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‘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.

SECO Energy Brings Holiday Joy with Toys for Tots Drive

As challenging as 2020 has been for many folks, it has not prevented SECO Energy employees and its members from spreading holiday joy this year by donating toys to Toys for Tots.

 

The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation depends on local community support to brighten a child’s Christmas with a toy. That is why SECO Energy joined this worthy cause. The toys donated through Toys for Tots remain in the community where they are donated. For many local children, a toy donated through SECO employees’ and members’ generosity will be the only present received for Christmas.

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated,“Even during 2020’s time of uncertainty, SECO employees remain committed to bringing a smile to children this Christmas. The donated toys will bring happiness and a sense of normalcy to children across our service area. That makes me smile. As a Marine myself, I am proud of our commitment to this organization and our employees’ and members’ generosity.”

 

Greg Merimee a Lake & Sumter Toys for Tots volunteer is thankful for SECO employee’s generosity. Merimee stated, “SECO Energy has been one of the best supporters to Toys for Tots every year. We must always bring a large truck just for SECO employees’ donations. They bountifully give so many beautiful bicycles and fantastic toys. On behalf of the Marine Corp League and Toys for Tots, we thank everyone at SECO.”

 

In addition to the hundreds of toys donated by employees, SECO’s Pennies from Heaven program matched toy donations with an additional $5,000 courtesy of the employees and members who participate in the program.

 

Senior Consultant for Civic, Charitable and Government Affairs Kathy Judkins manages the Toys for Tots donation drive for the cooperative. Judkins stated, “The toys collected will give children of many families a glimpse of hope this Christmas. We’re so grateful for the opportunity to continue to spread holiday cheer.”

 

SECO Energy members who want to partner with SECO Energy to improve the quality of life in local communities can enroll in the 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. To find a social service agency, use SECO’s online interactive map. Members can simply input their address and search for an agency in their county of residence.

 

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

SECO Energy Employees Pledge $61,433 for Local United Ways

SECO Energy employees generously pledged $61,433 to local United Ways through the employee-led 2021 United Way Pledge Drive. United Ways in ten local counties will benefit from the dollars pledged for 2021.

 

SECO’s 400+ employees live in or near the counties the not-for-profit cooperative serves, and employees choose the county where their donated dollars will benefit. The bulk of SECO employees live in Citrus, Lake, Marion and Sumter Counties, and these counties received the highest dollar amounts in donations.

 

The breakdown by county is: Lake and Sumter: $29,508; Marion: $20,885; Citrus: $6,023; and other counties (Gilchrist, Hernando, Levy, Orange, Pasco and Polk): $5,017. The total pledge for 2021 is $61,433.

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “SECO employees recognize that local community help is needed year-round and not only during the Christmas season. For this reason, employees take part in an annual employee-funded United Way Pledge Drive. Our employees’ pledge of $61,433 will make a big difference in the lives of local families.”

 

SECO Energy Senior Consultant for Civic, Charitable and Government Relations Kathy Judkins added, “This year has been challenging for some local families who have struggled through the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting shutdown. The need is even greater than before. We appreciate our employees’ personal commitment to participate in our workplace giving campaign and their dedication to making a difference in the communities we serve.”

 

Members with a philanthropic spirit can assist their fellow members by enrolling in SECO Energy’s Pennies from Heaven charitable fund. Pennies from Heaven will round up participating members’ bills to the nearest dollar. The extra pennies are used to fund member bill payment assistance and other local worthy causes. This year, Pennies from Heaven has supported local food banks that have experienced critical shortages and donated $5,000 to local Toys for Tots organizations.

 

To enroll in Pennies from Heaven, visit our Pennies from Heaven page. Members who manage their account through SECO’s online account manager SmartHub can subscribe on the app or desktop version by selecting Billing & Payment and choosing Pennies from Heaven.

 

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

SECO Energy Closing Member Service Centers to Walk-in Traffic

SECO Energy began its transition to normal billing and payment processes on August 6 – including disconnection for nonpayment. Members experiencing financial difficulty should seek assistance at a social service agency or contact SECO to enter into a repayment plan agreement.  Late fees assessments resume on September 1.  

 

Due to continuing COVID-19 concerns, SECO Energy has once again decided to limit its employees’ interactions with members. On Monday, July 6, SECO’s Member Service Centers will temporarily close their walk-in services. SECO is also taking steps to limit member and employee contact in the field.

 

While SECO Energy’s five Member Service Centers walk-in services are closed, each location is equipped with a drive-thru that will remain open and an outside automated kiosk that is available for bill payment 24/7. The drive-thrus in Eustis, Inverness, Ocala and Sumterville will operate 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The drive-thru in Groveland is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

 

The cooperative offers members 12 ways to pay bills, and most avoid face-to-face contact. Members can pay online, by phone, by mail, enroll in bank draft and more. SECO’s online account platform called SmartHub is the place to start for convenient self-serve options. Log in or create an account profile today. View past bills, usage history, request a payment arrangement and more.

 

SECO Energy’s Sumterville headquarters and adjacent compound are closing to public access and only the most essential deliveries will be accepted. SECO field personnel are practicing the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommended social distancing standard of maintaining a six-foot barrier with members, contractors and vendors. Employees and members are asked to use email, phone and web conferencing communication in lieu of in-person meetings whenever possible and to practice social distancing when in-person meetings are unavoidable.

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “In the interest of our members’ and employees’ health and wellbeing, SECO has opted to temporarily discontinue its walk-in services at our Member Service Center locations. We will continue to adhere to the CDC’s social distancing guidelines. This includes limiting member and employee interactions which is necessary to ensure a healthy workforce needed to provide reliable electric service to our members. Drive-thru windows and kiosks remain available.”

 

SECO’s member-funded Pennies from Heaven program contributes funds every quarter to local United Way organizations and social service agencies. Members who have been economically affected by the COVID-19 shutdown and are unable to pay their electric bills are urged to seek bill payment assistance. Call or text 2-1-1 or visit their website at 211.org. To find a social service agency, use SECO’s online interactive map. Members can simply input their address and search for an agency in their county of residence. The interactive map is available under Find Bill Payment Help.

 

SECO members who have enrolled in the Pennies from Heaven program agree to round up their monthly bills to the next dollar. The extra change funds the Pennies from Heaven program. The donated pennies can be used to fund local, worthy causes and to provide bill payment assistance to fellow members. The funds are used locally within SECO’s service area. SECO employees also support the Pennies from Heaven program through internal fundraising efforts and personal donations.

 

To learn more about Pennies from Heaven or to enroll, visit our Pennies from Heaven page. If you’d prefer to write a check, please send it to SECO Energy at 330 S U.S. Highway 301, Sumterville, FL 33585.

 

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

The Villages Democratic Club donates $3,000 to SECO Energy’s Pennies from Heaven Fund

The Villages Democratic Club has donated $3,000 to SECO Energy’s Pennies from Heaven program. These funds will help SECO members affected by the COVID-19 economic shutdown with electric bill payment assistance.

 

Like most electric service providers in the state, SECO Energy responded in March to the COVID-19 shutdown with understanding and flexibility by waiving late fees and extending payment arrangement timeframes for members. Since early March, no SECO member has been disconnected, charged a late fee nor denied a payment extension. However, SECO is currently formulating a plan that requires members with high accrued balances to render payment, enter into a repayment agreement or seek bill payment assistance from a social service agency.

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “We are grateful for The Villages Democratic Club’s generous donation to our Pennies from Heaven program. Donations such as this remain local to assist the thousands of members who are seeking bill payment assistance as our cooperative begins the return to normal business practices. Assisting members during this time is important to us, and we urge members who need bill payment assistance to visit SECOEnergy.com and find a local social service agency using our interactive map. Requests for assistance can also be initiated by calling 2-1-1 or visiting 211.org.”

 

SECO members who have enrolled in the Pennies from Heaven program agree to round up their monthly bills to the next dollar. The extra change funds the Pennies from Heaven program. The donated pennies can be used to fund local, worthy causes and to provide bill payment assistance to fellow members. The funds are used locally within SECO’s service area. SECO employees also support the Pennies from Heaven program through internal fundraising efforts and personal donations.

 

Duncan urged members who are not already donating to consider Pennies from Heaven enrollment or a one-time donation. He continued, “I support Pennies from Heaven myself as a member as do many of our employees. The average per member donation is about $6 annually if the member is enrolled in the bill round up program. Pennies from Heaven is a great way to make a big difference with your small change – one penny at a time.”

 

If you’d prefer to write a check, please send it to SECO Energy at 330 S U.S. Highway 301, Sumterville, FL 33585.

 

The Pennies from Heaven program also provides dollars every quarter to local United Way organizations and social service agencies for bill payment assistance for members.

 

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

Generator Safety Tips for Atlantic Hurricane Season

The 2020 Atlantic Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. This year, forecasters at the Department of Atmospheric Science at Colorado State University (CSU) predict tropical storm and hurricane activity will be well above average. SECO Energy warns members to keep safety in mind while using a generator during power outages.

 

Before purchasing a generator, learn the difference between stationary and portable generators. Stationary generators are permanently affixed with an approved disconnect and transfer switch. This switch isolates a home’s circuits from SECO Energy’s electric system. This isolation is critical to eliminate the risk of electricity backfeeding onto SECO’s lines. Installing a stationary generator and disconnect and transfer switch is not a do-it-yourself job. Portable generators are more common and less expensive than stationary generators. Homeowners use extension cords to plug appliances directly in to the portable generator.

 

When major weather events cause extended power outages, homeowners often utilize generators. SECO asks members using a generator to operate the equipment in a manner that promotes safety for homeowners, their families, SECO employees and contractors and the public.

 

Generators emit the deadly, colorless, odorless gas carbon monoxide (CO). Thousands of people die each year from CO poisoning. Never run a generator in an enclosed area such as a house, garage or covered porch. Never place a generator outside of an open window where CO can leach into the home. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends installing a battery-operated CO detector in your home. Choose an area where the sound of the alarm will wake the home’s inhabitants. Outside of bedroom doorways is a good choice.

 

Never operate a generator in the rain – you can be shocked or killed. Plug appliances directly into the portable generator or use an extension cord to prevent electric shock. If using extension cords, choose a heavy-duty outdoor extension cord with a watt or amp rating equal to the sum of the appliance. Examine extension cords for cuts, tears or frays – replace damaged extension cords.

 

Fuel the generator safely to avoid fires. Do not fuel a generator while it’s in operation. Gasoline and diesel fuel should be stored in approved containers and out of the reach of children. Extinguish all flames, including cigarettes, during fueling. Stage a fully charged fire extinguisher near the generator.

 

Generator engine parts are scorching hot while the machine is running and take time to cool after the machine is off. Touching engine parts can result in severe burns. Keep children away from running generators. If the generator is faulty, contact a qualified technician for repair or service. Repairing or servicing a generator is a job best left to a professional. Test the generator at the start of hurricane season.

 

SECO Energy is StormReady and prepared for the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season. Members should prepare for the possibility of tropical storms and hurricanes by assembling an emergency supply kit, enrolling in StormCenter outage notifications and bookmarking StormCenter and SECO’s daily restoration plan map on their smartphone or tablet. Through StormCenter, members receive outage alerts via email, text, voice message or all three that include crew status and estimated restoration time. Members will receive follow-up outage communication with updated restoration times and the outage cause if known. StormCenter is available online at SECOEnergy.com>StormCenter.

 

For more information about generator safety, visit our Generator Safety page. “Like” SECO on Facebook and “follow” @SECOenergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

SECO News, June 2020

 

Duncan’s Digest – High Risk Hurricane Season

 

My background by trade is accounting and finance. I have a healthy belief in data analysis to project trends. The percentages below certainly get my attention and should grab yours as well.

 

May 2018 SECO News Duncan's Digest

 

The Department of Atmospheric Science at Colorado State University (CSU) published its Atlantic hurricane season forecast in April. These experts predict the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season will have above-normal activity. This includes the probability of major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 and 5) to make landfall along the U.S. coast and in the Caribbean based on historical and 2020 probability trackers.

 

Historically between 1878 and 2017, Florida had a 51% probability of a hurricane spinning into the state. The probability of a major hurricane was 21%. CSU’s probability tracker for 2020 reflects an increased chance of 68% of a hurricane affecting the state. The probability that at least one major hurricane will make Florida landfall is 31%.

 

For the Gulf Coast, the probability of at least one major hurricane making landfall is 44% which is above the historical average. For the U.S. east coast including Florida, the probability of at least one major hurricane making landfall this year is 45% which is also above average.

 

While these statistics are troubling, the fact is that living on the Florida peninsula surrounded by water, we are bound to feel the effects of tropical storms and hurricanes. Preparing before they happen is critical.

 

SECO Energy is StormReady and strongly encourages your family to practice hurricane preparedness. Our storm hardening efforts include replacing aging distribution poles, upgrading transmission poles from wood to concrete and trimming trees that encroach on power lines.

 

StormReady also includes our $1 million investment in our outage map, reporting tools, status checker and communications platform called StormCenter. Members can proactively enroll to receive outage communications through email, text, voice messages or all three.

 

StormCenter identifies the service locations affected by an outage and proactively sends a notification with the estimated restoration time, crew status and more. Once service is restored, you’ll receive a message that includes the outage cause if known. You can set do not disturb times if you don’t want to be called in the middle of the night about an outage or restoration. To choose notification preferences, visit StormCenter on the website and click on the Manage Notifications tab.

 

Reporting a new outage or checking the status of an existing outage with your smartphone or tablet is easy. Click “Report Outage” and enter the account holder’s last name and house number (or the account or phone number). Find the status of an existing outage on the Check Status tab.

 

Create a StormReady plan for your family that includes gathering emergency supplies, reading our Hurricane Handbook, enrolling in county alerts and saving your county Emergency Operations Center (EOC) number on your phone.

 

Prepare for the worst, hope and pray for the best and know that it is our privilege to serve as your energy provider.

 

Sincerely,

 

Jim Duncan

Chief Executive Officer

 

SECO News June Generator Safety

 

Generator Safety

 

Are you considering purchasing an in-home generator as a back-up power source during unexpected power outages? Know the difference between stationary and portable generators and learn safety tips that save lives.

 

Stationary generators are permanently affixed with an approved disconnect and transfer switch that isolates your home’s circuits from SECO Energy’s electric system. This isolation eliminates the risk of backfeeding onto utility lines. Installing a stationary generator is not a DIY project. Contact a licensed electrician.

 

Portable generators are more common than stationary. Portable generators use extension cords to plug desired appliances into the generator.

 

Generators emit deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gas that is odorless and colorless. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends installing a battery-operated CO detector in your home. Place the detector where the alarm will wake you up – just outside bedroom doorways is a good choice. Never run a generator outside an open window or in an enclosed area such as a garage. Also, never use a generator in the rain. You can be shocked or killed.

 

Always read your unit’s safety and instruction manual before operating. Visit our Generator Safety page for more safe operating tips and watch our video to learn how to size a generator correctly.

 

SECO News June 2020 Winners' Circle

 

Winners’ Circle

 

Welcome ELECTRA as our new IVR virtual assistant. Thank you, members, for voting to help us name our newest SECO representative. ELECTRA assists with billing inquiries, outage reporting, checking the status of a current outage and automated payment arrangements.

 

ALL MEMBERS WHO VOTED WERE ENTERED TO WIN ONE OF FIVE GREAT PRIZES.

 

Winners:

 

$250 SECO BILL CREDIT – Amanda Robertson, Clermont

 

RING DOORBELL – Larry Bocharski, Deland

 

NEST LEARNING THERMOSTAT – Scott McConnell, Lake Panasoffkee

 

AMAZON ALEXA – John Halpin, Ocala

 

AMAZON FIRE TABLET – Warren Hammersla, The Villages

 

Congratulations winners!

 

SECO News June 2020 Pennies From Heaven Count

 

Pennies from Heaven Count – Enroll Today

 

Thousands of SECO residential members and small business owners have been unable to pay their electric bills since the economic effect of COVID-19 hit. Can you help? Enroll in our Pennies from Heaven program to round up your monthly bill to the nearest dollar. The donated pennies fund bill payment assistance for SECO members. The average donation is $6 per year. Visit our Pennies from Heaven page to enroll. Members can also enroll through SmartHub. Choose “Bill & Pay” and click on “Pennies from Heaven.” You will need to accept the Terms & Conditions and click “Round bill to next dollar each month.”

 

If you prefer to make a one-time donation, send a check to SECO Energy, Attn: Corporate Communications, P.O. Box 301, Sumterville, FL 33585.

 

For members who have already enrolled, thank you for your generosity and your willingness to help your neighbors and communities. Your pennies make a difference in the lives of members in need. If you need help, text or call Florida 211 for resources in your area supported by SECO Pennies from Heaven funding.

 

SECO News June Emergency Operations Center Contacts (EOC)

 

EOC Contacts

 

AS PART OF YOUR FAMILY’S STORMREADY PLAN, sign up for emergency alerts from your local Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Visit your county’s EOC website for resources such as shelter information, storm planning, evacuation orders and more.

 

To enroll in your county’s emergency alerts, visit the Florida Disaster website. Enter the county or city and follow the enrollment link. Program your county’s number on your phone to have at your fingertips.

 

Citrus County EOC (352) 527-2106 or (352) 746-5470

 

Hernando County EOC (352) 754-4083 or (352) 754-4111

 

Lake County EOC (352) 343-9420

 

Levy County EOC (352) 486-5213

 

Marion County EOC (352) 369-8100

 

Pasco County EOC (727) 847-8137

 

Sumter County EOC (352) 689-4400

 

SECO News June 2020 Hurricane Handbook

 

Hurricane Handbook

 

The SECO Energy Hurricane Handbook is your one-stop guide to being StormReady before, during and after a storm.

 

The Hurricane Handbook defines hurricane category strength, outlines our restoration priority and dispels the myth that SECO disconnects service in advance of an approaching storm. Before a storm arrives, bookmark both StormCenter and our Daily Restoration Plan map on your smartphone or tablet. Enroll in your county’s alert notifications at FloridaDisater.org. We’ve included a seven-day supply stock-up list for you and your pets and advice for members who require electricity for medical equipment. Back-up generation is critical for these special needs members.

 

What to do during a storm? Hunker down and stay informed. Remain indoors and prepare to wait out the weather safely. SECO Energy crews are dispatched to begin restoration only after winds are under 35 mph. Read about the difference between a tornado watch versus a warning. Read the sections on Electric System 101 and Generator Safety.

 

Assess your home or business to make sure it’s safe before you return. If you experience damage, turn off your main breaker if it is safe to do so. If appliances are wet, turn off each appliance’s breaker and then unplug. Check our above ground and underground service diagrams to assess electric damage and know when to call an electrician for repairs.

 

Focus on your family’s safety by heeding storm watches and warnings. Stock up on hurricane essentials – buy early. When a storm approaches supplies sell out quickly.

 

Read the full June 2020 SECO News online.

SECO Energy Expands Payment Options & Reopens Service Centers

SECO Energy began its transition to normal billing and payment processes on August 6 – including disconnection for nonpayment. Members experiencing financial difficulty should seek assistance at a social service agency or contact SECO to enter into a repayment plan agreement.  Late fee assessment resumes on September 1, 2020.  

 

SECO Energy has expanded bill payment options for members. In fact, the not-for-profit cooperative now offers members the ease and convenience of 12 Ways to Pay that include in-person, drive-thru, online, by-phone options and more.

 

Members who choose to pay their bills electronically should enroll in SECO’s online account platform called SmartHub. Members can pay via debit card, credit card or electronic check – all without the added expense of a convenience fee. Those who want to “set it and forget it” can use SmartHub to enroll in bank draft. SmartHub users can view consumption history, see past bills, update an address or phone number, choose paperless billing or request a payment extension. SmartHub is accessible via desktop computers and a user-friendly app is available for Smartphones and tablets.

 

For members who prefer to call, they can pay by phone 24/7 through SECO’s new IVR using a debit or credit card or electronic check without the expense of a convenience fee. Members can call during regular business hours and speak with a member service rep to enroll in bank draft. Those needing a convenient way to pay in cash can use a Member Service Center kiosk 24/7 or visit one of many payment locations through third-party vendors. With thousands of locations around the world, Western Union is a SECO authorized bill payment vendor along with MoneyGram and Fidelity Express. Each collect a $1.50 processing fee per transaction. Find hundreds of locations via 12 Ways to Pay.

 

Budget conscious members can choose SECO’s budget billing option or enroll in the MyWay PrePay program. Budget billing will level out members’ bills by averaging the most recent 12 months of use. A debit or credit balance accumulates based on seasonal usage. For those looking to monitor daily usage with MyWay PrePay, members pay for energy before they use it. No deposit is required to secure a MyWay PrePay account.

 

SECO Energy’s five Member Service Centers in Eustis, Groveland, Inverness, Ocala and Sumterville offer in-person, drive-thru and kiosk payment options. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Member Service Center drive-thrus remained open while lobbies closed to protect member and employee health and to reallocate employees to the call center in order to reduce hold times.

 

Governor DeSantis announced a phased approach to reopening Florida that began on May 4. At that time, SECO Energy began its transition to more normal business practices. The Member Service Center lobbies will reopen on Monday, June 1. Lobby and drive-thru hours have changed for some locations. Eustis, Inverness, Ocala and Sumterville drive-thru hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and lobby hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Groveland lobby and drive-thru hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Payment kiosks are available at each location 24/7.

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “SECO Energy’s 12 Ways to Pay offers members choice and convenience when paying their monthly bill. The residential demographic in our service area includes young families, snowbirds and full-time residents on a fixed income. Members should be able to find a bill payment option that best fits their needs with our expanded 12 Ways to Pay.”

 

Duncan continued, “As of June 1, all SECO employees will be back working from our respective offices with new processes in place for social distancing. As we return to more normal operations, we are thankful that during the COVID-19 situation our mission of keeping our workforce healthy to provide reliable and affordable electric service to our members was successful. As a fiscally healthy organization, we were able to extend very flexible payment arrangements over the last three months to members who had difficulty paying their bills. Now that our processes are returning to normal, we’re switching gears from payment arrangements and are now making additional funding from our Pennies from Heaven program available for bill payment assistance through local social service agencies in each county we serve. Visit our website for details.”

 

View SECO’s 12 Ways to Pay. Click “Contact” SECO Energy to ask questions about budget billing, MyWay PrePay, SmartHub or other payment options.

SECO Energy’s Pennies from Heaven Funds Bill Payment Assistance

SECO Energy has allocated additional funding from the Pennies from Heaven program for bill payment assistance. The funds are administered through Florida 211 and local service agencies via the cooperative’s agreements with local United Way organizations.

 

SECO’s Pennies from Heaven program funds bill payment assistance for members each quarter. In the aftermath of the COVID-19 economic shutdown, SECO released funds for quarters two, three and four ahead of schedule so that local social service agencies can assist as many members in need as possible right now. More than $40,000 has been released for bill payment assistance and distributed to local social service agencies across the counties SECO serves.

 

It’s easy to apply for assistance. Social service agencies typically request a copy of a disconnect notice to provide bill payment assistance but SECO has asked the agencies who receive Pennies from Heaven funding to waive the requirement and allow the member to email, text or mail a screenshot from their online account in SmartHub on SECOEnergy.com. The screenshot must show the account number, service address and past due balance. Residential assistance is limited to $250 per member.

 

Members who need bill payment assistance can contact Florida 211 by calling or texting or by visiting 211.org to generate a request. To meet the demand from the thousands of members seeking bill payment assistance during the COVID-19 economic shutdown, SECO created an interactive map with an expanded list of local social service agencies that provide different types of assistance. Visit our Angel Funds page to find the map. To find an agency, insert the service address. Click on the nearby map pins in that county to view the types of assistance available, phone numbers and website addresses.

 

SECO responded with understanding and flexibility for members who have been affected by the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The cooperative proactively waived late fees and extended payment arrangement timeframes for all members. Since early March, no SECO member has been disconnected for nonpayment, no SECO member has been charged a late fee and no SECO member has been denied a payment extension. It is time, however, to return to more normal operations and to require members who have accrued high balances to seek bill payment assistance.

 

Contactless employee engagement remains available through SECO’s Member Service Center drive-thrus, by email or phone or through social media. Employees in the field will continue to insist that members maintain social distance according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines. As part of the transition, the cooperative’s Member Service Centers reopen for walk-in business on June 1.

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “Cooperatives are founded on the principles of member ownership and a strong sense of community. Funding bill payment assistance through Florida 211, United Way organizations and our local service agencies will provide help to members who need it now. Electricity is an essential service, and we are thankful that SECO can provide financial relief to members in need through Pennies from Heaven funding during the aftereffects of the COVID-19 shutdown. The advancement of funding for bill payment assistance will help SECO return to normal billing and payment processes.”

 

Senior Consultant for Civic, Charitable and Government Affairs Kathy Judkins is grateful to the members who have enrolled in Pennies from Heaven. Judkins stated, “Thank you to our charitable members who contribute monthly to Pennies from Heaven. Now more than ever during this time of need, fostering a spirit of giving is so important. The Pennies from Heaven yearly contribution averages only $6 per member, which is a very small amount but goes a long way in the communities SECO serves. Please consider joining your fellow cooperative Pennies from Heaven donors.”

 

Members who would like to contribute to Pennies from Heaven can join SECO’s corporate citizenship initiative that rounds up members’ bills to the nearest dollar. The extra pennies are donated to Pennies from Heaven. Through the round up program and additional internal fundraising efforts, many SECO employees including CEO Jim Duncan also support the program to aid the communities served by SECO.

 

Pennies from Heaven makes a difference in the communities SECO serves one penny at a time. The funds are used for local worthy causes such as donating funds to local food banks and helping members with bill payment assistance. Members can also make a one-time donation to the program – contact SECO Energy for more information.