Log in | Register |
StormCenter logo

Archive

Author: Amanda Richardson

Trout Lake Nature Center Project Receives Grant from SECO Energy Foundation

The SECO Energy Foundation announced a grant has been awarded to Trout Lake Nature Center (TLNC), located in the Eustis area. The $22,000 Environmental Projects grant was approved during the SECO Energy Foundation’s first quarterly Board of Directors Meeting. The funding will provide backing to TLNC, a non-profit 501 (c)(3) corporation, to replace a portion of a critical boardwalk that crosses the 230-acre preserve.

 

Over the last eight years, Trout Lake Nature Center has conducted over 500 field trips and reached 215,708 students. The $22,000 grant will fund a boardwalk replacement project that will allow students and members from Central Florida to enjoy the Nature Center’s environmentally friendly wetlands, mesic flatwoods and lake bottom that comprise most of TLNC.

 

Trout Lake Nature Center Grant Will Have “Significant Impact”

Trout Lake Nature Center’s Executive Director Eileen Tramontana, stated, “People throughout SECO Energy’s service area frequent the TLNC. Almost every visitor uses the boardwalk, and most education program participants do also. Renovating our boardwalk will have a significant impact on education efforts at TLNC.” The center’s walking trails are open to the public throughout the year.

 

Trout Lake Nature Center has been serving the Central Florida community through nature education, awareness, and resource conservation since 1988. It is governed by a board of directors with the assistance of an executive director and a small staff. These, along with a steady volunteer force maintain the facilities and habitats and develop and conduct programs. TLNC is supported through donations, program fees, fundraisers, grants and loyal membership.

 

SECO Energy CEO Curtis Wynn “Pleased with grant decisions”

SECO Energy CEO Curtis Wynn applauded the grant. “I am pleased with the grant decisions made by the SECO Energy Foundation in its first few months of activity. The support of this project to the Trout Lake Nature Center delivers a message of conservation, education and environmental awareness to the residents of and visitors to Central Florida.”

 

The SECO Energy Foundation District 9 Board Director Matthew Roudabush stated, “Trout Lake Nature Center allows hundreds of students the educational opportunity to explore nature in person, and the Foundation Board believes helping to repair the boardwalk will enable more students and individuals to continue visiting this local environmentally friendly site.”

 

TLNC provides approximately 65 to 70 student field trips (from Pre-K to 5th grade) annually and traveling on the boardwalk to the education dock is an important part of school field trips. TLNC will rebuild the remaining section starting May 2023 with funding from several grants.

 

To learn more about the SECO Energy Foundation, visit SECOEnergy.com>Your Co-op. “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 reliability and expansion projects in your area, visit our new System Improvement Map. To learn more about SECO Energy as a not-for-profit cooperative, visit SECOEnergy.com > Your Co-op > About.

SECO Energy Board of Trustees Elects 2023 Officers

SECO Energy Board of Trustees elected its 2023 Officers during the March Trustee meeting. District 3 Trustee Gerald Anderson was re-elected Board President, Scott Boyatt District 1 Trustee was re-elected as Board Vice President and District 9 Trustee Morgan Hatfield was elected Secretary/Treasurer.  

 

SECO Energy is a not-for-profit electric cooperative operated for and owned by its members. Members from each District elect a fellow member for a three-year term to represent them on the SECO Board of Trustees. Collectively, the nine-member SECO Board of Trustees represents all members by meeting monthly to monitor the cooperative’s governance process, provide fiduciary oversight, and participate in policy decisions that serve the best interests of the members at large. 

 

Board President

District 3 Trustee Gerald Anderson was re-elected Board President for a second term. Mr. Anderson has been a SECO Energy member since 2013 and resides in The Villages. His first election to the SECO Energy Board of Trustees was in 2019. He earned his Credentialed Cooperative Director’s Certificate (CCD), his Board Leadership Certificate (BLC) and his Director Gold Credential (DGC) from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) in 2021.  

 

Board President Anderson said he is pleased to be involved with a group of such dedicated leaders. “I am humbled, honored, and thankful to the Trustees for their confidence in electing me President for another term. It’s exciting to work with such a diverse, well-educated Board and staff to chart the next course for SECO Energy. Our Board is well prepared to tackle what may prove to be the most challenging electric cooperative business environment of any generation.” 

 

Board Vice President

District 1 Trustee Scott Boyatt retained his office as Vice President. Mr. Boyatt has been a SECO Member since 2004 and resides in Clermont. His first election to the Board was in 2013. Since joining the SECO Board, he has completed the Credentialed Cooperative Director’s Certificate (CCD), the Board Leadership Certificate (BLC), and has achieved Director Gold Credentials from the NRECA. 

 

Mr. Boyatt stated, “Through my Board of Trustees service, I look forward to helping guide SECO Energy through the remarkable growth in our service area as we support SECO’s Strategy Map.”  

 

Board Secretary/Treasurer

District 9 Trustee Morgan Hatfield joins the Officers as its Secretary/Treasurer and has served on the Board of Trustees since 2021. Ms. Hatfield successfully completed her Credentialed Cooperative Director’s Certificate (CCD), the Board Leadership Certificate (BLC) and her Director Gold Credential (DGC) from the National Rural Electric Cooperatives Association (NRECA).  

 

Ms. Hatfield stated, “It is an honor to serve my neighbors and fellow SECO Energy members through my service on the Board of Trustees. It is especially meaningful to begin serving in an Officer position as Secretary/Treasurer.” 

 

CEO Curtis Wynn’s Comments

SECO Energy CEO Curtis Wynn applauded the commitment of the Board and its vision. “I truly believe we have a Board of Trustees that is in total alignment with the Mission, Vision, and Core Values of SECO. These three Officers have demonstrated their dedication to improving their fiduciary oversight and industry knowledge. We all benefit from their service and are grateful for their efforts.” 

 

The NRECA offers a Director Certification Program for not-for-profit electric cooperative Trustees. It aims to help participants understand their roles and responsibilities and stay up to date on important issues and energy trends while preparing them to meet the challenges facing electric cooperatives now and in the future. The DGC recognizes directors/trustees seeking a credential that confirms their ongoing dedication to extending their knowledge and fulfilling their fiduciary duty in cooperative governance with the highest standards. 

 

To learn more about the Board of Trustees, visit SECOEnergy.com>Your Co-op. “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 reliability and expansion projects in your area, visit our new System Improvement Map. To learn more about SECO Energy as a not-for-profit cooperative, visit SECOEnergy.com > Your Co-op > About.

 

March 2023 Sunshine State Stats

Spring arrived in March 2023. While daily high temperatures increased during the month, cold temperatures continued as well. High daily temperatures ranged between the mid 60s and low 90s. Low daily temperatures dipped into the 40s.

 

March 2023 Sunshine State Stats temps

 

The average temperature for March 2023 was 72 degrees, which was 2 degrees higher than last month’s average. The average high was 84 degrees while the average low was 60 degrees. With the shifting temperatures from cool to hot during the month, members may notice increased kilowatt hour (kWh) usage as they used both heating and cooling in their homes. HVAC is the largest energy-user in Central Florida homes – accounting for 35 to 40% of kWh usage on average.

 

The highest daily recorded temperature (data from the Leesburg KLEE weather station) in March was 92 degrees and the lowest 44 – the highest daily recorded temperature in February was 88 degrees and the lowest 46. March 2023 lacked rainfall – only .16 inches – which is drastically lower than the March average of 4.03 inches.

 

April forecast:

 

Daily highs in the 90s will continue through April with lows in the mid to high 60s. The best chance of rain comes early in the month, but dry conditions are predicted to continue.

 

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 Trustee Shannon Wright Earns Director Gold Credential

SECO Energy District 5 Trustee Shannon Wright has successfully completed the requirements to earn the Director Gold Credential (DGS) from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).

 

According to the NRECA, the DGC recognizes directors/trustees who desire a tangible credential that demonstrates their ongoing commitment to advancing their knowledge and performing their fiduciary duty to the best of their ability. The DGC offers a continuing education path for directors/trustees beyond the Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD) and Board Leadership Certificate (BLC).

 

SECO Energy is a not-for-profit electric utility operated for and owned by its members. SECO’s nine-member Board of Trustees consists of members who live in SECO’s service area. Trustees are elected to oversee the governance of the cooperative. Each Trustee on SECO Energy’s Board is elected by the members who reside in his/her District.

 

Collectively, the Trustees are responsible for establishing, reviewing and revising corporate policies to ensure that SECO continues to preserve reliable, affordable service for all members.

 

Trustee Wright resides in Lake Panasoffkee and has been a SECO Energy member since 2014. She was elected to the SECO Energy Board of Trustees in 2022.

 

Mrs. Wright stated, “I am proud to join the other Board Trustees who have achieved the Director Gold Credential from the NRECA. This process has equipped me to better serve not just the SECO Energy members I represent in District 5, but our electric cooperative as a whole. My experience as a SECO Energy Trustee has been a rewarding one.”

 

CEO Curtis Wynn extended his congratulations to Trustee Wright, expressing his enthusiasm for the industry knowledge enrichment undertaken by the Board Trustee. “Congratulations, Mrs. Wright, on achieving the NRECA’s Director Gold Credential. Your commitment to the NRECA educational path is a benefit to SECO Energy, its members and the Board of Trustees. Thank you for expanding your preparedness to serve at such a high level.”

 

To learn more about the Board of Trustees, visit SECOEnergy.com>Your Co-op. “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 reliability and expansion projects in your area, visit our new System Improvement Map. To learn more about SECO Energy as a not-for-profit cooperative, visit SECOEnergy.com > Your Co-op > About.

 

Members Tuned in for SECO Energy’s 85th Annual Meeting

SECO Energy members tuned in virtually for the Cooperative’s 85th Annual Meeting on March 23, 2023. SECO Energy Board of Trustees President Gerald Anderson and CEO Curtis Wynn presented their reports to members in a virtual meeting that streamed on the energy cooperative’s website, Facebook Live and YouTube. Members who missed the meeting can view the Annual Meeting video on YouTube.

 

Florida statute requires the Meeting to be held annually, and a quorum was achieved by member participation in voting on Annual Meeting business – a process that closed when President Anderson called the Meeting to order. In total, member voting participation reached 14,375 – which is record-high participation in Annual Meeting business from members across every part of the service territory. Members voted to approve both the 2022 Annual Meeting Minutes and a Bylaws revision establishing virtual online Annual Meetings as the delivery platform moving forward.

 

CEO Curtis Wynn shared updates related to operation costs, efficiency initiatives, growth projections, and SECO Energy Foundation funding and grant activities.

 

GROWTH

 

SECO’s 15.5% electric service membership growth between 2017 and 2022 is expected to continue. Wynn stated, “At today’s growth rate, SECO will hit the 250,000-member mark quickly, and may step up to be the largest electric Cooperative in Florida.” With over 230,000 members, SECO is currently the third-largest electric cooperative in Florida and the seventh largest in the country.

 

CORPORATE INITIATIVES

 

Wynn revealed a recently launched multi-year Strategy Map outlining SECO’s Mission, Vision, and updated Core Values that include Safety, Member Commitment, Honesty and Integrity, Accountability, Teamwork and an Inclusive Culture. Wynn said, “Our employees embody these traits, and we look for these characteristics when we hire new team members.”

 

EFFICIENCY INITIATIVES

 

While wholesale power costs continue to rise, SECO’s Technology Roadmap outlines current and future innovations to increase efficiency at SECO. The Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) project began a test period in early March. After data is analyzed, the systemwide implementation will continue, with a goal of replacing 7,000 to 9,000 meters each month until completion in three to four years. Combined with the new AMI meters, SECO’s SmartHub online account management interface will offer unprecedented energy usage information to members.

 

Efforts to elevate online member service were highlighted during the meeting. SECO’s Home Energy Assessment and Energy Estimator are online energy-efficiency tools found on SECOEnergy.com. The Home Energy Assessment is an online home energy audit, while the Energy Estimator calculates estimated energy usage from all sources in the home.

 

Also cited was the cooperative’s commitment to in-home electric vehicle charging, in which an EV Level 2 fast charger may be either leased or purchased and installed at a member’s premises. SECO is also accepting pre-enrollments in an EV monthly incentive program for members who agree to charge their electric vehicles during Super Off-Peak hours (midnight to 6 a.m.). More information about both EV offerings can be found at SECOEnergy.com.

 

COSTS AND BUDGET

 

Costs are rising at an astronomical rate. Even as a not-for-profit utility, SECO Energy is not immune to inflation and the economic downturn that began in 2020. As a result of rising costs. SECO reported an unprecedented increase in its 2023 capital budget. In 2022, the capital budget totaled $76,520,000; for 2023, SECO necessarily increased the capital budget by 57% to equal $119,795,000 to cover rising costs.

 

In response to the cost increases, CEO Wynn announced an increase to the customer charge effective May 1 to $34.50 per billing cycle. The monthly line-item fee is meant to fund the fixed costs of providing electric service. CEO Wynn added, “It became painfully clear that SECO cannot avoid a customer charge increase.”

 

A projection of wholesale fuel cost reductions paints a brighter outlook for members. Wynn said, if realized, the outlook may provide an opportunity to “positively impact” members’ bills.

 

SECO ENERGY FOUNDATION

 

The SECO Energy Foundation approved its first three grants in the first quarter 2023. These included transitional housing support in Lake County, the purchase of fire truck equipment for Marion County and the replacement of a Trout Lake Nature Center boardwalk in the Eustis area. The SECO Energy Foundation also accepted applications for scholarships from high school seniors in the first quarter.

 

The SECO Energy Foundation is proving to be a successful source of grant funding support for the communities SECO serves. But the Cooperative understands that rounding up one’s electric bill to the next even dollar to support the Foundation is a personal choice. Mr. Wynn reviewed the many ways members can discontinue supporting the Foundation if that is their desire.

 

The Annual Meeting concluded with the announcement of the 100 prize winners. All members who voted on Annual Meeting business were eligible to win. Members can view the Annual Meeting video to learn if they were a prize winner by visiting SECOEnergy.com or its YouTube channel.

 

To learn more about the Board of Trustees, visit SECOEnergy.com>Your Co-op. “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 reliability and expansion projects in your area, visit our new System Improvement Map. To learn more about SECO Energy as a not-for-profit cooperative, visit SECOEnergy.com > Your Co-op > About.

 

PURPA – Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978

The purpose of PURPA is the encouragement of investments in conservation and efficient use of facilities by electric utilities and equitable rates to electric customers. In 2009, PURPA required qualified electric utilities to consider three new 111(d) standards pursuant to the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA).

 

Most recently, the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) required non-regulated cooperatives (such as SECO Energy), municipal utilities, and state regulators (for regulated utilities) to consider adopting two new PURPA standards under Section 111(d).

 

There are two new PURPA 111(d) Standards Under IIJA that SECO Energy considered:

 

1. Demand-Response Practices
(A) In General – Each electric utility shall promote the use of demand-response and demand flexibility practices by commercial, residential, and industrial consumers to reduce electricity consumption during periods of unusually high demand.
(B) Rate Recovery
(i) In General – Each State regulatory authority shall consider establishing rate mechanisms allowing an electric utility with respect to which the State regulatory authority has ratemaking authority to timely recover the costs of promoting demand-response and demand flexibility practices in accordance with subparagraph (A).
(ii) Nonregulated Electric Utilities – A nonregulated electric utility may establish rate mechanisms for the timely recovery of the costs of promoting demand-response and demand flexibility practices in accordance with subparagraph (A).

 

2. Electric vehicle charging programs
Each State shall consider measures to promote greater electrification of the transportation sector, including the establishment of rates that—
(A) promote affordable and equitable electric vehicle charging options for residential, commercial, and public electric vehicle charging infrastructure;
(B) improve the customer experience associated with electric vehicle charging, including by reducing charging times for light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicles;
(C) accelerate third-party investment in electric vehicle charging for light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicles; and
(D) appropriately recover the marginal costs of delivering electricity to electric vehicles and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

 

Determination Process to Consider Adopting new PURPA Standards:

 

Following direction from NRECA, SECO did not conduct a live hearing. Instead, a public comment and response period was held between April 1, and June 1, 2023, enabling our members to be heard throughout this process. Also, an opportunity for Board Meeting attendance was provided wherein members were allowed to be heard on matters affecting the Cooperative. Consideration of standards focused on how implementation is consistent with the purpose of PURPA:

 

  • the promotion of energy conservation
  • optimization of the efficiency of use of facilities and resources, and
  • equitable rates to electric consumers

At the October 24, 2022, Board Meeting, SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees approved a Resolution to determine the hearing process to consider the standard and to engage in a public comment period. Notice of these objectives was published in November 2022 SECO News. During the open public comment period, members had the ability to share their views regarding the two new PURPA Standards SECO considered under the IIJA.

 

Review SECO Energy’s Initial Comments regarding the two PURPA Standards in The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Of 2021.

 

Read the SECO Energy Board of Trustees’ Final Resolution which was approved at the October 23, 2023, Board Meeting.

 

Energy Insider – 1st Quarter 2023

In today’s world of divided government, it is rare that major legislative acts are passed through Congress. President Biden recently signed the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 into law. The law involves impacts on climate change, healthcare and taxation revenues. All these changes will have effects on your business. For small and large businesses alike, it’s important to appreciate what the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 could mean.

 

SECO Energy Insider Q1 2023

 

In the area of healthcare insurance, premium subsidies for the Affordable Care Act will now extend to 2025 instead of ending this year. The law allows the government to now negotiate drug costs for its Medicare patients. It also capped out-of-pocket drug costs for Medicare patients to $2,000 a year.

 

In the area of taxation, it requires all corporations to pay a minimum 15% tax rate for revenues over $1 billion. No matter the deductions, this is the lowest rate for these companies. In essence, this tax change alone is expected to generate $300 billion in revenues yet only affect 150 companies. The law also provides $80 billion to cover the cost of IRS reinforcement.

 

And lastly, in the area of climate change, billions of dollars of subsidies and tax credits are being provided for over twenty programs that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These credits and deductions are to provide for businesses to invest in advanced energy projects, credits for electric commercial vehicles and charging, biofuels- first and second generation, renewable energy production, and it also supports carbon capture and storage of renewable energy just to name a few.

 

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 will affect businesses as they make changes to policies, practices and possibly even pricing. Now is the time to prepare your business for the upcoming changes. For more details, review House Bill 5376 or contact the IRS.

 

 

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

 

 

Find, Feed & Restore Awarded $2500 SECO Energy Foundation Grant

The SECO Energy Foundation joined the battle to aid local homeless families in need by approving a $2,500 grant for Find, Feed & Restore to support the Restore Lake Project. The $2500 SECO Energy Foundation Grant supports its Health and Human Services efforts by sponsoring Find, Feed & Restore’s Love & Laughter Event on May 6 at the Clermont City Center to raise money for the housing solutions project.

 

The Restore Lake Project provides transitional housing for ten to 14 local families with children. In an effort to combat homelessness, Find, Feed & Restore provides housing solutions, including transitional housing, no-cost housing, permanent housing, Women’s Mental Health and Domestic Violence Shelter and homelessness avoidance in Lake County. The programs help families who are struggling with financial difficulties avoid homelessness. Restore Lake’s facility provides no- or low-cost housing, financial education resources and a case manager to help families into future homeownership, job opportunities and more. The facility’s goal is for its families to reach mental and physical balance and become self-sufficient.

 

The SECO Energy Foundation Board of Directors District 1 Director Sara Meyer is pleased the SECO Energy Foundation is making a difference in local communities. Ms. Meyer stated, “Affordable housing options for low to moderate income families have drastically decreased by Florida’s recent increased population boom. To improve the quality of life in SECO Energy’s service area for residents, the Restore Lake Project will help the families most impacted by the COVID pandemic, increasing costs and housing prices on the rise. I am extremely pleased that my fellow Directors and I unanimously approved a health and human services grant for Lake County citizens who desperately need our assistance.”

 

Find, Feed & Restore Vice President of Development Stephen Shylkofski is grateful for the SECO Energy Foundation’s partnership. Mr. Shylkofski stated, “We are thankful for the opportunity to build on the partnership with the SECO Energy Foundation to grow our programs in Lake and Sumter Counties. Along with the SECO Energy Foundation and our other community partners, we can begin to achieve our goal of eradicating homelessness from our communities.”

 

The SECO Energy Foundation is a nonprofit 501c3 entity funded largely through SECO’s electric bill roundup program and will be supplemented by grants the Foundation applies for through other private and federal funding programs that align with the SECO Energy Foundation’s goals. Participating members’ extra pennies are donated to the Foundation to fund grants and bill payment assistance that make a difference in the lives of members across the communities served by SECO Energy.

 

SECO Energy’s CEO Curtis Wynn stated, “Concern for community is a key co-op principle that ties in with health and human services in our local communities – especially for its most vulnerable members. Surveys tell us that members want to be part of an organization that does more for their consumers and communities than sell goods and services. The SECO Energy Foundation’s focus is to improve the quality of life in and around SECO’s service area. The Foundation’s support of the Restore Lake Project creates a difference in our communities.”

 

To learn more about the SECO Energy Foundation, visit SECOEnergy.com>Your Co-op>Foundation. “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 reliability and expansion projects in your area, visit our new System Improvement Map. To learn more about SECO Energy as a not-for-profit cooperative, visit SECOEnergy.com > Your Co-op > About.

 

February 2023 Sunshine State Stats

The temperatures in February 2023 varied drastically between very cold and very hot landing in the 30s and 80s in the same month. Temperatures dropped to as low as 37 degrees on February 14 (data from the Ocala KOCF weather station) in SECO Energy’s service area and highs climbed to 88.

 

February 2023 Sunshine State Stats temps

 

The average temperature for February 2023 was 70 degrees, which was 7 degrees higher than last month’s average. The average high was 81 degrees while the average low was 58 degrees. With the shifting temperatures from very cold to hot during the month, members may notice increased kilowatt hour (kWh) usage as they used both heating and cooling in their homes. The HVAC is the largest energy-user in Central Florida homes – accounting for 35 to 40% of kWh usage on average.

 

The highest daily recorded temperature (data from the Leesburg KLEE weather station) in February was 88 degrees and the lowest 46 – the highest daily recorded temperature in January was 85 degrees and the lowest 35. February 2023 was dry with rainfall measuring only .3 inches which was well below the average of 2.87 inches.

 

March forecast:

 

Expect spring temperatures to reach into the 80s most days in March 2023 with the possibility of a slight mid-month cool down when lows will reach into the 40s and 50s. The best chance for rain is in the middle of the month.

 

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 Foundation Approves $5,319 Grant for Marion County Fire Rescue

The newly established SECO Energy Foundation approved a grant of $5,319 to benefit public safety for Marion County Fire Rescue (MCFR). MCFR requested $5,319 to equip three MCFR fire engines with updated material.

 

The new equipment for the three MCFR fire engines consists of line pressure gauges, gate valves and three-way ball valves. The improved equipment prepares the local fire rescue team to respond to emergency calls, provide service to citizens and protect its team of first responders who put their lives in danger to assist the community in fire, rescue and medical emergencies.

 

According to the Marion County Fire Rescue’s website (www.marionfl.org), MCFR is a progressive, professional fire rescue department dedicated to the community’s health, safety and well-being providing excellent service, education and prevention in partnership with the citizens of Marion County.

 

The SECO Energy Foundation Board of Directors President James LaMotte is excited to begin the process of approving grants that align with the SECO Energy Foundation’s goals and objectives. Mr. LaMotte stated, “The SECO Energy Foundation was founded to improve quality of life and expand services within the communities in SECO Energy’s service territory in the areas of public safety, educational STEM projects, environmental projects, scholarships, Veterans’ initiatives, health and human services, energy-related projects and bill payment assistance. Safety is SECO Energy’s most important Core Value and funding public safety initiatives is one of the Foundation’s goals. I am extremely pleased that my fellow Directors and I were able to unanimously approve a grant that will improve safety for Marion County citizens through the Marion County Fire Rescue team.”

 

Marion County Fire Rescue Lieutenant Henry Herrera is thankful for the grant award. Lieutenant Herrera stated, “The Marion County Fire Rescue team is thankful for the grant award that will help MCFR to respond to and provide service and protection to Marion County residents. The grant will purchase needed equipment to meet new challenges the MCFR team faces in responding to fire, rescue and medical emergencies.”

 

The SECO Energy Foundation is a nonprofit 501c3 entity that is funded largely through SECO’s electric bill round up program and will be supplemented by grants the Foundation applies for through other local, state and federal funding programs that align with the SECO Energy Foundation’s goals. Participating members’ extra pennies are donated to the Foundation to fund grants and bill payment assistance that make a difference in the lives of members across the communities served by SECO Energy.

 

SECO Energy’s CEO Curtis Wynn stated, “Concern for community is a key co-op principle and remains a high priority. Surveys tell us that members want to be part of an organization that does more for their consumers and communities than profit from the goods/services it sells. Our ability to support public safety, is one example of the Foundation’s focus to help improve the quality of life in and around SECO’s service territory.”

 

To learn more about the SECO Energy Foundation, visit SECOEnergy.com >  Your Co-op >  Foundation. “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 reliability and expansion projects in your area, visit our new System Improvement Map. To learn more about SECO Energy as a not-for-profit cooperative, visit SECOEnergy.com  >  Your Co-op  >  About.