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Author: Amanda Richardson

SECO Employee Aids Swindled Couple

SECO Energy’s Robert Stevens, an Energy Services Specialist, possesses the brain of an investigator and the heart of a philanthropist. Robert answered the call when an elderly couple required SECO’s assistance, found the cause of the members’ energy-use concerns and provided aid when they needed it most.

 

SECO helps members save energy and lower their bills by performing energy audits on members’ homes.The request may be in response to a bill that is abnormally high or from members who are simply looking for ways to save energy by making small changes in their homes/lifestyles.

 

In early May, SECO members Mr. and Mrs. George Somariva who reside in Lady Lake, received an electric bill that was much higher than usual. The Somarivas were concerned because of a previous, negative experience with their home warranty company and its contractor, so they called SECO for help. Within just a few days, Robert visited the Somariva’s home, completed an energy audit and found the problem. Mr. and Mrs. Somariva’s heat strips were heating the home at the same time the A/C was running to cool the home – causing the high energy usage.

 

In early 2016, the Somarivas contracted with a home warranty company that included HVAC services. The home warranty company sent a technician and there was significant confusion over what needed repair/replacement. In the end, the Somarivas gave the contractor a check representing a $2,000 deposit for a new unit. The check was cashed but they never heard from the contractor again.

 

SECO reached out to the contractor and to the home warranty management. Unfortunately, their recollections are contradictory. Some recompense was offered by the home warranty company but the Somarivas were not made whole. The couple contacted Seniors vs. Crime with their story and the agency helped them file complaints with Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation against both the contractor and the home warranty company. Seniors vs. Crime determined that the contractor was not licensed as his online profile suggests and that he has a criminal record in Florida.

 

The Somarivas paid for a home warranty. They paid a contractor sent by the home warranty company. Once Robert determined the heat strip issue with the AC unit, they had to pay a reputable HVAC company to fix the problem – to the tune of $500.

 

After this large outlay, the Somarivas remained distressed because they still had two high energy bills to pay. Robert’s heart went out to the retired couple. He asked SECO to help these long-time members with their energy-use issue, and SECO agreed. The cooperative allocated a donation of Angel Funds from the company’s Pennies from Heaven program to offset the high electric bills.

 

Robert offers this advice to SECO members, “If you believe you have a problem with your HVAC unit, call SECO first. A trained Energy Services Specialist will conduct a home energy audit, and we can usually help members identify the cause of an HVAC problem. SECO’s no-cost energy audit can potentially save members thousands in needless HVAC repairs or replacements recommended by contractors looking to make a quick buck.”

 

The Somarivas are grateful to SECO for help during this ordeal. Mr. Somariva stated, “I’m glad we called SECO and spoke to Robert. He’s a knowledgeable guy, he found the problem quickly, and we had it repaired the same day. It’s a shame that Total Maintenance of Tampa won’t stand by their warranty or their word and that their contractor, Chris Martin, was not reputable or licensed. But we are thankful to SECO and Robert for their help.”

 

SECO Energy members can make an appointment for a free in-home energy audit at their home or conduct an energy audit online with SECO’s Home Energy Assessment. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

Cheeseburgers, Fries and Life Lessons from Dad

In late May, a line of strong thunderstorms passed through Lake County creating widespread outages for SECO Energy members in Clermont. The storm damage was substantial but service was restored within the hour. The next day, however, members in the same area experienced an additional service interruption due to multiple equipment failures caused by the previous day’s lightning damage.

 

Tony Marshowsky, a SECO Energy member in Clermont, was understandably frustrated by multiple outages on consecutive days. He contacted SECO via Facebook for information about the outages. SECO had posted photos, video and other details, and Tony was happy to learn that crews were repairing the damage. The repair was extensive, as the capacitors had arced and created a fire. The pole split and broke where the capacitor bank was attached and crashed to the ground.

 

Coincidentally, Marshowsky and his nine-year-old son Tony, Jr. drove by the crew repairing the pole in the rain on their way to Wendy’s for a milkshake. As a blue-collar worker himself, Marshowsky empathized with the crew, and stated, “These men were working in the rain. I imagine they were tired, hungry and working late so that my family and neighbors would have power and air conditioning. I decided I could teach my son a life lesson, reminding him to thank the people around us who are working for our benefit.”

 

SECO Energy, Cheeseburgers, Fries and Life Lessons from Dad

 

Armed with multiple bags of Wendy’s cheeseburgers and fries, Marshowsky and his son delivered dinner and a heartfelt thank you to the SECO crew working to replace the damaged pole. Marshowsky later added, “The little guys, the blue-collar workers, the men and women who aren’t always remembered or rewarded for their hard work – they are away from their own homes missing dinner with their own families. It felt good to help someone else and to show my son respect for handworking people.”

 

The SECO Energy Facebook post about Marshowsky and his son’s goodwill grew quickly, reaching almost 20,000 Facebook users in just days. It is also one of the cooperative’s most frequently shared posts this year. The Marshowsky family met up with the SECO crew for a group photo opp and official thank you.

 

Photo caption:  SECO Energy Line Tech David Olszanski, Service Tech David Kerns, Crew Supervisor Jason Merrill, Tony Marshowsky Jr., Line Tech Doug Stanley, Line Tech Garret Keller and Tony Marshowsky Sr.  (not pictured; Line Tech Clint Brighurst and Line Tech Justin Smothers)

 

Learn more about SECO Energy at SECOEnergy.com>Your Co-op. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page to view the video footage of the pole and capacitor damage. Follow @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases, outage information and cooperative updates.

STEM Focus at Ocala’s Third Annual Youth Energy Academy

On June 8 and 9, local energy experts are teaming up to introduce high school students to the many careers in the electric utility field. SECO Energy, Duke Energy and Ocala Electric Utilities partnered with CareerSource CLM, College of Central Florida and Lockheed Martin to bring the Third Annual Youth Energy Academy to life for sixty students in Marion County.

 

The Youth Energy Academy is an interactive workshop aimed to spark the students interest in traveling an academic path toward a career in the energy industry. During the two-day event, students explore high-skill, high-wage careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The high-schoolers learn how electricity is delivered to homes and businesses, participate in hands-on demonstrations and discover the soft skills needed for a successful career.

 

Several years ago, the Florida Chapter of the American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) incorporated a Youth Energy Academy model focused on, but not limited to, minority students in St. Petersburg, Orlando and Ocala. The AABE goal is to proactively gain the interest of an emerging workforce by educating young people about opportunities in the energy arena.

 

STEM Focus at Ocala’s 3rd Annual Youth Energy Academy

 

Kathy Judkins, SECO Energy’s Deputy Director of Civic, Charitable and Government Affairs stated, “SECO Energy, Duke Energy and Ocala Electric Utilities have formed a strong partnership in the quest to develop a future talent pipeline of local students who show an interest in the energy industry. At this year’s Academy, students are gaining essential knowledge related to the array of jobs, careers and occupational requirements in energy today.”

 

Jim Duncan, CEO stated, “The Youth Academy aligns with two key cooperative principles, Education, Training and Information and also Concern for Community. The energy field has a bundle of diverse careers just waiting for talented candidates to apply. Participating in youth education programs gives SECO a hand in crafting its future workforce and gives local, talented youngsters employment opportunities close to home and family.”

 

Learn more about SECO Energy and its Concern for Community online. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

SECO Energy Sends Aid to Haiti

SECO Energy is partnering with NRECA International to help Haiti operate its distribution system at the Caracol Community Electrification Program (CCEP). SECO donated a late-model service truck, a late-model four-wheel drive pick-up truck, and a reel stand to aid the CCEP’s mission to offer electricity to homes and businesses in Haiti.

 

The donation effort was spearheaded by SECO’s Manager of Substation and Transmission Design Services Kenny Rodrigue. Kenny was inspired to help the people of Hispaniola Island after completing his first mission trip to the Dominican Republic and a second trip to Haiti in 2012. While in Haiti, Kenny learned that the majority of people living there don’t have access to non-stop, all-day electricity. In fact, electricity is only available about eight hours a day.

 

Without continuous electricity, the majority of the island’s people are left without clean water. Volunteers and missionaries have helped dig and build wells, but electricity is needed to pump and filter water for clean drinking.

 

Concern for Community is a key cooperative principle and SECO engages in charitable endeavors across its service territory. Partnering with NRECA International allows SECO to broaden its community support internationally.

 

NRECA International’s goal is to build an electric cooperative in Haiti and expand electricity across the island. SECO is pleased to lend a hand. The trucks and reel donated were slated to be retired from SECO’s fleet and sent to auction. The equipment had reached the end of its useful life on SECO’s system, but still has value and usability in Haiti.

 

Kenny is excited for the opportunity to further help Haiti and stated, “I’ve been looking for ways that SECO could help Haiti and NRECA International, and I was happy to learn that we had supplies available. I am thankful for the generous spirit of SECO’s executive management and Board of Trustees. As Americans, we are fortunate and blessed – easy access to electricity is a way of life, which is not the case in all parts of the world.”

 

Jim Duncan, CEO, stated, “Concern for Community is very important to SECO employees and our Board members. It is extremely satisfying for me personally that SECO is able to join with NRECA International and help a foreign country build an electric cooperative and improve quality of life for those less fortunate. Thank you to the Board for being very supportive of the International Program that helps others help themselves and to all of the SECO employees who generously give their time to make a difference in the lives of others.”

 

Learn more about SECO Energy and its Concern for Community online. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

Don’t be Caught in the Dark about Generator Safety

The 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season has officially arrived, and with it the possibility of rain, lightning, heavy winds and downed trees – all of which can cause power outages. For SECO members, especially those who need continuous power to run life-saving devices, a generator can provide electricity when service is interrupted, but generators should be used with caution.

 

Before operating a portable generator, read and follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions in the operating manual. Always run a generator outside; never operate indoors or in an enclosed area. Portable generators emit carbon monoxide (CO) a colorless, odorless invisible gas that can be fatal to humans and pets. Never operate a generator when it is wet – this poses a risk for electrocution (OSHA advises using a canopy to protect from rain). Do not fuel a generator while it is running and store gasoline in approved containers, out of the reach of children.

 

A permanent or back-up generator is hard wired directly to your home’s electrical system. Installing a permanent generator is not an average do-it-yourself project. Hire a reputable electrical contractor to install the generator and to wire in its disconnect and transfer switchgear. Do not attempt to connect the generator directly to your electrical panel. Before starting your generator, always properly disconnect from SECO’s service. Read and follow the operating and safety instructions in the generator operations manual.

 

Kathryn Gloria, Vice President of Corporate Communications and Energy Services, stated, “SECO’s electric system is expertly designed, soundly built and well maintained, which means outages are rare and are typically restored in less than an hour. But when major storm events come through and there is a family member who is dependent on electric medical devices, a generator should be a strong consideration. Do your research, determine your families’ needs and purchase a reliable, cost-effective unit. Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions and keep safety in mind.”

 

Learn more about generator safety online. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

Clean Energy Scam Targeting SECO Members

SECO Energy is warning members that scammers have cooked up another ploy to take money from members. SECO members report they are receiving phone calls and email solicitations that SECO Energy is no longer their energy provider.

 

One such company, Arcadia Power, currently advertises that its “Evergreen Plan” is available to SECO Energy customers. The company’s website states that “you will continue to pay your SECO Energy bill as normal, while receiving a separate Arcadia Power e-bill for your fixed clean energy charges.” Please be aware that SECO does not receive energy from Arcadia Power nor does it partner with the company in any way. The idea of paying Arcadia Power money over and above your regular monthly SECO Energy bill is nonsense. If you want to enroll in a green energy program, consider enrolling in SECO Energy’s Solar Life.

 You can live the Solar Life with SECO Energy

Living the “Solar Life” requires no upfront investment in panels, no roof holes, no insurance and no maintenance costs. No need to worry about HOA or zoning restrictions, and no need to cut trees to allow a rooftop solar system to produce at full capacity. Subscriptions in the “Solar Life” program carry no cancellation fee and no minimum term. Learn more and enroll today.

 

Other companies may claim to be “clean energy” providers that have replaced SECO. This is not the case. These companies may ask SECO members to send SECO bill payments directly to them, instead of SECO. Unfortunately, members realize there is a problem when they receive notice from SECO that their electric bill is unpaid.

 

Be aware that any company claiming to be a new electric service provider instead of SECO is a scam. These scammers may call and harass members for immediate payment over the phone and threaten them with disconnection of service. Some scammers have been even been so bold as to demand a member meet them at an off-site location and pay cash.

 

Scammers may be trying to dupe consumers from other utility companies as well. Please share this important information with friends, family and neighbors.

 

Kathryn Gloria, Vice President of Corporate Communications and Energy Services, stated, “SECO is a not-for-profit electric cooperative that has provided electricity to homes and businesses in Central Florida since 1938. SECO is a solid, fiscally responsible and well managed cooperative that is here to stay. If you receive a threatening phone call or questionable email, call SECO immediately to verify its authenticity. Be very cautious about a person or company asking you to release your financial information by phone or email.”

 

“Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

SECO News, June 2017

SECO News June 2017, Duncan’s Digest

Duncan’s Digest

 

Dear SECO Energy Members,

From the torch, to the oil lamp, to the Edison incandescent, to the CFL and LED, lighting has changed dramatically with the times. To “let there be light” today, SECO Energy must also change with the advancements of our industry. We must control costs and provide a high level of customer service. That’s what you expect and deserve, and we stand ready to fulfill your energy needs.

 

With our 2016 Annual Report and audit complete, I am proud and humbled to share strong fiscal results. Staying ahead of growing power demand is a challenge that is capital and expense intensive. It is a delicate balance of design, construction, maintenance and vegetation management.

 

Illuminating your homes and powering your appliances and electronics is a 24/7 responsibility. “Storm Ready” is SECO’s motto when Hurricane Season converges on The Sunshine State on June 1. If a storm blows through and on the rare occasion when the lights go out, you can bet that our crews and contractors are staged and on the move to restore power the moment it’s safe. Our Emergency Restoration Plan and investments in storm preparation ensure that you will not go without power for an extended period of time.

 

Our dedication to you over the last decade of service improvements has manifested in SECO Energy earning two consecutive J.D. Power awards for highest customer satisfaction in the nation in our segment. The cooperative’s ACSI score improved in 2016 to 89 – an outstanding rating, especially when compared to investor-owned and municipal utilities.

 

What distinguishes SECO from other providers is called the cooperative difference, and is made possible by our Board of Trustees’ governance, our executive team’s leadership and, most important, the dedication and hard work of the 400+ SECO Energy employees. Learn more in the online version of the 2016 Annual Report.

 

Thank you, members, for rating SECO so highly and for your loyal patronage. We are humbled and privileged to serve as your Central Florida energy provider.

 

Jim Duncan

Chief Executive Officer

 

SECO News June 2017, Surge Protection: Protect your Appliances and Win

 

Surge Protection: Protect your Appliances and Win

 

With Atlantic Hurricane Season in full swing, are your large appliances protected from harmful power surges? Would you like a chance to win a $300 bill credit? Read on to learn more about SECO’s surge protection program and a chance to win.

 

During the month of June, The Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts daily thunderstorms with an above average rainfall. That means Florida’s daily afternoon thunderstorms will likely bring large amounts of rain, high winds and damaging lightning.

 

In addition, birds, small animals, falling trees or vehicles crashing into SECO power poles can cause power surges. Power surges are sudden, powerful increases in voltage that can damage or destroy household appliances and other electronic devices in your home.

 

SECO’s surge protection is proudly “Made in the USA” and helps you protect large appliances from damaging power surges. A certified SECO contractor will install the meter base surge arrester behind your electric meter, no appointment needed. Members can lease the surge protection for $5.95 a month with a $25 installation fee, or purchase the product for $349 with installation included. The meter base arrester is just the first step to complete protection. Members should also purchase “point of use” devices from their local home improvement or hardware store to protect sensitive electronic equipment such as televisions, computers, cordless phones and more.

 

All members enrolled in SECO’s surge protection program will be entered into a random drawing for a $300 bill credit. Enroll by August 15 for your chance to win. Members who currently have surge protection are already entered into the drawing.

 

Learn more about SECO’s surge protection and enroll online. Good luck!

 

SECO News June 2017, Hot Bucks cooling down

 

Hot Bucks Cooling Down

 

Natural gas consumption in the power sector has risen 25% in recent years. The U.S. Energy Information Administration forecast that natural gas prices will rise about 20% in 2017. That prediction is beginning to play out.

 

The overall natural gas price outlook for Q3-Q4 2017 and NYMEX futures prices indicate that rock bottom gas prices under $3/MMBtu are over. Utilities across The Sunshine State are filing for rate increases as a result.

 

SECO Energy members have benefitted from three years of steadily declining power costs – a decrease of about 12 percent during that timeframe. But now we must respond to the changing fuel market trends.

 

As a result, SECO must adjust the PCA – Power Cost Adjustment – component of your bill. Rather than paying $112.60 for 1,000 kilowatt hours, members will begin paying $114.90 for that same average usage beginning July 1 as approved by the Board of Trustees.

 

The SECO increase is $2.30 per 1,000 kWh. Comparatively, Duke Energy’s increase that took effect in January was $4.39 per 1,000 kWh, and Florida Power & Light’s was $7.00 – reflections of the changing market.

 

Learn more about SECO Energy’s financial stability in the 2016 Annual Report.

 

 

Read the full June 2017 SECO News here.

Protect Your Appliances for a Chance to Win a $300 Bill Credit

SECO Energy wants to help members protect their home’s appliances from damaging power surges – and offer a chance to win a $300 bill credit too! Members can start protecting their appliances with SECO’s meter based surge protection, proudly “Made in the USA.”

 

Sudden, powerful increases in voltage – called power surges – can damage or destroy household appliances and sensitive electronics. People commonly associate power surges with lightning and thunderstorms, but surges are also created by small animals, birds, falling trees or vehicle accidents that damage power poles, lines and other electric equipment.

 

SECO’s surge protection can help its members prevent unnecessary financial loss to prevent damage to household appliances by power surges. The surge arrester will help prevent/reduce voltage spikes and surges from entering the home and sending voltage into large appliances.

 

For a lease fee of only $5.95 per month, plus $25 installation charge, SECO’s certified electrician will install a meter base surge arrester behind the electric meter. Members can choose to purchase surge protection for $349, with installation included.

 

SECO members who sign-up to lease or purchase surge protection from June 1, to August 15 will be entered into a random drawing to win a $300 bill credit. Members currently enrolled in surge protection are automatically entered in the drawing, so there is no need for currently enrolled members to discontinue the program and re-enroll to be eligible for the drawing.

 

Learn more about surge protection, find warranty information and enroll in this valuable program online. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

Nature’s Reflections – The Green Anole

One of Florida’s best natural pest control experts

 

This lively little garden critter is the Green Anole (Anolis carolinensis), pronounced uh’no-lee, of the Iguanidae family. It is the only anole native to Florida and not to be confused with the non-native Brown Anole. Its long-pointed snout and smooth skin distinguishes it, as does its ability to change color from green to brown or gray as a camouflage technique and in reaction to temperature. When temps are above 70°F, it tends to be green. In cooler weather it turns brown. Following a territorial dispute, the winner turns bright green while the loser turns brown. Although it is often called a “chameleon,” it is not. Chameleons are natives of Africa and Madagascar, have eyeballs that move independently, and tails that curl into spirals.

 

SECO News June 2017, Nature's Reflections - The Green Anole. It has adhesive toe pads, enabling it to climb and cling to vertical surfaces.

 

Like all lizards, the Green Anole is equipped with moveable eyelids and external ear holes. Adults molt often, casting off skin in pieces. It has adhesive toe pads, enabling it to climb and cling to vertical surfaces. Males grow to eight inches. Females are smaller.

 

Its long, slender tail makes up half of its length and breaks off at the slightest pressure – allowing for a quick escape. The tail then grows back over several weeks.
Males have a brightly colored patch of skin called a throat fan or dew lap. It appears to inflate, but is actually displayed using a flexible rod of cartilage. The behavior is often accompanied by push-ups and head-bobbing maneuvers when courting a mate or defending territory. Breeding takes place from late March to early October. Females lay single eggs every two weeks in moist soil including the soil in flower pots. The tiny 1/4- to 3/8-inch leathery eggs take five to seven weeks to hatch.

 

SECO News June 2017, Nature's Reflections - The Green Anole. Anoles and other lizards are valuable contributors to the environment and economically important as natural pest controllers – an essential element in the balance of nature.

 

Anoles feed on insects, but only live prey. Anoles have excellent eyesight and are frequently seen quietly stalking prey or basking in the sunlight. It is not unusual to see it gobbling up wood roaches or other bugs. Amazingly, this little lizard can grab and swallow prey almost its size. Anoles and other lizards are valuable contributors to the environment and economically important as natural pest controllers – an essential element in the balance of nature.

 

Column & photos by Sandi Staton – sandi.staton@gmail.com

SECO Prepared for 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season

The Colorado State University Tropical Meteorology Project predicts 11 named storms developing this year, with four storms affecting the Atlantic Basin. On the eve of 2017’s Atlantic Hurricane Season, SECO Energy is prepared for the possibility of tropical storms and hurricanes affecting its service territory. As a foundation, the company’s system is expertly designed, solidly built and well maintained.

 

SECO’s motto during storm season is “Storm Ready.” SECO’s System Control Coordinator’s monitor the weather 24/7. Operations crews and support staff are on-call to leap into restoration action day or night. SECO’s local Call Centers and Member Service Centers are fully staffed to help members weather the storm.

 

SECO reminds members and their families to prepare for the upcoming storm season as well. Now is the time to assemble your emergency supplies – don’t wait until a storm threatens, supplies sell out quickly. Visit SECOEnergy.com to find a list of emergency essentials for hurricane and storm season. Bookmark SECO’s Storm Center application on your smartphone or tablet to report outages quickly using your last name and house number.

 

For the most up-to-date storm and restoration information available, “like” SECO Energy’s Facebook page and “follow” the cooperative on Twitter. SECO uses its social media channels to warn members of upcoming storms and to send updates about the restoration process after major events. If you haven’t been in touch with SECO in recent memory, log into your SmartHub account on SECOEnergy.com to update your contact information.

 

Kathryn Gloria, Vice President of Corporate Communications and Energy Services stated, “Please prepare in advance for this year’s storm season. Don’t be caught off-guard, as once the storm is upon you it is too late. One storm or weather event can damage your home, leave your family without access to food, water and power. It can change your life forever. At SECO, we want our members to take the necessary precautions to wait out storms safely, while our Operations crews are restoring power as quickly and safely as possible.”

 

Tropical Storm Colin and Hurricanes Hermine and Matthew, brought inches of rain, lightning and high winds to SECO’s area during 2016’s Atlantic Hurricane Season. Before each weather occurrence, SECO jumped into action requesting additional contract line crews and tree trimming crews. Utilizing SECO’s emergency plan, the SECO team is a well-oiled restoration machine, each SECO employee is “Storm Ready.”

 

Learn more about storm preparation and print an emergency checklist online. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.