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Category: Press 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.

SECO Donates to Habitat for Humanity

SECO Energy is adding to the beauty of the urban forest and energizing the community by donating trees and shrubs to Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter. The collection of cypress trees, loropetalum bushes, bougainvillea and lily hybrids will be planted at various Habitat projects in Lake and Sumter counties.

 

SECO Energy is nationally recognized as a Tree Line USA utility by the National Arbor Day Foundation for nine years in a row. SECO achieved Tree Line USA by meeting five program standards. Utilities must follow industry standards for quality tree care; provide annual worker training in best tree-care practices; sponsor a tree-planting and public education program; maintain a tree-based energy conservation program; and participate in an Arbor Day celebration.

 

Ken Lacasse, Manager of System Reliability, explains that trees and utilities can co-exist in an urban landscape. “To get the most benefit from your trees, plant the right tree in the right place to save energy and keep it away from overhead lines. As a certified arborist, I recommend planting tall trees such as oaks and pines at least 70 feet away from overhead lines and low-growing trees such as azaleas and crape myrtles at least 15 feet from lines. Larger trees near the home will offer more shade, which will reduce cooling costs, and won’t interfere with power lines.”

 

SECO Energy Donates to Habitat for Humanity

 

SECO’s donation to Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter makes a difference in the communities it serves. Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter’s programs are designed to meet the needs of local communities. To learn more about Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter, visit www.habitatls.org.

 

To learn more about how trees can help consumers save energy, visit www.secoenergy.com. At SECO Energy’s website, consumers can find more information about planting the right tree in the right place and about SECO’s vegetation management program. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” SECO on Twitter for cooperative updates and news releases.

SECO Sponsors Community Action Luncheon

SECO Energy representatives attended the Central Florida Community Action Agency’s (CFCAA) Annual Awards Luncheon. As a Diamond level sponsor, SECO joined community leaders in honoring the CFCAA board members, staff and area residents who dedicate their time to enrich the lives of Alachua, Levy and Marion county residents.

 

City of Ocala Mayor Ken Guinn opened the program with praise for the CFCAA. Guinn stated, “It’s great to know this organization is here to help those in need.”

 

Caroone Rush, CFCAA Board Member and the audience recited, “The Promise of Community Action – Community action changes people’s lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities and makes America a better place to live. We care about the entire community, and we are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other.”

 

The entire audience was inspired by guest speaker Herman Washington’s personal story. Herman was named CFCAA’s “Self-Sufficiency Success Story” for 2016. A former troubled youth, Herman was determined to find the right path for him and his family. He received assistance through the CFCAA to attend barber school and now he is the owner of his own barber shop. Herman thanked the CFCAA, his wife and family, his pastor and his church family for their support.

 

Honorable Senior Judge Sandra E. Champ, keynote speaker spoke about the importance of elevating lives in a striving community. Champ said, “There are times individuals need elevating from homelessness, public housing and poverty to becoming self-sufficient and financially stable. Providing temporary assistance for individuals to become self-sufficient is how CFCAA elevates the community, one household at a time.”

 

CFCAA Chief Executive Officer, Charles J. Harris Jr., presented the Freddie L. Warmack Community Partner of the Year Awards to: Corey Harris, Executive Director – Neighborhood Housing & Development Corporation; Beverly Goodman, Manager – Tri-County Community Resource Center; and Ramona Williams, Customer Service Supervisor – City of Ocala Utility Services.

 

Harris closed the ceremony by thanking Judge Champ and the audience, as well as a final congratulation to all award recipients.

 

To learn more about SECO Energy’s commitment to community, visit www.secoenergy.com. SECO members can partner with SECO to help fellow members in need by rounding up their bill to the nearest dollar through its Pennies from Heaven program. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” SECO on Twitter for cooperative updates and news releases.

Tropical Storm Colin Update

Governor Scott has declared a state of emergency for SECO Energy’s service area as Tropical Storm Colin moves into the Central Florida area. A tropical storm warning has been issued for SECO’s entire service territory.

 

The National Hurricane Center forecast is showing Colin making landfall this evening near the Big Bend and Panhandle area. The impact may cause storm force winds of 39 mph up to 57 mph with possible tornadoes through early Tuesday morning.

 

Tropical Storm Colin poses a severe threat to the State of Florida and requires timely precautions. SECO members could see heavy rain and gusting winds as Colin move through the state. SECO members should visit www.secoenergy.com to receive updates and report outages.

 

Kathryn Gloria, Vice President of Corporate Communications and Energy Services is reminding members that SECO is Storm Ready for its members. “SECO is prepared for the almost daily afternoon storms that affect our service area and we are prepared for stronger storms as well. As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, we are 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 members.”

 

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 and preparing for storm season.

Tropical Storm Colin – Sunday evening update

The National Hurricane Center has upgraded the tropical depression to Tropical Storm Colin. The TS is now moving north at approximately 8 mph and is projected to make landfall in the Big Bend area of Florida. All models continue to focus on that area – see attached. This storm is lopsided with all the severe weather on the east side of the storm system and nothing on the west side. This means the worst rain and wind is on the side of the storm that will pass by or on top of SECO Energy.

The current track of TS Colin means that Citrus, Marion and Sumter Counties can expect the worst impact from the storm. Lake County will still see periods of rain and rain bands from TS Colin – just not as severe as the other SECO Energy counties. Since TS Colin is moving slow, it may be late on Monday before SECO sees the worst. The rain bands extend many miles to the east and north. The wind forecast for our area remains unchanged – sustained winds around 20 mph with stronger gusts in thunderstorms. SECO is STORM READY. Please be sure your phone is charged and that you bookmark our Storm Center link to report outages online.

Kathryn Gloria, Vice President of Corporate Communications and Energy Services is reminding members that SECO is Storm Ready for its members. “SECO is prepared for the almost daily afternoon storms that affect our service area and we are prepared for stronger storms as well. As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, we are 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 members.”

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 and preparing for storm season.

Don’t be a Safety Statistic

SECO Energy considers the safety of its employees its most important core value. SECO employees pay critical attention to electrical safety by wearing personal protective gear (PPE) and utilizing the latest safety standards and equipment.

 

Just as SECO Energy employees use specialized PPE to protect themselves while working with electricity, consumers should protect themselves from electrical hazards. Consumers use electricity daily to cook meals, cool our homes, power televisions and other electronic gadgets. Electricity may seem commonplace, but consumers need to remember that electricity can cause injuries such as burns and shocks, which can be fatal.

 

SECO Energy, Don’t be a Safety Statistic

 

Don’t be a safety statistic. The U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports there are more than 400 people electrocuted each year. Electricity is the cause of more than 140,000 fires with 4,000 injuries and 400 deaths and results in property damage of $1.6 billion. Electricity is also to blame for 300 workplace fatalities and approximately 4,000 injuries at work according to the National Safety Council.

 

Follow these top ten electrical safety tips so that you don’t become a safety statistic:

  1.  Before working near electric equipment, survey the work area for hazards
  2.  Always assume any overhead line is energized and dangerous
  3.  Report downed lines as soon as possible
  4.  Remain clear of downed power lines
  5. Keep ladders and equipment away from overhead lines
  6.  Repair appliances that smoke, spark or shock
  7.  Unplug appliances during cleaning or servicing
  8.  Replace frayed power or extension cords
  9.  Caution children to never play near underground transformer boxes or substations
  10.  If you are in a car accident involving downed wires, stay in the vehicle until help arrives

 

CEO Jim Duncan states, “SECO Energy employees are dedicated to safety and are acutely aware that our industry is dangerous. We don’t compromise safety standards, and we watch out for each other, our members and the general public.”

 

For more information about electrical safety visit SECO Energy’s Safety page at www.secoenergy.com. Are you a member or leader of a group who is interested in a presentation about electrical safety? SECO has speakers and presentations about electrical safety available for all age groups. Contact SECO online, or call 352-793-3801 to request a speaker for your group.

SECO Employees Raise $12,000 at Relay for Life

On Friday, April 29, SECO’s team of employee volunteers participated in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life Fundraiser for Sumter County. Relay for Life is the American Cancer Society’s signature event; and it raises donations that contribute to cancer research as well as providing support for cancer patients and their caregivers.

 

This year’s theme was “Stopping Cancer in its Tracks,” inspired by the iconic television show Soul Train. SECO team members and other volunteers boogied through the night and into the morning to represent their commitment to continue the fight against cancer. The SECO team’s fundraising efforts paid off. It raised over $12,000 for the American Cancer Society.

 

The SECO team danced to the DJ and brought the ‘70s back to life with bright lights, disco balls and psychedelic colors. SECO Energy’s Service Center Manager Donna Etts and Accounting Analyst Tanya Mikeals wore the grooviest costumes of the night and won the ‘70s themed costume contest.

 

SECO Energy Employees Raise $12,000 at Relay for Life

 

The SECO team members took turns walking or running laps to remind the community that cancer never sleeps. At the event, SECO team members walked special laps dedicated to cancer survivors and patient caregivers. A quiet memorial lap was walked in honor of loved ones who have lost their cancer fight. The memorial lap is particularly moving to many SECO team members.

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO supports the communities it serves through strong corporate citizenship efforts. SECO employees embody the cooperative spirit by playing an active role in the communities where they live through volunteering and monetary donations. SECO employees make a difference in their communities every day.”

 

For more information about SECO Energy and its corporate citizenship, visit www.secoenergy.com.