Megan Shaw – Page 2 – SECO Energy

SECO Energy Completes Restoration from Hurricane Helene and Sends Aid

In the early morning hours on Saturday, September 28, SECO Energy completed electric service restoration for all accounts affected by Hurricane Helene’s impact. After a short rest for SECO Energy’s crews, a group of employees volunteered to join the restoration effort at other cooperatives.

The wind damage in SECO Energy’s service area was moderate, disrupting service to roughly 43,000 accounts. In response, SECO Energy employees and hundreds of mutual aid line and tree crews began a comprehensive storm recovery process, which involved damage assessments, restoration prioritization, and working around the clock to restore electric service. Crews and contractors worked tirelessly to replace broken utility poles, remove fallen trees, and restore downed power lines, ensuring the safety and comfort of our members.

“I am extremely proud of our dedicated employees and mutual aid crews that worked tirelessly until every member had power restored,” says SECO Energy’s Chief Executive Officer Curtis Wynn. “Storm recovery is difficult, dangerous work, but our crews are experienced, highly trained, and dedicated to protecting the communities we serve.”

A 13-person restoration module left SECO Energy early Sunday afternoon, traveling to Clay Electric Cooperative, Inc., headquartered in Keystone Heights, to assist in outage restoration. Clay Electric’s service area has been significantly damaged, with over 26,000 accounts currently without electric service as of Sunday afternoon. This underscores the urgency of the situation. Two SECO warehouse support employees have stepped in to provide needed warehouse and supply chain services at Central Florida Electric Cooperative (CFEC). Their assistance is crucial in helping CFEC employees continue the restoration effort in their region.

Wynn continued, “I want to thank each employee who volunteered to help others. We are proud to answer the call to help a sister cooperative. Cooperation Among Cooperatives is essential; when we work together, we can bring normalcy back to the lives of thousands of our neighbors. North Florida and western North Carolina sustained some of the worst damage from Helene, these communities are in our thoughts as they work to rebuild their homes and lives.”

SECO Energy’s contracted line and tree crews also left to aid in restoration. Five Pike overhead line crews and 24 Link Energy contractors left for Suwannee Valley Electric Cooperative (SVEC) on Saturday. Four Pike overhead line crews joined Clay Electric on Sunday. Additionally, five Wright Tree Service crews are traveling to other damaged areas in the southeast.

SECO Energy is grateful to members affected by this storm for their patience and understanding as crews worked to replace broken utility poles, remove tree fallen trees, and restore downed power lines. The cooperative also extends its gratitude to the various cooperatives, businesses, and organizations that provided valuable support and assistance during the recovery efforts.

Hurricane Helene Mutual Aid from SECO Energy — SECO Energy employees who traveled to Clay Electric on Sunday, September 29, 2024, to aid in power restoration after Hurricane Helene

Storm Restoration Photos:

For more information about SECO Energy and our storm recovery efforts, visit our online Newsroom at SECOEnergy.com.

SECO Energy Restoring Power in the Wake of Hurricane Helene

Hurricane Helene made landfall in the Panhandle Thursday evening as a Category 4 storm, causing damage to SECO Energy’s electric system and leaving many members without power. SECO crews and mutual aid line and tree crews worked throughout the night to restore electric service to members’ homes.

As of 10 a.m. Friday morning, roughly 3,276 members are without electricity due to fallen wires, damaged poles, and severe flooding. Approximately 34,000 accounts have experienced service disruption from Helene, with 22,000 accounts at its peak.

Hundreds of workers from multiple states have lined up to assist SECO in power restoration. SECO Energy’s electric system sustained moderate damage that affected many of the communities SECO Energy serves. Crews continued the restoration process this morning.

“As we work to restore power in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, I want to assure our members that SECO Energy is committed to getting the lights back on as quickly and safely as possible and will not stop until service has been restored to every member,” said Curtis Wynn, SECO Energy’s Chief Executive Officer.

Wynn continued, “Crews never stopped working overnight. They worked through rain and wind gusts that reached 70 mph in our northern areas; making significant progress in the restoration effort that continues this morning. We are thankful for their assistance and are thinking of our neighbors in north Florida whose homes and properties are severely damaged.”

SECO Energy urges members to stay safe in the wake of the storm, as conditions remain hazardous in many areas. Members are encouraged to follow the following safety tips:

Stay away from downed wires. Always assume they are energized. Call 911 if you see a downed line.

Avoid flooded areas. Flooding is a major threat from Hurricane Helene. Flash flooding can occur suddenly due to intense rainfall. Long-term flooding along rivers and streams can persist for days following a storm. When approaching water on a roadway, remember: Don’t Drown. Turn Around.

Avoid crews working in the street. This will keep you and the crews safe and allow them to work on restoring your power.

If you plan to use a portable generator, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use only when necessary. Don’t overload it. Be sure to turn it off at night when you’re asleep or if you leave your home.

To avoid the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, place portable generators outside in a well-ventilated area, more than 20 feet away from your home, doors, and windows. Never run a generator inside, not even in your garage. Do not connect the generator directly into your home’s main fuse box or circuit panel.

Protect food and refrigerated medicine with ice in an insulated cooler. If you are without power for more than two hours, refrigerated foods should be placed in a cooler. Foods will stay frozen for 36 to 48 hours in a fully loaded freezer if the door remains closed, and a half-full freezer will generally keep frozen foods for up to 24 hours. Check foodsafety.gov to learn more about when to throw out or keep food after a power outage.

Tune in to local news broadcasts for the latest weather and emergency information.

For more storm safety tips, visit Ready.gov or download the American Red Cross’s Emergency Severe Weather App by texting “GETEMERGENCY” to 90999.

SECO Energy Prepares for Potential Impacts of Helene

Helene is forecasted to be a Category 3 Hurricane. SECO Energy is closely monitoring the path and potential impacts of the impending storm system as it develops, preparing to respond quickly and safely should outages occur.

Crews are fueling up and prepping trucks with all necessary supplies and materials for any outages that may occur as a result of the hurricane. SECO Energy has dedicated staff assigned to monitor the power system and weather on a daily, 24-hour basis. All other employees, including SECO Energy’s Member Services Center, are on high alert and ready to respond to member needs.

SECO Energy urges members to act now to make preparations to remain safe and comfortable in the event of an outage.

How You Can Prepare:

Assemble an emergency kit. It should include at least a three-day supply of water, non-perishable food, medication, first aid supplies, a flashlight, a weather radio, and extra batteries. Include a list of emergency contacts.

Charge your cell phone and have external backup power sources charged.

Develop an evacuation plan in case it’s needed. Communicate the plan to your family. Include pets or livestock in your plan.

Secure outdoor items. Safely store lawn furniture, decorations, toys, garbage cans, and other items that can be brought indoors.

Close windows and doors in the event of high winds.

Fuel up. Fill up your vehicles before the storm, as a loss of power could affect gas stations.

Consider having supplies handy for your propane or charcoal grill. Be sure to grill outdoors in well-ventilated areas for safety.

If you operate a standby generator after a storm, be sure to follow the owner’s manual instructions and safety recommendations.

Helene’s current location on September 25, 2024. Graphic courtesy of the National Hurricane Center.

StormCenter  is SECO Energy’s outage and communications platform for members to view the outage map, report outages, check the status of an existing outage, report an area light malfunction, and enroll in outage communications and alerts via email, text, voice, or all three. Bookmark on your smartphone or tablet to report outages quickly and easily by going to SECOEnergy.com > StormCenter.

As a reminder, if heavy rains and strong winds lead to downed lines, stay away! Contact with downed lines can be dangerous, even deadly. Report downed power lines to SECO Energy at (800) 732-6141 or call 911 immediately.

SECO Energy’s Hurricane Handbook includes generator safety tips and guidance on how to prepare before, during, and after a storm. It can be found by going to SECO Energy.com > Safety > Hurricane Handbook.

SECO Energy Proudly Announces Major New Grant to Support Clean Energy Initiatives

SECO Energy will receive approximately $100 million in federal grants and low-interest financing – part of a larger Florida grant award which totals as much as $630 million – to support clean energy initiatives such as area light conversions to LED and micro-grid/community solar projects.

SECO Energy was a co-applicant with Seminole Electric Cooperative and Suwannee Valley Electric Cooperative on the Empowering Rural America grant application to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which was facilitated by OVID Solutions, in Tallahassee.

“This is a monumental investment for our cooperative and its members,” said SECO Energy CEO, Curtis Wynn. “With these grant dollars, we’re able to transform our system’s long-term sustainability and adopt clean energy projects that otherwise might have been out of reach.”

The grant will leverage federal dollars to increase energy cost savings, enhance energy efficiency, and provide clean energy solutions.

Among other systemwide efficiency projects, SECO Energy will construct three solar microgrids, with battery energy storage that will generate about 6.6 megawatts of clean, renewable energy. These projects are estimated to create over 500 short- and long-term jobs and increase rural access to clean energy in SECO Energy’s seven-county service area, which encompasses rural areas of Central Florida, including large portions of Marion, Sumter, and Lake counties.

The entire scope of the collaboration between the three cooperatives will impact as many as 42 Florida counties, generating 3,400 short- and long-term jobs and reducing greenhouse emissions by more than 3.5 million tons, which is the rough equivalent of removing one million gas-powered cars from Florida’s roads every year.

By leveraging grant dollars, electric cooperatives accelerate clean energy projects in their communities that may not have otherwise been possible.

August 2024 Sunshine State Stats

In August 2024, Central Florida experienced an increase in rainfall and slightly cooler temperatures compared to the previous month. The average high for August was 92 degrees, 2 degrees cooler than July, while the average low remained steady at 76 degrees. The average high and low for August matched historical “normal” average temperatures recorded at Leesburg International Airport (KLEE). The highest temperature of the month was recorded on August 27, reaching 96 degrees; the lowest temperature was 71 degrees and recorded on August 17.

Reported rainfall in August totaled 7.16 inches, 3.05 inches more than in July and 2.47 inches more than August of last year. Measurable rainfall for August began on the 1st and occurred on 18 of 31 days. The rainiest day was during Hurricane Debby on August 5th, when 4.25 inches fell.

WeatherSentry detected 7,074 cloud-to-ground lightning strikes within a 20-mile radius of Leesburg International Airport in August. The most active period was the first 15 days of the month when lightning struck 5,253 times versus 1,821 times during the last 16 days.

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

Data and charts provided by weathersentry.dtn.com 

Cloud to Ground Lightning  –  August 1 – 15, 2024  (5,253  strikes) 

Cloud to Ground Lightning –  August 16 – 31, 2024  (1,821 strikes) 

Thunderstorms are common in the summer in Central Florida. SECO Energy encourages members to seek shelter promptly if a thunderstorm approaches.

September Forecast from The Old Farmer’s Almanac:

The Old Farmer’s Almanac weather forecast for September 2024 predicts warm temperatures and thunderstorms for the first 13 days. For the latter half of the month, the forecast suggests slightly cooler temperatures with continued thunderstorms in the South and sunshine in the northern regions from September 24-30.

The estimated average temperature for September is 80 degrees, and the expected rainfall is 9.5 inches, 2 inches above average.

Stay Informed

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

Protect Your Appliances

Power surges are sudden, powerful increases in voltage that can damage or destroy household appliances and electronics. SECO Energy’s Surge Mitigator™ program offers a meter-based surge arrester designed to protect large appliances, such as motors and compressors, by reducing surges at the meter before they enter your home. Members can lease or purchase the Surge MitiGator surge protection program by completing a contact form.

Hurricane Preparedness

September is the peak of Hurricane Season! It’s crucial to prepare in advance for any storm. Refer to the SECO Energy Hurricane Handbook available online here, or pick up a printed copy at one of our Member Service Centers. 

Online Energy-Efficiency Tools

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

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

SECO News September 2024

DEAR MEMBERS,

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. When this edition of SECO News was printed, our region was fortunate to only be affected by Hurricane Debby beginning Sunday, August 4. As we know, it is essential to stay vigilant.

Initial forecasts predicted a well above-average hurricane season. The forecast slightly increased in July, continuing to call for a highly active season. Sea surface temperatures across the hurricane Main Development Region in the tropical Atlantic and Caribbean are near record highs, creating a favorable environment for hurricane formation and intensification. The Colorado State University (CSU) Weather & Climate Research Team now expects 25 named storms and six major hurricanes, surpassing the 1991-2020 averages of 14.4 storms and 3.2 major hurricanes.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), hurricanes typically peak in September. If you still need to refresh your emergency hurricane supplies, now is a good time. Don’t be the last person in line when supplies are running short.

Please review your hurricane preparedness plans and ensure you have the necessary supplies on hand for your loved ones. Stay informed through reliable sources and heed any warnings or evacuation orders from local authorities. Remember, one powerful storm could cause significant damage and impact our communities.

The SECO Energy Hurricane Handbook is your one-stop guide to being StormReady before, during, and after a storm. Read our Hurricane Handbook at SECOEnergy.com > Safety > Hurricane Handbook to learn more.

Sincerely,

CURTIS WYNN

Chief Executive Officer

SAFETY FIRST

The safety of our members and crews is always our top priority. Before restoration efforts begin, our teams assess the situation to ensure it is safe to work in affected areas.

CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE

During emergency restoration with widespread damage, shelters, hospitals, schools, and emergency services (i.e., emergency ops centers, fire stations, and law enforcement facilities) are prioritized to minimize the impact on public safety and health services.

LARGE-SCALE OUTAGES

We restore power to feeders with the largest number of accounts affected first, bringing the highest number of members back online safely in the shortest time. Our team works until power is restored to every member.

COMMUNICATION

Clear communication is vital. SECO Energy provides timely updates through various channels to inform members about progress and expected restoration times. Enroll in StormCenter outage notifications at SECOEnergy.com > StormCenter and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest updates.

CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

We continuously review and enhance our outage restoration strategies to adapt to new challenges and improve response times, ensuring reliable service for our members.

Restoring power means returning to normalcy and boosting community resilience. If you or a loved one require electric service for life-sustaining medical equipment, invest in a backup power source or prepare to go to a shelter if a named storm heads our way.

Refrigerated or frozen foods may be unsafe to eat after a lengthy power outage. Use these tips to minimize food loss and reduce the risk of illness.

BEFORE A STORM

Stock an Emergency Kit: Include nonperishable foods such as bottled water, powdered milk, canned goods, cereal, and protein bars.
Prepare a Cooler: If an outage is anticipated, fi ll a cooler with ice to help preserve perishable items for several hours.

DURING A STORM

Minimize Fridge and Freezer Openings: Keep the refrigerator or freezer closed as much as possible.
Know Your Time Limits: An unopened refrigerator keeps food cold for about four hours. A half-full freezer stays frozen for about 24 hours, and a full freezer for about 48 hours.
Use a Cooler: If the outage is expected to last over four hours, transfer perishable items to an ice-filled cooler.

AFTER A STORM

Check Temperatures: Discard refrigerated foods that have been exposed to temperatures above 40°F for more than two hours.
Inspect Foods: Dispose of food with unusual color, odor, or texture. When in doubt, throw it out.
Know Safe Foods: Certain items are safe to consume after exposure to temperatures above 40°F for two hours, including:
- Hard cheeses (properly wrapped)
- Butter or margarine (properly wrapped)
- Taco, barbecue, and soy sauces
- Peanut butter, jelly, mustard, ketchup, and relish

To learn more about food safety after an emergency, visit: Ready.gov/food

Major weather events can cause extended power outages. When SECO Energy activates its Emergency Response Plan during a major weather event, members can access SECO Energy’s interactive Daily Restoration Plan Map.

If you want to see if the map has been activated at any time, visit www.SECOEnergy.com and hover over “Contact Us” in the top right corner. Select “Daily Restoration Plan.” If activated, you can input your service address and determine if your area is included in the present-day restoration plan. Substations are labeled as a reference, and feeders are outlined in polygons.

Read the full September SECO News

July 2024 Sunshine State Stats

In July 2024, the average high and low temperatures climbed higher from last month, along with increased lightning and thunderstorms across Central Florida. The month’s average high was 94 degrees, and the low was 76, both temperatures were 1 degree higher than June. The average high for July increased by 2 degrees and the average low was 1 degree higher than the “normal” average temperatures as recorded at Leesburg International Airport (KLEE). The month’s highest temperature was recorded on July 8, touching 97 degrees; the lowest temperature was 72 degrees and occurred on July 19.

Reported rainfall in July totaled 4.11 inches, 1.66 inches lower than in June and 1.56 inches lower than the “normal” amount for July. Measurable rainfall for July began on the 4th and occurred on 16 of 31 days. The rainiest day was July 19, when 1.02 inches fell. 

WeatherSentry detected 28,330 cloud-to-ground lightning strikes within a 20-mile radius of Leesburg International Airport in July. The most active period was the last 15 days of the month when lightning struck 19,659 times versus 8,671 times during the first 16 days. 

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

Data and charts provided by weathersentry.dtn.com 

Cloud to Ground Lightning – July 1-16, 2024  (8,671 strikes) 

Cloud to Ground Lightning – July 17-31, 2024  (19,659  strikes) 

Thunderstorms are a frequent occurrence in the summer in Central Florida. SECO Energy reminds members to seek shelter promptly if a thunderstorm approaches.

August Forecast from The Old Farmer’s Almanac:

The Old Farmer’s Almanac  weather forecast for August 2024 predicts warm and mild temperatures with thunderstorms in the north and sunshine in the south the first 6 days, followed by 5 days of isolated thunderstorms, and 8 days of sunny weather in the north and thunderstorms in the south. The forecast projects additional thunderstorms in the south and a hurricane threat for the north between August 25-28, followed by 3 days of sunny and warm conditions.

The estimated average temperature for August is 85 degrees, and the expected rainfall is 7 inches, 1 inch below average.