Energy Insider – 1st Quarter 2020

• March 31, 2020
• Category: Energy Insider

To you, our valued members, we understand these are unprecedented and challenging times. We know your business has most likely been disrupted in one way or another, along with your personal life and the lives of your employees. The future may seem a bit uncertain right now.

 

Here’s what is certain – SECO Energy is here for you. We consider it our highest responsibility to continue to provide the most reliable electric service and to follow CDC guidelines related to COVID-19. We have implemented new business practices and revised others to mitigate health risks.

 

SECO Energy understands that some members are facing unexpected hardships. The cooperative will proactively waive late fees and allow additional payment time during the declared emergency. Members requesting a payment arrangement can do so by calling (352) 793-3801 and visiting with SECO’s virtual assistant on the automated telephone system. You can also log on to SmartHub. If you do not already have an account established, creating one is easy and allows you to view past bills, usage history and more. We are glad to assist if help is needed. If neither of these options appeal to you, you can request a payment arrangement through your account representative. We are available to discuss extenuating circumstances on a case-by-case basis.

 

 

For those of you who utilize a credit card for electric bill payments, SECO Energy has adjusted our normal maximum credit card transaction cap. We have raised the cap from $600 to $5,000. And if your bill is larger, you can still complete multiple transactions with no additional merchant fee for using a credit or debit card. For those of you in the process of upgrades or adding services, you can use this option to pay for contributions in aid-to-construction (CIAC). Invoices can also be paid online or by phone. If this option doesn’t work for you, drop your payment at one of our local Member Service Center drive thru windows or in the mail to our attention. Let us know it’s coming, and we’ll ensure you don’t incur a delay with your project.

 

Currently SECO Energy’ s Headquarters and campus is temporarily closed to public access. Our five Member Service Centers are providing drive-thru services only. The drive-thrus in Eustis, Inverness, Ocala, and Sumterville are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The drive-thru at the Groveland office is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2:30 to 5 p.m. Kiosks are available at each location for 24/7 use.

 

Although we miss your smiling face, we’re as close as your computer and phone. Send us an email or give us a call in lieu of an in-person meeting. If there are circumstances that require us at your location, we’ll do our best to accommodate your request. If a site visit is in order, we are happy to serve you, just from a distance.

 

Since we can’t predict how long before it’s business as usual again, our goal is to make sure you know we’re here for you. With circumstances continually changing we encourage you to visit our website and/or Facebook page often. In addition, we’ll work hard to keep you informed of changes that can impact your electric service. Lastly, it is likely a number of your employees are served by SECO Energy. We encourage you to share this newsletter with your team members, so they are aware of the changes we’ve made to better serve all members.