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Author: Megan Shaw

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. 

   

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

Wynn's Wire

 

 

 

 

 

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. 

 

 

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 

Hurricane Season is now in its third month. 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 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.

 

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.

 

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

 

Wynn's Wire

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

SECO News August 2024 What Does Reliability Mean to SECO Energy

 

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.

 

 

 

 

SECO News August 2024 World Class Outage Response

 

 

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.

 

 

 

SECO News August 2024 A Message from Joyce Anderson District 2 Trustee The Cooperative Difference

 

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.

 

“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.

 

Co-op Energy Utilities ACSI Customer Satisfaction Award 2024 Badge

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.

 

 

SECO Energy CEO Curtis Wynn
SECO Energy CEO Curtis Wynn

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.”

 

 

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