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Category: SECO News

SECO News, April 2016

SECO News, Duncan's Digest, February 2016

 

As you opened your March billing statement, I hope you were pleasantly surprised to see that SECO Energy’s “Hot Bucks” are hotter than ever. In fact, as of March 1st, residential members are now paying $114.60 based on 1,000 kWh, which is average usage for residential members in our area.

 

Over the past 27 months, SECO Energy has lowered the cost of electricity seven times; this latest reduction equates to a 10.3% decrease over this time frame. The reduction appears as a credit on your bill under the line item “Hot Bucks.” The term refers to the Power Cost Adjustment (PCA) portion of your bill.

SECO “Hot Bucks” are Hotter than Ever

 

We work closely with our wholesale power provider, Seminole Electric, to ensure that we offer members the lowest rate possible and still eke out a small margin (required of us as a not-for-profit electric cooperative).

 

When the wholesale price goes down, usually due to reduced fuel costs, SECO Energy lowers the PCA factor and members see their bills decrease.

 

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, when wholesale power costs are lower, SECO Energy shares the savings with members. Lowering the cost of power is a joint effort between SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees, our employees and our wholesale power provider, Seminole Electric Cooperative. Controlling costs is essential for members and the communities we serve. I know how carefully many of you track your expenditures. I want to assure you that our company’s management team and employees work diligently to keep costs down and control expenses to match your effort.

 

I think it’s safe to say that SECO Energy is one of the most affordable, reliable electric utilities in Central Florida. Hands down, we offer the best customer service. I know this because in 2015, SECO Energy was ranked by J.D. Power as highest in customer satisfaction among midsize utilities in the south. I believe our continued commitment to offer members low electric rates, outstanding reliability and strong community support are just a few of the reasons why members are satisfied with the service they receive from their cooperative.

 

To read more about our commitment to members and our communities, visit SECOEnergy.com. Next month, look for a snapshot overview of our 2016 Annual Meeting of the Membership or watch the video on our website, Facebook or YouTube channel.

 

 

Register for Smarthub and win an iPad Mini

 

Win an iPad mini!

 

Click on “My Account” to sign up for SmartHub®. All SECO Energy members who register online with SmartHub by May 15 will be entered in a drawing to win an iPad mini!

 

Using a computer, tablet or smartphone, members can access and manage their SECO account(s) via SmartHub. Seasonal members can use SmartHub to change their mailing address and also gain instant access to current and previous bills. SmartHub allows members to track their energy use and is helpful for members on a budget.

 

Access these convenient features:

 

  • Access current bills – no need to wait for USPS
  • View and pay your bill online via debit or credit card
  • Subscribe to receive text or email alerts
  • Sign up for automatic bank draft or MyWay Prepay
  • Update mailing address and phone number
  • Access billing history and view previous bills
  • Compare yearly or monthly energy usage
  • View social media news feeds
  • Plot high, low and average temperatures against energy use
  • Record energy-saving events (appliance purchases, filter changes)

 

Give SmartHub a try.

 

Contact us at (352) 793-3801 or email customerservice@secoenergy.com for help with registering or with questions. Don’t forget, register by May 15 for a chance to win! Members currently using SmartHub are automatically entered.

 

Get the app for your mobile device – search for “SmartHub” in the App Store for iOS in the Google Play™ store for Android™.

 

 

SECO News HVAC Tune-Up and Filter Change June 2019

 

Want a quick and easy way to reduce energy consumption? Change your HVAC filter regularly. Routinely changing your HVAC filter improves your home’s air quality and reduces energy costs. Also, remember to change the filter on your refrigerator. Clean refrigerator filters provide cleaner water and ice, which can reduce spending on bottled water.

 

Read additional energy-saving tips.

 

 

Car on guy wire
Vehicle accidents are scary, especially if the accident involves power lines or poles.

 

Remember these 5 steps to help you stay safe.

 

  1. Stay in your car − only exit the car if it is on fire
  2. Remain calm
  3. Call 911 immediately.  Tell the operator that a power line or pole is down
  4. Warn bystanders to stay away
  5. Warn first responders the line could be energized

 

Broken power lines can still be energized; touching these can be fatal. Please share this information with family and friends. It could save a life.

 

Read the full April 2016 SECO News here.

 

Nature’s Reflections – Florida’s Cypress Trees

Beautiful conifers and beneficial wetlands trees

 

Two types of cypress trees are found throughout Florida. The massive bald cypress (Taxodium distichum), grows to 150-feet tall and more than six feet in diameter. It is believed to be the largest tree in North America east of the Rockies. It has small, flat, feathery-like leaves growing on both sides of horizontal branchlets. Leaves and small round cones shed in the fall, hence the name “bald” cypress.

 

Pond cypress (Taxodium ascendens) is somewhat smaller with needle-like leaves that wrap tightly around the twigs. It is also deciduous meaning it sheds annually. Both trees are known for their “knees” and wide buttressed or fluted trunks that add support. Knees are a part of the root system which grows above the soil and varies in height. Some experts believe the knees supply oxygen to the roots of the trees and serve as support to anchor the tree in wet environments. Typically, pond cypress have fewer knees and are less buttressing than bald cypress trees. Both like full sun, acidic soils, easily adapt to wet or dry conditions and live for hundreds of years.

 

Typically, bald cypress grow in and along flowing water, while pond cypress is more limited to still or slow-moving water. Pond cypress grown in soils poor in nutrients experience slower growth, giving the trees a stunted or dwarfed appearance. These trees are often called dwarf cypress or hatrack cypress.

 

These are the classic trees of most southern swamps. They love wet areas and crowd out most other trees on such sites. Cypress swamps provide wildlife habitat and food, water recycling, flood control, excellent groundwater recharge and recreation in parks and preserves. Approximately five percent of Florida’s landscapes are dominated by cypress swamps.

 

Cypress lumber is prized for its durability, decay resistance, and appearance. Pecky cypress is simply the result of a
natural fungus (polyporus amarus) that causes voids to form in the wood. Today, harvesting of both varieties has increased to produce two major products: lumber and landscaping mulch.

 

Column & photo by: Sandi Staton

Nature’s Reflections – What To Do?

On finding an injured, or orphaned wild animal

 

First, determine if help is really needed. In the spring it is common to see baby wild animals or birds that may appear to be in need of assistance. Most often it is being well cared for by a parent who may be hunting for food, or watching from an unseen location. Back away and observe the animal to see if the parent returns. A bird, fallen from the nest, could be returned if possible or moved to a branch, or safer location.

 

Signs that an animal may actually need assistance: Has it been cornered by another animal or domestic pet? Is there evidence of bleeding? Does it look like it has a broken limb? Is it shivering, or appear stressed? Is there a dead parent, or siblings nearby? Is it crying and wandering about? If any of these signs are observed, it’s time to take action.

 

Do not try to handle an animal without first consulting a wildlife professional. Even small animals can cause injury. Contact the Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) regional office in Ocala at (352) 732-1225, and report the situation, or consult a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. They will give direction for care until help arrives. A list of rehabilitators can be found at: myfwc.com/conservation/you-conserve.
SECO Energy's Nature’s Reflections March 2016, What to do? On finding an injured, or orphaned wild animal.
Once in touch with a professional, describe the animal and its physical condition as accurately as possible.

 

If your safety is at risk, watch from a safe distance. Otherwise, while waiting for help to arrive take these steps: Put the animal in a container safe for transport such as a cardboard box. First, punch air holes and line it with an old t-shirt or soft cloth. Wearing gloves, cover the animal with a towel or pillowcase and gently place it in the container. Keeping the animal covered will help calm and reduce its stress. Do not give it food or water.

 

Place the container in an area out of direct sunlight where it is quiet. Wild animals can become stressed by voices and other man-made noises. If injured or orphaned, they’re already in a compromised condition. Keep their world dark and quiet to lower their stress level and help keep them alive until help arrives.

 

Read the full March 2016 SECO News here.

Column & photo by: Sandi Staton

SECO News, March 2016

SECO News, Duncan's Digest, February 2016

 

Solar Support

 

I’ve been pretty vocal over the years in candidly explaining the merits and drawbacks of rooftop residential solar installations. The good news is that installations are more affordable as costs come down. The bad news is that a subsidy is still required to support such investments.

 

SECO has been successful in supporting members who generate their own power without resorting to rebates or credits that inadvertently create financial burden on other members.

 

We feel those who choose to invest in their own installations should bear the long term costs to receive the benefits. I realize there are some who disagree but I want to emphasize that our philosophy doesn’t seem to be discouraging members who are committed to investing in solar energy.

 

Case in point: The Florida Office on Economic and Demographic Research reports that SECO  has the highest number of solar interconnections of any electric cooperative or municipal utility in Florida with 271 installations.  Per the report, SECO also has the highest gross power rating for solar when compared with the state’s other cooperatives.

 

SECO’s interconnected members produced 1,139,363 kilowatt hours last year, resulting in payments from SECO to the members totaling nearly $95,000 in 2015.  Over the life of their systems, the company has paid nearly $281,000 to solar members for the electricity they’ve produced per the terms of our tariff and net metering policy.

 

I understand parts of our service territory have been inundated recently with door-to-door and robocall solicitation from energy efficiency and solar salesmen. My advice is to exercise caution if you are approached and to call SECO for a free second opinion on the financial outlay and payback. Our Energy Services team can walk you through identifying your home’s conduciveness to solar by examining orientation, roof pitch, usage and potential payback. Rest assured, we’re not trying to discourage you – we simply want you to know what you will get for your money.

 

Speaking of your money, Congress extended the Investment Tax Credit (IVT) –30% of the value of solar projects. The 30% credit extends through 2019. Per a recent Wall Street Journal article, these credits were key to the rapid expansion of renewable energy. Without our tax dollars, this industry would probably be floundering. But it’s booming – and who technically profits from the credit? Solar panel manufactures and sellers – they even get to pocket the tax credit if the consumer leases rather than purchases their installation. And they probably didn’t send you, the taxpayers, a thank you note or a Christmas card.

 

On the topic of large-scale solar, SECO is working with the Federal Correctional Facility in Coleman to integrate their new solar system. Through a federal expenditure – more of our tax dollars at work – the prison installed a two-megawatt solar system to offset its energy use.

 

Another project in the works will allow you to purchase small blocks of solar energy rather than spending tens of thousands of dollars on rooftop solar. This utility-scale system should be operational by year’s end – watch for enrollment details.

 

Utility-scale solar costs have decreased, but it’s important to remember that traditional generation must still stand ready to produce power when the sun doesn’t shine. Even if you invest in a solar system, SECO members still incur the cost of a $775 million electric system – the meters, lines, poles, transformers, substations and peak time power supply that serves solar members when the sun doesn’t shine… at night, on cloudy days, during hot summer afternoons during storm season and on cold winter mornings before sunrise.

 

Floridians with solar installations still expect full-time, reliable electricity to be able to run their ACs, cook dinner and power their electronic gadgets in the absence of sunlight. It’s a point often lost in discussion of future power needs.

 

Can we do more with solar? Yes, we should and from the numbers I provided, clearly we are making progress. Contact us at solar@secoenergy.com if you want to learn more.

 

 

2016 Annual Meeting , Saturday March 19, 2016

 

Attend our 2016 Annual Meeting of the membership on Saturday, March 19, at our Sumterville Compound at 293 S Highway 301. Gates open at 8:00 a.m. with parking assistance and shuttle service. Join us for entertainment, coffee, cookies, doughnuts, and the now famous big breakfast biscuit.

 

Visit the tent with displays showing ways to reduce electric use and save on your bill. The Business Meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. after which a lot of cash prizes and door prizes are awarded. The grand prize is a refurbished 2005 Dodge Dakota 4×4.

 

Like SECO Energy on Facebook today as a first step to enter in a drawing for a $300 electric bill credit that will be awarded at the meeting. All members who attend the meeting and comment on, like, or upload a photo to our 2016 Annual Meeting status update on our Facebook page will be entered in the drawing. The randomly selected member must be present to win the $300 electric bill credit.

 

Not a Facebook user? Establish a Facebook account today to get ready. Don’t understand it? The SECO Energy Facebook Help Squad will be available at the meeting to help you access the page, like, comment and upload your best “selfie” photo. It’ll be great to show your kids and grandkids you’ve mastered the selfie!

 

After the business meeting and prize drawings, we typically wrap up by noon. We certainly hope you will join us.

 

 

SECO Energy Scholarship Deadline March 25th

 

$36,000 in Scholarships – March 25th Deadline

 

SECO Energy is a not-for-profit organization guided by the cooperative principles, so support for education and community needs are high priorities.

 

The Board of Trustees approved the continuation of the SECO Energy Scholarship Program. Board President Ray Vick said, “The Board is proud to renew our commitment to the support of youth and continuing education in our community. These scholarships can be used for community college, a university or a technical/trade school, and we hope that some of these students have a career in their future at SECO Energy once they’re out of school.”

 

Applications for the 2016 program are now available on our website and graduating high school seniors are eligible to apply. Up to 12 hardworking seniors will each be selected to receive a $3,000 scholarship. To qualify, the student must live in a home served by SECO Energy, graduate from high school in 2016, and have proof of acceptance with a plan to be a full-time student in a university, accredited college or vocational/technical institute in 2016.

 

If you don’t have Internet access or a printer at home, application packets were mailed to high school guidance counselors in January. Direct your student there or pick up an application from one of our five service center locations. Completed applications must be received by SECO Energy by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 25th. If you have questions about the scholarship program, contact us via our website or call (352) 569-9561

 

 

SECO Energy Safety Corner

 

Read the full March 2016 SECO News here.

 

Nature’s Reflections – Florida’s Flamingos

A unique bird that is more than a Florida icon, The American Flamingo, (Phoenicopterus ruber), is one of several flamingo species found through-out the world. It stands about four feet tall, has a down-curved hooked bill, very long legs, and pink webbed feet with three toes. Black tips on the wings are visible mostly in flight and the wingspan is about five feet.

 

Wild flamingos are found in South Florida, the Everglades, the Florida Keys and throughout the Caribbean. Normally, they do not migrate unless food becomes scarce. Only then, they will take flight on a clear night to find a new location.

SECO Energy's Nature’s Reflections February 2016, Florida’s Flamingos

Following hurricanes in Florida, some flamingos have been spotted as far west as Mississippi, although most of those are believed to be escapees from Florida’s parks and zoos. Somehow, they eventually find their way back home.

 

Flamingos feed in shallow coastal saltwater lagoons and mudflats by stirring up the mud with their feet. Then, they turn their head upside down to scoop up the water, straining it through bristles inside the curved beak and tongue. Blue-green algae is their primary food source and the reason for their pink color. In addition, small shrimp, seeds, mollusks, and microscopic organisms are also picked up in the process.

 

Flamingos in the wild are usually more brightly colored that those in captivity and may live up to twenty years. Males and females look alike; males are larger. They mate for life.

 

Courting includes a variety of flamboyant behaviors, head movements, wing displays and vocalizations. One egg is laid on a mound of mud. Both parents take turns incubating the egg for a month. Prior to hatching, the chick calls to its parents from inside the egg and from that moment, the parents forever know their chick’s call. The downy-gray chick hatches with a straight bill which makes feeding it easier. Both adults feed the chick until it fledges after seventy days. Chicks reach adult size at two years, but may not get their full adult plumage until three or four years of age.

SECO Energy's Nature’s Reflections February 2016, Florida’s Flamingos

 

Read the full February 2016 SECO News here.

Column & photo by: Sandi Staton

SECO News, February 2016

SECO News, Duncan's Digest, February 2016

 

SECOEnergy.com has a brand-new look. The site has been completely redesigned on a more user-friendly platform that performs well on a variety of mobile devices and browsers. The old site, in its day, was award-winning, but we recognize that this online makeover is long overdue and appreciate your patience as we developed the new platform.

 

You’ll notice home page access to the most frequently visited site features. Members are one click away from reporting an outage, online account (SmartHub) access, bill payment, social media updates and a variety of intuitive Contact Us web forms.

 

Frequently asked questions are updated and categorized. All forms are housed on one page and many are fill-in PDFs. We’ve added a video gallery and a blog in the Newsroom. You’ll find a new section dedicated to solar energy. On the Contact Us page, you can report an area light problem, request an energy audit, inquire about community presentations, let us know you’re moving or ask a general question about your bill or usage.

 

Convenient communication tools that are enhanced for mobile devices are so important in our tech-savvy world today – especially during a power outage. Now that the website itself is redesigned, we will begin enhancing our Storm Center platform to provide members with a more user-friendly outage map and communications suite that supports text and email. Watch for details in the coming months.
Keep in mind that when you have a power outage, reporting it to us is easy using the current Storm Center application from the home page of SECOEnergy.com or by phone via our automated outage management system. To use these systems effectively, please ensure we have an updated primary phone number that corresponds with your account. Update your number today by logging into your SmartHub account, sending a message through “Contact Us” on the new website or calling us during regular business hours.

 

Another way to stay up-to-date on outage information, energy efficiency and company news is through our social media platforms. Just visit SECOEnergy.com and click on any of the seven icons. You’ll find us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn, Pinterest, YouTube and Instagram. We look forward to connecting with you and building these online social communities.

 

Speaking of community, I hope you’ll join us face-to-face at the SECO Energy Annual Meeting of the membership on March 19. Details are enclosed in your official notice. Lucky winners will claim a 2005 Dodge Dakota 4×4, cash prizes and a variety of door prizes. And the hospitality can’t be beat – hope you can come!

 

SECO News, Lights Out, February 2016

 

SECO offers a variety of ways to report a street or area light issue. The most convenient way is to visit SECOEnergy.com and click on Contact. You’ll find a user-friendly web form that allows you to report the light issue – even if you don’t have the light number handy. Another way to report a light issue is by emailing AreaLightRepair@secoenergy.com. Of course, you can always call us during regular business hours. Once reported, most light issues are addressed within 72 hours.

 

Read the full February 2016 SECO News here.
Check out this months Nature’s Reflections here.