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SECO Energy District 3 Members Re-elect Gerald Anderson as Trustee

SECO Energy members who reside in District 3 re-elected Gerald Anderson as the District 3 Trustee on SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees. The meeting was held in the District on Tuesday, February 8, at the Savannah Center in Sumter County for the purpose of electing a Trustee to represent District 3 on SECO’s Board of Trustees.

 

SECO Energy is a not-for-profit electric cooperative, operated for and owned by its members. SECO’s service area is geographically divided into nine Districts. One Trustee is elected from each of the nine Districts to represent their fellow members on SECO’s nine-member Board of Trustees. Collectively, the Board represents the SECO membership, meeting monthly to monitor the financial status of the cooperative while providing fiduciary oversight and participating in policy decisions that serve the best interests of the membership at large.

 

Along with Gerald Anderson, Hamilton McLean of The Villages submitted a letter of intent to run for Trustee. SECO’s Bylaws currently require that the cooperative hold District Meetings. Subsequently, Florida Statute requires SECO to hold in-person elections; therefore, the cooperative continues to hold District Meetings as a means of electing Trustees. A drive-thru voting option was available for members for added convenience, to encourage participation, to practice social distancing and to reduce the size of the indoor meeting.

 

A SECO member since 2013, Trustee Anderson was first elected to SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees in 2019. Mr. Anderson currently serves as Board of Trustees Vice President and has completed the educational requirements from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) to earn the Director Gold Credential – the highest Trustee accreditation from the NRECA.

 

Trustee Anderson is eager to continue his Board service. Mr. Anderson stated, “I want first to thank all of the District 3 members who attended the District Meeting and cast a vote. Serving on SECO’s Board of Trustees and as Vice President is an honor, and I am looking forward to continuing to serve SECO Energy’s membership as a Trustee. Thank you to all District 3 members who placed their trust in me as their District representative.”

 

Board president Richard Dennison stated, “Congratulations, Mr. Anderson, on your re-election as District 3 Trustee. On behalf of my fellow Board officers and peers, we are excited to continue working with you to ensure SECO Energy’s future success. In addition, I want to thank Mr. McLean for his willingness to serve and also thank the members who attended the District 3 Meeting and participated in the cooperative business model’s governance practices.”

 

Curtis Wynn CEO stated, “Mr. Anderson, thank you for your willingness to continue your SECO Energy Board service as District 3 Trustee, and congratulations on your successful re-election as well. I am grateful to all who participated in our not-for-profit cooperative’s democratic process. I look forward to working with you and the rest of the SECO Energy Board of Trustees.”

 

SECO Energy will post a video of the meeting later this week along with the Q&A session for member viewing.

 

To view a brief bio of SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees and a District boundaries map, visit our Board of Trustees website section. “Like” SECO on Facebook and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates. SECO Energy is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

 

SECO Energy Offers Tribute for Board Service and Condolences for the Passing of Trustee Ray Vick

SECO Energy mourns the passing of its longest tenured District 5 Trustee, Mr. Ray Vick. Serving District 5 in Citrus County in the Inverness area of SECO Energy’s service territory, Mr. Vick’s tenure on the Board of Trustees began in 1980 until his passing on January 20, 2022. The not-for-profit cooperative extends its sincere condolences to Mr. Vick’s family and loved ones.

 

SECO’s Board of Trustees represents the SECO membership, meeting monthly to monitor the cooperative’s financial status while providing fiduciary oversight and participating in policy decisions that serve the best interests of the membership at large.

 

Mr. Vick played several pivotal roles as an elected Trustee serving as Board President for twelve years. He also served for five years as Vice President and four years as Secretary/Treasurer. He had a quiet and confident demeanor. A committed member of the Board of Trustees, Mr. Vick provided his insight and wisdom to his fellow Trustees and the executive management team for a total of 42 years of service on the Board.

 

Newly hired SECO Energy CEO Curtis Wynn stated, “Although I did not have the chance to work with Mr. Vick personally, I’m able to recognize his servant leadership through his lengthy tenure and unwavering dedication to SECO Energy.” Wynn added, “The effects of Mr. Vick’s work and legacy will continue here at SECO for years to come.”

 

Mr. Vick’s advocacy extended to the community by supporting the Citrus County Youth Fair projects. He was a strong supporter of SECO Energy’s Scholarship program and SECO Energy’s Pennies from Heaven program.

 

Board of Trustee President Richard Dennison stated, “I had the distinct pleasure of serving with Ray Vick on the Board of Trustees for a number of years. He was a staunch believer in SECO Energy’s purpose and core values. His contributions have helped shape SECO Energy’s fiscal soundness, environmental stewardship and community support initiatives.”

 

The employees, fellow Trustees and leadership team will miss Mr. Vick’s compassionate nature and thoughtful insight. The cooperative extends its collective and deep condolences to Mr. Vick’s family during this difficult time.

 

Mr. Vick had decided late last year not to seek re-election as a District 5 Trustee. A new Trustee will be elected at the upcoming February 1 District 5 Meeting scheduled to begin at 4:30 pm at the Inverness Middle School. Drive-thru voting will be available in the school parking lot for those who prefer not to gather in a group setting in the school cafeteria. Social distancing and masks are encouraged if members choose to come inside to register and vote.

 

Learn more about the SECO Energy Board of Trustees.

 

SECO Energy Offers Scholarships for Energy Industry Students

SECO Energy is offering a total of $36,000 in scholarships for students interested in pursuing a career in the energy industry. At a recent Board of Trustees’ meeting, SECO’s Board approved the 2022 SECO Scholarship Program for up to 12 recipients to receive a $3,000 scholarship each. Scholarship winners may also be eligible for ongoing financial support from SECO Energy throughout their studies.

 

The scholarship program is open to high school seniors who are graduating in May/June 2022. Applicants must live in a home served by SECO Energy and plan to pursue a career in the energy industry. Awardees must also be enrolled full-time by the end of 2022 in a vocational/technical school or accredited college/university located in Florida. Qualifying certifications or degrees are in technology, engineering, math or business.

 

SECO Energy is hiring and wants to connect with students who are potential employees through its Scholarship Program. According to the 2021 U.S. Energy and Employment Report (USEER), Florida currently employs 113,766 traditional energy workers statewide. The number of traditional energy jobs in Florida has declined by 9% from 2020. Much of the decline can be attributed to the high number of energy industry workers who have reached retirement age. SECO Energy must recruit a steady stream of applicants to fill both replacement and new positions in a growing industry.

 

CEO Curtis Wynn encourages students to pursue a career in the energy industry. Wynn stated, “SECO’s Scholarship Program is a recruiting tool that helps us attract local students entering the energy field. The energy industry and SECO Energy are hiring bright, career-minded individuals for positions that offer competitive wages. We hope to engage with students who want hands-on experience through paid-internship opportunities, our apprenticeship program or as a new employee on one of our dynamic teams.”

 

Wynn continued, “As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO Energy prioritizes community support, environmental stewardship, corporate citizenship and sustainability. SECO provides employees with a pension plan which is a hard-to-find benefit and a robust 401k match. We offer a high-quality, low-cost medical plan, along with dental and vision coverage. With a generous paid-time-off program, student loan reimbursement and employment referral program, SECO is an essential employer that offers internal advancement opportunities in growing fields like electric vehicle charging and solar energy.”

 

Scholarship applications are available online beginning January 3, 2022. Paper applications are available at SECO’s five Member Service Centers located in Eustis, Groveland, Inverness, Ocala and Sumterville. Completed applications must be received by SECO Energy no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, March 25, 2022.

 

Ready to apply for employment today? Visit Careers at SECOEnergy.com to view open positions and set notifications for new postings. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

 

SECO Energy’s Pennies Program Donates $3,485 to the American Cancer Society

SECO Energy’s Pennies from Heaven program recently donated $3,485 to the American Cancer Society. From October 1 through November 15, for every new SECO Energy member who enrolled in SECO’s Surge MitiGator surge protection program, the not-for-profit electric cooperative pledged to donate $5 from the Pennies from Heaven program to a local chapter of the American Cancer Society. A total of 697 SECO members enrolled during that timeframe and resulted in a $3,485 donation.

 

The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem. The organization is taking action to battle a disease that has affected millions. In the United States, 600,000 die of cancer each year. The organization funds and conducts cancer research, supports cancer patients, shares expert information and cancer prevention tips to help people live longer – and better. Learn how you can donate or volunteer at the American Cancer Society.

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “Thank you, members, who donated spare change to our Pennies from Heaven program. Those extra pennies allow SECO to contribute to worthy causes in our service area. While the vast majority of Pennies from Heaven funding is allocated for bill payment assistance and educational initiatives for our members, I am pleased that we can support our local American Cancer Society to help in the fight against cancer.”

 

Although the Pennies from Heaven fundraiser is over, members can still enroll in the surge protection program. Take the bite out damaging surges and spikes with the Surge MitiGator. Power surges are caused by lightning, vehicles crashing into utility poles, small animals, birds or fallen trees.

 

SECO’s made in the USA meter-based surge arrester reduces surges BEFORE they enter your home through the meter. The Surge MitiGator has a beastly 15-year warranty and is designed to protect your home’s large-motor appliances. Household appliances and sensitive electronics such as televisions and computers can be damaged or destroyed by power surges and also require point-of-use devices for adequate protection.

 

Lease the MitiGator for only $5.95 plus tax per month plus a $25 installation fee. The purchase price ranges from $349 to $399, with installation included. Visit our Surge MitiGator website section to learn more about the program, to read the warranty and to complete the web form to enroll.

 

The Pennies from Heaven program rounds up monthly SECO bills to the nearest dollar and uses the spare pennies to fund member bill payment assistance and local, worthy causes. Visit Pennies from Heaven and complete the web form to enroll. Conversely, members who need help paying their bill should visit SECOEnergy.com and click on the “Find Bill Payment Help” banner. Use the interactive map to locate a social service agency that receives Pennies from Heaven funding from SECO Energy.

 

“Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

 

Energy Insider – 3rd Quarter 2021

Odds are over the last year, you have seen a growing number of electric vehicles (EVs) on the road. EVs have become more than just a fad of the environmentally conscious. It is an evolving technology that is being enjoyed by those looking for a new family vehicle and even sports car enthusiasts.

 

 

Just this month, EV startup Riviana announced it had beaten other industry giants to become the first automaker to produce and sell the first electric pickup. Quite frankly, EV technology is far superior to that of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and has, at a minimum, raised the bar on what consumers are looking for in a new ride.

 

In past publications of the Energy Insider, we have reviewed many of the benefits that this technology provides. We have covered the maintenance savings, convenience of charging at night instead of worrying about a fluctuating, volatile fuel market, the warranty improvements provided by manufacturers, range increases, and tax credits available. In this edition, we shed light on some lesser-known EVs – the medium and heavy-duty market as well as the utility market.

 

All-electric semi-trucks are coming soon. Volvo, Peterbilt, Kenworth, Tesla, Cummins and Freightliner along with other manufacturers promise tractor trailers are becoming a reality. This month, the North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE) is conducting Run on Less – Electric (RoL-E), an electric truck technology demonstration with big names in the trucking industry. The three-week demonstration will showcase electric trucks in everyday operation. Visit runonless.com to learn more.

 

Production has started on medium duty (Class 6-7) trucks with ranges of approximately 230 miles on a full charge and a 26,000 – 33,000-pound gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) as well as heavy duty (Class 8) trucks with ranges of approximately 250 miles and a max gross combined weight (GCW) of 82,000 pounds. These trucks can take 1-8 hours for a full charge depending on the charger and have around 300 HP and 500 HP, respectively. These cutting-edge trucks are ideal for short hauls but a range from 300 – 500 miles is anticipated soon.

 

Utility vehicles are also available as EVs. Warehouses are now utilizing this technology for tow tractors, burden carriers, stock chasers and forklifts. EV technology provides the same benefits as passenger vehicles and minimizes the amount of exhaust and noise of a traditional ICE vehicle. EV technologies offer beneficial additions and contribute to a healthier and cleaner working environment.

 

In short, the EV market is developing rapidly, and all indicators point toward an evolution of converting workforce fleets to electric vehicles. Are there transportation needs you have today or that will be coming soon that make transitioning to EVs from ICEs beneficial? Does such a transition make financial sense to your business or meet an environmental goal? We encourage the discussion with your Key Accounts Consultant to see if the time is near and if electric infrastructure upgrades are required at your facility to support EV needs.

 

From utility vehicles to semi-trucks, EVs are becoming more prevalent than ever. There is a plethora of options available and more on the way. Who knows, the next one we see may be the new addition to your fleet!

 

 

Jeff Light, SECO Energy Key Accounts Consultant

JEFF LIGHT

Manager of Key Accounts & Revenue Programs
OFFICE: (352) 569-9787
CELL: (352) 250-2863
jeff.light@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

SECO Energy Key Accounts Consultant Dustin Merritt

DUSTIN MERRITT

Key Accounts Consultant
OFFICE: (352) 569-9782
CELL: (352) 303-3183
dustin.merritt@secoenergy.com

 

Energy Insider – 2nd Quarter 2021

 

Commercial EV Fleets Plugging In

 

Ford just recently announced its entry into the EV pickup class with the introduction of the F-150 “Lightning.” The new pickup will make its debut next spring when it begins rolling off the line in Dearborn, Michigan. Similarly, Tesla has begun construction of its Cybertruck facility and startup in Austin, Texas. Rivian began supplying Amazon with EV delivery vans in February of this year. Chevrolet/GMC anticipates entering the truck EV market in 2023 after investing in another battery plant in April.

 

What do these developments mean to you? If your company’s line of work requires the use of trucks or vans, there are new EV options to consider. Increased savings realized from fuel cost reductions, lower maintenance needs and employee efficiency in everyday activities involving your vehicles make EVs more economically attractive than ever.

 

EVs have no need for combustion engine maintenance or fluid checks, saving you time and money. Less moving parts means greater reliability in your transportation network. “Fueling” means at the end of the workday your employee simply plugs the vehicle into a charging network and charges overnight (or during off-shift times). Say goodbye to fleet fueling contracts! The transition to more electric vehicles will prompt utilities over time to provide lower energy costs during “off-peak” hours resulting in further savings in the long run for companies that invest in EVs.

 

The announcement of Ford’s Lightning and the Amazon investment to purchase 100,000 Rivian delivery vans is gaining attention in the marketplace. Imagine not having the need for gas or diesel pumps and issuing fuel cards to your drivers. Additionally, the purchase price of EVs are lining up with traditional fossil-fueled vehicles making them even more attractive. EV warranties are improving each year and range anxiety is becoming a thing of the past with vehicles traveling longer distances between charges because of improvements in battery management systems and technology.

 

If you are contemplating “electrifying” your fleet, SECO Energy can help. Visit our Electric Vehicles section on our website to find a wealth of information to help you make an informed decision. You can even calculate your potential savings swapping from fossil fuel to electric. If you are interested in exploring a charging network at your location, we can assist with those needs as well. Our team of energy professionals provides customized solutions to meet your charging needs. Whether you want a single charger or are contemplating a multi-charger project, our turn-key solutions make it easy to achieve your goals. Contact your key account consultant for details.

 

 

BARBIE SHAW

Manager of Key Accounts & Revenue Programs
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

Jeff Light, SECO Energy Key Accounts Consultant

JEFF LIGHT

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

 

March 2021 Sunshine State Stats

Spring officially arrived in Central Florida in March 2021. Temperatures fluctuated from the high 80s to the low to mid-40s. The month ended with an eight-day streak of high temperatures that reached into the 80s. In total, 18 days in the month reached above 80 degrees. Members may notice an increase in their March electric usage due to heating and cooling needs during the month.

 

March 2021 Sunshine State Stats temperatures

 

For March 2021 the average temperature was a comfortable 69 degrees, which is 5 degrees lower than the average temperature in March 2020. The highest recorded temperature was 89 degrees and the lowest recorded was 44 degrees. The average high temperature was 79 degrees, and the average low temperature was 59.

 

Rainfall for March 2021 was below the average of 4.03 inches with only 1.42 inches for the month. Precipitation in March 2021 is higher than last year’s total of only .23 inches.

 

Again, members may see an increase in their energy usage for March 2021. Central Florida is experiencing more days that reached highs of over 80 degrees. Daily temperature fluctuations mean members used their HVACs to cool their homes during the day and for heat after the sun went down. The highest daily temperature fluctuation was 26 degrees.

 

April forecast:

 

Expect sunny days in April 2021 with little chance of rain. The weather forecast calls for highs in the 80s and low 90s with lows in the 50s and 60s.

 

To check historical usage, log into SmartHub to view past bills and consumption charts. If your usage is high, 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.

$36,000 in Scholarships Available from SECO Energy

SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees proudly approved the 2021 SECO Scholarship Program at a recent board meeting. $36,000 in scholarships is available for 12 recipients to receive $3,000 each.

 

The scholarship program is open to high school seniors who are graduating in May/June 2021. Applicants must live in a home served by SECO Energy and plan to pursue a career in the energy industry. Awardees must also be enrolled full-time in an accredited college, university or vocational/technical school located in Florida by the end of 2021. Qualifying degrees or certifications are in technology, engineering, math or business.

 

The energy industry is a growing field in Florida and SECO must find new, creative ways to connect with students who could be potential employees to hire a workforce with the technical skills and training required in this competitive field. According to the 2020 U.S. Energy and Employment Report (USEER), Florida currently has 124,954 traditional energy workers statewide – with a large number gearing up toward retirement in the coming years. Of these energy workers, 54,283 are in electric power generation, 18,802 are in fuels and 51,869 are in transmission, distribution and energy storage.

 

CEO Jim Duncan looks forward to reading about the applicants’ career plans and accomplishments. Duncan stated, “SECO Energy and the electric industry is a great place to plant career roots. Our SECO Scholarship Program is a recruiting tool that introduces us to local students pursuing a career in the growing energy industry. We hope to attract local students who want to engage with SECO for internship opportunities or as a possible future employer.”

 

Duncan continued, “Not-for-profit electric cooperatives like SECO Energy prioritize community support, environmental stewardship, corporate citizenship and sustainability. SECO offers competitive wages but we also offer a pension plan and healthy 401k match – which is a hard-to-find benefit in this day and age. In addition, SECO provides employees with high-quality, low-cost medical, dental and vision coverage. It’s a great place to work, and we are an essential employer that offers a healthy balance of work and personal life with a generous paid-time-off program, student loan reimbursement and more.”

 

Applications are available online beginning January 4, 2021. Paper applications are available at SECO’s five Member Service Centers located in Eustis, Groveland, Inverness, Ocala and Sumterville. Completed applications must be received no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, March 26, 2021.

 

“Like” SECO on Facebook and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

‘Tis the Season to Give – SECO Energy Donates Retired Laptops and iPads

SECO Energy broadens its commitment to its local communities by donating used retired laptops and tablets to Christmas Across South Lake, a charitable organization in Lake County dedicated to bringing a brighter Christmas to children. The donated laptops and tablets will give teenagers a Christmas gift they may not otherwise receive. This much needed equipment will help with their educational studies.

 

Christmas Across South Lake is a collaborative community Christmas project that aims to help over 1,000 children and families this holiday season with food for the families and toys for the children. According to Christmas Across South Lake volunteers, the organization has difficulty locating presents for their teens.

 

Each year, SECO Energy donates a small number of used retired laptops and tablets to community non-profit organizations within SECO’s service territory. SECO offered a small supply of recently retired laptops and tablets for the organization’s older teens who generally go without a Christmas present.

 

SECO Energy Sr. Consultant for Civic, Charitable & Government Relations Kathy Judkins stated, “As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO Energy is committed to supporting education in its service territory. It’s our hope a few of these laptop or tablet recipients will be interested in pursuing a career in the energy industry and apply for our educational scholarship in January 2021.”

 

SECO has long supported local students through educational scholarship opportunities for graduating high school seniors who live in a home served by SECO. For more than two decades, SECO has enabled over 300 young scholars to begin their dreams of a college education by awarding over $500,000 in scholarships. 2021 scholarship applications will be available on January 4, 2021, for qualifying graduating high school seniors. The application deadline is March 26, 2021.

 

For eligibility requirements and details about SECO’s Scholarship program or to print an application online, visit our
Scholarship page.

 

“Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

SECO Energy and Touch of Class Corvette Club Keep Christmas Spirit Alive with Toys for Tots

SECO Energy Member Service Centers serve as Toys for Tots drop-off locations. The not-for-profit cooperative’s Inverness Member Service Center received nearly 100 toys from the Citrus County Touch of Class Corvette Club (TOCC). Along with SECO employees’ toy donations and TOCC delivered toys, the spirit of Christmas will remain alive for many children in the Citrus County area.

 

Through the ongoing efforts of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program’s mission and community partnerships, new, unwrapped toys are collected and distributed as Christmas gifts to local children in need. “Santa is still coming to town,” said Paul Purely, Toys for Tots Coordinator for Citrus County.

 

SECO Energy CEO Jim Duncan stated, “Under normal business circumstances or amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, SECO’s employees continue to express their kindness by giving to others. With the effort of our employees and organizations such as The Touch of Class Corvette Club, hundreds of children will receive a present on Christmas day.”

 

A few Touch of Class Corvette Club members, SECO Energy employees and a Toys for Tots Marine representative in his Dress Blues put on celebratory, protective masks and posed for the camera while displaying the toys gathered for children in need.

 

TOCC President George Lentowicz stated, “Our club believes that the display of our community’s concern and generosity through the Toys for Tots Program is vital in providing families and children with hope and encouragement through the Christmas season that lasts throughout the year.”

 

SECO Energy members who want to partner with SECO Energy to improve the quality of life in local communities can enroll in its Pennies from Heaven program that rounds up monthly bills to the nearest dollar. The small change donated through Pennies from Heaven supports financial assistance to local worthy causes in SECO’s service area. Requests for Angel Fund bill payment assistance are administered through several local agencies by calling 211 or visiting 211.org. Members who need bill payment assistance can also visit SECOEnergy.com and find a local social service agency using our interactive map.

 

“Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.