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Category: Press Releases

SECO Energy Preparing for Tropical Storm Dorian

SECO Energy is preparing for the possibility that Tropical Storm Dorian will affect parts of its service territory. Forecasters predict Tropical Storm Dorian could make an east coast Florida landfall as early as late Sunday night and reach hurricane strength while traveling through the Atlantic Ocean.

 

According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Dorian’s current wind speeds are 60 mph and the system is moving northwest at 13 mph. The storm’s eye is predicted to travel across Puerto Rico on Thursday.

 

The models remain uncertain as to Dorian’s track as it approaches Florida. Current modeling suggests Dorian will remain on a northwestern path, drifting north along the coast before turning into Florida to make landfall near Daytona Beach or Jacksonville late Sunday night into early Monday morning. Tropical Storm Dorian could strengthen to a Category 2 or 3 hurricane before landfall. Predictions will continue to change after Dorian exits Puerto Rico on Friday.

 

SECO members will likely feel the effects of Tropical Storm Dorian Sunday evening into Monday. If Dorian strengthens over the warm Atlantic waters and takes a Florida turn, SECO members could experience tropical storm force winds and rain on Sunday and Monday. Tornadoes brewing from the tropical storm or hurricane force winds is a threat as well.

 

CEO Jim Duncan urges members to prepare for Dorian. Duncan stated, “Tropical Storm Dorian could impact SECO members as early as Sunday evening. Even though the models are still uncertain of Dorian’s ultimate path, take the time today and tomorrow to prepare your family and home for this storm. Watch the weather reports, prepare in advance for Dorian to make landfall in Florida and possibly strengthen to a hurricane.”

 

StormCenter is SECO Energy’s outage and communications platform for members to report outages, check the status of an existing outage and enroll in outage communications and alerts via email, text, voice or all three. Visit StormCenter today and bookmark on your smartphone or tablet to report outages quickly and easily.

 

SECO has designed a new Hurricane Handbook to help members prepare before, during and after a storm. The Hurricane Handbook is available online.

 

Stay up to date on weather affecting SECO Energy’s service area, the latest news releases and cooperative updates by “liking” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter.

SECO Energy Back-To-School Program Funds $1,000 for Citrus County Education Foundation

SECO Energy’s back-to-school program allocated Citrus County public school students with $1,000 to the county’s Education Foundation. As a not-for-profit local electric cooperative, SECO believes in supporting the communities it serves.

 

The mission of the Citrus County Education Foundation is to provide resources to support the Citrus County School District to enhance the quality of education for present and future generations. The Foundation encourages business and community involvement, promotes creative and innovative educational programs and recognizes outstanding achievements of students and staff. Over 15,000 or 93 percent of Citrus County K-12 students benefit from the Foundation’s efforts.

 

The Education Foundation’s Executive Director Shaunda Burdette is thankful for SECO Energy’s community involvement. Burdette stated, “We are so grateful for the partnership of SECO Energy. Through its support, the Citrus County Education Foundation is able to assist in providing students with the tools they need to succeed. SECO’s generosity is truly making an impact in the lives of our children and our future.”

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “SECO Energy is honored to support Citrus County students through its back-to-school program’s contribution to the Citrus County Education Foundation. As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO believes an investment in education is a benefit to all of our members. In Citrus County, we serve over 15,000 homes and businesses. Teachers are an invaluable community asset, they enrich our communities by educating our future leaders and as a benefit to SECO, possibly our future employees.”

 

Learn more about SECO Energy and its efforts to support education and local communities on our Community page. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

SECO Energy Back-To-School Program Funds $3,500 for Lake County Educational Foundation

SECO Energy’s back-to-school program allocated Lake County public school students with $3,500 to the county’s Educational Foundation. As a not-for-profit local electric cooperative, SECO believes in supporting the communities it serves. The Foundation will use the funds for its ACT Prep Program.

 

The Educational Foundation of Lake County piloted the ACT Prep Program at Leesburg High School six years ago and it is now funded at six Lake County high schools. To graduate, high school students must pass the state-mandated tenth grade reading assessment. 413 students in the 2020 class are in jeopardy of not graduating because they did not pass the assessment. The ACT program helps these students bolster their reading skills. Students have a second chance to graduate by earning an acceptable concordance score on the ACT or SAT.

 

The ACT program is incredibly successful. 76 to 83 percent of students who complete the program are able to graduate on time. Two years ago, the graduation rate in Lake County was 74 percent. School administrators believe the 2020 graduating percentage will increase to 88 percent. Much of this increase is attributed to the ACT Reading Prep Program.

 

The Education Foundation’s Community Outreach Liaison Audra Dick is thankful for SECO’s valued partnership. Dick stated, “SECO Energy’s investment in the Educational Foundation of Lake County’s ACT Prep Program will give 413 students a chance to walk across the stage in May of 2020, diploma in hand.”

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “SECO Energy is honored to support Lake County students through its back-to-school program’s contribution to the Educational Foundation of Lake County. As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO believes an investment in education is a benefit to all of our members. In Lake County, we serve over 65,000 homes and businesses. Teachers are an invaluable community asset, they enrich our communities by educating our future leaders and as a benefit to SECO, possibly our future employees.”

 

Learn more about SECO Energy and its efforts to support education and local communities on our Community page. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

SECO Energy Back-to-School Program Funds $3,000 for Marion County Education Foundation

SECO Energy’s back-to-school program allocated Marion County public school students with $3,000 to the county’s Public Education Foundation. As a not-for-profit local electric cooperative, SECO believes in supporting the communities it serves. The Foundation will use the funds to purchase school supplies for the Tools 4 Teaching program.

 

Tools 4 Teaching provides much-needed school supplies to Marion County public school students and teachers. Since 2009, Tools 4 Teaching has accepted unused school supplies from local businesses and organizations and put them to good use in Marion County classrooms. Teachers can shop once a month for paper, pens, pencils and other supplies needed for their classrooms.

 

The Public Education Foundation’s Executive Director Judi Zanetti is thankful for SECO Energy’s contribution. Zanetti stated, “Nearly 75% of Marion County students cannot afford lunch, let alone school supplies. During the 2018-2019 school year, Tools 4 Teaching had 7,079 teacher shopping visits and provided over $900,000 in free school supplies to teachers for their students in need. It is only with the support of organizations such as SECO Energy that the shelves are able to stay stocked with supplies. Together we can make sure all students have the tools necessary for success.”

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “SECO Energy is honored to support Marion County students through its back-to-school program’s contribution to the Public Education Foundation of Marion County. As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO believes an investment in education is a benefit to all of our members. In Marion County, we serve over 60,000 homes and businesses. Teachers are an invaluable community asset, they enrich our communities by educating our future leaders and as a benefit to SECO, possibly our future employees.”

 

Tools 4 Teaching accepts donated school supplies and monetary funding. Donate to the Public Education Foundation of Marion County online.

 

Learn more about SECO Energy and its efforts to support education and local communities on our Community page. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

SECO Energy Announces Kids’ Coloring Contest for 2020 Calendar

SECO Energy is calling for artwork submissions for its Kids’ Coloring Contest to be featured in the cooperative’s 2020 SECO Energy Calendar. SECO will choose 13 creative, colorful drawings that depict Electrical Safety or Energy Efficiency.

 

The 13 chosen artists will have his or her artwork, photo and name published in next year’s calendar. Each winner will be awarded a $100 prize. The artwork submission form is available on our Contact Us page. Look for the Kids’ Coloring Contest submission form link. Print and complete the submission form to include with the artwork.

 

Artwork submissions can be mailed to SECO Energy P.O. Box 301 Sumterville, FL 33585. Submissions can also be dropped off at one of our five Member Service Centers in Eustis, Groveland, Inverness, Ocala or Sumterville. Find a Service Center address.

 

To be eligible, the child must be between the ages of 5 and 12 and live in a home served by SECO Energy. Submissions must be received by September 30, 2019. For ideas on Electrical Safety or Energy Efficiency, visit our website and select Safety or Energy Solutions.

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “I’m looking forward to viewing the submissions for the 2020 SECO Energy Calendar Kids’ Coloring Contest. The Contest is a fun idea that fosters our youngest members’ involvement in the cooperative. Displaying children’s ideas about electrical safety and energy efficiency is a creative teaching tool for SECO members and the public. The Coloring Contest ties into the key cooperative principles of Concern for Community and Education, Training and Information.”

 

Learn more about SECO Energy and its Concern for Community. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

SECO Members in The Villages Targets of Payment Scam

Over the last two days, SECO Energy has noticed an escalation in reports from members in The Villages who have been targeted by phone scammers in a combination of live person calls and automated robo calls. The scam callers demand payment within 30 minutes or service will be disconnected. Some scam callers have advised that a truck is in the area to collect cash payment or payment can be made via PayPal.

 

The scam appears to be a boots-on-the ground effort to collect cash, money cards or PayPal funds. The scams have been identified as a Villages-targeted effort, and SECO has notified law enforcement. SECO does not collect money in the field or call to threaten disconnection of service if payment isn’t rendered. SECO does not disconnect service after regular business hours or on the weekend.

 

If a member is contacted and the caller indicates someone is in the area to collect payment, the member should call the local law enforcement agency to report it. An impersonator on the phone often tries to make a scam believable by providing a name and employee identification number – don’t fall for it. The caller may pretend to know your account details. Do not fall for this or reveal any financial or account information to a scammer.

 

In the field, SECO employees carry company identification and drive company vehicles with the SECO Energy logo displayed prominently. SECO authorized contractor vehicles are marked as an authorized contractor and display the SECO logo. Contract employees carry SECO-issued contractor Identification. If you are approached by a SECO employee or contractor, please ask to see the individual’s ID. If you don’t have an appointment with a SECO employee, don’t answer the door. Call law enforcement.

 

For more information on scams, visit our website and click the Scams banner.

SECO Supports STEM-Focused Fifth Annual Youth Energy Academy

On June 20 and 21, SECO Energy along with Duke Energy and Ocala Electric Utilities partnered to bring the Fifth Annual Youth Energy Academy to Marion County teens. Industry experts created an environment for students to explore and discover careers in the energy industry. The event was held at the College of Central Florida’s Hampton Center and Ocala Electric Services.

 

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, more than 40 percent of the current workforce in the electric and natural gas utilities will retire within five years. The average age of energy industry employees is over 50. Marion County Schools, the CEP, SECO Energy, Ocala Electric Utilities, Duke Energy and Clay Electric realizing the need for future energy industry employees assisted in forming the Power Generation Academy (PGA) at Dunnellon High School. PGA Instructor Don Slocum dropped by the Youth Energy Academy to provide the students’ enrollment and program information.

 

Employees from SECO, Duke and Ocala Electric volunteered countless hours teaching, presenting and sharing their knowledge and experience with this year’s Youth Energy Academy students. Representatives from Siemens, College of Central Florida, Boys & Girls Club, CLM CareerSource, Lockheed Martin, Cheney Brothers and the three electric utility providers worked together to make this event an education success for attendees.

 

At this year’s two-day event, students gained essential knowledge related to the array of jobs, careers and occupational requirements in the energy field. Student activities covered a variety of subjects such as how electricity travels from the generation plant to homes demonstrated by Duke Energy’s Engineer Derick Farfan, and a live demonstration by Duke Energy’s Ronnie Bailey of restoring power during an outage. Students learned the difference between soft and hard skills via a presentation from Heaven Colon, CLM CareerSource, and delved into high-skill, high-wage careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) by taking a closer look at robotics. Students also met Forest High School EMIT program students – EMIT stands for Engineering and Manufacturing Institute of Technology.

 

The students were mesmerized by the Tesla Model 3 electric vehicle (EV) driven to the Academy by a Southern Alliance of Clean Energy (SACE) representative. A surprise visit from NFL Steelers draft pick Ulysees Gilbert III, his brother Uriah Gilbert who plays for Bethune Cookman University, and a previous youth energy academy student, Maurice Gilbert, who is currently a student at Florida A&M University provided the teens with substantial life coaching skills and drove home the importance of time management skills. The Gilberts reminded the participants that attending the Academy is a valuable investment in themselves.

 

On day two, attendees toured the City of Ocala electric utility operation center and water treatment plant. Utility Director Mike Poucher demonstrated the effects of texting while driving through a presentation of car accidents that involve utility poles and how to exit a vehicle safely after an accident. Participants also rode in bucket trucks and learned about Ocala’s fiber-optic internet system. Finally, participants learned about drones and how they are used in the energy industry.

 

As a supporter of STEM-based projects, SECO was an event sponsor and also provided funding for transportation expenses to the Boys and Girls Club that bussed the students for their exploration tours. SECO Energy CEO Jim Duncan stated, “The Youth Academy aligns with two key cooperative principles – Education, Training and Information and Concern for Community. The energy field offers a multitude of diverse careers just waiting for talented candidates to apply. Participating in youth education programs gives SECO a hand in crafting its future workforce and offers local, talented youngsters employment opportunities close to home and family.”

 

The Florida Chapter of the American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) incorporated a Youth Energy Academy model focused on, but not limited to, minority students in St. Petersburg, Jacksonville, Orlando, and Ocala. “Each year, we gain the interest of our emerging workforce by proving new career paths and sessions to let students know what the energy industry offers and how they can create career paths of their own. In 2012, we established Youth Energy Academy programs in the Northeast and Central regions of the AABE Florida Chapter with the intent of beginning programs in the Southeast and Northwest regions in 2020. We won’t be able to solve the energy industry workforce shortage overnight, but since inception, more than 1,500 students have been exposed to the energy industry through the Youth Energy Academy,” stated Kathy Judkins, AABE Florida Chapter President. The AABE Florida Chapter is led by members from seven Florida energy providers, as well as several entrepreneurs and business partners.

 

Learn more about SECO Energy and its Concern for Community online. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

Generator Guide for Storm Season Safety

The 2019 Atlantic hurricane season began June 1 and lasts through November 30. SECO Energy reminds members who use portable back-up or permanent whole-house generators during power outages to operate with safety in mind. Read and follow generator safety tips to protect your family, property and SECO employees from harm caused by improper generator operations.

 

Before purchasing a generator, research options and determine your electric needs (depending on the appliances you wish to operate) with a knowledgeable retailer. Read the generator’s operating instructions and safety guidelines provided by the manufacturer to avoid carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, electric shock or fire.

 

If choosing a whole-house generator, employ a licensed electrician to install the generator, the disconnect switch, the transfer switch and connect the generator to the home’s electric panel. This is not a do-it-yourself job. Research qualified electricians who are licensed and insured. Always follow local, state and national fire and electric codes and ensure that your electrician pulls the required permit(s) before installation.

 

Electric generators require proper ventilation and air flow. Never operate a portable generator inside a building – even an enclosed garage. During operation, generators emit fumes that contain deadly carbon monoxide gas that is odorless and colorless. Install CO detectors near sleeping areas and replace batteries annually.

 

To prevent electric shock, plug appliances directly into the portable generator. If you use an extension cord, choose a heavy-duty outdoor extension cord with a watt or amp rating equal to the sum of the appliance. Cords should be intact with no cuts, tears or frays.

 

Practice safe fueling to avoid fires. Never fuel a running generator. Store gasoline and diesel in approved containers well out of the reach of children. Extinguish all flames and cigarettes when handling fuel. A fully charged fire extinguisher should be staged near the generator at all times.

 

Generator engine parts are very hot during operation. Touching engine parts can result in severe burns. Warn children to stay clear of a generator in operation. If the generator is faulty, contact a qualified repair technician for service. Similar to installing a generator, repairing a generator is not a do-it-yourself project.

 

If you connect your portable generator into your home’s electrical panel, the National Electrical Code requires a transfer switch to ensure complete disconnection from utility-supplied power. A transfer switch eliminates the risk of backfeeding energy to utility lines. Using the transfer switch is the safe way to connect a generator directly to your home and avoid injury to SECO employees. Never remove or tamper with a generator’s safety devices.

 

The 2019 hurricane season is here. SECO encourages members to prepare early for the possibility of power outages after tropical storms and hurricanes. Gather emergency supplies now, well before a storm threatens. Test your generator before you experience a storm-related power outage.

 

SECO is StormReady and encourages members to be prepare for power outages. Report outages 24 hours a day, seven days a week with StormCenter. Members can enroll in voice, text or email outage communications, set do not disturb times and check the status of an existing outage. Visit StormCenter on your smartphone or tablet and bookmark the page in preparation for storm season.

 

For more information about generators, visit our generator safety page. “Like” SECO Energy on Facebook and “follow” @SECOenergy on Twitter for the latest storm alerts and company news.

CEO Jim Duncan Celebrates 40 Years with SECO Energy

CEO Jim Duncan is celebrating 40 years with SECO Energy. On June 10, 1979, Duncan joined SECO (then referred to as Sumter Electric Cooperative, Inc.) in the position of Director of Accounting and Finance. He held this position until March of 1990 when he accepted the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO). As the leader of a not-for-profit utility, Duncan’s priorities focus on maintaining affordable, reliable service for the cooperative’s member-owners.

 

Over the years, Duncan has seen a lot of positive change, tremendous economic growth and vast system expansion. In 1990 before Duncan became CEO, the cooperative served 66,600 members. Today it provides service to more than 205,000 homes and businesses. Revenue has grown from $74.4 million to $293.7 million. Total utility plant has increased from $143.5 million to $878.7 million. Member equity has matured from 22 percent to 31 percent. The co-op regularly retires capital credits to members with a $5.5 million retirement last year and a $63.3 million returned since inception.

 

Duncan is humble about his role in leading the cooperative through some tough times and building the organization’s financial strength. He stated, “Our Board of Trustees are the people who are ultimately tasked with reviewing and approving budgets that keep our cooperative fiscally healthy. I credit the Trustees with exercising sound judgement and responsible governance over the years that has allowed SECO to become the third largest cooperative in Florida and the seventh largest in the nation.”

 

Another of Duncan’s key accomplishments is the significant reduction in outage duration for members. In 1989, members experienced 348 minutes of average outage time annually. Today, that number is only 66 minutes. Duncan attributes the improvement to the development of a robust vegetation management program, system improvement projects that increase reliability, a comprehensive storm hardening program and a workforce that cares deeply about its member-owners’ satisfaction. Duncan states, “Our current senior staff deserves the recognition for ensuring that the delivery of electric service is safe, affordable and reliable and that our members receive the highest level of customer service in the industry.”

 

Surveys show that SECO Energy members are very satisfied with SECO Energy. In 2018, members again rated the not-for-profit electric cooperative top in customer satisfaction. SECO received an outstanding ACSI score of 89. When comparing SECO to the ACSI Utility Sector scores SECO is a clear national frontrunner. Nationally, cooperative utilities scored a 77 in 2018. Scores for municipal and investor-owned utilities were both slightly lower at 75.

 

Members also rank SECO high in J.D. Power surveys as well. In 2015, SECO Energy was ranked highest in satisfaction among mid-sized utilities in the south, and in 2016 and 2017, SECO was ranked highest in satisfaction among cooperatives nationally.

 

Visit About SECO to learn more about the cooperative’s history. Like SECO Energy on Facebook and Twitter to stay up-to-date on company news, to play trivia and to enter prize drawings.

SECO Asks Members to Take Action

From time to time, SECO Energy calls on its members to stand with cooperatives for or against energy industry related bills introduced to Congress during the legislative session.

 

Norma Jean Bottoms, a member residing in Paisley, stood with SECO during a recent Take Action sign up campaign and her name was drawn from all members who had signed up at https://action.coop/. Norma Jean won a Microsoft Surface Go. Along with Norma Jean, approximately 1,838 of SECO’s 210,000 members have decided to get involved by signing up to Take Action when SECO or our statewide organization may call on them to assist with contacting their legislators on critical issues affecting the energy industry.

 

Some of the proposed bills may affect infrastructure, sustainability, reliability, and most of all, electricity affordability. Those are just a few reasons why cooperatives may ask their members to make their voices heard by signing up to receive email updates on legislative items affecting the electric utility industry.

 

By visiting SECO’s Legislative Corner, members can learn more about how they can participate in the democratic process on a state and federal level. Members can contribute by joining the political action committee and enrolling in Co-ops Vote to make their vote count.

 

SECO encourages its members to sign up to Take Action because our members’ participation and influence play key roles in maintaining affordable, reliable energy.

 

Visit SECO Energy.com>Your Co-op>Community to learn more about the not-for-profit electric cooperative’s community involvement. “Like” SECO Energy on Facebook and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.