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SECO Energy Tracking Hurricane Idalia

SECO Energy continues to track the path of Hurricane Idalia as it moves through the Gulf of Mexico toward the Florida Peninsula. As expected, Idalia strengthened into a hurricane overnight and accelerated its movement north. At 11:00 a.m., the hurricane was positioned 240 miles southwest of Tampa, and its sustained winds were measured at 90 mph. Hurricane Idalia is moving due north at 15 mph and is expected to make landfall near Cedar Key early Wednesday morning. 

 

Probable path of Hurricane IdaliaThe onset of Hurricane Idalia’s winds is projected to be felt in the western SECO Energy service territories of Citrus, Levy, Marion and Sumter Counties this evening. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 15 miles from the center, and tropical storm-force winds extend up to 160 miles. These winds are expected to intensify rapidly overnight and result in a major hurricane by the time it makes landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast Wednesday morning. 

   

Based on the National Hurricane Center (NHC) forecast, the risk of life-threatening storm surges and tropical storm-force winds along portions of Florida’s west coast is still a concern. The highest surge levels are predicted to fall within 10-15 feet above sea level. SECO Energy members should monitor updates to the forecast and follow advice given by local officials. 

  

SECO Energy members should prepare for outages due to Hurricane Idalia beginning overnight on Tuesday and into early Wednesday morning. If the current track stays in place, Marion County could experience winds between 60 – 70 mph and Citrus, Sumter and Lake Counties could have wind speeds between 40 – 60 mph. High wind speeds and possible flooding and tornadoes may create power outages that last for an extended period of time. 

   

CEO Curtis Wynn repeated his call for vigilance from members in advance of Idalia’s impact. Wynn stated, “SECO Energy is preparing for the effects of Hurricane Idalia. This coordinated, company-wide effort integrates assistance from other energy cooperatives and contractor partners ahead of the storm. Along with SECO Energy’s 80 line crew employees, we expect over 250 contracted line crews and 150 contracted tree service crews. After Hurricane Idalia has cleared our area, if needed, we will bring in additional support from our fellow electric cooperatives that were unaffected by the storm. The unfortunate consequences of power outages from tropical storms and hurricanes are a fact of life, but the duration of these outages is mitigated by the advanced preparations made by our leadership team, dedicated staff, and line technicians.” 

 

Wynn cautioned against complacency, adding, “I want to remind members not to take this storm lightly. High winds and heavy rain will increase the risk of downed power lines and trees. What was an ordinary activity a few days ago could be unsafe after a storm. Take time today to make any last-minute preparations, but if you don’t need to travel, stay home.”  

 

SECO’s priority is to restore service for shelters, hospitals, schools and government agencies (i.e., emergency ops centers, fire stations, law enforcement facilities). SECO Energy members who require electricity for life-sustaining medical equipment should consider relocating to a shelter.  

   

StormCenter is SECO Energy’s outage and communications platform for members to report outages, check the status of an existing outage and enroll in outage communications and alerts via email, text, voice or all three. Visit StormCenter today and bookmark on your smartphone or tablet to report outages quickly and easily.  

     

“Like” SECO Energy on Facebook and follow @SECOEnergy on X (formerly 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 SECOEnergy.com>Your Co-op>About.

SECO Energy Monitoring Tropical Storm Idalia

SECO Energy is preparing for the weather effects of Tropical Storm Idalia as it targets the Florida Peninsula. The storm is expected to strengthen into a major hurricane before it reaches the Gulf Coast of Florida.  

   

Based on the National Hurricane Center (NHC) forecast, the risk continues to increase for life threatening storm surge and dangerous hurricane force winds along portions of Florida’s west coast and the Florida Panhandle beginning as early as late Tuesday. Storm surge and hurricane watches are in effect for much of Florida’s west coast. SECO Energy members should monitor updates to the forecast and follow advice given by local officials. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a State of Emergency to 46 counties, up from 33 on Saturday. 

  

Tracking Tropical Storm Idalia

The current track of the storm shows that TS Idalia will most likely impact SECO Energy’s service area on Tuesday with rain and increased wind speeds. Outages on SECO’s electric system are possible overnight on Wednesday and into the early morning hours. If the current track stays in place, Marion County could experience winds between 60 – 70 mph and Citrus, Sumter and Lake Counties could have wind speeds between 40 – 60 mph.  

Tropical Storm Idalia 5-day cone

  

As of Monday morning, this storm was moving north over far western Cuba where later today it is expected to impose hurricane-force winds, heavy rainfall, the possibility of flash and urban flooding as well as landslides.   

   

CEO Curtis Wynn urges members to prepare for Tropical Storm Idalia. Wynn stated, “SECO Energy is watching Tropical Storm Idalia closely and preparing for the impacts this storm will have on our service area. While SECO is StormReady and prepared to respond to power outages, I urge members to prepare for major hurricane-force conditions. We expect this storm will impact SECO’s service area by late Tuesday, so now is the time to make safety preparations for your homes and families before its arrival. Still—be safe in efforts to prepare. Exercise caution and patience on the roads and continue to watch weather reports and follow the storm’s track.”  

   

StormCenter is SECO Energy’s outage and communications platform for members to report outages, check the status of an existing outage and enroll in outage communications and alerts via email, text, voice or all three. Visit StormCenter today and bookmark on your smartphone or tablet to report outages quickly and easily.  

   

Major weather events can cause extended power outages. SECO Energy reminds members to follow safety protocols when using a generator during a power outage. Generators emit deadly carbon monoxide (CO) that is odorless and colorless. Thousands of people die each year from CO poisoning. Never operate a generator in an enclosed space, including a garage. Always place the generator at least 15 to 20 feet away from your home and never near open windows.  

   

Before operating a generator, thoroughly read and review the owner’s manual. Never plug a generator directly into an electrical outlet. This current flow is deadly for utility personnel. Keep children away from an operating generator and store fuel in approved containers. Do not smoke while fueling a generator. Always operate a generator in a dry space. If it is raining, use a canopy or cover. SECO Energy’s Hurricane Handbook includes generator safety tips and how to prepare for before, during and after a storm.  

   

“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 SECOEnergy.com>Your Co-op>About. 

Beat the Heat – Conserve Energy Warning

SECO Energy is preparing for some of the hottest summer temperatures recorded. For over a month, the heat index or “feels like” temperature has soared into the triple digits in Central Florida. Every day in August the temperature has reached 90 degrees and above, and SECO Energy members have set records several times in recent weeks for the highest usage our cooperative has ever experienced. 

 

Today and for the rest of the week, heat indices in the counties SECO serves are forecast to climb to over 110 degrees. The increased HVAC usage to battle these hot summer temperatures is creating an energy generation shortage.  

 

SECO Energy’s peak times of highest demand are generally between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. During this extremely hot summer, we’ve seen that demand time expand to 12 p.m. and 8 p.m.  

 

We need your help in assisting with grid stability during these hot temperatures. Help us reduce energy demand by conserving.  

 

Ways to reduce energy use:  

  • Set your HVAC temperature to 78 degrees or higher. 
  • Run pool pumps after 7 p.m. 
  • Set electric vehicle (EVs) and golf carts to charge between midnight and 6 a.m.  
  • Curtail household tasks like laundry and running the dishwasher until late evening/early morning 
  • Lower your water heater temperature to 120 degrees and invest in a timer to curtail use between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.   

 

You’ll save money on your electric bill and help SECO reduce our peak demand (which lowers energy costs for all members).  If you own an electric vehicle, enroll in our incentive rate.  If you want to up your EV charging speed, you can lease or purchase a Level Two Fast Charger from SECO – free installation for a limited time. A 240-volt outlet NEMA 14 50-amp receptacle is required and is the member’s responsibility.  

 

Be assured, we are monitoring the statewide energy shortage and working closely with our wholesale power provider Seminole Electric Cooperative, Inc. to maintain energy reserves. We are taking proactive action with Seminole to ensure that the electric grid remains stable and that system reliability for SECO members is unaffected. You can help by taking the small steps listed above.  

SECO Energy Responds to Truck Meets Pole Incident

The costs that originate from distracted driving accidents are numerous and can often involve injury or loss of life. In cases where human health is not directly impacted, financial burdens can still be significant when vehicles go where they should not be due to operator negligence.

 

On one recent July morning, three SECO Energy poles that supply electricity to residences and two businesses served by the cooperative were destroyed when a heavy vehicle struck guy wires crossing County Road 474 in Clermont. The impact dragged the support wires and pulled the connected poles down, disrupting electric service to 85 members.

 

Although SECO Energy’s power distribution automation system provided near-instantaneous resumption of electricity to 64 members, 21 members remained without power for nearly eight hours as SECO line crews worked through rain and lightning to restore service safely.

 

Distracted Driving Suspected

The cause of the mishap appears to have been a dump truck-type vehicle that was traveling with its equipment in an elevated position as it crossed under SECO Energy’s power lines, ripping energized lines from their supports. Further damage occurred when a second heavy truck followed the incident and struck pieces of the fallen debris. Most disturbing, the drivers of both vehicles left the scene without stopping.

 

SECO utility pole replacementDistracted driving may have accounted for the first vehicle accident. That may have also been the case with the second vehicle that struck the fallen wires as the driver clearly did not recognize the hazard in the roadway ahead and didn’t make the appropriate effort to avoid it.

 

The consequences of the outage were costly for Cemex, a sand mine that lost productivity for much of the day due to the lack of electric service. Crews installed a set of temporary switches to isolate the outage and expedite the restoration for 16 members and E. R. Jahna Industries, another sand mine located off CR 474. Not only was a large commercial account interrupted, but SECO residential members were out of power for a significant amount of time.

 

The SECO facility damage was significant also. Due to driver negligence, SECO spent costly hours repairing power lines, replacing three poles and re-energizing services amid heavy rain and nearby electrical storms. SECO Energy crews replaced all broken poles, repaired lines and restored service to all members affected by the outages by 3:11 p.m.

 

In addition to the loss of revenue associated with power lines torn down by avoidable distracted driving, the risk of injury or even death to line workers is considerable. Public safety is at risk, too; often downed lines remain energized and can kill or significantly injure a member of the public who encounters downed power lines.

 

CEO Wynn Cautions Drivers

Lightning strike during line repairCEO Curtis Wynn is concerned with the number of vehicle accidents that damage SECO Energy facilities. Wynn stated, “SECO Energy crews are trained to perform power restoration in all weather conditions, day or night, rain or shine. Linework is inherently dangerous, but the possibility of injury increases when wind, rain, storms and road traffic are present. With the high number of heavy-duty vehicles on the road for new construction tasks and an increasing number of Florida citizens driving, our local roadways are becoming more dangerous.”

 

Wynn continued, “This is a reminder to limit distractions while driving. Members of the public who notice downed power lines, call 911 immediately. Stay away from downed lines and instruct your family to do the same. Our number one priority is for all of our SECO employees to return home safely to their families at the end of every workday.”

 

It is also important to emphasize the importance of the Florida “Move Over” law requiring motorists to slow down and/or move over one lane for emergency responders. It includes tow trucks, municipal vehicles and utility vehicles. Recently, Governor DeSantis signed a bill that takes effect on January 1, 2024, that requires motorists to slow down and/or move over one lane for all disabled vehicles. Drivers who do not slow down and move over could receive a noncriminal moving violation and be hit with a hefty monetary fine.

SECO Energy Announces 2023 Energy Scholarship Awardees

SECO Energy has announced its 2023 SECO Energy Scholarship Awardees. Each of the seven scholarship awardees will receive $3,000 to advance their education. SECO Energy’s scholarship program targets local students intending to prepare for a career in the energy industry. 

 

SECO Energy Scholarships are awarded to high school seniors graduating in May or June of the current year. A primary qualification to receive an award is residence in a home served by SECO Energy. The awardee must enroll as a full-time student in an accredited Florida college, university, or trade school before the end of 2023. The degree objective or electric-industry-related certification must demonstrate a commitment to pursuing a career in the energy field. The core studies would focus on technology, engineering, math, or business and would ultimately lead to a career in the energy industry, possibly SECO Energy.

 

The 2023 SECO Energy Scholarship awardees are:  

 

Tanner Copen – Leesburg High School 

Lauren Ashley Mickens – Lake Minneola High School 

Broc Kinley – South Sumter High School 

Grace Flynn – South Lake High School 

Imani Linzy – Lake Weir High School 

Andrew Collins – The Villages Charter High School 

Grant David – Tavares High School 

 

2023 SECO Energy Scholarship Awardees Congratulated

SECO Energy CEO Curtis Wynn congratulates 2023 SECO Energy Scholarship winners
SECO Energy CEO Curtis Wynn

SECO Energy Chief Executive Officer Curtis Wynn congratulated the 2023 SECO Energy Scholarship recipients. Mr. Wynn stated, “It is refreshing to see students committing themselves to an education that could launch a career in the energy industry. There are countless opportunities ahead for these scholars to play important roles in energy, from generation to transmission to management. The path they are choosing can provide a lifetime of personal satisfaction, financial security, and pride, knowing the contributions they make positively impact local communities, regions, and even our country.”  

 

Wynn continued, “We hope these seven awardees attain their goals, and as SECO Energy supports the start of their educational objectives, we hope they will consider joining SECO when they begin their energy industry career. SECO is growing rapidly, and we will continue to be a leading employer in our region. Our compensation and benefits package, which includes comprehensive medical and dental insurance, generous paid time off, 401k with company matching contributions, employee-referral program, remote work options for certain positions and student loan reimbursement are competitive in any market. So, when it’s time to come home from your university or technical school and get to work, make SECO Energy your first call.” 

 

SECO Energy is hiring! To view open positions, set up job alerts and submit an application online, visit SECO Energy Careers. 

 

“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, visit SECO’s new System Improvement map. To learn more about SECO Energy as a not-for-profit cooperative, visit About SECO Energy. 

SECO Energy’s Tracey Cottrell Elected to the Sunshine 811 Board of Directors

SECO Energy’s Corporate Security & Risk Management Specialist Tracey Cottrell has been elected to the Sunshine 811 Board of Directors. As an 18-year SECO employee, Mrs. Cottrell has extensive experience in both the utility industry and working with the Florida Sunshine 811 statewide underground utility locating system. Mrs. Cottrell has previously been involved with strategic planning and served as Vice-Chair for two years on the 811 Board’s Damage Prevention Committee.  

 

From Committee Volunteer to Sunshine 811 Board Member

Tracey Cottrell is a Sunshine 811 Board Member.
SECO Energy’s Corporate Security & Risk Management Specialist Tracey Cottrell

Mrs. Cottrell shared her excitement to join the 21-member board and projected the message of adhering to Florida’s safe digging law. Her SECO career began as a Member Services Agent in the Call Center and quickly transitioned to the Engineering Department where she worked directly with SECO’s contracted utility facilities locators, USIC. She acted as the liaison between SECO and the USIC to ensure tickets were completed on time in an effort to assist in moving utility locating projects forward to keep pace with SECO Energy’s substantial growth over the past decade. Mrs. Cottrell invested time and research into learning more about Sunshine 811 requirements.  

 

To ensure safe work practices, utilities are required to add many specifics on requests to locate underground facilities. Every utility that belongs to Sunshine 811 uploads its facilities onto their map and the 811 system assigns underground utility locating requests to the utility or utilities that have facilities located in the space where digging – whether the project is large or small – will occur. 

 

The Sunshine 811 system was enacted to reduce damage to facilities owned by utilities across the state. Mrs. Cottrell processes all damage claims for SECO, which relates closely to Sunshine 811. The bulk of SECO Energy’s damage reports are “dig-ins.” Homeowners and excavators will at times begin excavation before the locator service visits the location and places flags that mark underground facilities – electric, gas, water, telecom – showing the location of these lines. Digging before the utilities are marked is unsafe. Calling before you dig is the law in Florida, which is in place to ensure public safety and the safety of the excavator. 

 

Mrs. Cottrell is hoping to use her tenure on the Sunshine 811 Board to promote safety. She stated, “Through my Sunshine 811 Board service, I am very excited to share my knowledge of safe working practices as it relates to the Sunshine 811 system. Representing SECO Energy, I am willing to share my knowledge with my fellow Board members and continue to enhance the Sunshine 811 strategy to promote safe digging across Florida. Thank you to my fellow Sunshine Board members who have elected me to join their working ranks.” 

 

Florida's Sunshine 811 logoGregg Morrell, SECO Energy’s Chief Corporate Services Officer, stated, “Safety is SECO Energy’s top Core Value. Damage to SECO’s equipment can create extremely dangerous conditions, power outages, and subsequent repairs that are costly for the membership. SECO routinely educates its members about safe-digging practices and has processes to seek compensation for damaged equipment. We are very proud of Mrs. Cottrell’s election to the Sunshine 811 Board and trust that she will be a valuable resource and promotor of safe-digging practices.”  

 

 

“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 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.

 

USDA Panel Discussion Features SECO Energy CEO Curtis Wynn

SECO Energy CEO Curtis Wynn participated in a panel discussion held Tuesday, May 16, at the White House Complex in Washington, D.C. As part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) program launch event, the panel’s focus was the $11 billion in funding from the USDA to expand clean, affordable, and reliable energy across rural America. Last year, the USDA appointed Wynn as one of 12 members of the newly established Equity Commission Subcommittee on Rural Community Economic Development.    

  

SECO Energy CEO Curtis Wynn speaks during USDA panel discussion.
SECO Energy CEO Curtis Wynn speaks during USDA panel discussion.

The 1-hour dialogue related to the $11 billion in energy funding was comprised of representatives from other electric cooperatives, including the CEO of Seminole Electric Cooperative, Lisa Johnson. Seminole Electric is the wholesale provider of electric service distributed by SECO to its members.  

  

Panel moderator Rural Utilities Service (RUS) Administrator Andrew Berke asked how the funding could benefit each participant’s efforts to provide rural communities with “clean, affordable energy” while enhancing the quality of life.

  

Wynn began by commending the efforts of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) in shepherding the passage of the two RUS programs, Powering Affordable Clean Energy (PACE) and New Empowering Rural America (New ERA). Funding for these initiatives is supported by the Inflation Reduction Act.  

  

Prepared to Move ForwardUSDA RUS logo

Wynn continued by underscoring the importance of working “in concert” with Seminole Electric to achieve goals SECO has established as part of its 3-year strategy roadmap. He stated, “SECO Energy is well positioned to tap into the grant funding, tax credits and low interest loan funding made available through the New ERA.  Our goal is to reduce the amount of funds we would otherwise have to borrow at rising interest rates to complete the enormous amount of work needed to keep pace with our region’s growth while meeting our member-consumers’ expectation of safe, affordable and reliable service. It really gives us an opportunity to provide the level of service that everybody deserves, especially our underserved communities, while keeping our rates as low as possible.” 

 

The event commenced with remarks made by the USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, Senior Advisor to the President for Clean Energy Innovation and Implementation John Podesta, and Senators Debbie Stabenow, Tina Smith and Michael Bennet. Watch the event online.   

  

“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 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 Attends 2023 NRECA Legislative Conference

SECO Energy sent three representatives to the 2023 National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. from April 16 – 19. The purpose of SECO’s attendance was to meet with federally elected officials and staff to encourage support for several key issues facing electric cooperatives today.  

SECO Energy Board of Trustees President Gerald Anderson speaks with Congressman Gus Bilirakis
SECO Energy Board of Trustees President Gerald Anderson speaks with Congressman Gus Bilirakis.

  

SECO Energy Board of Trustees President and District 3 Trustee Gerald Anderson, District 7 Trustee Joseph Kusiak and SECO Energy’s Senior Consultant for Civic, Charitable & Government Relations Kathy Judkins joined over 2,000 fellow cooperative attendees who gathered to affect a positive impact for the energy industry through information and education.  

  

In meetings held with US Representatives, Senators and staff, electric cooperative delegates took time to introduce, clarify and recommend remedies to mitigate burdens experienced by SECO Energy and other cooperatives. The co-ops called for action to improve three primary concerns when meeting with elected officials.

 

Supply Chain Bottlenecks

Having ample supplies and equipment on hand is crucial for electric cooperatives. Maintaining service, restoring power after natural disasters and sustaining the growing demand for electricity are paramount to consumer members. In recent years, stocking vital inventory at a reasonable price has been challenging. Compounding the uncertainty surrounding supply costs and availability are labor and raw material shortages. These pressures create an over-reliance on producers from outside the U.S. 

 

Disaster Relief Assistance Reform  

US Rep. Daniel Webster (FL) and SECO President Gerald Anderson at 2023 NRECA Legislative conference
SECO Energy Board of Trustees President Gerald Anderson speaks with Congressman Daniel Webster.

SECO Energy has a tried-and-true Disaster Relief Plan that is put into action during major storm events. The tab for power restoration after major storm events can run into the millions and a portion of these expenses is reimbursable through FEMA. When the speed and consistency of funding disbursement lags, recovery costs rise significantly. Without FEMA assistance, disaster-stricken areas would be confronted with escalated electricity rates. Commitments made by electric cooperatives to costly restorations of infrastructure are largely dependent on promised FEMA relief. Delays in the distribution of relief bring the burden of interest charges imposed on the cooperative.  

  

SECO Energy expressed support for legislation that would require FEMA to pay interest on loans used to restore electricity to communities while waiting for the federal reimbursements. The issue is expected to be addressed in the 118th Congress. 

 

Opening the Pipeline for Progress  

Nationally, there is concern about the health and sustainability of the electrical grid. Modernizing the nation’s electric grid is an arduous process with inefficient permitting requirements that are overly complicated. This burdensome red tape causes delays and a direct negative impact on communities slated to receive these infrastructure improvements. Infrastructure projects are potentially supported by Federal loans, but projects requiring environmental approvals can be delayed substantially. During this time, the carrying costs of the loans in the form of interest payments and labor costs to interact with inspection authorities must still be borne by the cooperative.  

 

US Sen. Marco Rubio meets with Coop Electricity delagation.
Senator Marco Rubio speaks to Florida Cooperative Representatives.

CEO Curtis Wynn recognized the SECO Energy delegates’ attendance at the 2023 NRECA Legislative Conference. Wynn stated, “Thank you to President Anderson, Trustee Kusiak and Ms. Judkins for representing SECO Energy 2023 NRECA Legislative Conference. Their presence gave a voice to electric cooperatives’ challenges in supply chain constraints, expediting FEMA funding after natural disasters and our ability to align resources to harden our local and national electrical infrastructure while reducing permitting red tape. Our elected officials were receptive to the challenges cooperatives face in today’s economy.” 

 

Wynn continued, “Electric cooperatives provide power to millions of Americans and we at SECO are committed to member satisfaction in the communities we serve. With the support of our elected officials, electric cooperatives will continue to thrive in our state and in our nation.” 

“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 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 Named a 2023 Tree Line USA Utility for 16th Year

SECO Energy has been named a 2023 Tree Line USA Utility by the Arbor Day Foundation. Tree Line USA recognizes public and private utilities that help to preserve and enhance America’s urban forests. This is the sixteenth year that SECO Energy has attained the Tree Line USA accolade.

 

Tree Line USA is a national program that is enabled through a partnership between the Arbor Day Foundation and the National Association of State Foresters. Tree Line USA fosters the coexistence of reliable and safely delivered electricity amidst communities that maintain healthy tree populations.

 

Tree Line USA Standards

Recognized as a Tree Line USA utility for sixteen years in a row, SECO Energy once again strived to meet five program standards. These require utilities to follow industry standards for quality tree care; provide yearly worker training in best tree care practices; sponsor a tree planting and education program; maintain a tree-based energy conservation program; and participate in an Arbor Day celebration.

 

Arbor Day Foundation logoThis year is the 151st Anniversary of Arbor Day, celebrated on the last Friday of April. The Arbor Day Foundation is celebrating its 51st Anniversary this year. Since its inception, it has helped plant and distribute nearly 500 million trees in more than 50 countries worldwide. Learn more about Arbor Day and its mission.

 

“Trees are essential to creating more urban green space in communities across the United States,” said Dan Lambe, CEO of the Arbor Day Foundation. “They also offer significant benefits to residents, including clean air, clean water and the necessary shade provided by trees. Service providers like SECO Energy are demonstrating how easily trees and utilities can coexist for the benefit of communities and residents.”

 

Consistent Tree Care Pays Off

CEO Curtis Wynn recognizes SECO Energy’s Vegetation Management team for their sustained excellence as a Tree Line USA Utility. Wynn said, “Congratulations to the Vegetation Management team for adhering to the Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree Line USA standards for 16 years. This is quite an achievement, and we are very proud of your commitment to quality tree care in America’s urban forests. SECO Energy makes significant investments into its vegetation management program and adheres to best practices for the safe management of our existing rights-of-way to reduce power outages.”

 

Wynn continued, “SECO Energy consistently supports good stewardship of the environment. We want SECO Energy members to know that healthy, well-groomed trees planted in the right place can help reduce their annual energy costs.”

 

SECO Energy, Right Tree, Right Place graphic 2022Visit Right Tree Right Place for tips on planting trees away from power lines and how trees can help reduce annual energy bills. SECO Energy has also launched online energy efficiency tools to help members reduce energy consumption and costs. The Home Energy Assessment is an online energy audit tailored to each member’s home and lifestyle. A member may enter details about their home that impact energy use and efficiency. This information enables SECO Energy to send free energy-saving advice. The Energy Estimator calculates the cost of electrical devices typically found in most homes. Members who provide their email address receive tips on energy efficiency and other savings opportunities.

 

“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 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.

 

Trout Lake Nature Center Project Receives Grant from SECO Energy Foundation

The SECO Energy Foundation announced a grant has been awarded to Trout Lake Nature Center (TLNC), located in the Eustis area. The $22,000 Environmental Projects grant was approved during the SECO Energy Foundation’s first quarterly Board of Directors Meeting. The funding will provide backing to TLNC, a non-profit 501 (c)(3) corporation, to replace a portion of a critical boardwalk that crosses the 230-acre preserve.

 

Over the last eight years, Trout Lake Nature Center has conducted over 500 field trips and reached 215,708 students. The $22,000 grant will fund a boardwalk replacement project that will allow students and members from Central Florida to enjoy the Nature Center’s environmentally friendly wetlands, mesic flatwoods and lake bottom that comprise most of TLNC.

 

Trout Lake Nature Center Grant Will Have “Significant Impact”

Trout Lake Nature Center’s Executive Director Eileen Tramontana, stated, “People throughout SECO Energy’s service area frequent the TLNC. Almost every visitor uses the boardwalk, and most education program participants do also. Renovating our boardwalk will have a significant impact on education efforts at TLNC.” The center’s walking trails are open to the public throughout the year.

 

Trout Lake Nature Center has been serving the Central Florida community through nature education, awareness, and resource conservation since 1988. It is governed by a board of directors with the assistance of an executive director and a small staff. These, along with a steady volunteer force maintain the facilities and habitats and develop and conduct programs. TLNC is supported through donations, program fees, fundraisers, grants and loyal membership.

 

SECO Energy CEO Curtis Wynn “Pleased with grant decisions”

SECO Energy CEO Curtis Wynn applauded the grant. “I am pleased with the grant decisions made by the SECO Energy Foundation in its first few months of activity. The support of this project to the Trout Lake Nature Center delivers a message of conservation, education and environmental awareness to the residents of and visitors to Central Florida.”

 

The SECO Energy Foundation District 9 Board Director Matthew Roudabush stated, “Trout Lake Nature Center allows hundreds of students the educational opportunity to explore nature in person, and the Foundation Board believes helping to repair the boardwalk will enable more students and individuals to continue visiting this local environmentally friendly site.”

 

TLNC provides approximately 65 to 70 student field trips (from Pre-K to 5th grade) annually and traveling on the boardwalk to the education dock is an important part of school field trips. TLNC will rebuild the remaining section starting May 2023 with funding from several grants.

 

To learn more about the SECO Energy Foundation, visit SECOEnergy.com>Your Co-op. “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 reliability and expansion projects in your area, visit our new System Improvement Map. To learn more about SECO Energy as a not-for-profit cooperative, visit SECOEnergy.com > Your Co-op > About.