May 2026 SECO News

May 1, 2026

Dear Members,

At SECO Energy, I’m grateful for your membership and proud that we are part of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). Through this national network, electric cooperatives unite to advocate for the communities we serve and to address the complex challenges shaping today’s energy landscape.

Each year, lawmakers at the state and federal levels introduce thousands of bills that can directly impact electric cooperatives. That’s why it’s critical that policymakers understand how their decisions affect reliability, affordability, and the cooperative business model. Through NRECA’s Voices for Cooperative Power network, electric coops, employees, and members can engage directly – sharing real-world perspectives that help inform balanced, thoughtful energy policy.

America’s Electric Cooperatives PAC (formerly ACRE®), established in 1966, complements this effort by supporting opportunities for constructive engagement with federal candidates who are willing to listen and learn about issues affecting electric cooperatives. (The PAC does not support local or presidential candidates.) Together, advocacy and engagement help ensure the cooperative voice is represented in important policy discussions

This month, we also highlight National Electrical Safety Month and encourage you to review important safety practices. We’re proud to recognize our scholarship recipients and to announce SECO’s 2026 Board Officers, whose leadership helps guide our cooperative forward.

We also extend our sincere appreciation to Florida’s state legislators for passing Senate Bill 288 and House Bill 379. These measures reflect meaningful dialogue and a strong understanding of policies that support affordable, reliable energy and the role of electric cooperatives in our state.

Your voice matters. To learn how you can get involved in America’s Electric Cooperatives PAC, visit our Legislative Corner at SECOEnergy.com/Legislative-Corner.

Together, we can help ensure the cooperative voice remains strong today and for future generations.

Sincerely,

Curtis Wynn

Chief Executive Officer

May is National Electrical Safety Month! Safety is SECO Energy’s highest priority, and whether you own or rent your home, electrical safety should be at the top of your priority list, too. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International, an estimated 51,000 residential fires are caused by electrical fires or malfunctions. Don’t be a statistic. Follow these tips for maintaining electrical safety:

Exercise Extension Cord Safety

Use extension cords safely: avoid plugging cords into each other or overloading them, and never use three-prong plugs with two-slot outlets.
Inspect cords regularly for cracks, fraying, loose wires, or damaged connections.
Match the cord to its use: ensure proper rating for indoor or outdoor use and keep outdoor cords away from water.
Use cords temporarily and place them safely – do not nail or staple them, and avoid creating tripping hazards.

Outdoor Electrical Safety Tips

Before digging, call 811 to locate underground utilities.
Install waterproof covers on outdoor outlets.
Use containers to prevent exposure to water damage when storing electrical products in your garage

Indoor Electrical Safety Tips

Prevent overloads and fire risks: avoid plugging too many devices into one outlet and never plug space heaters into extension cords or power strips.
Practice safe cord use: do not run cords under rugs, doors, or windows, and never attempt to repair damaged cords.
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors regularly and replace smoke detectors every 10 years.
Reduce hazards at home: unplug small appliances when not in use and keep combustibles at least three feet away from heat sources.

Utilize Home Safety Checklists

Replace switches and outlets that are not working properly, warm to the touch, or discolored from heat buildup.
Listen for unusual crackling, sizzling, or buzzing noises coming from outlets and switches.
Check for loose-fitting plugs which can cause overheating and fires.

Important Safety Reminder: Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1 – prepare your home and family now for the possibility of hurricanes and tropical storms. Visit SECOEnergy.com to view our Hurricane Handbook and other storm preparation resources.

Congratulations to the graduating class of 2026! SECO Energy is funding $48,000 in scholarships to 12 local high school seniors to help them begin their journey as they pursue higher education.

Yousra Abumouilish | Wildwood Middle High School

Lillian Brogan | South Sumter High School

Emerie Dotson | Tavares High School

Lillian Keller | Lake Minneola High School

Kaiming Lei | The Villages Charter High School

Jayley Lewis | South Sumter High School

Hector Martinez-Johnson | Trinity Catholic High School

Dustin Nhieu | The Villages Charter High School

Ave Patteson | Mount Dora High School

Gabriella Smith | West Port High School

Danielle Williams | South Sumter High School

Artur Zancope | Windermere High School

SECO Energy proudly recognizes these student scholars for their determination, hard work, and scholastic and personal achievements. Congratulations, students, you are on your way to meeting your education and career goals!

Surge Protect Your Home and Win May 2026

SECO Energy’s Surge MitiGator™ program helps shield your home from damaging electrical surges and spikes. Now is the perfect time to sign up for this protection! Enroll by June 30, 2026, and you’ll be entered for a chance to win one of three portable generators. You’re automatically entered if you’ve previously purchased or are currently leasing a SECO surge device.

Surge protection is your home’s first line of defense, blocking electrical disturbances before they can damage appliances and electronics. Surges often result from lightning strikes, vehicle accidents, fallen trees, and other unpredictable events. The surge device includes a 15-year manufacturer warranty for extra peace of mind.

CHOOSE YOUR PROTECTION PLAN:

Lease for just $5.95/month plus tax and installation fee
Purchase outright for $349 plus tax SECO recommends adding point-of-use surge protectors for sensitive electronics.

SECO recommends adding point-of-use surge protectors for sensitive electronics. These are widely available at most major home improvement stores.

To enroll, visit SECOEnergy.com> Energy Solutions> Surge MitiGator and complete the web form. We’ll draw three lucky winners in July.

SECO Energy has elected its 2026 Board Officers. District 3 Trustee, Gerald Anderson, was re-elected to serve as Board President; District 9 Trustee, Morgan Hatfield, was re-elected to serve as Board Vice President; and District 5 Trustee, Shannon Wright, was elected to serve her first term as the Board Secretary/Treasurer.

SECO Energy’s Trustees serve as the governing body of your cooperative. One of the Seven Cooperative Principles, Democratic Member Control, is at the heart of how SECO and other cooperatively structured organizations operate. Trustees are democratically elected by the members who reside in each of SECO’s nine geographic Districts, ensuring fair representation across our service area.

The Board of Trustees plays a vital role in providing oversight and shaping policy decisions. The Board works closely with SECO’s Executive Leadership Team to guide the cooperative toward fulfilling its Mission. As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO Energy is committed to delivering reliable and innovative energy services to its members and the communities it serves.

SECO Members and employees, please join us in thanking our local state legislators for passing Senate Bill 288 and House Bill 379, which support affordable, reliable energy, and for always supporting Florida’s electric cooperatives!

A special thank you to the bill sponsors, Rep. Jason Shoaf (representing 5 panhandle co-ops) and Senator Ana Maria Rodriguez (representing Florida Keys Electric Co-ops).