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Category: Community

SECO Donates to Habitat for Humanity

SECO Energy is adding to the beauty of the urban forest and energizing the community by donating trees and shrubs to Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter. The collection of cypress trees, loropetalum bushes, bougainvillea and lily hybrids will be planted at various Habitat projects in Lake and Sumter counties.

 

SECO Energy is nationally recognized as a Tree Line USA utility by the National Arbor Day Foundation for nine years in a row. SECO achieved Tree Line USA by meeting five program standards. Utilities must follow industry standards for quality tree care; provide annual worker training in best tree-care practices; sponsor a tree-planting and public education program; maintain a tree-based energy conservation program; and participate in an Arbor Day celebration.

 

Ken Lacasse, Manager of System Reliability, explains that trees and utilities can co-exist in an urban landscape. “To get the most benefit from your trees, plant the right tree in the right place to save energy and keep it away from overhead lines. As a certified arborist, I recommend planting tall trees such as oaks and pines at least 70 feet away from overhead lines and low-growing trees such as azaleas and crape myrtles at least 15 feet from lines. Larger trees near the home will offer more shade, which will reduce cooling costs, and won’t interfere with power lines.”

 

SECO Energy Donates to Habitat for Humanity

 

SECO’s donation to Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter makes a difference in the communities it serves. Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter’s programs are designed to meet the needs of local communities. To learn more about Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter, visit www.habitatls.org.

 

To learn more about how trees can help consumers save energy, visit www.secoenergy.com. At SECO Energy’s website, consumers can find more information about planting the right tree in the right place and about SECO’s vegetation management program. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” SECO on Twitter for cooperative updates and news releases.

SECO Employees Raise $12,000 at Relay for Life

On Friday, April 29, SECO’s team of employee volunteers participated in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life Fundraiser for Sumter County. Relay for Life is the American Cancer Society’s signature event; and it raises donations that contribute to cancer research as well as providing support for cancer patients and their caregivers.

 

This year’s theme was “Stopping Cancer in its Tracks,” inspired by the iconic television show Soul Train. SECO team members and other volunteers boogied through the night and into the morning to represent their commitment to continue the fight against cancer. The SECO team’s fundraising efforts paid off. It raised over $12,000 for the American Cancer Society.

 

The SECO team danced to the DJ and brought the ‘70s back to life with bright lights, disco balls and psychedelic colors. SECO Energy’s Service Center Manager Donna Etts and Accounting Analyst Tanya Mikeals wore the grooviest costumes of the night and won the ‘70s themed costume contest.

 

SECO Energy Employees Raise $12,000 at Relay for Life

 

The SECO team members took turns walking or running laps to remind the community that cancer never sleeps. At the event, SECO team members walked special laps dedicated to cancer survivors and patient caregivers. A quiet memorial lap was walked in honor of loved ones who have lost their cancer fight. The memorial lap is particularly moving to many SECO team members.

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO supports the communities it serves through strong corporate citizenship efforts. SECO employees embody the cooperative spirit by playing an active role in the communities where they live through volunteering and monetary donations. SECO employees make a difference in their communities every day.”

 

For more information about SECO Energy and its corporate citizenship, visit www.secoenergy.com.

$36,000 Awarded to Scholarship Recipients

Jim Duncan, CEO of SECO Energy, is congratulating the 12 graduating seniors from SECO’s service territory who have each been awarded a $3,000 scholarship.

 

SECO’s Board of Trustees first approved the scholarship program in 1996. In the 20 years since SECO began awarding the scholarships, it has pledged over $500,000 to 257 deserving high school seniors that live in the communities it serves.

 

“As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, Concern for Community is one of the seven cooperative principles that is near and dear to all of us here at SECO. I am thankful that our Board of Trustees has approved the continuance of the scholarship program for 20 years. As a business leader, it is exciting to meet future leaders first-hand as they begin to achieve their goals for their future,” said Duncan.

 

SECO Energy Scholarship, $36,000 Awarded to Scholarship Recipients

 

SECO’s Board of Trustees President Ray Vick looks forward to meeting the 2016 scholarship awardees. “As the Board President, I am proud that SECO continues to enable young people in the community to begin their career path by assisting in their education expenses. SECO has a number of technology focused careers available and I hope to have the opportunity to work with some of our scholarship awardees in the future.”

 

The applicants were evaluated based on their scholastic achievements, school and community service activities, and financial need. The 12 SECO scholarship awardees for 2016 are:

 

SECO Scholars

  • Merari Flores Saldana from Ocala – West Port High School
  • Megan M. Elliott from Tavares – Tavares High School
  • Citlali Barragan-Hernandez from Summerfield — Belleview High School
  • James C. Cato from Summerfield — Lake Weir High School
  • Cayley L. Buckner from Silver Springs – West Port High School
  • Melissa L. Moreno from Ocala – West Port High School
  • Shelby C. Smith from Webster – South Sumter High School
  • Ana J. Mata from Summerfield — Belleview High School
  • Elijah T. Hughes from Bushnell – South Sumter High School
  • Karla G. Carvajal from Wildwood – Wildwood Middle-High School
  • Raul A. Bayas from Ocala – Vanguard High School
  • Richanda M. Pierre from Ocala – West Port High School

The applicants were judged by SECO Energy’s Scholarship Committee of independent educators. The Committee chose 12 outstanding seniors based on the application materials each student submitted. Scholarship awardees and their families will be honored at a special reception at SECO Energy’s headquarters building in Sumterville on Monday, May 23, at 4:00 p.m.

The SAFE ZONE: Landscaping Safely

SECO Energy Service’s employees are out and about in the community inspecting the underground padmount transformers (big green above-ground boxes) to ensure that Operations employees can quickly and safely access the transformers to perform maintenance and in the event of a power outage. During the access investigations, a SECO employee may contact you directly or leave a door hanger when plants, shrubs or fences are inside the SAFE ZONE and too close to transformers.

 

SECO is communicating with members proactively and giving them time to relocate plants, shrubs, fences or other obstructions that have been placed near transformers. This clearance is required so that SECO’s access to the equipment is not impeded and so that employee safety is not compromised. Equally important, safe access to equipment reduces outage duration for SECO members. After SECO has communicated the need to transplant or remove an obstruction and the member fails to comply, the company must take action.

 

The SAFE ZONE: Landscaping Safely

 

For the safety of SECO employees and reduced outage duration, please heed the SAFE ZONE. Keep fences and plants at least 10 feet away from the front of the transformer where the lock is located and 3 feet away from the sides. Please visit the Landscaping Safely section of our website to learn more, send your questions in this handy form or call 352-793-3801.

 

Currently, access investigations are underway in the Plantation at Leesburg, Legacy of Leesburg and the Center Hill area.

Free Trees – Earthfest at Arbor Day

SECO Energy is spreading the word about the City of Ocala’s Earthfest at Arbor Day on Saturday, April 23. Earthfest at Arbor Day is a family-friendly event featuring live entertainment, youth archery, crafts, demonstrations, food and fun.

 

As an Oak Tree Sponsor of Earthfest at Arbor Day, SECO Energy will have an array of giveaways, information and activities at its booth. Representatives from SECO Energy’s Vegetation Management team of Certified Arborists will be on hand to answer questions about trees native to Florida and offer tree planting advice. Visit SECO’s booth for face painting for the kids, tree giveaways and more!

 

Free Trees - Earth fest at Arbor Day

 

SECO Energy and its Vegetation Management team are committed to maintaining and improving the urban forests in its service area. For nine years running, the Arbor Day Foundation has recognized SECO as a Tree Line USA Utility. To be designated a Tree Line USA Utility, SECO follows five core standards: quality tree care, annual worker training, tree planting and public education, a tree-based energy conservation program and participating in an Arbor Day celebration.

 

Ken Lacasse, SECO Energy’s Manager of System Reliability believes that SECO’s successful vegetation management program has improved power reliability and power quality. “Over the last decade, SECO Energy has honed a comprehensive Vegetation Management program. SECO’s proactive response to vegetation near overhead power lines has consistently reduced tree-related service interruptions and maintained healthy trees along our rights-of-way.”

 

Free Trees - Earth fest at Arbor Day

 

In fact, SECO Energy was awarded the J. D. Power Award in 2015 for, “Highest in Customer Satisfaction among Midsize Utilities in the South”. The level of customer satisfaction with SECO is also reflected in its 2015 ACSI score of 88.

 

SECO Energy’s Vice President of Operations John LaSelva stated, “Concern for Community is one of the seven cooperative principles. As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO Energy is proud to show its commitment to the community through its Tree Line USA Utility distinction and its presence at community events such as Earthfest at Arbor Day.”

 

Earthfest at Arbor takes place in beautiful downtown Ocala’s Tuscawilla Park located at 300 NE Sanchez Ave, the fun begins at 9:00 a.m. and ends at 3:00 p.m.

SECO News, April 2016

SECO News, Duncan's Digest, February 2016

 

As you opened your March billing statement, I hope you were pleasantly surprised to see that SECO Energy’s “Hot Bucks” are hotter than ever. In fact, as of March 1st, residential members are now paying $114.60 based on 1,000 kWh, which is average usage for residential members in our area.

 

Over the past 27 months, SECO Energy has lowered the cost of electricity seven times; this latest reduction equates to a 10.3% decrease over this time frame. The reduction appears as a credit on your bill under the line item “Hot Bucks.” The term refers to the Power Cost Adjustment (PCA) portion of your bill.

SECO “Hot Bucks” are Hotter than Ever

 

We work closely with our wholesale power provider, Seminole Electric, to ensure that we offer members the lowest rate possible and still eke out a small margin (required of us as a not-for-profit electric cooperative).

 

When the wholesale price goes down, usually due to reduced fuel costs, SECO Energy lowers the PCA factor and members see their bills decrease.

 

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, when wholesale power costs are lower, SECO Energy shares the savings with members. Lowering the cost of power is a joint effort between SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees, our employees and our wholesale power provider, Seminole Electric Cooperative. Controlling costs is essential for members and the communities we serve. I know how carefully many of you track your expenditures. I want to assure you that our company’s management team and employees work diligently to keep costs down and control expenses to match your effort.

 

I think it’s safe to say that SECO Energy is one of the most affordable, reliable electric utilities in Central Florida. Hands down, we offer the best customer service. I know this because in 2015, SECO Energy was ranked by J.D. Power as highest in customer satisfaction among midsize utilities in the south. I believe our continued commitment to offer members low electric rates, outstanding reliability and strong community support are just a few of the reasons why members are satisfied with the service they receive from their cooperative.

 

To read more about our commitment to members and our communities, visit SECOEnergy.com. Next month, look for a snapshot overview of our 2016 Annual Meeting of the Membership or watch the video on our website, Facebook or YouTube channel.

 

 

Register for Smarthub and win an iPad Mini

 

Win an iPad mini!

 

Click on “My Account” to sign up for SmartHub®. All SECO Energy members who register online with SmartHub by May 15 will be entered in a drawing to win an iPad mini!

 

Using a computer, tablet or smartphone, members can access and manage their SECO account(s) via SmartHub. Seasonal members can use SmartHub to change their mailing address and also gain instant access to current and previous bills. SmartHub allows members to track their energy use and is helpful for members on a budget.

 

Access these convenient features:

 

  • Access current bills – no need to wait for USPS
  • View and pay your bill online via debit or credit card
  • Subscribe to receive text or email alerts
  • Sign up for automatic bank draft or MyWay Prepay
  • Update mailing address and phone number
  • Access billing history and view previous bills
  • Compare yearly or monthly energy usage
  • View social media news feeds
  • Plot high, low and average temperatures against energy use
  • Record energy-saving events (appliance purchases, filter changes)

 

Give SmartHub a try.

 

Contact us at (352) 793-3801 or email customerservice@secoenergy.com for help with registering or with questions. Don’t forget, register by May 15 for a chance to win! Members currently using SmartHub are automatically entered.

 

Get the app for your mobile device – search for “SmartHub” in the App Store for iOS in the Google Play™ store for Android™.

 

 

SECO News HVAC Tune-Up and Filter Change June 2019

 

Want a quick and easy way to reduce energy consumption? Change your HVAC filter regularly. Routinely changing your HVAC filter improves your home’s air quality and reduces energy costs. Also, remember to change the filter on your refrigerator. Clean refrigerator filters provide cleaner water and ice, which can reduce spending on bottled water.

 

Read additional energy-saving tips.

 

 

Car on guy wire
Vehicle accidents are scary, especially if the accident involves power lines or poles.

 

Remember these 5 steps to help you stay safe.

 

  1. Stay in your car − only exit the car if it is on fire
  2. Remain calm
  3. Call 911 immediately.  Tell the operator that a power line or pole is down
  4. Warn bystanders to stay away
  5. Warn first responders the line could be energized

 

Broken power lines can still be energized; touching these can be fatal. Please share this information with family and friends. It could save a life.

 

Read the full April 2016 SECO News here.

 

78th Annual Meeting Welcomes 3,000 Members and Guests

March 30, 2016 – SECO Energy celebrated its 78th Annual Meeting of the Membership on Saturday March 19th, with over 3,000 SECO members and guests. Among the guests were Representatives Dennis Baxley from District 23, and Daniel Webster from District 10; State Senator Charlie Dean attended as well.

 

The light rain didn’t keep away the crowd who gathered for breakfast biscuits, energy saving displays at the Energy Showcase, gifts, door prizes, an update on the business side of the cooperative and the renowned hospitality of SECO employees.

 

SECO Energy 2016 Annual Meeting

 

Members browsed energy saving displays at the revamped Energy Showcase tent and learned new ways to lower their electric bills. The Energy Showcase tent displayed a working rooftop and ground mounted solar panel system along with a touchscreen tool to estimate the amount of energy a home can produce using a rooftop solar panel system. SECO also hosted a number of vendors that brought their ideas and products to further assist members with energy savings.

 

After the meeting, CEO Jim Duncan said he was very pleased with the meeting as a whole, “As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO is owned by the members, not investors or stockholders. I always encourage SECO members to attend their Annual Meeting for an update on cooperative business, and we appreciate that this year’s crowd was large. Hands down, SECO employees are the best in the business and I want to thank them for the work they do not only during the Annual Meeting, but throughout the year. SECO’s Board of Trustees, senior staff and employees are committed to providing members with low rates, reliable power and exceptional customer service.”

 

Board of Trustees President Ray Vick shared his thoughts “As a SECO member, and Board President, I look forward to attending the Annual Meeting every year. I enjoy spending this time with fellow members, and we all agree that the hospitality of SECO’s employees can’t be beat. On behalf of myself and the other Board members, I want to thank all of SECO’s hardworking employees who made our 78th Annual Meeting a success.”

 

Duncan added, “Thank you to all the SECO members, special guests and vendors who joined us on Saturday and braved the rain. The door prizes for Saturday were donated by, or purchased from, local businesses who are SECO members and I want to thank them for supporting their cooperative. Congratulations to all of Saturday’s winners.”

 

SECO Energy 2016 Annual Meeting Facebook bill credit winner Bob Warhu

 

As a new promotion for 2016, members who liked SECO’s Facebook page and engaged with SECO during the Annual Meeting by uploading a photo, liking or commenting on the Annual Meeting status update were entered into a drawing for a $300 electric bill credit. Congratulations to Robert Warhus from Leesburg, a first-time meeting attendee, who was the winner of the bill credit. Members who weren’t able to attend the meeting can like SECO’s Facebook page today for cooperative updates and look for future chances to win.

 

Another opportunity to win at the Annual Meeting on Saturday was with a pledge to The Action Committee for Rural Electrification (ACRE). This political action committee uses contributions to fund candidates who support the interests of electric cooperatives such as SECO. At this year’s meeting, SECO received 42 new pledges to ACRE and raised $1,050. SECO member John Halpin from Ocala pledged an ACRE contribution and was the winner of the Patriotic Picnic Table and accessories. Learn how you can sign up to be an energy voter at www.vote.coop.

 

SECO Energy 2016 Annual Meeting ACRE prize winner John Halpin
Saturday’s prize winners also included: Leslie Burtnett of The Villages won the refurbished 2005 Dodge Dakota; David Cragen of Leesburg won $1,500; Richard Hathaway of Groveland won $1,000; and James Francis of The Villages and Norma Simonsen of Lady Lake each won $500. In addition to the truck and cash prizes, SECO members also had the chance to win almost 100 other door prizes.

 

View the video of the Board President and CEO Reports. Please call 352-793-3801 or email communications@secoenergy.com to share your comments or thoughts about the Annual Meeting.

Energy Insider – 1st Quarter

Eagle Roofing

 

Member Spotlight: Eagle Roofing

 

Innovation is key to success for Eagle Roofing. Unlike the company’s competitors, this manufacturer of concrete roof tiles has special equipment allowing an easy switch of pigment during production and creating hundreds of unique blends. This results in a wide variety of customized tile colors so consumers can fine-tune their choices.

 

Besides color, flat tiles are gaining in popularity because of their modern look and because they are easier to install. However, a new product offering is taking center stage. The Eagle Platinum is the next generation of roof tiles. The design has a thermal barrier protectant that helps lower heating bills in winter and cooling bills in summer by reducing heat transmission up to 40%. The tiles are mold, mildew and bacteria resistant and have added UV protection to keep roof color vibrant. No other concrete tile manufacturer in the world guarantees this type of performance.

 

Eagle Roofing, Eagle Platinum thermal barrier

 

All of this excites Carlo Zancarli, Plant Manager, at the Sumterville Eagle Roofing plant. According to Zancarli, his company has always been very progressive. During the big push to “Go Green,” solar panels started to become popular. However, this never gained a lot of momentum because it took away from the beauty of the roof. He says the same won’t be true with Eagle Platinum. It is a proven winner.

 

Zancarli is very optimistic about the future. “People are realizing tile roofs are a good value. A quality shingle roof will generally last around 15 years with some discoloration. Tile roofs last 30 – 40 years and beyond as they are more resistant to the elements. If you consider durability and energy efficiency even with the increased labor costs and structural components, tile is a good choice,” says Zancarli.

 

This year, Eagle Roofing is off to a great start and predictions are it will get even better. The price is right and so is the market share. “Team Eagle” expects to fly high. Right now the company is running two shifts – almost 24 hours a day – with 102 employees and in the very near future will add another 12 – 15 positions. Capacity at the plant is huge and can accommodate 3 or 4 times the current production. The company owns enough land to build another facility if the market demands.

 

Eagle Roofing, owned by Burlingame Industries and Anderson Columbia, manufactures three different tile sizes and shapes at the Central Florida location. The majority of product is made to order but some of the more popular tiles are kept in stock. Approximately 97% of all product is distributed throughout The Sunshine State with 85% going to South Florida. In addition to the Sumterville plant, Eagle has operations in Arizona and in California.

 

 

Is your business camera ready?

 

Is Your Business Camera Ready?

 

Most people are not well versed in talking with the media and until it’s too late, often don’t understand the power of their words. In business there is a dollar amount attached to every word we speak. So before communicating with those who buy ink by the barrel or can instantly make you a TV star, prepare yourself by considering the following:

 

  • Think about the worst possible scenarios you might experience at your business. Develop and memorize key messages you can offer the media in those situations
  •  Never be afraid to disagree with the premise of a question or to say you don’t know
  •  Be careful how often you agree with a reporter, one question can lead to another and he may be setting you up for “the kill”
  •  Do your best to lead the conversation and keep the momentum going forward
  • Take your time and give careful thought before answering a question as your answer has the potential to shape the remaining conversation
  • If a reporter doesn’t ask questions that allows you to make important points, find a way to provide your information with statements like “It’s important to remember that…”

 

 

The New Generation of Tech Products, Block Chain

 

The New Generation of Tech Products

 

If you think we’re tech-savvy now, just wait. The future is bright with the promise of a new generation of technological products designed to actually make our life simpler. Here’s a sneak preview of what’s to come……

 

The seeds of change are growing rapidly. This century’s technological advancements will shape the way we live and do business more than ever before. Already, self-driving trucks are on the road in Nevada and testing of self-driving cars continue with many believing they may soon be running all over the place.

 

Have you heard of the Block Chain? Goldman Sachs says it has the potential to change everything about the way we do business as did the invention of the Internet. The Block Chain allows a decentralized transaction of money, goods or property through an Internet connection without third-party verification. It’s basically a public ledger of transactions based on trust that will challenge the way traditional financial and legal institutions do business.

 

If this is more than your mind can comprehend, don’t worry, the future will allow you to find solutions without human input as artificial intelligence and robotic advancements become more commonplace in the market. You might think this isn’t for you but perhaps you haven’t seen Moley (pronounced Molly), the personal robot chef scheduled to go on sale in 2017. She is the future and just one of a generation of robots expected to make our lives easier.

 

The New Generation of Tech Products, Moley the personal robotic chef

 

Development of new products is certainly exciting but existing products are rising to a whole new level as well. For example 3D printing has been around for over 20 years, but has recently become a hot item in manufacturing combining metals, plastic, rubber and other items into cars, rocket engines, drones and even complete houses that are quickly built and affordable.

 

All of this may seem a bit too “Jetson-ish” for you but rest assured, if you don’t already, you will have some type of home automation in the near future. It may be as simple as 24/7 remote access to a smart appliance, an energy management or security system, or lighting. Even pushbutton TV remote controls are taking a backseat to apps that allow consumers to use their Smartphone or tablet to control a multitude of devices. This will bring a whole new meaning to “fighting over the TV remote.” At the same time, voice control, such as Apple’s Siri, is becoming more commonplace. So just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, take a deep breath because most likely things are about the change.

 

 

Bright Idea for Safety

 

Bright Idea for Safety

 

Daylight Saving Time began on Sunday, March 13th, but don’t keep your employees in the dark. Instead, read how you can keep them safe….

 

For employees who begin their day early, the beginning of Daylight Saving Time may have them coming to work in the dark. Statistics show a well-lit facility not only makes people feel more secure but keeps them safer.

 

If you’ve been considering a lighting installation, SECO Energy makes it easy. We are glad to provide a quote absolutely free of charge. We offer a number of lighting choices to meet your needs and our convenient lease plan includes worry-free maintenance.

 

If you already have Cooperative lighting and are in need of a repair, our goal is to respond within 72 hours. Just call us at 1-800-732-6141 or if you prefer email us at arealightrepair@secoenergy.com. Be sure and include the GIS number on the front of the pole. If there are multiple lights on a pole, please use flagging tape and tie a knot on the side corresponding with the light needing repair. If both lights are out of service, place the knot in the middle.

 

Reminder: If your facility lighting, or other equipment, is controlled by a timer, be sure you adjust it for Daylight Saving Time.

 

 

BARBIE SHAW

Manager of Key Accounts & Energy Services
OFFICE: (352) 569-9787
CELL: (352) 303-3567
barbie.shaw@secoenergy.com

Hank Bolduc, SECO Energy Key Accounts Consultant

HANK BOLDUC

Key Accounts Consultant
OFFICE: (352) 569-9789
CELL: (352) 303-3546
hank.bolduc@secoenergy.com

Ryon Meyers, SECO Energy Key Accounts Consultant

RYON MEYERS

Key Accounts Consultant
OFFICE: (352) 569-9781
CELL: (352) 636-9593
ryon.meyers@secoenergy.com

J.D. Simmons, SECO Energy Key Accounts Consultant

J.D. SIMMONS

Key Accounts Consultant
OFFICE: (352) 569-9790
CELL: (352) 303-3183
jd.simmons@secoenergy.com

 

 

SECO Scholarship Application Deadline is March 25th

SECO Energy would like to remind area high school seniors that there is still time to apply for $36,000 in scholarships. Completed applications are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 25th.

 

Again this year, SECO Energy will award up to twelve $3,000 scholarships to deserving high school seniors from throughout its service territory. Applications are available on our website, at area high school guidance offices and at any of SECO’s customer service centers in Marion, Lake, Citrus and Sumter counties.

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “As a parent, I know first-hand the expense of a college education and I am honored that SECO can help families alleviate that cost. At SECO and as a not-for-profit electric cooperative, we are committed to the communities we serve by contributing to the education of our future leaders.”

 

SECO Scholarship Application Deadline is March 25th

 

To qualify, graduating high school seniors must reside in a home served by SECO and be enrolled in an accredited college, university, or vocational/technical school by the end of 2016.

 

All applicants will be evaluated by an independent panel of educators from within the SECO service territory, and winners will be selected based on past and present school activities, community outreach, financial need and scholastic record.