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SECO Energy Reaches Significant Safety Achievement of One Million Safe Work Hours

SECO Energy proudly announces the Cooperative’s team of over 400 employees has collectively worked over one million hours safely. This significant achievement demonstrates the dedication to ensuring the safety of SECO Energy’s employees, members, and the general public.

 

Working in the electrical industry inherently involves various risks, including, but not limited to, those associated with overhead transmission and distribution, underground lines, substations, electrical testing, tree trimming, operating equipment, vehicles, and other machinery.

 

“At SECO Energy, Safety is our very first Core Value and adherence to safety protocols is not merely a requirement but a fundamental aspect of our culture that is important to our employees,” stated Curtis Wynn, SECO Energy’s CEO. “Employees regularly undergo extensive training and are encouraged to identify and report potential hazards proactively.”

 

To assist in overseeing safety initiatives, SECO Energy has a Joint Safety Committee comprised of representatives from multiple departments and levels of the Cooperative. Collaboratively, the committee identifies hazards, develops protocols, and implements measures to mitigate risks, ensuring safety remains a paramount concern across our operations, including general office safety.

 

In an effort to promote a unified approach to safety among employees, the Joint Safety Committee recently selected the slogan “One SECO, One Way; Safety First, Day by Day,” proposed by Donna Etts, SECO Energy’s Manager of Member Services, as this year’s safety slogan. This slogan symbolizes SECO Energy’s collective commitment to prioritizing safety. It will serve as a reminder as the Cooperative continues to move forward, upholding the highest safety standards.

 

SECO Energy’s achievement of one million safe work hours reflects not only its dedication to maintaining a safe work environment but also its proactive approach toward fostering a culture of safety that permeates every aspect of the Cooperative’s operations.

 

“Like” SECO Energy on Facebook and follow @SECOEnergy on Twitter for prize drawings, news releases, and severe weather alerts affecting SECO Energy’s service territory. Manage your outage notification preferences at StormCenter. To see when SECO Energy crews/contractors are working in your area, visit our new System Improvement Map. To learn more about SECO Energy as a not-for-profit cooperative, visit About SECO Energy.

SECO Energy District 8 Members Elect New Trustee Martin Proctor

SECO Energy members residing in District 8 elected Martin E. Proctor as their representative to serve on SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees. The meeting and election were held within the District at First Baptist Church of Leesburg South Campus on February 13, 2024. 

 

SECO Energy is a not-for-profit electric cooperative, operated for and owned by its members. SECO’s service area is geographically divided into nine Districts. One Trustee is elected from each of the nine Districts to represent their fellow members on SECO’s nine-member Board of Trustees. Collectively, the Board represents the SECO membership, meeting monthly to monitor the financial status of the cooperative while providing fiduciary oversight and participating in policy decisions that serve the best interests of the membership at large. 

 

The election was a contested ballot with two candidates, Mr. Martin Proctor, and Mr. Anthony Grove. As the newly elected Trustee, Mr. Proctor will assume the seat held since 2010 by William James, who is retiring from the Board of Trustees. Mr. Proctor will hold the Trustee position for a 3-year term. SECO’s Bylaws currently require that the cooperative hold District Meetings every three years at which time elections are held to determine representation for the district on the SECO Energy Board of Trustees. Florida Statute requires SECO to hold in-person elections, therefore, the cooperative continues to hold District Meetings as a means of electing Trustees. A drive-thru voting option was available for members for added convenience and to encourage participation. 

 

A SECO Energy Foundation Board Vice President since 2023, Mr. Proctor is a District 1 Board Member of the Lake County Water Authority and is active with the Groveland Planning and Zoning. He is a graduate of Purdue University and holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering. He lives on Lake Emma, part of Palatlakaha Creek, with his wife of over 35 years. 

 

District 8 2024 Election photo

After the meeting, Mr. Proctor was congratulated by Board Trustee and President Gerald Anderson and SECO Energy CEO Curtis Wynn. Proctor is grateful for the opportunity to serve his community in a new capacity, stating, “I want to thank my fellow District 8 friends and neighbors who attended the meeting and election. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve on the SECO Energy Board of Trustees and expect to learn as much about the cooperative and industry as possible. Mr. James has served this District well; he mentored me and nominated me to the SECO Energy Foundation Board. This new role will increase my knowledge of the energy industry and cooperative, not-for-profit business model. I am excited for the challenge and the ability to work with and build communication with my future Board peers.”

 

Board Trustee Anderson added, “The Board of Trustees will look back fondly on the contributions of Mr. Bill James, and with the addition of a new Trustee we all have a duty to assist with his introduction to the industry so he can be equipped with the best tools to make a positive impact. I know our veteran Trustees will work shoulder to shoulder with Mr. Proctor to advance his familiarity with SECO’s unique processes, objectives and challenges ahead.” 

 

SECO Energy CEO, Curtis Wynn also paid tribute to Mr. James and then welcomed Mr. Proctor, adding, “Mr. James has been a steadfast Trustee who has been a valued contributor. His dedication to SECO is admirable and respected by us all. Mr. Proctor comes with an impressive history of community service, not the least of which was his appointment as a founding SECO Energy Foundation Board Member. This experience, though relatively brief, will ease the transition into his new role as a Trustee with SECO Energy. We look forward to his future contributions and dedication to support SECO Energy.” 

 

“Like” SECO Energy on Facebook and follow @SECOEnergy on Twitter for prize drawings, news releases, and severe weather alerts affecting SECO Energy’s service territory. Manage your outage notification preferences at StormCenter. To see when SECO Energy crews/contractors are working in your area, visit our new System Improvement Map. To learn more about SECO Energy as a not-for-profit cooperative, visit About SECO Energy.

SECO Energy Announces 2024 Youth Scholarship Program

SECO Energy is committed to empowering the community through initiatives like the Youth Scholarship Program. This year, the SECO Energy Board of Trustees approved $36,000 in scholarships for up to twelve exceptional high school seniors who live in SECO’s service area to be awarded $3,000 each.  

  

Fostering Local Talent for the Energy Sector   

As the labor pool in the energy industry narrows, the need to cultivate and retain local talent becomes even more crucial. That is why SECO Energy is seeking applicants who stand out in math and science and are keen on forging a career in energy-related fields. Whether it is technology, business, engineering, or mathematics, we support students with a passion for powering the future.  

  

Eligibility Criteria 

Applicants will be evaluated without any discrimination based on sex, race, creed, or color.  

  

Eligible candidates must graduate from high school by the end of the 2023-2024 academic year (May/June) and enroll in a Florida-based college, university, or technical school by the conclusion of the same year.  

  

Special emphasis will be given to those aiming for degrees in technology, business, engineering, or mathematics, especially as they relate to the energy sector. Relevant majors include computer science, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, chemical, nuclear, environmental, civil, agricultural/biological, industrial, materials science and various branches of mathematics.  

  

Applicants must reside in a household served by SECO Energy or live with a parent or legal guardian who is an active SECO Energy member.  

  

Demonstrable financial need and adherence to all other eligibility criteria are essential.  

 

“Two of our deeply held Cooperative Principles are Concern for Community and Education, Training and Information. Our local students display immeasurable talents, and these scholars are poised to become assets to their communities through their future employment. We look forward to helping these students ease the financial burden associated with pursuing higher education,” SECO Energy CEO Curtis Wynn said.   

 

Evaluation Process 

When assessing applicants, SECO Energy will weigh factors such as the relevance of the candidate’s major to the energy industry, financial need, academic accomplishments, community engagement, and the quality of the personal statement or essay. Please note that the evaluation process is conclusive, and no appeals or feedback regarding the scoring will be entertained.  

  

Application Details  

Applications for the 2024 Youth Scholarship Program are available online at SECOEnergy.com > Your Co-op > Scholarships. To be considered, completed applications must be submitted to SECO Energy by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, April 1, 2024. For inquiries regarding SECO Energy’s 2024 Scholarship Program, please reach out to our Communications team via email at communications@secoenergy.com.  

 

We eagerly await the opportunity to learn about the ambitions and achievements of this year’s applicants. Best wishes to all!  

 

“Like” SECO Energy on Facebook and follow @SECOEnergy on Twitter for prize drawings, news releases, and severe weather alerts affecting SECO Energy’s service territory. Manage your outage notification preferences at StormCenter. To see when SECO Energy crews/contractors are working in your area, visit our new System Improvement Map. To learn more about SECO Energy as a not-for-profit cooperative, visit About SECO Energy. 

SECO Energy District 9 Members Re-Elect Trustee Morgan Hatfield

SECO Energy members who reside in District 9 re-elected Morgan Hatfield as the District 9 Trustee to serve on SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees. The District 9 Meeting was held within the District on January 30 at Spring Creek Elementary School in Paisley.

 

SECO Energy is a not-for-profit electric cooperative operated for and owned by its members. SECO’s service area is geographically divided into nine Districts. One Trustee is elected from each of the nine Districts to represent their fellow members on SECO’s nine-member Board of Trustees. Collectively, the Board represents the SECO membership, meeting monthly to monitor the cooperative’s financial status while providing fiduciary oversight and participating in policy decisions that serve the best interests of the membership at large.

 

The District 9 election was uncontested, with Ms. Hatfield retaining the seat for another 3-year term. SECO’s Bylaws require that the cooperative hold District Meetings. Subsequently, Florida Statute requires SECO to hold in-person elections. A drive-thru voting option was available for members for added convenience and to encourage participation.

 

A SECO member since 2019, Ms. Hatfield currently holds the position of Secretary/Treasurer for the Board of Trustees. She attained the Director Gold credential, which is the highest level of achievement through the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). Trustee Hatfield earned a degree in Finance from UCF and is a Senior Wealth Advisor/Partner of Ruggie Wealth Management.

 

Ms. Hatfield shared with the District 9 audience, “I want to thank all District 9 members for attending and showing your interest in participating as SECO members. I am eager to continue working with my fellow Board of Trustees and doing our best to serve our members with an outstanding product supported by industry-leading service.”

 

Board President Gerald Anderson stated, “Congratulations, Ms. Hatfield, on your re-election as District 9 Trustee. I am grateful to the District 9 members who attended the Meeting and participated in our cooperative’s governance process. On behalf of our fellow Board members and peers, we are excited to support SECO Energy’s Mission and Vision through our Board service.”

 

Curtis Wynn CEO stated, “The Board of Trustees and the SECO Energy membership are grateful to all Trustees who give generously of their time and experience. We are very happy to have Ms. Hatfield continue with her leadership and strong contributions to the success of SECO Energy in her role as a Board Trustee and her expanded responsibilities as Secretary/Treasurer. Thank you, District 9 members, for your attendance at the meeting and your interest in SECO Energy and the strategic direction in which the board, executive leadership team and employees are taking your electric cooperative.”

 

“Like” SECO Energy on Facebook and follow @SECOEnergy on Twitter for prize drawings, news releases, and severe weather alerts affecting SECO Energy’s service territory. Manage your outage notification preferences at StormCenter. To see when SECO Energy crews/contractors are working in your area, visit our new System Improvement Map. To learn more about SECO Energy as a not-for-profit cooperative, visit About SECO Energy.

SECO Energy District 7 Members Re-elect Trustee Joseph Kusiak

SECO Energy members who reside in District 7 re-elected Joseph E. Kusiak to represent them on SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees. The meeting was held on January 23 at the Rainbow Lakes Estates Community Center that is located within the District.

 

SECO Energy is a not-for-profit electric cooperative, operated for and owned by its members. SECO’s service area is geographically divided into nine Districts. One Trustee is elected from each of the nine Districts to represent their fellow members on SECO’s nine-member Board of Trustees. Collectively, the Board represents the SECO membership. The Board meets monthly to provide fiduciary oversight and participate in policy decisions that serve the best interests of the membership at large.

 

Trustee Kusiak and Paul Schwarz both submitted a letter of intent to run for Trustee. SECO’s Bylaws currently require that the cooperative hold District Meetings. Subsequently, Florida Statute requires SECO to hold in-person elections. A drive-thru voting option was available for members for added convenience and to encourage participation.

 

A SECO member since 2002, Mr. Kusiak was first elected to SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees in 2018. He earned the Director Gold Credential from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), the highest Trustee accreditation from the NRECA. Mr. Kusiak lives in Dunnellon.

 

President Gerald Anderson, District 7 Trustee Joseph Kusiak, CEO Curtis WynnTrustee Kusiak enjoys serving his fellow District 7 neighbors, stating, “Thank you to the sizable crowd of District 7 members who attended the District Meeting and for once again entrusting me to serve as your Trustee. It has been an honor to serve as the District 7 Trustee and to grow my knowledge base about the cooperative and the energy industry. I have enjoyed serving SECO Energy members and achieving the Director Gold Credential by continuing my education through the NRECA. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve my community.”

 

Board President Gerald Anderson stated, “Congratulations, Mr. Kusiak, on your re-election as District 7 Trustee. I am grateful for the many District 7 members who attended the Meeting and participated in our cooperative’s governance process. On behalf of my fellow Board Officers and peers, we are excited to support SECO Energy’s Mission and Vision through our Board service.”

 

Curtis Wynn CEO stated, “Thank you, District 7 members, who attended the meeting in what could easily be record numbers. We are incredibly grateful to have had two candidates demonstrate their interest in serving their community through SECO Energy Board service. The Executive Leadership Team and I are thankful for Mr. Kusiak’s service as District 7’s Trustee. I congratulate him on his re-election and look forward to working with him and the Board for continued success at SECO Energy.”

 

“Like” SECO Energy on Facebook and follow @SECOEnergy on Twitter for prize drawings, news releases, and severe weather alerts affecting SECO Energy’s service territory. Manage your outage notification preferences at StormCenter. To see when SECO Energy crews/contractors are working in your area, visit our new System Improvement Map. To learn more about SECO Energy as a not-for-profit cooperative, visit About SECO Energy.

SECO Energy Mourns Passing of Long-Tenured Trustee Richard Dennison

SECO Energy is mourning the passing of one of its long-tenured Trustees, Richard Dennison who represented District 4. Mr. Dennison has been a SECO Energy member for almost 25 years. He was first elected to serve on SECO’s Board of Trustees in 2015 and was re-elected in 2023.

 

During Mr. Dennison’s Board service, the cooperative celebrated member satisfaction awards and recognition for best-in-class service reliability. Mr. Dennison has given much of his time and energy to the SECO Energy Board, and the members served by the cooperative. He was a tireless advocate for the membership and his District.  SECO Energy’s District 4 is located in west Marion County. Mr. Dennison lived in Marion Oaks and was an active member of his community outside of his SECO Board service. He counted his SECO Energy Board service as one of his greatest honors and achievements.

 

Mr. Dennison served as Board Vice President and President. He worked to earn the esteemed Director Gold Credential from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) and maintained the distinction through continuing education credits.

 

Board of Trustees President and District 3 Trustee Gerald Anderson grieves the loss of a fellow Trustee. President Anderson stated, “Mr. Dennison was a tireless advocate for SECO Energy, its members and his District. He was a dedicated Board member, who believed in the cooperative business model and its benefits for our members. The Board and SECO lost a friend in Mr. Dennison, and he will be greatly missed.”

 

SECO Energy CEO Curtis Wynn shares his condolences. Mr. Wynn stated, “Mr. Dennison’s deep understanding of the electric utility business, the wisdom he shared with the Board and the Executive Leadership team, and his caring spirit will be deeply missed. Mr. Dennison cared about SECO Energy, its employees and its members. On behalf of the entire SECO Energy team, we share our condolences with his family and friends, and we are grateful for his Board service and dedication to members.”

 

“Like” SECO Energy on Facebook and follow @SECOEnergy on Twitter for prize drawings, news releases, and severe weather alerts affecting SECO Energy’s service territory. To learn more about SECO Energy as a not-for-profit cooperative, visit About SECO Energy.

SECO Energy Board of Trustees Attain 100% Gold Certification

SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees is a nine-member Board comprised of SECO members who govern the not-for-profit electric cooperative. Trustees establish, review, and revise corporate policies that preserve the foundations of the not-for-profit electric cooperative. They work to ensure that SECO continues to maintain reliable, affordable service for all members.

 

SECO Energy is different from an investor-owned utility in that it is owned by the members it serves; there are no shareholders or outside investors. Established as Sumter Electric Cooperative, Inc. in 1938, and now d/b/a SECO Energy, its Mission is to provide reliable and innovative energy services to the almost 240,000 homes and businesses within its seven-county service area.

 

SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees has invested extensive time and resources to complete continuing education programs offered by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) that help Trustees better understand the energy industry. NRECA’s programs are tailored specifically for cooperative Trustees, providing a comprehensive curriculum to enhance their expertise.

 

Each member of SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees has participated in the NRECA’s continuing education program and earned the prestigious Director Gold Credential (DGC). A Director Gold Credential signifies the highest level of commitment to continuing education, requiring participants to complete 19 credits earned through courses that mirror college-level rigor. Each credit requires a minimum of eight hours of coursework.

 

SECO Energy Trustees’ commitment is further highlighted by the exclusivity of their accomplishments. Among the over 832 electric distribution cooperatives in the U.S., SECO stands out as one of the select few with 100% of its Board achieving Director Gold status. This accolade places SECO’s Trustees in a truly elite category, showcasing their dedication to advancing their knowledge and skills.

 

SECO Energy Board of TrusteesOnce earned, Trustees must re-certify as Director Gold every two years. This re-certification includes completing three study credits that ensure participants maintain their industry knowledge. This commitment to ongoing education underscores SECO’s dedication to having a Board equipped with the latest insights in the ever-evolving electric utility landscape.

 

SECO Energy CEO Curtis Wynn commended the Board of Trustees, stating, “The electric utility industry is complex; it faces challenges, threats, and opportunities. Our Board of Trustees is well-equipped to steer the cooperative through these complexities, ensuring a bright outlook for SECO Energy, its members, and communities.”

 

President of SECO’s Board of Trustees, Gerald Anderson added, “I am extremely proud to serve as President of the SECO Energy Board of Trustees. The accomplishment of the entire Board in achieving the highest level of education – Director Gold – is an invaluable asset to SECO Energy and its membership. Their commitment to member satisfaction, cooperative governance and expanding their knowledge base is unmatched.”

 

“Like” SECO Energy on Facebook and follow @SECOEnergy on Twitter for prize drawings, news releases, and severe weather alerts affecting SECO Energy’s service territory. Manage your outage notification preferences at StormCenter. To see when SECO Energy crews/contractors are working in your area, visit our new System Improvement Map. To learn more about SECO Energy as a not-for-profit cooperative, visit About SECO Energy.

SECO Energy and Gresco Utility Supply Celebrate Capital Credits Partnership

SECO Energy, the trusted electric cooperative serving over 235,000 homes and businesses in Central Florida, recently celebrated a significant milestone in its partnership with Gresco Utility Supply, a fellow not-for-profit cooperative. This partnership has proven to be a significant benefit to SECO Energy and its members through Capital Credits delivered to SECO by another cooperative with which SECO does business.

 

Gresco President & CEO, Steve Gramling, presented SECO Energy CEO, Curtis Wynn, with a check totaling an impressive $2.1 million. This check represents SECO’s share of Gresco’s current Capital Credits retirement cycle, showcasing the strength of their collaboration. 

 

Gresco Utility Supply, originally formed in 1960 by 15 electric cooperatives, has evolved into a vital supply-chain partner. The company’s portfolio includes an array of products and services in lighting, tools, telecom, solar, EV charging stations, and unmanned aircraft systems. SECO Energy’s partnership with Gresco is integral to its operations, and the electric cooperative reaps allocated margins from Gresco based on its annual supply purchases.

 

Furthermore, SECO Energy’s equity in Gresco has grown impressively, cementing its position as one of Gresco’s largest member-owners by equity. This long-standing partnership has not only strengthened the cooperation between the two entities but has also delivered substantial benefits to SECO Energy’s members. This most recent capital credit retirement represents 20% of SECO’s patronage with Gresco.

 

GRESCO delivers Capital Credit check to SECO Energy

CEO Curtis Wynn applauds the partnership between SECO and Gresco. Wynn stated, “SECO Energy is dedicated to providing innovative energy services to its members and communities. During this time of supply chain constraints, Gresco is SECO’s trusted partner that provides the equipment needed to supply safe, reliable energy that is affordable. Gresco also answers the call during mass restoration efforts after major storm events. The supply chain delivery service Gresco provides to SECO is invaluable.”

 

In line with this commitment, SECO Energy also returns a portion of its margins in the form of Capital Credits to current and former members. The recent distribution of Capital Credits to current members in their November billing statements further exemplifies SECO Energy’s dedication to its members’ well-being.

 

This milestone in the partnership between SECO Energy and Gresco Utility Supply underscores the cooperative’s mission to provide exceptional service to its members while fostering collaboration with like-minded organizations.

 

About Gresco Utility Supply 

 

Gresco Utility Supply is a not-for-profit cooperative formed in 1960 by 15 electric cooperatives. It has evolved into a diverse supply-chain partner, offering products and services in lighting, tools, telecom, solar, EV charging stations, and unmanned aircraft systems to meet the needs of electric cooperatives and their members.

 

“Like” SECO Energy on Facebook and follow @SECOEnergy on Twitter for prize drawings, news releases, and severe weather alerts affecting SECO Energy’s service territory. Manage your outage notification preferences at StormCenter. To see when SECO Energy crews/contractors are working in your area, visit our new System Improvement Map. To learn more about SECO Energy as a not-for-profit cooperative, visit About SECO Energy.

SECO Energy Announces $2.01 Million Capital Credits Retirement to Members

SECO Energy, an electric cooperative serving over 235,000 homes and businesses in seven Central Florida counties, is excited to announce the approval of a $2.01 million Capital Credits retirement to its current and former members. The decision, approved by the SECO Energy Board of Trustees, highlights the cooperative’s ongoing commitment to its members and communities. 

 

Capital Credits are a unique feature of cooperatively formed businesses like SECO Energy. They signify the true cooperative difference, where those purchasing electricity from SECO are not just customers but partial owners of the cooperative. This ownership structure is fundamental to the cooperative business model, allowing SECO Energy to reinvest unretired capital into reliability improvements while ensuring that members receive a return of member-furnished capital. 

 

The retirement of Capital Credits follows a diligent process. After covering all operating costs and expenses, SECO Energy designates the prior year’s excess revenues as Patronage Capital. These margins are then allocated pro-rata to each member’s account as capital credits, representing the percentage of the annual amount of electric service purchased by each member. 

 

SECO Energy Board of TrusteesCEO Curtis Wynn remarked, “SECO Energy has a strong tradition of returning Capital Credits to our members. In fact, we have retired nearly $83 million to our membership over the years, with almost $50 million retired in the last decade alone. This represents a significant commitment to our members and communities and exemplifies the cooperative principle of member benefit.” 

 

The role of the SECO Energy Board of Trustees is pivotal in the retirement of Capital Credits. They rigorously review the cooperative’s financial position, consider management’s recommendation, and determine the approval of the Capital Credits return. This process ensures transparency and accountability in how the funds are allocated to the cooperative’s members. 

 

The retirement of $2.01 million in Capital Credits is a testament to SECO Energy’s unwavering commitment to its members. As a cooperative, not-for-profit electric provider, SECO Energy remains dedicated to serving its communities with integrity and dedication. 

 

Wynn emphasized, “SECO members are at the heart of everything we do, and we look forward to providing you with reliable electricity and the benefits of being part of our cooperative family. Your satisfaction and well-being are our top priorities.” 

 

Current members will find the credit on their November billing statement, while former members will receive a check. This announcement underscores SECO Energy’s resolve to fulfill its mission of providing reliable and innovative energy services to its members and communities.

 

“Like” SECO Energy on Facebook and follow @SECOEnergy on Twitter for prize drawings, news releases, and severe weather alerts affecting SECO Energy’s service territory. Manage your outage notification preferences at StormCenter. To see when SECO Energy crews/contractors are working in your area, visit our new System Improvement Map. To learn more about SECO Energy as a not-for-profit cooperative, visit About SECO Energy.

SECO Energy Grant Project Approved by Department of Energy

The U.S. Department of Energy announced $3.46 billion in funding through its Investing in America Agenda Funds Projects through which SECO Energy has been approved to move forward in its grid resiliency project. Funded by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the selected projects will improve the delivery of safe, reliable and affordable energy for Americans in 44 states.

 

SECO Energy’s Improving Resiliency Through Grid Hardening Project is approved to move forward under the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program. The project consists of multiple interrelated components that the not-for-profit electric cooperative has developed in response to the need for accelerated resilience efforts. Multiple tropical storms and hurricanes have crossed directly through SECO’s service area with winds and flooding causing damage to the utility’s facilities and members’ property, as well as power outages. This project has a proposed price tag of over $70 million with SECO Energy’s cost share just over $17 million.

 

DOE announces SECO as grant recipientSECO Energy’s proposed project will enhance resilience by undergrounding overhead utility lines, hardening existing poles and increasing line capacity, replacing aging inefficient equipment and expanding load capacity with a new distribution substation. 

 

The planned project will improve reliability and outage restoration times and underground 33 miles of distribution lines to improve grid reliability against extreme weather events that Central Floridians are vulnerable to. 

 

SECO Energy CEO Curtis Wynn is thankful that SECO members will benefit from the proposed grid improvements. Wynn stated, “We are excited to share the news made possible by GRIP funding with our members. The funding accelerates our efforts to make our system more reliable and resilient, without causing undue rate pressure on our members. SECO Energy is committed to our mission, which is to provide reliable and innovative service to our members and communities, especially during hurricanes and tropical storms.” 

 

“Like” SECO Energy on Facebook and follow @SECOEnergy on Twitter for prize drawings, news releases, and severe weather alerts affecting SECO Energy’s service territory. Manage your outage notification preferences at StormCenter. To see when SECO Energy crews/contractors are working in your area, visit our new System Improvement Map. To learn more about SECO Energy as a not-for-profit cooperative, visit About SECO Energy.