Megan Shaw – Page 3 – SECO Energy

SECO Energy Completes Restoration from Hurricane Debby

SECO Energy is pleased to announce that power has been fully restored to all members following the impact of Hurricane Debby. The system made landfall near Steinhatchee early Monday morning, causing widespread outages across Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Levy, Marion, Pasco, and Sumter counties.

The Category One hurricane brought sustained winds of up to 85 mph and heavy rainfall, leading to extensive flooding and damage. In SECO Energy’s service area, downed power lines, damaged poles, fallen trees, and standing water disrupted electric service to thousands of members. The not-for-profit cooperative’s infrastructure experienced over 400 outages, affecting over 37,000 total accounts. By midnight on Monday, SECO had fully restored service to all members.

SECO Energy’s Chief Operating Officer, John LaSelva, commended the cooperative’s employees for their dedication and hard work. “Our team was well-prepared for Hurricane Debby’s approach days before landfall. Without question, SECO Energy’s line crews, support staff, and contractors worked tirelessly around the clock assessing damage, repairing infrastructure, and restoring power as quickly and safely as possible. The hurricane’s strong winds and torrential rain made efforts challenging, but the SECO team and outside personnel remained resilient and focused on restoring service to every member.” 

Members are encouraged to use StormCenter, SECO Energy’s outage and communications platform 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. 

For storm preparation and safety tips, SECO Energy’s Hurricane Handbook provides valuable information on how to prepare before, during, and after a storm.

“Like” SECO Energy on Facebook and follow @SECOEnergy on X for prize drawings, news releases, and severe weather alerts affecting SECO Energy’s service territory. Manage your outage notification preferences at StormCenter. To see when SECO Energy crews/contractors are working in your area, visit our new System Improvement map. To learn more about SECO Energy as a not-for-profit cooperative, visit SECOEnergy.com> Your Co-op>About.

SECO Energy Crews Work Overnight Through Hurricane Debby

SECO Energy experienced widespread outages overnight, leaving over 10,000 accounts without power across Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Levy, Marion, Pasco, and Sumter counties as Hurricane Debby moved through the Gulf of Mexico. SECO Energy is calling in outside contractors and fellow cooperative personnel to assist in restoration from Hurricane Debby.

SECO Energy crews worked overnight Sunday to restore electric service to homes and businesses that lost power but were forced to temporarily delay restoration efforts due to high winds as formerly Tropical Storm Debby strengthened to hurricane status. It is unsafe to raise truck buckets in winds higher than 35 mph. Fortunately, restoration work has now resumed with subsiding winds.

The eyewall of Hurricane Debby made landfall early this morning in the Big Bend area near Steinhatchee as a Category 1 storm. As of 5 a.m. Monday, Hurricane Debby had maximum sustained winds of 80 mph and is moving north-northeast at 10 mph. SECO crews are still battling tropical wind conditions, flooding, and high-water areas. The NHC forecast indicates rain and gusty winds will continue in SECO’s service area for most of Monday and into Tuesday. The possibility of tornadoes and flash floods continues. The current National Hurricane Center (NHC) forecast predicts Debby will rapidly weaken as it moves inland across northern Florida and southeastern Georgia later today through Tuesday.

CEO Curtis Wynn encourages members to practice safety as Hurricane Debby linger. Wynn stated, “During storms and power outages, it’s crucial to exercise extreme caution around downed power lines and trees in our area. Always treat any fallen line as if it’s energized and dangerous. To keep your family safe, ensure children stay indoors and away from potential hazards. If you’re without power and decide to use a generator, follow the manufacturer’s safety guidelines. If you experience a medical emergency or other life-threatening hazard, call 911 right away.”

SECO’s Emergency Restoration Plan determines the system’s restoration priority for each affected feeder. Essential services such as hospitals, shelters, schools, and government agencies are the highest priority. Line repairs that will restore power to large groups of members are next, feeders that serve large commercial services and then individual electric services in less populated areas.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a State of Emergency for 54 Florida counties on Thursday, August 1, and added seven additional counties on Friday, August 2. County Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs) in Central Florida are monitoring Hurricane Debby’s impact. For a list of shelters, including general, pet-friendly, and special needs, visit FloridaDisaster.org. SECO members who require continuous electric service to power life-sustaining medical equipment should have a backup power source or relocate to a shelter. Special needs shelters are open in every county SECO serves.

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.

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

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

“Like” SECO Energy on Facebook and follow @SECOEnergy on X for prize drawings, news releases, and severe weather alerts affecting SECO Energy’s service territory. Manage your outage notification preferences at StormCenter. To see when SECO Energy crews/contractors are working in your area, visit our new System Improvement map. To learn more about SECO Energy as a not-for-profit cooperative, visit SECOEnergy.com>Your Co-op>About.

SECO Energy Prepares for Potential Tropical Cyclone 4

SECO Energy is preparing for the possibility that Potential Tropical Cyclone 4 will affect parts of its service territory. Forecasts predict the system could develop into a tropical storm and impact Florida as early as Saturday night.

According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Potential Tropical Cyclone 4’s current wind speeds are 30 mph, and the system is moving northwest at 16 mph. Potential Tropical Cyclone 4’s track remains uncertain as it approaches Florida. Current modeling suggests the system will remain on a west-northwest path and strengthen over the next 48 hours, potentially developing into a hurricane.

If Potential Tropical Cyclone 4 follows its projected path, SECO Energy members could experience tropical storm conditions and significant rainfall over the weekend and into early next week. Tornados spawned by tropical force winds are also a threat.

Take time today to prepare your family and home. Monitor weather reports and prepare in advance for Potential Tropical Cyclone 4 to make landfall in SECO Energy’s service territory.

SECO has designed a new Hurricane Handbook to help members prepare before, during, and after a storm. The Hurricane Handbook is available online.

Stay up to date on weather affecting SECO Energy’s service area, the latest news releases, and cooperative updates by “liking” and “following” SECO Energy on Facebook and X.

SECO News August 2024

DEAR MEMBERS,

At SECO Energy, our goal goes beyond keeping the lights on. We strive to provide you with the most reliable and trustworthy service possible. The Oxford English Dictionary defines reliability as “the quality of being able to be trusted to do what somebody wants or needs.” Trustworthiness is essential to steering our responsibility to you, our valued members.

Our teams works diligently every day, proactively planning to ensure your homes and businesses have the power they need to thrive. While we strive to maintain uninterrupted power, sometimes factors out of our control, such as severe weather, wildlife interference, or other events, may cause temporary outages. In such cases, you can rest assured that our teams are swiftly dispatched to restore power quickly and safely. Our local Call Center is available for questions and concerns, and a whole cast of employees supports restoration efforts behind the scenes.

We recognize that transparent communication and exceptional member service are fundamental to reinforcing your confidence in us. That’s why we actively seek your feedback to continually enhance our service’s efficiency and ensure we meet and exceed expectations.

Looking ahead, SECO Energy is enthusiastic about the future. Our Strategic and Smart Grid Technology Roadmaps prioritize ongoing investments in cutting-edge technology, infrastructure enhancements, and innovative energy solutions to meet the evolving needs of the rapidly growing communities we serve. Our focus on reliability and trustworthiness remains steadfast, ensuring that you can count on us every step of the way.

Sincerely,

CURTIS WYNN

Chief Executive Officer

Reliability to SECO Energy means consistent, dependable service and being a trusted energy provider that invests in grid-hardening strategies, technological advancements, and services to assist our members to prevent outages, and maintain a stable energy supply to enhance service delivery.

GRID HARDENING STRATEGIES

Strategic vegetation management schedules
Overhead and underground facility inspections
Conversion to underground facilities in areas with frequent vegetation and reliability issues due to storms
Approximately 90% of new lines installed underground
Balanced and diversified energy portfolio
Routine maintenance to replace damaged and outdated poles and equipment
Upgrading transmission poles to concrete

TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS

Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI)
Transition from high-pressure sodium (HPS) area lighting to light-emitting diode (LED) area lighting
Conservation Voltage Reduction strategies that reduce demand and energy while lowering wholesale power costs
Utilization of drones for infrared inspections of lines, poles, and structures

SERVICES

Local call center to serve over 500,000 consumers
Immediate response to power outages and 24-hour response to area lighting outages
SmartHub for monitoring and managing your home’s energy use
StormCenter for quickly reporting outages and checking outage status online
Emails, texts, and voice alerts with outage updates and community alerts
Monthly SECO News with the latest cooperative developments
Regular updates on social media

Stay Connected with SECO Energy! Like us on Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter, and LinkedIn for the latest updates.

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO Energy understands that our members count on us to supply reliable, safe, and affordable electric service. Utilities use three metrics to measure their success in providing an uninterrupted power supply.

SYSTEM AVERAGE INTERRUPTION DURATION INDEX (SAIDI)

SYSTEM AVERAGE INTERRUPTION FREQUENCY INDEX (SAIFI)

CUSTOMER AVERAGE INTERRUPTION DURATION INDEX (CAIDI)

*The national average is based on 2022 utility data using the latest information available.

As a member of SECO Energy, I want to share with you the significant differences between our cooperative and investor-owned utilities. SECO Energy is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative that operates under a cooperatives business model that uniquely benefits you and our fellow members.

Here are a few differences that make SECO Energy and other cooperatives exceptional.

INVESTOR-OWNED UTILITIES PROVIDE ELECTRIC SERVICE TO “CUSTOMERS”

Privately owned and operated for profit, primarily focusing on maximizing shareholder returns
Decisions are often centralized and made by corporate executives or distant shareholders
Accountable to shareholders, and financial targets take precedence
Rates designed to not only cover costs of operation but to generate profits for shareholders
Profits are distributed to shareholders outside the local community

SECO ENERGY PROVIDES ELECTRIC SERVICE TO “MEMBERS”

Owned and governed by members; not-for-profit
Decisions made locally by members elected to serve on the Board of Trustees, ensuring member voices are heard and needs are met
Accountability directly related to membership, fostering transparency and responsiveness
Rates are designed to meet local needs and cover operating expenses and purchased power costs
Profits returned to members in the form of capital credits

Read the full August SECO News.

Officials and Key Community Leaders Attend Storm Preparation Meeting at SECO Energy

Representative Yvonne Hinson (Florida House of Representatives) asking questions during SECO Energy’s Storm Preparedness and Readiness meeting.

SECO Energy hosted a Storm Preparedness and Readiness meeting as Atlantic hurricane season begins. The meeting focused on engaging with officials and key community leaders to discuss detailed strategies for hurricane season. The meeting was an essential part of the cooperative’s ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and resilience of the communities we serve.

Attendees included several notable figures such as Representative Yvonne Hinson; staff from the offices of Representative Ryan Chamberlin, Congresswoman Kat Cammack, and Congressman Daniel Webster; Citrus County Fire Chief Craig Stevens; and various emergency management officials from Marion, Citrus, and Sumter counties.

The meeting was opened with a warm welcome from SECO Energy’s CEO, Curtis Wynn, and followed up by a presentation led by John LaSelva, Chief Operating Officer, focusing on the cooperative’s storm readiness process involving extensive pre-storm preparation that includes system hardening, vegetation management, and the development of an emergency response plan with FEMA contracts in place. Also mentioned were meticulously planned pre-storm logistics, such as securing hotel accommodations for assisting crews, fuel, and staging personnel and equipment.

SECO Energy Storm Preparedness and Readiness Meeting held at SECO Energy headquarters on Tuesday, June 25, 2024

Following a storm, SECO conducts thorough damage assessments and restores service in the priority order mandated by the State – shelters, hospitals, feeders with the highest member count, then individual services and area lights. All reports and invoices are compiled and submitted for FEMA reimbursement to ensure financial accountability and recovery. SECO Energy’s Vice President of Financial & Administrative Services, Anh Reynolds, discussed FEMA reimbursement requirements and how the cooperative plans and prepares for the potential financial aftermath of a storm.

Kathy Judkins, Manager of Community and Economic Development and Government Relations for SECO Energy, provided information on Emergency Operation Center preparations and post-storm activities. She also shared SECO Energy’s role in providing timely and accurate information to officials and key community leaders, which helps them offer information when their constituents call on them.

Joint group discussion networking with Chris Evan, Director of Emergency Management for Citrus County; David Casto, Director of Emergency Management for Sumter County; Anh Reynolds, SECO Energy’s VP of Financial & Administrative Services; and Ben Dawson, SECO Energy’s VP of Growth, Smart Grid & Operational Technology

SECO Energy places a strong emphasis on communication internally and externally. Amanda Richardson, Manager of Corporate Communications for SECO Energy, concluded the presentation by highlighting the cooperative’s strategic storm communication efforts. She discussed the cooperative’s strategic storm communications plan, implemented to ensure that all the employees, members, and communities served have the information and support they need to weather the storm. This includes updates on the storm’s track and intensity, restoration progress, and essential community alerts.

The meeting was an essential step in reinforcing the community’s resilience and readiness for the Atlantic Hurricane Season, which spans from June 1 to November 30. The collaborative efforts and shared insights will significantly contribute to a coordinated and effective response to future storm events.

CEO Curtis Wynn emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts and the role of community leaders in ensuring an effective and swift response to storm impacts. “Our preparedness and readiness are crucial to the safety and well-being of the communities we serve,” said Mr. Wynn. “The collaborative efforts of our leaders and emergency management teams are vital in ensuring a quick and effective response. At SECO Energy, we are committed to leveraging all our resources and expertise to protect our members and maintain service reliability during the hurricane season.”

For more information about SECO Energy’s storm preparedness and response efforts, visit SECOEnergy.com.

“Like” SECO Energy on Facebook and follow @SECOEnergy on Twitter for prize drawings, news releases, and severe weather alerts affecting SECO Energy’s service territory. Manage your outage notification preferences at StormCenter. To see when SECO Energy crews/contractors are working in your area, visit our new System Improvement Map. To learn more about SECO Energy as a not-for-profit cooperative, visit About SECO Energy.  

SECO ENERGY EARNS AN ACSI® 2024 CUSTOMER SATISFACTION AWARD

SECO Energy is honored to have earned a 2024 Customer Satisfaction Award* from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI®) based on our member survey results. Members were asked to rate their overall satisfaction with us, how well we lived up to their expectations, and how well we measured up to their ideal co-op experience. While these were not the only questions in the survey, we included these specifically because they are the core components of the proprietary ACSI methodology.

SECO Energy’s ACSI score substantially outperforms the industry average score earned by publicly measured utilities reported in the 2024 ACSI Energy Utility Study. This Award is a testament to SECO Energy’s ongoing efforts to provide the best possible member experience.

The 2024 Customer Satisfaction Award affirms that SECO Energy’s hard work has been noticed by its members. SECO Energy is grateful for its members and will continue to strive for excellence through constant dedication to improvement.

SECO Energy’s CEO Curtis Wynn is grateful for the hard work and accomplishments of his team. Wynn stated, “The SECO Energy team of 400+ employees is thankful and humbled by the trust we have earned from our members. Every day at SECO, we strive to provide top-notch member satisfaction and excellent service, while maintaining reliable electric service that our members depend upon. Thank you, SECO members, for recognizing your not-for-profit electric cooperative’s efforts on your behalf.”

*Award criteria are determined by the ACSI® and are based on customers rating their satisfaction in a survey independent of the syndicated ACSI Energy Utility Study. For more about the ACSI, visit www.theacsi.org/badges. ACSI and its logo are registered trademarks of the American Customer Satisfaction Index LLC.

SECO Energy earns this award based on data modeled by the ACSI® in 2024. Award criteria are determined by the ACSI based on customers rating their satisfaction with SECO Energy in a survey independent of the syndicated ACSI Energy Utility Study. For more about the ACSI, visit www.theacsi.org/badges. ACSI and its logo are registered trademarks of the American Customer Satisfaction Index LLC.

SECO Energy CEO Advances Rural Communities at White House Event

SECO Energy Chief Executive Officer Curtis Wynn has accepted an invitation to attend the Biden-Harris Administration’s Rural Communities in Action Event on Tuesday, May 14, at The White House. The event will highlight the Administration’s investments in rural communities and lift up success stories from rural leaders.

In November 2021, President Biden signed a $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure package into law. The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) secured several vital wins for electric co-ops in the package. As a result, the new law includes significant investment and funding opportunities for electric cooperatives and the communities they serve. The funding opportunities fall into the following major categories: electrical grid modernization and resiliency, clean energy, electric vehicles, physical and cybersecurity, and broadband.

SECO Energy is a frontrunner in tapping into these once-in-a-generation funding opportunities that will offset the enormous amount of money the cooperative would otherwise have to borrow at rising interest rates. SECO Energy CEO Curtis Wynn stated, “The available grant funding could not have come at a better time. Our Board recently approved one of the largest construction work plan budgets in the cooperative’s history to keep up with the tremendous growth in the region. The cost of the material needed to construct new substations, build new services, modernize our electrical grid, and keep our rights-of-way clear of trees throughout SECO’s service territory has increased exponentially over the past few years. The timely grant funding will help us keep pace with Central Florida’s tremendous growth, provide innovative and reliable service, and maintain competitive electric rates for our members.”

To date, SECO Energy has submitted ten grant proposals from four federal agencies totaling more than $177 million to support over $287 million in projects that would typically be paid for by our members. While final approval is pending on some of the grant proposals, many are already approved. The projects are being placed under contract with the respective federal agencies responsible for dispersing the funds. Once implemented, these projects will increase reliability for SECO Energy members across the board.

Examples of projects include converting overhead utility lines to underground, hardening existing poles, installing larger conductor to increase line capacity, replacing aging inefficient equipment, deploying solar & battery storage, creating micro-grids, upgrading outdoor lighting from obsolete high-pressure sodium to more efficient LED (light emitting diodes)/dark-sky-friendly lighting and expanding load capacity with new distribution substations. Members will benefit from the investments through improved reliability, faster outage restoration times, and additional protections against extreme weather events that Central Floridians are vulnerable to. Finally, according to the federal requirements associated with these grant opportunities, SECO Energy has prioritized locations within our service territory that are designated as underserved and ‘disadvantaged.’

Wynn is pleased to accept the opportunity to represent rural communities. Wynn stated, “I am grateful to be considered a voice for rural Americans, and an advocate of the not-for-profit cooperative business model. I have spent my career furthering the interests of the local rural communities our utilities serve. Attending the Rural Communities in Action Event at the invitation of the Biden-Harris Administration is not only a great honor, but an opportunity to bring national attention to electric cooperative members’ need for safe, reliable, and affordable electric power.”

“Like” SECO Energy on Facebook and follow @SECOEnergy on X/Twitter for prize drawings, news releases, and severe weather alerts affecting SECO Energy’s service territory. Manage your outage notification preferences at StormCenter. To see when SECO Energy crews/contractors are working in your area, visit our new System Improvement Map.To learn more about SECO Energy as a not-for-profit cooperative, visit About SECO Energy.

SECO Energy Board of Trustees Elects 2024 Officers

The SECO Energy Board of Trustees elected its 2024 Officers during their March Trustee Meeting. District 3 Trustee Gerald Anderson was re-elected Board President. Scott Boyatt, District 1 Trustee, was elected to once again serve as Board Vice President and District 9 Trustee Morgan Hatfield was re-elected to continue her role as Secretary/Treasurer. 

SECO Energy is a not-for-profit electric cooperative owned by its members, who elect representatives from their respective Districts to serve on the SECO Energy Board of Trustees for three-year terms. 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. 

District 3 Trustee and Board President Gerald Anderson was re-elected for a third consecutive 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. During his tenure, he has earned his Credentialed Cooperative Director’s Certificate (CCD), Board Leadership Certificate (BLC), and maintained the prestigious Director Gold Credential (DGC) from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).

President Anderson stated, “I’m truly moved and honored to continue serving our members as President. Leading such a talented and diverse team is a privilege and responsibility. Together, we’re not just facing challenges but seizing opportunities to make SECO Energy even stronger for our members.” 

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) and Board Leadership Certificate (BLC) and has achieved Director Gold Credentials from the NRECA. 

Vice President Boyatt reflected on his continued service with a sense of purpose and commitment, saying, “Being a part of this Board has been a rewarding experience. Each decision we make is an opportunity to positively impact our community and ensure the sustainability of our service area. As we navigate growth and transformation in our region, I’m eager to shape a future where every member benefits from reliable, sustainable, and efficient energy solutions.”

District 9 Trustee Morgan Hatfield was re-elected to serve a second term as Secretary/Treasurer. She has been a member since 2019 and resides in Paisley. Her first election to the Board was in 2021. Ms. Hatfield successfully holds her Credentialed Cooperative Director’s Certificate (CCD), the Board Leadership Certificate (BLC), and Director Gold Credential (DGC) from the National Rural Electric Cooperatives Association (NRECA).  

Ms. Hatfield expressed her enthusiasm and dedication to her role, stating, “It’s genuinely an honor to serve in this capacity. I enjoy contributing to the cooperative’s welfare and success to ensure our cooperative’s financial health and operational efficiency lay a strong foundation for a sustainable future.” 

SECO Energy CEO Curtis Wynn applauded the Board’s commitment and vision. “Our Board of Trustees embodies the Mission, Vision, and Core Values of SECO. Their dedication is pivotal to our success as we continue to grow. These Officers have demonstrated their ability to help lead SECO Energy in a direction that will not only meet but exceed the needs of our members, ensuring we remain a reliable and trusted energy provider for years to come.” 

The NRECA offers the Director Certification Program to equip cooperative trustees with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective governance, preparing them to address current and future challenges within the electric cooperative sector. This program also awards the Director Gold Credential (DGC) to those continuously seeking to expand their knowledge and fulfill their governance duties to the highest standard.

For more information about SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees, initiatives, and how the cooperative serves its members, visit SECOEnergy.com>Your Co-op. 

SECO Energy Holds 2024 Annual Meeting with Record Member Participation  

SECO Energy held its 2024 virtual Annual Meeting celebrating its 85th year as an electric cooperative on Thursday, March 21, 2024. The Meeting had a record number of member participation with over 17,000 members participating in the Cooperative’s governance process through their vote on Annual Meeting business.

During the Meeting, SECO Energy’s membership approved two revisions to the Cooperative’s Bylaws pertaining to District Meetings and Trustee Qualifications and the 2023 Annual Meeting Minutes. SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees recommended both revisions, with the first revision allowing a Trustee candidate to be declared Trustee at the District Meeting without holding an uncontested election if only one candidate is certified by the secretary and the second clarifying the District residency requirements to serve as a Trustee. Members can access the updated Bylaws on SECOEnergy.com or at any SECO Energy Member Service Center.

Highlights of the Meeting included SECO Energy’s Board President Gerald Anderson and Chief Executive Officer Curtis Wynn delivering their respective addresses to the membership, providing important updates on the Cooperative’s business and financial standing to ensure SECO Energy members are well-informed of the Cooperative’s direction and policies. Their messages reinforced SECO Energy’s dedication to providing reliable and innovative energy services and the Cooperative’s Vision to lead in member satisfaction and engagement, inviting members to partake in SECO Energy’s Member Engagement Panel and have their questions answered by the Cooperative’s Executive Leadership Team.

“This year marked a significant milestone for SECO Energy, commemorating its journey from a collective effort of rural households in 1938 to a major electric cooperative serving over 240,000 members today,” stated Wynn. “This milestone year commemorates decades of service, community involvement, and the Cooperative’s commitment to innovation and growth.”

Looking ahead, SECO Energy strategically focuses on improving operational efficiency, strengthening connections with its members, and navigating the evolving energy landscape. A vital component of this strategy is SECO Energy’s investment in Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), which marks a step towards modernizing the Cooperative’s services, offering members real-time insights into energy usage, and enabling a more resilient and sustainable energy infrastructure.
SECO Energy remains steadfast in its mission to enhance member experiences and lead the way in energy innovation as the Cooperative moves into the future. SECO Energy members are encouraged to stay tuned for upcoming announcements, including the launch of a program that leverages smart technology for energy efficiency and sustainability.

For those who missed the live event, the Annual Meeting recording will be available on the SECO Energy website, YouTube, and Facebook, featuring the list of 101 prize winners and more.

SECO Energy Reaches Significant Safety Achievement of One Million Safe Work Hours

SECO Energy proudly announces the Cooperative’s team of over 400 employees has collectively worked over one million hours safely. This significant achievement demonstrates the dedication to ensuring the safety of SECO Energy’s employees, members, and the general public.

Working in the electrical industry inherently involves various risks, including, but not limited to, those associated with overhead transmission and distribution, underground lines, substations, electrical testing, tree trimming, operating equipment, vehicles, and other machinery.

“At SECO Energy, Safety is our very first Core Value and adherence to safety protocols is not merely a requirement but a fundamental aspect of our culture that is important to our employees,” stated Curtis Wynn, SECO Energy’s CEO. “Employees regularly undergo extensive training and are encouraged to identify and report potential hazards proactively.”

To assist in overseeing safety initiatives, SECO Energy has a Joint Safety Committee comprised of representatives from multiple departments and levels of the Cooperative. Collaboratively, the committee identifies hazards, develops protocols, and implements measures to mitigate risks, ensuring safety remains a paramount concern across our operations, including general office safety.

In an effort to promote a unified approach to safety among employees, the Joint Safety Committee recently selected the slogan “One SECO, One Way; Safety First, Day by Day,” proposed by Donna Etts, SECO Energy’s Manager of Member Services, as this year’s safety slogan. This slogan symbolizes SECO Energy’s collective commitment to prioritizing safety. It will serve as a reminder as the Cooperative continues to move forward, upholding the highest safety standards.

SECO Energy’s achievement of one million safe work hours reflects not only its dedication to maintaining a safe work environment but also its proactive approach toward fostering a culture of safety that permeates every aspect of the Cooperative’s operations.

MY ACCOUNT

AMI

MEMBER PERKS

ENERGY SOLUTIONS

SOLAR

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

SAFETY

VEGETATION MANAGEMENT

RELIABILITY

VEGETATION MANAGEMENT

MEMBER PERKS

YOUR CO-OP

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CURTIS WYNN

GRID HARDENING STRATEGIES

TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS

SERVICES

SYSTEM AVERAGE INTERRUPTION DURATION INDEX (SAIDI)

SYSTEM AVERAGE INTERRUPTION FREQUENCY INDEX (SAIFI)

CUSTOMER AVERAGE INTERRUPTION DURATION INDEX (CAIDI)

INVESTOR-OWNED UTILITIES PROVIDE ELECTRIC SERVICE TO “CUSTOMERS”

SECO ENERGY PROVIDES ELECTRIC SERVICE TO “MEMBERS”

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