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Author: Amanda Richardson

SECO Energy’s Pennies Program Donates $12,305 to Local Animal Shelters – Lake County

SECO Energy’s Pennies from Heaven program has donated $12,305 to local animal shelters and rescues. In February, the not-for-profit electric cooperative announced that for every new Surge MitiGator meter-based surge protection lease enrollment or purchase, members could choose a shelter or rescue to receive a $5 donation on their behalf.
Between February 1 to June 15, 2,461 members enrolled in SECO’s Surge MitiGator surge protection product that resulted in a total donation of $12,305 in Citrus, Lake, Marion and Sumter Counties. The total allocated in Lake County is $3,405 donated to the shelters listed below:

 

AFHAR-A Forever Home Animal Rescue, Inc. – $200
Florida Boxer Rescue – $200
From Trails To Happy Tails – $200
Hoffmeyer Animal Rescue – $200
Howey Horse Haven Rescue – $200
Humane Society of Lake County – $1,000
Lake County Animal Shelter – $605
Leesburg Humane Society – $200
Sugarloaf Mountain Ranch, Inc. – $200
The Animal League – $200
The Cat Protection Society – $200

 

The Executive Director of the Humane Society of Lake County, Inc. Angie Klein is thankful for the donations. Ms. Klein stated, “The Humane Society of Lake County, Inc. has worked hard to become a valuable resource to our community. This includes providing pet food to families in need, pursuing small grants for funding of spay and neuter certificate giveaways, hosting veterinary shot clinics and educating residents on healthy pet ownership. We have recently engaged with two Florida correction facilities to provide dogs from inmate/canine training programs and are excited to watch this program grow. All of this is made possible by donations from our community partners like SECO Energy.”

 

CEO Jim Duncan is pleased to help local shelters and rescues. Duncan stated, “Thank you, members, for making our Surgeo Loves Pets charitable initiative a success. I am grateful for members who recognize a need in their community and respond generously. Though the vast majority of Pennies funding is allocated for bill payment assistance and educational initiatives for our members, the animals in our local communities need assistance as well, and SECO is happy that the Pennies from Heaven donations will be put to good use.”

 

SECO Energy’s Surge MitiGator product helps to reduce damaging surges and voltage spikes at the meter. Visit our Surge MitiGator page to learn more about the product, to read its beastly 15-year warranty and to complete the web form to enroll.

 

“Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

SECO Energy’s Pennies Program Donates $12,305 to Local Animal Shelters

SECO Energy’s Pennies from Heaven program has donated $12,305 to local animal shelters and rescues. In February, the not-for-profit electric cooperative announced that for every new Surge MitiGator meter-based surge protection lease enrollment or purchase, members could choose a shelter or rescue to receive a $5 donation on their behalf.

 

Between February 1 to June 15, 2,461 members enrolled in SECO’s Surge MitiGator surge protection product that resulted in a total donation of $12,305 in Citrus, Lake, Marion and Sumter Counties. The total allocated in Citrus County is $1,800 donated to the shelters listed below:

 

Critterville, Inc. – $200
Citrus County Animal Services – $500
Humane Society of Citrus County – $500
Precious Paws Rescue, Inc. – $200
St. Francis’s Sunny Side Up Farm Animal Rescue – $200
Ziggy’s Haven Parrot Sanctuary – $200

 

Humane Society of Citrus County Vice President Karron Curtis is very thankful for the donation. Curtis stated, “We are very honored and extremely appreciative to SECO Energy and its members for this donation. The Humane Society of Citrus County has been serving the citizens and the animals of Citrus County since 1978. We are a non-profit organization and would not be able to exist without the support of the wonderful businesses and citizens of this community.”

 

CEO Jim Duncan is pleased to help local shelters and rescues. Duncan stated, “Thank you, members, for making our Surgeo Loves Pets charitable initiative a success. I am grateful for members who recognize a need in their community and respond generously. Though the vast majority of Pennies funding is allocated for bill payment assistance and educational initiatives, the animals in our local communities need our assistance as well, and SECO is happy that our donations will be put to good use.”

 

SECO Energy’s Surge MitiGator product helps to reduce damaging surges and voltage spikes at the meter. Visit our Surge MitiGator page to learn more about the product, its beastly 15-year warranty and the web form to enroll.

 

“Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

July 2021 Sunshine State Stats

Mother Nature increased both the daily temperatures and precipitation in July 2021. The highest daily temperature measured in at 98 degrees, and the lowest temperature came in at 72 degrees. Tropical Storm Elsa brought heavy rain, winds, tornado warnings and watches to our area on July 6th and 7th for our first test of the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season.

 

July 2021 Sunshine State Stats temps

 

July was seasonably hot with afternoon thunderstorms occurring almost daily. During July’s 31 days, 24 of those reached a high temp of over 90 degrees. Because of the increased temperatures, members will likely notice an increase in their July electric usage.

 

For July 2021 the average temperature was 83 degrees, which was the same as the average temperature in July 2020. The average high temperature in July 2021 was 91 degrees, and the average low temperature was 75. Total precipitation this month measured 8.4 inches compared to 4.6 inches in July last year.

 

Both the average monthly temperature and average low and high temperatures have increased from June 2021. Again, members will likely see an increase in their energy usage for July 2021. Hotter temperatures and increased humidity mean HVACs will run for longer periods of time and more frequently to keep the temperatures cool inside. Daily temperature fluctuations also increase HVAC usage.

 

August forecast:

 

The threat of tropical storms and hurricanes increases as we enter August, and the threat peaks in September. Expect rain – our rainy season continues through September with daily thunderstorms that bring rain, lightning and wind. Daily highs will reach 90 degrees and above with lows in the 70s.

 

Take the bite out of damaging surges and spikes with SECO Energy’s Surge MitiGator surge protection. Our meter-based surge arrester protects large appliances by reducing surges BEFORE they enter the meter. Learn more about the Surge MitiGator. In August and September, members enrolled in surge protection are entered in a drawing to win a portable generator each month. Enroll today for the chance to win!

 

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.

Florida Fauna & Flora – Resurrection Fern

 

Florida Fauna & Flora – Resurrection Fern

 

Resurrection ferns are found from Florida to New York and west into Texas. It is an epiphytic fern that grows on the surface of another plant or structure. This fern is an air plant; it does not steal nutrients or water from its host plant. It reproduces by spores that are housed in structures called sori located on the underside of its green fronds. In Florida, resurrection ferns often prefer to grow on oak trees.

 

Why the name resurrection fern? It may lose up to 75% of its water content during dry periods and shrivel into a grayish-brown clump of leaves. When exposed to water again, the fern regains its healthy green fronds and comes back to life as though it was never dead. It’s estimated that during times of extreme drought, some resurrection ferns may survive losing 97% of their water content. Most other plants can only survive losing 10% of their water content.

 

Fun Flora Fact: The resurrection fern is a space traveler. In 1997, it was taken into space on the Space Shuttle Discovery to study its resurrection in zero gravity.

 

Source: The National Wildlife Federation

 

Read the full August 2021 SECO News online.

SECO News, August 2021

 

Duncan’s Digest – Enroll in Surge Protection – Win a Generator

 

Dear Members,

 

The 2021 Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. The Colorado State University (CSU) Tropical Meteorology Project team released an updated forecast for this year’s hurricane season. This team of experts has maintained its prediction that the Atlantic basin will have above-average storm activity this year, and has increased its forecast of the number of named storms anticipated this season.

 

May 2018 SECO News Duncan's Digest

 

Tropical Storm Elsa affected our service area on Tuesday, July 6, and Wednesday, July 7. Elsa became the first named hurricane of the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season on July 2 when it reached Category 1 strength. Elsa was downgraded to a tropical storm as it passed over Cuba and the Florida Straits. For a short while, the storm lingered west of Tampa Bay and strengthened into a hurricane once again. Ultimately Elsa lost intensity and made landfall in Taylor County as a tropical storm on July 7.

 

SECO prepared for the worst. We brought in over 100 contract line and vegetation crews to assist in restoration from Tropical Storm Elsa. Overnight on the 6th and 7th, our system fared exceptionally well as Elsa’s rain bands soaked our service area and brought tornado watches, warnings and wind. During this time, we experienced no large substation or feeder outages. I commend our employees and contractors who rallied to assist in the effort by restoring outages quickly while working safely.

 

Tropical Storm Elsa was the first test of this year’s hurricane season, and we passed with flying colors. But it may be the first of many. That’s why it’s best to be prepared. Not only do we have hurricane season to contend with, but Florida has afternoon summer thunderstorms as well. These storms occur almost daily and bring heavy rain and lightning that can lead to power surges entering your home from the electric line and through the meter.

 

Surges are powerful increases in voltage that can destroy your home’s appliances and electronics. The Surge MitiGator is SECO’s meter-based surge arrester. It is designed to take the bite out of a surge. The MitiGator helps prevent high voltage spikes and surges before they damage appliances and cause financial loss. SECO installs the Surge MitiGator at the meter and the product carries a 15-year warranty. The arrester at the meter is the first step in protection. Point-of-use surge devices should be installed for a home’s electronics and other appliances that run on electric service. Purchase these at your local big box or hardware store. Install as directed.

 

The Surge MitiGator is available for lease for only $5.95 plus tax per month with a $25 installation fee. If you choose to purchase the product, the price ranges from $349 to $399, and installation is always free.

 

Enroll in the Surge MitiGator program (lease or purchase) for a chance to win a portable generator. We’ll pick a winner in both August and September. Read Winners’ Circle on page 4 for the July winner. Members in a current lease or prior purchase are already eligible to win. To enroll in the Surge MitiGator program, visit the Surge MitiGator page and fill out the web form. You can also call us at (352) 793-3801 or email Customer Service.

 

Living in Florida, the potential for tropical storms and hurricanes is a fact of life. I urge you to prepare in advance for the possibility of widespread power outages if a major storm affects our service area. Prepare your emergency supplies before forecasters put Central Florida in the cone of probability. Have a backup source of power if you require electricity for life-sustaining medical equipment. SECO is StormReady – you should be too.

 

Sincerely,

 

Jim Duncan

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

SECO News August 2021 Advice From The Old Farmer's Almanac

Advice from The Old Farmer’s Almanac

 

Florida, with its copious sunshine and sub-tropical climate, provides the perfect environment for a backyard garden. The Old Farmer’s Almanac has advice for gardeners who love the hobby but have space, sun or other limitations. For small areas, use raised beds, vertical spaces or containers. A raised-bed garden can yield 10 times the amount as a same size in-ground garden. Another idea for small spaces is to use a trellis, cage or attach pots to fences. Short on sun? Most vegetables require 8 hours of sunlight to grow, but leafy greens grow well in partial shade. Garlic, peas, beets and radishes can grow in as little as 4 hours a day. If all else fails, use containers to grow your garden. Anything that will hold soil and has water drainage holes will work.

 

Turn to page 4 to read this month’s Florida Fauna & Flora to learn more about the resurrection fern.

 

 

SECO News August 2021 Energy Saving on a Budget

Energy Saving on a Budget

 

Improving your home’s energy efficiency doesn’t have to be expensive. While buying new ENERGY STAR appliances or upgrading your home’s HVAC will reduce your home’s energy consumption, these items carry a hefty price tag. The no-cost and low-cost energy-saving ideas listed below will help reduce your energy usage without breaking the bank.

 

No-cost Energy-Efficiency Ideas:

 

• Wash clothes in cold water.

 

• Use the air-dry cycle on your dishwasher.

 

• Hang laundry outside to dry.

 

• Use natural light during the day.

 

• Turn off lights when leaving a room.

 

• Ceiling fans cool people, not rooms. Turn off when the room is vacant.

 

• Turn off bathroom and kitchen ventilation fans. These bring warm outside air inside.

 

• Turn off electronics like computers, printers and monitors when not in use.

 

• In summer, grill or use appliances such as crock pots, air fryers or microwaves instead of your oven.

 

Low-cost Energy-Efficiency Ideas:

 

• Invest in LEDs.

 

• Replace all filters monthly or according to manufacturer’s instructions.

 

• Seal windows and doors with weatherstripping and/or caulk.

 

• Install window film to limit sunlight.

 

• Plant shade trees on the south, southwest and west sides of buildings for shade.

 

• Plant trees on the north and the west sides of buildings to block winds.

 

• Plant trees to shade driveways, sidewalks, patios and HVAC units.

 

• Use blinds or drapes during summer to limit sun exposure.

 

• Control outdoor lighting with a photocell or timer.

Want more energy-efficiency tips? Try our Home Energy Assessment — a complete online energy audit for your home. Submit your responses and email address to receive an email with energy-efficiency advice tailored to your home and lifestyle. To see the math behind your energy consumption, complete the Energy Estimator.

 

 

SECO News October 2020 Winner's Circle

Winners’ Circle

 

Engage with our virtual assistant Electra on the phone for a chance to win a $25 gift card. Winners who self-served using Electra are:

 

John Bost from Ocala

 

Felica Grost from Inverness

 

Mark Damann from Morriston

 

Christian Oliver from Tavares

 

The latest winner of a SECO Energy Level 2 EV Charger is Marc Crail from Mount Dora. To enter, text “EV” to (352) 320-4500 for a link to enter. Or click on the EV Charger Giveaway homepage banner. Visit our Electric Vehicles website section to learn more about the benefits of owning an EV.

 

Winners in our Go Green and Win: Paperless Billing and Bank Draft Incentive

 

Kinilei Shewell from Clermont is the winner of a $200 SECO Energy bill credit.

 

Jules Sigler from Ocala is the winner of a NEST thermostat.

 

Jan Browning from The Villages is the winner of an Amazon Echo Dot with Alexa.

 

Bryant Currier from The Villages is our first winner of a portable generator. We have two more to give away! For a chance to win, lease or purchase SECO’s Surge MitiGator product that protects your home’s appliances from damaging surges and spikes. To learn more or enroll, visit our Surge MitiGator page. Members in a current surge lease or prior purchase are automatically entered in the drawing to win.

 

Read the full August 2021 SECO News online.

June 2021 Sunshine State Stats

Precipitation in June 2021 was higher than average leading to a soggy but hot month. The highest daily temperature measured in at 94 degrees, and the lowest temperature came in at 67 degrees. While June 1, 2021, is the official start of Atlantic hurricane season, our area was left unscathed by tropical storms or hurricanes this month (though Elsa changed that in early July).

 

June 2021 Sunshine State Stats temperatures

 

June was also the official start of summer and the hot temperatures and daily afternoon thunderstorms have arrived. High temps reached over 90 degrees 16 days this month. Members will likely notice an increase in their June electric usage due to the higher temperatures during the day that stretch into the evening.

 

For June 2021 the average temperature was 82 degrees, which was the same as the average temperature in June 2020. The average high temperature was 90 degrees, and the average low temperature was 73. Total precipitation this month measured 8.6 inches compared to 6.1 inches in June last year. The average rainfall in June is 6.13 inches.

 

Again, members will likely see an increase in their energy usage for June 2021. Both the average monthly temperature and average low and high temperatures have increased from May 2021. Both the average temperature and the average low temperature are 4 degrees, and the average high is up 2 degrees. Hotter temperatures mean HVACs will run for longer periods of time and more frequently to keep the temperatures cool inside. Daily temperature fluctuations also increase HVAC usage. The highest daily temperature fluctuation in June was 24 degrees.

 

July forecast:

 

Florida’s rainy season continues into September with almost daily thunderstorms that bring rain, lightning and wind. Daily highs will reach 90 degrees and above with lows in the 70s.

 

Take the bite out of damaging surges and spikes with SECO Energy’s Surge MitiGator surge protection. Our meter-based surge arrester protects large appliances by reducing surges BEFORE they enter the meter. Learn more about the Surge MitiGator. In August and September, members enrolled in surge protection are entered in a drawing to win a portable generator each month. Enroll today for the chance to win!

 

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 Recovers from Tropical Storm Elsa

SECO Energy employees and contractors worked overnight and will continue throughout the day restoring outages caused by Tropical Storm Elsa. The storm strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane Tuesday evening as it approached the Tampa Bay area, but lost intensity and reverted back to tropical storm strength.

 

Currently, the storm is moving north at 14 mph with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph. The 11 AM forecast from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) shows Tropical Storm Elsa making landfall in Taylor County along the North Florida Gulf Coast. Once Elsa leaves Florida, it is predicted to travel along the east coast and create storm surges in Georgia and South Carolina.

 

SECO Energy began monitoring Tropical Storm Elsa last week and was well prepared. SECO’s system fared extremely well overnight as the storm’s rain bands soaked the cooperative’s service territory. Elsa also brought tornado watches, warnings and strong winds. There were no large substation or feeder outages, and just 300 services were without power during the overnight hours. Rain will continue today as Tropical Storm Elsa leaves Central Florida.

 

CEO Jim Duncan commends the employees’ and contract crews’ restoration effort. He stated, “I am extremely grateful for the efforts of our SECO employees. We prepare for the worst and our employees are ready to respond to outages 24/7. I also want to acknowledge the contract line and vegetation crew reinforcements who answered our call to assist with Tropical Storm Elsa restoration.”

 

Duncan also reminded members that SECO Energy’s StormCenter outage reporting and communications platform offers outage alerts. “StormCenter is available for members to report outages using their smartphones or tablets 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Members should also enroll in outage notifications and alerts via email, text, voice message, or all three. An alert is sent when the system recognizes that your service has been interrupted. The alert will include crew status and an estimated restoration time. You’ll also receive a notification when the service is restored that includes the cause of the outage if it is known at that time.”

 

Members should visit StormCenter and bookmark the site on their smartphones or tablets. At StormCenter, members can view the outage map, enroll or manage notifications, check the status of an existing outage, report an area light outage and more.

 

Stay up to date on weather affecting SECO Energy’s service area, the latest news releases and cooperative updates by liking SECO’s Facebook page and following @SECOEnergy on Twitter.

SECO Energy Braced for Tropical Storm Elsa

SECO Energy is monitoring Tropical Storm Elsa as it creeps closer to Florida’s Gulf Coast with a predicted landfall near Cedar Key. SECO Energy is StormReady and prepared for Tropical Storm Elsa’s impact to its service area late Tuesday night through Wednesday.

 

Tropical Storm Elsa has remained intact as it moved across Cuba and through the Florida Straits. The current forecast from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) shows Tropical Storm Elsa moving north northwest with maximum sustained winds up to 60 mph. Earlier today, the Key West airport reported wind gusts up to 48 mph.

 

The weather forecast for SECO’s service area has changed significantly since Monday. Members in Citrus, Hernando, Levy and Marion Counties may experience maximum sustained winds up to 35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph. Members in Lake and Sumter Counties may experience maximum sustained winds up to 28 mph with gusts up to 40 mph. It’s important to understand that when wind speeds exceed 35 mph, bucket trucks are grounded for safety. SECO will suspend restoration operations until wind speeds fall under 35 mph.

 

The heaviest winds and rain are expected to arrive just after midnight Wednesday morning and may last until noon. SECO members in all areas should be prepared for heavy rain from Tropical Storm Elsa beginning late Tuesday afternoon and lasting through Wednesday. The area along I-75 and west to the Gulf Coast will likely feel the most impact from Elsa. The grounds are already heavily soaked after a rainy June. More rain could bring trees down and create extended power outages.

 

In preparation, SECO Energy has called on outside crew reinforcements to assist with power restoration as a result of Tropical Storm Elsa. Over 100 contracted line crews and vegetation crews are arriving today ahead of the storm.

 

Shelters have opened in Citrus and Marion Counties. In Citrus County, the special needs shelter is open at Citrus County Renaissance Center at 3630 W. Educational Path, Lecanto, 34461. The general shelter is open at Lecanto Primary at 3790 W. Educational Path, Lecanto, 34461. In Marion County, West Port High School is open for special needs, general population and pets at 3733 SW 80th Avenue, Ocala, 34481.

 

CEO Jim Duncan urges members to prepare for the possibility of power outages from Tropical Storm Elsa’s heavy rain and wind. He stated, “We’ve been watching Tropical Storm Elsa since last week and the forecast has changed often. The wind speed predictions have changed significantly almost overnight. Expect a greater impact from Tropical Storm Elsa than we previously expected. This storm will bring heavy rain and wind to almost every corner of our service area very early Wednesday morning. Be prepared for the possibility of extended power outages from the storm.”

 

Duncan also reminded members that SECO Energy’s StormCenter outage reporting and communications platform offers outage alerts. “StormCenter is available for members to report outages using their smartphones or tablets 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Members should also enroll in outage notifications and alerts via email, text, voice message, or all three. An alert is sent when the system recognizes that your service has been interrupted. The alert will include crew status and an estimated restoration time. You’ll also receive a notification when the service is restored that includes the cause of the outage if it is known at that time.”

 

Members should visit StormCenter and bookmark the site on their smartphones or tablets. At StormCenter, members can view the outage map, enroll or manage notifications, check the status of an existing outage, report an area light outage and more.

 

Stay up to date on weather affecting SECO Energy’s service area, the latest news releases and cooperative updates by liking SECO’s Facebook page and following @SECOEnergy on Twitter.

SECO Energy Preparing for Tropical Storm Elsa

SECO Energy continues its preparations for Tropical Storm Elsa and the weather effects this storm will bring to its service area. Tropical Storm Elsa looks poised to make landfall at Cedar Key on Florida’s Gulf Coast sometime Tuesday evening.

 

The current forecast from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) shows Tropical Storm Elsa with maximum sustained winds up to 65 mph. The storm has stalled over western Cuba and has slowed to 14 mph as it moves northwest. Elsa’s tropical storm-force winds extend 75 miles from the center. There is still the potential for Tropical Storm Elsa to intensify as it moves past Cuba and into the Gulf of Mexico. The storm’s eventual landfall, final track and intensity continue to remain uncertain.

 

SECO members should be prepared for heavy rain from Tropical Storm Elsa beginning late Tuesday afternoon and lasting through Wednesday. The area along I-75 and west to the Gulf Coast will likely feel the most impact from Elsa. The wind speed is forecast to be sustained at 18 to 20 mph and wind gusts of 25 to 35 mph. The grounds are already heavily soaked after a rainy June. More rain could bring trees down and create extended power outages.

 

CEO Jim Duncan urges members to remain vigilant for Tropical Storm Elsa. He stated, “Tropical Storm Elsa has the potential to pick up speed, intensity and develop into a bigger storm. Don’t be caught off guard. Continue to follow the storm’s forecast, prepare your families, secure your homes and have your emergency supplies available and easily accessible. Members close to the west coast should be especially cautious.”

 

Duncan also reminded members that SECO Energy’s StormCenter outage reporting and communications platform offers outage alerts. “StormCenter is available for members to report outages using their smartphones or tablets 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Members should also enroll in outage notifications and alerts via email, text, voice message, or all three. An alert is sent when the system recognizes that your service has been interrupted. The alert will include crew status and an estimated restoration time. You’ll also receive a notification when the service is restored that includes the cause of the outage if it is known at that time.”

 

Members should visit StormCenter and bookmark the site on their smartphones or tablets. At StormCenter, members can view the outage map, enroll or manage notifications, check the status of an existing outage, report an area light outage and more.

 

Stay up to date on weather affecting SECO Energy’s service area, the latest news releases and cooperative updates by liking SECO’s Facebook page and following @SECOEnergy on Twitter.

SECO Energy Tracking Hurricane Elsa

SECO Energy is tracking Hurricane Elsa as it continues toward Florida. While Elsa’s final track, eventual landfall and intensity remain uncertain, SECO Energy is preparing for the weather effects this storm will likely bring to its service area.

 

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) upgraded Elsa to a Category 1 hurricane at 8 a.m. today. Elsa is moving at 28 mph to the west and northwest. Forecasters expect this track to continue through Sunday, July 4, with landfall at or near Tampa on Tuesday at 8 p.m. After Sunday, though, the track could change depending on Hurricane Elsa’s interaction with Cuba, a high-pressure system and a trough coming into Florida.

 

There is a potential for SECO members to feel an impact from Hurricane Elsa. Forecasters predict SECO’s service area could begin to feel the effects of Hurricane Elsa on Tuesday and Wednesday. Members should expect heavy rains for at least 24 hours and windy conditions especially in the western part of the service area. The grounds are heavily soaked after a rainy June. More rain could bring trees crashing down and create extended power outages.

 

CEO Jim Duncan encourages members to prepare for Hurricane Elsa, saying, “Hurricane Elsa may be Central Florida’s first test of the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season. I urge all SECO members to gather your emergency supplies and prepare for this storm and the possibility of more storms this hurricane season. Hurricane forecast experts have predicted this hurricane season will have above-average activity. As we’ve seen recently, supplies sell out quickly when disasters are near, don’t wait until the last minute to prepare.”

 

Duncan also reminded members that SECO Energy’s StormCenter outage reporting and communications platform offers outage alerts. “StormCenter is available for members to report outages using their smartphones or tablets 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Members should also enroll in outage notifications and alerts via email, text or voice message, or all three. An alert is sent when the system recognizes that your service has been interrupted. The alert will include crew status and an estimated restoration time. You’ll also receive a notification when the service is restored, and we will include the cause of the outage if it is known at that time.”

 

Members should visit StormCenter and bookmark the site on their smartphones or tablets. On StormCenter, members can view the outage map, enroll or manage your notifications, check the status of an existing outage, report an area light outage and more.

 

Stay up to date on weather affecting SECO Energy’s service area, the latest news releases and cooperative updates by “liking” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter.