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Author: Amanda Richardson

SECO News, July 2016

SECO News, Duncan's Digest, February 2016

 

Do you want to engage with SECO? I can think of at least ten ways for you to connect with us.
You can:

  1. Call
  2. Email
  3. Tweet
  4. Fill out a web form
  5. Upload Instagram photos
  6. Watch our YouTube channel
  7. Send a Facebook private message
  8. Comment on the Newsroom blog
  9. Check-in or comment on Facebook
  10. Visit us in person at one of our five locations

 

Now that you know how to engage with SECO Energy, let’s count the reasons why. You can:

  1. Request a free home energy audit
  2. Enroll in SECO’s Surge Protection Program
  3. Order deeply discounted HVAC filters with free delivery
  4. Visit with a member services representative about your bill
  5. Make a payment at a kiosk or in person with a representative
  6. Ask questions about your home’s conduciveness to rooftop solar
  7. Enter trivia contests on Facebook and win a $300 electric bill credit
  8. Establish an online account through SmartHub to view past billing
  9. Watch this year’s Annual Meeting video and learn about company news
  10. Find the estimated time of restoration for an outage affecting your area

 

In this day and age, we know we can’t just push information to you and meet today’s expectations. The communication must allow two-way dialogue, and we do our best to be responsive 24/7 and 365 days a year (366 this year since it’s leap year). I hope you’ll engage with us soon. We are always privileged to hear from our members.

 

 

SECO Energy, 2016 Scholarship Awardees

 

Community Support

SECO Energy’s 2016 scholarship awardees are truly the best of the best! As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO supports the communities we serve. In the 20 years since we began the scholarship program, we have enabled 257 young people to begin their dreams of a college education. Here at SECO, we are proud of our scholars and would like to introduce them to our members.

 

The twelve scholars this year were each awarded a $3,000 scholarship for the university, accredited college or vocational/technical school of their choice. Since the program’s inception in 1996, we have pledged over $500,000 in scholarships to young people in our service area.

 

Congratulations, 2016 scholarship awardees!

  • Merari Saldana, West Port High School – Majoring in Psychology at the University of Florida.
  • Megan Elliott, Tavares High School – Majoring in Mechanical Engineering at University of Central Florida.
  • Citlali Barragan-Hernandez, Belleview High School – Majoring in Biology at the University of Florida.
  • James Cato, Lake Weir High School – Majoring in Business Management at Warner University.
  • Cayley Buckner,West Port High School – Double majoring in Ecology and Creative Writing at Warren Wilson College.
  • Melissa Moreno, West Port High School – Plans to obtain a doctorate in Optometry from the University of Florida.
  • Shelby Smith, South Sumter High School – Majoring in Biology at Abraham Baldwin Agriculture College in Georgia.
  • Ana Mata, Belleview High School – Majoring in Business Administration/General Studies at the University of Florida.
  • Elijah Hughes, South Sumter High School – Majoring in Chemistry at Santa Fe College and is the first member of his family to go to college.
  • Karla Carvajal, Wildwood Middle-High School – Majoring in medicine/pre-med at College of Central Florida and is the first member of her family to go to college.
  • Raul Bayas, Vanguard High School – Majoring in Computer Engineering at Santa Fe College.
  • Richanda Pierre, West Port High School – Attending Florida Atlantic University with plans to work in physical therapy.

 

 

SECO Energy, SECO News July 2016. ENERGY EFFICIENCY - Shading for savings

 

ENERGY EFFICIENCY: Shading for Savings

Summer is here and staying cool is a top priority. The sun’s rays make keeping your home cool difficult. Shading your windows can help reduce solar heat gain and save on energy consumption.

 

There are a number of good exterior options to choose from when attempting to block out the heat. Solar screens, installed on exterior frames, cover the entire window blocking the sun’s heat before it gets to the glass. Exterior shutters do the same but require manual opening and closing. Both provide a bit of privacy in addition to energy savings.

 

SECO Energy, SECO News July 2016. ENERGY EFFICIENCY - Shading for savings. Use Awnings and trees

 

Awnings and trees are another good choice for window shading when placed on the east and west sides of your home. For added benefit, plant deciduous trees that lose their leaves in fall. You’ll want the heat from the sun to help warm your home in winter.

 

Interior window shading options include reflective film, shutters, and coverings such as drapes, blinds, or shades. Interior shutters and window coverings, although very effective at blocking the heat, will need to stay closed during the day – completely obstructing your view. Reflective film, on the other hand, reflects the sun’s rays without obstructing the view. Choose the option that is right for you.

 

 

SECO Energy, SECO News July 2016. Access to Underground Facilities

 

Access to Underground Facilities

SECO employees are currently out and about in the community inspecting padmount transformers (big green above-ground boxes). In order to quickly and safely restore power after an outage, our Operations employees need a clear path to access this equipment.

 

Landscape safely – keep fences and plants at least ten feet away from the front of the transformer and at least three feet away from the sides and rear of the transformer.

 

We are communicating proactively with members and asking them to relocate fences or plants that are obstructing transformers. If the obstructions are not cleared near the transformers, SECO will be forced to remove anything that blocks our access.

 

For more information about SECO Energy products and services, visit SECOEnergy.com.

 

Read the full July 2016 SECO News here.

 

SECO Sponsors Community Action Luncheon

SECO Energy representatives attended the Central Florida Community Action Agency’s (CFCAA) Annual Awards Luncheon. As a Diamond level sponsor, SECO joined community leaders in honoring the CFCAA board members, staff and area residents who dedicate their time to enrich the lives of Alachua, Levy and Marion county residents.

 

City of Ocala Mayor Ken Guinn opened the program with praise for the CFCAA. Guinn stated, “It’s great to know this organization is here to help those in need.”

 

Caroone Rush, CFCAA Board Member and the audience recited, “The Promise of Community Action – Community action changes people’s lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities and makes America a better place to live. We care about the entire community, and we are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other.”

 

The entire audience was inspired by guest speaker Herman Washington’s personal story. Herman was named CFCAA’s “Self-Sufficiency Success Story” for 2016. A former troubled youth, Herman was determined to find the right path for him and his family. He received assistance through the CFCAA to attend barber school and now he is the owner of his own barber shop. Herman thanked the CFCAA, his wife and family, his pastor and his church family for their support.

 

Honorable Senior Judge Sandra E. Champ, keynote speaker spoke about the importance of elevating lives in a striving community. Champ said, “There are times individuals need elevating from homelessness, public housing and poverty to becoming self-sufficient and financially stable. Providing temporary assistance for individuals to become self-sufficient is how CFCAA elevates the community, one household at a time.”

 

CFCAA Chief Executive Officer, Charles J. Harris Jr., presented the Freddie L. Warmack Community Partner of the Year Awards to: Corey Harris, Executive Director – Neighborhood Housing & Development Corporation; Beverly Goodman, Manager – Tri-County Community Resource Center; and Ramona Williams, Customer Service Supervisor – City of Ocala Utility Services.

 

Harris closed the ceremony by thanking Judge Champ and the audience, as well as a final congratulation to all award recipients.

 

To learn more about SECO Energy’s commitment to community, visit www.secoenergy.com. SECO members can partner with SECO to help fellow members in need by rounding up their bill to the nearest dollar through its Pennies from Heaven program. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” SECO on Twitter for cooperative updates and news releases.

Tropical Storm Colin Update

Governor Scott has declared a state of emergency for SECO Energy’s service area as Tropical Storm Colin moves into the Central Florida area. A tropical storm warning has been issued for SECO’s entire service territory.

 

The National Hurricane Center forecast is showing Colin making landfall this evening near the Big Bend and Panhandle area. The impact may cause storm force winds of 39 mph up to 57 mph with possible tornadoes through early Tuesday morning.

 

Tropical Storm Colin poses a severe threat to the State of Florida and requires timely precautions. SECO members could see heavy rain and gusting winds as Colin move through the state. SECO members should visit www.secoenergy.com to receive updates and report outages.

 

Kathryn Gloria, Vice President of Corporate Communications and Energy Services is reminding members that SECO is Storm Ready for its members. “SECO is prepared for the almost daily afternoon storms that affect our service area and we are prepared for stronger storms as well. As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, we are dedicated to being our members’ first source for accurate storm information. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” us on Twitter to stay updated about storms affecting our members.”

 

For members who rely on back-up generators during storm season, remember to read and follow all manufacturer’s safety warnings. Learn more about generator safety and preparing for storm season.

Tropical Storm Colin – Sunday evening update

The National Hurricane Center has upgraded the tropical depression to Tropical Storm Colin. The TS is now moving north at approximately 8 mph and is projected to make landfall in the Big Bend area of Florida. All models continue to focus on that area – see attached. This storm is lopsided with all the severe weather on the east side of the storm system and nothing on the west side. This means the worst rain and wind is on the side of the storm that will pass by or on top of SECO Energy.

The current track of TS Colin means that Citrus, Marion and Sumter Counties can expect the worst impact from the storm. Lake County will still see periods of rain and rain bands from TS Colin – just not as severe as the other SECO Energy counties. Since TS Colin is moving slow, it may be late on Monday before SECO sees the worst. The rain bands extend many miles to the east and north. The wind forecast for our area remains unchanged – sustained winds around 20 mph with stronger gusts in thunderstorms. SECO is STORM READY. Please be sure your phone is charged and that you bookmark our Storm Center link to report outages online.

Kathryn Gloria, Vice President of Corporate Communications and Energy Services is reminding members that SECO is Storm Ready for its members. “SECO is prepared for the almost daily afternoon storms that affect our service area and we are prepared for stronger storms as well. As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, we are dedicated to being our members’ first source for accurate storm information. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” us on Twitter to stay updated about storms affecting our members.”

For members who rely on back-up generators during storm season, remember to read and follow all manufacturer’s safety warnings. Visit SECO’s website to learn more about generator safety and preparing for storm season.

Nature’s Reflections – Florida’s Eastern Bluebird

Florida’s Eastern Bluebird

Beautifully colored songbirds in the Thrush family

 

The Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) is a year-round resident of Florida and a familiar species throughout the eastern United States. Two subspecies occur in Florida: Sialia sialis in the Panhandle and northern peninsula and Sialia sialis grata from Lake County southward. It is often seen perched in a hunched position on a fence, post or tree limb, where it darts to the ground and back in its quest for insects.

 

It is easily spotted along roadsides, wooded and farming areas where it is highly favored by farmers and residents who put up nesting boxes along fence rows in open pastures, and in backyards. Adult males have a vibrant blue back, head and tail; a chestnut colored breast; and white belly. Females are duller, gray with a hint of blue, and young birds are spotted.

 

SECO Energy, Nature's Reflections June 2016, Florida’s Eastern Bluebird

 

It has been clocked at seventeen mph. During summer, bluebirds feed primarily on insects and earthworms. It is a bug-catching machine. Its winter diet is heavily dependent on a variety of wild berries. In the non-breeding season, bluebirds form small flocks. During cold weather, several may roost together in a nest cavity to stay warm. Its lifespan is six to ten years.

 

As a cavity nester, it must compete for choice spots with both native and non-native birds. It is particularly fond of nesting boxes. This has helped stem a notable decline in its numbers in Florida. Nesting takes place between February and August. Four to five pale blue eggs are laid in a simple cup made up of woven pine needles and grasses. Eggs hatch in two weeks and the young fledge two to three weeks later. One pair may raise two or three broods a year. Juveniles remain with their parents during the entire nesting season, making up rather large family groups by the end of the summer. There is no single perfect, ultimate bluebird nest box and many designs are used with success. However, perches should never be used on the nest boxes. Bluebirds do not need them and perches only facilitate harassment by non-native species. If possible, build or purchase a box that is North American Bluebird Society (NABS) approved.

 

Column & photo by: Sandi Staton

 

 

SECO News, June 2016

SECO News, Duncan's Digest, February 2016

 

If the warmer than normal Spring is any indication, it looks like another hot Florida summer is just around the corner. As Floridians know, hurricane season started on June 1st. I want to assure you, our members, that SECO Energy and its employees are “Storm Ready.”

 

From the members’ perspective, what does that mean? Storm Ready doesn’t begin with storm season; Storm Ready is designing, building and maintaining a reliable system that delivers power to SECO members rain or shine. Supported by a number of behind-the-scenes departments, the employees from our Operations department – the good guys in the white hats – are the cavalcade of employees and their trucks that members look for during a service interruption. These employees work diligently to restore power quickly and safely. In the meantime, our member service employees stand ready to take your calls, and our Corporate Communications folks update website and social media communications to provide the latest information on outage statuses.

 

SECO Energy, SECO News June 2016

 

Restoring power quickly during storm season is only a small portion of SECO’s reliability focus. Our employees and contractor partners continually inspect, maintain and upgrade existing facilities. In 2015, we inspected 19,923 distribution poles and replaced 3,208 of them. To improve data communication between substation equipment and our System Operations Center, SECO upgraded to fiber optic communications for data transfer. The System Operations Center is manned 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and stands ready to assist members outside of normal business hours.

 

To maximize outage prevention efforts, we must first identify the most frequent causes. Tree-related outages are the number one reason why members lose power (small animal incidents take a close second). In the last decade, SECO has focused on creating a comprehensive vegetation management program and has dramatically reduced power outages related to trees. For nine years running, SECO has been nationally recognized as a Tree Line USA Utility by the National Arbor Day Foundation.

 

This is only a small overview of the accomplishments and responsibilities related to outage prevention and restoration. Daily afternoon storms are coming soon, so get to know SECO’s Storm Center by visiting SECOEnergy.com where members can report power outages and watch for updates on restoration efforts in your area. “Like” SECO’s page on Facebook and follow SECO on Twitter for instant updates and news releases. Lastly, visit secoenergy.com to review our Emergency Checklist to ensure you and your family are Storm Ready too.

 

 

SECO Energy, SECO News June 2016 - Commitment to community

 

Commitment to Community

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO Energy supports its members and the communities it serves by engaging in charitable projects. SECO employees also embrace their communities by volunteering hundreds of hours of their personal time on charitable projects they choose to support. Whether it’s coaching youth sports, running 5K races or volunteering for (and pledging to) United Way, members can find our SECO employee volunteers out and about building stronger communities.

 

This spring, SECO and its employees participated in events that showcased our beautiful outdoor spaces, contributed to the fight against cancer and awarded financial assistance to young scholars beginning their college careers.

 

SECO Energy, SECO News June 2016 - Commitment to community - Earth Fest and Arbor Day

 

Earthfest at Arbor Day

In April, SECO Energy’s Vegetation Management team celebrated the great outdoors at the Earthfest at Arbor Day event in downtown Ocala’s Tuscawilla Park. Families enjoyed the lovely spring weather, food, crafts, demonstrations and live entertainment. The SECO team gave away several hundred trees and children loved the face painting, coloring books and additional giveaways.

 

SECO Energy, SECO News June 2016 - Commitment to community - Arbor Day

 

Visitors took the opportunity to ask our Certified Arborists for tree-care tips and for planting advice for the trees they took home. Supported by our partners, ACRT and Nelson Tree, SECO has been a proud recipient of the Tree Line USA distinction by the National Arbor Day Foundation for nine years.

 

Sumter County’s Relay for Life

In late April, the SECO Relay for Life team participated in the American Cancer Society’s fundraiser. Relay for Life is the American Cancer Society’s signature event. It raises donations for cancer research as well as support for cancer patients and their caregivers.

 

SECO Energy, SECO News June 2016 - Commitment to community - Relay for life

 

This year’s theme was “Stopping Cancer in its Tracks,” inspired by the iconic television show Soul Train. SECO team members and other volunteers boogied through the night and into the morning to represent their commitment to continue the fight against cancer. Our SECO team’s fundraising efforts paid off, raising over $12,000 for the American Cancer Society.

 

Scholarship Program

Now in its 20th year, the SECO Board of Trustees approved $36,000 for deserving high school seniors. The 12 students from our service area were each awarded a $3,000 scholarship.

 

SECO Energy, 2016 Scholarship Awardees

 

This year the seniors and their families were honored with a reception at SECO’s headquarters on May 23rd. Visit SECOEnergy.com to see their names and photos. Since beginning the program, SECO has awarded 257 scholarships totaling over $500,000 to young people whose families’ energy needs are served by SECO.

 

As a member, how can you help your community and fellow members in need? Enroll in SECO Energy’s Pennies from Heaven program. Pennies from Heaven automatically rounds up your bill to the nearest dollar amount. The extra pennies (which average about $6 annually) are donated to the Pennies from Heaven program. Every cent collected is distributed here in our local communities and to our members for bill payment assistance.

 

Enroll online at SECOEnergy.com under Your Co-op > Community > Pennies from Heaven. Or you can call us at (352) 793-3801 or email customerservice@secoenergy.com to enroll.

 

 

SECO Energy, SECO News June 2016 - energy saving tip

 

Energy Saving Tip

The heat leading up to the 2016 Florida summer is here, and The Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts that June will be a little hotter than normal. Now is a perfect time to have your HVAC unit serviced to ensure your unit is running efficiently before summer gets into full swing. Change your filter regularly too. Order discounted filters (free shipping) from filterchange.coop.

 

Programmable thermostats offer preprogramed settings to regulate the temperature in your home. Installing a programmable thermostat can help homeowners reduce their energy usage and save on electric bills.

 

A programmable thermostat will adjust the times that the air conditioning or heating system operates. Most new programmable thermostats adjust while you are away during the day, while you are sleeping, have vacation mode and include an app that allows you to adjust on the fly.

 

SECO Energy, SECO News June 2016 - energy saving tip

 

The energy.gov website reports consumers can save between 5 and 15 percent on electric bills by using a programmable thermostat. For the most savings, set the thermostat to adjust the temperature in portions of time at least four hours in length.

 

If you have additional questions about installing a programmable thermostat, you should contact a certified HVAC contractor for assistance. [237021] As a member of SECO Energy, your Co-op Connections card offers discounts to many local businesses. Look for a local HVAC contractor that offers members a discount by visiting www.connections.coop.

 

Looking for more ways to save energy and reduce your electric bill? Please contact us at (352) 793-3801 or email energyservices@secoenergy.com to learn more ways to save energy and reduce your electric bill.

 

 

SECO Energy, Expressions

 

Expressions

Recently we had the honor and privilege to participate at the Annual Meeting of SECO Energy. We sincerely hope that we provided what was expected and in a manner that dignified the occasion. The donation was extremely appreciated and will be used to aid needy veterans. Should we be of any future service, please contact us.
Sincerely,
Donald Saylor
Commander – Honor Guard, VFW Post #4337
Inverness, FL

 
 

Want you to know how much I appreciate SECO. Your company goes far beyond what is expected. Thank you for fighting to keep our cost down. I am on Social Security; it is a blessing to see a low electric bill.
Thank you again & God Bless,
Mrs. Barbara Marsh
Ocala, FL

 

 

SECO Energy, Call 811 before you dig

 

Read the full June 2016 SECO News here.

 

SECO FUN-Raises $1,181 for Red Nose Day

At SECO Energy’s five Service Centers located across its Central Florida territory, employees and members joined the FUN-raising by donating to Red Nose Day, a charitable movement that encourages us to, “Laugh. Give. Save a Kid.” Wearing big, red noses may be funny, but Red Nose Day is serious support for many global charities.

 

SECO Energy, its employees and members brought the laughs and raised over $1,181 to support children through Red Nose Day. Donations contribute to meals for children in homeless shelters, antibiotics to treat pneumonia, eye exams, medical supplies and support homeless shelters for children.

 

SECO Energy Employees raise money for Red Nose Day

 

Vice President of Corporate Communications and Energy Services Kathryn Gloria states, “As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO believes in responsible corporate citizenship by supporting the communities it serves. We are all part of the global community and SECO is proud to support children in need all over the world. A thank you to the employees and members who came together for such a worthy but fun cause.”

 

In the last 25 years, Red Nose Day has raised over $1 billion to help kids all over the world. Visit www.rednoseday.org for more information about the global charities supported through laughter.

 

SECO Energy Employees raise money for Red Nose Day

 

Find more information about SECO Energy’s commitment to community online at www.secoenergy.com. Members can join SECO in supporting local communities by enrolling in its Pennies from Heaven program. Pennies from Heaven automatically rounds members’ bills up to the nearest dollar. These extra pennies are distributed locally to SECO members for bill payment assistance.

 

SECO Energy Employees raise money for Red Nose Day

 

 

SECO Stands Storm Ready

With hurricane season beginning on June 1, 2016, and afternoon thunderstorms on the horizon, SECO Energy is assuring members that the cooperative and its employees are “Storm Ready.”

 

SECO remains Storm Ready by focusing on preventing outages throughout the year, not only during storm and hurricane season. Storm Ready is designing, building and maintaining a reliable system that delivers power to SECO members rain or shine. In 2015, SECO maximized its outage prevention efforts by inspecting almost 20,000 pieces of equipment, upgrading fiber optic lines to improve data communication and trimming or removing trees that could endanger overhead power lines.

 

When thunderstorms are approaching, SECO’s member services employees are ready to answer calls and assist members. SECO’s Corporate Communications department delivers updated storm and outage information to members via the website and social media channels.

 

SECO Stands Storm Ready

 

SECO’s System Operations Center is manned 24 hours a day, seven days a week and uses advanced weather tracking to predict weather patterns affecting the area. They are ready to assist members outside of normal business hours and dispatch a cavalcade of employees and trucks to restore members’ power. SECO Operations employees work diligently to restore power quickly and safely – they are the good guys in the white hats.

 

Kathryn Gloria, Vice President of Corporate Communications and Energy Services encourages members to be Storm Ready as well. “As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, we are dedicated to helping our members’ prepare for storm season. Now is the time to assemble your emergency supply kit and update your contact information with SECO. SECO is committed to being our members’ first source for accurate storm communications and updates.”

 

To review a comprehensive emergency checklist, visit www.secoenergy.com. Bookmark SECO’s website in your desktop or smartphone browser to quickly report an outage through SECO’s Storm Center. Members who “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” us on Twitter have instant access to updates on storm activity, news releases and restoration efforts.

Don’t be a Safety Statistic

SECO Energy considers the safety of its employees its most important core value. SECO employees pay critical attention to electrical safety by wearing personal protective gear (PPE) and utilizing the latest safety standards and equipment.

 

Just as SECO Energy employees use specialized PPE to protect themselves while working with electricity, consumers should protect themselves from electrical hazards. Consumers use electricity daily to cook meals, cool our homes, power televisions and other electronic gadgets. Electricity may seem commonplace, but consumers need to remember that electricity can cause injuries such as burns and shocks, which can be fatal.

 

SECO Energy, Don’t be a Safety Statistic

 

Don’t be a safety statistic. The U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports there are more than 400 people electrocuted each year. Electricity is the cause of more than 140,000 fires with 4,000 injuries and 400 deaths and results in property damage of $1.6 billion. Electricity is also to blame for 300 workplace fatalities and approximately 4,000 injuries at work according to the National Safety Council.

 

Follow these top ten electrical safety tips so that you don’t become a safety statistic:

  1.  Before working near electric equipment, survey the work area for hazards
  2.  Always assume any overhead line is energized and dangerous
  3.  Report downed lines as soon as possible
  4.  Remain clear of downed power lines
  5. Keep ladders and equipment away from overhead lines
  6.  Repair appliances that smoke, spark or shock
  7.  Unplug appliances during cleaning or servicing
  8.  Replace frayed power or extension cords
  9.  Caution children to never play near underground transformer boxes or substations
  10.  If you are in a car accident involving downed wires, stay in the vehicle until help arrives

 

CEO Jim Duncan states, “SECO Energy employees are dedicated to safety and are acutely aware that our industry is dangerous. We don’t compromise safety standards, and we watch out for each other, our members and the general public.”

 

For more information about electrical safety visit SECO Energy’s Safety page at www.secoenergy.com. Are you a member or leader of a group who is interested in a presentation about electrical safety? SECO has speakers and presentations about electrical safety available for all age groups. Contact SECO online, or call 352-793-3801 to request a speaker for your group.