May 2019 was a heck of a lot hotter than May 2018 with an average high of 89 compared to 85 last year. The average temperature was 80° – a full three degrees hotter, as May of 2018 had an average temperature of 77°. Rainfall was down significantly for May of 2019 at just 1.22 inches compared to last May at 8.28 inches.
There were 456 cooling degree days and 0 heating degree days for May 2019, while last year there were 363 cooling degree days with 0 heating degree days. The Degree Days are based on how much warmer or cooler the average temperature at a particular location is than 65°F. In other words, if the average temperature is 60° outside on a particular day, there are 5 Heating Degree Days for that day in that location.
JUNE FORECAST:
June 2019 is forecast for an average high of 89 degrees which is very close to last year’s average high. Rainfall is forecast to be heavier than normal this June compared to 2018.
If you want to check historical usage, log into SmartHub to view past bills and 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. If you want a member of our Energy Services team to come to your home to perform a free energy audit, contact us today to book an appointment.
** Past weather data sourced from Leesburg Airport weather station.
CEO Jim Duncan is celebrating 40 years with SECO Energy. On June 10, 1979, Duncan joined SECO (then referred to as Sumter Electric Cooperative, Inc.) in the position of Director of Accounting and Finance. He held this position until March of 1990 when he accepted the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO). As the leader of a not-for-profit utility, Duncan’s priorities focus on maintaining affordable, reliable service for the cooperative’s member-owners.
Over the years, Duncan has seen a lot of positive change, tremendous economic growth and vast system expansion. In 1990 before Duncan became CEO, the cooperative served 66,600 members. Today it provides service to more than 205,000 homes and businesses. Revenue has grown from $74.4 million to $293.7 million. Total utility plant has increased from $143.5 million to $878.7 million. Member equity has matured from 22 percent to 31 percent. The co-op regularly retires capital credits to members with a $5.5 million retirement last year and a $63.3 million returned since inception.
Duncan is humble about his role in leading the cooperative through some tough times and building the organization’s financial strength. He stated, “Our Board of Trustees are the people who are ultimately tasked with reviewing and approving budgets that keep our cooperative fiscally healthy. I credit the Trustees with exercising sound judgement and responsible governance over the years that has allowed SECO to become the third largest cooperative in Florida and the seventh largest in the nation.”
Another of Duncan’s key accomplishments is the significant reduction in outage duration for members. In 1989, members experienced 348 minutes of average outage time annually. Today, that number is only 66 minutes. Duncan attributes the improvement to the development of a robust vegetation management program, system improvement projects that increase reliability, a comprehensive storm hardening program and a workforce that cares deeply about its member-owners’ satisfaction. Duncan states, “Our current senior staff deserves the recognition for ensuring that the delivery of electric service is safe, affordable and reliable and that our members receive the highest level of customer service in the industry.”
Surveys show that SECO Energy members are very satisfied with SECO Energy. In 2018, members again rated the not-for-profit electric cooperative top in customer satisfaction. SECO received an outstanding ACSI score of 89. When comparing SECO to the ACSI Utility Sector scores SECO is a clear national frontrunner. Nationally, cooperative utilities scored a 77 in 2018. Scores for municipal and investor-owned utilities were both slightly lower at 75.
Members also rank SECO high in J.D. Power surveys as well. In 2015, SECO Energy was ranked highest in satisfaction among mid-sized utilities in the south, and in 2016 and 2017, SECO was ranked highest in satisfaction among cooperatives nationally.
Visit About SECO to learn more about the cooperative’s history. Like SECO Energy on Facebook and Twitter to stay up-to-date on company news, to play trivia and to enter prize drawings.
With its beautiful pink, red or white flowers growing at the end of its branches, oleander is a popular choice for planting. Oleanders can grow six to 20 feet tall. This plant flourishes in warm regions, withstanding extreme heat, poor soil, water shortages, salt spray and lack of proper tree trimming care. For growers with less-than-green thumbs, oleander may be an ideal choice for your home landscape.
Despite its beauty, oleander is also very poisonous. Ingesting large amounts can be fatal especially for small children and animals. The heart, central nervous system and gastrointestinal systems are all affected. For these reasons and depending on your circumstances, it’s important to evaluate whether oleander is a good choice for your location. With its hardy characteristics and eye-catching colors, it is sure to be an aesthetic hit!
Reminder – trees growing into power lines can cause outages, sparks or fires. Planting trees in the right place on your property can reduce cooling and heating costs helping you use less energy. For more tips on planting the right tree in the right place and saving energy visit Right Tree, Right Place.
Atlantic hurricane season makes its formal appearance on June 1 and ends November 30. In early May, however, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) was already tracking its first tropical disturbance in the Atlantic. NHC, a part of NOAA, at the time this publication went to print, had not released its official forecast.
The Weather Channel 2019 outlook calls for a total of 14 named Atlantic storms, seven hurricanes and three “major” hurricanes. That forecast is slightly above the 30-year average of 12 named storms, six hurricanes and three major hurricanes. A major hurricane is a Category 3 or stronger which means winds greater than 111 mph.
Unfortunately, no forecast can accurately predict the future. The lifesaving approach is to expect the unexpected and prepare in advance for the possibility of a power outage. Gather your hurricane supplies now. Water and plywood sell out when storms threaten. It’s essential to stock non-perishable food to sustain each family member for at least three days. If you need guidance, view SECO’s Emergency Preparation Checklist online.
Whether you plan to evacuate or stay put during a major event, enroll in outage notifications through StormCenter. Choose email, voice or text message – or all three. Take a tour of the outage map. Search for and bookmark your address. Create a SECO Energy StormCenter icon on the home screen of your smartphone or tablet.
We’ve added a new StormCenter feature. You can now check the status of a reported power outage. Visit StormCenter, click on “Check Status.” Input your last name and house number, account number or phone number on record.
StormCenter provides updates that include the time the outage began, estimated restoration time, crew status, cause if identified and when the outage was restored.
SECO has developed one of the nation’s most comprehensive Emergency Restoration Plans to respond to major storm damage. Restoring service to the largest number of members in the quickest amount of time is our goal, but with required priorities for shelters, schools, hospitals and government buildings.
If you or a family member have special needs, visit www.FloridaDisaster.org to locate your county and join the statewide Special Needs Registry. Other valuable resources for emergency planning are the National Weather Service and the American Red Cross.
Don’t be caught unprepared for the 2019 Atlantic hurricane season. SECO Energy is StormReady and equipped to respond quickly to outages affecting members. We are here for you. It is our privilege to serve your family’s energy needs.
Sincerely,
Jim Duncan
Chief Executive Officer
Meet SECO Champion Jerry Bolduc – an example of our 400+ SECO Champion employees. Jerry is dedicated to providing exceptional service to members, co-workers and communities.
JERRY BOLDUC – LEAD PROJECT ENGINEER
LENGTH OF SERVICE – 14 YEARS
“SECO is amazing.”
SECO Champion Jerry Bolduc is a Lead Project Engineer at our SECO Headquarters. Before working at SECO, Jerry was employed by a large investor-owned utility. As a SECO member and an employee, he appreciates the cooperative difference in service that SECO offers members. During the three back-to-back hurricanes in 2004, Jerry assessed damaged areas and directed contract crews across the service territory. He was amazed by SECO’s storm response and the efficiency and organization shown during major restoration efforts. Originally from Canada, Jerry moved to Central Florida 20 years ago. He has participated in Ironman Triathlon Events including Escape from Alcatraz where he swam with sharks in San Francisco Bay. Jerry enjoys working in the field in sunny Florida (no snow) and is proud to be a SECO member, too.
HVAC TUNE-UP AND FILTER CHANGE
Summer heat is quickly approaching. Weather.com predicts June through August temperatures will be above average in our area. Before your HVAC system begins its summer workout, schedule a tune-up with a reputable HVAC technician.
The technician should thoroughly inspect your HVAC to ensure it’s in good running condition. The system may need to be cleaned or serviced. Preventative maintenance is easier on the wallet than major repairs down the road. A well-tuned HVAC runs more efficiently, uses less energy and saves on cooling and heating costs.
Is it time to change your HVAC filter? A clean HVAC filter also helps your system run efficiently. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and change filters as recommended.
POWER LINE SAFETY
Downed power lines are a safety hazard. Car accidents involving power poles, trees taking down a line or poles broken by heavy wind or rain have the potential to bring us too close to electric lines.
Electric energy can burn, shock, injure or kill you. Never assume a power line is safe to touch. Always assume a power line is live and has the ability to harm you. Children are especially curious and may knowingly or unknowingly approach a downed line. Talk with your kids and grandkids about the dangers of downed power lines.
Warn children to never play near or on substation fencing. Do not climb trees near power lines or allow kites, toy planes or balloons to touch power lines. Don’t release helium balloons at a birthday party or other celebration. These can tangle in lines or become deadly for Florida wildlife.
If you see a downed line, stay away and warn others away as well. Call 911 immediately to report the downed line.
RELAY FOR LIFE – 6TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT
Thank you to all players, sponsors and employees who participated in SECO Energy’s 6th Annual Relay For Life Golf Tournament “Tee-Up for a Cure” at Arlington Ridge Golf Club in Leesburg on Saturday, May 4th. Players enjoyed 18-holes of golf, chance to win door prizes and fellowship.
The Relay For Life Golf Tournament sponsored by SECO raised $16,600 for the American Cancer Society.
SECO and its employees are long-time supporters of the American Cancer Society and its premier annual Relay For Life events. Join SECO and its Commitment to Community by partnering with your not-for-profit cooperative on a virtual SECO Relay For Life team.
Join a SECO Energy team by visiting Relay.ACSevents.org and look for “Find a Participant or Team” and choose “Team.” Enter team name: “SECO Energy” and click “Search.” Choose a local Relay event and virtually join Team SECO and the American Cancer Society in the fight against cancer.
From time to time, SECO Energy calls on its members to stand with cooperatives for or against energy industry related bills introduced to Congress during the legislative session.
Norma Jean Bottoms, a member residing in Paisley, stood with SECO during a recent Take Action sign up campaign and her name was drawn from all members who had signed up at https://action.coop/. Norma Jean won a Microsoft Surface Go. Along with Norma Jean, approximately 1,838 of SECO’s 210,000 members have decided to get involved by signing up to Take Action when SECO or our statewide organization may call on them to assist with contacting their legislators on critical issues affecting the energy industry.
Some of the proposed bills may affect infrastructure, sustainability, reliability, and most of all, electricity affordability. Those are just a few reasons why cooperatives may ask their members to make their voices heard by signing up to receive email updates on legislative items affecting the electric utility industry.
By visiting SECO’s Legislative Corner, members can learn more about how they can participate in the democratic process on a state and federal level. Members can contribute by joining the political action committee and enrolling in Co-ops Vote to make their vote count.
SECO encourages its members to sign up to Take Action because our members’ participation and influence play key roles in maintaining affordable, reliable energy.
Visit SECO Energy.com>Your Co-op>Community to learn more about the not-for-profit electric cooperative’s community involvement. “Like” SECO Energy on Facebook and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.
SECO Energy hosted its sixth Annual Relay For Life Golf Tournament at Arlington Ridge in Leesburg on Saturday, May 4. Thanks to generous sponsors and players, the golf tournament was a great success. Over 60 golfers joined SECO’s cause to “Tee-up for a Cure.”
Approximately $16,600 in donations was raised for the American Cancer Society’s (ACS) effort to find cures for cancer and to reduce the burden of the disease in our community. “Each year, we’ve seen a steady increase in the number of golfers and sponsors participating in our golf tournament. The golfers have a fun day on the green supporting this worthy cause,” said Kathy Judkins, SECO Energy Senior Consultant for Civic, Charitable and Government Relations.
Golf tournament participants enjoyed a variety of competitions in addition to 18 holes of scramble golf tournament play. Activities included 1st, 2nd, 3rd place winning teams, a men’s and women’s longest drive, longest putt, and closest-to-the-pin game. The event concluded with a hearty lunch and an awards ceremony.
1st place winners – Mathew Woolf, David Woolf, Tyler Wingate, and Todd Blair
2nd place winners – Alan Campos, Kevin Rohr, Darryl Gonzalez, and Nick Reaves
3rd Place winners – Erin Quinn, Mark Grant, Byon Smiddy, and Thomas Gough
Men’s Longest Drive – Ben Pauluhn
Women’s Longest Drive – DJ Hamilton
Longest Putt – Alice Dickard
Men’s Closest-to-the-pin – Luke Pearce
Women’s Closest-to-the-pin – Janet Cox
“This event would not be possible without the sponsorships we received from the business community, our vendors and partners, our large group of golfers and our SECO employee volunteers. A huge thank you goes out to everyone who was instrumental in making the golf tournament an exciting and successful fundraising event,” said CEO Jim Duncan.
Thank you to the following sponsors for supporting the SECO Energy 6th Annual Relay For Life Golf Tournament: Electric Supply, Inc.; RadWear Designs; Power Services, Inc.; Conrad Tree Service; Substation Engineering & Design; Cap & Associates; McFarland Cascade; Barker Law Office; Florida Utility Services; GRESCO; Tri-State; Catfish Johnny’s; John Carter & Associates; IT Resources; Nelson Tree Service, LLC; Pike; Power Services; Seminole Electric Cooperative, Inc.; Sparks; Salescorp of Florida, Inc; and SubGrid Solutions.
SECO encourages the community to join the virtual SECO Energy Team and to attend Sumter County’s upcoming Relay For Life event at South Sumter High School, 706 N. Main Street, Bushnell, FL on November 2, 2019.
At the Space Center, students learned about the scientific breakthroughs of the Apollo missions in the United States’ race to the moon. Students walked under the Saturn V rocket – the most massive rocket ever flown. Attendees got a close-up view of the Space Shuttle Atlantis and used training simulators to learn about the complex systems and components involved in engineering the space shuttle. In the Shuttle Launch Simulator, students experienced first-hand the pull of gravity and its effects on humans.
56 elementary students from Bushnell Elementary, Lake Panasoffkee Elementary, Webster Elementary and Wildwood Elementary Schools attend a field trip to the Kennedy Space Center with support from SECO Energy.
Rebecca McCorkle, Gifted Teacher for Sumter County Schools, stated, “At Kennedy Space Center, our students explored the authentic instruments, technology and space vehicles used by the astronauts, engineers and technicians of NASA. It was an immersive learning experience! Every student walked away with new STEM-related knowledge and an appreciation for STEM careers. We are so grateful to SECO for believing in the importance of the Gifted program and helping make these trips possible!”
32 middle school students from South Sumter Middle and Wildwood Middle Schools attend a field trip to the Kennedy Space Center with support from SECO Energy.
CEO Jim Duncan stated, “SECO Energy is pleased to play a role in supporting student activities that encourage them to consider a STEM-related career. Sponsoring educational youth programs encompasses two key cooperative principles Education, Training and Information, as well as Concern for Community. SECO Energy and the energy industry are hiring enthusiastic employees with an interest in STEM-focused careers. We also support local students through our yearly scholarship program and various community activities.”
Visit SECO Energy’s Community page to learn more about the not-for-profit electric cooperative’s community involvement. “Like” SECO Energy on Facebook and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.
SECO Energy Senior Consultant for Civic, Charitable and Government Affairs was recently elected President of the American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) Florida Chapter. As a 13-year veteran in the energy industry, Kathy’s experience and community commitment serving on a variety of boards in the local area make her eminently qualified to lead the Florida AABE Chapter.
Kathy has been an AABE member for ten years, playing key roles in achieving the AABE mission while furthering SECO Energy’s outreach in the communities the cooperative serves.
For the last five years, Kathy has spearheaded SECO Energy’s role in supporting the Ocala Youth Energy Academy, where local energy experts team up to provide high school students a real-life glimpse into the many careers in the electric utility industry. The two-day event showcases activities that range from learning how electricity travels from the generation plant to homes and what it takes to restore power during an outage to a hands-on live demonstrations and other projects. The students learn about high-skill, high-wage careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). AABE’s upcoming 2019 Ocala event is scheduled for early June.
The Florida AABE Chapter is a premier business organization for energy professionals who are committed to supporting the AABE mission and purposes:
To serve as a resource for policy discussion of the economic, social and political impact of environmental and energy policies on African Americans and other minorities.
To ensure involvement of African Americans in governmental energy policymaking by recommending capable sensitive and informed personnel to appropriate officials.
To encourage both the public and private sectors to be responsive to the problems, goals and aspirations of African Americans in energy-related fields.
To encourage African American students to pursue careers in energy-related fields and to provide scholarships and other financial aid for such students.
On Monday, May 13, members who attended SECO Energy’s District 3 Special Meeting voted to elect Gerald B. Anderson to represent their District and the members at large on SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees. The Special Meeting to elect a new District 3 was held to fill the vacant Board seat. Mr. Anderson will serve the remainder of the term that ends in early 2022.
A SECO member for nearly five years, Mr. Anderson served in the Marine Corps and worked for a utilities manufacturing company. Mr. Anderson served as president of his hometown volunteer Fire Department, was elected to four six-year terms on the Board of Supervisors of Warrington, Pennsylvania and after retiring he was appointed as Director of Operations for Bucks County, Pennsylvania. He and his wife, Jane, enjoy making friends through their work with the Belle Aire Social Club in which Mr. Anderson serves as President and Mrs. Anderson serves as Secretary.
SECO Energy is a not-for-profit electric cooperative, operated for and owned by its members. SECO members elect their fellow members to SECO’s nine-member Board of Trustees. Collectively, the Board represents the SECO membership, meeting monthly to monitor the financial status of the cooperative while providing fiduciary oversight and participating in policy decisions that serve the best interests of the members at large.
Members in District 3 gathered at The Villages’ Savannah Center for the election and to hear a short update on the status of the cooperative. In total, eight members residing in District 3 submitted a letter of intent to run. In addition to new District 3 Trustee Gerald B. Anderson, the candidates who expressed their willingness to represent the members of District 3 were: Stephen M. Doran, Paul G. Embs, Barry R. Evans, Gary L. Jackson, Bryan T. Lifsey, Aileen M. Milton and Albert D. Uhryniak.
Mr. Anderson is eager to begin his duties as the new District 3 Trustee stating, “Thank you District 3 members for trusting me to represent you on the SECO Energy Board of Trustees. My previous experience in the utility industry will allow me to readily fulfill my new role in cooperative governance.”
Board President and District 9 Trustee Jerry Hatfield stated, “Congratulations, Mr. Anderson, on your election as District 3 Trustee. On behalf of myself and the Board, I am excited to welcome Mr. Anderson as our newest Board member.”
CEO Jim Duncan stated, “Congratulations to Mr. Anderson on his successful election as the new District 3 Trustee. The willingness of District 3 candidates to share their time, knowledge and energy to work for the SECO Energy membership is unprecedented. A Board of Trustees elected by its fellow members is a unique component of the not-for-profit cooperative business model and democratic process. I look forward to SECO’s continued success working with Mr. Anderson and our current Board members.”
Visit SECO’s Your Co-op page for photos and brief Trustee bios along with an interactive District map. “Like” SECO Energy on Facebook and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.
Thoroughbred horses are synonymous with Ocala/Marion County area, as it is coined the “Horse Capital of the World™.” These hot-blooded, highly intelligent horses are known for their agility and lightning-fast runs – reaching speeds up to 40 mph. Thoroughbreds are large, muscular, powerful horses that are innately elegant and graceful.
Horses are measured in “hands.” A hand is equal to four inches. A horse’s height is determined from the ground up to the tallest point on its body called the withers – the ridge between the animal’s shoulder blades. An average-sized thoroughbred horse is 16 hands or 64 inches. Average weight is 1,100 pounds.
Male thoroughbreds are stallions and females are mares. Foals (not ponies) are born after a gestation period of about 11 months.
