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Category: Press Releases

SECO Energy CEO Curtis Wynn Appointed to USDA Equity Commission Subcommittee

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced recently that SECO Energy CEO Curtis Wynn was appointed as one of 12 members of the newly established Equity Commission Subcommittee on Rural Community Economic Development (RCED). Section 1006 of the American Rescue Plan directed the USDA to create and fund the Equity Commission, signaling the beginning of the kinds of systemic, structural and cultural changes essential to advancing equity in rural community economic development across the nation.

 

The RCED Subcommittee members include representatives of community-based organizations, lending institutions, small business or cooperatives like SECO Energy, tribal entities and two members from the Equity Commission. The new members, including CEO Curtis Wynn, are:

 

Cheryal Hills, Minnesota

Davis Carrasquillo-Medrano, Puerto Rico

Calvin Allen, North Carolina

Lakota Vogel, South Dakota

Valerie Beel, Nebraska

LaTonya Keaton, Illinois

  Doug O’Brien, Maryland/Washington, DC

Curtis Wynn, Florida

Terry Rambler, Arizona

Larry Holland, Mississippi

Nils Christoffersen, Oregon

Shonterria Charleston, Georgia

 

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack stated, “USDA is committed to ensuring that the underserved communities and populations that have been disproportionately impacted by the effects of economic and environmental shocks are prioritized as we address systemic inequities and build back trust. The diverse perspectives and expertise of the new RCED Subcommittee members will be critical to ensuring the Commission’s discussions and recommendations are balanced, insightful, and project the desired equity outcomes for everyone.”

 

“I am very excited to join the RCED Subcommittee to support the work of the Equity Commission and Subcommittee on Agriculture,” said CEO Curtis Wynn. “Improving quality of life in underserved communities with residents in persistent poverty is a cause that has been near and dear to my heart throughout my 40-year career in the electric cooperative industry. I am honored to have been selected to work alongside other Subcommittee appointees who share my passion for equity, investments in energy infrastructure and clean energy capabilities.”

 

The RCED Subcommittee will work with the Equity Commission and its Agriculture Subcommittee to provide recommendations to the Secretary that specifically address issues and concerns to rural development, persistent poverty and underserved communities. The newly appointed subcommittee members reflect diversity in demographics, regions of the country, background, and in experience and expertise. As part of the application and selection process, USDA sought members who can share the voice and experiences of farmers, ranchers, and farmworker groups, people of color, women, Tribal and Indigenous communities, individuals with disabilities, individuals with limited English proficiency, rural communities, and LGBTQI+ communities.

 

The RCED Subcommittee members will join the Equity Commission and its Agriculture Subcommittee at the commission’s public meeting on September 21-22, 2022. SECO Energy members and others who desire to provide input on issues that should be considered by the Equity Commission and its Subcommittees are encouraged to submit public comments via email to equitycommission@usda.gov.

 

USDA touches the lives of Americans each day in many positive ways, including transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy, and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate-smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit usda.gov.

 

“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 Trustee Joyce Anderson Earns Director Gold Credential

SECO Energy congratulates Board of Trustees Secretary/Treasurer and District 2 Trustee Joyce Anderson on her successful completion of the National Rural Electric Cooperatives Association’s (NRECA) Director Gold Credential (DGC). The DGC offers a continuing education path for directors/trustees beyond the Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD) and Board Leadership Certificate (BLC).

 

According to the NRECA, the Director Gold Credential recognizes directors/trustees who desire a tangible credential that demonstrates their ongoing commitment to advancing their knowledge and performing their fiduciary duty to the best of their ability.

 

SECO Energy is a not-for-profit electric cooperative operated for and owned by its members. SECO’s nine-member Board of Trustees consists of members who live in SECO’s service area. Trustees are elected to oversee the governance of the cooperative. Each Trustee on SECO Energy’s Board is elected by the members who reside in his/her District. Collectively, the Trustees are responsible for establishing, reviewing and revising corporate policies to ensure that SECO continues to preserve reliable, affordable service for all members.

 

Trustee Anderson resides in Sumterville and was first elected to the SECO Energy Board of Trustees in February 2020. Ms. Anderson currently serves as the Board of Trustees Secretary/Treasurer and has been a SECO member since 2017.

 

Trustee Anderson stated, “Completing the Director Gold Credential from the NRECA is an educational accomplishment that I am proud to hold. The NRECA’s Director/Trustee coursework has helped me carry out my role on the SECO Energy Board of Trustees. I am thankful for the opportunity to serve my fellow SECO Energy members and my fellow District 2 members and the membership at large through my Board service.”

 

SECO Energy CEO Curtis Wynn congratulated Trustee Anderson on her educational achievement. Mr. Wynn stated, “Congratulations, Mrs. Anderson, on achieving an educational milestone in earning the Director Gold Credential from the NRECA. SECO Energy thanks you for your commitment to enhancing your energy industry knowledge and putting your skills to work on the Board of Trustees. You and your Board peers are an integral piece of the not-for-profit electric cooperative business model – thank you for your collective service to the SECO Energy membership.”

 

“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 Tracking Hurricane Season Activity

SECO Energy is tracking tropical storm activity early in the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season. The remnants of the Pacific Tropical Storm Agatha reorganized in the Gulf of Mexico and the system is now referred to as Invest 91L which is currently a low-pressure system and is forecast to make landfall in Florida.

 

Currently, the tropical system remains highly disorganized and is located near the Yucatan Peninsula. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) forecast puts the storm near Florida’s west coast late Friday into Saturday. The spaghetti models are in close agreement that eventual landfall will be south of Bradenton.

 

SECO Energy’s service territory is on the outer edge of the projected rain and wind fields. Members will experience widespread rains and gusty winds in south Sumter and Lake Counties and in parts of Citrus County. There is already standing water in some areas and additional rain and high winds can cause downed trees and power outages for members.

 

CEO Curtis Wynn assured members that SECO Energy is StormReady. Wynn stated, “SECO Energy is tracking Invest 91L and the possible weather effects that this tropical system will bring to SECO’s service area. SECO is StormReady and prepared to respond to outages caused by 91L. I am asking members to prepare for not only Invest 91L but to proactively prepare for the possibility of tropical storms and hurricanes throughout the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season.”

 

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 in proximity to 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 preparation 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 About SECO Energy.

 

SECO Energy CEO Curtis Wynn Visits South Lake Chamber with Energy Industry Update

SECO Energy’s Chief Executive Officer Curtis Wynn breakfasted with the South Lake Chamber of Commerce and provided a company and energy industry update at its May 20 meeting held at the Clermont City Center. Mr. Wynn addressed local business owners and professionals who are integral to South Lake County’s population, commercial and industrial growth. Mr. Wynn provided the crowd with an update about SECO Energy and the current state of the energy industry.

 

Mr. Wynn was joined by SECO Energy senior leadership Tracy de Lemos, Deputy General Counsel; Gene Kanikovsky, CFO; and John LaSelva, Vice President of Reliability and Operations. Kathy Judkins, Senior Consultant for Civic, Charitable & Government Relations also attended the meeting along with Manager of Key Accounts & Revenue Programs Jeff Light and Amanda Richardson, Manager of Corporate Communications and Energy Services. South Lake Board Chair Aimee Stanley introduced Mr. Wynn.

 

Mr. Wynn hosted SECO Energy’s 84th Annual Meeting virtually on March 24 and was eager to share the “state of the company” news in person with the South Lake Chamber members. The overview included a review of rising cost of capital, maintenance expenses and the rising natural gas market that are causing rate and fuel cost pressure for SECO Energy and its members. Supply chain issues were covered in detail, along with the labor shortage that is affecting so many businesses across the county, state and the nation.

 

Industry-related topics like solar energy, technology advancements in metering and electric vehicle potential were also part of Mr. Wynn’s presentation at the Chamber and during the Virtual Annual Meeting. To hear from Mr. Wynn and to win one of five prizes SECO Energy members can watch the 2022 Virtual Annual Meeting video and answer the question at SECOEnergy.com by clicking on the homepage banner. Enter before June 15 for a chance to win one of the following prizes:

 

• $500 SECO Energy bill credit
• $250 SECO Energy bill credit
• Nest Learning Thermostat
• HoneyWell Wi-Fi Thermostat
• 2021 Apple TV HD

 

“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 CEO Curtis Wynn Provides Energy Industry Update to Tavares Chamber of Commerce

SECO Energy’s Chief Executive Officer Curtis Wynn addressed the Tavares Chamber of Commerce at its April 27 meeting held at the Tavares Civic Center. Mr. Wynn spoke to local Tavares business owners and professionals to provide the crowd an update about SECO Energy and the current state of the energy industry.

 

Mr. Wynn was joined by SECO Energy’s District 9 Trustee Morgan Hatfield who represents east Lake County members and lives in Paisley. Mr. Wynn and Ms. Hatfield were introduced by Kathy Judkins, SECO Energy’s Senior Consultant for Civic, Charitable and Government Relations.

 

Mr. Wynn hosted SECO Energy’s 84th Annual Meeting virtually on March 24 and was eager to share the “state of the company” news in person with the Tavares Chamber members. The overview included a review of rising capital costs, maintenance expenses and the rising natural gas market that are affecting rate and fuel cost for SECO Energy and its members. Supply chain issues were covered in detail, along with the labor shortage that is affecting so many businesses across the county, state and the nation.

 

Industry-related topics like solar energy, technology advancements in metering and electric vehicle potential were also part of Mr. Wynn’s presentation at the Chamber and during the Virtual Annual Meeting. To hear from Mr. Wynn and to win one of five prizes SECO Energy members can watch the 2022 Virtual Annual Meeting video and answer the question at SECOEnergy.com by clicking on the homepage banner. Enter before June 15 for a chance to win one of the following prizes:

 

• $500 SECO Energy bill credit
• $250 SECO Energy bill credit
• Nest Learning Thermostat
• HoneyWell Wi-Fi Thermostat
• 2021 Apple TV HD

 

“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 Celebrates 2022 Scholarship Awardees

SECO Energy is celebrating its 2022 SECO Energy Scholarship Awardees. Each of the scholarship awardees receives $3,000 to advance his or her education. SECO Energy’s scholarship program was created to attract local, talented students who want to pursue a career in the energy industry and possible employment with SECO Energy in the future.

 

Awardees were required to meet eligibility criteria to qualify. To be awarded a scholarship, students must reside in a home served by SECO Energy and be a high school senior who is graduating in May/June of the current year. Awardees must be interested in pursuing a career in the energy field. He or she must also be seeking a degree in technology, engineering, math or business or seeking an electric-industry-related certification. Awardees must enroll full-time in an accredited Florida college, university or trade school by the end of 2022.

 

The 2022 SECO Energy Scholarship awardees are:

 

Jonathan Troy Duran Estrella – The Villages Charter High School
Paul Farrell – Life Learning Academy
Brandon Scott Gallmeyer – Tavares High School
Allyson Hicks – The Villages Charter High School
Caleb Nolan Littlefield – Homeschool
Kannon Matthew Pauling – Tavares High School
Jordan Kanyé Riche – Wildwood Middle High School
Marcial I. Rodriguez – Citrus High School
Allison Nicole Shields – Umatilla High School

 

CEO Curtis Wynn congratulated the 2022 SECO Energy Scholarship recipients. Mr. Wynn stated, “Congratulations, scholarship awardees, on your scholastic and community service achievements. I am impressed with each and every one of our awardees. Study diligently during the next step in your educational pursuits and you will go far in achieving the goals you have set for yourself and your career.”

 

Wynn continued, “I invite our scholarship awardees to put SECO Energy first on their list for paid internship opportunities while still in school and look to SECO as a place to begin their career in the energy industry. SECO Energy is a growing, dynamic, regional utility that will continue to require a skilled workforce. SECO has an attractive benefits package that includes comprehensive medical and dental insurance, along with paid time off, 401k, employee-referral program and student loan reimbursement.”

 

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

 

“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 Trustee Bill James Recognized for Seminole Electric Cooperative Board Service

During the May SECO Energy Board of Trustee meeting, SECO Energy Board President Gerald Anderson and CEO Curtis Wynn recognized longtime District 8 Trustee William (Bill) W. James, Jr. with a Certificate of Appreciation presented on behalf of the entire Board.

 

Mr. James is a longstanding resident of The Plantation in Leesburg and has been a SECO Energy member since 2002. He has served on the SECO Energy Board of Trustees since 2010 and served on the Seminole Electric Board of Directors from June 2016 through May 2022.

 

President Anderson stated, “The SECO Energy Board of Trustees wanted to formally recognize Mr. James’ distinguished service on the Seminole Electric Cooperative, Inc. Board of Directors over the last six years. His extensive experience and guidance supported Seminole’s strategic initiatives and kept SECO Energy’s Board informed of important information related to our wholesale power provider’s governance and operations.”

 

CEO Curtis Wynn echoed President Anderson’s sentiments and stated, “We are grateful for Mr. James’ hard work and dedication in support of SECO Energy’s ongoing mission to provide reliable, affordable and innovative energy services to our members and communities.”

 

SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees are members who live in SECO’s service territory. They are elected to oversee the governance of the cooperative. Each Trustee on the Board is elected by the members who reside in his/her District. Collectively, the Trustees are responsible for establishing, reviewing and revising corporate policies and approving the cooperative’s budget.

 

“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 Trustee Richard Dennison Recognized for Service as Board President

During the May SECO Energy Board of Trustees meeting, SECO Energy Board President Gerald Anderson and CEO Curtis Wynn recognized District 4 Trustee Richard Dennison with a Certificate of Appreciation presented on behalf of the entire Board.

 

Mr. Dennison is a longstanding resident of Marion Oaks and has been a SECO Energy member since 1999. He has served on the SECO Energy Board of Trustees since 2015, served as Board President from March 2020 to March 2022 and also currently serves on the Seminole Electric Board of Directors.

 

President Anderson stated, “The SECO Energy Board of Trustees honored Mr. Dennison’s distinguished service as President of the SECO Energy Board of Trustees from March 2020 through March 2022. Mr. Dennison’s strong leadership during the pandemic maintained the continuity of our governance processes. During his tenure, the Board of Trustees was required to exercise flexibility and perseverance, and he led that charge with grace and dignity.”

 

CEO Curtis Wynn echoed President Anderson’s sentiments and stated, “We are grateful for Mr. Dennison’s hard work and dedication in support of SECO Energy’s ongoing mission to provide reliable, affordable and innovative energy services to our members and communities.”

 

SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees are members who live in SECO’s service territory. They are elected to oversee the governance of the cooperative. Each Trustee on the Board is elected by the members who reside in his/her District. Collectively, the Trustees are responsible for establishing, reviewing and revising corporate policies and approving the cooperative’s budget.

 

“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 Recognized as a Tree Line USA Utility

SECO Energy has been recognized as a Tree Line USA Utility for 2022 by the Arbor Day Foundation. Tree Line USA recognizes public and private utilities who take part in activities that protect and enhance America’s urban forests. This is the fifteenth year SECO Energy has earned the Tree Line USA distinction.

 

Tree Line USA is a national program recognizing public and private utilities for best practices that protect and preserve America’s urban forests. This program is possible through a partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation and the National Association of State Foresters. Tree Line USA promotes the coexistence of delivering safe and reliable electricity while maintaining healthy community trees.

 

SECO Energy achieved five program standards to be recognized as a Tree Line USA utility. Utilities must follow industry standards for quality tree care; provide annual 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.

 

2022 is the 150th Anniversary of Arbor Day which is celebrated the last Friday of April. The Arbor Day Foundation is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year. Since the Foundation’s beginnings, it has helped to plant and distribute almost 500 million trees in over 50 countries worldwide. Learn more about Arbor Day and its mission.

 

“Trees are essential to creating more urban green spaces in communities across the United States,” said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “In addition, they provide important benefits to residents, including clean air, clean water, and vital tree shade. Service providers like SECO Energy demonstrate how easily trees and utilities can co-exist for the benefit of communities and residents.”

 

CEO Curtis Wynn congratulates SECO Energy’s team for their continued Tree Line USA recognition. Wynn stated, “Congratulations to the Vegetation Management team for upholding the Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree Line USA standards for 15 years. This is quite an accomplishment, and we are very proud of your dedication to quality tree care. SECO Energy invests heavily in its vegetation management program and follows best practices to safely maintain our existing rights of way and reduce power outages.

 

Wynn continued, “SECO Energy strives to be a good environmental steward. Properly maintained, healthy trees, that are planted in the right place, can help SECO members reduce their yearly energy costs.”

 

Visit Right Tree Right Place for tips on planting trees away from power lines and how trees can help reduce yearly energy costs. SECO Energy has also developed online energy efficiency tools to help members reduce energy use and costs. The Home Energy Assessment is an online energy audit tailored to the individual member’s home and lifestyle. Members input their home details and submit their email address to receive no-cost and low-cost tips to increase energy efficiency and lower their electric bills. The Energy Estimator calculates the cost of common household electronics found in most homes. Members who submit their data receive energy-efficiency suggestions and more ways to save.

 

“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 CEO Curtis Wynn Informs Sumter County Chamber of Rising Costs

SECO Energy Chief Executive Officer Curtis Wynn addressed the Sumter County Chamber of Commerce at the April 20 meeting held at The Villages Rohan Recreation Center in Wildwood.

 

Mr. Wynn was joined by SECO Energy Board of Trustee Officers Jerry Anderson (President) and Joyce Anderson (Secretary/Treasurer) and was introduced by SECO Energy’s Manager of Key Accounts & Revenue Programs Jeff Light. Jeff is a Chamber board member and is honored to be named volunteer of the year by the Chamber.

 

Coincidentally, Mr. Wynn and wife Selene recently became Sumter County residents. Just before the move, Mr. Wynn hosted the 2022 SECO Energy Virtual Annual Meeting and was eager to spread the “state of the company” news in person with the Sumter Chamber members. The overview included a review of rising capital and maintenance costs that are causing rate and fuel cost pressure for SECO Energy members. Supply chain issues were covered in detail, along with the labor shortage that is affecting so many businesses across the county, state and the nation.

 

Industry-related topics like solar energy, technology advancements in metering and electric vehicle potential were also part of Mr. Wynn’s presentation at the Chamber and during the Virtual Annual Meeting. To hear from Mr. Wynn and to win one of five prizes SECO Energy members can watch the 2022 Virtual Annual Meeting video and answer the question at SECOEnergy.com by clicking on the homepage banner. Enter before June 15 for a chance to win one of the following prizes:

 

• $500 SECO Energy bill credit
• $250 SECO Energy bill credit
• Nest Learning Thermostat
• HoneyWell Wi-Fi Thermostat
• 2021 Apple TV HD

 

“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.