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SECO News, March 2016

SECO News, Duncan's Digest, February 2016

 

Solar Support

 

I’ve been pretty vocal over the years in candidly explaining the merits and drawbacks of rooftop residential solar installations. The good news is that installations are more affordable as costs come down. The bad news is that a subsidy is still required to support such investments.

 

SECO has been successful in supporting members who generate their own power without resorting to rebates or credits that inadvertently create financial burden on other members.

 

We feel those who choose to invest in their own installations should bear the long term costs to receive the benefits. I realize there are some who disagree but I want to emphasize that our philosophy doesn’t seem to be discouraging members who are committed to investing in solar energy.

 

Case in point: The Florida Office on Economic and Demographic Research reports that SECO  has the highest number of solar interconnections of any electric cooperative or municipal utility in Florida with 271 installations.  Per the report, SECO also has the highest gross power rating for solar when compared with the state’s other cooperatives.

 

SECO’s interconnected members produced 1,139,363 kilowatt hours last year, resulting in payments from SECO to the members totaling nearly $95,000 in 2015.  Over the life of their systems, the company has paid nearly $281,000 to solar members for the electricity they’ve produced per the terms of our tariff and net metering policy.

 

I understand parts of our service territory have been inundated recently with door-to-door and robocall solicitation from energy efficiency and solar salesmen. My advice is to exercise caution if you are approached and to call SECO for a free second opinion on the financial outlay and payback. Our Energy Services team can walk you through identifying your home’s conduciveness to solar by examining orientation, roof pitch, usage and potential payback. Rest assured, we’re not trying to discourage you – we simply want you to know what you will get for your money.

 

Speaking of your money, Congress extended the Investment Tax Credit (IVT) –30% of the value of solar projects. The 30% credit extends through 2019. Per a recent Wall Street Journal article, these credits were key to the rapid expansion of renewable energy. Without our tax dollars, this industry would probably be floundering. But it’s booming – and who technically profits from the credit? Solar panel manufactures and sellers – they even get to pocket the tax credit if the consumer leases rather than purchases their installation. And they probably didn’t send you, the taxpayers, a thank you note or a Christmas card.

 

On the topic of large-scale solar, SECO is working with the Federal Correctional Facility in Coleman to integrate their new solar system. Through a federal expenditure – more of our tax dollars at work – the prison installed a two-megawatt solar system to offset its energy use.

 

Another project in the works will allow you to purchase small blocks of solar energy rather than spending tens of thousands of dollars on rooftop solar. This utility-scale system should be operational by year’s end – watch for enrollment details.

 

Utility-scale solar costs have decreased, but it’s important to remember that traditional generation must still stand ready to produce power when the sun doesn’t shine. Even if you invest in a solar system, SECO members still incur the cost of a $775 million electric system – the meters, lines, poles, transformers, substations and peak time power supply that serves solar members when the sun doesn’t shine… at night, on cloudy days, during hot summer afternoons during storm season and on cold winter mornings before sunrise.

 

Floridians with solar installations still expect full-time, reliable electricity to be able to run their ACs, cook dinner and power their electronic gadgets in the absence of sunlight. It’s a point often lost in discussion of future power needs.

 

Can we do more with solar? Yes, we should and from the numbers I provided, clearly we are making progress. Contact us at solar@secoenergy.com if you want to learn more.

 

 

2016 Annual Meeting , Saturday March 19, 2016

 

Attend our 2016 Annual Meeting of the membership on Saturday, March 19, at our Sumterville Compound at 293 S Highway 301. Gates open at 8:00 a.m. with parking assistance and shuttle service. Join us for entertainment, coffee, cookies, doughnuts, and the now famous big breakfast biscuit.

 

Visit the tent with displays showing ways to reduce electric use and save on your bill. The Business Meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. after which a lot of cash prizes and door prizes are awarded. The grand prize is a refurbished 2005 Dodge Dakota 4×4.

 

Like SECO Energy on Facebook today as a first step to enter in a drawing for a $300 electric bill credit that will be awarded at the meeting. All members who attend the meeting and comment on, like, or upload a photo to our 2016 Annual Meeting status update on our Facebook page will be entered in the drawing. The randomly selected member must be present to win the $300 electric bill credit.

 

Not a Facebook user? Establish a Facebook account today to get ready. Don’t understand it? The SECO Energy Facebook Help Squad will be available at the meeting to help you access the page, like, comment and upload your best “selfie” photo. It’ll be great to show your kids and grandkids you’ve mastered the selfie!

 

After the business meeting and prize drawings, we typically wrap up by noon. We certainly hope you will join us.

 

 

SECO Energy Scholarship Deadline March 25th

 

$36,000 in Scholarships – March 25th Deadline

 

SECO Energy is a not-for-profit organization guided by the cooperative principles, so support for education and community needs are high priorities.

 

The Board of Trustees approved the continuation of the SECO Energy Scholarship Program. Board President Ray Vick said, “The Board is proud to renew our commitment to the support of youth and continuing education in our community. These scholarships can be used for community college, a university or a technical/trade school, and we hope that some of these students have a career in their future at SECO Energy once they’re out of school.”

 

Applications for the 2016 program are now available on our website and graduating high school seniors are eligible to apply. Up to 12 hardworking seniors will each be selected to receive a $3,000 scholarship. To qualify, the student must live in a home served by SECO Energy, graduate from high school in 2016, and have proof of acceptance with a plan to be a full-time student in a university, accredited college or vocational/technical institute in 2016.

 

If you don’t have Internet access or a printer at home, application packets were mailed to high school guidance counselors in January. Direct your student there or pick up an application from one of our five service center locations. Completed applications must be received by SECO Energy by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 25th. If you have questions about the scholarship program, contact us via our website or call (352) 569-9561

 

 

SECO Energy Safety Corner

 

Read the full March 2016 SECO News here.

 

SECO Employee Named Sumter County Chamber Volunteer of the Year

SECO Energy is proud to announce that Ryon Meyers, Key Accounts Consultant, has been named Sumter County Chamber Volunteer of the Year.

 

Ryon has dedicated numerous hours to many different projects in support of the Sumter County Chamber. Each month, Ryon has set up tables, chairs, audio and video equipment as well as volunteered for clean up before and after all chamber luncheons. He has attended all quarterly signature events and delivered welcome packages to all new chamber members.

 

“I am so proud of Ryon,” stated Barbara Shaw, SECO’s Manager of Key Accounts & Energy Services. “It warms my heart to have employees on my team willing to dedicate their time to give back to our community. I am so pleased that Ryon’s contributions and hard work are recognized by the Sumter County Chamber.”

SECO Employee Named Sumter County Chamber Volunteer of the Year

Kathryn Gloria, SECO’s Vice President of Corporate Communications & Energy Services agrees, “I am humbled that many of our employees donate their time and talents to help others. As a not-for-profit cooperative, we support the communities we serve and our employees exemplify this through their willingness to lend a hand.”

 

Concern for Community is a key cooperative principle and SECO is proud that its employees take their personal time to volunteer within their communities. Recently, SECO employees have volunteered their time to United Way for the Day of Caring project in Marion County and pledged nearly $45,000 in donations to United Way for 2016.

 

SECO strives to be a good corporate citizen and partner to our members and the communities we serve. Our employees contribute countless hours of their free time in order to make a personal difference in their communities. Many SECO members also aid communities in need by agreeing to round up their monthly electric bills to the nearest dollar. These extra pennies make a difference for local communities’ one penny at a time.

 

Learn more about SECO’s corporate citizenship or its Pennies from Heaven program here.

SECO Employees Volunteer for United Way Day of Caring

On Saturday February 20, several SECO Energy employees and area high school students volunteered for the United Way Day of Caring project for Marion County at Children’s Home Society in downtown Ocala. The volunteers were led by Kathy Judkins, SECO’s Deputy Director of Civic, Charitable & Government Affairs and Madison Mahoney, Youth United Way Community Service Co-Chair.

 

Children’s Home Society assists thousands of Florida children and families each year. The organization offers adoption assistance, aids and recruits foster parents and provides counseling services to kids, teens and families in need.

 

SECO Employees Volunteer for United Way Day of Caring

 

SECO employees and other volunteers assisted in power washing the front of the house, the porch, and driveway. They also planted flowers, washed windows, trimmed hedges and cleaned the yard. The SECO employee volunteers include Tanya Mikeals, Vincent Thomas, Tracey Johnston, Roslyn Smith, Janica Beard, and Audra Guydeen.

 

Judkins’ has a very strong personal belief in giving back to the community and she is honored to work for a company that encourages employees to volunteer in the community. “I am so grateful that SECO not only encourages altruism among employees, but also facilitates opportunities to volunteer. My co-workers and I are thankful that we were able to help an organization like Children’s Home Society that does vital work for thousands of people throughout Florida,” said Judkins.

 

SECO Employees Volunteer for United Way Day of Caring

 

“On behalf of Children’s Home Society, I want to thank every volunteer who generously gave of their time and talent,” said Susan E. Reese, Administrative Supervisor. Reese added, “The volunteers did an awesome job on Saturday. They arrived ready, willing and able to take on these projects and the results of their hard work is very much appreciated.”

 

Concern for community is a key cooperative principle, and SECO Energy is dedicated to making a positive difference in the communities we serve.

 

Visit unitedway.org to learn about how you can be a part of United Way’s community of volunteers.

 

SECO News, February 2016

SECO News, Duncan's Digest, February 2016

 

SECOEnergy.com has a brand-new look. The site has been completely redesigned on a more user-friendly platform that performs well on a variety of mobile devices and browsers. The old site, in its day, was award-winning, but we recognize that this online makeover is long overdue and appreciate your patience as we developed the new platform.

 

You’ll notice home page access to the most frequently visited site features. Members are one click away from reporting an outage, online account (SmartHub) access, bill payment, social media updates and a variety of intuitive Contact Us web forms.

 

Frequently asked questions are updated and categorized. All forms are housed on one page and many are fill-in PDFs. We’ve added a video gallery and a blog in the Newsroom. You’ll find a new section dedicated to solar energy. On the Contact Us page, you can report an area light problem, request an energy audit, inquire about community presentations, let us know you’re moving or ask a general question about your bill or usage.

 

Convenient communication tools that are enhanced for mobile devices are so important in our tech-savvy world today – especially during a power outage. Now that the website itself is redesigned, we will begin enhancing our Storm Center platform to provide members with a more user-friendly outage map and communications suite that supports text and email. Watch for details in the coming months.
Keep in mind that when you have a power outage, reporting it to us is easy using the current Storm Center application from the home page of SECOEnergy.com or by phone via our automated outage management system. To use these systems effectively, please ensure we have an updated primary phone number that corresponds with your account. Update your number today by logging into your SmartHub account, sending a message through “Contact Us” on the new website or calling us during regular business hours.

 

Another way to stay up-to-date on outage information, energy efficiency and company news is through our social media platforms. Just visit SECOEnergy.com and click on any of the seven icons. You’ll find us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn, Pinterest, YouTube and Instagram. We look forward to connecting with you and building these online social communities.

 

Speaking of community, I hope you’ll join us face-to-face at the SECO Energy Annual Meeting of the membership on March 19. Details are enclosed in your official notice. Lucky winners will claim a 2005 Dodge Dakota 4×4, cash prizes and a variety of door prizes. And the hospitality can’t be beat – hope you can come!

 

SECO News, Lights Out, February 2016

 

SECO offers a variety of ways to report a street or area light issue. The most convenient way is to visit SECOEnergy.com and click on Contact. You’ll find a user-friendly web form that allows you to report the light issue – even if you don’t have the light number handy. Another way to report a light issue is by emailing AreaLightRepair@secoenergy.com. Of course, you can always call us during regular business hours. Once reported, most light issues are addressed within 72 hours.

 

Read the full February 2016 SECO News here.
Check out this months Nature’s Reflections here.

 

City Ignores Citizens’ Petition – Demand Answers

The City of Bushnell has published its agenda for the council meeting on Monday, Feb. 1. The agenda contains a request from City Manager Bruce Hickle asking the City Council to authorize steps to initiate and conduct arbitration – an expensive process required for the City to continue its costly quest to purchase SECO’s electric system within city limits.

 

The City continues to ignore that citizens successfully petitioned for the sale of the City’s electric system to appear on the ballot at the upcoming general election. The citizens’ petition to amend the charter requiring the City to sell its electric system to SECO has already been certified by the Supervisor of Elections and by law must appear on the upcoming general election ballot (if not sooner).

 

Florida Statute Chapter 166.31 allows electors of a municipality to petition to amend the City’s charter. The Statute states, “The governing body of the municipality shall place the proposed amendment contained in the ordinance or petition to a vote of the electors at the next general election held within the municipality or at a special election called for such purpose.”

The City is ignoring your right to petition, is ignoring its responsibility to acknowledge your successful petition to amend the charter, and is ignoring its legal requirement to place the proposed charter amendment on the November ballot (or sooner through a special election).

 

It is critical that citizens attend the Feb. 1 council meeting and demand that City recognize the successful petition and explain why they continue to pursue the acquisition of SECO’s electric system when it is clear that the citizens want to sell the City’s electric system to SECO.

 

Ask your City Council:

  • When will the City acknowledge the citizens’ petition and placement of the charter amendment on the November ballot or special election ballot?
  • Page 25 of the City’s electric feasibility study reveals that the arbitration process alone to purchase SECO’s system would cost $400,000. There is not $400,000 in the City budget for arbitration. Where will the money come from and how will the City meet the legal requirement to balance its budget?
  • Why would the City pursue a $400,000 legal arbitration process to buy SECO’s system when the citizens are against it?
  • If the City votes to pursue arbitration right now, why not expedite the vote for the charter amendment so that the citizens’ votes are counted before entering into a $400,000 arbitration?

As a citizen, registered voter and elector of the City of Bushnell, you have rights based on Florida Statute. Stand up and ask the questions – and demand answers.

 

 

 

Regions Bank is a SECO Angel – giving $10,000 to Fund

Regions Bank has committed $10,000 over a four-year period to support SECO Energy’s Angel Fund – a financial assistance program. Recently, Regions Bank delivered a $2,500 check, demonstrating a strong commitment toward helping SECO Energy’s members and community.

 

Regions Bank Senior Vice President Tim Hamilton said, “Regions Bank is appreciative of its relationship with SECO Energy and happy to support those members who may find themselves challenged during unique, difficult times.”

 

“With this generous contribution, SECO is able to provide financial assistance to worthy causes throughout its service territory. The SECO Angel Fund, the organization’s corporate humanitarian initiative, has helped thousands of members who have fallen on hard times through no fault of their own. Contributions from the fund have given hope and comfort to members residing in the not-for-profit cooperative’s seven-county service territory,” said SECO Deputy Director of Civic, Charitable & Government Affairs Kathy Judkins.

 

The Angel Fund program was established many years ago to make a difference in our local community. SECO Energy Members enrolled in Pennies from Heaven have their monthly electric bill automatically rounded up to the nearest dollar. As an example, if a member’s bill is $67.72, he/she will pay $68.00. The extra 28 pennies go directly to the SECO Angel Fund. Every penny collected is distributed here in the local communities to benefit SECO members.

 

If you are a SECO member who would like to round up your electric bill to the nearest dollar to support our cooperative’s Pennies from Heaven program, enroll online or email customerservice@secoenergy.com to enroll. The extra pennies are used to provide support to local social service agencies that help SECO members with unique needs.

 

Requests for Angel Fund assistance are administered through several area agencies. These funds can be used to provide bill payment assistance in unusual circumstances or help for those in dire and unusual circumstances. Funds may be used to purchase emergency medical supplies, support charitable organizations, and fill a host of other needs in our local area. Any small administrative costs are absorbed by SECO Energy. Just a few pennies every month can change lives.

Hot Bucks lowers members’ bills – again!

Over the last two years, SECO Energy has dropped the cost of electricity six times – which means lower bills for our members. The decrease appears in your Power Cost Adjustment or PCA – one of the line item components on your bill representing positive reductions in our cost of power.

 

Reducing the PCA allows for a higher credit on your bill. The latest reduction equates to a 9.5% decrease over the past 24 months. As of Dec. 1, 2015, our residential cost per kilowatt hour dropped to $115.60 based on 1,000 kWh used. This decrease shows that SECO Energy members pay one of the lowest residential rates in Central Florida.

 

This electric bill reduction reinforces the fact that our members gave SECO Energy high marks in the category of “price” during the most recent J.D. Power residential customer satisfaction study. Price is just one measure of satisfaction – reliability, communication, customer service, corporate citizenship and billing/payment are also key factors ranked by J.D. Power.

 

In fact, the company is ranked by J.D. Power as highest in customer satisfaction among midsize utilities in the south.

 

Keeping rates affordable is a high priority for SECO Energy and for our power-producing partner, Seminole Electric Cooperative. Together, we work hard to control our expenses and to pass along savings to our member-owners. SECO Energy, your not-for-profit electric cooperative, operates solely for the benefit of our members – and that means you!

 

SECO can help you save money and energy. Contact us today to schedule a free energy audit at energyservices@secoenergy.com.

Citizens for Cooperative Power Successful Petition Certification

At this week’s Bushnell City Council meeting, Alex Patton with Ozean Media and Citizens for Cooperative Power (CFCP) addressed the council during the citizens’ forum. Patton advised that Bushnell citizens had recently organized to advocate for a change to the City’s charter.
CFCP initiated the petition process in October, and quickly gathered the required number of petitions to initiate a charter amendment. Nearly 200 petitions signed by registered Bushnell voters were submitted to the Sumter County Supervisor of Elections for verification. On Nov. 2, the Supervisor of Elections informed Patton that the petition had been certified and the initiative would appear on the ballot in an upcoming election.

 

The petition reads: Shall the Charter for the City of Bushnell be amended to require the city to sell the city’s electric distribution system to SECO Energy on or before December 31, 2017 in order to provide electric service to all city customers, except as extended by court order?

 

The petition explains that approval amends the charter by adding a provision requiring the City to dispose of the City’s electric distribution system by selling it to Sumter Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SECO Energy). Patton said the initiative gives Bushnell citizens a voice in who will provide their electric service.

 

Patton had discussed the petition for referendum timing with the Supervisor of Elections, who indicated that adding it to the Presidential Primary scheduled for March 2016 would be an easy process. Patton emphasized the City must take action quickly so that dispute would not drag out for another year. He also stated the political committee was offering to offset any additional costs incurred by the City per their intra-local agreement with the Supervisor of Elections to administer the election.

 

Rather than consider this request, Mayor Spaude moved that the referendum appear on the ballot in November 2016 with the Presidential Election. Councilor Dale Swain attempted to amend the motion to change the election date to the March 2016 Presidential Primary ballot. The amendment did not receive a second. Discussion ensued between the Mayor and Councilors Durham, Davis and McCoy, but because they were not speaking into the microphones, several citizens were vocal about not hearing the conversations subsequent to the motions.

 

After Bushnell citizen Dale Barnes voiced his concern about the poor communication of the council and inability to hear the public business, the City Attorney clarified that the Mayor’s motion had received a second and an affirmative vote that the initiative would appear on the November 2016 ballot.

 

Vice Mayor Bill Durham, a SECO Energy employee with an apparent conflict of interest, did not recuse himself from the vote. Councilor McCoy complained that the citizens had not “come to the City first” before petitioning to the Supervisor of Elections. McCoy seemed oblivious to the fact that citizens have been attending City Council meetings in droves since February asking the City to abandon their costly quest to acquire SECO’s territory. Councilor Davis asked if this was “City of SECO” or “City of Bushnell” as she shook her head in disdain. Neither Councilor acknowledged that it is the statutory right of the citizens to petition. Past council meeting notes indicate that citizens repeatedly asked if the City could sell its electric service to SECO and were advised that it was not possible. That, per Section 7.05 of the charter, is not the case. The citizens’ petition for referendum validates that fact.

 

SECO Energy supports the citizens’ desire to have a voice in determining their electric service provider. The company stands ready to support the will of the people and will respect the election results. Read SECO Energy’s assessment of the City’s electric feasibility study and review the corresponding presentation.