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SECO Energy Champions Relief for Members Following Record Summer Heatwave

After an extreme summer heatwave drove record energy use across Central Florida, SECO Energy is championing two sources of bill payment relief for eligible members in the coming months. 

 

Through a partnership with FloridaCommerce, SECO will deliver payment assistance funded by the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The federal program assists income-qualified households with energy costs. Typically, members must apply to receive LIHEAP support, but thanks to this partnership, qualifying member accounts will automatically receive federal energy assistance credit on their SECO electric bill – no application required.  

 

At the same time, SECO’s Board of Trustees has approved a significant change to its residential deposit policy. Beginning in October, residential members who paid a deposit when opening an account and have completed 24 consecutive months of excellent payment history will automatically have their deposit credited back to their bill – no request needed. Only accounts that meet these criteria are eligible for the automatic deposit refund.  

 

“Members are at the heart of every decision we make, “said Curtis Wynn, SECO Energy CEO. “This summer’s record heat has strained household budgets, and we wanted to act quickly. Thanks to our partnership with FloridaCommerce, qualifying accounts will receive automatic LIHEAP credit. And looking ahead, our deposit return policy rewards members who have consistently paid on time. Although we cannot help every member with these two initiatives, a considerable number of members meet the requirements.” 

 

“This change reflects our commitment to putting members first,” said Gerald Anderson, President of SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees. “After this summer’s extreme heat, we wanted to find tangible relief for those eligible for a deposit refund and thank them for their loyalty and good payment history.” 

 

District 6 Trustee Mike Muffett, an early advocate for automatically refunding member deposits, shared, “We know our members work hard, and many have been stretched thin. These steps show that SECO is their trusted energy provider, especially in challenging times.” 

 

Both initiatives highlight the cooperative difference: being not-for-profit, member-owned and committed to strengthening community while putting members’ needs first.  

 

There is no action required from SECO members to benefit from these initiatives.  Qualifying accounts will automatically receive LIHEAP credits, and eligible deposit refunds will be applied beginning in October.  Members can review SECO’s Rate Tariff for full details on deposit requirements.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

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What is LIHEAP?

LIHEAP stands for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. It’s a federal program that helps income-qualified households with their energy costs.

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How is SECO involved?

SECO partnered with FloridaCommerce to make the process easier. Normally, members must apply for LIHEAP funds. But through this partnership, Florida Commerce will automatically match qualifying SECO accounts and apply the credit directly.

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Do I need to apply for LIHEAP?

No. If your household qualifies, FloridaCommerce will automatically apply a bill credit to your SECO account.

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How will I know if I qualify?

If your account qualifies, the credit will show up automatically on your bill. No further action is required.

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My account didn’t receive an automatic LIHEAP disbursement. How can I apply for LIHEAP funds?

Members can visit FloridaCommerce and apply for LIHEAP funds online. SECO Energy also provides an interactive map of social service agencies that may be able to help with utility bill payment assistance. Visit our website and view our Find Bill Payment Help section.

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What about the deposit refund? Who qualifies?

Beginning in October, SECO will automatically return deposits to eligible residential members. To qualify, you must:

  • Have paid a deposit when opening a residential account with SECO and still have an active deposit balance on the account

Have completed 24 consecutive months of excellent SECO payment history.

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What does “excellent SECO payment history” mean?

When you applied for a new service connection with SECO, you were required to have a deposit because your credit score did not qualify for a waiver.

Excellent SECO payment history means that during the previous consecutive 24-month period,

  • Your bill was paid by the due date,
  • Your account had no disconnections, and
  • There were no instances of meter tampering, or other adverse actions on your account.

 

If you would like to review your account payment history, please contact Member Services at (352) 793-3801.

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Do I need to request my deposit back?

No. If you meet the qualifications, your deposit will be credited directly to your SECO bill starting in October.

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Does this apply to all accounts?

No. The automatic deposit refund applies only to residential members who originally paid a deposit and meet the 24-month payment history requirement.

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Why is SECO doing this now?

Because members come first. The summer heat brought record energy use and higher bills. By partnering with Florida Commerce and adjusting our deposit procedures, SECO is easing today’s burdens and rewarding members’ long-term reliability.

SECO Energy District 8 Trustee Earns National Leadership Recognition

SECO Energy congratulates District 8 Trustee Marty Proctor on earning his Board Leadership Certificate (BLC) from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). This distinguished credential marks the second step in NRECA’s director education program, which prepares cooperative trustees with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate today’s complex energy industry. 

 

The BLC is awarded to trustees who have already completed the Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD) program and then continue their studies in areas such as governance, risk management, financial decision–making, technology and policy development. Trustees who achieve this level of training demonstrate a deep commitment to responsible leadership and service to cooperative members. 

 

“Continuing education is the cornerstone of effective cooperative leadership,” said SECO Energy’s Chief Executive Officer, Curtis Wynn. “This recognition ensures that our board remains well-prepared to make strategic decisions in a rapidly evolving energy landscape.”  

 

“Congratulations to Trustee Proctor on earning his BLC,” said Board President and District 3 Trustee Gerald Anderson. “SECO’s board has invested hundreds of hours to advancing their education. I continue to be impressed by the commitment to serve and dedication to our members that Mr. Proctor and his fellow Trustees demonstrate.”

 

Trustee Proctor earned his CCD in December of 2024 and is proud to continue his education through the NRECA. Mr. Proctor stated, “It is an honor to serve my community alongside my fellow Trustees. I am committed to continuing my growth and learning so that I can best serve the members of District 8 and contribute to the success of SECO Energy as a whole.”

 

With this accomplishment, Trustee Proctor joins a distinguished group of cooperative leaders nationwide who have pursued advanced governance education to better serve their communities. SECO Energy is a not-for-profit electric cooperative, operated for and owned by its members. SECO Energy’s 2,100-square-mile service area is divided into nine geographic Districts. Trustees are democratically elected by the members who reside in each District. As SECO Energy’s governing body, the Board of Trustees provides oversight and plays an essential role in policy-making decisions. To learn more about SECO Energy’s Board, visit our Board of Trustees page.  

SECO Energy Launches Generlink – Safe, Reliable Connection for Portable Generators

SECO Energy has announced the launch of GenerLink, a new product available for purchase that enables members to safely connect a portable generator to their home during a power outage. The addition of GenerLink underscores SECO Energy’s commitment to delivering innovative energy solutions while enhancing member and employee safety.

 

Generlink is a UL-listed transfer switch that eliminates the use of extension cords and other hazardous generator connection methods. GenerLink can operate most appliances in a home up to 9,600 watts.

 

Generlink provides benefits including:

  • Prevents dangerous back feed, protecting utility workers and member homes
  • No rewiring needed, hassle-free process
  • Backed by extended product protection warranties

 

Installation for GenerLink is performed by a SECO-certified technician only and is typically completed within two to four weeks of the purchase. GenerLink is only compatible with a single phase, 240 volt and up to 200-amp service. SECO Energy encourages members to act early, as installation cannot be guaranteed prior to a forecasted storm or during outage restoration efforts.

 

“With the launch of GenerLink, SECO Energy is proud to expand its service offerings while prioritizing safety,” said Curtis Wynn, CEO of SECO Energy. “Hurricane season peaks in September – this is an important reminder for members to be prepared. Make sure you’re stocked with essential supplies and ready for possible outages.”

 

GenerLink is now available for sale at $1,200 plus tax, including installation. All sales are final, with no refunds or exchanges. For more information or to purchase, visit secoenergy.com/generlink/ or call (352) 793-3801.

SECO Energy Foundation Funds Community Outreach Programs

The SECO Energy Foundation has funded over $740,000 transformative community programs in Central Florida so far in 2025. SECO Energy serves more than 250,000 homes and businesses in Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Levy, Marion, Pasco, and Sumter Counties. The SECO Energy Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to uplifting local communities.

 

During its third quarter Board Meeting, the Foundation’s Board of Directors approved 18 grants totaling $215,646:

 

Find, Feed & Restore – $25,000: Supports transitional housing, career training, financial counseling, and mental health support for families in Lake County.

 

Levy County Board of County Commissioners – $25,000: Funding to support the Community Paramedicine Program, which reduces emergency calls and improves healthcare access in Levy and Citrus Counties.

 

The Arc Nature Coast – $24,935: Developing a vocational auto shop for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Hernando and Sumter Counties.

 

Habitat for Humanity of Citrus County – $24,886: Provides funding for energy-efficient exterior doors to improve homes’ energy efficiency for low-income homeowners.

 

Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind – $23,640: Funds smart glasses and training to increase independence for blind or visually impaired individuals in Citrus, Hernando, and Pasco Counties.

 

Umatilla Police Department – $21,010: Enhances officer safety and public service through the purchase of new mobile data terminals (MDTs) that will improve emergency response and field communications.

 

Disability Achievement Center – $20,000: Supplies durable medical equipment to individuals with disabilities through the Consumer Equipment & Modification Assistance (CEMA) Program, enabling them to live independently in Pasco County.

 

Trout Lake Nature Center – $5,000: Serving Lake, Marion, and Sumter Counties

 

Thrive Clermont – $5,000: Serving Lake and Sumter Counties

 

Mom’s Guide to Robotics – $5,000: Serving Hernando, Lake, and Sumter Counties

 

Powerhouse Youth Project – $5,000: Serving Lake County

 

South Lake Community Ministries – $5,000: Serving Lake County

 

Community Health Centers, Inc. – $5,000: Serving Lake County

 

Libby’s Legacy Breast Cancer Foundation – $5,000: Serving Lake County

 

Healing Hearts Farm – $4,900: Serving Citrus, Marion, and Pasco Counties

 

Good Spirit Foundation – $4,775: Serving Citrus County

 

Friends of Marion Baysinger Memorial Library – $4,000: Serving Lake County

 

Sheltering Hands – $2,500: Serving Lake, Marion, and Sumter Counties

 

“I want to acknowledge the generosity of our SECO Energy members,” said SECO Energy CEO Curtis Wynn. “Without the contributions of SECO members, many of these community organizations and projects supported by the SECO Energy Foundation would remain unfunded. Thank you, members, for your support of the SECO Energy Foundation – you are helping to make a difference in your communities.”

 

The SECO Energy Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting local community initiatives. The Foundation awards grants to organizations that address pressing community needs, with a special emphasis on projects for health and human services, public safety, veteran initiatives, educational STEM, energy related, and environmental. For more information or to apply, visit www.SECOFoundation.org.

SECO Energy District 4 Trustee Earns NRECA National Leadership Credentials

SECO Energy Trustee James LaMotte has earned both the Board Leadership Certificate and Director Gold Credentials from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). Trustee LaMotte represents members who reside in District 4 – in Marion County – one of the not-for-profit electric cooperatives’ fastest growing areas. 

 

The Board Leadership Certificate (BLC) is awarded to Trustees who complete a rigorous series of advanced courses focusing on key issues such as cooperative governance, financial oversight, strategic planning, and the challenges impacting the energy industry. Building on the BLC, the Director Gold Credential is the highest level of accreditation earned by Trustees through the NRECA. Once Director Gold status is earned, Trustees must attend continuing education classes in order to keep their knowledge and skills sharp and maintain Director Gold status. 

 

“Trustee education is a key component to SECO Energy’s success,” said SECO Energy’s Chief Executive Officer Curtis Wynn. “The SECO Energy Board of Trustees has made it a priority to further their Trustee-level education to better govern the cooperative. I am thankful to Trustee LaMotte for his commitment to expanding his knowledge and leadership skills to serve our membership.” 

 

“Congratulations to Trustee LaMotte on earning both his Board Leadership and Director Gold certifications,” said Board President and District 3 Trustee Gerald Anderson. “These certifications require Trustees to complete a roster of college-level coursework – SECO’s Board has invested hundreds of hours to advancing their education. I continue to be impressed by their willingness to serve and dedication to our members.”    

 

“I continue to be thankful for this unique opportunity to serve my community through my service on SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees,” said Trustee LaMotte. “My goal is to continue to increase my knowledge of the energy industry, remain responsive to SECO members, and assist in leading the cooperative to future success through our Board oversight.”  

 

SECO Energy is a not-for-profit electric cooperative that is operated for and owned by the members it serves. SECO Energy’s 2,100-square-mile service area is divided into nine geographic Districts. Trustees are democratically elected by the members who reside in each District. As SECO Energy’s governing body, the Board of Trustees provides oversight and plays an essential role in policy-making decisions. To learn more about SECO Energy’s Board, visit our Board of Trustees page. 

SECO Energy Corporate Communications Wins National Spotlight on Excellence Award

SECO Energy Multimedia Supervisor Bryan Wooley, Director of Corporate Communications Amanda Richardson and CEO Curtis Wynn

SECO Energy is proud to announce that its corporate communications team has earned national recognition by winning Gold in the Best Social Media Post – Classification 3 (for distribution cooperatives with more than 65,000 meters) category at the 2025 Spotlight on Excellence Awards. Presented by the Council of Rural Electric Communicators and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, this prestigious award celebrates top-tier communication excellence among electric cooperatives nationwide. 

 

The award-winning social media post featured a powerful video message from SECO Energy Chief Executive Officer Curtis Wynn. Released in the critical hours ahead of Hurricane Milton’s landfall, the message urged members to prepare for the storm and highlighted SECO’s comprehensive readiness efforts. The video project, led by Director of Corporate Communications Amanda Richardson and Multimedia Supervisor Bryan Wooley, received praise for its clarity, urgency, and strong commitment to member safety. 

 

“We are honored to be recognized for work that directly supports and protects our members,” said Wynn, SECO Energy CEO. “Communication is just as vital as power restoration during a potential crisis, and this award validates our team’s dedication to excellence.” 

 

Hurricane Milton struck SECO’s 2,100-square-mile service area as a powerful Category 3 storm, leaving over 100,000 members without power. Throughout the storm and the restoration process, SECO’s communications team kept members informed with timely updates through StormCenter, social media, and SECOEnergy.com. Restoration efforts were nearly complete within days, with power safely and swiftly restored to more than 99% of affected members – even in hazardous conditions. 

 

The Spotlight on Excellence Awards honors the innovation and impact of cooperative communicators. Winners, like SECO Energy, exemplify best-in-class strategies across platforms and reinforce the value of effective communication, especially during emergencies.

 

“Like” SECO Energy on Facebook and follow @SECOEnergy on X (formerly Twitter) for prize drawings, news releases, and severe weather alerts affecting SECO Energy’s service territory. Manage your outage notification preferences at StormCenter. To see when SECO Energy crews/contractors are working in your area, visit our System Improvement Map. To learn more about SECO Energy as a not-for-profit cooperative, visit About SECO Energy.  

SECO Energy CEO Inspires LSSC Graduates with Powerful Commencement Speech

 

LSSC’s Interim President Dr. Laura Byrd presents SECO Energy CEO Curtis Wynn with the prestigious Lakehawk Award following his 2025 commencement address.

SECO Energy Chief Executive Officer Curtis Wynn delivered a powerful message of perseverance and purpose to the graduating class of 2025 at Lake-Sumter State College (LSSC) on Friday, May 9. In his heartfelt commencement speech, Wynn urged the graduates to embrace challenges, lead with intention, and not be afraid to take that first courageous step toward their future. Following the address, Wynn was honored with the 2025 LSSC Lakehawk Award in recognition of his impactful speech.

 

In his keynote, Wynn shared his journey from humble beginnings in Graceville, Florida, to becoming the first African American CEO of an electric cooperative in the United States and a nationally recognized leader in rural innovation and energy equity.

 

Speaking to an audience of faculty, families, and graduates, Wynn reminisced on his upbringing in a home that lacked modern conveniences. He spoke of the grit of his parents, and the resilience that propelled him from washing trucks at a rural electric cooperative to testifying before Congress.

 

“You are not just graduating, you’re breaking barriers, changing legacies and opening doors that others in your family may never have imagined,” Wynn said, connecting his own path to that of the many first-generation college graduates in the audience.

 

Wynn stressed the importance of seizing opportunities, sharing his own rise from truck washer to CEO, and emphasized the critical need for a new generation to enter the energy sector workforce. He specifically pointed to the college’s lineworker training program as an example of shaping a strong, skilled future workforce.

 

Curtis Wynn, Chief Executive Officer of SECO Energy, delivers the 2025 commencement address at Lake-Sumter State College’s Leesburg campus graduation ceremony.

SECO Energy is proud to partner with Lake-Sumter State College to power possibilities — for our students, for our communities, and for our future workforce,” said Wynn. “There are thousands of high-paying, purpose-driven careers in the energy industry waiting for graduates just like you.”

 

In his closing message to the class of 2025, Wynn urged them to lead with purpose. “Your background does not define your future — your perseverance does.” The speech was met with enthusiastic applause, confirming SECO Energy’s commitment to community, education, and economic opportunity across Central Florida.

 

As SECO Energy continues to invest in workforce development, SECO Energy encourages local students to consider careers in the energy industry. To learn more about career opportunities, visit SECOEnergy.com> Your Co-Op > Careers.

SECO Energy Celebrates 2025 Scholarship Awardees

The future is bright for SECO Energy’s 2025 Scholarship awardees. SECO’s Board of Trustees approved $36,000 in scholarships to high school seniors graduating this year who reside in homes served by SECO. These 12 outstanding local students exemplify academic excellence and leadership within their communities.  

 

On Monday, April 21, the SECO Youth Programs Committee hosted a special recognition event to honor this year’s 12 Youth Scholarship awardees. Each student was awarded a $3,000 scholarship to support their educational journey. 

 

SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees President and District 3 Trustee Gerald Anderson congratulated the 2025 Youth Scholarship awardees. President Anderson stated, “Congratulations to this year’s exceptional student awardees and their families that have supported their education goals. Learning about their accomplishments, fields of study, and the accolades earned by these young men and women in our communities is truly impressive. SECO and other electric cooperatives are constantly seeking new talent, and I believe we can find that talent right here in our hometowns. I encourage these students to consider bringing their talents, skills, and abilities to SECO Energy when the time comes to begin their careers.” 

SECO Energy’s 2025 Scholarship Awardees are:  

Cayman Azis – Celebration High School – Marine Biology and Ecology  

Abigail Colon – West Port High School – Animal Science 

Cedrick Gener – Citrus High School – Electrical Engineering 

Maria Leon-Salazar – Real Life Christian Academy – Mechanical Engineering 

Suhani Nihalani – Vanguard High School – Biomedical Engineering 

Isabella Raistrick – West Port High School – Nursing  

Charles Randall – Foundation Academy – Nuclear Engineering 

Peyton Ressler – The Villages Charter High School – Political Science 

Jonathan Rodriguez – Lake County Home School – Mechanical Engineering 

Mittie Thomas-O’Brien – Umatilla High School – Health Services Administration 

Zachary Townsend – Belleview High School – Constructional Engineering 

Leslie Zavala-Guillen – South Sumter High School – Medicine 

 

SECO Energy CEO Curtis Wynn shared similar sentiments. Wynn said, “As I reviewed the scholarship awardees selected by the Youth Programs Committee, I was inspired by their stories and achievements. Congratulations, students – you are on the path of success because of your hard work, dedication and commitment to excellence. As President Anderson mentioned, SECO and the energy industry as a whole are in need of young driven talent as we embrace emerging new technologies and navigate new industry challenges.” 

SECO Energy CEO Curtis Wynn (left) and Board President Gerald Anderson (right) gather with the 2025 SECO Energy Youth Scholarship awardees.

 

“Like” SECO Energy on Facebook and follow @SECOEnergy on Twitter for prize drawings, news releases, and severe weather alerts affecting SECO Energy’s service territory. Manage your outage notification preferences at StormCenter. To see when SECO Energy crews/contractors are working in your area, visit our new System Improvement Map. To learn more about SECO Energy as a not-for-profit cooperative, visit About SECO Energy. 

 

SECO Energy Board of Trustees Elects 2025 Officers

At its March 31 meeting, the SECO Energy Board of Trustees elected its Officers for 2025. Board President and District 3 Trustee, Gerald Anderson, was re-elected to serve a fourth consecutive term as Board President. District 9 Trustee and Board Secretary/Treasurer, Morgan Hatfield, was elected to serve her first term as Board Vice President. District 2 Trustee, Joyce Anderson, was elected to serve as the Secretary/Treasurer – a role she previously held between 2022 and 2023.

 

SECO Energy is a not-for-profit electric cooperative that is operated for and owned by the members it serves. SECO Energy’s 2,100-square-mile service area is divided into nine geographic Districts. Trustees are democratically elected by the members who reside in each District. As SECO Energy’s governing body, the Board of Trustees provides oversight and plays an essential role in policy-making decisions.

 

President Anderson expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to continue serving as a SECO Trustee. “SECO Energy is a well-run cooperative that puts the needs of its members first,” said Anderson. “As Board members, we work closely with SECO’s Executive Leadership Team to guide the cooperative toward fulfilling its Mission. In my six years of service on the SECO Board, we have approved new technologies and innovations that help our members understand and manage their monthly energy use – putting them in control of their budget.”

 

SECO Energy’s Mission, as a not-for-profit electric cooperative, is to provide reliable and innovative energy services to its members and communities.

 

SECO Energy CEO Curtis Wynn is grateful for the dedication of the SECO Board of Trustees. “Our nine-member Board of Trustees dedicates countless working hours in service to the membership,” said Wynn. “Trustee governance is integral to a cooperative’s success. This group understands that members’ needs are evolving, and that SECO needs to evolve as well.”

 

Wynn continued, “I am very grateful for the foresight of our Trustees. They understand our values, our goals, and our strategic vision. Together, we continue to explore new technologies and programs that enhance reliability and safety, while maintaining affordable electric service.”

 

“Like” SECO Energy on Facebook and follow @SECOEnergy on Twitter for prize drawings, news releases, and severe weather alerts affecting SECO Energy’s service territory. Manage your outage notification preferences at StormCenter. To see when SECO Energy crews/contractors are working in your area, visit our new System Improvement Map. To learn more about SECO Energy as a not-for-profit cooperative, visit About SECO Energy.

SECO Energy Announces Adjustments to Pole Charges, Reducing Previously Planned Increases

SECO Energy has announced adjustments to the planned pole charge increases, reducing the second phase of the previously scheduled rate adjustment. This decision follows a comprehensive review of operational efficiencies and direct feedback from our members.

 

These changes will directly impact SECO Energy members who are affiliated with homeowner associations (HOAs), property owner associations (POAs), developers, and city and county government organizations—many of whom manage lighting infrastructure within their communities.

 

After announcing the original increase in spring 2024, the Board and staff implemented a phased approach, applying half of the projected increase in October 2024 and planning the remaining adjustment for October 2025. However, through an updated cost analysis and key operational modifications, the second half of the increase has been significantly reduced.

 

Key Operational Modifications include:

  • Outage Response: Adjusted from a very aggressive 24-hour response time to a 7– 30-day timeframe, which is more in line with industry standards.
  • Outage Identification: Members and residents will now be responsible for reporting outages, replacing the previous practice of multiple annual system patrols performed by SECO personnel, sometimes resulting in overtime costs.
  • Fiberglass Pole Replacements: Reducing capital outlay by transitioning from systemwide changeouts to an ‘as-needed’ replacement approach.
  • Fixture Offerings: Reducing inventory carrying costs by shifting from a broad range of fixture offerings for new requests to a limited selection.

 

As a result of these changes, the originally anticipated increase for October 2025 has been significantly reduced. More specifically, wood pole rates will remain the same, aluminum pole rates will be reduced by 12%, concrete and fiberglass poles will increase by 19%, rather than the original 77% increase prior to the operational modifications.

 

The precise impact of these changes will vary by community based on the mix of pole types in place. More detailed breakdowns of anticipated billing impacts will be provided to members in the coming weeks to assist with budgeting and planning.

 

“We appreciate the feedback and patience of our members as we work to balance cost management with maintaining the high level of reliability and service our community expects,” said Curtis Wynn, CEO of SECO Energy.