Log in | Register |
StormCenter logo

Archive

Category: Press Releases

Sparking Interest in Energy Industry Careers

SECO Energy is participating in job fairs in Central Florida, helping to spark an interest in the energy industry for young students and current job seekers in the area.

 

On January 12, representatives from SECO’s Human Resources and Information Technology departments attended the Youth Career Expo at On Top of the World’s Circle Square Cultural Center in Ocala. Career Source of Citrus, Levy and Marion worked with the Marion County School District to introduce middle school students to an assortment of careers available in Marion County. Many careers available at SECO require a solid “S.T.E.M.” (science, technology, engineering and math) background.

Meagan and Rina at the job fair

 

SECO team members from Human Resources and Operations personnel attended the Construction Trades Job Fair at Wildwood Middle-High School sponsored by Compass HRM on Saturday, January 14. The job fair was attended by job seekers who live in or near Lake County who want to learn more about open positions in the area. Florida Governor Rick Scott also made an appearance at the job fair. Governor Scott is spreading the word that Florida is hiring and is open for business.

Governor Scott, Todd and Rina

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “SECO is hiring and our Human Resources group is actively recruiting at job fairs in Central Florida. We are a regional utility serving members in seven counties in Central Florida. The commute from Tampa, Orlando, Daytona, Ocala and surrounding areas to our headquarters in Sumter County is only about an hour.”

 

Duncan added, “By attending job fairs geared for students, we are presenting students with information they need to make career plans. We want to attract current students to the energy industry for future employment. And we want them to know there are stable, well-paying jobs, with benefits, right here in their Central Florida hometowns.”

 

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

Students Vie for $36,000 in SECO Scholarships

Annually, SECO Energy offers graduating high school seniors, who reside in its service area, the chance to compete for a $3,000 college scholarship.

 

Once again, SECO’s Board of Trustees has approved up to $36,000 in scholarships for twelve deserving high school seniors. For over 20 years, SECO Energy has awarded more than $500,000 in scholarships. As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO is proud to have a hand in launching hundreds of young scholars on their path to a college education.

 

To be eligible, student must:

 

  • Reside in a home served by SECO.
  • Graduate high school by the end of the current school year.
  • Provide proof of acceptance to an accredited college, university or vocational/technical school by the end of 2017.
  • Plan to be enrolled as a full-time college student.

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “Concern for Community is a key cooperative principle and what better way to connect with the communities we serve than through scholarship awards. SECO helps young citizens embark on their college careers and lightens the financial load for their parents who are our members. I hope they bring their new-found knowledge and skills back to the area and seek future employment with SECO.”

 

Board of Trustees President Ray Vick, stated, “I have served on SECO’s Board of Trustees for over 35 years, and I am so happy to have a hand in continuing SECO’s scholarship program for the last 20 years. On behalf of the entire Board, we are very proud of SECO’s community outreach programs and its strong corporate citizenship ties to the communities it serves.”

 

An independent panel of educators from SECO’s service territory evaluates all applicants and selects each year’s winners. Scholarship selections are based on past and present achievements in school, community service, financial need and scholastic records.

 

The scholarship application period begins January 1, 2017. Applications will be available at SECO’s five Member Service Centers in Lake, Sumter, Marion and Citrus counties, area high school guidance offices, at the SECO corporate offices in Sumterville and online.

 

To be considered, completed applications must be received no later than 5 p.m. on March 31, 2017. Applications can be dropped off at any SECO Member Service Center or mailed to:

 

SECO Energy

Attn: Youth Scholarship

330 South Hwy 301

Sumterville, FL  33585-0301

 

Winners will be notified by phone or mail on or about April 28, 2017. For additional questions, visit SECO’s scholarship page or call Eneida Robaina at (352) 569-9561.

 

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

New Year, New Chance to Win with New ENERGY ESTIMATOR

SECO Energy introduces its newest online energy efficiency tool – just in time to make New Year’s resolutions that count. The Energy Estimator helps members resolve to save energy and lower their monthly energy bills in 2017.

 

The Energy Estimator is a usage calculator based on SECO’s current residential rate with the Power Cost Adjustment (PCA) credit factored in. The Estimator helps members understand the amount of energy and costs that appliances, lighting, electronics, tools, etc. use in their home. The Estimator calculates your monthly refrigeration costs, the price for each load of laundry, the annual amount of energy your oven uses and more.

 

After submitting their data inputs to SECO, within minutes members will receive an email comparing their usage to the average Central Florida household, along with specific tips to save energy and money.

 

SECO has three great prizes up for grabs for members who explore the Energy Estimator and increase their energy efficiency IQ. After the member completes the Energy Estimator, his/her name will be entered into a random drawing to win a $300 bill credit, a large package of energy efficiency tool that includes a $100 Lowe’s gift card or a programmable Wi-Fi thermostat.

 

Winners will be notified via email on February 16, 2017. Members must explore the Energy Estimator and submit their data input by February 15 to be eligible to win. Make a resolution to reduce your energy usage and lower your energy bill this year. Take SECO’s Energy Estimator for a test drive.

 

For other chances to win electric bill credits and prizes, “like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter.

Tis the Season for Scammers

During the Christmas season, scammers believe that people are more vulnerable to falling for their tricks. SECO Energy is reminding members to be cautious of any person claiming to be from the utility whether in person or on the phone. Be especially cautious of demands for immediate payment.

 

SECO has numerous employees and contractors working in the field who come in contact with members on a regular basis. All SECO employees and contractors carry company-issued identification. Members should ask for identification or call SECO and verify an employee or contractor’s identity. Be extremely cautious of any person who is asking for entry into your home or business. SECO employees will not arrive to conduct an energy audit or conduct a solar assessment on a home without a pre-scheduled appointment.

 

Phone scams are also a concern. SECO members, residential and commercial, have reported receiving phone calls threatening disconnection of service unless payment is made immediately. Be warned, SECO does not call and demand credit card payment over the phone. SECO uses a robo-call system after hours to remind members of late payments. A SECO employee will never arrange for a member to meet them at an off-site location and demand a cash payment.

 

Kathryn Gloria, Vice President of Corporate Communications and Energy Services, stated, “Be extra wary of scams during the Christmas season. A scammer’s main objective is to make a quick buck. They are likely to leave the property or end a call quickly if they believe their scam will be exposed.”

 

Gloria adds, “Be alert and call SECO immediately if you want to verify the identity a SECO employee or contractor or if you are questioning the legitimacy of a phone call from SECO. If at any time you feel your safety is at risk, call 911 immediately.”

 

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

Trustees Attend Cooperative Solar Ribbon-Cutting

SECO Energy leaders and members of the Board of Trustees attended Seminole Electric’s ribbon-cutting event unveiling its Cooperative Solar Project. This Cooperative Solar Project is a 2.2-megawatt solar facility located in Hardee County, Florida.

 

The ceremony was presided over by Seminole Electric Cooperative’s CEO and General Manager, Lisa D. Johnson, and the President of its board of directors, Mr. William Hart. SECO Energy is a member-owner of Seminole Electric Cooperative as Seminole is SECO’s wholesale power provider.

 

During her remarks, Seminole CEO and General Manager Lisa Johnson highlighted the hard work of, and extensive collaboration between, personnel from Seminole, CoBank, Farm Credit Leasing and Radiance Solar, who together enable the construction of the renewable energy facility. Johnson noted, “Cooperative Solar, among other initiatives, has been one more way in which Seminole can secure our Members’ future while upholding cooperative values,” and continued, “we are careful about how we plan and use resources today, and we are working to embrace new resources for the future.”

 

The Trustees from SECO’s Board who attended the ribbon cutting are:

 

Robin Henion, Secretary/Treasurer District 7
Dillard Boyatt District 2
Richard Belles District 3
Richard Dennison District 4
Earl Muffett District 6
William James District 8

 

SECO Energy’s CEO, Jim Duncan stated, “Seminole’s Cooperative Solar Project is just that, a cooperative project between the nine-member owners of Seminole – one of which is SECO Energy. Cooperatives working together is a key Cooperative Principle. SECO is excited that Seminole is broadening its generation mix to include solar energy, allowing SECO to introduce its Solar Life program to members.”

 

SECO Energy is offering members exclusive access to its allocated share of the Seminole solar array – its program is called “Solar Life.” For a flat monthly fee of $32, members’ utility-supplied power cost will be offset by the monthly output of four panels of the 2.2-megawatt array.

 

With Solar Life, members can begin living a greener, hassle-free lifestyle that requires no upfront investment. Subscribe to Solar Life today.

 

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

SECO Employees Embrace Local Charities

During this Christmas season of giving, SECO Energy employees embraced local charities by donating generously to United Way and Toys for Tots. Concern for Community is a key cooperative principle that SECO employees embody when they enrich the lives of thousands in local communities through donations.

 

A program that improves the quality of life of millions of people all over the world is United Way. During SECO’s 2017 United Way campaign, employees opened their checkbooks and donated generously. SECO employees pledged $50,171 for local communities aided by United Way.

 

The pledge amounts per county are:

 

Lake and Sumter Counties – $27,132
Marion County – $13,055
Citrus County – $5,876
Other counties – $4,108

 

SECO found the holiday spirit early by participating in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. The Toys for Tots mission is to collect new, unwrapped toys and distribute the toys collected as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community in which the campaign is located.

 

As a Toys for Tots drop-off location, SECO employees collected hundreds of toys to make local children’s holiday special this year. Many SECO members also stopped by and dropped off gifts for this worthy cause.

 

Jim Duncan, CEO, stated, “As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO believes in supporting local charities such as United Way and Toys for Tots. Generating pledges of over $50,000 for local communities is a testament to the generosity of the employees here at SECO. And hundreds of children will wake up to Christmas presents under the tree, thanks to our employees and members.”

 

SECO’s United Way and Toys for Tots emcee, Kathy Judkins, Deputy Director of Civic, Charitable and Government Affairs, is delighted by the generosity of SECO employees. Judkins stated, “The donated toys will bring smiles to many local children in need this holiday season. A big thank you to the entire SECO team for their generosity during our season of giving.”

 

Learn more about United Way and its impact on local communities. Visit Toys for Tots online to learn more about helping local children. More information about SECO’s community outreach programs is available online.

 

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

 

 

Trustee Completes Advanced Education Certificate

SECO Energy congratulates District Four Trustee, Richard Dennison of Ocala, for earning his Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD) Certificate.  Mr. Dennison became a SECO member in 1999 and began his Board service in 2015.

 

The CCD courses, provided by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), are designed to provide cooperative board members with knowledge on basic governance and the essential skills needed for a cooperative director.  SECO’s Board of Trustees use this knowledge to guide the fiduciary duties of the board and to serve as elected officials on behalf of SECO’s membership.

 

Ray Vick, Board of Trustees President, stated, “Education, Training and Information is a key cooperative principle and I applaud Mr. Dennison’s efforts to learn more about electric cooperative governance and cooperatives themselves.  As a Board member, Mr. Dennison provides oversight and sound financial judgment that is instrumental in SECO’s continuing success.  I am proud of the commitment Mr. Dennison has made to SECO’s Board of Trustees and to its members.”

 

Mr. Dennison enjoys his role as a SECO Energy Trustee, “It is a pleasure to serve as a SECO Trustee and be a voice and a representative for its members.  The energy industry is changing and by continuing my education, I can keep abreast of industry advancements and continue to work for our members.”

 

SECO’s Board of Trustees, CEO and senior leadership celebrated Mr. Dennison’s accomplishment during its November Board Meeting.

 

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

Scammers Target Business Owners in The Villages

Just this week, several SECO members in The Villages recognized and reported scam phone calls.  SECO Energy is warning its members about scammers on the loose on the phone and in person in its service area.  Members have reported threatening phone calls from persons masquerading as SECO employees and employees of other utilities.  Small business owners in the area seem to be a prime target.

 

Owners receive a phone call, during business hours, from an individual claiming to be a representative of SECO.  The individual then threatens a service disconnection if the member does not pay immediately by credit card over the phone.  Scammers have even demanded owners meet with them at an off-site location and pay cash.

 

Please be advised: SECO will not call members – either residential or commercial – and demand credit card payment over the phone.  SECO uses an automated robo-call phone call system after hours to remind members of late payments.  A live person will never call and harass a SECO member for immediate payment.

 

Kathryn Gloria, Vice President of Corporate Communications and Energy Services, cautions members to be wary of payment demands.  “Scammers can be sophisticated thieves – they use threatening language to create a sense of urgency in their victims.  Scammers choose their victims carefully, they call businesses during busy times, looking for a distracted person who may fall for their scheme.”

 

Gloria adds, “Above all, be cautious about sharing personal information with callers or making utility payments over the phone.  If you receive a phone call and question its legitimacy, hang up immediately and call SECO.”

 

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

SECO Earns Capital Credits from Gresco

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

SECO Earns Capital Credits from Gresco, $52.4 Million

 

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

 

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

 

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

SECO Extends Gratitude to Hurricane Matthew Partners

In early October, Hurricane Matthew – an extremely powerful Category 3 hurricane – traveled north along Florida’s east coast bringing strong winds and rain gusts to SECO Energy’s service area. SECO enacted its emergency restoration plan to prepare for and recover from Hurricane Matthew successfully – due in part to the assistance from additional contractors and vendors. Their speedy response and willingness to help were truly awe-inspiring.

 

 

SECO proactively organized an army of additional line crews, tree contractors and hospitality-related vendors to aid in its restoration efforts before, during and after Hurricane Matthew. It took an immense collaborative effort to restore power to over 28,000 SECO members in under 36 hours. The average outage was only 129 minutes. SECO members would have been without power for much longer without the willingness and dedication of its employees, contractors and vendors.

 

SECO Energy CEO Jim Duncan stated, “Florida’s Governor, Rick Scott, was engaged and encouraging before, during and after the event. SECO appreciates the thousands of hard working utility workers who joined forces to restore power to millions of Floridians. Without question, SECO is Storm Ready and willing to lend a hand to assist our fellow cooperatives, as well as state municipal and investor-owned utilities during times of crisis.”

 

Members can “like” SECO Energy’s Facebook page and “follow” the company on Twitter for cooperative updates and the latest news releases.