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Tag: 2018 Atlantic Hurricane Season

SECO Energy Prepared for Hurricane Michael’s Outer Bands

SECO Energy has been closely monitoring Hurricane Michael and its outer storm bands that bring the possibility of heavy rainfall, winds and even tornado threats into Central Florida.

 

According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), as of 7 a.m. CDT on Wednesday, Hurricane Michael is moving north at 12 mph and is located 90 miles southwest of Panama City in the Florida Panhandle. Michael has quickly picked up speed and intensity to become a Category 4 hurricane. Forecasters project landfall will be early this afternoon between Panama City and Pensacola.

 

Tropical storm force winds extend 150 miles from the hurricane’s center. The hurricane’s current position puts SECO’s service territory outside of this range. SECO’s area is forecast to have winds in the 20 mph range, but wind gusts and rain in the outer bands will impact Marion and Levy Counties.

 

Though wind speeds will not be hurricane or tropical storm force in SECO’s territory, strong storm bands passing through SECO’s service territory are a significant threat. Members should prepare for a rainy Wednesday and possibly Thursday. Heavy rains coupled with wind, could cause trees to fall and result in power outages. Tornadoes spawned by these winds and rains are a danger as well.

 

After the threat of storm bands from Hurricane Michael have passed the area, SECO plans to release contracted Pike crews to the North Florida areas damaged by the hurricane to aid in restoration. Additionally, a module of SECO employees will be sent for restoration aid after hurricane dangers have passed.

 

CEO Jim Duncan asks members to remain vigilant, “Hurricane Michael will not make landfall near SECO’s service territory, but members will experience rains and high wind gusts. Be alert for the possibility of tornadoes which can be extremely dangerous. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Panhandle residents in the direct path. I’m grateful that SECO is in the position to send reinforcements to damaged areas.”

 

SECO Energy is StormReady and is committed to keeping members informed of weather that impacts the area. Visit Storm Preparation online to view an emergency checklist and storm preparation ideas. Watch our Facebook and Twitter pages for Tropical Storm Michael updates. Most important, be sure you’ve bookmarked our new StormCenter outage map and set your email, text and voice notifications preferences. StormCenter is mobile friendly and designed to perform on smartphones and tablets.

Generator Safety During Power Outages

The 2018 Atlantic hurricane season started strong with three named storms in the season’s initial six weeks. In early August, however, the outlook was revised to predict a “below-average” season. Still, a storm can hit at any time. To protect your family, property and for the safety of SECO employees, read and follow these safety tips before installing or operating a generator.

 

Before purchasing a generator, research options and discuss your home’s size and watt needs with a knowledgeable retailer. Read and follow the generator’s operating instructions and safety guidelines provided by the manufacturer.

 

Installing an emergency generator is not a do-it-yourself job. To avoid injury, only a certified electrician is qualified to install the generator, install the disconnect and transfer switch and connect the generator to the home’s electric panel. Always follow local, state and national fire and electric codes, a permit for installation may be required.

 

Electric generators require proper ventilation and airflow. Never operate a generator inside a building – even an enclosed garage. During operation, electric generators emit fumes that contain deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gas – which is odorless and invisible. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 400 Americans die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning and more than 4,000 are hospitalized.

 

Fuel safety is critical. Always store gasoline and diesel in approved containers out of the reach of children, and extinguish all flames and cigarettes when handling fuel. A fully charged fire extinguisher should be staged near the generator at all times.

 

Generator engine parts are very hot during operation – do not touch. Severe burns may result. Warn children to stay away from a generator in operation. Only use an extension cord free of exposed wires and frayed shielding. If the generator is faulty, contact a qualified repair technician for service. Similar to installing a generator, repairing a generator is a project best left to an expert.

 

To avoid injury to SECO employees, always disconnect from your metered electric utility service before starting the generator. Never remove or tamper with a generator’s safety devices.

 

Follow these safety tips to operate a generator safely during power outages. Visit SECO Energy’s website to learn more about generator safety.

 

“Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for the latest storm alerts and company news.

SECO News, July 2018

Duncan’s Digest

 

Did you know SECO Energy serves over 200,000 homes and businesses in seven Central Florida Counties? Our 2,100-square mile territory houses 48 substations, over 12,000 miles of overhead line and more than 138,000 poles. SECO provides service to over 53,000 area lights that brighten roadways, sidewalks and members’ yards.

 

May 2018 SECO News Duncan's Digest

 

The 53,000 area lights are a significant component of our system. Crews are constantly on the lookout for lights that are out or burning during the day, and SECO typically repairs an area light in about 24 hours. To provide members and others with a fast way to report area light issues, SECO developed an easy-to-use online tool. This new system is called LightFinder.

 

In LightFinder, each area light is represented by an icon. Working lights are indicated by a green lightbulb icon. Lights already reported for repair are shown as a red wrench icon. For 24 hours after repairs are complete, the light icon changes to an orange check mark. Member-owned lights are expressed as blue icons, and inactive lights are gray

 

To report an area light outage or needed repair, visit StormCenter online. Locate the LightFinder icon and proceed to the LightFinder map. In the search bar at the top of the page, input the pole number or address to locate the area light.

 

Click the icon representing the light you wish to report. An info panel opens on the right side of the screen. Choose the light problem type from the drop-down menu, enter comments and continue.

 

Once reported, you will receive an email confirmation and a follow-up notification when the light is repaired.

 

LightFinder is also accessible through our online billing/payment account management tool called SmartHub which is available as an app for your smartphone or mobile device. To download, search SmartHub in your smartphone or tablet’s app store and complete the installation instructions. By clicking the icons on the home page of the SmartHub app, you can report area light outages through LightFinder or report a power outage through StormCenter.

 

These new online tools are designed for you, our members, to save you time and to help SECO communicate with you quickly. I hope you take advantage of the tools if needed.

 

Sincerely,

 

Jim Duncan

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

SECO News July 2018 Energy Efficiency Program Into Savings

Energy Efficiency – Program Into Savings

 

Installing a programmable Wi-Fi thermostat is a low-cost step to reduce energy costs. ENERGY STAR recommends using the programmable thermostat’s pre-programmed settings to save up to $180 a year on your electric bill. You can purchase a name-brand Wi-Fi programmable thermostat at your local hardware or big box store for under $100.

 

For optimum efficiency, utilize the thermostat’s pre-set energy efficiency controls. Resist adjusting the thermostat to temporarily make a room cooler or warmer. Continued adjustments will increase the amount of energy used, and will not heat or cool your home faster. If you have strip heating, manually adjusting your thermostat by more than a few degrees at a time will cause the strips to cycle on in error.

 

During the summer, set the temperature for 78 degrees or higher. Set at 68 or lower during winter months. Program “away” timeframes so that your HVAC does not run unnecessarily while no one is home. Keep your fan setting on “Auto” and the HVAC unit’s fan will run only as needed. If the unit requires batteries, be sure to change them once a year. Weak or dying batteries will prevent programmed settings from running correctly.

 

 

 

SECO News July 2018 Safety Corner Downed Line Dangers

Safety Corner – Downed Line Dangers

 

SECO Energy inspects thousands of poles annually to ensure they are in good condition. Poles damaged by bears, woodpeckers, high winds, vehicle accidents or weakening due to age are replaced. In the event of a tornado, tropical storm or hurricane, poles may break and result in downed power lines.

 

Downed lines are extremely dangerous. Always assume a downed line is energized. Never touch a downed power line and stay far away. Even the ground near a downed line has the potential to be energized – which can cause severe injury or death. Call 911 or SECO to report a downed line immediately.

 

Warn children of the dangers of downed power lines. Children are curious by nature and may want to touch or approach downed lines. Never allow children to play near electrical equipment or climb trees encroaching overhead lines. After storms, survey your area for hazards before allowing children outside to play. A downed line may be hidden by a tree or landscaping and not easily seen.

 

Power lines and poles are often found near roadways and can be damaged in vehicle accidents. In 2017, SECO crews repaired or replaced poles over 70 times as a result of vehicle accidents. If you strike a utility pole, stay in your vehicle unless it is on fire. Practice extreme caution before exiting. A downed line may be present on your car or close by on the ground. Warn emergency personnel and bystanders about possible downed lines nearby.

 

Understand the dangers of downed power lines. Play it safe, stay away from downed lines and report immediately.

 

Read the full July SECO News online.

SECO News, June 2018

Duncan’s Digest

 

SECO Energy invests heavily in outage prevention. We spend about $10 million annually on vegetation management to reduce tree-related outages. Our storm hardening program includes diligent inspection and replacement of utility poles that won’t withstand heavy storms. We frequently upgrade the infrastructure that serves your energy needs so that you receive the most reliable service possible.

 

May 2018 SECO News Duncan's Digest

Our reliability stats are, in my view, among the very best in the nation – despite the fact that we are a Florida utility subject to a storm season that spans from June to November. We humbly recognize that even the most stringently maintained electric system sustains occasional outages for a variety of reasons such as lightning, wildlife, vehicle accidents, unexpected equipment failure, etc. With this in mind, we realized it was time to invest in new technology to give our members high-tech communications options when outages do occur. We selected technology that was smartphone and tablet friendly – because those devices continue to perform during an outage.

 

SECO researched a number of outage map and communications vendors before contracting with Kubra – a customer experience solutions provider with a proven reputation in the utility industry. The products we have developed using Kubra’s software allow SECO Energy members to receive outage information via email, text and voice notifications. These products launched on June 1 – just in time for the 2018 Atlantic hurricane season. I encourage you to visit our StormCenter page online to be familiar with these tools before the next storm.

 

All-new StormCenter web banner

The brand-new StormCenter software consists of four user-friendly platforms to communicate about outages.

 

If you’re a social media user, you will continue to find up-to-date outage information on Facebook and Twitter – enhanced by our new StormCenter tools. Keep in mind that these new tools are designed for outage communications only. Energy usage, billing and payment information will continue to be found in SmartHub, our online account portal.

 

For a full overview of SECO’s new StormCenter capabilities, view the instructional video on SECO’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.

 

I hope you take the time to program your communications channel preferences and that the 2018 hurricane season leaves you little reason to use them!

 

Sincerely,

 

Jim Duncan

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

Read the full June SECO News online.