical electric power to serve your future neighbors.

 

SECO Energy also takes a proactive approach to maintaining thousands of streetlights that illuminate The Villages at night. In the interest of public safety and well-being, our crews patrol The Villages boundaries, investigating lighting outages and malfunctions. Our track record proves that most lighting issues are repaired within 24 hours after the lighting malfunction is reported to the utility – a response time that is almost unheard of among electric utilities. Nationally, other utilities target a repair time for lighting outages to be less than 30 days. SECO also has an interactive online tool called LightFinder, which allows members to report lighting outages or malfunctions quickly, thereby ensuring a faster response time and improved service.

 

As a member of a cooperatively structured utility, individuals and businesses share in the benefits and costs of SECO Energy through their energy purchases and additional energy services. Unfortunately, material costs and supply chain shortages, particularly in LED lighting fixtures and poles, have necessitated the need for the cooperative to increase the monthly rate for lighting service that went into effect on May 1. These increases are a direct result of the industry’s shift towards LED technology, which is more efficient and longer lasting, but also more expensive. SECO will also enact a more substantial increase in pole rental costs for lighting that will go into effect in October of this year.

 

SECO Energy’s Vice President of Growth, Smart Grid, and Operational Technology, Ben Dawson, wholeheartedly supports the Rate Tariff changes that impact lighting. Dawson reassures, “The SECO Energy team is unwavering in our commitment to maintaining competitive rates, and exceptional service to our members. The rate for lighting service had remained steady for over a decade. The industry is shifting toward more efficient and longer lasting LED lighting, and SECO is looking forward to embracing this newer lighting type, all while ensuring the continued delivery of reliable and affordable energy service to all members.”

 

Dawson continued, “Maintaining reliable lighting service along streets and busy roadways also involves a public safety component. SECO wants its members to enjoy the benefit of well-lit streets, walking paths, and neighborhoods that most who live in The Villages have come to expect.”

 

SECO Energy is a not-for-profit entity. Energy rates, lighting service costs, and additional services are structured not to turn a profit but to reflect the costs of providing power and other related services. We continually review rates through cost-of-service studies which are comprehensive evaluations of the costs associated with providing service to different customer groups, to ensure fairness and equity among ratepayers and that the cost of additional services is not subsidized by the entire membership base. The full rate tariff is available online at SECOEnergy.com.

 

 

SECO Energy District 9 Members Re-Elect Trustee Morgan Hatfield

SECO Energy members who reside in District 9 re-elected Morgan Hatfield as the District 9 Trustee to serve on SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees. The District 9 Meeting was held within the District on January 30 at Spring Creek Elementary School in Paisley.

 

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 cooperative’s financial status while providing fiduciary oversight and participating in policy decisions that serve the best interests of the membership at large.

 

The District 9 election was uncontested, with Ms. Hatfield retaining the seat for another 3-year term. SECO’s Bylaws require that the cooperative hold District Meetings. Subsequently, Florida Statute requires SECO to hold in-person elections. A drive-thru voting option was available for members for added convenience and to encourage participation.

 

A SECO member since 2019, Ms. Hatfield currently holds the position of Secretary/Treasurer for the Board of Trustees. She attained the Director Gold credential, which is the highest level of achievement through the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). Trustee Hatfield earned a degree in Finance from UCF and is a Senior Wealth Advisor/Partner of Ruggie Wealth Management.

 

Ms. Hatfield shared with the District 9 audience, “I want to thank all District 9 members for attending and showing your interest in participating as SECO members. I am eager to continue working with my fellow Board of Trustees and doing our best to serve our members with an outstanding product supported by industry-leading service.”

 

Board President Gerald Anderson stated, “Congratulations, Ms. Hatfield, on your re-election as District 9 Trustee. I am grateful to the District 9 members who attended the Meeting and participated in our cooperative’s governance process. On behalf of our fellow Board members and peers, we are excited to support SECO Energy’s Mission and Vision through our Board service.”

 

Curtis Wynn CEO stated, “The Board of Trustees and the SECO Energy membership are grateful to all Trustees who give generously of their time and experience. We are very happy to have Ms. Hatfield continue with her leadership and strong contributions to the success of SECO Energy in her role as a Board Trustee and her expanded responsibilities as Secretary/Treasurer. Thank you, District 9 members, for your attendance at the meeting and your interest in SECO Energy and the strategic direction in which the board, executive leadership team and employees are taking your electric cooperative.”

 

“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 News February-March 2024

I am proud to report that SECO Energy continues to be a member satisfaction leader. SECO Energy completed its annual member-wide customer satisfaction survey, where over 1,700 members were asked to participate. The member responses were sent to the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI®), a company that measures customer satisfaction across multiple industries throughout the entire United States.

 

Wynn's Wire

 

For 2023, SECO Energy received an ACSI score of “89” out of a maximum score of “100.” [1] SECO’s score is higher than all publicly measured investor-owned utility scores, cooperative utility scores, and municipal utility scores. SECO Energy’s score of “89” places the not-for-profit electric cooperative 17 points higher than the average investor-owned utility score of 72, as well as 18 points higher than the average municipal utilities score of 71, per the industry ratings in the 2023 ACSI Utility Sector Report.

 

Not only is SECO’s 2023 ACSI score of 89 higher than the average investor-owned utility or municipal utility score, but our score is also higher than the average cooperative utility. SECO scored 15 points higher than the average cooperative utility. For more information, please visit www.theacsi.org.

 

ACSI is the only national cross-industry customer satisfaction measure representing the U.S. economy. A wide range of industries and organizations of all types count on ACSI methodology to obtain science-based insights across the complete arc of the customer experience.

 

Thank you, members, for recognizing our commitment to outstanding member satisfaction and engagement. We are 100% committed to engaging with you and making sure SECO and its 400+ employees fulfill our mission to provide reliable and innovative energy services. Earning your trust is an accomplishment like no other.

 

Best regards,

 

Curtis Wynn

Chief Executive Officer

 

[1] Results based on data provided by SECO Energy, collected between December 4 and 8, 2023. ACSI did not regulate the survey administration or sample size. ACSI and its logo are registered trademarks of the American Customer Satisfaction Index LLC.

 

 

SECO News February - March 2024 A Message from Shannon Wright SECO Energy 2024 Scholarship Program

 

SECO Energy practices the seven Cooperative Principles through our efforts to achieve our Mission, Vision and Core Values. Our annual Scholarship Program is one such initiative that embodies the principles of Concern for Community and Education, Training, and Information.

 

SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees has approved $36,000 to fund the 2024 Scholarship Program. Up to twelve graduating high school seniors living in a home served by SECO will be awarded a $3,000 scholarship designed to ease the financial burden of pursuing higher education at an accredited institution in Florida.

 

As the labor pool in the energy industry narrows, cultivating and retaining local talent is critical. SECO Energy is seeking applicants who stand out in math and science and are keen on forging a career in energy-related fields. Whether technology, business, engineering, or mathematics, we support students with a passion for powering the future.

 

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:

 

• Eligible candidates must graduate from high school by the end of the 2023-2024 academic year (May/June) and enroll in a Florida-based college, university, or technical school by the conclusion of the same year.
• Applicants must reside in a household within SECO Energy’s service area or live with a parent or legal guardian who is an active SECO Energy member.
• Special consideration will be given to those seeking a STEM-related degree or aiming for a career in the energy sector. Relevant majors include computer science, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, chemical, nuclear, environmental, civil, agricultural/biological, industrial, materials science, and various branches of mathematics.

 

EVALUATION PROCESS

 

When assessing applicants, SECO Energy will weigh financial need, academic accomplishments, community engagement, quality of the personal statement or essay, and relevance of the candidate’s major in preparation for a STEM-related or energy sector career.

 

APPLICATION DETAILS
Applications for the 2024 Scholarship Program are available online at SECOEnergy.com > Your Co-op > Scholarships. Completed applications must be submitted to SECO Energy by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, April 1, 2024.

 

For inquiries regarding SECO Energy’s 2024 Scholarship Program, please contact our Communications team.

 

GOOD LUCK, APPLICANTS!

 

 

SECO News February - March 2024 StormCenter and LightFinder Power and Area Light Outage Reporting

StormCenter is SECO Energy’s online outage reporting center. Not only can you report power outages using your smartphone or tablet, but SECO will also send you outage updates via email, text, voice message, or all three.

 

Reporting a new outage or checking the status of an existing outage with your smartphone or tablet is easy. To report an outage, visit SECOEnergy.com > StormCenter and click
“Report Outage.” Enter the account holder’s last name and house number (or the account number or phone number). To find the status of a current outage, click on the “Check Status” tab.

 

Make sure you’re enrolled in outage notifications via email, text or voice message or a combination of the three. Once service is restored, we’ll send you a message that includes the outage cause and restoration time. You can also set do not disturb times. To choose notification preferences, visit SECOEnergy.com > StormCenter and click the “Manage Notifications” tab.

 

StormCenter allows you to report an area light malfunction, too. Choose LightFinder through the StormCenter platform to report area light malfunctions 24/7, including weekends, quickly and conveniently online. To report an area light that is completely out, flickering, or shining during daylight hours, visit SECOEnergy.com > StormCenter and choose “LightFinder.” In the search bar at the top left of the LightFinder map, enter the pole number or closest address. An icon represents each light. Working lights are shown as a green icon, while a red icon is a light that has already been reported as malfunctioning. The icon is orange if the light has been repaired in the last 24 hours. A gray icon represents an inactive light, and a blue icon is a member-owned light, which is the member’s responsibility to repair.

 

After completing the brief reporting form, remember to provide your email address to receive timely updates regarding the status of the light repair. Area lights are repaired as soon as possible. In most cases, repairs are completed within 24 hours.

 

 

SECO News February - March 2024 Energizing 2024 Landstone Substation Fuels Growth in Sumter County

 

The massive construction of Middleton, one of the newest communities in The Villages, continues rapidly. New homes, businesses, and schools are being built to support Sumter County’s population increase. As the community grows, so will the demand for reliable, affordable energy. SECO Energy’s newest advanced substation, our 50th called Landstone, plays a vital role in meeting this demand.

 

Central Florida and SECO Energy’s service area is growing. With this growth comes the critical need for a reliable and robust electrical infrastructure. SECO is strategically building and planning for growth to continue long into the future. Landstone, with its two 56-megavolt amp (MVA) power transformers, is the key to ensuring thousands of homes and businesses receive the necessary electricity.

 

Landstone utilizes two Duke Energy transmission lines in a looped configuration, creating redundancy that increases reliability for members served from the nearby Federal substation. By design, crews can restore service to members served by either substation through distribution backfeeding. This redundancy decreases the length of service interruptions and supports growing demand.

 

To view your area’s system improvements and expansion projects, visit us online at SECOEnergy.com > Contact > System Improvement Map.

 

Read the full February-March 2024 SECO News.

SECO Energy Mourns Passing of Long-Tenured Trustee Richard Dennison

SECO Energy is mourning the passing of one of its long-tenured Trustees, Richard Dennison who represented District 4. Mr. Dennison has been a SECO Energy member for almost 25 years. He was first elected to serve on SECO’s Board of Trustees in 2015 and was re-elected in 2023.

 

During Mr. Dennison’s Board service, the cooperative celebrated member satisfaction awards and recognition for best-in-class service reliability. Mr. Dennison has given much of his time and energy to the SECO Energy Board, and the members served by the cooperative. He was a tireless advocate for the membership and his District.  SECO Energy’s District 4 is located in west Marion County. Mr. Dennison lived in Marion Oaks and was an active member of his community outside of his SECO Board service. He counted his SECO Energy Board service as one of his greatest honors and achievements.

 

Mr. Dennison served as Board Vice President and President. He worked to earn the esteemed Director Gold Credential from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) and maintained the distinction through continuing education credits.

 

Board of Trustees President and District 3 Trustee Gerald Anderson grieves the loss of a fellow Trustee. President Anderson stated, “Mr. Dennison was a tireless advocate for SECO Energy, its members and his District. He was a dedicated Board member, who believed in the cooperative business model and its benefits for our members. The Board and SECO lost a friend in Mr. Dennison, and he will be greatly missed.”

 

SECO Energy CEO Curtis Wynn shares his condolences. Mr. Wynn stated, “Mr. Dennison’s deep understanding of the electric utility business, the wisdom he shared with the Board and the Executive Leadership team, and his caring spirit will be deeply missed. Mr. Dennison cared about SECO Energy, its employees and its members. On behalf of the entire SECO Energy team, we share our condolences with his family and friends, and we are grateful for his Board service and dedication to members.”

 

“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. To learn more about SECO Energy as a not-for-profit cooperative, visit About SECO Energy.

March 2023 Sunshine State Stats

Spring arrived in March 2023. While daily high temperatures increased during the month, cold temperatures continued as well. High daily temperatures ranged between the mid 60s and low 90s. Low daily temperatures dipped into the 40s.

 

March 2023 Sunshine State Stats temps

 

The average temperature for March 2023 was 72 degrees, which was 2 degrees higher than last month’s average. The average high was 84 degrees while the average low was 60 degrees. With the shifting temperatures from cool to hot during the month, members may notice increased kilowatt hour (kWh) usage as they used both heating and cooling in their homes. 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 March was 92 degrees and the lowest 44 – the highest daily recorded temperature in February was 88 degrees and the lowest 46. March 2023 lacked rainfall – only .16 inches – which is drastically lower than the March average of 4.03 inches.

 

April forecast:

 

Daily highs in the 90s will continue through April with lows in the mid to high 60s. The best chance of rain comes early in the month, but dry conditions are predicted to continue.

 

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 Energy Trustee Shannon Wright Earns Director Gold Credential

SECO Energy District 5 Trustee Shannon Wright has successfully completed the requirements to earn the Director Gold Credential (DGS) from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).

 

According to the NRECA, the DGC recognizes directors/trustees 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. The DGC offers a continuing education path for directors/trustees beyond the Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD) and Board Leadership Certificate (BLC).

 

SECO Energy is a not-for-profit electric utility operated for and owned by its members. SECO’s nine-member Board of Trustees consists of members who live in SECO’s service area. Trustees are elected to oversee the governance of the cooperative. Each Trustee on SECO Energy’s 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.

 

Trustee Wright resides in Lake Panasoffkee and has been a SECO Energy member since 2014. She was elected to the SECO Energy Board of Trustees in 2022.

 

Mrs. Wright stated, “I am proud to join the other Board Trustees who have achieved the Director Gold Credential from the NRECA. This process has equipped me to better serve not just the SECO Energy members I represent in District 5, but our electric cooperative as a whole. My experience as a SECO Energy Trustee has been a rewarding one.”

 

CEO Curtis Wynn extended his congratulations to Trustee Wright, expressing his enthusiasm for the industry knowledge enrichment undertaken by the Board Trustee. “Congratulations, Mrs. Wright, on achieving the NRECA’s Director Gold Credential. Your commitment to the NRECA educational path is a benefit to SECO Energy, its members and the Board of Trustees. Thank you for expanding your preparedness to serve at such a high level.”

 

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.

 

Members Tuned in for SECO Energy’s 85th Annual Meeting

SECO Energy members tuned in virtually for the Cooperative’s 85th Annual Meeting on March 23, 2023. SECO Energy Board of Trustees President Gerald Anderson and CEO Curtis Wynn presented their reports to members in a virtual meeting that streamed on the energy cooperative’s website, Facebook Live and YouTube. Members who missed the meeting can view the Annual Meeting video on YouTube.

 

Florida statute requires the Meeting to be held annually, and a quorum was achieved by member participation in voting on Annual Meeting business – a process that closed when President Anderson called the Meeting to order. In total, member voting participation reached 14,375 – which is record-high participation in Annual Meeting business from members across every part of the service territory. Members voted to approve both the 2022 Annual Meeting Minutes and a Bylaws revision establishing virtual online Annual Meetings as the delivery platform moving forward.

 

CEO Curtis Wynn shared updates related to operation costs, efficiency initiatives, growth projections, and SECO Energy Foundation funding and grant activities.

 

GROWTH

 

SECO’s 15.5% electric service membership growth between 2017 and 2022 is expected to continue. Wynn stated, “At today’s growth rate, SECO will hit the 250,000-member mark quickly, and may step up to be the largest electric Cooperative in Florida.” With over 230,000 members, SECO is currently the third-largest electric cooperative in Florida and the seventh largest in the country.

 

CORPORATE INITIATIVES

 

Wynn revealed a recently launched multi-year Strategy Map outlining SECO’s Mission, Vision, and updated Core Values that include Safety, Member Commitment, Honesty and Integrity, Accountability, Teamwork and an Inclusive Culture. Wynn said, “Our employees embody these traits, and we look for these characteristics when we hire new team members.”

 

EFFICIENCY INITIATIVES

 

While wholesale power costs continue to rise, SECO’s Technology Roadmap outlines current and future innovations to increase efficiency at SECO. The Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) project began a test period in early March. After data is analyzed, the systemwide implementation will continue, with a goal of replacing 7,000 to 9,000 meters each month until completion in three to four years. Combined with the new AMI meters, SECO’s SmartHub online account management interface will offer unprecedented energy usage information to members.

 

Efforts to elevate online member service were highlighted during the meeting. SECO’s Home Energy Assessment and Energy Estimator are online energy-efficiency tools found on SECOEnergy.com. The Home Energy Assessment is an online home energy audit, while the Energy Estimator calculates estimated energy usage from all sources in the home.

 

Also cited was the cooperative’s commitment to in-home electric vehicle charging, in which an EV Level 2 fast charger may be either leased or purchased and installed at a member’s premises. SECO is also accepting pre-enrollments in an EV monthly incentive program for members who agree to charge their electric vehicles during Super Off-Peak hours (midnight to 6 a.m.). More information about both EV offerings can be found at SECOEnergy.com.

 

COSTS AND BUDGET

 

Costs are rising at an astronomical rate. Even as a not-for-profit utility, SECO Energy is not immune to inflation and the economic downturn that began in 2020. As a result of rising costs. SECO reported an unprecedented increase in its 2023 capital budget. In 2022, the capital budget totaled $76,520,000; for 2023, SECO necessarily increased the capital budget by 57% to equal $119,795,000 to cover rising costs.

 

In response to the cost increases, CEO Wynn announced an increase to the customer charge effective May 1 to $34.50 per billing cycle. The monthly line-item fee is meant to fund the fixed costs of providing electric service. CEO Wynn added, “It became painfully clear that SECO cannot avoid a customer charge increase.”

 

A projection of wholesale fuel cost reductions paints a brighter outlook for members. Wynn said, if realized, the outlook may provide an opportunity to “positively impact” members’ bills.

 

SECO ENERGY FOUNDATION

 

The SECO Energy Foundation approved its first three grants in the first quarter 2023. These included transitional housing support in Lake County, the purchase of fire truck equipment for Marion County and the replacement of a Trout Lake Nature Center boardwalk in the Eustis area. The SECO Energy Foundation also accepted applications for scholarships from high school seniors in the first quarter.

 

The SECO Energy Foundation is proving to be a successful source of grant funding support for the communities SECO serves. But the Cooperative understands that rounding up one’s electric bill to the next even dollar to support the Foundation is a personal choice. Mr. Wynn reviewed the many ways members can discontinue supporting the Foundation if that is their desire.

 

The Annual Meeting concluded with the announcement of the 100 prize winners. All members who voted on Annual Meeting business were eligible to win. Members can view the Annual Meeting video to learn if they were a prize winner by visiting SECOEnergy.com or its YouTube channel.

 

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.

 

PURPA – Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978

The purpose of PURPA is the encouragement of investments in conservation and efficient use of facilities by electric utilities and equitable rates to electric customers. In 2009, PURPA required qualified electric utilities to consider three new 111(d) standards pursuant to the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA).

 

Most recently, the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) required non-regulated cooperatives (such as SECO Energy), municipal utilities, and state regulators (for regulated utilities) to consider adopting two new PURPA standards under Section 111(d).

 

There are two new PURPA 111(d) Standards Under IIJA that SECO Energy considered:

 

1. Demand-Response Practices
(A) In General – Each electric utility shall promote the use of demand-response and demand flexibility practices by commercial, residential, and industrial consumers to reduce electricity consumption during periods of unusually high demand.
(B) Rate Recovery
(i) In General – Each State regulatory authority shall consider establishing rate mechanisms allowing an electric utility with respect to which the State regulatory authority has ratemaking authority to timely recover the costs of promoting demand-response and demand flexibility practices in accordance with subparagraph (A).
(ii) Nonregulated Electric Utilities – A nonregulated electric utility may establish rate mechanisms for the timely recovery of the costs of promoting demand-response and demand flexibility practices in accordance with subparagraph (A).

 

2. Electric vehicle charging programs
Each State shall consider measures to promote greater electrification of the transportation sector, including the establishment of rates that—
(A) promote affordable and equitable electric vehicle charging options for residential, commercial, and public electric vehicle charging infrastructure;
(B) improve the customer experience associated with electric vehicle charging, including by reducing charging times for light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicles;
(C) accelerate third-party investment in electric vehicle charging for light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicles; and
(D) appropriately recover the marginal costs of delivering electricity to electric vehicles and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

 

Determination Process to Consider Adopting new PURPA Standards:

 

Following direction from NRECA, SECO did not conduct a live hearing. Instead, a public comment and response period was held between April 1, and June 1, 2023, enabling our members to be heard throughout this process. Also, an opportunity for Board Meeting attendance was provided wherein members were allowed to be heard on matters affecting the Cooperative. Consideration of standards focused on how implementation is consistent with the purpose of PURPA:

 

  • the promotion of energy conservation
  • optimization of the efficiency of use of facilities and resources, and
  • equitable rates to electric consumers

At the October 24, 2022, Board Meeting, SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees approved a Resolution to determine the hearing process to consider the standard and to engage in a public comment period. Notice of these objectives was published in November 2022 SECO News. During the open public comment period, members had the ability to share their views regarding the two new PURPA Standards SECO considered under the IIJA.

 

Review SECO Energy’s Initial Comments regarding the two PURPA Standards in The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Of 2021.

 

Read the SECO Energy Board of Trustees’ Final Resolution which was approved at the October 23, 2023, Board Meeting.