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$2500 in Back-To-School Funds for Sumter County Schools

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO Energy is committed to supporting education in the school districts in its service area. As part of SECO’s new back-to-school initiative, Sumter County School District is receiving $2,500 to enrich back-to-school activities in Sumter County.

 

The funds are intended to support events like back-to-school teacher luncheons, new teacher welcomes and training sessions. The funds can also be used to support back-to-school events for students and parents such as after school back-pack programs and school supplies needs.

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “SECO serves almost 60,000 members in Sumter County, and we know the school district will make good use of these funds for back-to-school programs. As a not-for-profit electric cooperative headquartered in Central Florida for almost 80 years, SECO believes that supporting education creates strong community partnerships. SECO’s school support initiative is a positive step for education in our area.”

 

Key Accounts Consultant Ryon Meyers presented the $2,500 check to the Sumter County School Board during its board meeting on Tuesday. School Board President Richard Shirley graciously thanked SECO for its contribution to the District’s back-to-school events.

 

Education is a key cooperative principle, and SECO has long supported local students. For more than two decades, SECO has awarded scholarships to graduating high school seniors who live in a home served by SECO. During this 20-year program, upwards of $500,000 was awarded to over 250 local students to help them fulfill their dreams of a higher education.

 

Energy Services Specialists from SECO Energy often visit with local students to spread the word about electrical safety, solar power and saving energy. Presentations and speakers are available for groups and civic clubs of all ages. These presentations are like an educational field trip that comes to the schools and saves the time and expense of running buses. Request a speaker and presentation online or call 352-793-3801.

 

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

SECO Donates Trees to Marion County Women’s Shelter

SECO Energy enriches its commitment to local communities by donating trees and shrubs to The Shepherd’s LightHouse, Inc., a women’s shelter in Belleview dedicated to assisting single mothers and their children. The shelter is currently renovating and the trees and shrubs will be planted to beautify the grounds and create a homey atmosphere for the residents.

 

The Shepherd’s LightHouse is dedicated to helping people in need by providing transitional housing to single mothers and their children. The shelter provides a safe place for the residents to live while offering basic life skill classes tailored to the client’s needs, life coaching to help residents set future goals, transportation assistance to work or day care and computer access to help job-seekers connect with potential employers.

 

The Shepherd’s LightHouse is also a community resource center offering residents valuable, hands-on work experience by volunteering at the Shepherd’s LightHouse Thrift Store. The thrift store also offers volunteer opportunities, and accepts donations from the community to provide an income stream to the shelter. In addition, the LightHouse manages six reduced-rent apartments for struggling families. Last year, Shepherd’s LightHouse assisted 77 south Marion County families in various capacities.

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, serving members in Marion County for almost 80 years, SECO Energy is a long-time supporter of local communities. SECO employees support local causes by volunteering their time and monetary support. Each year, SECO employees donate toys in our Christmas-time Toys for Tots drive and make generous contributions to United Way. Last year, SECO employees raised over $50,000 for United Way with over $13,000 slated for Marion County.”

 

Shepherd’s LightHouse Case Manager Theresa Chambers stated, “The Shepherd’s LightHouse is a direct service program structured to help mothers overcome negative life cycles and the barriers that keep her and her children from moving into an independent lifestyle. We are very grateful to SECO Energy for supporting the needs of mothers in south Marion County and thank them for the trees and shrubs. We are currently in the process of completing a renovation beautification project, and the trees and shrubs will enable us to add finishing touches to the project.”

 

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

Tropical Storm Emily Heading to Central Florida

SECO Energy is monitoring Tropical Storm Emily as it passes through its service area today and Tuesday.

 

Tropical Storm Emily, formerly named Tropical Depression Six, formed off the coast of Tampa early Monday morning. The storm is heading east at 8 miles per hour and is expected to trek eastward across Central Florida today, impacting SECO’s service area.

 

The storm is predicted to produce heavy rains and winds less than 35 miles per hour. The forecast is still mostly uncertain, Tropical Storm Emily developed very quickly from a depression to a tropical storm overnight. The storm should make initial landfall near the Tampa Bay area.

 

The system is not expected to develop intensity and will be through Florida and into the Atlantic waters early Tuesday morning.

SECO Energy is Storm Ready, Tropical Storm Emily is predicted to produce heavy rains and winds less than 35 mph

 

SECO employees are Storm Ready and waiting to respond if outages occur from Tropical Storm Emily. Tropical Storm Emily will be the first storm to impact Central Florida during the 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season. SECO is prepared for the possibility of inclement weather and would like to remind members that it is best to be informed and prepared.

 

SECO offers storm preparation tips and an emergency checklist online. As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO is dedicated to being our members’ first source for accurate storm information. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” the company on Twitter to stay updated about storms affecting our area.

$500 in Back-To-School Funds for The Villages Charter School

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO Energy is committed to supporting education in the school districts in its service area. As part of SECO’s new back-to-school initiative, The Villages Charter School is receiving $500 to enrich back-to-school activities for the school.

 

The funds are intended to support events like back-to-school teacher luncheons, new teacher welcomes and training sessions. The funds can also be used to support back-to-school events for students and parents such as after school back-pack programs and school supplies needs.

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “SECO serves over 45,000 members in The Villages, and we know the school will make good use of these funds for back-to-school programs. As a not-for-profit electric cooperative headquartered in Central Florida for almost 80 years, SECO believes that supporting education creates strong community partnerships. SECO’s school support initiative is a positive step for education in our area.”

 

Dr. Gary Lester and Dr. Randy McDaniel of The Villages Charter School Board gave a special recognition to SECO and our Board of Trustees member Richard Belles during Thursday’s Board Meeting.

 

Education is a key cooperative principle, and SECO has long supported local students. For more than two decades, SECO has awarded scholarships to graduating high school seniors who live in a home served by SECO. During this 20-year program, upwards of $500,000 was awarded to over 250 local students to help them fulfill their dreams of a higher education.

 

Energy Services Specialists from SECO Energy often visit with local students to spread the word about electrical safety, solar power and saving energy. Presentations and speakers are available for groups and civic clubs of all ages. These presentations are like an educational field trip that comes to the schools and saves the time and expense of running buses. Request a speaker and presentation online or call 352-793-3801.

 

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

$1000 in Back-To-School Funds for Citrus County Schools

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO Energy is committed to supporting education in the school districts in its service area. As part of SECO’s new back-to-school initiative, the Citrus County School District is receiving $1,000 to enrich back-to-school activities in Citrus County.

 

The funds are intended to support events like back-to-school teacher luncheons, new teacher welcomes and training sessions. The funds can also be used to support back-to-school events for students and parents such as after school back-pack programs and school supplies needs.

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “SECO serves over 15,000 members in Citrus County, and we know the school district will make good use of these funds for back-to-school programs. As a not-for-profit electric cooperative headquartered in Central Florida for almost 80 years, SECO believes that supporting education creates strong community partnerships. SECO’s school support initiative is a positive step for education in our area.”

 

Education is a key cooperative principle, and SECO has long supported local students. For more than two decades, SECO has awarded scholarships to graduating high school seniors who live in a home served by SECO. During this 20-year program, upwards of $500,000 was awarded to over 250 local students to help them fulfill their dreams of a higher education.

 

Energy Services Specialists from SECO Energy often visit with local students to spread the word about electrical safety, solar power and saving energy. Presentations and speakers are available for groups and civic clubs of all ages. These presentations are like an educational field trip that comes to the schools and saves the time and expense of running buses. Request a speaker and presentation online or call 352-793-3801.

 

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

$3000 in Back-To-School Funds for Marion County Schools

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO Energy is committed to supporting education in the school districts in its service area. As part of SECO’s new back-to-school initiative, Marion County Public Schools is receiving $3,000 to enrich back-to-school activities in Marion County.

 

The funds are intended to support events like back-to-school teacher luncheons, new teacher welcomes and training sessions. The funds can also be used to support back-to-school events for students and parents such as after school back-pack programs and school supplies needs.

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “SECO serves over 56,000 members in Marion County, and we know the school district will make good use of these funds for back-to-school programs. As a not-for-profit electric cooperative headquartered in Central Florida for almost 80 years, SECO believes that supporting education creates strong community partnerships. SECO’s school support initiative is a positive step for education in our area.”

 

Education is a key cooperative principle, and SECO has long supported local students. For more than two decades, SECO has awarded scholarships to graduating high school seniors who live in a home served by SECO. During this 20-year program, upwards of $500,000 was awarded to over 250 local students to help them fulfill their dreams of a higher education.

 

Energy Services Specialists from SECO Energy often visit with local students to spread the word about electrical safety, solar power and saving energy. Presentations and speakers are available for groups and civic clubs of all ages. These presentations are like an educational field trip that comes to the schools and saves the time and expense of running buses. Request a speaker and presentation online or call 352-793-3801.

 

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

SECO Energy Ranked Highest in Customer Satisfaction for the Third Straight Year by J.D. Power

SECO Energy ranks highest in customer satisfaction among all electric cooperatives nationally according to the J.D. Power 2017 Electric Utility Residential Customer Satisfaction Study released yesterday.

 

This latest J.D. Power award is the third consecutive J.D. Power award for the not-for-profit electric cooperative that serves seven counties in Central Florida. In 2015, SECO was ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Midsize Utilities in the South.” This year and in 2016, SECO Energy was named “Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Cooperatives.”

 

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.

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “SECO Energy employees are the best of the best – our employees are the true winners of any award the cooperative receives. A special thank you to our employees, senior leadership and the Board of Trustees. Our people are the heart of SECO, and they make a difference for our members. This year’s J.D. Power award is a tangible representation of how SECO members feel about the cooperative as a whole. I am beyond delighted with our company’s Triple Crown. I am grateful and humbled by the praise and goodwill from our members.”

 

The Board of Trustees President, Ray Vick is proud to be a long-time Board member. Vick stated, “Member satisfaction is a top priority at SECO. On behalf of the Board, I extend my heartfelt thanks to the employees for their dedication to our members and the cooperative. We couldn’t be prouder of you and your accomplishments.”

 

This third J.D. Power award culminates a decade-long effort to increase reliability, maintain low rates and provide world-class customer service. SECO’s score of 789 is a 20-point increase over its 2016 ranking. SECO is proud to retain its title as “Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Cooperatives.”

 

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

SECO Celebrates NRECA’s 75th Anniversary

SECO Energy and its fellow electric cooperatives across the nation are teaming up to bring a tree to life at National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) headquarters in Arlington, Virginia.

 

SECO Energy’s Vegetation Management employees collected soil from its Sumterville headquarters and sent it to the NRECA. The NRECA will use the soil collected from SECO and its other electric cooperative members across to the country to plant a commemorative tree in honor of its 75th Anniversary.

 

The NRECA is the service organization for electric cooperatives, including SECO Energy, working to promote and support co-ops and be a champion for the cooperative business model. In the way that the NRECA and its member cooperatives nourish and support each other, the collected soil will used to nourish and support the 75th Anniversary commemorative tree.

 

SECO Energy CEO Jim Duncan stated, “SECO is pleased to partner with our fellow electric cooperatives by sending a small piece of SECO to celebrate the NRECA’s 75th Anniversary. Collectively, NRECA’s electric cooperative members across the country are a strong, tight-knit unit of co-ops delivering safe, affordable electric service to over 42 million homes and businesses every day.”

 

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

SECO Employee Aids Swindled Couple

SECO Energy’s Robert Stevens, an Energy Services Specialist, possesses the brain of an investigator and the heart of a philanthropist. Robert answered the call when an elderly couple required SECO’s assistance, found the cause of the members’ energy-use concerns and provided aid when they needed it most.

 

SECO helps members save energy and lower their bills by performing energy audits on members’ homes.The request may be in response to a bill that is abnormally high or from members who are simply looking for ways to save energy by making small changes in their homes/lifestyles.

 

In early May, SECO members Mr. and Mrs. George Somariva who reside in Lady Lake, received an electric bill that was much higher than usual. The Somarivas were concerned because of a previous, negative experience with their home warranty company and its contractor, so they called SECO for help. Within just a few days, Robert visited the Somariva’s home, completed an energy audit and found the problem. Mr. and Mrs. Somariva’s heat strips were heating the home at the same time the A/C was running to cool the home – causing the high energy usage.

 

In early 2016, the Somarivas contracted with a home warranty company that included HVAC services. The home warranty company sent a technician and there was significant confusion over what needed repair/replacement. In the end, the Somarivas gave the contractor a check representing a $2,000 deposit for a new unit. The check was cashed but they never heard from the contractor again.

 

SECO reached out to the contractor and to the home warranty management. Unfortunately, their recollections are contradictory. Some recompense was offered by the home warranty company but the Somarivas were not made whole. The couple contacted Seniors vs. Crime with their story and the agency helped them file complaints with Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation against both the contractor and the home warranty company. Seniors vs. Crime determined that the contractor was not licensed as his online profile suggests and that he has a criminal record in Florida.

 

The Somarivas paid for a home warranty. They paid a contractor sent by the home warranty company. Once Robert determined the heat strip issue with the AC unit, they had to pay a reputable HVAC company to fix the problem – to the tune of $500.

 

After this large outlay, the Somarivas remained distressed because they still had two high energy bills to pay. Robert’s heart went out to the retired couple. He asked SECO to help these long-time members with their energy-use issue, and SECO agreed. The cooperative allocated a donation of Angel Funds from the company’s Pennies from Heaven program to offset the high electric bills.

 

Robert offers this advice to SECO members, “If you believe you have a problem with your HVAC unit, call SECO first. A trained Energy Services Specialist will conduct a home energy audit, and we can usually help members identify the cause of an HVAC problem. SECO’s no-cost energy audit can potentially save members thousands in needless HVAC repairs or replacements recommended by contractors looking to make a quick buck.”

 

The Somarivas are grateful to SECO for help during this ordeal. Mr. Somariva stated, “I’m glad we called SECO and spoke to Robert. He’s a knowledgeable guy, he found the problem quickly, and we had it repaired the same day. It’s a shame that Total Maintenance of Tampa won’t stand by their warranty or their word and that their contractor, Chris Martin, was not reputable or licensed. But we are thankful to SECO and Robert for their help.”

 

SECO Energy members can make an appointment for a free in-home energy audit at their home or conduct an energy audit online with SECO’s Home Energy Assessment. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

Cheeseburgers, Fries and Life Lessons from Dad

In late May, a line of strong thunderstorms passed through Lake County creating widespread outages for SECO Energy members in Clermont. The storm damage was substantial but service was restored within the hour. The next day, however, members in the same area experienced an additional service interruption due to multiple equipment failures caused by the previous day’s lightning damage.

 

Tony Marshowsky, a SECO Energy member in Clermont, was understandably frustrated by multiple outages on consecutive days. He contacted SECO via Facebook for information about the outages. SECO had posted photos, video and other details, and Tony was happy to learn that crews were repairing the damage. The repair was extensive, as the capacitors had arced and created a fire. The pole split and broke where the capacitor bank was attached and crashed to the ground.

 

Coincidentally, Marshowsky and his nine-year-old son Tony, Jr. drove by the crew repairing the pole in the rain on their way to Wendy’s for a milkshake. As a blue-collar worker himself, Marshowsky empathized with the crew, and stated, “These men were working in the rain. I imagine they were tired, hungry and working late so that my family and neighbors would have power and air conditioning. I decided I could teach my son a life lesson, reminding him to thank the people around us who are working for our benefit.”

 

SECO Energy, Cheeseburgers, Fries and Life Lessons from Dad

 

Armed with multiple bags of Wendy’s cheeseburgers and fries, Marshowsky and his son delivered dinner and a heartfelt thank you to the SECO crew working to replace the damaged pole. Marshowsky later added, “The little guys, the blue-collar workers, the men and women who aren’t always remembered or rewarded for their hard work – they are away from their own homes missing dinner with their own families. It felt good to help someone else and to show my son respect for handworking people.”

 

The SECO Energy Facebook post about Marshowsky and his son’s goodwill grew quickly, reaching almost 20,000 Facebook users in just days. It is also one of the cooperative’s most frequently shared posts this year. The Marshowsky family met up with the SECO crew for a group photo opp and official thank you.

 

Photo caption:  SECO Energy Line Tech David Olszanski, Service Tech David Kerns, Crew Supervisor Jason Merrill, Tony Marshowsky Jr., Line Tech Doug Stanley, Line Tech Garret Keller and Tony Marshowsky Sr.  (not pictured; Line Tech Clint Brighurst and Line Tech Justin Smothers)

 

Learn more about SECO Energy at SECOEnergy.com>Your Co-op. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page to view the video footage of the pole and capacitor damage. Follow @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases, outage information and cooperative updates.