Damage Claim

SECO Energy is committed to providing our members with safe, reliable electric service. We design, build, maintain, and operate our facilities in accordance with RUS standards and regulatory requirements to deliver a steady and stable supply of power.

Despite our efforts to provide a high level of service, SECO Energy cannot guarantee continuous, adequate, or non-fluctuating service. Equipment failures, inclement weather, interference from wildlife or trees, and other natural forces beyond SECO Energy’s control can result in service interruptions, power surges, or voltage irregularities that may cause damage to members’ property.

Under the rules approved by the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC), SECO Energy is not liable for damage claims related to power outages, low voltage, or power surges caused by:

• Severe weather or other circumstances beyond SECO’s control
• Repairs or routine maintenance, including meter exchanges
• Energy curtailment or blackout events

In accordance with SECO Energy’s Board Policy 207, Terms and Conditions of Service, our claims team investigates damage claims submitted by members when the cause of the damage is within our control.

To determine if you are eligible to file a claim with SECO Energy for damage you have incurred, please review the following information carefully.

Important Information:

• Cooperative Liability:
  Before submitting a claim, please note that under SECO Energy’s Terms and Conditions of Service (Policy 207.2), the Cooperative “does not ensure, guarantee or warrant that it will provide adequate, continuous or non-fluctuating Cooperative service.” The Cooperative is not liable for damages, costs or expenses – including attorney fees – caused by providing inadequate, non-continuous or fluctuating service, unless the damages are caused by the Cooperative’s gross negligence or willful misconduct. The Cooperative’s responsibility and liability for providing Cooperative service terminate upon the delivery of the service to a member.”
• Claim Submission Deadline:
  Claims must be submitted within 60 days of the incident. Claims submitted after this period may be ineligible for review.
• Contractor Responsibility:
  SECO Energy works with contractors that may be directly responsible for damages to a member’s property. If a contractor is found to be at fault, we will forward your claim to them for further investigation and action.

Your Responsibility as a Claimant

As a claimant, you have several responsibilities in the claims process.

• Documenting Loss or Damage:
  Retain copies of all receipts and documentation to provide a full and accurate record of any loss or damage you have sustained.
• Mitigating Further Damages:
  You are required to take reasonable steps to reduce additional damages. This includes minimizing further loss and ensuring that any expenses incurred as a result of the incident are not unnecessarily increasing.
• Reasonable Expenses:
  Ensure that any expenses you incur are reasonable and directly related to the loss in relation to the loss.

Claims Portal Submission Instructions:

• Complete the Online Damage Claim Form: Fill out the form with all required information.
• Submit Supporting Documentation: Attach any relevant documents such as photos, repair estimates, receipts, etc. Claims submitted without the necessary documentation may be delayed or ineligible for processing.
• Provide Specific Details: Include a detailed description of the damage or loss, specifying the event (incident or accident). Be sure to include:
  • The location of the incident
  • The dates and times it occurred
  • Names of any witnesses
  • Any supporting documents that help clarify your claim

Submitting complete and accurate information will help expedite the processing of your claim.

Supporting Documents for Property Damage Claims

When filing a claim online, it’s recommended that you provide documents that support your claim. Since these documents may be required before your claim can be resolved, it is best to include them with your claim form. Please note the following:

• Repair Estimates/Receipts/Documentation: Include repair estimates, photos, receipts, or any other relevant documents to support your claim for property damage.
• Photographs: You may submit photographs that help support your claim. These can be included with your Claim for Damages form or sent via email to your assigned claims staff after the investigation has begun.
• Keep Copies: Documents submitted with your claim, including photographs, will not be returned. Be sure to retain copies of everything you submit.
• Public Record: In Information on your claim form, including submitted photographs and documents, may be released as a public record in response to a public records request.
• Sensitive Information: Do not send sensitive personal or medical records with your claim form. Claims staff will request these records if necessary. 

Important: SECO members often inquire about who is responsible for damages to their home or appliances that result from lightning, power outages, or other factors, as well as how to file a claim for losses. To assist you, we have compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions below.

FAQs