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Author: Megan Shaw

SECO News June 2025

Wynn's Wire

 

2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season Begins June 1

 

DEAR MEMBER,

 

June 1 marks the start of hurricane season here in Florida and it runs through November 30. Whether you have lived here for years or have recently joined our community, it’s important to know that our state is no stranger to severe weather. This year, experts from Colorado State University’s (CSU) Tropical Cyclones, Radar, Atmospheric Modeling, and Software Team (TC-RAMS) are predicting an active season – 15 to 19 named storms, with 7 to 9 hurricanes, and a few of those possibly reaching major strength.

 

The Florida peninsula is vulnerable to hurricanes from both the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. This year, there is a 92% probability of a named storm approaching within 50 miles of Florida – significantly higher than average.

 

At SECO Energy, we take storm season seriously. Long before the first storm forms, our team is hard at work making sure we’re ready to respond. We inspect and trim vegetation along thousands of miles of power lines to prevent outages before they happen. We check and restock materials like poles, wire, and transformers so they are on hand when needed. Our crews complete storm-response drills and safety training so that when a storm does come, they can work quickly and safely to restore power. We also coordinate closely with state and local emergency officials to make sure our response is aligned with community needs. We’re committed to restoring power as fast as possible and keeping you informed every step of the way.

 

Simply put – we prepare all year to be ready for you when it matters most.

 

I encourage you to prepare too. A few simple steps can make a big difference:

  • Talk with your family about your emergency plan – whether you will shelter in place or evacuate.
  • Stock up on water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, and a weather radio.
  • Secure your home – clear gutters, bring in loose outdoor items, and have shutters or boards ready for windows.
  • Stay tuned to the National Hurricane Center and local officials for updates.

 

Last year’s storms, Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton reminded us all of how important it is to be ready. While we can’t control the weather, we can control how prepared we are.

 

PREPARATION IS KEY – we live in a hurricane-prone state, and we must proactively safeguard our families and homes. The SECO Energy team is StormReady and will work nonstop to restore electric service safely.

 

Stay safe and prepare now.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

CURTIS WYNN

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

SECO News June 2025 Stay Connected with StormCenter

 

StormCenter is SECO Energy’s online outage and communications platform that is easily accessible from your smartphone or tablet. Visit StormCenter at SECOEnergy. com to enroll in proactive outage alerts by email, text, voice, or a combination of the three. Make sure to update or verify your phone number and email address so you can stay informed of our team’s restoration progress during power outages.

 

OUTAGE MAP

View estimated restoration time, crew status, and outage details.

 

REPORT OUTAGE

Quickly report an outage using your last name and house number.

 

CHECK STATUS

Check the status of an existing outage in real time.

 

MANAGE NOTIFICATIONS

Enroll in voice, text and email notifications to stay informed.

 

LIGHTFINDER

Report streetlight or area light outage and issue.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SECO News June 2025 Power Restoration After A Hurricane

 

While widespread damage occurs, the state requires that power restoration efforts prioritize critical facilities first to protect public safety and health. This means shelters, hospitals, schools, and emergency services such as emergency operations centers, fire stations, and law enforcement facilities are restored first. After these essential services, crews focus on repairing lines that serve the largest number of members. Finally, individual homes and businesses with isolated damage are restored.

 

 

The SECO team works around-the-clock and will not stop until power is safely restored for all members.

 

 

Here’s how the restoration process typically works:

 

1. High-Voltage Transmission Lines: These lines carry large amounts of electricity across long distances. Although they rarely fail, any damage must be repaired first to support the rest of the system.

2. Distribution Substations: Crews inspect and repair substations, which supply power to hundreds or thousands of members.

3. Main Distribution Lines: These lines deliver electricity to essential facilities like hospitals, schools and larger communities.

4. Individual Homes and Businesses: Once main lines are restored, crews move to repair service lines that supply individual homes and businesses.

 

 

SECO News June 2025 Member Support Spotlight, A Message from Board District 6 Trustee Mike Muffett

 

SECO Energy provides safe, reliable electric service to over 250,000 Central Florida homes and businesses. While the SECO team rigorously maintains its electric distribution system to prevent power outages, we have resources that will help you to be safe and prepared for tropical storms and hurricanes that come our way.

 

Do you or a resident in your home operate life sustaining medical equipment? If so, visit SECOEnergy.com/My Account/Medically Necessary Service and complete a Special Interest form. After SECO receives the completed application (physician’s signature is required), we will code your account, so our technicians are aware of the medical need in outage situations (outside of emergency restoration efforts).

 

Next, register your special medical needs with your local emergency management agency at FloridaDisaster.org. By registering, your information is shared with local first responders who can help assist your family during a disaster.

 

For members who rely on medical equipment, it’s important to have a plan for storm season. Consider whether relocating to a public shelter, evacuating or purchasing a backup generator is the best option for your situation.

 

Lastly, save your county’s Emergency Operations Center contact information and sign up for local emergency alerts to stay informed:

 

Citrus County: (352) 249-2775

Hernando County: (352) 754-4083

Lake County: (352) 343-9420

Levy County: (352) 486-5213

Marion County: (352) 369-8100

Pasco County: (727) 847-8137

Sumter County: (352) 689-4400

 

Above all, we want all SECO members to stay safe, and preparation for hurricane season is essential. We can’t control the weather, but we can be ready for it.

 

ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIP OF THE MONTH: Take it outside – cook on the frill! Using the grill instead of your stove or own can help reduce your energy use. Cooking outdoors eliminates the electricity need to power indoor appliances and keeps your home cooler, which means your air conditioning won’t have to work as hard. You can also avoid using the oven with tasty no0bake recipes. Get creative in the kitchen and explore new ways to save energy while enjoying fresh, flavorful meals! Source:energy.gov

Read the full June SECO News.

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.  

 

“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 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.

 

SECO Energy CEO Curtis Wynn

“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.

 

“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 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.

 

“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 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

 

 

 

SECO News September 2024 Outage Restoration Priorities

 

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.

 

SECO News September 2024 Emergency Food Safety

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

 

 

SECO News September 2024 A Message From Marty Proctor District 8 Trustee, Daily Restoration Plan Map

 

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