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Category: SECO News

SECO News, August 2017

SECO News, August 2017 - Duncan's Digest, Third JD Power Award

 

Duncan’s Digest

Third J.D. Power Award!!

 

Thank you, members, for honoring SECO Energy with a third J.D. Power award. J.D. Power’s 2017 Electric Utility Residential Customer Satisfaction Study, has once again ranked your not-for-profit electric cooperative “Highest in Customer Satisfaction among Electric Cooperatives.” Our 2017 trophy marks a three-year streak of J.D. Power awards for SECO Energy’s customer satisfaction.

 

In 2015, J.D. Power named SECO “Highest in Customer Satisfaction among Midsize Utilities in the South.” The next year, J.D. Power placed cooperatives in a separate category and the cooperative set its sights on another win. We accomplished our original goal with a second win in 2016. And this year, we far exceeded our original goal with a third win, gaining the top spot and earning our “Triple Crown.”

 

The J.D. Power study measures customer satisfaction with electric utility companies by examining six factors:

  • Power Quality and Reliability
  • Price
  • Billing and Payment
  • Corporate Citizenship
  • Communications
  • Customer Service

 

SECO’s 2017 overall score is an incredible 789, which is a 20-point increase from our 2016 score.

 

SECO News, August 2017 - Duncan's Digest, Third JD Power Award, Triple Crown, visit jdpower.com for more information

 

How does SECO continue to rise above the competition and retain its customer satisfaction crown? The quick answer is the 400+ employees who make SECO the nation’s top electric cooperative. SECO employees are the best in the state, if not the nation. Our local employees are your friends, neighbors and family. SECO employees are the heart of the cooperative and without them, awards and recognition wouldn’t be possible.

 

I am beyond grateful for our employees and their dedication to not only customer satisfaction, but their dedication to our members. I am also thankful for the forward-thinking vision of our executive leadership team and the SECO Board Members who oversee the governance of the cooperative.

 

This third J.D. Power award culminates a decade-long effort to increase reliability, maintain low rates and provide world-class customer service to members. I am humbled by the praise and goodwill from our members and privileged to be employed by the best electric cooperative in the country.

 

Sincerely,

 

Jim Duncan

Chief Executive Officer

 

SECO News, August 2017 - Right Tree Right Place

 

Right Tree Right Place

 

Trees interfering with power lines are a leading cause of unexpected outages. When trees contact power lines they can create sparks, fires, shock hazards and as mentioned previously – power outages. To avoid these problems, SECO has developed a holistic Vegetation Management program that includes regular tree trimming and educating members about how trees save energy and reduce monthly bills.

 

Don’t plant trees close to power lines. Consider how tall the tree will be when it is mature. Plant small ornamental trees or shrubs at least 15 feet away from lines and plant the tallest trees at least 70 feet away. That small oak sapling planted today may one day grow into a majestic live oak towering 80 feet in the air.

 

SECO also encourages members to plant the right tree in the right place to reduce annual energy costs. Planting deciduous trees to the south, southwest or west side will provide your home with shade during the summer, which reduces your cooling costs. To reduce heating costs, plant evergreens and shrubs on the north and west sides of your home to block winter winds.

 

Learn more about how trees can reduce energy costs and tree planting ideas at SECOEnergy.com.

 

SECO News, August 2017 - Safety Corner: Move Over Law

 

Safety Corner

 

Move Over Law

 

When you see an emergency vehicle, tow truck, sanitation crew or utility vehicle on the road shoulder with lights flashing, do you reduce your speed or move over a lane?

 

You should. In fact, under Florida’s Move Over Law it’s mandatory. Utility workers, law enforcement personnel, EMTs and sanitation workers are at risk of being injured or killed by vehicles traveling at high rates of speed when working on the road shoulder.

 

SECO technicians routinely park near roadways and are particularly vulnerable to careless/distracted drivers who cause accidents. It is common to see a SECO Energy line technician replacing a pole or repairing lines while inside a bucket that is 40 or 50 feet aloft. Oftentimes this mid-air roadside work takes place in the dark and during thunderstorms. Technicians are focused on their assigned tasks and working safely, they may not be able to get out of the way if a vehicle crashes into their work area.

 

On a multi-lane road, the Move Over Law requires drivers to move over a lane away from the vehicle on the shoulder. If you cannot move over safely, the law
requires you to reduce your speed to 20 mph below the posted speed limit. On two lane roads where there isn’t a lane to move over into, the law requires you to reduce your speed to 20 mph below the posted speed limit. Drivers can be ticketed for failure to comply with the Move Over Law, which will cost you over $100, add points to your driving record and raise your insurance premiums.

 

Please do your part to ensure workers return home safely to their loved ones. Pay attention to the road, don’t text while driving, move over and slow down for emergency vehicles – it’s the law.

 

SECO News, August 2017 - Energy Savings: Solar Window Screens

 

Energy Savings

 

Solar Window Screens

 

Florida summers certainly offer chances for fun in the sun, but when humidity is at 100% and temps reach the triple-degree mark, energy bills increase. The sun’s heat transfers through your windows and raises the temperature inside your home. In turn, your HVAC unit runs more often and uses more energy – thus raising your electric bill.

 

What low-cost step can you take to prevent heat transfer into your home? Install solar window screens. Indoor shading techniques such as curtains and blinds block light and heat after it is already inside your home. Solar screens fight heat transfer through your windows on the outside of your home. These screens are designed to reflect up to 90% of the sun’s heat and glare before it enters your home without compromising visibility. Solar screens also provide a level of daytime privacy by preventing outsiders from peeking in your windows. The heavy screens provide a level of bug protection as well.

 

Solar screens come in a variety of colors to complement the aesthetics of your home. Visit our website for additional tips to reduce energy usage and lower your monthly bills.

 

Read the full August 2017 SECO News here.

 

Nature’s Reflections – Hurricanes & Wildlife

Where do animals go in a hurricane?

 

Florida’s wildlife is well adapted to the state’s weather extremes. Their early warning system lies in the ability to sense any change in the barometric pressure and move to safer locations. Members of the animal kingdom seem to find places to hide from a storm’s wrath.

 

Water birds and shorebirds move inland during storms. Many birds will fly to the outer edge of a storm and find a safe place to hunker down – sometimes hundreds of miles away. Birds have the ability to tighten their grip and hold on during high winds, just as they do when sleeping. Cavity nesters, like woodpeckers will often ride out the storm in the tree. Many species of wildlife know the areas of the forest where they will be best protected from the worst winds. Chicks in a twig or ground nest are at the highest risk for injury.

 

Natural disaster disrupts and affects everything in its path, including wildlife. Livestock and pets are not always able to get out of harm’s way on their own. A sad fact is that there is usually some loss to wildlife and habitat as a result of severe storms. The good news is that wildlife in general is amazingly resilient.

 

While we can never place animal life above human life, it is important to be sensitive to the needs of both wildlife and domestic animals as much as we can before and after a natural disaster.

 

Nature's Reflections - Hurricanes & Wildlife, Disaster disrupts and affects everything in its path, including wildlife

 

Following the 2004 hurricanes, FEMA brought in veterinarians from other states to help rescue and treat the thousands of domestic animals that resided in the Florida counties that were declared federal disaster areas.

 

The Humane Society collected pets found disoriented and wandering aimlessly and gave them food and shelter until the rightful owners could be found. Those unclaimed pets were later offered for adoption.

 

Volunteers from area wildlife rehab centers were busy with rescue and treatment of injured, displaced and orphaned animals following the hurricanes. Biologists from Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) monitored the impact to wildlife for weeks following the storms. Research shows that most of Florida’s ecosystems and wildlife populations recover, or adapt, quickly after even the severest storms.

 

Column & photos by Sandi Staton – sandi.staton@gmail.com

 

Read the full Nature’s Reflections article in the July 2017 SECO News here.

 

SECO News, June 2017

SECO News June 2017, Duncan’s Digest

Duncan’s Digest

 

Dear SECO Energy Members,

From the torch, to the oil lamp, to the Edison incandescent, to the CFL and LED, lighting has changed dramatically with the times. To “let there be light” today, SECO Energy must also change with the advancements of our industry. We must control costs and provide a high level of customer service. That’s what you expect and deserve, and we stand ready to fulfill your energy needs.

 

With our 2016 Annual Report and audit complete, I am proud and humbled to share strong fiscal results. Staying ahead of growing power demand is a challenge that is capital and expense intensive. It is a delicate balance of design, construction, maintenance and vegetation management.

 

Illuminating your homes and powering your appliances and electronics is a 24/7 responsibility. “Storm Ready” is SECO’s motto when Hurricane Season converges on The Sunshine State on June 1. If a storm blows through and on the rare occasion when the lights go out, you can bet that our crews and contractors are staged and on the move to restore power the moment it’s safe. Our Emergency Restoration Plan and investments in storm preparation ensure that you will not go without power for an extended period of time.

 

Our dedication to you over the last decade of service improvements has manifested in SECO Energy earning two consecutive J.D. Power awards for highest customer satisfaction in the nation in our segment. The cooperative’s ACSI score improved in 2016 to 89 – an outstanding rating, especially when compared to investor-owned and municipal utilities.

 

What distinguishes SECO from other providers is called the cooperative difference, and is made possible by our Board of Trustees’ governance, our executive team’s leadership and, most important, the dedication and hard work of the 400+ SECO Energy employees. Learn more in the online version of the 2016 Annual Report.

 

Thank you, members, for rating SECO so highly and for your loyal patronage. We are humbled and privileged to serve as your Central Florida energy provider.

 

Jim Duncan

Chief Executive Officer

 

SECO News June 2017, Surge Protection: Protect your Appliances and Win

 

Surge Protection: Protect your Appliances and Win

 

With Atlantic Hurricane Season in full swing, are your large appliances protected from harmful power surges? Would you like a chance to win a $300 bill credit? Read on to learn more about SECO’s surge protection program and a chance to win.

 

During the month of June, The Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts daily thunderstorms with an above average rainfall. That means Florida’s daily afternoon thunderstorms will likely bring large amounts of rain, high winds and damaging lightning.

 

In addition, birds, small animals, falling trees or vehicles crashing into SECO power poles can cause power surges. Power surges are sudden, powerful increases in voltage that can damage or destroy household appliances and other electronic devices in your home.

 

SECO’s surge protection is proudly “Made in the USA” and helps you protect large appliances from damaging power surges. A certified SECO contractor will install the meter base surge arrester behind your electric meter, no appointment needed. Members can lease the surge protection for $5.95 a month with a $25 installation fee, or purchase the product for $349 with installation included. The meter base arrester is just the first step to complete protection. Members should also purchase “point of use” devices from their local home improvement or hardware store to protect sensitive electronic equipment such as televisions, computers, cordless phones and more.

 

All members enrolled in SECO’s surge protection program will be entered into a random drawing for a $300 bill credit. Enroll by August 15 for your chance to win. Members who currently have surge protection are already entered into the drawing.

 

Learn more about SECO’s surge protection and enroll online. Good luck!

 

SECO News June 2017, Hot Bucks cooling down

 

Hot Bucks Cooling Down

 

Natural gas consumption in the power sector has risen 25% in recent years. The U.S. Energy Information Administration forecast that natural gas prices will rise about 20% in 2017. That prediction is beginning to play out.

 

The overall natural gas price outlook for Q3-Q4 2017 and NYMEX futures prices indicate that rock bottom gas prices under $3/MMBtu are over. Utilities across The Sunshine State are filing for rate increases as a result.

 

SECO Energy members have benefitted from three years of steadily declining power costs – a decrease of about 12 percent during that timeframe. But now we must respond to the changing fuel market trends.

 

As a result, SECO must adjust the PCA – Power Cost Adjustment – component of your bill. Rather than paying $112.60 for 1,000 kilowatt hours, members will begin paying $114.90 for that same average usage beginning July 1 as approved by the Board of Trustees.

 

The SECO increase is $2.30 per 1,000 kWh. Comparatively, Duke Energy’s increase that took effect in January was $4.39 per 1,000 kWh, and Florida Power & Light’s was $7.00 – reflections of the changing market.

 

Learn more about SECO Energy’s financial stability in the 2016 Annual Report.

 

 

Read the full June 2017 SECO News here.

Nature’s Reflections – The Green Anole

One of Florida’s best natural pest control experts

 

This lively little garden critter is the Green Anole (Anolis carolinensis), pronounced uh’no-lee, of the Iguanidae family. It is the only anole native to Florida and not to be confused with the non-native Brown Anole. Its long-pointed snout and smooth skin distinguishes it, as does its ability to change color from green to brown or gray as a camouflage technique and in reaction to temperature. When temps are above 70°F, it tends to be green. In cooler weather it turns brown. Following a territorial dispute, the winner turns bright green while the loser turns brown. Although it is often called a “chameleon,” it is not. Chameleons are natives of Africa and Madagascar, have eyeballs that move independently, and tails that curl into spirals.

 

SECO News June 2017, Nature's Reflections - The Green Anole. It has adhesive toe pads, enabling it to climb and cling to vertical surfaces.

 

Like all lizards, the Green Anole is equipped with moveable eyelids and external ear holes. Adults molt often, casting off skin in pieces. It has adhesive toe pads, enabling it to climb and cling to vertical surfaces. Males grow to eight inches. Females are smaller.

 

Its long, slender tail makes up half of its length and breaks off at the slightest pressure – allowing for a quick escape. The tail then grows back over several weeks.
Males have a brightly colored patch of skin called a throat fan or dew lap. It appears to inflate, but is actually displayed using a flexible rod of cartilage. The behavior is often accompanied by push-ups and head-bobbing maneuvers when courting a mate or defending territory. Breeding takes place from late March to early October. Females lay single eggs every two weeks in moist soil including the soil in flower pots. The tiny 1/4- to 3/8-inch leathery eggs take five to seven weeks to hatch.

 

SECO News June 2017, Nature's Reflections - The Green Anole. Anoles and other lizards are valuable contributors to the environment and economically important as natural pest controllers – an essential element in the balance of nature.

 

Anoles feed on insects, but only live prey. Anoles have excellent eyesight and are frequently seen quietly stalking prey or basking in the sunlight. It is not unusual to see it gobbling up wood roaches or other bugs. Amazingly, this little lizard can grab and swallow prey almost its size. Anoles and other lizards are valuable contributors to the environment and economically important as natural pest controllers – an essential element in the balance of nature.

 

Column & photos by Sandi Staton – sandi.staton@gmail.com

Nature’s Reflections – Backyard Florida

Playing in the water brings out the kid in all of us

 

Since Florida is surrounded on three sides by saltwater with 1,197 miles of coastline, 2,276 miles of tidal shoreline and 663 miles of beaches, it is a great place to come play in the water – a natural water park. But, that is just the perimeter. There is a lot of water within the State’s interior.

 

The interior of Florida has more than 11,000 miles of streams, rivers and waterways with three million acres of freshwater and 27 first magnitude springs – more than any other state in the nation. These are springs that discharge water at a rate of at least 100 cubic feet of water per second. Florida’s longest river is the St. Johns at 273 miles. The state also has 10,000 lakes with 7,700 of them larger than ten acres and the largest, Lake Okeechobee, is 700 square miles. It is the second largest freshwater lake in the U.S. In fact, Florida’s total water area is 4,308 square miles.

 

SECO News, May 2017 - Nature's Reflections - Florida’s natural splendor beckons boaters, canoeists, anglers, wildlife and nature observers, as well as water-sports enthusiasts.

 

Florida’s natural splendor beckons boaters, canoeists, anglers, wildlife and nature observers, as well as water-sports enthusiasts. The goals of Florida’s conservation efforts include the preservation of natural habitats and ecosystems for wildlife and recreational opportunities for everyone, young and old alike.

 

Our treasury of clean waterways brings thousands of visitors to Florida annually. The sale of fishing gear and related equipment, licenses and rental fees makes a tremendous contribution to the state’s economy and provides residents with a wonderful place to play, relax and have a good time. Fishing is a fun and wholesome activity that everyone can enjoy.

 

Boating and other water sports are popular too. With thousands of registered vessels and personal watercraft, boating safety is a priority in Florida. Both residents and visitors are encouraged to take one of the many boating safety courses offered.

 

SECO News, May 2017 - Nature's Reflections - Backyard Florida

 

Florida is indeed “a great backyard” and with our excellent weather, it’s no wonder people come from all over the world to play in the water here. Whatever your preference, fishing, boating, skiing, swimming, operating a personal watercraft, or watching from the shoreline, with so much water in Florida, you’re bound to find something you like.

 

Column & photos by Sandi Staton – sandi.staton@gmail.com

SECO News, May 2017

SECO News, May 2017 - Duncan's Digest, Storm Ready

Duncan’s Digest – Storm Ready

 

Atlantic Hurricane season is just around the corner – beginning on June 1. The Old Farmer’s Almanac advises us to watch for tropical storm threats in mid-May, predicts a rainy summer and forecasts the possibility of hurricanes in September. Colorado State University’s Tropical Meteorology study was recently released and it calls for the number of named storms and hurricanes to be slightly below historical averages. Still, per NOAA’s Hurricane Research Division, the U.S. averages one to two hurricane landfalls each season, so we have to prepare even with a below average hurricane forecast.

 

“Storm Ready” isn’t just a slogan. We invest in and prepare for the worst, but hope and pray for the best. “Storm Ready” is using social media to update members about severe weather and its possible impact to our service area. “Storm Ready” is SECO’s System Operations Center that is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. “Storm Ready” means that Operations crews and support staff are available for restoration around-the-clock. “Storm Ready” means that local Call Centers and Member Service Centers are fully staffed to help you weather the storm.

 

SECO can help you get your family “Storm Ready” as well. Visit our website’s Storm Preparation section for an Emergency Checklist. Before inclement weather arrives, bookmark SECO’s Storm Center page on your smartphone or tablet in case you need to report a power outage, and update your primary contact phone number and email address through your online account (called SmartHub at SECOEnergy.com). “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” the cooperative on Twitter for weather information and warnings.

 

It’s time to check your emergency kit – now. Make sure your supplies are fully stocked and that medicines, water and foodstuffs aren’t out-of-date. Remember, emergency supplies sell out quickly when storms and hurricanes are imminent.

 

SECO News, May 2017 - Duncan's Digest, Storm Ready

 

During the 2016 Atlantic Hurricane Season, Florida Governor Rick Scott engaged with utility leaders collaboratively and encouraged us across the state to work together to restore all consumers’ power as quickly as possible. “Storm Ready” also applies to SECO’s willingness to lend a hand to assist our fellow cooperatives, as well as state municipal and investor-owned utilities when possible. In February, SECO assisted Clay Electric Cooperative when its members were affected by widespread outages due to a strong storm. Since SECO’s system held up well in that storm and the few members who experienced outages had their service restored the same day, the SECO team jumped into action and sent 20 employees to help restore power to Clay members.

 

SECO News, May 2017- Annual Meeting Recap

 

Annual Meeting Recap

 

Attendance boomed at SECO Energy’s 79th Annual Meeting of the Membership on Saturday, March 25. Thousands of members, guests, vendors and VIPs enjoyed hot breakfast biscuits, sweet treats, energy efficiency displays, live entertainment, gifts and a chance to win grand prizes and various door prizes. Members received a copy of SECO’s 2016 Annual Report and a gift bag with two commemorative insulated steel tumblers. SECO and its wholesale power provider Seminole Electric distributed over 6,000 LED bulbs to members. Members visited SECO’s vendor-partners who were on hand to display their energy-saving products and services in the Energy Showcase.

 

Margo Rochelle & Rodeo Drive provided live entertainment, playing current country tunes and old favorites while members sang along and line danced. A special character, LED Lucy, brightened the day with her antics and smiles.

 

Members took home loads of door prizes. The grand prizes up for grabs were four cash prizes, a refurbished Dodge Dakota truck, and a refurbished electric golf cart.

 

SECO News, May 2017- Annual Meeting , pictures form 79th annual meeting of SECO Members

 

This year’s grand prize winners are:

  • Michael Niemiec from Inverness won the refurbished 2005 Dodge Dakota truck.
  • Lake Panasoffkee’s Shannon Jessup was the winner of the refurbished electric golf cart from The Villages Golf Carts.
  • The Villages resident Edward Maffuccio was the happy winner of the $1,500 cash prize.
  • Clark Smith from Webster won the $1,000 cash prize.
  • Christine Bartow from The Villages and Edward James from Leesburg both won a $500 cash prize.

 

Congratulations to all winners, and thank you for attending the event. Mark your calendar, as next year’s Annual Meeting is scheduled for Saturday, March 17, 2018. Hope you can join us for our 80th Annual Meeting!

 

SECO News, May 2017 - Save Money Save Energy

 

Save Energy, Save Money

 

Summer is almost here – set your HVAC thermostat at 78 or higher in the summer and always keep your fan setting on “Auto.” Invest in a programmable thermostat and save $180 annually per ENERGY STAR®.

 

SECO News, May 2017 - Safety Corner, Downed Power Lines

 

Safety Corner – Downed Power Lines

 

Always assume overhead power lines are live and dangerous – even when lines and poles are downed during storms or accidents. Warn children to never touch a downed line with any part of their body or another object such as a stick or bat. Instruct children to leave the area immediately and call for help if they see a downed line.

 

Read the full May 2017 SECO News here.

Nature’s Reflections – Florida’s Live Oak

One of the most majestic trees of the South

 

The huge old Florida live oaks (Quercus virginiana) draped in Spanish moss, are among the most magnificently beautiful trees. Standing forty to fifty feet in height, they grow in a variety of soils. These long-lived, pest-free trees are among our most valuable and historic shade trees. The Spanish moss and resurrection ferns grow on live oak branches but are not harmful to the trees. Loved by some and disliked by others, these three plants have historically grown together in harmony.

 

Many of the largest live oaks are actually registered and thought to be more than two hundred years old. As a native hardwood, the live oak ranks the heaviest – weighing 55 pounds per cubic foot when air dry (75 pounds per cubic foot, fresh weight). These trees are known for their resistance to disease and incredible density. Periodic pruning helps to decrease the tremendous weight of the branches and keeps the tree from splitting under its own weight.

 

Today, the live oak is a prized shade tree. In past centuries, the trees were used to build naval ships. In 1828, the United States set aside 1,300 acres of land in the Florida Panhandle known as the Naval Live Oaks, which is now part of the National Park Service. Among the ships constructed from live oaks were the revolutionary privateer the Hancock, “Old Ironsides” herself – USS Constitution, and the USS Constellation, built in the 1790s. The wood was also used for: cart hubs, axles, screws and cogs of mill wheels, waterwheels and pilings. The wood is attractive for use as furniture or flooring, but proves to be too hard to work and finish easily.

 

Nature's Reflections, April 2017 - These trees are known for their resistance to disease and incredible density.

 

When planting, leave a lot of room for growth. The key is not to plant them too close together, or in areas likely to suffer road, building or power line construction.

 

In January–February, live oaks shed their leaves when the old leaves are actually pushed off by the new growth. Acorns mature in September through October, average 390 per pound and germinate soon after falling. Acorns are favored by all kinds of wildlife and are of great nutritional value to many birds and mammals.

 

Column & photos by Sandi Staton – sandi.staton@gmail.com

SECO News, April 2017

SECO News, April 2017, Duncan's Digest Substation Buzz

Duncan’s Digest: SUBSTATION BUZZ

 

When I first started working in the energy industry, I was convinced that the linemen had their own language and it wasn’t English. As a financial guy, industry terms like “feeder,” “backfeed,” and “step-up and step-down,” frankly didn’t make much sense. But, as my career continued and I became engrossed in energy, I now use these terms and more on a regular basis. I thought it might be interesting for you to have more insight into the energy industry at SECO.

 

Substations are a visible and integral part of our nation’s electric grid. If you think of a generating plant as the brains of the operation, then substations are the heart. Substations serve many functions, transforming high-voltage to low-voltage or vice versa as power flows through them – almost instantaneously.

 

Substations are an essential component of the grid’s connection as the link between the transmission and distribution portions of an electric system. Substations are key to performing electric system maintenance and balancing the flow of power during irregular operations.

 

How do the components of the grid work together? As a SECO member, the electricity you use is created at Seminole Electric (a generation and transmission cooperative) power plant and then supplied to a transmission substation near the plant.

 

The transmission substation increases or “steps-up” the voltage in order for the generated power to travel hundreds of miles via large transmission lines to a SECO substation. Upon arrival, voltage is decreased or stepped-down and sent on its way in multiple directions through SECO’s distribution lines. Along the distribution lines, additional transformers decrease the voltage again before it is ready to energize the homes and businesses SECO serves.

 

The SECO and Seminole connected electric grid can be thought of as a highway system. Generating plants, transmission lines, substations and distribution lines are all connected – which is a benefit to you. Interconnection allows other substations to pick up load when another substation or distribution line is in high demand. This keeps the energy flowing freely and uniformly on the grid.

 

Interconnected substations in our service area allow SECO’s Operations crews to restore power quickly and safely to members. When a substation or major line (that we refer to as a feeder) suffers an outage, SECO’s System Control Coordinators can use the interconnected grid to program another substation to pick up the load or “backfeed” service to the meters that lost power. System Control Coordinators also use backfeeding to keep SECO members in service when a substation, transmission or distribution line requires routine maintenance.

 

At the heart of SECO’s 2,000-square mile territory, are the 48 substations that supply power to almost 200,000 SECO members. SECO owns, inspects and maintains over 12,000 miles of electric lines that represent an almost 800-million-dollar investment.

 

According to the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (Jefferson Lab), electricity moves almost as fast as the speed of light – about 173,000 miles per second. When you turn on a light in your home, the power to run that light was actually created less than one second ago.

 

Last year, you and your fellow members consumed over 3.239 billion, yes billion, kilowatt hours. Providing safe, reliable electric service to members is one of our top priorities. And our expertly designed, soundly built, well-maintained, sophisticated system allows us to do just that. On behalf of myself and 400+ SECO employees, it is our pleasure serving as your energy provider.

 

SECO News, April 2017, Ways to pay

Ways to Pay

 

SECO offers members several convenient ways to pay your monthly energy bill. Whether you stop by, drive-thru or log in – SECO has a payment option that is right for you.

 

Pay online with SmartHub – available online or via mobile application, SmartHub is a tech savvy member’s preferred payment choice. Using SmartHub, members can view and pay their bill, enroll in bank draft, update account information and compare energy usage by month or year.

 

Pay by Bank Draft – Seasonal members appreciate the convenience of having their monthly bill automatically drafted from a bank account of their choice. Thousands of others depend on bank draft to keep their account current with little effort on their part. Sign up through SmartHub today.

 

Your Bank’s Online Bill Payment – You can also choose to pay your energy bill through your bank’s online bill payment system. When setting up the payment, have your bill available to enter the key information like the account number and SECO’s payment address.

 

Pay in Person – SECO’s five Member Service Centers have walk-in and drive-thru access available. Some offices have payment kiosks available 24/7 that accept cash, debit and credit cards.

 

Pay by Phone – Call 1-877-371-9382 24 hours a day, seven days a week to pay by Visa, MasterCard, Discover, debit card or electronic check.

 

Pay Now – Need to make a quick one-time payment now? PayNow (a quick feature of SmartHub) is available for members to pay online without actually registering for a SmartHub account.

 

Pay by Mail – Members can mail their monthly payments to:
SECO Energy P.O. Box 31634
Tampa, FL 33631-3634.

 

My Way PrePay – The program is perfect for SECO members on a budget. Members who enroll in My Way PrePay pay for their energy before use. Register with SmartHub and pay online, by phone or through a kiosk. No deposit required.

 

Fidelity Xpresspay – Pay your SECO bill through a Fidelity Xpresspay location in Central Florida. For a list of payment centers call 1-800-621-8030 or visit www.fidelityexpress.com. Processing time is approximately two days. This payment option is not recommended for MyWay PrePay members or those who have received a disconnect notice. There is a $1.50 processing fee per payment.

 

MoneyGram – Another option available is MoneyGram. MoneyGram has locations in Central Florida and is recommended for MyWay PrePay members who aren’t using SmartHub. Visit www.moneygram.com to learn more or find a location near you. There is a $1.50 processing fee per payment.

 

Explore SECO’s ways to pay, find an office location or sign up for SmartHub.

 

SECO News, April 2017, Energy Estimator Winner

Energy Estimator Winners

 

Congratulations to our three Energy Estimator Contest winners. John and Barbara Gardner of The Villages are the winners of the $300 bill credit. Bruce McClain of Ocala is the winner of the energy efficiency tools and John Baccoli, also of Ocala, won the programmable Wi-Fi thermostat. Want to learn more about energy efficiency and lowering your bills? Calculate your monthly and yearly energy usage on a variety of appliances and electronics with the Energy Estimator. Interested in an in-depth audit of your home’s energy efficiency? On the website Contact Us page, request a free in-home energy audit with one of SECO’s trained Energy Specialists or if you are short on time, explore the Home Energy Assessment, a comprehensive online energy audit you can complete in the comfort of your home.

 

SECO News, April 2017, Safety Corner - Call before you dig

Safety Corner

 

Spring is here, the sun is shining and it’s time to update your landscaping. Before you dig, call 811 – it’s the law. 811 is a free service that locates and marks the underground lines on your property. Don’t be caught unaware, cause an accident or an outage – call 811 before you dig.

 

Read the full April 2017 SECO News here.

SECO News, March 2017

SECO News, Duncan's Digest, February 2016

Duncan’s Digest: Facebook Help Squad

 

Mark your calendar to attend SECO’s 79th Annual Meeting of the Membership on March 25. Gates and registration open at 8:00 a.m., and the business meeting begins at 10:30 a.m. Prize drawing begins immediately after the business meeting and you must be present to win. This year’s prizes include cash, a refurbished 2005 Dodge Dakota pickup truck, an electric refurbished golf cart and too many additional door prizes to name.

 

Speaking of prizes – be on the lookout for SECO’s Facebook Help Squad – the group who will help you enter the random drawing to win a $300 bill credit. Remember – you must be present to win.

Facebook Help Squad and Golf Cart 2017

 

Are you ready to win? If you don’t already have a Facebook profile, get started by signing up for a free account today at www.facebook.com. Next, members should “like” SECO Energy’s Facebook page. Finally, interact with SECO on Facebook during the Annual Meeting. It’s easy – post a picture of yourself having fun at the Annual Meeting, comment on our status update, or mention @SECO Energy on your Facebook page. The $300 bill credit winner will be announced just before the business meeting begins. Did I mention that you must be present to win?

 

The Facebook Help Squad is here to help you. Have your smartphone or tablet ready, and a Help Squad member will take your picture and post it on SECO’s page. Or you can post your own “selfie.” Your kids and grandkids will be so impressed at your tech skills. Watch for the big blue Facebook signs. The Help Squad is a fun group of customer-service ambassadors – they are characters who have a good time.

 

Enjoy the world-class hospitality of the best cooperative employees around, munch on good food, win door prizes, dance to the band and maybe get lucky with extra surprises and prizes. Join us at 8:00 a.m. on March 25 at our Sumterville Compound at 293 S. Highway 301. I look forward to seeing you there – because you must be present to win.

 

 

Internship Candidate is 2016 SECO Scholarship Awardee

2017 Scholarship Reminder

 

Graduating highs school seniors – don’t forget to apply for a chance to win a $3,000 scholarship. Application deadline is March 31, 2017. Print an application today. $36,000 in scholarships will be awarded this year.

 

SECO Energy Scholarship 2017

 

Read the full March 2017 SECO News here.