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Author: Amanda Richardson

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.

 

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

SECO Energy Infrastructure Damaged by Tornado

A strong, severe line of thunderstorms passed through SECO Energy’s Central Florida service area today. A tornado damaged some of SECO’s electric facilities but the SummerGlen substation’s critical infrastructure appears largely unscathed.

 

This powerful weather system knocked down poles and lines in the area causing outages for about 3,500 Marion County SECO members. The tornado was captured on video crossing over I75 near SECO Energy’s SummerGlen substation in southwest Marion County near County Road 484. The substation serves SECO members in the SummerGlen and Marion Oaks subdivisions and the surrounding area. There were no physical injuries reported from this morning’s torrential winds and rains.

 

Trucks owned by SECO’s tree trimming contractor Nelson Tree Service that are regularly staged at the SummerGlen substation sustained damage. A pickup was tossed nearly 100 feet and windows of larger vehicles were shattered by debris. The fence and much of the landscaping at the SummerGlen substation suffered damage and at least one home in the SummerGlen neighborhood sustained significant damage.

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “We are immensely grateful that no SECO employees, contractors or residents were injured during today’s severe weather. As soon as it was safe to do so, crews were dispatched to the area to begin the assessment and restoration effort. We are making good progress and should have all members’ service in southwest Marion County restored this evening.”

 

Crews are working to repair the damage near where the tornado touched down. Downed poles are being replaced as well as sections of downed lines. Stay away from downed lines; do not touch or approach as the line may still be energized. Warn children to never touch downed power lines.

 

Duncan continued, “Atlantic hurricane season begins on June 1 and our summer storm season seems to have arrived a little early this year. Now is a good time to enroll in surge protection and to update your contact information to receive proactive outage notifications through our StormCenter platform.”

 

Visit StormCenter and choose Manage Notifications to enroll in email, text or voice messages or all three.

 

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

Sunshine State Stats March 2020

March was a very warm month for Central Florida. The average temperature was 74 degrees – 6.8 degrees warmer than the average March temperature. The lows dipped down to 43 degrees early in the month and later the high peaked at 92 degrees. This 49-degree temperature swing would have potentially called for both heating and cooling in the same month.

 

March 2020 Sunshine State Stats weather breakdown

 

The average high temperature was 82 degrees in March 2020 compared to 77 degrees in 2019, while the average low temperature was 63 degrees in 2020 versus 56 degrees during March 2019.

 

Not only was it a warmer March than normal, it was also drier. March typically produces a little over 4 inches of precipitation, but 2020 provided less than a quarter of an inch.

 

March 2020 above average temperatures map courtesy of NOAA

 

March weather was far from the norm as was the entire month with multiple federal, state, and county executive orders closing stores, restaurants, beaches and amusement parks due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of the social distancing recommendations made by the CDC were implemented by businesses in the public and private sector. This will have an impact on electric use due to families being home more throughout the day.

 

To help keep costs down, SECO Energy recommends keeping your air conditioning thermostat at 78-80 degrees during the day when home and raising the thermostat 2-3 degrees when leaving for four hours or longer. The warmer temperatures in March will most likely cause an increase in consumption compared to previous March bills. If you haven’t already, consider scheduling your annual HVAC service to ensure the air conditioner is in prime operating condition heading into the warmer months.

 

April 2020 forecast:

 

April temperatures normally average 71.1 degrees with precipitation averaging just over half of an inch for the month. Will we continue this warmer than average trend for the month of April? We will see. Until then, have a wonderful and blessed April!

 

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.

 

March 2020 weather statistics

Financial Resources for Commercial Accounts Through CARES Act

SECO Energy’s primary mission is to maintain the health of its workforce to ensure the reliability of its electric system as it plays a critical role in members’ health and wellbeing. During the COVID-19 situation, SECO is offering flexibility to residential members that includes waived late fees and extended payment arrangements. The not-for-profit cooperative understands that businesses need relief as well and the cooperative’s Key Accounts staff is prepared to answer account-specific questions about helping businesses get federal relief.

 

Congress recently passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act which includes assistance for commercial account members. SECO encourages its commercial members to research the resources available through the CARES Act. These resources include capital to cover the cost of retaining employees, utility payments, payroll assistance, grants, loans (including loan forgiveness) along with free counseling during this difficult time.

 

The Small Business Debt Relief Program provides immediate relief to small businesses with non-disaster SBA loans, in particular 7(a), 504 and microloans. Under it, SBA will cover all loan payments on these SBA loans including principal, interest and fees for six months. This relief will also be available to new borrowers who take out loans within six months of the president signing the bill into law.

 

Economic Injury Disaster Loans & Emergency Economic Injury Grants are also available. These grants provide an emergency advance of up to $10,000 to small businesses and private non-profits harmed by COVID-19 within three days of applying for an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). To access the advance, apply for an EIDL first and then request the advance. The advance does not need to be repaid under any circumstance. It may be used to keep employees on payroll, pay for sick leave, meet increased production costs due to supply chain disruptions, or pay business obligations, including debts, rent and mortgage payments.

 

Congress has also provided relief and business protection under the CARES Act for government contractors. Agencies will be able to modify terms and conditions of a contract and to reimburse contractors at a billing rate of up to 40 hours per week of any paid leave, including sick leave. The contractors eligible are those whose employees or subcontractors cannot perform work on site and cannot telework due to federal facilities closing because of COVID-19.

 

The CARES Act also provides a refundable payroll tax credit for 50 percent of wages paid by eligible employers to certain employees during the COVID-19 crisis. The credit is available to employers, including non-profits, whose operations have been fully or partially suspended as a result of a government order limiting commerce, travel or group meetings. The credit is also provided to employers who have experienced a greater than 50 percent reduction in quarterly receipts, measured on a year-over-year basis.

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “During the COVID-19 situation, small businesses are at risk. The CARES Act provides options and resources for commercial account members. Small businesses are the backbone of the economy, and for many are the fulfillment of the American dream. I urge commercial account members to take advantage of the assistance from CARES.”

 

Commercial members can reach out to their local Small Business Development Center, Women’s Business Center, SCORE chapter or SBA district office. Commercial account members with account specific questions can reach out to one of our Key Accounts staff.

 

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

Energy Insider – Recover Costs with CARE

In the last edition of the SECO Energy Insider newsletter, we outlined our assistance and flexibility for members during the COVID-19 situation that includes payment extensions, increased credit card transaction limits and more. This edition is aimed at providing information about the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that was just passed by Congress.

 

The CARES Act provides a wealth of resources including capital to cover the cost of retaining employees, utility payments, payroll assistance, grants, loans (including loan forgiveness) along with free counseling to provide you with resources during this difficult time.

 

SECO Energy Insider CARES Act Special Edition April 2020

 

The Small Business Debt Relief Program provides immediate relief to small businesses with non-disaster SBA loans, in particular 7(a), 504 and microloans. Under it, SBA will cover all loan payments on these SBA loans, including principal, interest and fees for six months. This relief will also be available to new borrowers who take out loans within six months of the president signing the bill into law.

 

Economic Injury Disaster Loans & Emergency Economic Injury Grants are also available. These grants provide an emergency advance of up to $10,000 to small businesses and private non-profits harmed by COVID-19 within three days of applying for an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). To access the advance, you first apply for an EIDL and then request the advance. The advance does not need to be repaid under any circumstance. It may be used to keep employees on payroll, pay for sick leave, meet increased production costs due to supply chain disruptions, or pay business obligations, including debts, rent and mortgage payments.

 

If you are a government contractor, there are multiple ways that Congress has provided relief and protection for your business. Agencies will be able to modify terms and conditions of a contract and to reimburse contractors at a billing rate of up to 40 hours per week of any paid leave, including sick leave. The contractors eligible are those whose employees or subcontractors cannot perform work on site and cannot telework due to federal facilities closing because of COVID-19.

 

The CARES Act also provides a refundable payroll tax credit for 50 percent of wages paid by eligible employers to certain employees during the COVID-19 crisis. The credit is available to employers, including non-profits, whose operations have been fully or partially suspended as a result of a government order limiting commerce, travel or group meetings. The credit is also provided to employers who have experienced a greater than 50 percent reduction in quarterly receipts, measured on a year-over-year basis.

 

Read the Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act for more information about the programs available to help your business during the COVID-19 situation. You may also reach out to your local Small Business Development Center, Women’s Business Center, SCORE chapter or SBA District Office.

 

 

BARBIE SHAW

Manager of Key Accounts & Energy Services
OFFICE: (352) 569-9787
CELL: (352) 303-3567
barbie.shaw@secoenergy.com

Hank Bolduc, SECO Energy Key Accounts Consultant

HANK BOLDUC

Key Accounts Consultant
OFFICE: (352) 569-9789
CELL: (352) 303-3546
hank.bolduc@secoenergy.com

Ryon Meyers, SECO Energy Key Accounts Consultant

RYON MEYERS

Key Accounts Consultant
OFFICE: (352) 569-9781
CELL: (352) 636-9593
ryon.meyers@secoenergy.com

Jeff Light, SECO Energy Key Accounts Consultant

JEFF LIGHT

Key Accounts Consultant
OFFICE: (352) 569-9790
CELL: (352) 303-3183
jeff.light@secoenergy.com

 

SECO Energy Extends Payment Arrangements

The reliability of the SECO Energy electric system plays a critical role in SECO members’ health and wellbeing. To keep SECO employees healthy and ready to serve its members and in light of the current economic environment, the cooperative has made changes to policies and procedures. For SECO, COVID-19 is a storm – a storm that shall pass – and a storm during which the cooperative applies flexibility, understanding and protection for its members.

 

The not-for-profit cooperative has extended payment arrangement timeframes over and above normal parameters. SECO is also proactively waiving late payment fees. The cooperative continues to apply flexibility and convenient/automated processes to request payment arrangements during the COVID-19 situation. Members requesting a payment arrangement can do so 24/7 by talking to SECO’s virtual assistant on the automated phone system or by logging into SmartHub. Both platforms have been programmed to automatically allow additional time for payment arrangements. Members are encouraged to use the virtual assistant and SmartHub as call volume has been high amid COVID-19 concerns. Eligibility for a payment arrangement has been expanded significantly and talking directly to a member services representative is typically not required.

 

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued a ‘stay-at-home’ executive order for the state beginning April 3. SECO understands this order may create unprecedented hardships that affect members in its service area. In response, SECO has extended the activation of its Emergency Response Plan (ERP) until further notice and has expanded the payment arrangement and late fee flexibility described above. As a distribution cooperative, SECO provides electricity which is an essential service. The reliability of this service is supported by every SECO employee – thus, all employees are essential.

 

SECO’s five Member Service Centers are closed to walk-ins but drive-thru facilities remain open. The cooperative offers members 12 ways to pay bills, most that avoid face-to-face contact. Members can pay online, by phone, by mail, enroll in bank draft and more. SECO’s online account platform called SmartHub is the place to start for convenient self-serve options. Log in or create an account profile today. View past bills, usage history, request a payment arrangement and more.

 

As part of the Emergency Response Plan, SECO Energy’s Sumterville headquarters and adjacent campus are temporarily closed to public access for any vendor or delivery without an approved appointment or scheduled delivery. SECO field personnel are practicing the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommended social distancing standard of maintaining a six-foot barrier with members. Employees and members are asked to use email, phone and web conferencing communication in lieu of in-person meetings whenever possible and to practice social distancing when in-person meetings are unavoidable.

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “For SECO, COVID-19 is a storm – a storm that shall pass – and a storm during which the cooperative applies flexibility, understanding and protection for its members. Our service is essential in preserving public health and quality of life in today’s world. The cooperative’s Emergency Response Plan ensures it can maintain a 24/7 workforce, preserve SECO’s ability to maintain its electric system and provide an acceptable level of member service even in the face of employee impact with COVID-19. Our members depend on us to provide reliable electric service, and that’s even more important as our largely senior demographic practices social distancing at home to remain healthy.”

 

SECO has other ways to help members in need through a corporate citizenship initiative called Pennies from Heaven. The program helps fund local United Way chapters managed through Florida 211 for bill payment assistance for SECO members. Members who need assistance with utilities, food, and other household expenses are encouraged to contact 211.

 

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

Florida Fauna & Flora – Largemouth Bass

The largemouth bass is the official state freshwater fish. This olive-green to greenish-gray bass is also the most popular game fish in North America. The largemouth bass is easily differentiated from other basses because its upper jaw extends beyond the rear edge of its eye. Its back fins are separated by a deep dip – another distinctive feature of this fish.

 

Largemouth bass are found in lakes and rivers primarily near vegetation or underwater structures. Bass are carnivores who enjoy hiding undercover to ambush prey. Adult bass eat a variety of fish, crustaceans, frogs, snakes and even small birds and baby alligators. Bass spawn each spring with males fanning out over the bed to protect the eggs.

 

FUN FISH FACT: Largemouth bass are native to eastern and central U.S. and Mexico but have been introduced widely elsewhere. In many places around the world, its predatory habits have made it an invasive species.

 

Read the full April 2020 SECO News online.

SECO Energy Board of Trustees Elects Officers

The SECO Energy Board of Trustees held elections on Monday, March 30 for its three Board Officer positions. District 4 Trustee Richard Dennison was elected Board President, District 9 Trustee Jerry Hatfield was elected Vice President and District 3 Trustee Gerald Anderson was elected Board Secretary/Treasurer.

 

District 4 Trustee and Board President Richard Dennison lives in Marion County and has been a SECO Energy member since 1999. Trustee Dennison was originally elected to the Board in a special election in 2015 and was most recently re-elected as the District 4 Trustee in February 2020. Mr. Dennison has previously held the office of Board Vice President.

 

District 9 Trustee and Vice President Jerry Hatfield lives in Lake County has been a SECO Energy member since 1974. Trustee Hatfield was first elected to the SECO Board in 2000 and was most recently re-elected as District 9 Trustee in February 2018. Mr. Hatfield has previously held the office of Board President.

 

District 3 Trustee and Secretary-Treasurer Gerald Anderson lives in The Villages and has been a SECO Energy member since 2013. Trustee Anderson was elected as District 3 Trustee in a special election in May 2019 when a previous Trustee stepped down. This is Mr. Anderson’s first officer position on the Board.

 

SECO Energy CEO Jim Duncan stated, “Congratulations on earning the trust of your peers. We are grateful for your time and dedication to SECO members through your Board service. We’re delivering unmatched customer satisfaction ratings, affordable rates and world-class reliability under your Board tenure. I thank you for your leadership, guidance and willingness to serve.”

 

Along with holding the election for Board officers, the Trustees welcomed new District 2 Trustee Joyce Anderson who resides in Sumterville and District 6 Trustee Michael Muffett who resides in Summerfield.

 

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

Energy Insider – 1st Quarter 2020

To you, our valued members, we understand these are unprecedented and challenging times. We know your business has most likely been disrupted in one way or another, along with your personal life and the lives of your employees. The future may seem a bit uncertain right now.

 

Here’s what is certain – SECO Energy is here for you. We consider it our highest responsibility to continue to provide the most reliable electric service and to follow CDC guidelines related to COVID-19. We have implemented new business practices and revised others to mitigate health risks.

 

SECO Energy understands that some members are facing unexpected hardships. The cooperative will proactively waive late fees and allow additional payment time during the declared emergency. Members requesting a payment arrangement can do so by calling (352) 793-3801 and visiting with SECO’s virtual assistant on the automated telephone system. You can also log on to SmartHub. If you do not already have an account established, creating one is easy and allows you to view past bills, usage history and more. We are glad to assist if help is needed. If neither of these options appeal to you, you can request a payment arrangement through your account representative. We are available to discuss extenuating circumstances on a case-by-case basis.

 

SECO Energy Automates Payment Arrangement Assistance 24/7 news release

 

For those of you who utilize a credit card for electric bill payments, SECO Energy has adjusted our normal maximum credit card transaction cap. We have raised the cap from $600 to $5,000. And if your bill is larger, you can still complete multiple transactions with no additional merchant fee for using a credit or debit card. For those of you in the process of upgrades or adding services, you can use this option to pay for contributions in aid-to-construction (CIAC). Invoices can also be paid online or by phone. If this option doesn’t work for you, drop your payment at one of our local Member Service Center drive thru windows or in the mail to our attention. Let us know it’s coming, and we’ll ensure you don’t incur a delay with your project.

 

Currently SECO Energy’ s Headquarters and campus is temporarily closed to public access. Our five Member Service Centers are providing drive-thru services only. The drive-thrus in Eustis, Inverness, Ocala, and Sumterville are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The drive-thru at the Groveland office is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2:30 to 5 p.m. Kiosks are available at each location for 24/7 use.

 

Although we miss your smiling face, we’re as close as your computer and phone. Send us an email or give us a call in lieu of an in-person meeting. If there are circumstances that require us at your location, we’ll do our best to accommodate your request. If a site visit is in order, we are happy to serve you, just from a distance.

 

Since we can’t predict how long before it’s business as usual again, our goal is to make sure you know we’re here for you. With circumstances continually changing we encourage you to visit our website and/or Facebook page often. In addition, we’ll work hard to keep you informed of changes that can impact your electric service. Lastly, it is likely a number of your employees are served by SECO Energy. We encourage you to share this newsletter with your team members, so they are aware of the changes we’ve made to better serve all members.

 

 

BARBIE SHAW

Manager of Key Accounts & Energy Services
OFFICE: (352) 569-9787
CELL: (352) 303-3567
barbie.shaw@secoenergy.com

Hank Bolduc, SECO Energy Key Accounts Consultant

HANK BOLDUC

Key Accounts Consultant
OFFICE: (352) 569-9789
CELL: (352) 303-3546
hank.bolduc@secoenergy.com

Ryon Meyers, SECO Energy Key Accounts Consultant

RYON MEYERS

Key Accounts Consultant
OFFICE: (352) 569-9781
CELL: (352) 636-9593
ryon.meyers@secoenergy.com

Jeff Light, SECO Energy Key Accounts Consultant

JEFF LIGHT

Key Accounts Consultant
OFFICE: (352) 569-9790
CELL: (352) 303-3183
jeff.light@secoenergy.com