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Category: Press Releases

STEM Focus at Ocala’s Third Annual Youth Energy Academy

On June 8 and 9, local energy experts are teaming up to introduce high school students to the many careers in the electric utility field. SECO Energy, Duke Energy and Ocala Electric Utilities partnered with CareerSource CLM, College of Central Florida and Lockheed Martin to bring the Third Annual Youth Energy Academy to life for sixty students in Marion County.

 

The Youth Energy Academy is an interactive workshop aimed to spark the students interest in traveling an academic path toward a career in the energy industry. During the two-day event, students explore high-skill, high-wage careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The high-schoolers learn how electricity is delivered to homes and businesses, participate in hands-on demonstrations and discover the soft skills needed for a successful career.

 

Several years ago, 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, Orlando and Ocala. The AABE goal is to proactively gain the interest of an emerging workforce by educating young people about opportunities in the energy arena.

 

STEM Focus at Ocala’s 3rd Annual Youth Energy Academy

 

Kathy Judkins, SECO Energy’s Deputy Director of Civic, Charitable and Government Affairs stated, “SECO Energy, Duke Energy and Ocala Electric Utilities have formed a strong partnership in the quest to develop a future talent pipeline of local students who show an interest in the energy industry. At this year’s Academy, students are gaining essential knowledge related to the array of jobs, careers and occupational requirements in energy today.”

 

Jim Duncan, CEO stated, “The Youth Academy aligns with two key cooperative principles, Education, Training and Information and also Concern for Community. The energy field has a bundle 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 gives local, talented youngsters employment opportunities close to home and family.”

 

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.

SECO Energy Sends Aid to Haiti

SECO Energy is partnering with NRECA International to help Haiti operate its distribution system at the Caracol Community Electrification Program (CCEP). SECO donated a late-model service truck, a late-model four-wheel drive pick-up truck, and a reel stand to aid the CCEP’s mission to offer electricity to homes and businesses in Haiti.

 

The donation effort was spearheaded by SECO’s Manager of Substation and Transmission Design Services Kenny Rodrigue. Kenny was inspired to help the people of Hispaniola Island after completing his first mission trip to the Dominican Republic and a second trip to Haiti in 2012. While in Haiti, Kenny learned that the majority of people living there don’t have access to non-stop, all-day electricity. In fact, electricity is only available about eight hours a day.

 

Without continuous electricity, the majority of the island’s people are left without clean water. Volunteers and missionaries have helped dig and build wells, but electricity is needed to pump and filter water for clean drinking.

 

Concern for Community is a key cooperative principle and SECO engages in charitable endeavors across its service territory. Partnering with NRECA International allows SECO to broaden its community support internationally.

 

NRECA International’s goal is to build an electric cooperative in Haiti and expand electricity across the island. SECO is pleased to lend a hand. The trucks and reel donated were slated to be retired from SECO’s fleet and sent to auction. The equipment had reached the end of its useful life on SECO’s system, but still has value and usability in Haiti.

 

Kenny is excited for the opportunity to further help Haiti and stated, “I’ve been looking for ways that SECO could help Haiti and NRECA International, and I was happy to learn that we had supplies available. I am thankful for the generous spirit of SECO’s executive management and Board of Trustees. As Americans, we are fortunate and blessed – easy access to electricity is a way of life, which is not the case in all parts of the world.”

 

Jim Duncan, CEO, stated, “Concern for Community is very important to SECO employees and our Board members. It is extremely satisfying for me personally that SECO is able to join with NRECA International and help a foreign country build an electric cooperative and improve quality of life for those less fortunate. Thank you to the Board for being very supportive of the International Program that helps others help themselves and to all of the SECO employees who generously give their time to make a difference in the lives of others.”

 

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.

Don’t be Caught in the Dark about Generator Safety

The 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season has officially arrived, and with it the possibility of rain, lightning, heavy winds and downed trees – all of which can cause power outages. For SECO members, especially those who need continuous power to run life-saving devices, a generator can provide electricity when service is interrupted, but generators should be used with caution.

 

Before operating a portable generator, read and follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions in the operating manual. Always run a generator outside; never operate indoors or in an enclosed area. Portable generators emit carbon monoxide (CO) a colorless, odorless invisible gas that can be fatal to humans and pets. Never operate a generator when it is wet – this poses a risk for electrocution (OSHA advises using a canopy to protect from rain). Do not fuel a generator while it is running and store gasoline in approved containers, out of the reach of children.

 

A permanent or back-up generator is hard wired directly to your home’s electrical system. Installing a permanent generator is not an average do-it-yourself project. Hire a reputable electrical contractor to install the generator and to wire in its disconnect and transfer switchgear. Do not attempt to connect the generator directly to your electrical panel. Before starting your generator, always properly disconnect from SECO’s service. Read and follow the operating and safety instructions in the generator operations manual.

 

Kathryn Gloria, Vice President of Corporate Communications and Energy Services, stated, “SECO’s electric system is expertly designed, soundly built and well maintained, which means outages are rare and are typically restored in less than an hour. But when major storm events come through and there is a family member who is dependent on electric medical devices, a generator should be a strong consideration. Do your research, determine your families’ needs and purchase a reliable, cost-effective unit. Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions and keep safety in mind.”

 

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

Clean Energy Scam Targeting SECO Members

SECO Energy is warning members that scammers have cooked up another ploy to take money from members. SECO members report they are receiving phone calls and email solicitations that SECO Energy is no longer their energy provider.

 

One such company, Arcadia Power, currently advertises that its “Evergreen Plan” is available to SECO Energy customers. The company’s website states that “you will continue to pay your SECO Energy bill as normal, while receiving a separate Arcadia Power e-bill for your fixed clean energy charges.” Please be aware that SECO does not receive energy from Arcadia Power nor does it partner with the company in any way. The idea of paying Arcadia Power money over and above your regular monthly SECO Energy bill is nonsense. If you want to enroll in a green energy program, consider enrolling in SECO Energy’s Solar Life.

 You can live the Solar Life with SECO Energy

Living the “Solar Life” requires no upfront investment in panels, no roof holes, no insurance and no maintenance costs. No need to worry about HOA or zoning restrictions, and no need to cut 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. Learn more and enroll today.

 

Other companies may claim to be “clean energy” providers that have replaced SECO. This is not the case. These companies may ask SECO members to send SECO bill payments directly to them, instead of SECO. Unfortunately, members realize there is a problem when they receive notice from SECO that their electric bill is unpaid.

 

Be aware that any company claiming to be a new electric service provider instead of SECO is a scam. These scammers may call and harass members for immediate payment over the phone and threaten them with disconnection of service. Some scammers have been even been so bold as to demand a member meet them at an off-site location and pay cash.

 

Scammers may be trying to dupe consumers from other utility companies as well. Please share this important information with friends, family and neighbors.

 

Kathryn Gloria, Vice President of Corporate Communications and Energy Services, stated, “SECO is a not-for-profit electric cooperative that has provided electricity to homes and businesses in Central Florida since 1938. SECO is a solid, fiscally responsible and well managed cooperative that is here to stay. If you receive a threatening phone call or questionable email, call SECO immediately to verify its authenticity. Be very cautious about a person or company asking you to release your financial information by phone or email.”

 

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

Protect Your Appliances for a Chance to Win a $300 Bill Credit

SECO Energy wants to help members protect their home’s appliances from damaging power surges – and offer a chance to win a $300 bill credit too! Members can start protecting their appliances with SECO’s meter based surge protection, proudly “Made in the USA.”

 

Sudden, powerful increases in voltage – called power surges – can damage or destroy household appliances and sensitive electronics. People commonly associate power surges with lightning and thunderstorms, but surges are also created by small animals, birds, falling trees or vehicle accidents that damage power poles, lines and other electric equipment.

 

SECO’s surge protection can help its members prevent unnecessary financial loss to prevent damage to household appliances by power surges. The surge arrester will help prevent/reduce voltage spikes and surges from entering the home and sending voltage into large appliances.

 

For a lease fee of only $5.95 per month, plus $25 installation charge, SECO’s certified electrician will install a meter base surge arrester behind the electric meter. Members can choose to purchase surge protection for $349, with installation included.

 

SECO members who sign-up to lease or purchase surge protection from June 1, to August 15 will be entered into a random drawing to win a $300 bill credit. Members currently enrolled in surge protection are automatically entered in the drawing, so there is no need for currently enrolled members to discontinue the program and re-enroll to be eligible for the drawing.

 

Learn more about surge protection, find warranty information and enroll in this valuable program online. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

SECO Prepared for 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season

The Colorado State University Tropical Meteorology Project predicts 11 named storms developing this year, with four storms affecting the Atlantic Basin. On the eve of 2017’s Atlantic Hurricane Season, SECO Energy is prepared for the possibility of tropical storms and hurricanes affecting its service territory. As a foundation, the company’s system is expertly designed, solidly built and well maintained.

 

SECO’s motto during storm season is “Storm Ready.” SECO’s System Control Coordinator’s monitor the weather 24/7. Operations crews and support staff are on-call to leap into restoration action day or night. SECO’s local Call Centers and Member Service Centers are fully staffed to help members weather the storm.

 

SECO reminds members and their families to prepare for the upcoming storm season as well. Now is the time to assemble your emergency supplies – don’t wait until a storm threatens, supplies sell out quickly. Visit SECOEnergy.com to find a list of emergency essentials for hurricane and storm season. Bookmark SECO’s Storm Center application on your smartphone or tablet to report outages quickly using your last name and house number.

 

For the most up-to-date storm and restoration information available, “like” SECO Energy’s Facebook page and “follow” the cooperative on Twitter. SECO uses its social media channels to warn members of upcoming storms and to send updates about the restoration process after major events. If you haven’t been in touch with SECO in recent memory, log into your SmartHub account on SECOEnergy.com to update your contact information.

 

Kathryn Gloria, Vice President of Corporate Communications and Energy Services stated, “Please prepare in advance for this year’s storm season. Don’t be caught off-guard, as once the storm is upon you it is too late. One storm or weather event can damage your home, leave your family without access to food, water and power. It can change your life forever. At SECO, we want our members to take the necessary precautions to wait out storms safely, while our Operations crews are restoring power as quickly and safely as possible.”

 

Tropical Storm Colin and Hurricanes Hermine and Matthew, brought inches of rain, lightning and high winds to SECO’s area during 2016’s Atlantic Hurricane Season. Before each weather occurrence, SECO jumped into action requesting additional contract line crews and tree trimming crews. Utilizing SECO’s emergency plan, the SECO team is a well-oiled restoration machine, each SECO employee is “Storm Ready.”

 

Learn more about storm preparation and print an emergency checklist online. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

Lifetime Achievement Award Presented to SECO’s William James

SECO Energy’s Board Member, William “Bill” James was presented with Pearl River Community College’s (PRCC) Lifetime Achievement Award. James, who lives in Leesburg, has been a SECO member since 2002 and has served in SECO’s District 8 on SECO’s Board of Trustees for seven years.

 

James graduated from PRCC, located in Poplarville, Mississippi, before earning his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Mississippi State University in 1958. James began his career in the electric utility industry, spending eighteen years at Florida Power & Light (FPL). For ten years, James worked as an evening adjunct professor at Manatee Junior College. After FPL relocated James to Miami, he joined the University of Miami as an evening adjunct professor.

 

After leaving FPL in 1976, James moved to Kentucky and worked as a Vice General Manager at a generating and transmission not-for-profit electric cooperative there. While working in Kentucky, James was an evening adjunct professor at University of Kentucky and University of Evansville. In 1979, James was awarded the prestigious Kentucky Colonel honor.

 

James returned to Florida in 1980, and as Seminole Electric Cooperative’s first Vice President of Operations, he played a major role in building and staffing Seminole’s first coal-fired power plant in Palatka. James’ next career step took him to Indiana in 1983 to ultimately become President and CEO of the largest, fastest growing electric cooperative in northern Indiana, until his first retirement in 1998.

 

James’ first retirement didn’t last long. In 1999, James became the initial President and CEO of the first energy cooperative in Massachusetts. Retirement once again called, but didn’t stick when James worked as a consultant to the CEO and Board of a large Texas electric cooperative. James retired for the third and final time in 2002 and moved back to Florida.

 

Board service called to James and SECO members agreed, voting him to represent their interests on SECO’s Board of Trustees in 2010. James also serves on the Board at Seminole Electric Cooperative, lending his experience and unique perspective to his former employer.

 

James was honored as an outstanding Pearl River Community College alumni and was inducted into the PRCC Lifetime Achievement Hall of Fame. James’ successful career and memorable achievements show him as a positive role model for future PRCC students.

 

James is proud to receive the PRCC Lifetime Achievement Award, stating “I was very humbled to receive an award like this. Pearl River set a pattern. I’ve been a big supporter of the community college for years and credit them as the foundation of my education.”

 

James also encourages students to never stop learning. “People graduating from college today have to be thirsty learners…because the world is changing at a tremendous pace.”

 

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

SECO Celebrates 2017 Scholarship Awardees

SECO Energy celebrated its 2017 SECO Scholarship program with a reception for the scholarship awardees and their families at its headquarters in Sumterville Monday evening. Twelve graduating high school seniors, who live in a home served by SECO, were awarded for their scholarly pursuits with a $3,000 scholarship to the university of their choice. All of the students have plans to attend a university in The Sunshine State.

 

SECO is proud to introduce its 2017 class of scholarship awardees who hail from Citrus, Lake, Marion and Sumter Counties:

 

  •   Karla Michell DeAnda – North Marion High School – Marion County
  •   Amy Michele Folker – The Villages Charter High School – Sumter County
  •   Jordan Gangi – Lecanto High School – Citrus County
  •   Macey Marie Graham – Umatilla High School – Lake County
  •   Garret Thomas Heussner – Belleview High School – Marion County
  •   Summer Noel Hotz – Real Life Christian Academy – Lake County
  •   Daniel McNair – North Marion High School – Marion County
  •   Joaquin Isaiah Negron – The Villages Charter High School – Sumter County
  •   Sarah Rose O’Neill – Tavares High School – Lake County
  •   Hannah Lea Pendleton – Citrus High School – Citrus County
  •   Robert Reed – Dunnellon High School – Marion County
  •   Mikkala Shea Supancic – West Port High School – Marion County

 

SECO Celebrates 2017 Scholarship Awardees group picture

 

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO is guided by the seven cooperative principles. Its scholarship program encompasses two of these principles – Concern for Community and Education, Training and Information. Providing financial support to local, young scholars beginning their education, prepares them as future potential SECO employees and community leaders.

 

Ray Vick, SECO’s Board of Trustees President stated, “I am very impressed with SECO’s 2017 scholarship awardees achievements. These young men and women are bright, ambitious and a credit to their communities. On behalf of myself and the Board, I wish them the very best as they begin fulfilling their dreams.”

 

Jim Duncan, CEO agrees, “SECO’s 2017 scholarship group is impressive. I hope some of the latest crop of scholarship awardees contact SECO after graduation or during their summer break for employment and internship opportunities. This summer, one of our 2016 scholarship winners, Megan Elliott, is returning to her hometown and interning in SECO’s Operations department. SECO is a centrally located, regional utility that offers high-paying careers along with an exceptional benefits package.”

 

Learn more about SECO’s scholarship program and additional community outreach programs. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

Special Olympics Run Starts at SECO

On Wednesday morning, SECO Energy’s employees enthusiastically greeted participants of the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. Sumter County’s leg of the torch run started at SECO’s headquarters in Sumterville, FL for the second consecutive year.

 

Various branches of law enforcement officers throughout the county jumped on bicycles to trek 11 miles from SECO to SCARC Inc., a group home in Bushnell for the disabled. Major Steve Binegar from the Sumter County Sheriff’s office had the privilege of carrying the flamed torch.

 

Special Olympics Run Starts at SECO - SECO’s employees took a quick photo with law enforcement

 

SECO’s Vice President of Corporate Services & Human Resources Gregg Morrell stated, “SECO Energy, its Board of Trustees and our employees strongly support all levels of law enforcement and hosting this great cause was an honor. Employees enjoyed cheering the runners and bikers on as they geared up to carry the torch through Sumter County’s leg of the Torch Run. We look forward to participating again next year.”

 

For decades, over 5,000 officers from more than 300 Florida law enforcement agencies carry the torch on a 1,500-mile relay through all 67 counties in Florida. The state’s “Final Leg” of the Torch Run opens the State of Florida’s Special Olympics Summer Games on Friday, May 19, at Disney ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista.

 

Special Olympics Run Starts at SECO - Major Steve Binegar of Sumter County Sheriff’s office trekked off with the flame of hope torch for Sumter County’s leg of 1,500-mile relay across 67 counties in Florida.

 

Visit SECO’s Community page to learn more about our community outreach programs. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

SECO Joins Earthfest at Arbor Day in Ocala

SECO Energy’s Vegetation Management team participated in the City of Ocala’s Earthfest at Arbor Day in the Great Outdoors on Saturday, April 22, at Tuscawilla Park in Ocala.

 

Hundreds of guest visited Tuscawilla Park in downtown Ocala, to enjoy the lovely spring weather and visit with vendors and participants in celebration of Earth Day and Arbor Day. Visitors to SECO Energy’s booth took home over 125 free trees, lots of additional give-aways and the children enjoyed the face painting.

 

SECO’s Vegetation Management team of certified arborists, who have been specially trained in all aspects of arboriculture, were on-hand to lend advice to the new tree owners. SECO’s arborists shared proper tree planting, pruning, and long-term care and maintenance advice for specific tree species. Arborists also answered additional tree-related questions and advised planters where to best plant their new trees to save on energy costs.

 

In April, SECO was pleased to announce that the utility was once again recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree Line USA Utility. This is the tenth year SECO has earned the honor of this designation.

 

John LaSelva, SECO’s Vice President of Operations stated, “I hope all who visited the SECO team at Earthfest at Arbor Day enjoyed the face painting, prizes and free trees. SECO is proud to share its tree-related knowledge with the public to promote greener landscapes. Would you like to save energy and lower your monthly energy costs? Consider planting trees. Trees not only beautify outdoor spaces and provide cleaner air – they are also a simple energy-efficiency tool. Trees planted near your home offer shade during the summer, resulting in lower energy costs.”

 

Learn more about tree-line safety, how trees can save energy and planting the right tree in the right place on our website. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.