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Author: Amanda Richardson

Energy Insider – 2nd Quarter 2022

Renewable energy is beneficial. Advocates believe in harnessing the natural environment to produce electricity for our everyday lives. You may have heard that renewable energy doesn’t harm the planet or nature or contribute to climate change. Is that really the case? This article aims to shed light on not only the benefits, but also some of the prevailing consequences of renewable energy. To have an open dialogue, we must understand that everything has advantages and disadvantages. This article is not meant to support or oppose either side of the energy debate but rather to show the pro et contra (pros and cons) of renewables and the factors to consider when reviewing this type of generation.

 

Pros and Cons of Renewable Energy SECO Energy Insider Q2 2022

 

Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology began in the mid-1800s and has continued to develop. A technology with zero moving parts that generates electricity is a scientific marvel. Today, you find houses and businesses with rooftop solar or solar fields along highways in Florida with hundreds of panels occupying acres of land meant to produce electricity. Utilities, businesses, and homeowners alike can invest in the energy source and upfront the cost of electricity production. When the sun rises and shines on the solar panel system, it produces electricity. It subsidizes a portion of and sometimes meets daily energy needs. In most cases, minimal maintenance is required after installation. Monitoring systems are available to track hourly, daily, monthly and yearly energy production.

 

The concerns about solar PV systems are multifaceted. Environmentally speaking, harmful substances such as lead, cadmium, silicon tetrachloride and other chemicals are used to produce solar panels. These are not only toxic to humans but are environmentally unhealthy as well. Mining raw earth for toxic elements exposes miners to dangerous substances as well.

 

The top concern environmentally, however, is disposing solar panels after they have reached the end of their useful life. Recycling this product is a task that is discussed more often as more systems are being sold and installed globally. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) indicates that the total waste could be up to 78 million tons by 2050. This doesn’t mean that recycling these materials cannot be done beneficially. Still, rather solar recycling is not economically viable at this point.

 

Another concern about PV systems is their efficiency. In general, solar PV systems are 15 – 22 percent efficient. This leaves a lot of room for improvement. The sun does not shine all day; some days, it may not shine on the solar panels due to cloud coverage. We lack the ability to control the amount of sunlight on solar panels. Because of this lack of control, we must explore other means to produce and/or store energy to fill in the gaps and compensate when production is at a minimum.

 

If you choose to incorporate PV generation in large-scale power production, our advice is to design the system as a supplement and not the main producer. A solar system without utility-backup is only feasible if batteries are used as a storage system for excess energy produced during daylight hours. This will create another set of factors for consideration.

 

Instead of planning to use renewable energy as a sole means of production, it is best to diversify your approach. Renewable energy has advantages and disadvantages. Weigh the cost benefits and the cons of renewable energy before moving forward.

 

 

Jeff Light, SECO Energy Key Accounts Consultant

JEFF LIGHT

Manager of Key Accounts & Revenue Programs
OFFICE: (352) 569-9787
CELL: (352) 250-2863
jeff.light@secoenergy.com

Hank Bolduc, SECO Energy Key Accounts Consultant

HANK BOLDUC

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

Ryon Meyers, SECO Energy Key Accounts Consultant

RYON MEYERS

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

SECO Energy Key Accounts Consultant Dustin Merritt

DUSTIN MERRITT

Key Accounts Consultant
OFFICE: (352) 569-9782
CELL: (352) 303-3183
dustin.merritt@secoenergy.com

 

May 2022 Sunshine State Stats

Summer-like heat and heavy rainfall arrived in Central Florida in May 2022. The average temperature for the month was 79 degrees, which was 6 degrees warmer than last month’s average. The average high was 88 degrees while the average low was 69 degrees.

 

May 2022 Sunshine State Stats temperatures

 

The highest daily recorded temperature in May was 92 degrees and the lowest was 59 – the highest recorded daily temperature in April 2022 was 90 degrees and the lowest recorded daily temperature was 45. May was soggy with higher-than-average rainfall that totaled 8.29 inches, which was over 4 inches above average.

 

High daily temperatures remained near 90 degrees for most of the month. Every day this month reached over 80 degrees – with 11 days over 90 degrees. Summer temperatures are starting to be in full swing, expect daily highs in the 80s, 90s and above. Temperatures at night and early morning are warming up, too. Thirty days in the month the low temperature reached into the 60s and 70s.

 

Atlantic hurricane season began June 1 with potential tropical storm activity In the Gulf of Mexico. Now is the time to have a plan in place for hurricane season. Don’t wait until a storm is approaching our shores to prepare. Read our Hurricane Handbook to learn more about what to do before, during and after a tropical storm or hurricane.

 

June forecast:

 

Daily high temperatures will soar over 80 degrees and into the 90s for June 2022. The best chance for rain is early to mid-month. Members may notice an increase in their monthly energy usage during the summer months. HVAC use is the highest percentage of energy use in Central Florida homes. Set your thermostat at 78 degrees or higher in the summer – every degree lower than 78 will increase your monthly bill by 6 to 8%.

 

The Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts a hot and dry June with an average temperature of 82 degrees, which is above average. Rainfall is predicted to be below average.

 

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

 

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

 

SECO Energy Tracking Hurricane Season Activity

SECO Energy is tracking tropical storm activity early in the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season. The remnants of the Pacific Tropical Storm Agatha reorganized in the Gulf of Mexico and the system is now referred to as Invest 91L which is currently a low-pressure system and is forecast to make landfall in Florida.

 

Currently, the tropical system remains highly disorganized and is located near the Yucatan Peninsula. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) forecast puts the storm near Florida’s west coast late Friday into Saturday. The spaghetti models are in close agreement that eventual landfall will be south of Bradenton.

 

SECO Energy’s service territory is on the outer edge of the projected rain and wind fields. Members will experience widespread rains and gusty winds in south Sumter and Lake Counties and in parts of Citrus County. There is already standing water in some areas and additional rain and high winds can cause downed trees and power outages for members.

 

CEO Curtis Wynn assured members that SECO Energy is StormReady. Wynn stated, “SECO Energy is tracking Invest 91L and the possible weather effects that this tropical system will bring to SECO’s service area. SECO is StormReady and prepared to respond to outages caused by 91L. I am asking members to prepare for not only Invest 91L but to proactively prepare for the possibility of tropical storms and hurricanes throughout the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season.”

 

StormCenter is SECO Energy’s outage and communications platform for members to report outages, check the status of an existing outage and enroll in outage communications and alerts via email, text, voice or all three. Visit StormCenter today and bookmark on your smartphone or tablet to report outages quickly and easily.

 

Major weather events can cause extended power outages. SECO Energy reminds members to follow safety protocols when using a generator during a power outage. Generators emit deadly carbon monoxide (CO) that is odorless and colorless. Thousands of people die each year from CO poisoning. Never operate a generator in an enclosed space including a garage. Always place the generator at least 15 to 20 feet away from your home and never in proximity to open windows.

 

Before operating a generator, thoroughly read and review the owner’s manual. Never plug a generator directly into an electrical outlet. This current flow is deadly for utility personnel. Keep children away from an operating generator and store fuel in approved containers. Do not smoke while fueling a generator. Always operate a generator in a dry space. If it is raining, use a canopy or cover. SECO Energy’s Hurricane Handbook includes generator safety tips and preparation for before, during and after a storm.

 

“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 CEO Curtis Wynn Visits South Lake Chamber with Energy Industry Update

SECO Energy’s Chief Executive Officer Curtis Wynn breakfasted with the South Lake Chamber of Commerce and provided a company and energy industry update at its May 20 meeting held at the Clermont City Center. Mr. Wynn addressed local business owners and professionals who are integral to South Lake County’s population, commercial and industrial growth. Mr. Wynn provided the crowd with an update about SECO Energy and the current state of the energy industry.

 

Mr. Wynn was joined by SECO Energy senior leadership Tracy de Lemos, Deputy General Counsel; Gene Kanikovsky, CFO; and John LaSelva, Vice President of Reliability and Operations. Kathy Judkins, Senior Consultant for Civic, Charitable & Government Relations also attended the meeting along with Manager of Key Accounts & Revenue Programs Jeff Light and Amanda Richardson, Manager of Corporate Communications and Energy Services. South Lake Board Chair Aimee Stanley introduced Mr. Wynn.

 

Mr. Wynn hosted SECO Energy’s 84th Annual Meeting virtually on March 24 and was eager to share the “state of the company” news in person with the South Lake Chamber members. The overview included a review of rising cost of capital, maintenance expenses and the rising natural gas market that are causing rate and fuel cost pressure for SECO Energy and its members. Supply chain issues were covered in detail, along with the labor shortage that is affecting so many businesses across the county, state and the nation.

 

Industry-related topics like solar energy, technology advancements in metering and electric vehicle potential were also part of Mr. Wynn’s presentation at the Chamber and during the Virtual Annual Meeting. To hear from Mr. Wynn and to win one of five prizes SECO Energy members can watch the 2022 Virtual Annual Meeting video and answer the question at SECOEnergy.com by clicking on the homepage banner. Enter before June 15 for a chance to win one of the following prizes:

 

• $500 SECO Energy bill credit
• $250 SECO Energy bill credit
• Nest Learning Thermostat
• HoneyWell Wi-Fi Thermostat
• 2021 Apple TV HD

 

“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 CEO Curtis Wynn Provides Energy Industry Update to Tavares Chamber of Commerce

SECO Energy’s Chief Executive Officer Curtis Wynn addressed the Tavares Chamber of Commerce at its April 27 meeting held at the Tavares Civic Center. Mr. Wynn spoke to local Tavares business owners and professionals to provide the crowd an update about SECO Energy and the current state of the energy industry.

 

Mr. Wynn was joined by SECO Energy’s District 9 Trustee Morgan Hatfield who represents east Lake County members and lives in Paisley. Mr. Wynn and Ms. Hatfield were introduced by Kathy Judkins, SECO Energy’s Senior Consultant for Civic, Charitable and Government Relations.

 

Mr. Wynn hosted SECO Energy’s 84th Annual Meeting virtually on March 24 and was eager to share the “state of the company” news in person with the Tavares Chamber members. The overview included a review of rising capital costs, maintenance expenses and the rising natural gas market that are affecting rate and fuel cost for SECO Energy and its members. Supply chain issues were covered in detail, along with the labor shortage that is affecting so many businesses across the county, state and the nation.

 

Industry-related topics like solar energy, technology advancements in metering and electric vehicle potential were also part of Mr. Wynn’s presentation at the Chamber and during the Virtual Annual Meeting. To hear from Mr. Wynn and to win one of five prizes SECO Energy members can watch the 2022 Virtual Annual Meeting video and answer the question at SECOEnergy.com by clicking on the homepage banner. Enter before June 15 for a chance to win one of the following prizes:

 

• $500 SECO Energy bill credit
• $250 SECO Energy bill credit
• Nest Learning Thermostat
• HoneyWell Wi-Fi Thermostat
• 2021 Apple TV HD

 

“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.

 

Florida Fauna & Flora – Drought-tolerant Florida Landscaping

Florida’s traditional dry seasons are spring and fall. When choosing plants, shrubs, grasses and trees for landscaping, select drought-tolerant species that need less water and have a better chance of survival during drier months. 

 

Annuals and perennials add color and brightness to your outdoor space. Plants such as aloe, lantana, butterfly milkweed, black-eyed susans, salvia, lavender, plumbago and spider lilies are good choices. 

 

Low-maintenance, drought-tolerant landscapes should include native Florida grasses and shrubs. Especially resistant to drought are native grasses such as cordgrass, lovegrass, crown grass and fakahatchee grass. Native shrubs including podocarpus, Texas sage, yucca, Indian hawthorn, bougainvillea, firebrush and lyonia may survive off rainwater alone.

 

Sabal palm, jelly palm, sago palm, date palms and saw palmettos are drought, heat and wind tolerant. Bottlebrush, live oak, pine, hollies, cypress, cedars and elms are drought-tolerant native trees. 

 

Remember, before beginning any planting project, contact www.Sunshine811.com before you dig. Sunshine 811 is a free service that locates and marks underground utilities in your digging area. In Florida, it’s the law.

 

Source: University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences

 

Read the full June 2022 SECO News online.

 

SECO Energy Celebrates 2022 Scholarship Awardees

SECO Energy is celebrating its 2022 SECO Energy Scholarship Awardees. Each of the scholarship awardees receives $3,000 to advance his or her education. SECO Energy’s scholarship program was created to attract local, talented students who want to pursue a career in the energy industry and possible employment with SECO Energy in the future.

 

Awardees were required to meet eligibility criteria to qualify. To be awarded a scholarship, students must reside in a home served by SECO Energy and be a high school senior who is graduating in May/June of the current year. Awardees must be interested in pursuing a career in the energy field. He or she must also be seeking a degree in technology, engineering, math or business or seeking an electric-industry-related certification. Awardees must enroll full-time in an accredited Florida college, university or trade school by the end of 2022.

 

The 2022 SECO Energy Scholarship awardees are:

 

Jonathan Troy Duran Estrella – The Villages Charter High School
Paul Farrell – Life Learning Academy
Brandon Scott Gallmeyer – Tavares High School
Allyson Hicks – The Villages Charter High School
Caleb Nolan Littlefield – Homeschool
Kannon Matthew Pauling – Tavares High School
Jordan Kanyé Riche – Wildwood Middle High School
Marcial I. Rodriguez – Citrus High School
Allison Nicole Shields – Umatilla High School

 

CEO Curtis Wynn congratulated the 2022 SECO Energy Scholarship recipients. Mr. Wynn stated, “Congratulations, scholarship awardees, on your scholastic and community service achievements. I am impressed with each and every one of our awardees. Study diligently during the next step in your educational pursuits and you will go far in achieving the goals you have set for yourself and your career.”

 

Wynn continued, “I invite our scholarship awardees to put SECO Energy first on their list for paid internship opportunities while still in school and look to SECO as a place to begin their career in the energy industry. SECO Energy is a growing, dynamic, regional utility that will continue to require a skilled workforce. SECO has an attractive benefits package that includes comprehensive medical and dental insurance, along with paid time off, 401k, employee-referral program and student loan reimbursement.”

 

SECO Energy is hiring! To view open positions, set up job alerts and submit an application online, visit the SECO Energy Careers page.

 

“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 Trustee Bill James Recognized for Seminole Electric Cooperative Board Service

During the May SECO Energy Board of Trustee meeting, SECO Energy Board President Gerald Anderson and CEO Curtis Wynn recognized longtime District 8 Trustee William (Bill) W. James, Jr. with a Certificate of Appreciation presented on behalf of the entire Board.

 

Mr. James is a longstanding resident of The Plantation in Leesburg and has been a SECO Energy member since 2002. He has served on the SECO Energy Board of Trustees since 2010 and served on the Seminole Electric Board of Directors from June 2016 through May 2022.

 

President Anderson stated, “The SECO Energy Board of Trustees wanted to formally recognize Mr. James’ distinguished service on the Seminole Electric Cooperative, Inc. Board of Directors over the last six years. His extensive experience and guidance supported Seminole’s strategic initiatives and kept SECO Energy’s Board informed of important information related to our wholesale power provider’s governance and operations.”

 

CEO Curtis Wynn echoed President Anderson’s sentiments and stated, “We are grateful for Mr. James’ hard work and dedication in support of SECO Energy’s ongoing mission to provide reliable, affordable and innovative energy services to our members and communities.”

 

SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees are members who live in SECO’s service territory. They are elected to oversee the governance of the cooperative. Each Trustee on the Board is elected by the members who reside in his/her District. Collectively, the Trustees are responsible for establishing, reviewing and revising corporate policies and approving the cooperative’s budget.

 

“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 Trustee Richard Dennison Recognized for Service as Board President

During the May SECO Energy Board of Trustees meeting, SECO Energy Board President Gerald Anderson and CEO Curtis Wynn recognized District 4 Trustee Richard Dennison with a Certificate of Appreciation presented on behalf of the entire Board.

 

Mr. Dennison is a longstanding resident of Marion Oaks and has been a SECO Energy member since 1999. He has served on the SECO Energy Board of Trustees since 2015, served as Board President from March 2020 to March 2022 and also currently serves on the Seminole Electric Board of Directors.

 

President Anderson stated, “The SECO Energy Board of Trustees honored Mr. Dennison’s distinguished service as President of the SECO Energy Board of Trustees from March 2020 through March 2022. Mr. Dennison’s strong leadership during the pandemic maintained the continuity of our governance processes. During his tenure, the Board of Trustees was required to exercise flexibility and perseverance, and he led that charge with grace and dignity.”

 

CEO Curtis Wynn echoed President Anderson’s sentiments and stated, “We are grateful for Mr. Dennison’s hard work and dedication in support of SECO Energy’s ongoing mission to provide reliable, affordable and innovative energy services to our members and communities.”

 

SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees are members who live in SECO’s service territory. They are elected to oversee the governance of the cooperative. Each Trustee on the Board is elected by the members who reside in his/her District. Collectively, the Trustees are responsible for establishing, reviewing and revising corporate policies and approving the cooperative’s budget.

 

“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 Recognized as a Tree Line USA Utility

SECO Energy has been recognized as a Tree Line USA Utility for 2022 by the Arbor Day Foundation. Tree Line USA recognizes public and private utilities who take part in activities that protect and enhance America’s urban forests. This is the fifteenth year SECO Energy has earned the Tree Line USA distinction.

 

Tree Line USA is a national program recognizing public and private utilities for best practices that protect and preserve America’s urban forests. This program is possible through a partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation and the National Association of State Foresters. Tree Line USA promotes the coexistence of delivering safe and reliable electricity while maintaining healthy community trees.

 

SECO Energy achieved five program standards to be recognized as a Tree Line USA utility. Utilities must follow industry standards for quality tree care; provide annual worker training in best tree care practices; sponsor a tree planting and education program; maintain a tree-based energy conservation program; and participate in an Arbor Day celebration.

 

2022 is the 150th Anniversary of Arbor Day which is celebrated the last Friday of April. The Arbor Day Foundation is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year. Since the Foundation’s beginnings, it has helped to plant and distribute almost 500 million trees in over 50 countries worldwide. Learn more about Arbor Day and its mission.

 

“Trees are essential to creating more urban green spaces in communities across the United States,” said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “In addition, they provide important benefits to residents, including clean air, clean water, and vital tree shade. Service providers like SECO Energy demonstrate how easily trees and utilities can co-exist for the benefit of communities and residents.”

 

CEO Curtis Wynn congratulates SECO Energy’s team for their continued Tree Line USA recognition. Wynn stated, “Congratulations to the Vegetation Management team for upholding the Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree Line USA standards for 15 years. This is quite an accomplishment, and we are very proud of your dedication to quality tree care. SECO Energy invests heavily in its vegetation management program and follows best practices to safely maintain our existing rights of way and reduce power outages.

 

Wynn continued, “SECO Energy strives to be a good environmental steward. Properly maintained, healthy trees, that are planted in the right place, can help SECO members reduce their yearly energy costs.”

 

Visit Right Tree Right Place for tips on planting trees away from power lines and how trees can help reduce yearly energy costs. SECO Energy has also developed online energy efficiency tools to help members reduce energy use and costs. The Home Energy Assessment is an online energy audit tailored to the individual member’s home and lifestyle. Members input their home details and submit their email address to receive no-cost and low-cost tips to increase energy efficiency and lower their electric bills. The Energy Estimator calculates the cost of common household electronics found in most homes. Members who submit their data receive energy-efficiency suggestions and more ways to save.

 

“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.