When imagining “the old south,” you may have a mental image of large live oaks elegantly draped with Spanish moss.
Spanish moss, also known as Spanish beard, French hair, Graybeard and tree hair, is not actually part of the moss family. It is a bromeliad that clings to itself and dangles from tree limbs. It does not have roots and prefers warm climates with high humidity for absorption of nutrients from the air.
Spanish moss plays an important role in nature. Birds, insects, bats, frogs, lizards and snakes use Spanish moss to build nests. Trees are not harmed by dangling moss.
You may see Spanish moss hanging from communication and power lines. Small bits are usually harmless and no cause for concern. Large clumps can cause a power outage if moss touches more than one phase. If a large bundle of moss is engulfing poles or lines, send us an email or give us a call.
SECO Energy is an advocate for members who choose to reduce their utility-supplied power by purchasing their own systems. In fact, as of mid-January, 1,050 SECO members have interconnected with SECO’s facilities by installing a member-owned solar array.
SECO members considering a solar investment are often frustrated by the confusion about return on investment, less-than-reputable contractors and dishonest business practices. To help inform and protect our members, SECO has completed an enhancement and redesign of the Solar Power section of our website. Valuable information from a trusted source is now just a click away.
Our new online tools like the Solar Estimator can help you determine the reduction in utility-supplied power for a specific system size/orientation. The 10-step process and timeline to interconnect with SECO’s system is outlined. We provide answers to frequently asked questions, an explanation of net metering, a sample bill and other resources. We’ve published a comprehensive checklist and list of resources for vetting and selecting a contractor.
When visiting the website, carefully read through “Selecting Your System.” This section explains how to determine system size and the math behind member generation. You’ll find advantages and disadvantages of different panel and inverter types keep reading to find insurance requirements (Florida Administrative Code requires insurance for systems over 10kW).
Most important, the interconnection process and agreement is enhanced with an online application. Members and contractors will now establish login credentials and register to begin the process online. Contractors can register and help manage the interconnection process and agreement on behalf of their client.
At every step of the process toward interconnection with SECO’s facilities, members and contractors will be notified via email to provide updates. We’re leaping into 21st Century technology by incorporating electronic signatures and communications into our new system.
But wait! Before you take another step toward solar, contact SECO for a free solar audit. Our Energy Services Specialists will visit your home and use the Solar Pathfinder to determine the amount of sun your home receives. Our expert will assess your roof, note home orientation and measure obstructions that may block solar power production.
Before signing a contract with an installer, do your homework. Let SECO help you research any potential return on investment. The calculation must include the system investment, maintenance and the cost of utility-supplied power used at night, chilly early mornings or cloudy days.
Attend SECO’s 81st Annual Meeting of the Membership on Saturday, March 23 for a live demonstration at our Solar Square. Gates open at 8 a.m. – join us for breakfast, snacks, live entertainment, gifts, the potential to win door prizes and top-notch hospitality of our local employees.
Sincerely,
Jim Duncan
Chief Executive Officer
Meet SECO Champion Tony Shaw – an example of our 400+ SECO Champion employees. Tony is dedicated to providing exceptional service to members, co-workers and communities.
TONY SHAW – ENERGY SERVICES SPECIALIST
LENGTH OF SERVICE – 19 YEARS
“I make a difference.”
SECO Champion Tony Shaw is an Energy Services Specialist who is a subject matter expert on member-owned solar systems and energy-efficiency measures. As a Citrus County resident, he is often the SECO contact stationed in the Citrus County Emergency Operations Center during emergencies such as Hurricanes Irma and Matthew. Tony’s family has called Central Florida home for generations. He and his family enjoy fishing and golf, and he loves to spend time with his young grandson. Tony is proud that he helps members save money and reduce energy usage by conducting energy and solar audits. Tony is often out and about in the community offering energy-efficiency tips, providing money-saving ideas and sharing his knowledge of solar generation. Tony states, “People really trust and believe in SECO Energy as a company.”
FLORIDA SPECIAL NEEDS REGISTRY
The Florida Division of Emergency Management has developed the Florida Special Needs Registry to allow residents with special needs to register with their local emergency management agency to receive assistance during a disaster. The statewide registry provides first responders with valuable information to prepare for disasters or other emergencies. The Special Needs Registry may help save your life. Visit the Florida Disaster website to locate your county and register.
SECO IS TOPS!
Thank you, SECO Members, for rating your not-for-profit electric cooperative top in customer satisfaction. SECO received an outstanding ACSI score of 89 in 2018! When comparing SECO to average ACSI scores in the energy industry – SECO is a clear Florida and national frontrunner. Nationally, cooperative utilities averaged 77 in 2018. Scores for municipal and investor-owned utilities both averaged slightly lower at 75.
MOVE OVER FOR SAFETY
Did you know that Florida law requires drivers to Move Over a lane – safely – for law enforcement, emergency, sanitation, utility vehicles, tow trucks and wreckers that are stopped on the roadside? Heed the law or pay a hefty fine – $100 to $500 (dependent on the county where cited) – and three points on your driving record.
If you can’t safely move over a lane – Slow Down to a speed that is 20 mph less than the posted speed limit.
In 2017, over 17,000 Move Over citations were issued in Florida– this includes 1,756 logged in SECO’s service area. There were 212 Move Over crashes in the state and 16 Move Over crashes in our area.
The fine will lighten your wallet and the points will damage your driving record. But the law is designed to protect defenseless roadside workers including SECO‘s line technicians. Let’s all Move Over and allow these folks to return home safely to their loved ones after a hard day’s work.
RIGHT TREE – RIGHT PLACE
Spring is just around the corner and many of us are looking forward to planting a new landscape. For energy efficiency and safety, plant the right tree in the right place and always call 811 Sunshine One-call (it’s free!) before you dig. 811 will arrange for the free service of locating and marking underground utilities.
Did you know the right landscape plan can greatly reduce your annual energy costs? Deciduous trees planted to the south, southwest or west side of buildings can provide shade that helps reduce cooling costs. Evergreen trees planted on the north and west sides help to block winter winds and reduce heating costs.
When planning, consider the tree’s height when fully grown. Trees growing too close to lines are a safety hazard to SECO field employees and the public. Trees touching lines can cause sparks, fires, power outages and shock hazards. Never plant tall oak, pine, sycamore or palm trees near power lines.
Planning the right landscape today can avoid problems in the future, especially where power lines are concerned.
The NRECA offers a Director Certification Program for not-for-profit electric cooperative Trustees to better understand their roles and responsibilities, stay up-to-date on key issues and energy trends while preparing them to meet the challenges facing electric cooperatives now and in the future. To attain the Director Gold Credential, Mr. Boyatt first completed the Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD) Certificate and the Board Leadership Certificate (BLC).
Mr. Boyatt lives in Clermont and became a SECO member in 2004. He was elected by District 1 members to serve as their representative on SECO’s Board of Trustees in 2013. Collectively, SECO’s nine-member Board of Trustees represents members as a whole with one Trustee elected from each of SECO’s nine Districts.
Trustee Boyatt stated, “I am very proud to represent my fellow District 1 members as their voice on SECO Energy’s Board. After earning the BLC last year, I was inspired to earn the Director Gold Credential before the District 1 Trustee election on January 31. Upon completing the Director Certification Program, I felt that I was called to run for Trustee again and I am confident in my ability to serve our members.”
CEO Jim Duncan stated, “Congratulations to Mr. Boyatt on his recent educational achievement and his willingness to serve as District 1 Trustee. SECO’s Board has continually supported our cooperative’s efforts to offer members improved reliability, safe and affordable power with excellent customer service. I am grateful for the Board’s guidance and their commitment to fellow members.”
Duncan continued, “Make plans to attend our 81st Annual Meeting of the membership on Saturday, March 23. We are serving breakfast and snacks, providing live entertainment and offering members chances to win prizes, including a refurbished 2009 Ford SuperCab, a golf cart, several cash prizes and a large variety of other door prizes.”
Visit our Board of Trustees page to view a photo and brief bio of SECO’s Trustees along with a District map. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.
SECO Energy District 3 members gathered at The Villages’ Savannah Center on Thursday, January 24 to elect a Trustee to represent their District on SECO’s Board. Members voted to re-elect District 3 Trustee Richard Belles. A SECO member since 2001, Mr. Belles was first elected to the Board in 2013.
SECO Energy is a not-for-profit electric cooperative, operated for and owned by its members. SECO members who reside in the District elect one of their fellow members to serve on 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.
In January, both Mr. Belles and fellow District 3 resident Bryan Lifsey declared their willingness to serve the members in District 3 by submitting letters of intent to run. On the afternoon of January 24, a large crowd assembled in the Savannah Center to elect a District 3 Trustee for a three-year term.
Trustee Belles stated, “Thank you District 3 members for choosing me as your Trustee. I am humbled and honored by your support and trust. It is a pleasure to work on your behalf with my fellow Trustees, and I look forward to continuing my Board service.”
President Jerry Hatfield stated, “Mr. Belles’ Board service has had a meaningful impact on SECO’s improved reliability, financial stability and customer service recognitions and success. I congratulate him on his re-election and I look forward to his assistance in serving our fellow SECO members.”
CEO Jim Duncan stated, “Congratulations to Mr. Belles on his re-election and thank you District 3 members for participating in your District Meeting. SECO’s Board of Trustees is an important piece of the cooperative process. They are a fiscally responsible group who is very supportive of SECO, its members and employees. I am grateful for our Board’s fiduciary guidance and oversight, and their collective knowledge of the utility industry.”
Duncan continued, “I hope members plan to attend our Annual Meeting on Saturday, March 23. We will be serving breakfast, snacks, visit the Energy Showcase for energy-efficiency displays, enjoy live entertainment and the chance to win door prizes. The grand prizes this year are a refurbished 2009 Ford SuperCab 4-wheel drive with less than 60,000 miles, a golf cart, cash and many other prizes.”
Visit our Trustees page to view a photo and read a brief bio of SECO’s Trustees along with a District map. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.
SECO Energy members have once again rated the not-for-profit electric cooperative top in customer satisfaction. SECO received an outstanding ACSI score of 89 in 2018, a one-point increase from the cooperative’s 2017 score.
The American Customer Satisfaction Index provides a one-of-a-kind, cross-industry measurement of customer satisfaction. ACSI scores are comparable across all sectors, industries, companies and time periods. SECO Energy conducted the membership survey that included the ACSI metrics at year end and contacted members both by phone and online to ask about their unique experience with the cooperative. Members rated SECO an impressive score of 89.
When comparing SECO to average ACSI scores in the energy industry – SECO is a clear Florida and national frontrunner. Nationally, cooperative utilities averaged 77 in 2018. Scores for municipal and investor-owned utilities both averaged slightly lower at 75.
Among 18 other metrics in the survey, members ranked SECO as “excellent” on 16 of 18 attributes with the highest ratings for employees, bills and payment options, minimizing outages, having consumers’ best interests at heart and the cooperative’s corporate citizenship initiatives. Three attributes increased significantly from 2017: having highly trained, professional employees, communicating with members and keeping them informed and being easy to reach.
CEO Jim Duncan stated, “SECO’s recent increase in our ACSI score is a clear indicator that our employees are our cooperative’s greatest asset. Accolades and high rankings from members are a testament to our employees’ dedication to improving reliability, maintaining low rates and offering members world-class customer service. I am grateful to work with a group of folks committed to the cooperative purpose.”
Duncan continued, “And thank you, members, in particular for recognizing our employees’ efforts on your behalf. We are grateful for your continued approval and support.”
The survey also included feedback that members’ satisfaction increased with the addition of our new StormCenter outage map and communications suite that offers proactive email, text and voice notifications. To manage preferences, visit SECO Energy’s StormCenter.
In recent years, SECO Energy has received national attention, and three J.D. Power trophies, for its exceptional customer satisfaction rankings. In the 2015 J.D. Power study, SECO Energy was ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Midsize Utilities in the South.” And in 2016 and 2017, SECO was ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Cooperatives.”
“Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates. Visit SECO Energy’s About SECO page to learn more about the Central Florida not-for-profit electric cooperative.
SECO Energy learned on Monday afternoon that a Marion County couple’s home was burglarized while they were distracted by an imposter representing himself as a SECO employee.
The scammer posed as a SECO worker assigned to assess a project to upgrade lines and transformers on the couple’s property. The male imposter was well-dressed, driving a white SUV and was seemingly educated about the local area and electric services. The couple discovered that while they were lured to the back of their property by the imposter, their residence was burglarized by an accomplice. The crime was reported to Marion County law enforcement and is being investigated.
CEO Jim Duncan cautions members, “If you are approached by an individual claiming to be a SECO employee or contractor, immediately request to see a SECO ID badge. The SECO logo should be visible on all SECO Energy-issued ID badges. SECO employee and contractor vehicles are required to display the SECO Energy logo. If a logo is not visible on the badge or vehicle, immediately disengage from the situation and contact law enforcement. Exercise caution and stay safe.”
Keep in mind that phone, online and in-person scammers continue to threaten disconnection of service if payment is not immediately rendered either by producing cash, credit card information or a money gram type card for payment. Do not fall for these scams. Check your account status at online or contact the cooperative by phone or email to verify.
If in doubt, close the door or hang up. Reach out directly to SECO. Read more about scams in our Newsroom blog to protect your family.
“Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates. Learn more about the Central Florida not-for-profit electric cooperative.
December 2018 was chilly compared to December 2017. The average temperature was 62°, while December of 2017 had an average temperature of 64°. The average high in December 2018 was three degrees cooler than 2017. This December also saw heavier precipitation. Rainfall for December 2018 was 5.55 inches compared to last December at 1.20 inches.
There were 62 cooling degree days and 157 heating degree days for December 2018, while last year there were 81 cooling degree days with 107 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° degrees outside on a particular day, there are 5 Heating Degree Days for that day in that location.
January 2019 is forecast to be somewhat the same as last January and is still Central Florida’s coldest month of the year. Our local forecast calls for lows in the 40s for at least sixteen nights in January. Be sure you’ve changed your heating unit’s air filter and have had the unit serviced by a qualified technician. Rainfall is forecast to be heavier than normal so keep an umbrella handy.
For those with heat pumps, raise the thermostat setting no more than 1-2 degrees at a time when heating is being used to prevent back-up heat strips from operating. Heat strips can cost up to five times more per hour in energy use.
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.
The basking shark is the second-largest living shark in the world. Basking sharks can grow up to a massive 40 feet long and weigh between 6,600 and 13,000 pounds. This shark is thought to mate in early summer, with gestation of a year up to three years. It gives birth only once every two to four years. Its life expectancy is fifty years.
Despite their large appearance, basking sharks are non-aggressive and harmless to humans. The basking shark has the smallest brain weight of any shark – a reflection of its relatively passive lifestyle. Listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature‘s (IUCN) Red List as a vulnerable species, this shark is fully protected in the UK, Malta, New Zealand, Florida and the Gulf Coast.
Business challenges at your workplace include work-related injuries, chronic disease, absenteeism and sick employees who return to work before getting well. According to the Centers for Disease Control, an aging workforce also presents unique challenges such as stress, fatigue, depression – all which all contribute to declining productivity. The fact is that small changes at work can add up to big changes in productivity and for employees personally.
A healthy workplace starts with leadership taking the time to remind employees to take care of themselves. Starting small by implementing weekly or even daily safety huddles in a break room or on the tailgate can reap big rewards. Just 5 – 10 minutes spent talking about workplace healthy lifestyles can change attitudes. An example might be to encourage adding a few more steps during the day like walking during breaks or lunch and even taking the stairs instead of the elevator. If space permits, a designated walking path at your location could be a source of encouragement.
Besides coffee and conversation, give thought to implementing a morning stretch routine. Allow employees the time to perform a few basic exercises to limber up prior to beginning their work shift. Just a few minutes of stretching improves performance of physical activities and reduces the risk of injuries. Add a little music which has been shown to reduce stress and promote overall better health.
If your budget allows, consider hosting “Lunch and Learns” at your location by inviting area experts to share with your employees on health-related topics of interest. Your program plan could be as simple as having someone from a local health facility share tips on how to stay well during cold and flu season. Just a reminder to disinfect your phone, wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer and practice good hygiene habits can go a long way.
Something else you can do for your employees is to promote good food choices by providing healthy snacks such as fruit, nuts and vegetables in break room vending machines or through the addition of a micro-market.
In the heart of SECO Energy’s service area is a unique one-of-a-kind camp beautifully spread across 232 acres east of Eustis. Camp Boggy Creek serves children ages 7-16 who have been diagnosed with chronic or life threatening illnesses. The camp provides a full-time doctor and nurse to help children and parents keep up with the medical needs of each individual camper or family.
Family retreat weekends for spring and winter and summer camp schedules are posted on the website and applications are now available. If you know someone who can benefit, make them aware. Camp Boggy Creek never charges the campers to attend and does not ask for them to contribute anything other than a positive attitude. Aside from all of the different fun activities that the camp provides (including horseback riding, fishing, rope climbs and drama), Camp Boggy Creek gives the opportunity for children and parents for fellowship with others whose circumstances are similar to their own. This serves as a reminder that they are not alone. They are able to form a support network with people who truly do understand their needs.
Founded in 1996 by Paul Newman and General H. Norman Schwarzkopf, Camp Boggy Creek began with the premise that every child, no matter their illness, could experience the transforming spirit and friendships that go hand in hand with a great camp experience.
To learn more about this amazing camp, visit Camp Boggy Creek online. Download applications, gain information about the camp, learn about the medical group, volunteer and donate to the programs.
Your 2019 Expansion Plan
Whether you’re applying for a new electrical service, service modification, upgrade or have plans for a new subdivision, contact your SECO Energy account representative as soon as possible. With Central Florida growing by leaps and bounds, this is necessary to ensure all the right people are involved in your project early on and you receive a timely response to meet your expectations for service.
If you’re planning to add a meter, an application for service is required and should be made well in advance of the date the service is needed. Depending on the type of service requested, any or all of the following information may be necessary:
Exact location of the property where service is needed (site plan, recorded plat, street address, lot, block number and legal description)
Service size (main) and voltage
Size of air conditioning, heating, water heating, refrigeration, and cooking when applicable
Type and voltage of motor loads, number of phases, horsepower
Street/area lighting – type and size (if lighting is to be installed behind the meter)
Mechanical and electrical plans (in the case of service upgrades, these must include existing and new load along with a riser diagram)
Utility (water, sewer, gas) plans including elevations
Plans for paving and drainage
In addition to the above, there may be other considerations such as easements and permits. A new meter set will also require a deposit equal to two times the projected average bill. Deposits are accepted in the form of cash, surety bond or irrevocable letter of credit. Depending on the size load you’re adding, a written power purchase agreement may also be necessary.
Contact your account representative early in the design stage so that engineering, material procurement and construction can be scheduled to meet your timeline.
SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees has once again approved $36,000 in 2019 scholarships to support local students looking to fulfill their quest for a higher education. SECO has provided over $500,000 in scholarships to area students during the program’s 20-year tenure.
The Cooperative will award up to 12 local high school students a $3,000 scholarship toward their education at an accredited college, university or vocational/technical school located in Florida. To be considered, applicants must live in a home served by SECO and must graduate in the 2019 school year (May/June). Awardees must be enrolled full time by the end of 2019 to receive the scholarship disbursement.
Scholarship awards are based on scholastic achievements, community service and financial need as well as an interest in pursuing a career in the energy field. An independent group of educators from within SECO’s service area evaluates all applicants and determines the winners.
CEO Jim Duncan encourages area high school seniors to apply stating, “We are happy to continue SECO’s scholarship program in 2019. SECO embraces educational initiatives, especially ones that may lead to future energy industry careers. In addition to scholarships, SECO has formed a partnership with Dunnellon High School assisting students in its Power Generation Academy. We talk to students of all ages about careers at SECO when attending career fairs.”
Duncan added, “Our communities are full of bright, talented young men and women who are looking for stable employment close to their hometowns with benefits and competitive compensation. We hope that our scholarship winners will choose to apply for a position at SECO as they begin their career.”
Scholarship applications are available beginning January 2 at SECO’s Member Service Centers or on our Scholarship page. Students can also pick up an application at their local high school guidance counselors’ offices.
Mail completed applications to: SECO Energy Attn: Corporate Communications, P.O. Box 301, Sumterville, FL 33585-0301. SECO must receive the completed application by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 29. Winners will be notified by phone or letter on or before April 26. The awards banquet is scheduled for May 20, 2019.
“Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates. Visit our Community page to learn more about SECO’s corporate citizenship and other community outreach initiatives.
