Amanda Richardson – Page 25

SECO Energy Crews to Aid Hurricane Sally Restoration

SECO Energy is sending crews to aid in power restoration after Hurricane Sally left thousands without power in the Florida Panhandle. Thirteen SECO employees left the Ocala Operations Center early this morning traveling to Escambia River Electric Cooperative (EREC) in Jay, Florida.

Hurricane Sally made landfall in Gulf Shores, Alabama as a CAT 2 hurricane in the early morning hours of September 16. The hurricane weakened into a tropical depression and turned east into the Florida Panhandle. Residents in the Panhandle have experienced torrential rains and flooding.

A module of first-class line personnel, a supervisor, a superintendent and a first-class mechanic will arrive in the Panhandle to begin assisting with power restoration this afternoon. EREC serves over 11,000 members in Santa Rosa and Escambia Counties. This morning, more than 8,800 members of EREC are without power.

CEO Jim Duncan is honored that SECO Energy can aid Panhandle residents. Duncan stated, “As a Florida electric cooperative, we know firsthand how devastating hurricanes, tropical storms and tropical depressions are for our members. We are honored to send crews to help EREC restore power for the members it serves.”

Duncan continued, “SECO places a top priority on safety and our employees do as well. The energy industry carries inherent dangers and working in an area that has been damaged by a storm is even more treacherous. My thoughts are with the Florida residents and business owners affected by Hurricane Sally and for the safety of crews working to restore service.”

Vice President of Reliability and Operations John LaSelva stated, “Cooperation among cooperatives is one of our seven cooperative principles. When called, SECO is willing to send mutual aid and offer assistance to our cooperative peers. I am grateful for our employees who show their commitment to the cooperative purpose by volunteering to help others.”

SECO team members reporting to EREC:

Mark Bowling
Todd Yates
Bryan Lancaster
Dave Kerns
Jimmy Johns
Ryan Hendrix
Derek Eveleth
Brandon Blackmon
Gary Zachary
Paul Byrd
Tommy Lakin
Chris Reynolds
Rick Walsh

“Like” SECO on Facebook and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases, cooperative updates and for weather information and updates affecting SECO’s service area.

Sunshine State Stats August 2020

August in Central Florida was hot! The average high temperature was a melting 92 degrees while the average low was a warm 76 degrees. The average temperature for the month was 84. The highest recorded temperature was 96 degrees and the lowest recorded temperature was 73 degrees.

August was hot and drier than average. The average rainfall amount in August in Central Florida is 6.2 inches. In August 2020, rainfall was substantially lower than average at only 5.76 inches. Rainfall in August 2019 was much higher than average at 8.42 inches.

Hurricane activity and Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) has been higher this year per the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Tropical Storm Josephine, Tropical Storm Kyle, Hurricane Laura, Hurricane Marco, Tropical Storm Omar and Hurricane Nana all formed in August 2020.

Is your hurricane supplies kit ready for the possibility of a tropical storm or hurricane? We recommend having a three-day supply of non-perishable food and water per person, along with a seven-day supply of medications. Other essentials include a weather radio, cash, flashlights, batteries, can opener, and a first-aid kit. You will find a list of hurricane essentials on our Storm Preparation page.

September forecast:

September is the peak of Atlantic hurricane season. Read our special Hurricane Handbook edition of SECO News to prepare before, during and after a storm. September weather is similar to August. Temperatures normally average 83.8 degrees with precipitation just over 6 inches.

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.

*source: www.nhc.noaa.gov

Florida Fauna & Flora – Hurricanes and Pets

Don’t forget a hurricane or disaster plan for your family pet. According to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), take your pets with you if you decide to evacuate before a storm arrives. Service animals that meet the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements are usually welcome in general population shelters.

You can also look locally for a pet-friendly shelter. Contact the shelter before you go to make sure there is availability for you and your pet. Pet-friendly hotels and motels are also an option. Check with your local Humane Society to find pet-friendly options.

If you’re staying home during the storm, don’t forget to add your pet’s food, medicine and essentials to your supply kit. Have enough pet supplies on hand to last at least seven days. Just as humans enjoy snacks when waiting out a storm, your pets do too! Stock up on some extra bones and treats to show your furry or feathered friends some love.
Bring your pets indoors before a storm arrives. Many pets who enjoy spending time outside become lost after a strong storm. Bring them indoors where they will be safe.

Read the full September 2020 SECO News online.

SECO News, September 2020

Duncan’s Digest – Peak of Hurricane Season

The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season has been especially active. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the possibility of a hurricane forming is highest during September.

Hurricanes are massive tropical cyclones. Typically, hurricanes reach a width of 300 miles or more. The distinctive center eye is a calm space, while the eyewall outside of the eye holds the densest clouds and the storm’s highest winds. A storm’s outer rainbands are heavy thunderstorms that bring rain, lightning and tornadoes. These bands can extend out as much as 300 miles from the storm’s center eye. Hurricane-force winds – 74 mph and higher – can extend to 150 miles outward from the eye. Tropical-storm force winds – 39 mph to 73 mph – can reach out as far as 300 miles.

The right side of the storm is the most dangerous. A storm’s side is relative to its path. A westward-moving storm’s right side is north. Cyclone storms spin counterclockwise in the northern hemisphere and move forward as well. On a storm’s right side, the winds are moving in the same direction as its forward motion. These two velocities create higher wind speeds; thus, the likelihood of storm surges, stronger winds and tornadoes is higher on the storm’s right side than the left.

Living in Florida, the threat of hurricanes is a yearly reality. Unfortunately, these storms can cause extended power outages even for a system like SECO’s that is well constructed and rigorously inspected and maintained.

I urge you to prepare for the worst. This month’s edition of SECO News focuses on preparing for a storm, what to do during and after a storm and interesting facts and information found in our Hurricane Handbook – available online and as a brochure from one of our Member Service Centers. Review our “people and pets” supply list, enroll in outage notifications and alerts through StormCenter, sign up for the Florida Special Needs Registry, research generator safety tips and more.

SECO Energy is StormReady and prepared for the possibility of tropical storms and hurricanes that may come our way. COVID-19 may complicate an emergency restoration response this year, so patience and cooperation will play an even more important role than in the past. I assure you that we will perform at our very best within the bounds of health and safety for both members and employees.

Sincerely,

Jim Duncan

Chief Executive Officer

*source: www.weather.gov and www.noaa.gov

Hurricane Strength Stats

The Saffir–Simpson wind scale classifies hurricanes that exceed the intensities of tropical depressions and tropical storms into five categories distinguished by the intensities of sustained winds.

CAT 1 74 to 95 MPH
CAT 2 96 to 110 MPH
CAT 3 111 to 129 MPH (major)
CAT 4 130 to 156 MPH (major)
CAT 5 157 MPH or HIGHER (major)

Even tropical storms can cause significant damage and flooding. Most storm casualties are from drowning and not wind. Always heed weather warnings, evacuate as instructed and don’t drive into high water. Keep your family safe.

Restoration Priority – Who’s First?

SECO Energy provides world-class reliability to 200,000+ homes and businesses. Unexpected outages due to weather, vehicle accidents, equipment issues, animal or tree contact with lines result in utilities being unable to guarantee 100 percent uninterrupted electric service.

During emergency restoration with widespread damage, SECO Energy’s first responsibilities are shelters, hospitals, schools and government agencies like emergency ops centers, fire stations and law enforcement facilities. SECO’s next priority is large commercial accounts supplying food, water and damage-recovery supplies. Feeders with the largest number of members served are next. Our goal is to restore service to the highest volume of members as quickly as possible.

Disconnecting in Advance: Myth or Fact?

Many years ago, it was a common practice for utilities to completely de-energize their electric systems ahead of a storm to prevent damage during the storm. SECO Energy does not employ this practice.

Florida’s Special Needs Registry:

Do you have a family member who lives in your home who has special needs? Register with the Florida Division of Emergency Management at floridadisaster.org before a storm hits to receive county-specific lifesaving information. If an evacuation or emergency is declared, you will receive alert information from local emergency management by signing up with your county’s emergency alert notifications (Alert Citrus, Alert Hernando, Alert Marion, Alert Levy, Alert Lake, Alert Sumter, Alert Pasco). Visit your county’s Emergency Operations online to sign up for the alerts you would like to receive.

Members Using Medical Equipment:

Residential members’ accounts coded as having medically necessary service are not the priority after a storm with widespread damage. These members should prepare before storm season for the possibility of extended outages that could last for days. If you are dependent on electric-powered medical equipment, register with your county emergency management center’s Special Needs Registry. Most important, purchase a generator for use during power outages.

Outage Notifications:

Visit us online and click StormCenter at the top right. Scroll down and select “Manage Notifications.” Log in with your account number or phone number. View and update your preferences for email, text or voice notifications. Set do not disturb parameters.

Add StormCenter App to Mobile Device Home Screen:

Click the StormCenter menu on our website. Select the Outage Map tile. Tap the Share Arrow. Select “Add to Home Screen” from options.

Bookmark Daily Restoration Plan Map:

SECO utilizes this interactive map when the Emergency Response Plan is activated. This map is different from the StormCenter outage map. The Restoration Plan Map displays the areas where crews are working each day and helps you know when you can reasonably expect service restoration. Access this map from the website home page banner during emergencies.

Supply Stock Up – Seven Days

Pro Tips:

Turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest settings. Only open refrigerator and freezer doors when necessary. Move freezable foods into the freezer. A refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours after a power outage; a full freezer will keep food frozen for about 48 hours.

Move your emergency supplies into a secure room with no windows or fireplaces.

Hunker Down – Stay Informed

During a storm, remain indoors and prepare to wait out the weather safely. Stay informed with a battery-powered weather radio. Be ready to relocate your family and pets to a secure location in your home with no windows or fireplaces. Break out the family board games and preserve your phone’s battery power.

No Restoration in Winds Above 35 MPH

SECO Energy invests heavily in an aggressive vegetation management program to keep our overhead lines clear. Still, severe storms with high winds create tree-related outages. Once sustained wind speeds reach 35 mph, it is not safe to use bucket trucks or perform restoration. When wind speeds have fallen below 35 mph, SECO deploys employees and mutual aid to begin restoration.

Tornadoes – Watch vs. Warning

Tornadoes are vertical funnels of rapidly spinning air, often referred to as nature’s most violent storm. Winds can reach speeds of 300 mph. Tornadoes are associated with severe thunderstorms. Tornadoes are likely during a hurricane.

Tornado Watch: Tornadoes are possible in/near the watch area. Check supplies and your safe room. Be ready to act fast if a warning is issued or you suspect a tornado is approaching.

Tornado Warning: A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. There is imminent danger to life and property. Go immediately to your safe room, interior room or hallway. Avoid windows.

If you experience a tornado, stay clear of downed power wires and damaged buildings. Treat downed lines as if they are energized.

Electric System 101

High Voltage Transmission Lines: These supply power to our 48 substations that serve 210,000+ homes and businesses. If a storm damages a transmission line, substations also lose power. Much of the transmission serving SECO’s substations is owned/operated by Duke Energy. If Duke’s lines are down, SECO cannot restore power to members until these lines are repaired.

Distribution Substation: A substation serves thousands of members. Our line crews inspect substations to determine if problems stem from transmission lines feeding into the substation, the substation itself, or if problems exist further down the feeders and lateral lines.

Feeder Distribution Lines: When problems cannot be isolated at a substation, distribution lines are inspected. These larger lines originate from substations and distribute power to large groups of members in our service area.

Lateral Distribution Lines: These smaller lines deliver power to transformers, either mounted on poles or placed on pads for underground service and provide power to smaller groups of members in less densely populated areas.

Service Lines: The service line is the line between a transformer and your residence or business.

Generator Safety

Stationary Generator: A permanently affixed generator installed by a licensed technician with an approved disconnect and transfer switch that isolates your home’s circuits from SECO Energy and eliminates the risk of backfeeding on utility lines.

Portable Generator: A common type of generator that does not require a licensed technician to install. Use extension cords to plug certain appliances into the outlets on the generator. Never operate indoors.

Hurricane Supplies Word Search

Need help deciding what to include in your hurricane supply kit? Complete our hurricane supplies word search to get started. You can find a list of hurricane essentials on our Storm Preparation page.

Return Home – Assess Damage

If your home or business is damaged and it is safe, turn off your main breaker to prevent fires. If appliances are wet, turn off each appliance’s main breaker. Once you’ve turned the breaker off, unplug the wet appliance.

If fuses blow when your power is restored, turn off the breakers and contact a licensed electrician. Always call an electrician or an appliance repair service if in doubt.

Debris Cleanup

Once a storm has passed, ensure that you and your home are safe while power is being restored. Do not make debris piles that interfere with utility trucks. Keep piles away from power lines, transformers and downed lines for safety and speedy restoration. Call your county’s emergency operations center if public roadway debris prevents utility and emergency vehicle access.

Move Over It’s The Law

• Move over a lane for law enforcement, emergency, sanitation, utility vehicles and tow trucks.
• If you can’t move over, slow to 20 mph less than the posted speed limit.
• If the posted speed limit is 20 mph or less, slow down to 5 mph.

#MoveOverFlorida

Safety Corner

Hurricanes, tropical storms and tornadoes bring high winds that can knock down power poles and bring power lines crashing to the ground. Wires and poles on the ground create a hazardous situation. Always assume lines on the ground are live and that you or a loved one can be injured or killed.

NEVER touch a downed pole or line. If poles or lines are down in your area, please stay away. Keep children and grandchildren safely inside where they cannot play near the downed poles or wires. Warn your neighbors of the danger.

If you see power poles or lines on the ground, call SECO Energy or 911 to report.

Read the full September 2020 SECO News online.

Sunshine State Stats July 2020

July was a scorcher! Twenty-six out of thirty-one days reached a high of 90 degrees or above. The average low temperature for July 2020 was 75 degrees with an average low of 69. The average high temperature was 92 degrees with a daily high of 96. The average temperature was 1 degree warmer this year than in July of 2019 at 84 degrees.

July precipitation was below normal at 4.58 inches for the month compared to last year’s monthly total of 6.24 inches. Hurricane season is well under way. Thankfully, Hurricane Isaias was nothing more than a rain event for most of SECO Energy’s service territory.

On average, July is the warmest month in the Northern Hemisphere. It is often referred to as the dog days of summer. Seven states on the east coast broke records for high daily temperatures. According to NOAA, in the 126 years of collected weather data, Florida’s July temperatures ranked fourth hottest since 1895.

August 2020 forecast:

Hurricanes and heat continue to be front and center for the month of August. The average temperature forecast for August is 83.8 degrees with highs reaching in the 90s on a regular basis and lows in the 70s. As the heat continues to run its summer course, it is a good idea to check the weatherstripping around your exterior doors. Any daylight that can be seen between the door and the door casing is heat entering you home. A ¼ inch gap around your door is equivalent to a basketball size hole in the wall.

To view historical usage, log into SmartHub for 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 consume, check out our Energy Estimator.

Florida Fauna & Flora – Ruby-throated Hummingbird

The most common hummingbird found in Florida is the ruby-throated hummingbird. You may also see black-chinned and rufous hummingbirds according to the University of Florida IFAS Extension. The ruby-throated hummingbird is also eastern North America’s only breeding hummingbird.

Ruby-throated hummingbirds are tiny. They measure only three inches long and weigh less than a penny. Males have the signature ruby-red feathers on their throats. Their back feathers are green, and they have two sets of green and black tail feathers. As is the case with many birds, females are less colorful; their feathers are green, white and black.

Hummingbirds do not hum. The noise is the rapid flapping of their wings. Ruby-throated hummingbirds beat their wings about 53 times per second. Hummingbirds can hover in the air, move forward and backward, down and upside down. Hummingbirds cannot soar, and their very short legs prevent them from walking or hopping.

Fun Fauna Fact: Hummingbirds have excellent color vision. Like many birds, they can see into the ultraviolet spectrum which humans can’t see.

Read the full August 2020 SECO News online.

SECO News, August 2020

Duncan’s Digest – Pennies from Heaven – Your Pennies Change Lives

To say that the first half of 2020 has been bizarre is an understatement. To assist members during the COVID-19 economic shutdown, SECO proactively waived late fees and suspended service disconnections for nonpayment. SECO also offered members flexible payment arrangement timeframes that were above and beyond normal parameters.

SECO Energy’s member-funded Pennies from Heaven program collects extra pennies donated by members who have enrolled. These members agree to round up their monthly bills to the nearest dollar amount. The donated pennies fund member bill payment assistance or are used to support local worthy charitable causes. The bill payment assistance funds are distributed through United Way organizations, Florida 2-1-1 and local social service agencies.

SECO allocated a significant portion of the Pennies from Heaven dollars to our United Way organizations and local service agencies to provide bill payment assistance to members. Because of the COVID-19 shutdown, the need for bill payment assistance is at an all-time high.

Many members have reached out to us asking how they can help their neighbors during this crisis. We have hundreds of new Pennies from Heaven enrollees who are having their bills rounded up. We’ve also received check donations for Pennies from Heaven. I can’t thank our Pennies from Heaven donators enough for their generosity and willingness to help. Still, the fund is running low due to the number of members who need bill payment assistance.

Please consider joining thousands of your fellow members by enrolling in Pennies from Heaven. The monthly donation is small – only pennies. The yearly donation is, on average, less than $6 per year. Your small change can go far when combined with all Pennies from Heaven donations.

This year, SECO’s Pennies from Heaven program also donated $25,500 to local food banks in Citrus, Lake, Marion and Sumter Counties. SECO also received a special donation from The Villages Democratic Club for $3,000 earmarked for bill payment assistance through St. Timothy’s Catholic Church in Lady Lake.

If you would like to donate by check, please mail it to us at:

SECO Energy Pennies from Heaven
P.O. Box 301
Sumterville, FL 33585

I am proud to be a Pennies from Heaven supporter myself. Through internal fundraising, many SECO employees also support the program.

If you would like to contribute your small change to help your fellow members, enroll in Pennies from Heaven today. SECO will round up your bill to the nearest dollar. The donated pennies stay local for the benefit of our members. Your small donation will supply much-needed help to members who are struggling. To enroll, visit our Pennies from Heaven page. Or log into your SmartHub account, select “Billing & Payment” and click Pennies from Heaven. Your next bill will show a line item that reflects your generous pennies donation. Thank you in advance!

Sincerely,

Jim Duncan

Chief Executive Officer

Advice from The Old Farmer’s Almanac

Are you interested in flowers that will attract hummingbirds? The Old Farmer’s Almanac recommends choosing flowers that are either red or orange. Some common types of flowers enjoyed by hummingbirds are bee balm, butterfly bush, lilies, petunias, red-hot poker, scarlet sage, soapwort, trumpet honeysuckle and verbena.

Read this month’s Florida Fauna & Flora on page seven to learn more about the ruby-throated hummingbird that is the most commonly found hummingbird in Florida.

Chomp Down on Power Surges with Surgeo the Surge MitiGator™

According to the National Weather Service, Florida is the lightning capital of the United States. Approximately 1.1 million lightning strikes per year happen in our state – this is equal to 20 strikes per square mile! Surge protection is a valuable investment.

Unfortunately, no product will protect your home against a direct lightning strike. SECO Energy’s Surge MitiGator™ will protect your home’s appliances against power surges caused by lightning that travels via power lines, through the meter and into your home. Other common causes of surges entering your home are vehicle accidents, small animals contacting the electric grid and cycling of large appliances inside the home.

Are you considering surge protection? Keep these facts in mind when deciding if the Surge MitiGator™ is the right choice for protecting your home’s appliances:

SECO Energy’s Surge MitiGator™ meter-based surge arrester is installed behind the electric meter at the incoming utility service line. The arrester responds quickly when there is surge activity.

Grounding* is crucial because it creates a path with the least amount of resistance for the excess electricity to travel. Your home’s ground is found at the meter and is connected to the Surge MitiGator™ ground wire during installation. By connecting the surge arrester to the ground wire, surges are routed away from electrical components.

The voltage that enters your home is reduced to a manageable level to prevent damage to large-motor appliances. Secondary protectors or point-of-use devices, are necessary for sensitive electronics and items with microprocessors.

The installation of the Surge MitiGator™ is controlled and monitored by SECO. The product is “made in the USA,” so you can be sure you are investing in a device that has a proven performance track record and is installed following applicable codes and safety standards.

The Surge MitiGator™ is designed to protect your appliances, such as HVAC, washers and dryers, refrigerators, dishwashers and other major motor-driven residential appliances. We recommend adding a layer of protection for your more sensitive devices. Point-of-use suppressors help further reduce the small amount of let-through voltage that may pass by the Surge MitiGator™. Point-of-use suppressors also help to control surges created inside the home by appliance motors cycling.

Sensitive electronics in your home include televisions, DVD players, DVRs, stereos, computers and garage door openers. Make sure when buying point-of-use surge protectors to buy devices that protect additional entryways like cable and phone lines; also keep in mind warranty timeframe and monetary compensation in case of damage. This layered approach provides the best protection in the event of a surge.

Our Surge MitiGator™ is available for lease or purchase. You can lease the protection for only $5.95 per month plus tax with a $25 installation fee. You can also purchase the protection for $349 to $399 plus tax with free installation.

Have questions about the Surge MitiGator™? Don’t delay – reach out today – email Surge or call (352) 569-9960.

*SECO Energy’s certified installers perform a visual inspection of your electric ground before attaching the ground wire to the surge arrester inside the meter can. We strongly suggest you solicit a licensed electrician’s services periodically to check the integrity of your ground wire to ensure it is in good working order.

Electrical Safety 101

Safety is SECO’s most important core value. Following electrical safety rules applies to everyone who uses electricity. Electric energy can burn and kill. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (EFSI), over 51,000 American homes are damaged or destroyed by fires caused by electrical failures each year.

Learn the basics about the electrical system in your home and how to prevent electrical fires. If your home is more than 20 years old, it may have outdated wiring that can lead to an electrical fire. Signs of outdated wiring include flickering lights, tripped breakers and a burning smell. The circuits may be overloaded. Electrical outlets may be outdated as well. Outlets that are damaged, loose or warm to the touch need to be repaired or replaced.

Home wiring is a job best tackled by a professional. Contact a reputable electrician who is licensed, insured and adheres to local code requirements. Electricians can also assist in adding extra electrical outlets that will avoid circuit overload.

Who is at greatest risk of suffering an injury or death from a home fire? Adults over 65. Young children with their natural curiosity are also vulnerable.

Electrical safety extends outside the home. You should never touch utility equipment such as underground transformers or overhead power lines. Always consider power lines to be energized and dangerous. After a storm, be especially cautious for downed wires. Stay away from downed lines and call 911 immediately. Vehicle crashes involving power poles can result in energized lines near the accident. Remain in the vehicle if it is safe to do so.

Teach children electrical safety as well. Children should never play on or near electrical equipment and never try to enter a substation. Warn children not to climb trees near energized lines and keep toys such as planes and kites away from overhead lines.

EV Charger Winner

Congratulations to M.J. Buczkowski of Summerfield who is the July winner of a SECO Energy branded JuiceBox Pro 40 EV Level 2 charger. We’re giving one charger away each month while supplies last. To enter to win, text “EV” to (352) 320-4500 for a link to enter. Or click on the EV Charger Giveaway homepage banner.

While on our website, learn more about the benefits of electric vehicle ownership on our EV pages. You’ll find an EV savings calculator, information about CO2 reduction, EV and PHEV models and a nationwide charger-finder map. Visit our Electric Vehicles page for more information.

Watch SECO News for next month’s charger winner.

Electrical Safety Word Search

Have some fun with our electrical safety word search. Find all the words relating to electrical safety and you’ll build on your electrical-safety knowledge.

Stay Connected with SmartHub

Members who choose to pay their bills electronically should enroll in SECO’s online account platform called SmartHub. Members can pay via debit card, credit card or electronic check – all without the added expense of a convenience fee. Those who want to “set it and forget it” can use SmartHub to enroll in bank draft. SmartHub users can view consumption history, see past bills, update an address or phone number, choose paperless billing or request a payment extension. SmartHub is accessible via desktop computers and a user-friendly app is available for smartphones and tablets.

LEDs An Energy-Efficient Choice or a Budget Buster?

LED (light-emitting diode) light bulbs are quickly becoming the most energy-efficient lighting choice for your home. Compared to standard incandescent or CFL (compact fluorescent light), the purchase price for LEDs is higher. Does the higher purchase price make LEDs a budget buster?

Not necessarily. While LEDs are more expensive – they last longer when compared to incandescent bulbs. Your savings will add up by not replacing bulbs as often. Per the Department of Energy (energy.gov), LEDs that are ENERGY STAR rated last about 25 times longer than traditional lighting options and use 75% less energy. LEDs give off very little heat when compared to incandescents and CFLs that release 80 to 90% of their energy as heat when in use. Using LEDs will make your home more comfortable and potentially reduce cooling costs.

Lighting equates to a small part of your home’s electric consumption (about 5%). To lower lighting costs, SECO Energy recommends upgrading the bulbs you use most often to LEDs. What bulbs are on most often in your home? Good choices are the kitchen, living room, or family room and bathrooms. To keep your budget in check, convert the bulbs in these rooms to LEDs and gradually convert the other areas of the home when bulbs need to be replaced.

LEDs supply a budget-friendly return on investment when chosen for frequently used areas. LED technology continues to evolve. There are a multitude of options and colors to meet your needs. LEDs are also directional and small, so they are great for a kitchen countertop, recessed and task lighting.

For more energy-efficiency tips and ideas, visit our Energy-Saving Tips page.

Read the full August 2020 SECO News online.

SECO Energy Monitoring Tropical Storm Isaias

SECO Energy continues to monitor Tropical Storm Isaias as it moves along Florida’s east coast. The storm was downgraded from a Category 1 hurricane to a tropical storm early Sunday morning. The current track brings the storm close to Jupiter and Melbourne.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) forecasts that Tropical Storm Isaias will no longer make landfall along Florida’s east coast. The storm is moving northwest and has slowed to 8 mph with wind speeds at 60 mph. Forecasters predict that the storm will travel along Florida’s east coast toward the Carolinas. Tropical Storm Isaias will bring rain to the east coast from Florida to Maine.

Forecasters predict SECO’s service area could begin to feel the effects of Tropical Storm Isaias early Sunday afternoon into the early hours Monday morning. Members should expect wind gusts and heavy rains as Isaias’ rainbands move through the state. The strongest winds will affect SECO’s area beginning Sunday evening into the early hours Monday morning. The maximum sustained winds are expected to be upwards of 20 mph in eastern Marion County and Lake County with gusts up to 40 mph. Western Marion County, Citrus and Sumter Counties will have sustained winds at 18 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began in mid-March, SECO Energy has taken the necessary precautions to ensure the health and wellbeing of its employees and contractors. SECO’s line crews and contractors are the key to preserving service reliability for the more than 200,000 homes and businesses the cooperative serves. The COVID-19 protections instituted for SECO employees and contractors could delay the restoration effort.

CEO Jim Duncan said, “Thankfully, Isaias has lost strength and is now a tropical storm instead of a hurricane. Nonetheless, SECO is ready for Isaias and its effects on our service area. We are warning members in Lake and Marion Counties to be prepared for heavy rains, winds and the possibility of power outages because of Isaias’ track through the state. Employees are ready to respond to outages. We will work until all members’ services are restored.”

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.

SECO Energy Prepared for Hurricane Isaias

SECO Energy is prepared for Hurricane Isaias as its projected track shifts east, tracking the storm slightly farther away from Florida’s east coast. Currently, Hurricane Isaias is a Category 1 storm with winds up to 85 mph.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) forecasts that the storm will likely travel along Florida’s east coast toward the Carolinas. Isaias is moving northwest at 15 mph. Hurricane-force winds extend outward from the storm’s eye up to 35 miles. Tropical-storm force winds extend from the center up to 175 miles. The final track and intensity of Isaias remain uncertain, and the NHC has not ruled out a Florida landfall.

Forecasters predict SECO’s service area could begin to feel the effects of Hurricane Isaias as early as late morning on Sunday through the evening. Members should expect heavy rains for at least 24 hours and sustained winds in the 10 to 25 mph range with gusts up to 40 mph. The higher wind speeds are expected in SECO’s eastern part of its territory.

CEO Jim Duncan said, “SECO and its employees are prepared for Hurricane Isaias’ effect on our service area. We expect that members in the eastern part of our service area, particularly Lake County, will experience power outages from the heavy rains, wind gusts and lightning. Employees are on stand-by and ready to respond to outages. We will work until all members’ services are restored.”

Members should 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.

SECO Energy Tracking Hurricane Isaias

SECO Energy is tracking Hurricane Isaias as it moves closer to Florida. While Isaias’ track 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) forecasts that the storm will likely follow a path that will skirt Florida’s east coast and eventually make landfall in the Carolinas. The probable track has continued to shift east drawing away from a Florida landfall.

Forecasters predict SECO’s service area could begin to feel the effects of Hurricane Isaias beginning Saturday at 6 p.m. Members should expect heavy rains for at least 24 hours and sustained winds in the 30 mph range with gusts up to 40 mph.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began in mid-March, SECO Energy has taken the necessary precautions to ensure the health and wellbeing of its employees and contractors. SECO’s line crews and contractors are the key to preserving service reliability for the cooperative’s more than 200,000 homes and businesses it serves. The COVID-19 protections instituted for SECO employees and contractors could delay the restoration effort.

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “Since the 2020 hurricane season began, SECO has been in regular contact with our weather forecasters for information about storms brewing in the tropics. We will continue to closely watch Hurricane Isaias and prepare to deploy field personnel to restore outages if needed in our area. If you haven’t refreshed your hurricane season supplies from last year, now is the time.”

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.

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