Amanda Richardson – Page 3

May 2024 Sunshine State Stats

In May 2024, the average high and low temperatures rose 9 degrees from last month while rainfall and thunderstorm activity increased substantially across Central Florida. The month’s average high temperature was 91 degrees, and the average low was 71 degrees, measurements that were 3 and 2 degrees higher, respectively, than the “normal” averages as recorded at Leesburg International Airport (KLEE). The month’s highest temperature reached 96 degrees on the 29th and the lowest temperature was recorded on the 1st and 21st, when the mercury fell to 66 degrees.

Reported rainfall in May totaled 4.94 inches, .81 inch higher than “normal,” and a significant increase from the 1.88-inch total of April. Measurable rainfall occurred on just 8 days, between May 11 and 20; the rainiest day was May 18, when 1.58 inches fell.

Thunderstorm activity within a 20-mile radius of Leesburg International Airport increased substantially. WeatherSentry detected 6,191 cloud-to-ground strikes in May, versus 602 in April. May 11, 14, and 18 were the most active lightning strike days recorded in the month.

Lightning Archive Report – 20-mile radius from Leesburg International Airport (KLEE)

Data and charts provided by weathersentry.dtn.com

Cloud to Ground Lightning – May 1-15, 2024 (3176 strikes)

Cloud to Ground Lightning – May 16-31, 2024 (3015 strikes)

Florida residents know that thunderstorm activity will maintain a steady presence in Central Florida’s summer weather, and SECO Energy reminds members to take shelter quickly if a thunderstorm approaches. Stay connected to SECO’s StormCenter for updates on outages and restoration progress. SECO offers a meter-based surge arrester designed to protect large appliances (motors and compressors) by reducing surges at the meter BEFORE they enter the home. Members can lease or purchase the Surge MitiGator surge protection program by filling out a contact form.

HVAC is the largest energy user in Central Florida homes, accounting for an average of 35 to 40% of kWh usage. As daytime temperatures rise into the 90s, many households may notice an increase in energy costs. Be sure to check your thermostat settings to properly update them for these warmer months. The energy-efficient thermostat setting during hotter months is 78 degrees.

June forecast from The Old Farmer’s Almanac:

The Old Farmer’s Almanac weather outlook for June 2024 predicts mild temperatures with isolated thunderstorms in the first eleven days, followed by a week of sunny and warm conditions. The period between June 19 and 30 is projected to bring hot conditions with scattered thunderstorms toward the end of the month. The estimated average temperature for June is 83 degrees, and the expected rainfall is 4 inches, which is much less than the average for June.

Online Energy-Efficiency Tools

Log into SmartHub to view past bills and consumption charts to check historical usage. If you want help in reducing your energy usage, SECO offers several energy-efficiency tools to help you identify energy wasters. Take the Home Energy Assessment to receive a detailed email tailored to your home’s features and lifestyle. The energy-saving advice will provide low-cost ways to decrease your usage – and your electric bill.

To easily calculate how much energy your appliances, lighting, electronic devices, and other energy-using items in your home consume, use the Energy Estimator.

SECO Energy Foundation $50,000 Grant Supports Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter

The SECO Energy Foundation awarded a $50,000 grant to Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter. The SECO Energy Foundation presented the grant funds to the organization to assist with funding the Veteran’s Housing Preservation & Repair Program.

The mission of Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter is to bring people together to build homes, communities, and hope. Since 1989, Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter (HFHLS) has been the bridge to affordable and stable homeownership for families. The organization strives to provide innovative, affordable housing solutions in Lake and Sumter Counties. In 2015, the organization established the Preservation & Repair Program to address the growing need of individuals and families who owned their homes and may have lived in their homes for generations, but for various reasons, were unable to maintain the health, safety, and/or improve the accessibility of their homes for their aging or health needs.

Lacie Himes, Development Director of Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter is thankful for the SECO Energy Foundation’s support. Himes stated, “Through the Preservation & Repair Program, the repairs performed by Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter include modifications for accessibility, such as ramps and grab bars, ADA compliant bathrooms and doorways; installation or extension of plumbing and electrical systems; HVAC; repair of structural components, and roofing repairs or replacement.”

SECO Foundation Board Director Matt Roudabush was enthusiastic about the grant’s impact, stating, “Our Board of Directors agreed that these veterans, who have selflessly served our nation, deserve our help when they are in need. The critical home repairs Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter will complete, including interior or exterior work to improve health, life, safety, or accessibility issues, are true examples of how these heroes will not be forgotten.”

The grant was one of five grants approved by the SECO Energy Foundation Board at their first quarterly meeting in 2024 and it falls under the “Veterans Initiatives” category of funding programs.

The SECO Energy Foundation is a charitable organization operating as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3). Contributions to the Foundation are tax-deductible.

The SECO Energy Foundation aims to support charitable organizations that assist residents in need and improve the quality of life in communities served by SECO Energy, which include the Central Florida counties of Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Levy, Marion, Pasco, and Sumter. SECO serves over 240,000 homes and businesses in Central Florida’s Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Levy, Marion, Pasco, and Sumter Counties. To learn more about the SECO Energy Foundation, visit SECOFoundation.org.

SECO News June 2024

Hurricane Season runs from June 1 to November 30 each year, presenting a heightened risk of severe weather and extended power outages. As the 2024 hurricane season begins, I want to address you directly regarding the forecasted weather patterns for our region and what we are doing to ensure your safety and well-being.

The Colorado State University (CSU) Weather and Climate Research team is predicting an above-average season, with forecasts indicating the possibility of 23 named storms across the Atlantic basin. Eleven are expected to become hurricanes, with five potentially reaching major hurricane status. This projection surpasses the 30-year historical average and reinforces the need for heightened preparedness.

SECO Energy is StormReady and prepared to respond to outages caused by summer thunderstorms, tropical storms, and hurricanes. We closely monitor the weather and make necessary pre-storm preparations behind the scenes. Our crews are trained and ready to respond swiftly to any outages that may occur, but it is equally imperative that all of us take proactive steps to stay prepared.

I strongly urge members to be cautious and prepare for potential disruptions. Essential supplies disappear quickly when tropical storms and hurricanes approach. To ensure you are adequately prepared, stay informed and updated on weather forecasts and advisories issued by state and local authorities. Make time to prepare an emergency kit stocked with essential supplies such as water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, and medications. It’s also important to establish a communication plan with your family and loved ones in case of separation during an emergency. Take precautions to secure outdoor furniture, trim trees, and secure loose objects around your property to minimize potential hazards.

During restoration mode, SECO Energy operates around the clock. Crews on the frontline face elements head-on as they work to clear roads to reach affected areas, repairing broken poles, fallen lines, and damaged equipment. We utilize all available resources to restore power to your homes and businesses as safely and quickly as possible and provide regular updates on our progress to keep you informed every step of the way.

As we embark on this hurricane season, let’s stay vigilant, prepared, and supportive of one another. Your safety and well-being are paramount. Together, we can weather any storm.

Sincerely,

Curtis Wynn

Chief Executive Officer

When major storms strike, portable generators can be beneficial but pose significant risks if mishandled. If you plan to use a generator this storm season, here are a few of the dos and don’ts of generator safety you’ll need to know:

✓ DO:

Use generators OUTSIDE ONLY, directing the generator’s exhaust away from your home and any nearby air intakes to other buildings. Deadly levels of carbon monoxide can build up fast from a portable generator’s exhaust.
Operate generators on dry surfaces, under open structures, and away from rain and other water sources to minimize electrical hazards. Remember, WATER AND ELECTRICITY DO NOT MIX.

✗ DON’T:

DON’T connect your generator directly to your home’s wiring unless it has been wired for generator use by a licensed electrician.
DON’T refuel your generator while it is running. Allow it to cool down before refueling.

Before using a portable generator, always read its operations manual and adhere to its guidelines for safe operation. By following these precautions, you can make the most of your portable generator while keeping you and your loved ones safe.

BEFORE: Prepare a storm kit with flashlights, batteries, medicine, first aid supplies, necessary baby items, and supplies for your pets. Stock two weeks’ worth of water, non-perishable food, and essentials. Refill prescriptions and gather important documents such as your social security card, driver’s license, birth certificate, and insurance information for your home, car, and life. Plan an evacuation route in case of an extended power outage and monitor weather forecasts.

DURING: Seek shelter and stay away from windows. Avoid leaving candles unattended and limit opening freezers and refrigerators more than necessary. Turn off your heating and air conditioning systems, and unplug sensitive electronic appliances such as TVs, game consoles, microwaves, and computers – this will protect your appliances against power fluctuations that can occur when power is restored. After power is restored, wait five to ten minutes before turning on appliances and heating systems. Stay updated on local alerts and off roads where trees and power lines are down.

AFTER: Exercise caution if power lines and poles are down; power lines can still be energized even on the ground, so avoid contact. Debris from a storm can hide downed lines and poles. Fallen trees touching energized power lines can electrify nearby objects such as metal fences, ponds, and even the ground. Check your breakers or fuses if power has been restored to your neighborhood but your home remains out. When using a portable generator during an outage, follow the safety tips in the operations manual.

Review our Hurricane Handbook at SECOEnergy.com > Safety > Hurricane Handbook.

StormCenter is SECO Energy’s outage and communications platform to report outages, check the status of an existing outage, and enroll in outage communications and alerts via email, text, voice, or all three.

Visit SECOEnergy.com > StormCenter and bookmark StormCenter to your smartphone or tablet. With StormCenter bookmarked, you can easily access the outage map, report outages, track restoration progress, and quickly manage notifications related to outage detection and restoration.

You can also report an area light outage or malfunction 24 hours a day, seven days a week, using LightFinder. Simply go to StormCenter’s bookmarked page, choose the LightFinder tile, and enter the pole number or turn on location services to report. Reporting members will receive a follow–up email when the light is repaired – usually within 24 hours.

SECO Energy provides transparent communication and regular restoration updates during storms. Subscribe to receive email, text, and voice notifications on StormCenter. If you have already subscribed, make sure your contact information is up to date to receive timely notifications and updates regarding future outages and restoration efforts.

SECO Energy strives to provide top-tier reliability to 240,000+ homes and businesses in our service territory. Unexpected outages due to weather, vehicle accidents, equipment issues, trees, or animal contact means that SECO cannot guarantee 100 percent uninterrupted power.

During emergency restoration efforts following widespread damage, SECO Energy’s foremost priority is to restore power to essential facilities such as shelters, hospitals, schools, and government agencies, including emergency operations centers, fire stations, and law enforcement facilities. It’s important to note that residential accounts marked as medically necessary services are not given top priority during emergencies caused by named storms.

For individuals with special needs, resources are available through the Florida Department of Health. Those requiring medical attention or having a specific health need should register with their local emergency management agency to receive assistance during disasters. You can visit FloridaDisaster.org to add your name or a loved one’s to the statewide registry.

Registering provides first responders with valuable information to prepare for disasters or other emergencies to meet citizens’ unique needs. Providing as much information as possible will allow emergency management officials to plan accordingly for future disasters. You will be emailed periodically to verify the information provided is correct and to make any necessary changes.

Unless you plan to seek shelter at an approved facility, backup generation is critical if you are a member who relies on lifesaving medical equipment powered by electricity.

Store your county’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) contact in your phone for quick access. You can also visit your county’s EOC online and enroll in county-specific emergency assistance services and updates.

CITRUS COUNTY: (352) 249-2775

HERNANDO COUNTY: (352) 754-4083

LAKE COUNTY: (352) 343-9420

LEVY COUNTY: (352) 486-5213

MARION COUNTY: (352) 369-8100

PASCO COUNTY: (727) 847-8137

SUMTER COUNTY: (352) 689-4400

To enroll to receive emergency alerts for your county, visit FloridaDisaster.org.

Read the full June 2024 SECO News.

SECO Energy Announces Increase in Lighting Rates

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SECO Energy Celebrates 2024 Scholarship Awardees

SECO Energy has announced its 2024 SECO Energy Scholarship Awardees. Each of the twelve scholarship awardees will receive $3,000 to advance their education. SECO Energy’s scholarship program targets local students who will attend a Florida college, university, or trade school.

The applicants were judged on their scholastic record (weighted GPS), school/community activities, and financial need. Consideration was given to applicants whose stated major was a degree in technology, business, engineering, or mathematics, especially as they relate to the energy sector. Relevant majors include, but are not limited to, computer science, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, chemical, nuclear, environmental, civil, agricultural/biological, industrial, materials science, and various branches of mathematics.

SECO Energy Scholarships are awarded to high school seniors graduating in May or June of the current year who live in a home served by SECO Energy. The awardee must enroll as a full-time student in an accredited Florida college, university, or trade school before the end of 2024.

2024 SECO Energy Scholarship Winners

Name	High School	Resides In
Garrett Harrison	The Villages Charter High School	Fruitland Park
Presley S. Stanton	Florida Virtual School	Clermont
Armand Grable	Wildwood Middle-High School	Wildwood
Charles Anthony	Tavares High School	Astatula
Fabian DeJesus-Colon	West Port High School	Ocala
Delbie Zayas Rosado	Wildwood Middle-High School	Groveland
Ramiya Blackwell	Wildwood Middle-High School	Ocala
Jubilette Huff	Wildwood Middle-High School	Wildwood
Eden Thomas	West Port High School	Ocala
Faith Long	South Sumter High School	Webster
Michael A. Viel, Jr.	Eustis High School	Eustis
Jacob R. Davis	Leesburg High School	Lady Lake

2024 SECO Energy Scholarship Awardees Congratulated

SECO Energy CEO Curtis Wynn congratulated the 2024 SECO Energy Scholarship recipients. Wynn stated, “I want to congratulate our 2024 Scholarship awardees, it is uplifting to see students investing in themselves by pursuing an advanced education. Their efforts in the next few years could launch a fruitful career that opens the door to personal achievements that impact entire communities and beyond. The energy industry is growing, and the technology we rely on is advancing quickly. We will need an ongoing supply of ambitious talent in many capacities to carry SECO Energy forward. By awarding these scholarships, SECO is investing in students who have demonstrated their readiness to work hard and build a bright future for themselves.”

Wynn continued, “We hope these twelve awardees continue to set high goals and work to achieve them. When they look to begin their professional career, we hope they will consider joining SECO Energy. We are growing rapidly and will be a leading employer in our region for years to come. Our compensation and benefits package, which includes comprehensive medical and dental insurance, generous paid time off, 401k with company matching contributions, a retirement pension plan, an employee-referral program, and student loan reimbursement are competitive in any market. So, when it’s time to get to work, make SECO Energy your first call.”

SECO Energy is hiring! To view open positions, set up job alerts, and apply online, visit: SECOEnergy.com > Your Co-op > Careers.

“Like” SECO Energy on Facebook and follow @SECOEnergy on X/Twitter for prize drawings, news releases, and severe weather alerts affecting SECO Energy’s service territory. Manage your outage notification preferences at StormCenter. To see when SECO Energy crews/contractors are working in your area, visit our new System Improvement Map. To learn more about SECO Energy as a not-for-profit cooperative, visit About SECO Energy.

April 2024 Sunshine State Stats

In April 2024, the average high and low temperatures continued to rise from last month as the arrival of warmer weather prevailed in Central Florida. The month’s average high temperature was 82 degrees, and the average low was 62 degrees, both measurements are 2 degrees lower than the “normal” averages as recorded at Leesburg International Airport (KLEE). The month’s highest temperature peaked at 90 degrees on the 19th and the lowest temperature was recorded on the 14th, when the mercury fell to 52 degrees.

Reported rainfall decreased significantly from the March total, dropping to 1.88 inches, nearly one inch less than normal for April. Measurable precipitation was limited to just 3 of 30 days, the rainiest day was April 3, when .8 inches fell.

Thunderstorm activity within a 20-mile radius of Leesburg International Airport declined from the 2,227 strikes recorded in March. In April, WeatherSentry detected 593 cloud-to-ground strikes on just two days, the 3rd and 11th. The second half of the month was much less active with only nine strikes recorded on the 21st.

Lightning Archive Report – 20-mile radius from Leesburg International Airport (KLEE)

Data and charts provided by weathersentry.dtn.com

Cloud to Ground Lightning – April 1-14, 2024 (593 strikes)

Cloud to Ground Lightning – April 15-30, 2024 (9 strikes)

Florida residents know that thunderstorm activity will likely increase in the coming months, and SECO Energy reminds those who own a backup power generator to be sure the unit is in safe operating condition. In 2023, lightning was the single highest cause of power outages in SECO Energy’s service area. SECO offers a meter-based surge arrester designed to protect large appliances (motors and compressors) by reducing surges at the meter BEFORE they enter the home. Members can lease or purchase the Surge MitiGator surge protection program by filling out a contact form.

HVAC is the largest energy user in Central Florida homes, accounting for an average of 35 to 40% of kWh usage. As daytime temperatures are rising into the 80s and 90s, many households may notice an increase in energy costs. Be sure to check your thermostat settings to properly update them for these warmer months. The energy-efficient thermostat setting during hotter months is 78 degrees.

May forecast from The Old Farmer’s Almanac:

The Old Farmer’s Almanac weather outlook for May 2024 begins with sunny conditions and warm temps in the first week, changing to cooler temps and thunderstorms between May 8 and 12. A return to sunny and warm weather is forecast for May 13 to 17, followed by cooling conditions under sunshine through May 20. The last ten days of May are predicted to offer scattered thunderstorms amid warm temperatures.

Online Energy-Efficiency Tools

Log into SmartHub to view past bills and consumption charts to check historical usage. If you want help in reducing your energy usage, SECO offers several energy-efficiency tools to help you identify energy wasters. Take the Home Energy Assessment to receive a detailed email tailored to your home’s features and lifestyle. The energy-saving advice will provide low-cost ways to decrease your usage – and your electric bill.

To easily calculate how much energy your appliances, lighting, electronic devices, and other energy-using items in your home consume, use the Energy Estimator.

SECO Energy Foundation $10,000 Grant Supports United Way of Citrus County

The SECO Energy Foundation awarded the United Way of Citrus County a $10,000 community grant. The United Way of Citrus County has earmarked the grant funds to support The Grow Initiative: Financial Literacy; participants learn about financial literacy through classes that teach clients how to budget, manage and build credit, create a résumé, interview for jobs, and other skills to prepare them for financial success.

The GROW Initiative provides an opportunity to improve lives by teaching skills essential to long-term stability, which is an unknown concept to many people. The SECO Energy Foundation grant, with contributions from other community partners, will enable the organization to improve lives, create sustainable change, and assist Citrus County residents.

United Way of Citrus County CEO, George Schmalstig, described how the funding from SECO Energy Foundation would extend beyond supporting just the courses. Schmalstig stated, “This community grant from the SECO Energy Foundation will also be used to provide emergency assistance to participants attending the financial literacy courses. We want to be sure each person has the support to complete the training, so we will step in if needs arise.”

SECO Energy Foundation Board member, Mary Pericht, endorsed the approval of the grant’s potential impact, saying, “We respect the history of the United Way of Citrus County and their past achievements. Supporting this program made sense from the standpoint of its potential to radically improve the lives of Citrus County residents.”

Examples of emergency assistance could be eviction mitigation, rent/mortgage assistance, utility assistance, and car repairs, to name a few.

SECO Energy Foundation Executive Director, Mariah Delgado was confident the initiative would result in a positive outcome, stating, “I am so happy our Board chose to approve this grant, and I believe this team at United Way of Citrus County can execute The GROW Initiative successfully.”

The grant was one of five grants approved by the SECO Energy Foundation Board at their first quarterly meeting in 2024. The funded grants will be used to support charitable organizations that assist residents in need and improve the quality of life in communities served by SECO Energy. SECO serves over 240,000 homes and businesses in Central Florida’s Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Levy, Marion, Pasco, and Sumter Counties.

The SECO Energy Foundation is a charitable organization operating as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3). Contributions to the Foundation are tax-deductible.

The SECO Energy Foundation aims to support charitable organizations that assist residents in need and improve the quality of life in communities served by SECO Energy, which include the Central Florida counties of Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Levy, Marion, Pasco, and Sumter. To learn more about the SECO Energy Foundation, visit SECOFoundation.org.

SECO News May 2024

During our 2024 Annual Meeting, I gave update on SECO Energy’s system reliability, reviewing three key metrics that affirm our commitment to providing reliable electric service to almost half a million consumers:

The System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI)
The System Average Interruption Frequency Index (SAIFI)
The Customer Average Interruption Duration Index (CAIDI)

In 2023, SECO’s SAIDI measurement, or average time a consumer was without power, averaged only 64 minutes or just over an hour. To compare, the national average based on 2022 data for utilities, was five and a half hours.

SAIFI indicates the frequency of power interruptions per year. SECO’s average frequency dipped below one for the first time in our 85-year history. In practical terms, on average, SECO members experienced only one power outage. Nationally, compared to 2022 figures, consumers experienced an average of 1.43 interruptions annually.

CAIDI evaluates the duration it takes our talented and dedicated SECO crews to restore power following an outage notification. In 2023, SECO’s restoration time was 69 minutes, slightly over an hour. This is quite remarkable, considering the national average from 2022 was nearly four hours.

These metrics place SECO in the “Best in Class” category for reliability, a position we’ve upheld for years.

The foundation of these statistics lies in continuous maintenance and ongoing investments in our electric infrastructure. Our engineering and operations team adheres to a meticulous maintenance and inspection regimen covering substations, poles, and overhead and underground equipment.

Our proactive approach to vegetation management, which involves trimming trees along hundreds of miles of power lines and removing potential hazards, further safeguards our system against outages.

While these reliability measurements are impressive, our focus remains on improving our performance. Last year, we were spared from severe damage during hurricane season. As we continue into 2024, we will plan and act decisively in response to severe weather events to ensure our reliability remains intact and you, our members, are satisfied.

Atlantic hurricane season is just around the corner, beginning on June 1. SECO Energy is StormReady and prepared for hurricanes, tropical storms, lightning, or the occasional outages experienced during our rainy summer. We ask you, too, to prepare for hurricane season, have a plan in place for your family, stock up early on hurricane supplies, and for those with a medical need for electricity, plan to have a backup power source or to seek shelter during a storm.

Best regards,

Curtis Wynn

Chief Executive Officer

SECO Energy believes in demonstrating our commitment to education and empowering the next wave of professionals in the energy sector. In fact, Education, Training, and Information is one of the Seven Cooperative Principles that SECO Energy holds dear as a not-for-profit cooperative.

Lake-Sumter State College, located just around the corner from our Sumterville headquarters, is one of Florida’s leading colleges that trains students who are interested in a future energy career. The College desperately needed new wooden utility poles for firsthand student training exercises.

SECO Energy stepped up in a big way by donating utility poles to the College. This is a game-changer for students who will be our future lineworkers of tomorrow. Through SECO’s pole donation, students participate in hands-on learning setting up, climbing, and replacing utility poles —skills crucial for success in the energy field. This opportunity bridges classroom learning and real-world application, preparing students for the future in a tangible way.

Read on to learn how you can have a hand in educating future Florida lineworkers by purchasing a “Thank a Lineman” license plate today. Enjoy the photos of students in action, getting a head start on their future careers, thanks to the donation of utility poles from SECO Energy to Lake- Sumter State College.

Over the years, many members have asked how to show appreciation to SECO Energy lineworkers and utility personnel who tirelessly restore power after natural disasters. One impactful way is ordering a “Thank a Lineman” license plate. This initiative, which gained approval from the Florida Legislature in 2020 after Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB 1135 into law, allows members to express their gratitude and support to all the thousands of Florida lineworkers and utility personnel.

Ordering this license plate is more than a gesture of thanks; it directly contributes to a significant cause. The proceeds assist a key recruitment partner for SECO Energy, supporting the next generation of utility workforce. Specifically, $25 from each sale funds scholarships for students enrolling in Electric Utility programs at Lake-Sumter State College (LSSC). According to LSSC’s website (www.lssc.edu), the college is ranked nationally among the top 150 Community Colleges. This opportunity uniquely honors lineworkers while investing in the education and future of those entering the utility workforce in Central Florida.

To reserve your plate today, visit www.ThankALineWorker.com or contact your local county tax collector’s office. Purchase avenues vary from county to county.

The actual “Thank a Lineman” license plates will be available once the pre-sale threshold is met.

EFFECTIVE MAY 1, 2024, SECO Energy will implement several miscellaneous and lighting schedule fee adjustments detailed in the Cooperative’s Rate Tariff.

SECO Energy operates as a not-for-profit cooperative, structuring rates to cover operational costs rather than generate profits. Many of our posted miscellaneous fees have remained unchanged for over a decade. While we understand that any fee adjustment could affect our members, the miscellaneous fees added or changed will impact a small population and are designed to cover increased labor and material costs for specific services only.

TO REVIEW THE RATE TARIFF, visit SECOEnergy.com >Your Co-op > Rate Tariff. These adjustments are necessary to maintain the reliability and sustainability of service.

SECO Energy’s payment address for check payment processing is changing as of June 1, 2024.

The new payment address is:

SECO Energy

P.O. Box 70997

Charlotte, NC 28272-0997

Instead of writing a monthly check, consider enrolling in bank draft. With bank draft, your payment will draft on the due date. Bank draft will alleviate the worry of a missed payment, or late fee. Bank draft is the least expensive payment option. The Cooperative currently absorbs the convenience fees charged to SECO when a member pays using a credit or debit card. To enroll in bank draft, contact Member Services at CustomerService@SECOEnergy.com or enroll through SmartHub.

Read the full May 2024 SECO News.

SECO Energy Foundation $50,000 Grant Supports United Way of Marion County

The SECO Energy Foundation awarded a $50,000 community grant to United Way of Marion County. The SECO Energy Foundation presented the grant funds to the organization in support of both the 2-1-1 helpline and the Strong Families program that addresses homelessness and promotes debt reduction with one-on-one success coaching.

The United Way’s 2-1-1 helpline connects individuals with essential community resources, such as healthcare referrals, assistance with housing, food, and mental health resources, which are directly related to the health and well-being of the community. The Strong Families initiative aims to end generational poverty by pairing participants with success coaches who will concentrate on providing guidance in managing debt, increasing personal income, and furthering their education. During this year-long program, participants will advance their long-term financial stability.

The United Way of Marion County’s VP of Community Impact, Beth Nelson expressed gratitude for the SECO Energy Foundation grant, saying, “We are very grateful to the SECO Energy Foundation for this support. Our 2-1-1 helpline is very well-utilized and our ability to support it is strengthened by this grant.” She continued, “We believe teaching financial concepts to less-fortunate individuals through the Strong Families program will truly change lives and offer a brighter outlook for future generations. There really is nothing else like this available locally.”

The SECO Energy Foundation Executive Director Mariah Delgado was supportive of the organization’s plans for the funds. Delgado shared, “The grant to the United Way of Marion County is going to make a difference, I believe. Changing lives with education is a terrific long-term approach to improving the lives of the homeless population that truly wants to succeed in life, and the 2-1-1 program has been a valuable source of community support for years. This grant should help each initiative and the SECO Energy Foundation is happy to provide it.”

The SECO Energy Foundation is a charitable organization operating as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3). Contributions to the Foundation are tax-deductible.

The SECO Energy Foundation aims to support charitable organizations that assist residents in need and improve the quality of life in communities served by SECO Energy, which include the Central Florida counties of Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Levy, Marion, Pasco, and Sumter. To learn more about the SECO Energy Foundation, visit SECOFoundation.org.

SECO Energy Named “Tree Line USA” Utility by Arbor Day Foundation

SECO Energy has been named a 2024 Tree Line USA Utility by the Arbor Day Foundation. Tree Line USA recognizes public and private utilities that help to preserve and enhance America’s urban forests. SECO Energy has maintained the Tree Line USA Utility designation for 17 consecutive years.

Tree Line USA is a national program that is sustained through a partnership between the Arbor Day Foundation and the National Association of State Foresters. Tree Line USA promotes the coexistence of reliable and safely delivered electricity in communities that maintain vigorous tree populations.

Five Tree Line USA Standards

To be recognized as a Tree Line USA Utility, SECO Energy must maintain exceptional standards in meeting five program tenets. These require utilities to respect industry standards for outstanding tree care; deliver yearly worker training in best tree care practices; promote a tree planting and education program; sustain a tree-based energy conservation program; and participate in an Arbor Day celebration.

This year is the 152nd Anniversary of Arbor Day, which is celebrated on Friday, April 26. The Arbor Day Foundation is celebrating its 52nd Anniversary this year. Since its inception, it has facilitated the planting and distribution of nearly 500 million trees in more than 50 countries worldwide. Learn more about Arbor Day and its mission.

CEO Curtis Wynn acknowledged SECO Energy’s Vegetation Management team for their unceasing efforts that have once again earned SECO Energy the Tree Line USA Utility designation. Wynn said, “We are very proud of SECO Energy’s Vegetation Management team and our full-scale vegetation program. To be named as an Arbor Day Foundation Tree Line USA Utility for seventeen consecutive years is quite an accomplishment. SECO Energy’s consistent investment in its vegetation management program not only reduces power outages through the safe management of our existing rights-of-way, but through recognition like this, it establishes a high standard that our team members aspire to achieve, year after year.”

Wynn continued, “I believe most of our members recognize SECO Energy’s commitment to quality tree care that promotes healthy, well-maintained trees planted in the right place can help reduce their annual energy costs.”

Visit Right Tree Right Place for tips on planting trees away from power lines and how trees can help reduce annual energy bills. SECO Energy has also launched online energy efficiency tools to help members reduce energy consumption and costs. The Home Energy Assessment is an online energy audit tailored to each member’s home and lifestyle. A member may enter details about their home that impact energy use and efficiency. This information enables SECO Energy to send free energy-saving advice. The Energy Estimator calculates the cost of electrical devices typically found in most homes.

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Online Energy-Efficiency Tools

2024 SECO Energy Scholarship Winners

2024 SECO Energy Scholarship Awardees Congratulated

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Online Energy-Efficiency Tools

Five Tree Line USA Standards

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