Amanda Richardson – Page 4

SECO Energy Foundation $50,000 Grant Supports United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties

The SECO Energy Foundation awarded a $50,000 community grant to United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties. On Wednesday, April 10, 2024, the SECO Energy Foundation presented the funds to the organization during a brief ceremony at their Leesburg office. The grant will support the Mission United veteran’s assistance initiative dedicated to supporting the needs of veterans in our community.

The Mission United veteran’s assistance program addresses transportation, financial stability, emergency assistance, housing, and other essential services. Crucial transportation services to medical, dental, and mental health appointments, grocery stores, Veterans Affairs appointments, and other necessary destinations are provided along with rent and utility assistance, emergency financial support, and food assistance. Veterans are offered personalized support that connects them with necessary resources including employment, education, training, and housing.

United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties CEO, Jessica Davis is thankful for the SECO Energy Foundation’s community support. Davis stated, “The SECO Energy Foundation grant is instrumental, as it will enable us to reach more veterans, provide more comprehensive services, and continue making a significant impact in the lives of those who have given so much for our nation.”

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 Executive Director Mariah Delgado is enthusiastic about the organization’s plans for the funds. Delgado stated, “The grant to the United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties will truly make a difference in our local communities. It will help the United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties’ mission, including addressing health, family stability, and education needs. In this case, it also serves our veterans, so two of the SECO Energy Foundation’s target initiatives are supported.”

Delgado added, “The SECO Energy Foundation is pleased to have these funds applied to such a good program. We are excited to contribute to efforts that will provide opportunities to improve the quality of life in our communities.”

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.

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

SECO Energy District 4 Members Elect James LaMotte as Trustee

SECO Energy members residing in District 4 elected James LaMotte as their representative to serve on SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees in a Special District Meeting on April 9, following the passing of Mr. Richard Dennison, a long-standing Trustee earlier this year. The Meeting and election were held within the District at the Marion Oaks Assembly of God in Ocala.

SECO Energy is a not-for-profit electric cooperative operated for and owned by its members. SECO’s service area is geographically divided into nine Districts. One Trustee is elected from each of the nine Districts to represent their fellow members 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 membership at large.

Mr. James LaMotte and Mr. Richard McGinley, both of whom reside in Ocala, submitted letters of intent to run as the District 4 candidate, and each met the Trustee qualifications. As the newly elected Trustee, Mr. LaMotte will assume the seat held since 2015 by the late Trustee, Mr. Richard Dennison. Mr. LaMotte will hold the Trustee position for the remainder of the 2023-2026 term.

SECO Energy’s Bylaws require that the cooperative hold District Meetings every three years, during which time elections are held to determine the District’s representation on the SECO Energy Board of Trustees. Cooperatives that hold in-person District Meetings must also hold an in-person election per Florida Statute. A drive-thru voting option was available for members for added convenience and to encourage participation.

Mr. LaMotte has served as president of the SECO Energy Foundation Board since its inception. He currently works as the Area Coordinator for Marion County Public Schools, handling the custodial and grounds of over 25 sites and managing approximately 100 employees. He lives in Ocala Waterway Estates with his wife, Suzan, and has been a member of SECO Energy for nearly 30 years.

Following the election, Mr. LaMotte was congratulated by Board Trustee and President Gerald Anderson and SECO Energy CEO Curtis Wynn. LaMotte expressed his appreciation for being chosen to contribute to his community in a significant role, stating, “I’m thankful and humbled by the support from everyone in District 4 who participated in the election. Serving on the SECO Energy Board of Trustees is a tremendous honor. Mr. Dennison has been an exemplary figure in this District. Stepping into this role, I look forward to tackling the challenges of increasing energy demand, grid security, and the integration of new technologies. I’m ready to work closely with the Board to navigate these issues and support the members of SECO Energy effectively.”

President Anderson added, “Well done, Mr. LaMotte, on your successful election to the SECO Energy Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees and I are prepared to collaborate with you to deepen your understanding of SECO’s distinct operational procedures, our key goals, and the significant challenges we face moving forward.”

SECO Energy CEO Curtis Wynn expressed condolences for Mr. Dennison’s passing and welcomed Mr. LaMotte to his new role, stating, “We deeply feel the absence left by Mr. Dennison, a Trustee whose dedication and work were highly esteemed. Mr. LaMotte’s significant involvement in the SECO Energy Foundation Board has helped equip him for his responsibilities as a Trustee. Given his contributions and dedication to SECO Energy’s mission, we look forward to the future with optimism.”

“Like” SECO Energy on Facebook and follow @SECOEnergy on 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.

SECO Energy Foundation Approves $200,000 in Community Grants

The SECO Energy Foundation Directors approved $200,000 in community grants at their first quarterly meeting in 2024. The funded grants will be used to support charitable organizations that assist local 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.

Central Florida Council, Boy Scouts of America was awarded $40,000. The award will be used to purchase a generator to operate freezer and cooling equipment at the Camp La-No-Che Boy Scout Camp located in Paisley. The generator will be an asset to the Boy Scout Council and local Scouting Associations as a means of storm preparedness.

Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter was awarded $50,000 for their Veterans Housing Initiative. The agency is working to help veterans maintain the safety and livability of their homes. There is a growing need to help low-income families and individuals who own a home but are unable to complete necessary repairs or improve the home’s accessibility needs due to aging or health constraints.

United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties received approval for $50,000 to fund their Mission United Veteran’s Assistance program. The Mission United Program is a comprehensive initiative dedicated to supporting veteran’s needs. The program aids in transportation, financial stability, emergency assistance, housing, and other essential services for veterans.

United Way of Citrus County will benefit from a $10,000 grant to fund The GROW Initiative: Financial Literacy Class. Financial literacy courses provided by the United Way of Citrus County teach citizens budgeting priorities, managing and building credit, help in resumé preparation, job interview skills, and other expertise to set them up for financial success.

United Way of Marion County was awarded $50,000 to support the 2-1-1 and Strong Families programs. 2-1-1 is an informational and referral helpline that connects families and individuals with essential community services and resources. The Strong Families program seeks to end generational poverty by teaching financial stability to Marion County residents. The coaching program addresses homelessness, promotes debt reduction, increased income, and education attainment.

The SECO Energy Foundation Board of Directors President James LaMotte is excited for the organizations receiving grant funds. LaMotte stated, “The SECO Energy Foundation Board of Directors is pleased to fund five local charitable organizations. All funded projects will enhance or expand needed social services within our communities.”

The SECO Energy Foundation’s Executive Director Mariah Delgado echoes Mr. LaMotte’s sentiments by adding, “The SECO Energy Foundation was organized to help charitable organizations expand their outreach. Funding was scarce for many social service agencies, that citizens depend on, during the Covid Pandemic. There is a great risk to communities as a whole when charitable programs remain under funded, and the grants funded by the SECO Energy Foundation will help immensely.”

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 aim of the SECO Energy Foundation is to support charitable organizations that assist local 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.

March 2024 Sunshine State Stats

In March 2024, the average high and low temperatures rose substantially over February. The month’s lowest temperature of 47 degrees was 7 degrees higher than in February, while the highest temperature of 88 degrees was 4 degrees higher than last month. Central Florida is headed away from the coolest part of the year into milder spring weather. The average high of 79 degrees matches the “normal” temperature for March, while the average low of 60 degrees was two degrees warmer than usual, as recorded at Leesburg International Airport (KLEE).

Reported rainfall increased slightly from February, totaling 3.44 inches. This total is .59 inches lower than the average March precipitation level of 4.03 inches, but significantly higher than a year ago when only .16 inches fell. Measurable precipitation was limited to just 7 of 31 days and the rainiest days were March 10 and 22, when 1.14 inches fell.

March recorded its highest temperature of 88 degrees on the 9th. The lowest daily recorded temperature of 47 degrees was on the 20th, one day after the lowest measured high temp of 67 degrees.

Thunderstorm activity within a 20-mile radius of Leesburg International Airport was much higher in the first half of March than in the second half. WeatherSentry recorded 2045 cloud-to-ground lightning strikes on March 2, 3, 6, and 10, while only 182 strikes were recorded on March 18 and 27.

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

Data and charts provided by weathersentry.dtn.com

Cloud to Ground Lightning – March 1-14, 2024 (2045 strikes)

Cloud to Ground Lightning – March 15–31, 2024 (182 strikes)

The increase in thunderstorm activity is a reminder to 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 the SECO Energy 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” 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.

April forecast from The Old Farmer’s Almanac:

The weather outlook for April 2024 begins with sunny and warm temperatures with scattered showers in the first two weeks. The following two weeks are expected to deliver isolated showers to heavy rain while temps remain mild to warm.

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 News April 2024

Thank you to all who tuned in to our 2024 Annual Meeting and participated in your cooperative’s governance process! If you were unable to tune in live, watch the Annual Meeting video on SECOEnergy.com to see the list of 101 prize winners. The video is also available on YouTube and Facebook.

17,209 members voted on Annual Meeting business. Both the revisions to SECO Energy’s Bylaws pertaining to District Meetings and Trustee qualifications and the 2023 Annual Meeting Minutes were approved by the membership.

During the meeting, Board of Trustees President Gerald Anderson and I provided an update on SECO Energy’s successful 2023, specifically celebrating our 85th anniversary as an electric cooperative. This significant milestone represents decades of service, innovation, and community involvement that originated from a collective effort of rural households in 1938. Our journey has brought electricity to over 240,000 members and employment opportunities to Central Florida making 2023 a truly remarkable achievement.

In response to growth and the evolving energy landscape, SECO Energy introduced a new Strategy Map at the start of 2023. Our Mission steadfastly remains committed to providing reliable and innovative energy services and our Vision is to lead the industry in member satisfaction and engagement while becoming the preferred employer in our region. This strategic approach enables the Cooperative to focus on our core business, navigate industry changes and rising costs, operate more efficiently, enhance member engagement, and overcome labor and supply chain shortages.

In 2022, the SECO Energy Board of Trustees approved a multi-million-dollar investment in advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) with plans to implement the technology across our service area. AMI is one of the most innovative services investments we can provide that will reach practically every member.

Reducing labor and contractor costs, identifying service anomalies, and almost instantaneous power outage detection make AMI a win for members and the Cooperative.

AMI allows us to connect and engage directly with you through the system’s ability to provide real insight into your home’s energy use. This technology is the first step for SECO to open the door to new ideas and innovations. Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems, or DERMS, will pave the way for a more resilient and sustainable energy infrastructure. Soon, you will be able to enroll your smart devices, such as your thermostat, water heater, Wi-Fi-connected whole home generator, batteries, and electric vehicle, to connect with our DERMS provider.

We plan to incentivize members who take advantage of this newer technology that will help us consume less energy when demand is high. Watch for an announcement of the program launch in an upcoming edition of SECO News.

Best regards,

Curtis Wynn

Chief Executive Officer

If you missed this year’s Annual Meeting or didn’t win a prize, don’t worry – there’s a second chance to win. Simply head over to www.Facebook.com/SECOEnergy and play 2024 Annual Meeting trivia.

HERE ARE THE TEN PRIZES UP FOR GRABS:

• Two (2) $250 SECO Energy bill credits

• Three (3) $100 Amazon gift cards

• Five (5) $50 SECO Energy bill credits

HOW DO YOU PLAY? On SECO Energy’s 2024 Annual Meeting trivia Facebook post, answer these five questions in the comments section:

1. What anniversary milestone did SECO Energy commemorate in 2023?

2. What was SECO Energy’s 2023 ACSI score?

3. How many Trustee Districts make up the SECO Energy Board?

4. What was the total number of members served by SECO Energy by the end of 2023?

5. What does AMI stand for?

NEED SOME HELP FINDING THE ANSWERS? No problem! Visit SECOEnergy.com > Your Co-op > Annual Member Meeting and watch the recorded virtual meeting. You can submit your answers by mail to SECO Energy, P.O. Box 301, Sumterville, FL 33585, or play online. Make sure to submit your answers before June 14th. Winners will be notified by June 21st. GOOD LUCK!

All members who voted on 2024 Annual Meeting business were eligible to win 1 of 101 prizes. To check and see if you’re one of the lucky winners, head over to SECOEnergy.com > Your Co-Op > Annual Member Meeting.

In case you missed out on the live feed of the Annual Meeting, you can watch the video posted on our website and YouTube channel. Don’t miss the chance to catch up on the latest updates and to find out if you’re among the fortunate prize recipients!

SECO Energy has been named a 2024 Tree Line USA Utility by the Arbor Day Foundation for 17 years in a row. Tree Line USA recognizes public and private utilities that help to preserve and enhance America’s urban forests. Nationally, Tree Line USA fosters the coexistence of reliable and safely delivered electricity with communities that maintain healthy trees.

To earn the Tree Line USA designation, SECO Energy meets five program standards: quality tree care, providing yearly worker training in best tree care practices, sponsoring a tree planting and education program, maintaining a tree-based energy conservation program, and participating in an Arbor Day celebration. Celebrate Arbor Day on Friday, April 26, by planting a tree. Be sure to call 811 before you dig and plant the tree away from overhead power lines.

SECO’s Surge MitiGator™ protection program takes the bite out of damaging spikes and surges, and you can too! Enroll in the Surge MitiGator™ program by June 30, 2024, for a chance to win one of three portable generators. Members in a current lease or have a previously purchased Surge MitiGator™ are automatically entered to win.

Scan the QR code or go to SECOEnergy.com > Energy Solutions > Surge MitiGator™ and complete the web form to get started. We’ll pick a winner in April, May, and June.

The Surge MitiGator™ program provides a meter-based arrestor that acts as the first line of defense to block electrical disturbances from entering through the electric line before they damage appliances and lead to financial loss. Surges are often caused by lightning, vehicle accidents involving SECO Energy’s infrastructure, small animals, fallen trees, and other unforeseeable events.

Lease the Surge MitiGator™ for a monthly fee* of only $5.95 or purchase the protection for $349. Both options include a 15-year manufacturer warranty.

SECO Energy recommends installing point-of-use devices to provide additional protection for sensitive appliances inside the home. These can be purchased at most major home improvement stores.

*Plus tax and applicable installation fees.

April is National Safe Digging Month, which serves as an important reminder to always know what lies beneath before breaking ground on any outside projects requiring digging.

It’s alarming to note that every year, millions of dollars in property damage, personal injury, and even fatalities occur due to accidental digging into buried utility lines. Whether you’re planning to install a fence, plant a tree, or embark on a construction project, it’s crucial to take proactive steps to know what’s below to avoid potential hazards underground before digging.

HERE’S HOW THE PROCESS WORKS:

1. Plan Your Project. Gather specific information about your digging project, such as street address, type of project, and timeline.

2. Call 811 or Submit a Request Online at Sunshine811.com. It’s free and easy. You’ll receive a ticket number and a list of public utility companies that will be notified of your intent to dig.

3. Wait Two Full Business Days. Affected public utilities will be notified of your intent to dig and will dispatch someone to the approximate location of these underground facilities on your property.

4. Confirm Utility Responses and Marks. Before breaking ground, confirm that all utilities have responded to your request and marked the appropriate locations.

5. Dig Carefully. If digging within 24 inches from the outer edge of each marked facility can’t be avoided, consider moving your project location.

Ensuring your safety and the integrity of SECO Energy’s infrastructure remains the utmost priority. By following these steps and calling 811 before digging, you not only safeguard yourself but our entire community.

Let’s use this month as an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to prioritizing safety and ensuring that every digging project is approached with caution and foresight. Together, we can prevent accidents, protect infrastructure, and promote a safer environment for all.

Read the full April 2024 SECO News.

February 2024 Sunshine State Stats

In February 2024, both the average high and low temperatures inched two degrees higher than in January. While the month’s lowest temperature of 40 degrees was 6 degrees higher than in January, its high was 2 degrees lower, at 84 degrees. The slow upward trend suggests the “peak” of winter’s chill may have passed Central Florida. The average high of 72 degrees and low of 51 degrees are still cooler than the “normal” for February (75/54), as recorded at Leesburg International Airport (KLEE).

Reported rainfall at Leesburg International Airport (KLEE) increased by 1.25 inches from last month, totaling 3.25 inches. This total is .26 inches higher than the February normal precipitation level of 2.99 inches. Measurable precipitation was limited to just 7 of 29 days in this “Leap Year” version of February. The rainiest day occurred on February 17, when 1.29 inches fell.

February recorded its highest temperature of 84 degrees on the 11th and the lowest daily recorded temperature occurred on the 22nd, when the mercury bottomed out at 40 degrees.

Thunderstorm activity within a 20-mile radius of Leesburg International Airport occurred on February 4, when WeatherSentry recorded 94 cloud-to-ground lightning strikes.

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

Data and charts provided by weathersentry.dtn.com

Cloud to Ground Lightning – February 4, 2024

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 with evenings dipping lower, many homes may be using both cooling and heating on the same day. Depending on one’s HVAC use, homeowners may experience higher-than-expected energy costs at this time of year.

Now is a good opportunity to complete seasonal maintenance on your HVAC system. Also, be sure to check your thermostat settings to properly update them for these cooler months. The energy-efficient thermostat setting during hotter months is 78 degrees and during colder months it is 68 degrees.

March forecast from The Old Farmer’s Almanac:

The weather outlook for March 2024 begins with isolated showers and cool temperatures in the first five days. The following ten days are expected to remain sunny and cool, followed by a few days of showers with cool temperatures. The projection for the second half of March suggests warmer weather with a few scattered showers.

Online Energy-Efficiency Tools

Log into SmartHub to view past bills and consumption charts to check historical usage. 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.

SECO Energy District 8 Members Elect New Trustee Martin Proctor

SECO Energy members residing in District 8 elected Martin E. Proctor as their representative to serve on SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees. The meeting and election were held within the District at First Baptist Church of Leesburg South Campus on February 13, 2024.

SECO Energy is a not-for-profit electric cooperative, operated for and owned by its members. SECO’s service area is geographically divided into nine Districts. One Trustee is elected from each of the nine Districts to represent their fellow members 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 membership at large.

The election was a contested ballot with two candidates, Mr. Martin Proctor, and Mr. Anthony Grove. As the newly elected Trustee, Mr. Proctor will assume the seat held since 2010 by William James, who is retiring from the Board of Trustees. Mr. Proctor will hold the Trustee position for a 3-year term. SECO’s Bylaws currently require that the cooperative hold District Meetings every three years at which time elections are held to determine representation for the district on the SECO Energy Board of Trustees. Florida Statute requires SECO to hold in-person elections, therefore, the cooperative continues to hold District Meetings as a means of electing Trustees. A drive-thru voting option was available for members for added convenience and to encourage participation.

A SECO Energy Foundation Board Vice President since 2023, Mr. Proctor is a District 1 Board Member of the Lake County Water Authority and is active with the Groveland Planning and Zoning. He is a graduate of Purdue University and holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering. He lives on Lake Emma, part of Palatlakaha Creek, with his wife of over 35 years.

District 8 2024 Election photo

After the meeting, Mr. Proctor was congratulated by Board Trustee and President Gerald Anderson and SECO Energy CEO Curtis Wynn. Proctor is grateful for the opportunity to serve his community in a new capacity, stating, “I want to thank my fellow District 8 friends and neighbors who attended the meeting and election. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve on the SECO Energy Board of Trustees and expect to learn as much about the cooperative and industry as possible. Mr. James has served this District well; he mentored me and nominated me to the SECO Energy Foundation Board. This new role will increase my knowledge of the energy industry and cooperative, not-for-profit business model. I am excited for the challenge and the ability to work with and build communication with my future Board peers.”

Board Trustee Anderson added, “The Board of Trustees will look back fondly on the contributions of Mr. Bill James, and with the addition of a new Trustee we all have a duty to assist with his introduction to the industry so he can be equipped with the best tools to make a positive impact. I know our veteran Trustees will work shoulder to shoulder with Mr. Proctor to advance his familiarity with SECO’s unique processes, objectives and challenges ahead.”

SECO Energy CEO, Curtis Wynn also paid tribute to Mr. James and then welcomed Mr. Proctor, adding, “Mr. James has been a steadfast Trustee who has been a valued contributor. His dedication to SECO is admirable and respected by us all. Mr. Proctor comes with an impressive history of community service, not the least of which was his appointment as a founding SECO Energy Foundation Board Member. This experience, though relatively brief, will ease the transition into his new role as a Trustee with SECO Energy. We look forward to his future contributions and dedication to support SECO Energy.”

SECO Energy Achieves Impressive ACSI Score for 2023

SECO Energy, the leading not-for-profit electric cooperative serving over 240,000 homes and businesses in seven Central Florida counties, proudly announces the successful completion of its annual member-wide customer satisfaction survey. Over 1,700 members actively participated in providing valuable feedback that has once again positioned SECO Energy as a leader in customer satisfaction within the utility sector.

The member responses were evaluated by the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI®), a company specializing in measuring customer satisfaction across diverse industries throughout the entire United States. For 2023, SECO Energy received an ACSI score of “89” on a 100-point scale [1], reflecting the cooperative’s unwavering commitment to excellence in service.

Curtis Wynn, CEO of SECO Energy, expressed his enthusiasm about the outstanding achievement, stating, “At SECO Energy, one of our top priorities is to ensure our members receive exceptional service. This remarkable ACSI score of ’89’ underscores our dedication to providing reliable and innovative energy services. We are proud to surpass all publicly measured investor-owned utility scores, cooperative utility scores, and municipal utility scores, establishing SECO Energy as a leader in customer satisfaction.”

SECO’s ACSI® score of “89” not only surpasses the average investor-owned utility score of 72 but also exceeds the average municipal utilities score of 71, according to the 2023 ACSI Utility Sector Report. Additionally, SECO Energy outperforms the average cooperative utility score by an impressive 15 points.

ACSI is the only national cross-industry measure of customer satisfaction in the United States. It plays a crucial role in providing science-based insights across the complete arc of the customer experience. SECO Energy is honored to be acknowledged for its commitment to outstanding member satisfaction and engagement.

Curtis Wynn expressed his gratitude to SECO Energy members, stating, “Thank you, members, for recognizing our commitment to outstanding member satisfaction and engagement. We are 100% committed to engaging with you and ensuring SECO, along with its 400+ employees, fulfills our mission to provide reliable and innovative energy services. Earning your trust is an accomplishment like no other.”

[1] Compared to publicly measured energy utilities in the ACSI® survey of customers rating their own energy utility. Results based on data provided by SECO Energy, collected between December 4 and 8, 2023. ACSI did not regulate the survey administration or sample size. ACSI and its logo are registered trademarks of the American Customer Satisfaction Index LLC. For more about the ACSI, visit www.theacsi.org

January 2024 Sunshine State Stats

In January 2024, the monthly average high temperature dropped one degree while the average low fell 5 degrees from December as winter’s chill strengthened its grasp of Central Florida. The average high temperature of 70 degrees and low of 49 degrees nearly match the “normal” for January (71/49), as recorded at Leesburg International Airport (KLEE).

Reported rainfall at Leesburg International Airport (KLEE) decreased over 2 inches from December’s total, amounting to 2 inches versus 4.35 inches last month. This total is below the January normal precipitation level of 3.32 inches. Measurable precipitation occurred on 12 of 31 days, with the rainiest day occurring on January 9, when just .57 inches fell.

The month of January recorded its highest temperature of 84 degrees on the 27^th and the lowest daily recorded temperature occurred on the 21^st, when the mercury bottomed at 34 degrees.

Thunderstorm activity within a 20-mile radius of Leesburg International Airport occurred on three days in January. WeatherSentry recorded 155 cloud-to-ground lightning strikes on January 9, 25 strikes on January 16, and 7 strikes on January 27.

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

Data and charts provided by weathersentry.dtn.com

Cloud to Ground Lightning – January 9, 2024

Cloud to Ground Lightning – January 16 & 27, 2024

HVAC is the largest energy user in Central Florida homes, accounting for an average of 35 to 40% of kWh usage. As days and evenings become cooler during these winter months, many homes utilize heating instead of air conditioning. Depending on one’s heating system and the fuel used to produce heat (electricity or gas), homeowners may experience higher-than-expected energy costs at this time of year.

Now is a good opportunity to consider having seasonal maintenance performed on your HVAC system. Also, be sure to check your thermostat settings to properly update them for these cooler months. The energy-efficient thermostat setting during hotter months is 78 degrees and during colder months it is 68 degrees.

February forecast from The Old Farmer’s Almanac:

The weather outlook for February 2024 begins with sunny skies and cool temperatures in the first two weeks. The outlook for February 15-18 suggests rainy weather with milder temps, while February 19-24 looks to return to sunshine with cold temps changing to warmer temps. The projection for the final 4 days of the month is a period of rainy weather accompanied by mild temperatures.

Online Energy-Efficiency Tools

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 Announces 2024 Youth Scholarship Program

SECO Energy is committed to empowering the community through initiatives like the Youth Scholarship Program. This year, the SECO Energy Board of Trustees approved $36,000 in scholarships for up to twelve exceptional high school seniors who live in SECO’s service area to be awarded $3,000 each.

Fostering Local Talent for the Energy Sector

As the labor pool in the energy industry narrows, the need to cultivate and retain local talent becomes even more crucial. That is why SECO Energy is seeking applicants who stand out in math and science and are keen on forging a career in energy-related fields. Whether it is technology, business, engineering, or mathematics, we support students with a passion for powering the future.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants will be evaluated without any discrimination based on sex, race, creed, or color.

Eligible candidates must graduate from high school by the end of the 2023-2024 academic year (May/June) and enroll in a Florida-based college, university, or technical school by the conclusion of the same year.

Special emphasis will be given to those aiming for degrees in technology, business, engineering, or mathematics, especially as they relate to the energy sector. Relevant majors include computer science, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, chemical, nuclear, environmental, civil, agricultural/biological, industrial, materials science and various branches of mathematics.

Applicants must reside in a household served by SECO Energy or live with a parent or legal guardian who is an active SECO Energy member.

Demonstrable financial need and adherence to all other eligibility criteria are essential.

“Two of our deeply held Cooperative Principles are Concern for Community and Education, Training and Information. Our local students display immeasurable talents, and these scholars are poised to become assets to their communities through their future employment. We look forward to helping these students ease the financial burden associated with pursuing higher education,” SECO Energy CEO Curtis Wynn said.

Evaluation Process

When assessing applicants, SECO Energy will weigh factors such as the relevance of the candidate’s major to the energy industry, financial need, academic accomplishments, community engagement, and the quality of the personal statement or essay. Please note that the evaluation process is conclusive, and no appeals or feedback regarding the scoring will be entertained.

Application Details

Applications for the 2024 Youth Scholarship Program are available online at SECOEnergy.com > Your Co-op > Scholarships. To be considered, completed applications must be submitted to SECO Energy by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, April 1, 2024. For inquiries regarding SECO Energy’s 2024 Scholarship Program, please reach out to our Communications team via email at communications@secoenergy.com.

We eagerly await the opportunity to learn about the ambitions and achievements of this year’s applicants. Best wishes to all!

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Archive

Author: Amanda Richardson

SECO Energy Foundation $50,000 Grant Supports United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties

SECO Energy District 4 Members Elect James LaMotte as Trustee

SECO Energy Foundation Approves $200,000 in Community Grants

March 2024 Sunshine State Stats

Online Energy-Efficiency Tools

SECO News April 2024

February 2024 Sunshine State Stats

Online Energy-Efficiency Tools

SECO Energy District 8 Members Elect New Trustee Martin Proctor

SECO Energy Achieves Impressive ACSI Score for 2023

January 2024 Sunshine State Stats

Online Energy-Efficiency Tools

SECO Energy Announces 2024 Youth Scholarship Program

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NEED HELP? CALL (352) 793 -3801

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