SECO Energy Breaks Ground on New Northern Operations Center Facility

SECO Energy officially broke ground on its future Northern Operations Center facility in Marion County, Florida, on September 29. As the electric cooperative nears its 90th year, this proposed facility represents a major milestone and demonstrates SECO's ongoing commitment to supporting the neighboring communities it serves.  

Elected officials, community leaders, neighboring property owners, SECO Energy's Board of Trustees & Executives, and SECO employees gathered to celebrate plans for the new facility. Construction is underway and is expected to be completed in 2027. The Northern Operations Center reflects SECO’s commitment to investing in reliable infrastructure that supports Marion County’s diverse economy including its equestrian and agricultural communities, while remaining a responsible neighbor as the area continues to grow.  

As SECO Energy’s service territory continues to grow, the cooperative is investing in modern facilities that better support employees, improve coordination and help crews deploy more efficiently when members and communities need them most. The Northern Operations Center is designed to strengthen day-to-day operations while supporting long-term reliability and service.

SECO Energy’s new Northern Operations Center will include modern support areas for equipment, materials and crew readiness, helping crews move more safely and efficiently. The new facility will also include a pole yard, staging space, and covered areas for bucket trucks.  

During the groundbreaking ceremony, SECO Energy’s CEO Curtis Wynn spoke about the project’s significance, “We are very proud to celebrate this future facility alongside the leaders, partners, and community members who help make Marion County strong,” Wynn said. “This ceremony represents our readiness, resilience, and responsibility to both our members and the employees who serve them every day.”

Wynn added, “Today is about celebrating progress and preparing for the future. By investing in this facility, we are strengthening our partnerships in Marion County and reinforcing our commitment to providing safe, reliable services to our communities.”

SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees President, Gerald Anderson, also spoke during the ceremony, “This ceremony represents more than bricks, mortar, and infrastructure, it represents our commitment to our members and employees and helps ensure SECO Energy is well equipped to serve our growing communities for many years to come. We look forward to watching the Northern Operations Center take shape and to seeing how it progresses SECO in the future.”

Guest speakers included State Representative Ryan Chamberlin; Carl Zalak III, Chair of the Marion County Board of Commissioners; Todd Rudnianyn, Chair of the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership (CEP) Board; Sara Fennessy, Executive Director of Horse Farms Forever; and Tom James, Vice President of Business Services for the Ocala Metro CEP.

For updates and information regarding SECO Energy's Northern Operations Center, view the full groundbreaking event.

SECO Energy CEO Curtis Wynn, alongside the Board of Trustees, special speakers, and guests, at the shovel-turning moment during the groundbreaking ceremony.

SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees in the audience, listening as CEO Curtis Wynn remarks on the project’s significance.

CEO Curtis Wynn speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony, sharing his insights for the Northern Operations Center.

SECO Energy’s bucket trucks holding up the United States flag, with shovels and hard hats lined up before the ceremony.

SECO Energy's Director of Facilities Management & Fleet Services, Brian Knappenburger, answers questions about the new facility as guests view renderings of the future Northern Operations Center.

An aerial view rendering for the new Northern Operations Center.

A street view rendering for the new Northern Operations Center.

Another look at a street view rendering for the new Northern Operations Center.