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Tropical Depression #9 Tracking to Florida

National Hurricane Center has upgraded Invest 99 to Tropical Depression #9 (TD#9). As of Monday morning, the storm is currently located 25 to 35 miles northwest of Havana, Cuba and 100 miles southwest of Key West, Florida. Tropical Depression #9 is expected to track west to west-northwest and into the southeastern Gulf of Mexico through Monday.

 

This system is expected to strengthen and organize into a tropical storm as it moves into the warmer waters of the Gulf on Tuesday and Wednesday. On Thursday, this system is forecasted to turn northeastward and then eastward – landfall is projected in the Florida Panhandle by most models.

 

The forecast above is based on the NHC projections for the state. SECO’s service area specifically, will likely experience heavy rainfall, sustained winds upward of 40 mph and periods of stronger gusts, especially on Thursday and Friday. Members can expect tree-caused outages due to the wind and rain.

 

SECO is Storm Ready. Our locally-based customer service staff is ready and available to respond to member inquiries in person, by phone or online. SECO’s Operations leadership directs the SECO cavalry 24 hours a day, seven days a week – each truck is equipped to respond to member concerns or service interruptions in the field quickly and safely. Additional Operations personnel are staged to respond quickly this week. Members should ensure their smartphones/tablets are charged and report outages online through Storm Center.

 

SECO has provided an emergency checklist for members on the Storm Preparation section of our website.

 

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO is dedicated to being its members’ first source for accurate storm information. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” the company on Twitter to stay updated about storms affecting your area. For members who rely on back-up generators during storm season, remember to read and follow all manufacturer’s safety warnings. Learn more about generator safety here.

INVEST UPGRADED TO TROPICAL DEPRESSION TRACKING FOR FLORIDA

At 5 p.m. on Sunday, National Hurricane Center upgraded Invest 99 to Tropical Depression #9 (TD#9). The storm is currently located in the Florida Straits between Cuba and the Keys. Wind speed is 35 mph and the storm is moving west at 9 mph. The NHC is projecting movement to the west and then a turn to the north or northeast over the next few days. The models are projecting that the storm will eventually move north and either make a hard turn into Florida or move into the Florida Panhandle. Please see the hyperlinks or the attached graphic as a reference.

 

The forecast above is based on the NHC projections for the state. For SECO’s service area specifically, the cooperative is estimating that a turn to the north and east may begin Tuesday, with a Thursday evening landfall in the Panhandle – but that is an estimate. Regardless of exact landfall location, SECO’s service area will likely experience 35 to 40 mph wind gusts on Thursday and Friday. Heavy rain will be possible all week and especially on Thursday and Friday. Members can expect tree-caused outages due to the wind and rain.

 

SECO is Storm Ready. Our locally-based customer service staff is ready and available to respond to member inquiries in person, by phone or online. SECO’s System Operations directs the SECO cavalry 24 hours a day, seven days a week – each truck is equipped to respond to member concerns or service interruptions in the field quickly and safely. Additional operations personnel are staged to respond quickly. Members should ensure their smartphones/tablets are charged and report outages online through Storm Center.

 

SECO Energy, INVEST UPGRADED TO TROPICAL DEPRESSION TRACKING FOR FLORIDA, storm models

 

SECO has provided an emergency checklist for members here.

 

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO is dedicated to being its members’ first source for accurate storm information. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” the company on Twitter to stay updated about storms affecting your area. For members who rely on back-up generators during storm season, remember to read and follow all manufacturer’s safety warnings. Visit SECO’s website to learn more about generator safety.

SUNDAY UPDATE-INVEST MODELS SHOW FL SWING

SUNDAY WEATHER UPDATE – the models have changed

This morning’s forecast and models  of the system we’ve been watching show that the projected track has changed. The models are split now –  some showing the system turning NW after entering the Gulf and moving across Central and Northern Florida.  The NHC forecast states that gusty winds and heavy rainfall will hit South Florida and The Keys later today.  The NHC warns that the central and northern Florida and the eastern Gulf areas should monitor the disturbance.  A NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft is scheduled to investigate the system this afternoon.  We will send out another update after that.
SECO is Storm Ready. Our locally-based customer service staff is ready and available to respond to member inquiries in person, by phone or online. SECO’s System Operations directs the SECO cavalry 24 hours a day, seven days a week – each truck is equipped to respond to member concerns or service interruptions in the field quickly and safely.  Members should ensure their smartphones/tablets are charged and report outages online through Storm Center.

 

SECO is urging members to always be prepared. View our emergency checklist. As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO is dedicated to being its members’ first source for accurate storm information. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” the company on Twitter to stay updated about storms affecting your area.

 

For members who rely on back-up generators during storm season, remember to read and follow all manufacturer’s safety warnings.Learn more about generator safety here.

SECO Monitoring Atlantic Storms

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the most active period in the Atlantic Hurricane season begins in mid-August and ends in mid-October. SECO Energy continues to monitor tropical depression Invest 99 and the possibility it could make landfall in Florida early next week.

 

As of late Thursday afternoon, tropical wave Invest 99 is an unorganized, broad area of low pressure moving westward at 15 to 20 mph through the southeastern Bahamas. Winds associated with the system have decreased to below tropical storm strength.

 

Spaghetti models are predicting possible landfall in southern Florida or continue into the southeastern Gulf of Mexico. If conditions are favorable, the depression could strengthen and become Hurricane Hermine as early as Friday. At that point, the storm could pick up steam and make landfall again somewhere on Florida’s west coast. This system could bring heavy rain and winds to SECO’s service area early next week.

 

Even though it is too early to predict when and how Central Florida will be affected, SECO is urging members to make preparations in advance. SECO has provided an emergency checklist for members on our website.

 

Kathryn Gloria, Vice President of Corporate Communications and Energy Services stated, “It has been 11 years since Hurricane Wilma made landfall in Florida, and members may feel confident that Florida will continue to be lucky and larger storms will pass us by. Emergency supplies sell out quickly when storm watches and warnings go into effect, gather your supplies beforehand. I urge all SECO members to prepare for the possibility of increased storm activity during this peak time.”

 

SECO Stands Storm Ready

 

SECO is Storm Ready. Our locally-based customer service staff is ready and available to respond to member inquiries in person, by phone or online. SECO’s System Operations directs the SECO cavalry 24 hours a day, seven days a week – each truck is equipped to respond to member concerns or service interruptions in the field quickly and safely.

 

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” us on Twitter to stay updated about storms affecting our area.

 

For members who rely on back-up generators during storm season, remember to read and follow all manufacturer’s safety warnings. Visit our website to learn more about generator safety.

Hackers, scammers and thieves – at your door

In today’s fast-paced world of hackers, scammers and thieves, SECO Energy members must be vigilant to protect themselves, their property and their financial information. If someone calls you or comes to your door and requests access or payment, protect yourself. Hang up on the caller and above all, don’t allow an unidentified person access to your home. Call 911 if someone suspicious comes to your door without identification and a vehicle with company signage.

 

SECO Energy, New Fleet Look

 

All SECO vehicles display prominent signage. Our fleet vehicles have refreshed branding with larger logos so you can better recognize us when we are working in your area. Our contractors display their company logos with a SECO Energy contractor signage as well. Keep in mind that SECO contractors include meter readers, surge protection installers, tree trimming crews and construction/maintenance contractors, so there are a variety of legitimate reasons for SECO to be in your area.  Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have a question or concern.  If you feel you are in danger, immediately call 911.

 

SECO Energy, New Fleet Look

 

Energy Efficiency Sparks for Sorrento Elementary

While summer school was still in session, SECO Energy Services Specialist Dustin Merritt introduced energy efficiency basics to students in Sorrento. As an energy efficiency expert, Dustin covered the simple ways kids can help their parents save energy at the home.

 

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO Energy is committed to educating the youngest members within the communities it serves about energy efficiency and renewable energy sources. SECO’s “Kids and Energy” presentation teaches elementary-age students about renewable types of energy such as solar, wind, water and biomass power. Students also learn ways they can be energy efficient at home. They test their new found knowledge with an interactive quiz at the end of the presentation and take home energy efficiency activity books, pencils and other small prizes.

 

Students as young as elementary age can increase energy efficiency in their homes by reminding parents to change older light bulbs to either the CFL or LED types and look for ENERGY STAR labels on light bulbs, electronics and appliances. Young children can be reminded to turn off lights in unused rooms, take shorter showers and keep doors and windows closed while the HVAC is running.

 

Dustin enjoys working with young students and stated, “The students I work with love this interactive presentation. Each child has their own personal “clicker” that allows them to answer the questions in the quiz. Kids this age are eager to learn and open to new ideas, this is the right age to begin teaching kids about saving energy and renewable energy. They want to be good stewards for the future. This generation will do more to be responsible with their energy consumption, to create less waste and invent new ways to become energy efficient.”

 

Are you interested in learning more about energy efficiency, renewable energy or electrical safety? SECO Energy offers a variety of speakers and presentations for groups of any age and size. Contact SECO to schedule a speaker and presentation. “Like” SECO Energy’s Facebook page and “follow” us on Twitter for cooperative updates and the latest news releases.

SECO Energy Welcomes New Villagers

SECO Energy representatives Melanie Hinde and J.D. Simmons joined The Villages Homeowner’s Association at their monthly Newcomer’s Meeting on Tuesday, July 12, at The Colony Recreation Center in The Villages.

 

Over 130 new Villagers were introduced to a variety of service providers, such as SECO, Villages clubs and advocacy groups available in their area. At the meeting, Villagers were treated to snacks, giveaways from vendors and the opportunity to win a 12-month supply of HVAC air filters, courtesy of SECO, and other door prizes.

 

Fred Briggs, VHA President, encouraged the new Villagers to join the VHA, which is 16,000 members strong and growing. The VHA’s mission is “To enhance the residents’ enjoyment and pride of community through compassion, advocacy and education.” Residents are encouraged to turn to the VHA for help with many issues facing senior citizens, such as scams, Medicare discrepancies and insurance claims.

 

Kathryn Gloria, Vice President of Corporate Communications and Energy Services stated, “SECO serves almost 200,000 members – 48,000 of those members live in The Villages. The Newcomer’s Meeting is an opportune time to introduce our not-for-profit electric cooperative, along with its benefits and services, to the newest residents in The Villages.”

 

SECO Energy members don’t have to be present at a VHA meeting to take advantage of the company’s benefits. Any member can visit our website’s Energy Solutions section to access our filter change program, giving members deep discounts and free delivery on HVAC and refrigerator filters.

 

To learn more about the VHA and find a future meeting, visit www.thevha.net SECO Energy has speakers and presentations available for groups of any age or size. To learn more about SECO’s community support or to request a speaker, visit www.secoenergy.com. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” the company on Twitter.

SECO Warns Pokémon Go Users to Play Safe

SECO Energy, is reminding Pokémon Go users to stay away from overhead power lines, transformers and substations. When collecting Pokémons in the popular virtual reality game, electrical safety rules still apply.

 

Users playing Pokémon Go, collect Pokémons in various public locations. Players use their phones to hunt for virtual Pokémons in the real world and then train, battle and capture other Pokémons.

 

Use caution when playing the game and don’t allow yourself to be drawn into a dangerous situation. Always assume any electric line is energized, Pokémons can appear anywhere, and some “electric” type characters may appear near electric equipment.

 

SECO Warns Pokémon Go Users to Play Safe

 

Important safety tips:

  • Stay away from all electric utility equipment, including lines, transformers, work sites and substations
  • Do not climb power poles
  • Report any downed power lines immediately and stay away
  • Do not allow children to play near lines, including climbing trees or flying kites near overhead power lines

 

A special warning is issued to parents, children playing the game may not be aware of the dangers of electricity. When playing Pokémon Go, or playing in general, urge children to never play near electric equipment.

 

Visit our Electrical Safety page to learn more  and, “like” us on Facebook and “follow” us on Twitter.

J.D. Power Ranks SECO Energy Highest

SECO Energy, a not-for-profit electric cooperative serving seven counties in Central Florida, ranks highest in customer satisfaction among all electric cooperatives nationally according to the J.D. Power Electric Utility Residential Customer Satisfaction Study released today.

 

This is the second J.D. Power award earned by the cooperative. In 2015, SECO Energy was ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Midsize Utilities in the South.” 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.

 

SECO Energy CEO Jim Duncan stated “I am awed and inspired by the hard work and commitment to member satisfaction displayed by our Board, leadership team and employees. Whether front line or behind-the-scenes, every SECO employee’s goal is to provide the best service possible to members. From restoring power outages quickly and safely in triple-digit heat to personal interactions through our website, via social media, on the phone and in the field, SECO employees go the extra mile for our members.”

 

J.D. Power Ranks SECO Energy Highest

 

Board of Trustees President, Ray Vick is equally as proud. “As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO is here for you, the member. Our employees are empowered to put members’ needs first. On behalf of the Board, I would like to congratulate the leaders and employees who touch members’ lives and make a difference in the communities we serve.”

 

Today, SECO Energy stands humbly as the electric cooperative with the highest customer satisfaction score in the nation. This year’s score of 769 in the cooperative segment is a 20-point increase over 2015’s score in the south regional among midsize providers. Electric cooperatives were placed in their own segment this year, and SECO is proud to be grouped with such tough competitors.

 

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

Elementary Students Learn About Electrical Safety

Gus Kornegay, Energy Services Specialist, presented SECO Energy’s “Kids and Electrical Safety” presentation to almost 200 elementary students at The Villages Charter Elementary School on Thursday, July 7.

 

“Kids and Electrical Safety” is a visual display that uses lights and sounds to demonstrate the dangers of electricity. Specifically designed for grade school students, children are encouraged to pay attention to the dangers of electricity in the home and while playing outside. Gus also advised the children to share their new-found knowledge with their parents.

 

Gus kept the children’s attention by displaying some of the personal protective gear utility workers wear when working with electricity. The children gathered close to get a good look at Gus’s hard hat, gloves, safety glasses and the fire retardant clothing he wears.

 

SECO Energy, Elementary Students Learn About Electrical Safety

 

As a father of three and a utility employee, Gus has a unique understanding of the risks electricity poses to children. “Our children may not realize how many times a day they, or their parents, are using electricity. Kids should be taught early to recognize the hazards of electricity. This knowledge could help keep them and their parents safe and may save their life.”

 

After the presentation, Gus answered the students’ questions and each child received a small gift courtesy of SECO. Commitment to community support and education are important focuses for a not-for-profit electric cooperative like SECO Energy, and the cooperative purpose differentiates the company from other electric providers in this area.

 

SECO Energy offers a variety of topics and speakers available for groups of any age and size. Are you a leader or member of a group or organization that would like to learn more about energy efficiency or electric safety? Contact SECO to request a speaker at www.secoenergy.com. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” SECO on Twitter for cooperative updates and news releases.