SECO Earns Capital Credits from Gresco

SECO Energy’s customers are member-owners and SECO – like its members – is a member-owner of other cooperatively structured businesses.

GRESCO is one-such cooperatively owned business that is one of SECO’s premier partners. GRESCO is the cooperatives key utility supplier – the company stocks equipment and supplies to help SECO meet its ever-growing power demand.

On a yearly basis, SECO Energy returns/retires a portion of equity, called Capital Credits, to its members. Like SECO, GRESCO is structured as a not-for-profit cooperative and follows this practice as well. GRESCO returned a portion of SECO’s share of its margins to the cooperative in the amount of $152,929.

Todd McLellan, GRESCO’s General Manager Florida Division is proud of the partnership GRESCO has cultivated with SECO. McLellan stated, “Beginning in 2000, GRESCO and SECO have worked together to develop a long-term partnership. Right now, SECO is GRESCO’s largest equity owner.”

Jim Duncan, SECO Energy CEO stated, “GRESCO is one of our most valued and trusted partners. Because GRESCO is a cooperative like SECO, our partnership is even more special. As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO Energy’s top priority is its members, and GRESCO shares that viewpoint as well.”

Duncan added, “Cooperation among cooperatives is a key cooperative principal. Two cooperatives working together – SECO and GRESCO – continue to strengthen the cooperative spirit.”

SECO Energy members receive Capital Credits from the cooperative as well. In November, SECO returned a record $5.1 million in Capital Credits to current and former members. Since inception, the company has returned more than $52.4 million to its members. Learn more about Capital Credits.

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

SECO News, November 2016

Duncan’s Digest

Most people would equate a company giving money back to their consumers with flying pigs. However, SECO Energy is different. As a not-for-profit electric cooperative owned by our members, pigs really do fly this time of year – putting money back in your pocket with another record Capital Credit retirement.

Here’s how it works: Your membership in SECO Energy builds ownership through your energy purchases. That ownership is defined through the annual process of allocating each member’s share of the co-op’s operating margins from the prior year. The annual amounts for each member who purchased electric service from SECO Energy during that year are referred to as Capital Credit allocations.

Capital Credits are the accumulation of all prior year’s revenue after the co-op’s operating costs and expenses have been paid. These credits are allocated on a pro-rata basis to each SECO Energy member’s account as “Capital Credits” and represent a portion of the member’s patronage with the cooperative in the prior fiscal year.

During its September meeting, SECO’s Board of Trustees approved letting the proverbial pig fly with a record $5.1 million to be returned (retired) to members. Since SECO Energy’s inception, the co-op has retired more than $52.4 million to current and former members. This Capital Credits return is made possible by the sound financial stewardship of SECO’s Board, leadership team and employees. In a positive way, we really do reap what we “sow” – no pun intended.

Each current member receiving a Capital Credits retirement this year will see the amount on the November bill listed as a line item labeled Capital Credits. Visit our Capital Credits page if you have questions about Capital Credits.

2016 Hurricane Recap

Tropical Storm Colin made landfall in the late night hours on Monday, June 6. Colin is the first named storm to make landfall in Florida since Andrea in 2013. While Colin moved across the state, parts of SECO’s service area experienced tropical-storm-force winds and extended periods of heavy rainfall. Colin caused only a small number of outages in SECO’s area. Crews worked quickly and safely to restore these outages within hours.

Hurricane Hermine made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane in the Big Bend area on Friday, September 2. Hermine brought buckets of rain and high winds to the area, causing approximately 14,000 total service interruptions. Along with the hurricane, tornadoes touched down in Sumter County. Members in Marion, Levy and Citrus counties were hardest hit by Hurricane Hermine. The SECO team did a stellar job in quickly restoring power by midnight that Friday.

Hurricane Matthew became an extremely powerful Category 3 hurricane that hugged Florida’s east coast as it traveled north Thursday, October 6. Though Matthew didn’t make landfall in Florida, the storm brought rain and very strong winds to SECO’s service area. The hurricane accounted for approximately 28,000 outages for SECO members. The area hardest hit was east Lake County, which suffered extensive damage. Broken trees, damaged utility poles, flooding and roadway debris were challenges for SECO crews and contractors. By early Saturday afternoon, all SECO members’ power was restored.

SECO was Storm Ready and once again proved the team is the best-of-the-best. SECO enacted its emergency restoration plan and manned Customer Service and System Operations Centers round-the-clock until all restoration was complete. Members reported service interruptions online or called and spoke to a representative 24/7. Thousands of members reached out via Facebook and Twitter to ask questions about restoration and report unsafe conditions. Members on social media offered thanks, compliments, praise, prayers and well-wishes for the entire SECO team and the contractors working to restore power.

Thank you, SECO Energy members, for your patience and understanding, as well as your kind words, prayers and compliments – they are truly appreciated. Words cannot begin to express our gratitude.

Power Outage Safety

If a power outage occurs, contact SECO Energy right away. Don’t assume that someone else has already reported it, and don’t worry that we’re too busy. Every call and online outage report helps pinpoint the location and extent of an outage. Be sure to let us know if you see downed power lines or any damaged utility equipment. If there’s an immediate danger, call 911.

Don’t Use Candles

Avoid using candles during power out-ages – the risk of fire is too great. Use battery-powered lights, like a flashlight or LED lantern, for emergency lighting.

Protect Your Appliances

When a storm involves high winds or lightning, turn off and unplug as many appliances as possible (including your HVAC during a summer storm). This will prevent damage from a power surge when service is restored. After the storm has passed, flip the breakers back on, plug in and turn them on one at a time. Consider enrolling in our Surge Protection program.

Flood Dangers

If flooding occurs or is predicted in your area – do not use any electrical devices. Turn off the main circuit breaker or remove the primary fuse cartridge – but only if you can reach it without touching water.

To report outages quickly and easily online, bookmark Storm Center on your smartphone or tablet or call the outage hotline at (800) 732-6141.

Holiday Energy Savings

The holiday season is upon us. Decorating, holiday gatherings and gift buying are in full swing. Here are a few tips to keep your energy-saving efforts intact while enjoying all the festivities.

Decorate with LED holiday lights. LED lights are more efficient, last longer and are safer than standard incandescent lights. The initial purchase cost is higher, but LEDs use much less energy and produce a lot less heat.

Holiday gatherings usually mean a lot of cooking. Don’t peek inside the oven. Each time you open the oven door, the temperature drops by as much as 25 degrees – forcing the oven to use more energy. It’s not necessary to pre-heat the oven for baking times over one hour. You can turn off the burner 5 to 10 minutes before the dish is done on an electric stove-top. Keep the lid on until time is up.

When it comes to gift buying, consider purchasing ENERGY STAR qualified items. Electronics such as computers, TVs and other appliances are popular choices. ENERGY STAR qualified products may cost more up front, but they will save in energy use for years to come.

Area Light Out?

Do you or a neighbor have a SECO Energy area light that isn’t working properly? Is the light blinking, shining during daylight hours or off completely? Report area light problems day or night on our website. Lights are usually repaired within 72 hours. Have the pole number and location on hand if possible.

Expressions

Members expressed their appreciation for the SECO Team’s hard work during Hurricane Matthew’s aftermath via our websites Contact Us page.

Larry Grose – I’ve been dealing with the public for many years and I am aware of people being the first to complain and seldom to offer atta-boys. I just would like to ask that you pass this along to the proper personnel. I want to offer an atta-boy and sincerely thank those involved for their hard work and restoring power to the homes on Firefox Lane. Your work is greatly appreciated and you are an asset to your employer and community.

Clint Moseley – I wanted to take some time to say thanks for the hard work of the folks at SECO Energy. Hurricane Matthew came through my area and I only lost power once in the middle of the night, which I suspect may have been a maintenance issue. I really appreciate it so much. You guys are wonderful and I am very lucky to have such a dedicated group of people servicing my energy needs. Thank you again and I hope you get more letters of gratitude because you guys deserve it!

Read the full November 2016 SECO News here.

You Can Live the Solar Life

It is easier than ever for SECO Energy members to live the Solar Life. SECO Energy is offering members exclusive access to a brand new Cooperative Solar Project currently under construction in Hardee County adjacent to one of SECO’s wholesale power provider’s existing power plants. The 2.2 megawatt solar array consists of 8,040 panels and is scheduled to be operational by 2017.

SECO’s Solar Life initiative is perfect for members who want to live a greener lifestyle – but don’t want the hassle or expense of installing a rooftop solar array.

Living the Solar Life requires no upfront investment in panels, no roof holes, no insurance premiums and no maintenance costs. No need to worry about HOA or zoning restrictions. And no need to cut down trees to allow a rooftop solar system to produce at full capacity. Subscriptions in the Solar Life program carry no cancellation fee and no minimum term.

Members who subscribe in Solar Life pay a flat monthly fee of $32. The members’ utility-supplied power cost will be offset by the monthly output of four panels of the two-megawatt array.

Visit our website’s Solar Power page to subscribe today. Panel subscriptions are first-come, first-served. If demand outweighs panel availability, interested members will be placed on a waiting list in anticipation of another large-scale solar project.

Live the Solar Life with SECO Energy, the hassle-free green choice.

SECO News, September 2016

Conduct a Home Energy Assessment Online

Your happiness with SECO Energy is dependent on low rates, high reliability and help managing your energy use to keep your bills low. As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, we’re one of those rare companies that actually want you to use less of our product. So to help you identify energy-wasters in your home, SECO has developed an online Home Energy Assessment. By answering a short series of questions in four quick steps, you’ll input simple answers that allows SECO to send you an email – within minutes – that provides low-cost and no-cost energy-saving tools and tips to cut down on your usage – thus lowering your electric bill.

The Home Energy Assessment is easy. There’s no math to do and all you need to start is your electric bill to input your account number. Take the Home Energy Assessment today and start saving money and energy. The email you receive comes in checklist format, giving you a step-by-step path to lowering your bill.

Find the Home Energy Assessment here. If you’re not so tech savvy and rely more on pencil and paper, just give us a call and we’ll mail the assessment to you. If you’re looking for a way to save big money, visit our Facebook page for the latest trivia contest. Not only could you win a $300 bill credit, you’ll have access to real-time outage and restoration information, the latest energy-efficiency gadget news, community outreach projects and more..

Storm Ready

We are mid-way through the 2016 Atlantic hurricane season. Hopefully, Floridians will dodge the hurricane and tropical storm bullet again this year, but the month of September is often the most active of the season, so we shall see. Even though Tropical Storm Colin (the earliest third named storm in the Atlantic in recorded history) is the only tropical event that made landfall so far this year, SECO remains vigilant and Storm Ready.

SECO’s Operations employees stand ready to respond to outages 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. SECO’s local customer service team is available to answer member phone calls (and emails) and assist members in one of our five convenient office locations. Members can interact with our Communications team live on social media for outage information, weather affecting our area and cooperative updates. Also, visit our Storm Preparedness to review our Emergency Preparation Checklist with your family so you can stay safe and Storm Ready!

Bill Enhancement

When you open your bill, the new graph will make it easy to track usage on a monthly basis and know if you used more or less energy the same month the previous year.

Members can also track energy usage through SmartHub, SECO’s online account management tool. Access SmartHub on your computer, tablet or smartphone to view or pay a current bill, review a previous bill, compare yearly or monthly energy use, update your mailing address or phone numbers and view SECO’s social media feeds. Visit My Account and register for SmartHub today.

Safety Corner: Top 10 Kids’ Safety Tips

Electricity is everywhere. It lights our homes, charges our phones, runs our appliances and powers our quality of life. But electricity can be dangerous. Explain to your kids how electricity works and warn them why it’s important to follow these safety tips.

Never put fingers, toys or other objects in an electrical outlet
Keep metal objects out of toasters
Never use anything with a cord or plug around water
Never pull a plug from an outlet by its cord
Stay away from substations and power lines
Never fly kites or climb trees near power lines
Never place your drinks on top of electronics
Stay away from broken or fallen power lines
Never touch big, green metal transformer boxes
Obey warning signs on power poles, substations and transformer boxes

Facebook Trivia Winners

Congratulations SECO Energy member Craig McDade of Belleview who correctly answered our three surge trivia questions on Facebook. Craig was randomly selected as our winner of the $300 bill credit. Eric Schwab from Leesburg is the winner of the Kindle Fire and Eleanor Newton, also from Leesburg, is the winner of a $25 restaurant gift card. Congratulations Craig, Eric and Eleanor!

“Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” us on Twitter for future chances to win. Not tech savvy? Look for the last six digits of your account number in this month’s SECO News for a chance to win a $25 restaurant gift card. Call or email us if your number appears. Good luck!

Expressions

I would just like to say thank you for the opportunity you gave me in receiving your scholarship, and for seeing something in me. With this I will have a greater chance in succeeding in everything I want to do in college, and for that I am extremely thankful. I would also like to thank all of SECO for the celebration we had with all of the winners as it was a very enjoyable time for my mom and I.

Once again thank you for everything.
Raul Bayas
Ocala, FL

I wish to express my utmost gratitude to you for choosing me as a recipient of the 2016 SECO Scholarship. By providing such an award you are furthering my academic success in the future by allowing me to focus whole-heartedly on my studies. I cannot adequately express my thanks for not only what you have done for me, but many students before and after me who would be far less likely to succeed if it weren’t for people like you.

Thank you,
Cayley Buckner
Ocala, FL

Read the full September 2016 SECO News here.

SECO Energy Welcomes New Villagers

SECO Energy representatives Melanie Hinde and J.D. Simmons joined The Villages Homeowner’s Association at their monthly Newcomer’s Meeting on Tuesday, July 12, at The Colony Recreation Center in The Villages.

Over 130 new Villagers were introduced to a variety of service providers, such as SECO, Villages clubs and advocacy groups available in their area. At the meeting, Villagers were treated to snacks, giveaways from vendors and the opportunity to win a 12-month supply of HVAC air filters, courtesy of SECO, and other door prizes.

Fred Briggs, VHA President, encouraged the new Villagers to join the VHA, which is 16,000 members strong and growing. The VHA’s mission is “To enhance the residents’ enjoyment and pride of community through compassion, advocacy and education.” Residents are encouraged to turn to the VHA for help with many issues facing senior citizens, such as scams, Medicare discrepancies and insurance claims.

Kathryn Gloria, Vice President of Corporate Communications and Energy Services stated, “SECO serves almost 200,000 members – 48,000 of those members live in The Villages. The Newcomer’s Meeting is an opportune time to introduce our not-for-profit electric cooperative, along with its benefits and services, to the newest residents in The Villages.”

SECO Energy members don’t have to be present at a VHA meeting to take advantage of the company’s benefits. Any member can visit our website’s Energy Solutions section to access our filter change program, giving members deep discounts and free delivery on HVAC and refrigerator filters.

To learn more about the VHA and find a future meeting, visit www.thevha.net SECO Energy has speakers and presentations available for groups of any age or size. To learn more about SECO’s community support or to request a speaker, visit www.secoenergy.com. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” the company on Twitter.

SECO News, August 2016

In 2015, the J. D. Power Electric Utility Residential Customer Satisfaction Study ranked SECO Energy “Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Midsize Utilities in the South.” Words cannot express the gratitude our Board of Trustees, leadership team and employees felt after winning such a prestigious, humbling award. The entire cooperative was inspired, setting our sights on a repeat performance with continued improvement in serving our members.

You, our members, ranked SECO highly again in 2016, honoring us with another J.D. Power trophy. We are referring to the pair as our “Dynamic Duo.” This year’s ranking placed SECO Energy in a segment with the toughest competition – all cooperatives across the nation with over 100,000 meters.

On July 12, J.D. Power announced that SECO Energy has been ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Electric Cooperatives.”
J.D. Power’s six scored factors are:

power quality and reliability
price
billing and payment
corporate citizenship
communications
customer service

SECO’s 2016 overall customer satisfaction score this year is an astonishing 769, which is a 20-point increase from our 2015 score. This increase reflects significant efforts by our employees to improve the level of service you receive from SECO.

Our Operations & Engineering employees focused on reducing outage durations and improving facilities to deliver safe, reliable power. Member communications have been modernized through our redesigned website, online “Contact Us” web form and stronger social media usage. SECO News is more interesting – promoting energy efficiency, safety and ways for members to win bill credits and prizes.

Customer Service folks answered more than 300,000 phone calls in the last year and handled nearly 250,000 transactions in our Service Centers. Our Billing team generated nearly 2.5 million billing statements in the last 12 months.

SECO’s sound financial management allowed us to retire $4.6 million in Capital Credits to members in 2015 ($47.3 million since inception). And most important, we dropped the cost of electricity again on June 1st – the 8th decrease of members’ bills in the last three years.

Historically, electric cooperatives rank the best of the best in customer satisfaction compared to municipal and investor-owned utilities. Electric cooperatives are owned by the members they serve, which means our Board of Trustees, leadership team and employees focus on our most important asset: you, our member.

Thank you, members, for ranking YOUR electric cooperative as the best in the nation. It is our privilege and pleasure to serve as your electric provider.

Community Support

Red Nose Day

SECO Energy employees and members brought the laughs and raised $1,181 to support FUN-raising on Red Nose Day. Wearing big, red noses may be fun, but Red Nose Day is serious support for many global charities. Donations contribute to meals for children in homeless shelters, antibiotics to treat pneumonia, eye exams, medical supplies and support homeless shelters for children.

Trees Donated to Habitat

This summer, SECO added to the beauty of the urban forest and energized the community by donating trees and shrubs to Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter. For nine years in a row, SECO has been recognized by the National Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree Line USA utility. The collection of cypress trees, loropetalum bushes, bougainvillea and lily hybrids will be planted at various Habitat projects in Lake and Sumter Counties.

Trees beautify communities and save energy when planted in the right place. Shade from trees can reduce cooling costs and trees block wind in the winter to reduce heating costs. To learn more about planting the right tree in the right place and saving energy, visit the Reliability section of our website.

Community Action Luncheon

SECO Energy representatives attended the Central Florida Community Action Agency (CFCAA) Annual Awards Luncheon. As a Diamond level sponsor, SECO joined community leaders in honoring the CFCAA board members, staff and area residents who dedicate their time to enrich the lives of Alachua, Levy and Marion county citizens. The CFCAA’s purpose is to reduce poverty and help low income individuals and families become self sufficient. Photo inset: CFCAA CEO, Charles J. Harris Jr., with the Honorary Senior Judge Sandra E. Champ.

Extra Pennies?

Partner with SECO to help your neighbors in need. SECO’s Pennies from Heaven program rounds up your electric bill to the nearest dollar. The pennies donated are used to assist fellow SECO members with bill payment and to help members in dire and unique circumstances. Sign up for Pennies from Heaven today.

New Fleet Look

Have you seen our new look? Our entire fleet’s branding has been redesigned to display SECO Energy’s new logo. We think it looks pretty snazzy; do you?

Community Solar Project

In June, SECO Energy’s wholesale power provider Seminole Electric Cooperative, Inc. began construction on its 2.2 megawatt solar facility. SECO members will have the ability to live a greener lifestyle and reduce their carbon footprint by enrolling in this upcoming Cooperative Solar Project. The enrollment process is slated to begin in October, and the project should be operational by 2017. Watch for more details on our website.

Energy Efficiency: Cash-saving Splash

Florida summers are long and hot. One of the best ways to beat the heat is in the family pool. Although the cost of running a pool adds a little to your electric bill, there are ways you can save.

Variable-speed pumps are the best energy saver. They are much more energy efficient than traditional, single-speed pool pumps. Before spending the money on costly repairs for an older pump, consider upgrading to the newer technology. Regardless of the type of pump, install a pool timer and set to operate 6-8 hours daily during the summer and 3-4 hours daily during the winter.

If you’re thinking about heating your pool, think solar. Solar panels are the most economical way to heat the water. The next best energy-saving option is a heat pump pool heater. To reduce heat loss, utilize a pool cover. Covering your pool when not in use is the single most effective means of reducing heating costs and can save you as much as 70% in electric costs.

For more information on how to save energy or to learn more about SECO Energy products and services, visit our website’s Energy Solutions section.

Slam the Door on Scams

SECO is cautioning members to slam the door on utility scams. Exercise caution when answering the door – don’t get scammed. All SECO employees carry – company issued identification – don’t hesitate to ask to see an employee’s identification. All approved SECO contractors display an “Authorized SECO Contractor” sign on their trucks, and members can view the list of authorized contractors at SECOEnergy. com under the Reliability tab.

If you receive a call threatening disconnection of service if the bill is not paid immediately, or have a question about an employee or contractor call SECO at (352) 793-3801. Prevent any bill payment confusion by enrolling in automatic bank draft today – call us or establish an online account at secoenergy.com. Don’t let scammers in – slam the door!

Facebook Winners

Congratulations to SECO Energy member Mary Wimberly of Wildwood who correctly answered our three outage prevention trivia questions on Facebook. Mary was randomly selected as our winner of the $300 electric bill credit. Congratulations, Mary!

Scott Bidgood of Ocala is the winner of our “Dodged a Bullet” gift basket. Scott posted photos and offered members additional storm preparedness tips on Facebook. Congratulations, Scott we hope you enjoy your goodies!

Be sure to “like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” us on Twitter for more chances to win. Also, look for the last six digits of your account number in this month’s SECO News for a chance to win a $25 restaurant gift card. Call or email us if your number appears. Good luck!

Read the full August 2016 SECO News here.

Severe Weather Downs Trees, Lines and Poles in Ocala

Overnight, severe storms swept through SECO Energy’s service area and parts of Ocala were hard hit – including Marion Oaks. Crews reported 40 separate outages in the Ocala area alone. Feeders supplying power to more than 2,200 members from the SummerGlen substation were both disrupted. Fire departments immediately began reporting numerous trees, poles and lines down.

Crews worked to restore the largest feeders affected first to most quickly impact the largest number of members. The first feeder was restored at 9:30 p.m. and the second at 10:24 p.m. – resulting in nearly 2,200 of the more than 3,000 members affected to have power again.

Overnight, additional crews and tree contractors were called in. Conditions remain challenging with trees down that caused major infrastructure damage – meaning many spans of line were down and numerous broken and downed poles. The SECO Energy crews and contractors have not stopped working to restore the remaining services.

At 6 a.m. Sunday morning, 425 members remain without power – all in the Marion Oaks area. All outages have been investigated and there are ten outages either with crews already at the location or awaiting trees to be cleared to restore power. Three of the remaining outages require pole replacements and those will take some time this morning. Now in the light of day, it appears there may have been tornado activity, as the tops of trees are twisted in the area.

SECO Energy thanks its members for their patience and understanding during this significant weather event. Many members stayed up-to-date on social media, many used its online map on secoenergy.com to report outages and the company encourages members to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for the latest details.

Phone Scams on the Rise

SECO Energy is warning members and the public of an increase in the amount of phone scams involving utility bills. Several SECO members have called to report questionable phone calls.

“Energy Efficiency” companies are calling members offering to “help” reduce their energy usage. The person on the line offers an energy audit or wants to install a device on the meter that will lower the energy usage. These scammers are charging for an energy audit or the energy saving device, which is a scam. SECO offers energy audits to its members free of charge, sign up for online or call SECO to request an energy audit.

Another scam is aimed directly at your wallet. The scammer calls, gives a name and identifies himself or herself as a SECO employee. The scammer notifies the member of a past due bill and demands payment immediately. The scammer wants the member to either give out their credit card information over the phone or to meet them at a location and pay cash. Be especially cautious if a company representative asks to meet at a location away from the company office.

As a reminder to members, all SECO employees carry company-issued identification – don’t hesitate to ask to see an employee’s identification.

Kathryn Gloria, Vice President of Corporate Communications and Energy Services asks members and the public to spread the word of these scams to their friends and family. “In our area we have a large concentration of senior citizens who scammers think are vulnerable to their tricks. We continue to publish details of these scams to warn members in hopes of combating the scammers efforts to defraud others. If you are a victim of a scam, please make a report to the proper authorities, this is the first step in stopping these crooks.”

If you receive a call that you believe may be a scam, hang up immediately and call SECO at 1-800-732-6141 and speak to a Member Support Associate. Members can manage their account safely online at www.secoenergy.com. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

J.D. Power Ranks SECO Energy Highest

SECO Energy, a not-for-profit electric cooperative serving seven counties in Central Florida, ranks highest in customer satisfaction among all electric cooperatives nationally according to the J.D. Power Electric Utility Residential Customer Satisfaction Study released today.

This is the second J.D. Power award earned by the cooperative. In 2015, SECO Energy was ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Midsize Utilities in the South.” The J.D. Power study measures customer satisfaction with electric utility companies by examining six factors: power quality and reliability; price; billing and payment; corporate citizenship; communications; and customer service.

SECO Energy CEO Jim Duncan stated “I am awed and inspired by the hard work and commitment to member satisfaction displayed by our Board, leadership team and employees. Whether front line or behind-the-scenes, every SECO employee’s goal is to provide the best service possible to members. From restoring power outages quickly and safely in triple-digit heat to personal interactions through our website, via social media, on the phone and in the field, SECO employees go the extra mile for our members.”

Board of Trustees President, Ray Vick is equally as proud. “As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO is here for you, the member. Our employees are empowered to put members’ needs first. On behalf of the Board, I would like to congratulate the leaders and employees who touch members’ lives and make a difference in the communities we serve.”

Today, SECO Energy stands humbly as the electric cooperative with the highest customer satisfaction score in the nation. This year’s score of 769 in the cooperative segment is a 20-point increase over 2015’s score in the south regional among midsize providers. Electric cooperatives were placed in their own segment this year, and SECO is proud to be grouped with such tough competitors.

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

Elementary Students Learn About Electrical Safety

Gus Kornegay, Energy Services Specialist, presented SECO Energy’s “Kids and Electrical Safety” presentation to almost 200 elementary students at The Villages Charter Elementary School on Thursday, July 7.

“Kids and Electrical Safety” is a visual display that uses lights and sounds to demonstrate the dangers of electricity. Specifically designed for grade school students, children are encouraged to pay attention to the dangers of electricity in the home and while playing outside. Gus also advised the children to share their new-found knowledge with their parents.

Gus kept the children’s attention by displaying some of the personal protective gear utility workers wear when working with electricity. The children gathered close to get a good look at Gus’s hard hat, gloves, safety glasses and the fire retardant clothing he wears.

As a father of three and a utility employee, Gus has a unique understanding of the risks electricity poses to children. “Our children may not realize how many times a day they, or their parents, are using electricity. Kids should be taught early to recognize the hazards of electricity. This knowledge could help keep them and their parents safe and may save their life.”

After the presentation, Gus answered the students’ questions and each child received a small gift courtesy of SECO. Commitment to community support and education are important focuses for a not-for-profit electric cooperative like SECO Energy, and the cooperative purpose differentiates the company from other electric providers in this area.

SECO Energy offers a variety of topics and speakers available for groups of any age and size. Are you a leader or member of a group or organization that would like to learn more about energy efficiency or electric safety? Contact SECO to request a speaker at www.secoenergy.com. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” SECO on Twitter for cooperative updates and news releases.

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Archive

Home » Company News • Press Releases

Duncan’s Digest

2016 Hurricane Recap

Power Outage Safety

Don’t Use Candles

Protect Your Appliances

Flood Dangers

Holiday Energy Savings

Area Light Out?

Expressions

Read the full November 2016 SECO News here.

Conduct a Home Energy Assessment Online

Storm Ready

Bill Enhancement

Safety Corner: Top 10 Kids’ Safety Tips

Facebook Trivia Winners

Expressions

Read the full September 2016 SECO News here.

Community Support

Red Nose Day

Trees Donated to Habitat

Community Action Luncheon

Extra Pennies?

New Fleet Look

Community Solar Project

Energy Efficiency: Cash-saving Splash

Slam the Door on Scams

Facebook Winners

Read the full August 2016 SECO News here.

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NEED HELP? CALL (352) 793 -3801

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Company News • Press Releases