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Author: Amanda Richardson

Florida Fauna & Flora – Blue Crabs

Blue crabs are found in the western Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. This crab is an omnivore – eating both plants and animals. Its typical diet is small fish, plants, annelids and almost anything else it can ingest.

 

Crabs grow by shedding their shells or molting. Blue crabs molt about 25 times during their 3-year lifecycle. Crabbing requires a Florida saltwater fishing license unless you are trying to catch blue crabs from the shore with fishing line or rope. Chicken legs and oily fish are popular bait choices.

 

In Florida, crabbers can harvest female blue crabs, but it is illegal to harvest females carrying eggs. For conservation purposes, return female blue crabs to the water. Females are easily identified by their red-tipped claws. Blue crab males have blue claws.

 

FUN FAUNA FACT: BLUE CRABS CAN SWIM. Many crabs walk or run along the waters’ bottom, but crabs in the Portunidea family have paddle-shaped backlegs called swimmeretes that rotate allowing blue crabs to swim.

 

Read the full June 2020 SECO News online.

SECO News, June 2020

 

Duncan’s Digest – High Risk Hurricane Season

 

My background by trade is accounting and finance. I have a healthy belief in data analysis to project trends. The percentages below certainly get my attention and should grab yours as well.

 

May 2018 SECO News Duncan's Digest

 

The Department of Atmospheric Science at Colorado State University (CSU) published its Atlantic hurricane season forecast in April. These experts predict the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season will have above-normal activity. This includes the probability of major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 and 5) to make landfall along the U.S. coast and in the Caribbean based on historical and 2020 probability trackers.

 

Historically between 1878 and 2017, Florida had a 51% probability of a hurricane spinning into the state. The probability of a major hurricane was 21%. CSU’s probability tracker for 2020 reflects an increased chance of 68% of a hurricane affecting the state. The probability that at least one major hurricane will make Florida landfall is 31%.

 

For the Gulf Coast, the probability of at least one major hurricane making landfall is 44% which is above the historical average. For the U.S. east coast including Florida, the probability of at least one major hurricane making landfall this year is 45% which is also above average.

 

While these statistics are troubling, the fact is that living on the Florida peninsula surrounded by water, we are bound to feel the effects of tropical storms and hurricanes. Preparing before they happen is critical.

 

SECO Energy is StormReady and strongly encourages your family to practice hurricane preparedness. Our storm hardening efforts include replacing aging distribution poles, upgrading transmission poles from wood to concrete and trimming trees that encroach on power lines.

 

StormReady also includes our $1 million investment in our outage map, reporting tools, status checker and communications platform called StormCenter. Members can proactively enroll to receive outage communications through email, text, voice messages or all three.

 

StormCenter identifies the service locations affected by an outage and proactively sends a notification with the estimated restoration time, crew status and more. Once service is restored, you’ll receive a message that includes the outage cause if known. You can set do not disturb times if you don’t want to be called in the middle of the night about an outage or restoration. To choose notification preferences, visit StormCenter on the website and click on the Manage Notifications tab.

 

Reporting a new outage or checking the status of an existing outage with your smartphone or tablet is easy. Click “Report Outage” and enter the account holder’s last name and house number (or the account or phone number). Find the status of an existing outage on the Check Status tab.

 

Create a StormReady plan for your family that includes gathering emergency supplies, reading our Hurricane Handbook, enrolling in county alerts and saving your county Emergency Operations Center (EOC) number on your phone.

 

Prepare for the worst, hope and pray for the best and know that it is our privilege to serve as your energy provider.

 

Sincerely,

 

Jim Duncan

Chief Executive Officer

 

SECO News June Generator Safety

 

Generator Safety

 

Are you considering purchasing an in-home generator as a back-up power source during unexpected power outages? Know the difference between stationary and portable generators and learn safety tips that save lives.

 

Stationary generators are permanently affixed with an approved disconnect and transfer switch that isolates your home’s circuits from SECO Energy’s electric system. This isolation eliminates the risk of backfeeding onto utility lines. Installing a stationary generator is not a DIY project. Contact a licensed electrician.

 

Portable generators are more common than stationary. Portable generators use extension cords to plug desired appliances into the generator.

 

Generators emit deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gas that is odorless and colorless. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends installing a battery-operated CO detector in your home. Place the detector where the alarm will wake you up – just outside bedroom doorways is a good choice. Never run a generator outside an open window or in an enclosed area such as a garage. Also, never use a generator in the rain. You can be shocked or killed.

 

Always read your unit’s safety and instruction manual before operating. Visit our Generator Safety page for more safe operating tips and watch our video to learn how to size a generator correctly.

 

SECO News June 2020 Winners' Circle

 

Winners’ Circle

 

Welcome ELECTRA as our new IVR virtual assistant. Thank you, members, for voting to help us name our newest SECO representative. ELECTRA assists with billing inquiries, outage reporting, checking the status of a current outage and automated payment arrangements.

 

ALL MEMBERS WHO VOTED WERE ENTERED TO WIN ONE OF FIVE GREAT PRIZES.

 

Winners:

 

$250 SECO BILL CREDIT – Amanda Robertson, Clermont

 

RING DOORBELL – Larry Bocharski, Deland

 

NEST LEARNING THERMOSTAT – Scott McConnell, Lake Panasoffkee

 

AMAZON ALEXA – John Halpin, Ocala

 

AMAZON FIRE TABLET – Warren Hammersla, The Villages

 

Congratulations winners!

 

SECO News June 2020 Pennies From Heaven Count

 

Pennies from Heaven Count – Enroll Today

 

Thousands of SECO residential members and small business owners have been unable to pay their electric bills since the economic effect of COVID-19 hit. Can you help? Enroll in our Pennies from Heaven program to round up your monthly bill to the nearest dollar. The donated pennies fund bill payment assistance for SECO members. The average donation is $6 per year. Visit our Pennies from Heaven page to enroll. Members can also enroll through SmartHub. Choose “Bill & Pay” and click on “Pennies from Heaven.” You will need to accept the Terms & Conditions and click “Round bill to next dollar each month.”

 

If you prefer to make a one-time donation, send a check to SECO Energy, Attn: Corporate Communications, P.O. Box 301, Sumterville, FL 33585.

 

For members who have already enrolled, thank you for your generosity and your willingness to help your neighbors and communities. Your pennies make a difference in the lives of members in need. If you need help, text or call Florida 211 for resources in your area supported by SECO Pennies from Heaven funding.

 

SECO News June Emergency Operations Center Contacts (EOC)

 

EOC Contacts

 

AS PART OF YOUR FAMILY’S STORMREADY PLAN, sign up for emergency alerts from your local Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Visit your county’s EOC website for resources such as shelter information, storm planning, evacuation orders and more.

 

To enroll in your county’s emergency alerts, visit the Florida Disaster website. Enter the county or city and follow the enrollment link. Program your county’s number on your phone to have at your fingertips.

 

Citrus County EOC (352) 527-2106 or (352) 746-5470

 

Hernando County EOC (352) 754-4083 or (352) 754-4111

 

Lake County EOC (352) 343-9420

 

Levy County EOC (352) 486-5213

 

Marion County EOC (352) 369-8100

 

Pasco County EOC (727) 847-8137

 

Sumter County EOC (352) 689-4400

 

SECO News June 2020 Hurricane Handbook

 

Hurricane Handbook

 

The SECO Energy Hurricane Handbook is your one-stop guide to being StormReady before, during and after a storm.

 

The Hurricane Handbook defines hurricane category strength, outlines our restoration priority and dispels the myth that SECO disconnects service in advance of an approaching storm. Before a storm arrives, bookmark both StormCenter and our Daily Restoration Plan map on your smartphone or tablet. Enroll in your county’s alert notifications at FloridaDisater.org. We’ve included a seven-day supply stock-up list for you and your pets and advice for members who require electricity for medical equipment. Back-up generation is critical for these special needs members.

 

What to do during a storm? Hunker down and stay informed. Remain indoors and prepare to wait out the weather safely. SECO Energy crews are dispatched to begin restoration only after winds are under 35 mph. Read about the difference between a tornado watch versus a warning. Read the sections on Electric System 101 and Generator Safety.

 

Assess your home or business to make sure it’s safe before you return. If you experience damage, turn off your main breaker if it is safe to do so. If appliances are wet, turn off each appliance’s breaker and then unplug. Check our above ground and underground service diagrams to assess electric damage and know when to call an electrician for repairs.

 

Focus on your family’s safety by heeding storm watches and warnings. Stock up on hurricane essentials – buy early. When a storm approaches supplies sell out quickly.

 

Read the full June 2020 SECO News online.

SECO Energy Expands Payment Options & Reopens Service Centers

SECO Energy began its transition to normal billing and payment processes on August 6 – including disconnection for nonpayment. Members experiencing financial difficulty should seek assistance at a social service agency or contact SECO to enter into a repayment plan agreement.  Late fee assessment resumes on September 1, 2020.  

 

SECO Energy has expanded bill payment options for members. In fact, the not-for-profit cooperative now offers members the ease and convenience of 12 Ways to Pay that include in-person, drive-thru, online, by-phone options and more.

 

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.

 

For members who prefer to call, they can pay by phone 24/7 through SECO’s new IVR using a debit or credit card or electronic check without the expense of a convenience fee. Members can call during regular business hours and speak with a member service rep to enroll in bank draft. Those needing a convenient way to pay in cash can use a Member Service Center kiosk 24/7 or visit one of many payment locations through third-party vendors. With thousands of locations around the world, Western Union is a SECO authorized bill payment vendor along with MoneyGram and Fidelity Express. Each collect a $1.50 processing fee per transaction. Find hundreds of locations via 12 Ways to Pay.

 

Budget conscious members can choose SECO’s budget billing option or enroll in the MyWay PrePay program. Budget billing will level out members’ bills by averaging the most recent 12 months of use. A debit or credit balance accumulates based on seasonal usage. For those looking to monitor daily usage with MyWay PrePay, members pay for energy before they use it. No deposit is required to secure a MyWay PrePay account.

 

SECO Energy’s five Member Service Centers in Eustis, Groveland, Inverness, Ocala and Sumterville offer in-person, drive-thru and kiosk payment options. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Member Service Center drive-thrus remained open while lobbies closed to protect member and employee health and to reallocate employees to the call center in order to reduce hold times.

 

Governor DeSantis announced a phased approach to reopening Florida that began on May 4. At that time, SECO Energy began its transition to more normal business practices. The Member Service Center lobbies will reopen on Monday, June 1. Lobby and drive-thru hours have changed for some locations. Eustis, Inverness, Ocala and Sumterville drive-thru hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and lobby hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Groveland lobby and drive-thru hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Payment kiosks are available at each location 24/7.

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “SECO Energy’s 12 Ways to Pay offers members choice and convenience when paying their monthly bill. The residential demographic in our service area includes young families, snowbirds and full-time residents on a fixed income. Members should be able to find a bill payment option that best fits their needs with our expanded 12 Ways to Pay.”

 

Duncan continued, “As of June 1, all SECO employees will be back working from our respective offices with new processes in place for social distancing. As we return to more normal operations, we are thankful that during the COVID-19 situation our mission of keeping our workforce healthy to provide reliable and affordable electric service to our members was successful. As a fiscally healthy organization, we were able to extend very flexible payment arrangements over the last three months to members who had difficulty paying their bills. Now that our processes are returning to normal, we’re switching gears from payment arrangements and are now making additional funding from our Pennies from Heaven program available for bill payment assistance through local social service agencies in each county we serve. Visit our website for details.”

 

View SECO’s 12 Ways to Pay. Click “Contact” SECO Energy to ask questions about budget billing, MyWay PrePay, SmartHub or other payment options.

SECO Energy’s Pennies from Heaven Funds Bill Payment Assistance

SECO Energy has allocated additional funding from the Pennies from Heaven program for bill payment assistance. The funds are administered through Florida 211 and local service agencies via the cooperative’s agreements with local United Way organizations.

 

SECO’s Pennies from Heaven program funds bill payment assistance for members each quarter. In the aftermath of the COVID-19 economic shutdown, SECO released funds for quarters two, three and four ahead of schedule so that local social service agencies can assist as many members in need as possible right now. More than $40,000 has been released for bill payment assistance and distributed to local social service agencies across the counties SECO serves.

 

It’s easy to apply for assistance. Social service agencies typically request a copy of a disconnect notice to provide bill payment assistance but SECO has asked the agencies who receive Pennies from Heaven funding to waive the requirement and allow the member to email, text or mail a screenshot from their online account in SmartHub on SECOEnergy.com. The screenshot must show the account number, service address and past due balance. Residential assistance is limited to $250 per member.

 

Members who need bill payment assistance can contact Florida 211 by calling or texting or by visiting 211.org to generate a request. To meet the demand from the thousands of members seeking bill payment assistance during the COVID-19 economic shutdown, SECO created an interactive map with an expanded list of local social service agencies that provide different types of assistance. Visit our Angel Funds page to find the map. To find an agency, insert the service address. Click on the nearby map pins in that county to view the types of assistance available, phone numbers and website addresses.

 

SECO responded with understanding and flexibility for members who have been affected by the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The cooperative proactively waived late fees and extended payment arrangement timeframes for all members. Since early March, no SECO member has been disconnected for nonpayment, no SECO member has been charged a late fee and no SECO member has been denied a payment extension. It is time, however, to return to more normal operations and to require members who have accrued high balances to seek bill payment assistance.

 

Contactless employee engagement remains available through SECO’s Member Service Center drive-thrus, by email or phone or through social media. Employees in the field will continue to insist that members maintain social distance according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines. As part of the transition, the cooperative’s Member Service Centers reopen for walk-in business on June 1.

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “Cooperatives are founded on the principles of member ownership and a strong sense of community. Funding bill payment assistance through Florida 211, United Way organizations and our local service agencies will provide help to members who need it now. Electricity is an essential service, and we are thankful that SECO can provide financial relief to members in need through Pennies from Heaven funding during the aftereffects of the COVID-19 shutdown. The advancement of funding for bill payment assistance will help SECO return to normal billing and payment processes.”

 

Senior Consultant for Civic, Charitable and Government Affairs Kathy Judkins is grateful to the members who have enrolled in Pennies from Heaven. Judkins stated, “Thank you to our charitable members who contribute monthly to Pennies from Heaven. Now more than ever during this time of need, fostering a spirit of giving is so important. The Pennies from Heaven yearly contribution averages only $6 per member, which is a very small amount but goes a long way in the communities SECO serves. Please consider joining your fellow cooperative Pennies from Heaven donors.”

 

Members who would like to contribute to Pennies from Heaven can join SECO’s corporate citizenship initiative that rounds up members’ bills to the nearest dollar. The extra pennies are donated to Pennies from Heaven. Through the round up program and additional internal fundraising efforts, many SECO employees including CEO Jim Duncan also support the program to aid the communities served by SECO.

 

Pennies from Heaven makes a difference in the communities SECO serves one penny at a time. The funds are used for local worthy causes such as donating funds to local food banks and helping members with bill payment assistance. Members can also make a one-time donation to the program – contact SECO Energy for more information.

SECO Energy Congratulates 2020 Scholarship Awardees

SECO Energy is proud to congratulate its 2020 Scholarship Awardees. Each of the 12 SECO Scholarship awardees receives $3,000 in scholarship money to advance his or her education. Over the last two decades, the SECO Scholarship program has awarded over $500,000 in scholarships to more than 300 local students.

 

Awardees were required to meet eligibility criteria to qualify; however, due to COVID-19 school closures, the deadline was extended 30 days and a counselor’s signature requirement was waived. Scholars must be a high school Senior who is graduating in the current school year and lives in a home served by SECO Energy. New this year, awardees must be interested in pursuing a career in the energy field. He or she must also be seeking a degree or certification in technology, engineering, math or business and enrolled full-time in an accredited Florida college, university or trade school by the end of 2020. The 2020 SECO Energy Scholarship awardees are:

 

Tylin N. Barnard:
West Port High School. Lives in Ocala. Plans to study Chemical Engineering.

 

Cheyenne Diaz:
Vanguard High School. Lives in Ocala. Plans to study Manufacturing Processes/Mechanical Engineering.

 

Isabella Hernandez:
East Ridge High School. Lives in Clermont. Plans to study Engineering.

 

Janiya Houston:
West Port High School. Lives in Ocala. Plans to study Quality Engineering.

 

Joseph A. LaCourse:
The Villages Charter High School. Lives in Oxford. Plans to study Engineering.

 

Cameron MacLean:
Tavares High School. Lives in Tavares. Plans to study Electrical Engineering.

 

Lucas Marden:
Tavares High School. Lives in Tavares. Plans to study Aerospace Engineering.

 

Stuart T. Palmer:
Umatilla High School. Lives in Umatilla. Plans to study Electrical Engineering.

 

Alayna Phillips:
The Villages Charter High School. Lives in Wildwood. Plans to study Business.

 

Miguel Santos:
West Port High School. Lives in Ocala. Plans to study Business/Marketing.

 

William J. Simmons:
Dunnellon High School. Lives in Dunnellon. Plans to study Electrical Distribution Technology.

 

Alexander Q. Williams:
Eustis High School. Lives in Sorrento. Plans to study Biomedical Engineering.

 

Vice President of Corporate Services and Human Resources Gregg Morrell has high hopes for SECO’s 2020 Scholarship Awardees. Morrell stated, “The 2020 SECO Scholarship awardees are an impressive group of young scholars who should be applauded for their efforts. Students with their abilities and career aspirations are what we are looking for in our future employees. Based on the students’ field of study and career goals, he or she may be eligible to apply for continuing financial support from SECO and a future opportunity to apply for a paid internship which could lead to full-time employment with SECO after graduation.”

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “Congratulations to all of our 2020 SECO Scholarship awardees. You and your families should be very proud of your accomplishments thus far. I hope that our awardees will consider SECO Energy for an internship opportunity or as a future employer when making your career plans. The energy industry is actively searching for bright, young people to fill crucial positions in order to supply American homes and businesses with the electricity they need to live and work.”

 

Duncan continued, “SECO Energy offers competitive compensation, a generous benefits package that includes major medical, vision and dental insurance. Another benefit that is attractive to individuals freshly out of college is our student loan repayment assistance program. SECO is a local company that is nationally recognized as a customer satisfaction leader in the energy industry.”

 

Looking for employment right now? Visit our job board on our Careers page. “Like” SECO on Facebook and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

Sunshine State Stats April 2020

April was another warm month for Central Florida. The average temperature was 75.1 degrees which is 1.6 degrees warmer than the average April temperature. The lows dipped down to 55 degrees early in the month, and later the high peaked at 92 degrees three straight days and again on the 19th.

 

Sunshine State Stats April 2020 breakdown

 

The average high temperature was 84.77 degrees in April 2020 compared to 82.8 degrees in 2019, while the average low temperature was 65.5 degrees in 2020 versus 62.13 degrees during April 2019.

 

It was a warmer April than normal, but we received nearly the same amount of rain as last April. April typically produces a little over 2.8 inches of precipitation, and 2020 provided just above that at 2.92 inches.

 

April weather was warmer than last year while most of the executive orders that we saw take effect in March were still in place due to the COVID-19 situation. The Coronavirus continues to be on the forefront and influences the day-to-day activity for many Floridians. This will continue to have an impact on electric use due to families being home more throughout the day.

 

Did you know that increased heat from the sun does not necessarily equate to more solar production? Solar performs optimally at ≤77 degrees ambient air temperature. For every 3 degree rise above 77 degree you can see as much as a 1% decrease in production.

 

May temperatures normally average 78.8 degrees with precipitation averaging just over four inches for the month. The trend so far this year has been on the warmer side. SECO Energy is wishing you a healthy and blessed month of May.

 

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.

Commit to Safety During Electrical Safety Month

May is National Electrical Safety Month, and SECO Energy encourages members to commit to safety. Safety is SECO’s most important core value.

 

Electrical safety 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.

 

Homeowners should learn the basics about the electrical system in their homes and how to prevent electrical fires. Homes that are more than 20 years old 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. If the home’s wiring is outdated, the electrical outlets are 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.

 

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

 

Electrical safety extends outside the home. 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 to report 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. Never allow children to play on or near electrical equipment and to never enter a substation. Children should not climb trees near energized lines. Keep toys such as planes and kites away from overhead lines.

 

Learn more about electrical safety on SECO’s Safety page. “Like” SECO on Facebook and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

Florida Fauna & Flora – Eastern Spotted & Striped Skunks

Eastern spotted skunks and striped skunks are found in all areas of Florida except for the Keys. These common Florida skunks are the size of a housecat. They have black and white fur, small heads, short legs, bushy tails and most notably an ability to spray an oily, unpleasant-smelling musk (up to 15 feet) that is hard to ignore.

 

Female skunks give birth in the spring to a litter of four to seven kits. Around six weeks old, the kits learn to forage for food with their mother and remain with her for several months. They learn defensive strategies, the most effective being the aforementioned oily, musky spray that deters predators.

 

The skunk’s chief predator is the great horned owl although loss of habitat has drastically reduced the skunk population in recent years. Skunks are omnivores – their diet includes both animals and plants. They are usually active at night and are known to knock over trash cans and forage for food scraps.

 

Fun Fauna Fact: Like Pepé Le Pew there’s a lot to love about skunks (except the smell). The striped skunks’ diet is heavy on insects – about 70% – great for pest control.

 

Read the full May 2020 SECO News online.

SECO News, May 2020

 

Duncan’s Digest – Choose EV and Plug In To Win!

 

Florida is quickly emerging as a leader in electric vehicle (EV) sales. In early March, the Florida House passed Senate Bill 7018 that paves the way for the Florida Department of Transportation to work with the Florida Public Service Commission, Office of Energy and others to develop plans to expand EV infrastructure across the state.

 

May 2018 SECO News Duncan's Digest

 

According to the Alternative Fuels Data Center at energy.gov, Florida has the third-highest number of EVs in the United States.

 

Earlier this year we surveyed about 100,000 SECO members to gauge interest in electric vehicles. The results were interesting. Five percent of SECO members already own an EV. Thirty-four percent indicate an interest in purchasing an EV in the future. Of those with interest, forty percent have not yet decided on a brand or model. Surprisingly, forty-two percent of those who aren’t even interested in owning an EV believe SECO should promote and support the use of electric vehicles in our service area.

 

In response, we have developed a new electric vehicle section for our website. You’ll find an overview of EV models, ownership savings benefits, EV facts and information on how electric vehicles can help you reduce your carbon footprint.

 

Use the savings calculator to compute the amount of money you would save on gasoline by purchasing an EV. Input the number of miles you drive in a year and the savings calculator will provide you with the amount you can save versus charging your vehicle and filling up with gas.

 

You’ll also find information about charging your EV. For efficiency and quick charging, consider installing a Level 2 fast charger to charge your EV four to six times faster than a Level 1 charger. If you’re on the go, locate a charger across the country using the charger finder. We’ve also added information about IRS tax credits for EV purchase and the purchase of a Level 2 fast charger.

 

Interested in an EV and Level 2 charging? Enter to win a SECO Energy branded 50-amp JuiceBox Pro 40 Electric Vehicle Charger. This 9.6kW charger is UL listed with a 24-foot cable, a 5-year manufacturer warranty, built-in Wi-Fi and is 110-240VAC. We’ll choose one random winner each month starting June 15 while supplies last.

 

You have three ways to enter to win. Scan the QR code and click the link to enter. Text “EV” to (352) 320-4500, you’ll receive a link to enter. Or visit our Electric Vehicles page and choose Offers & Events or click the homepage banner. Installation not included. Winner must agree to terms and conditions.

 

Shift your EV interest into high gear – enter to win a JuiceBox EV charger and visit our website to learn if an electric vehicle is the right choice for you and your family.

Sincerely,

 

Jim Duncan

Chief Executive Officer

 

SECO News May 2020 Pennies From Heaven banner

 

Pennies from Heaven

 

SECO’s Pennies from Heaven program helps change the lives of your fellow members – one penny at a time. Enroll today to round up your monthly bill to the nearest dollar and donate those pennies to the Angel Fund. The extra pennies are used to provide financial assistance in our local communities.

 

The funds can be used for local worthy causes or to help your fellow members with payment assistance. The funds are administered through local agencies that partner with Florida 211. Reach out via phone or text if you need assistance.

 

Our CEO Jim Duncan supports the Pennies from Heaven program and so do our employees. Employees, even those who are not members, donate funds to the program through internal fundraising efforts to provide support for our service area and members.

 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have received many new Pennies from Heaven enrollments. Members, we thank you for your generosity and willingness to help your fellow cooperative neighbors.

 

If you would like to donate your extra pennies, visit our Pennies from Heaven page to enroll.

 

SECO News May 2020 298 Megawatts of Solar Coming Soon! Banner

 

298 Megawatts of Solar Coming Online

 

SECO Energy’s wholesale power provider Seminole Electric Cooperative, Inc. has contracted with Florida Renewable Partners (FRP) for 298 megawatts of solar generation to add to their fuel portfolio. FRP will construct four new photovoltaic (PV) solar sites that will provide solar power to Seminole’s nine member distribution electric cooperatives through purchased power agreements. These facilities are expected to be online in 2023 to serve SECO’s and other cooperatives’ members.

 

SECO News May 2020 Move Over - It's The Law banner

 

Move Over It’s the Law

 

Change lanes when you see flashing lights, or you may pay a hefty fine. Florida’s Move Over Law requires drivers to move over a lane when emergency, law enforcement, sanitation, utility service vehicles and tow trucks and wreckers are stopped on the shoulder.

 

If you can’t move over safely, slow down to a speed that is at least 20 miles per hour under the posted speed limit. Slow down and move over safely to protect defenseless workers and drivers stopped on the side of the road. Break the law and you’ll pay a fine, fees and incur points on your driving record.

 

SECO News May 2020 Special Needs Registry Banner

 

Special Needs Registry

 

Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1. Prepare today – as we have seen locally and nationally with the COVID-19 pandemic, supplies sell out quickly. Don’t be left unprepared.

 

If you or a loved one who lives in your home has special needs, add your name to the Florida Special Needs Registry. The Registry was created to allow residents with special needs to receive assistance and valuable information about evacuation and shelter options. It also helps first responders and local emergency management officials determine shelter needs and disaster response. Providing this information could help save your life.

 

To register, visit the Florida Disaster website and select your county. You will receive periodic emails to verify that your information and needs are current.

 

Before storm season arrives, verify your contacts are up to date in StormCenter to receive outage communications. You can choose to receive an email, text or voice message or all three. Visit StormCenter to manage your notifications. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” us on Twitter for updates on current outages, press releases and more.

 

Read the full May 2020 SECO News online.

SECO Energy’s Pennies from Heaven Fund Donates $25,500 to Area Food Banks

SECO Energy recently pledged $25,500 to local food banks based on the increased number of Central Florida residents who have been affected by the COVID-19 national emergency. The $25,500 donation was collected through SECO’s Pennies from Heaven program which is funded through members who round up their electric bills and by SECO Energy employees who donate to the program.

 

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO’s business model aligns with the seven cooperative principles and during this time of economic hardship Concern for Community is essential. The funds will be distributed to 12 area food banks in Citrus, Lake, Marion and Sumter counties* to help the organizations replenish their shelves. With national unemployment numbers skyrocketing due to the stay-at-home order to fight the spread of COVID-19, more and more Central Florida residents need assistance through local food banks.

 

Citrus County $3,000 divided among:

 

  • Salvation Army of Citrus County
  • Daystar Life Center
  • Community Food Bank

 

Lake County $7,500 divided among:

 

  • Salvation Army of Lake County
  • Leesburg Food Bank
  • Faith Neighborhood Center, Inc.

 

Marion County $7,500 divided among:

 

  • Salvation Army of Marion County
  • Interfaith Emergency Services
  • St. Theresa’s Catholic Church Social Services

Sumter County $7,500 divided among:

 

  • Salvation Army of Sumter County
  • Hope Ministries Center, Inc.
  • Wildwood Food Pantry

 

*Funding amounts based on number of members served in each county

 

Members enrolled in Pennies from Heaven have agreed to round up their monthly bills to the next dollar and donate those pennies to the program. The donated pennies can be used to fund local, worthy causes and offer bill payment assistance to their fellow members. The funds stay within SECO’s service area. SECO employees also support the Pennies from Heaven program through internal fundraising efforts.

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “To help members during the COVID-19 pandemic, SECO Energy has waived late payment fees, offered flexible payment arrangement timeframes and allocated bill payment assistance dollars to local United Ways and social service agencies through Florida 211. We also wanted to do more to aid the communities in our service area. Local food banks are struggling to meet the increased demand. The Pennies from Heaven donation will help restock empty shelves and feed those who are waiting to go back to work or haven’t received their stimulus or unemployment check yet.”

 

Duncan urged members to consider a Pennies from Heaven donation. He continued, “I support Pennies from Heaven myself as a member as do many of our employees who are not SECO members. The funds donated through the Pennies from Heaven program are dollars that stay local and help your fellow cooperative neighbors.”

 

If you’d prefer to write a check, please send it to SECO Energy at 330 S US Highway 301, Sumterville, FL 33585.

 

The Pennies from Heaven program also provides dollars every quarter to local United Ways chapters and social service agencies for bill payment assistance for members. Requests for assistance are initiated by calling 2-1-1 or visiting 211.org. Second quarter funds were just recently allocated so dollars are available for member bill payment assistance.

 

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