June SECO News

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DEAR MEMBERS,

June 1 marks the beginning of Atlantic hurricane season in Florida, which continues through November 30. Florida is home to extreme weather conditions that may arise during hurricane season, and it’s extremely important that we remain vigilant when preparing for extreme weather events. 

This year, experts from Colorado State University’s (CSU) Tropical Cyclones, Radar, Atmospheric Modeling, and Software Team (TC-RAMS) are predicting that the 2026 Atlantic Basin hurricane season will have somewhat below normal activity. These experts anticipate a relatively average amount of hurricane activity with 13 named storms, 6 of which are predicted to be hurricanes.

I encourage you to thoroughly prepare for every hurricane season, regardless of forecasted storm activity. Despite a favorable forecast, just one major hurricane that impacts the communities we serve can create lengthy power outages, damage property, and create unsafe conditions for our members.

Long before the first storm forms, the SECO team is prepared and ready to respond. To prevent outages before they happen, our vegetation team inspects and trims trees along thousands of miles of power lines; our supply chain team restocks materials like poles, wire, and transformers so they are on hand when needed. SECO line crews perform storm-response drills and safety training to ensure they work safely and respond quickly. Our teams coordinate with state and local emergency officials to align our response to community needs. We’re committed to a restoration effort that is safe, responsive, and timely while keeping you informed every step of the way. 

I encourage you to be cautious and prepare your homes and families. Essential supplies disappear quickly when storms approach. To ensure you are adequately prepared, stay informed about weather forecasts and advisories issued by state and local authorities. Prepare your emergency supply kit – review a list of essential supplies on page two to get you started – and establish a communication plan with your loved ones in case of an emergency. 

PREPARATION IS KEY – we live in a hurricane prone state, and we must proactively safeguard our families and homes. While we can’t control the weather, we can control our preparation and response. The SECO Energy team is Storm Ready and will work nonstop to restore electricity in the event of an emergency.

SECO Energy is available to help you prepare for hurricane season – review our Hurricane Handbook online at SECOEnergy. com or pick up a copy at one of our Member Service Centers. The most important thing is you and your loved ones' safety. Here are some tips to remain safe before, during, and after a storm. 

BEFORE: Plan an evacuation route in case of an extended power outage and monitor weather forecasts. Prepare a storm kit with flashlights, batteries, medicine, first aid supplies, necessary baby items, and supplies for your pets – stock two weeks’ worth of water, non-perishable food, and other essentials. Refill prescriptions and secure important documents, such as your Social Security card, birth certificate, and insurance information. Also, secure outdoor furniture and loose objects around your property to minimize potential hazards. 

DURING:  Seek shelter away from windows; pay attention to local alerts and stay off roads in case trees or power lines are down. Report power outages through StormCenter (learn more on page four), turn off HVAC systems, and unplug sensitive electronics such as TVs, game consoles, microwaves, and computers to protect them from power fluctuations that can occur when power is restored. Avoid leaving candles unattended and limit opening freezers and refrigerators unnecessarily.

AFTER: If power has been restored to your neighborhood, but your home remains out, check your breakers. Exercise caution – power lines and poles may be down – these can still be energized even on the ground, so avoid contact. Debris from a storm can hide downed lines and poles. Fallen trees touching energized power lines can electrify nearby objects such as metal fences, ponds, and even the ground. 

Remember to remain vigilant and prioritize the safety of your loved ones in the midst of a weather emergency.

MEMBER QUESTION: What essential items should we have on hand in the event of a weather emergency? 

ANSWER: Named storms can pose a serious threat to individuals and families. Storm paths may change quickly, and supplies sell out fast. Prepare your emergency supplies today – here's a short list to get you started:

• Three to five-day supply of water and non-perishable food that requires little  preparation and no refrigeration; remember to add a manual can opener.
• Flashlight, extra batteries, and portable chargers.
• Battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert.
• Toiletries and hygiene items
• First-aid supplies, hand sanitizer, and at least one week’s supply of   prescriptions and medications for the family.
• Special needs items – diapers, formula, pet food, and any other essentials for family members.

SECO Energy prioritizes a safe working environment for employees and contractors. Members can help by keeping the area around SECO equipment clear of plants, fences, shrubbery, lawn décor and other obstructions that block access. 

Meters, utility poles, transformers and secondary enclosures require adequate clearance so SECO crews and authorized contractors can safely inspect, maintain and repair equipment. Employees and contractors may also need access to perform vegetation management, inspect meters, assess equipment conditions and complete other necessary work. Obstacles around energized equipment can create safety hazards.

As stated in SECO’s Terms & Conditions of Service 207.3, SECO maintains a right-of-access to its equipment. Avoid blocking meters and other SECO-owned equipment with locked gates, pets or landscaping. In emergencies, such as an electrical fire, first responders also need immediate access.

SECO employees and authorized contractors may require access to members’ property to perform this work. Upon request, SECO representatives and authorized contractors will present identification credentials and explain the reason access is needed. 

Keeping these areas clear helps protect crews, first responders and the community while supporting faster, safer power restoration.

Portable generators can be a valuable resource during major storms and power outages. Still, they also pose significant risks if they are mishandled. Carefully review your operator’s manual and follow the safety tips below if you plan to use a generator during a power outage:

• Use generators outside only, directing the exhaust away from your home and  any nearby air intakes to other buildings. Deadly levels of carbon monoxide can  build up fast from a portable generator’s exhaust.
• Operate generators on dry surfaces, under open structures, and away from  rain and other water sources to minimize electrical hazards. Remember, water  and electricity do not mix. 
• Never connect your generator directly to your home’s wiring unless it has  been wired for generator use by a licensed electrician. Consider purchasing a  GenerLink transfer switch from SECO Energy for a safe portable connection.
• Don’t refuel a generator while it is running.  Allow it to cool down before refueling.
• Start the generator before connecting appliances.
• Use a heavy-duty extension cord to connect appliances to the outlet on the  generator.

If you plan to use a generator during a power outage, carefully review the manufacturer’s safety instructions. Test the generator before storm season to ensure it is in good condition.

Dear Members, 

StormCenter is SECO Energy’s online outage and communications platform, easily accessible from your smartphone or tablet. StormCenter is your go-to resource to report a power outage, check the status of an existing outage, or report a malfunctioning street or area light. 

StormCenter also allows you to enroll in outage notifications and restoration alerts via email, text, voice call, or a combination that works best for you. Setup is quick and easy, and it only takes a minute to get started!

HERE’S HOW TO ENROLL OR UPDATE YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION:

1. Visit SECOEnergy.com/StormCenter from your desktop, tablet, or mobile device. 

2. Select “Manage Notifications” to customize how you want to receive alerts. 

3. Verify or update your contact information to ensure you stay connected.

Does SECO have updated contact information? If you’ve recently changed your phone number or email address, make sure SECO has your correct information. Email Member Services at CustomerService@SECOEnergy.com or call (352) 793-3801 to verify your contact details.

Take a moment today to enroll and review the features StormCenter offers: 

• Report Outage: Quickly report an outage using your last name and house number.
• Check Status: Check the status of an existing outage in real time.
• Manage Notifications: Enroll in email, text, and voice call notifications to stay informed.
• LightFinder: Report streetlight or area light outages and malfunctions. 

BOARD MEETING DATES

The Board of Trustees will meet on Monday, June 22, 2026, at 2:30p.m. in the Corporate Offices at 330 South US HWY 301 in Sumterville.

A Trustees' meeting will also be held on Monday, July 27, 2026 at 2:30p.m.