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Tag: Angel Fund

SECO Energy and Touch of Class Corvette Club Keep Christmas Spirit Alive with Toys for Tots

SECO Energy Member Service Centers serve as Toys for Tots drop-off locations. The not-for-profit cooperative’s Inverness Member Service Center received nearly 100 toys from the Citrus County Touch of Class Corvette Club (TOCC). Along with SECO employees’ toy donations and TOCC delivered toys, the spirit of Christmas will remain alive for many children in the Citrus County area.

 

Through the ongoing efforts of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program’s mission and community partnerships, new, unwrapped toys are collected and distributed as Christmas gifts to local children in need. “Santa is still coming to town,” said Paul Purely, Toys for Tots Coordinator for Citrus County.

 

SECO Energy CEO Jim Duncan stated, “Under normal business circumstances or amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, SECO’s employees continue to express their kindness by giving to others. With the effort of our employees and organizations such as The Touch of Class Corvette Club, hundreds of children will receive a present on Christmas day.”

 

A few Touch of Class Corvette Club members, SECO Energy employees and a Toys for Tots Marine representative in his Dress Blues put on celebratory, protective masks and posed for the camera while displaying the toys gathered for children in need.

 

TOCC President George Lentowicz stated, “Our club believes that the display of our community’s concern and generosity through the Toys for Tots Program is vital in providing families and children with hope and encouragement through the Christmas season that lasts throughout the year.”

 

SECO Energy members who want to partner with SECO Energy to improve the quality of life in local communities can enroll in its Pennies from Heaven program that rounds up monthly bills to the nearest dollar. The small change donated through Pennies from Heaven supports financial assistance to local worthy causes in SECO’s service area. Requests for Angel Fund bill payment assistance are administered through several local agencies by calling 211 or visiting 211.org. Members who need bill payment assistance can also visit SECOEnergy.com and find a local social service agency using our interactive map.

 

“Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

SECO News, June 2020

 

Duncan’s Digest – High Risk Hurricane Season

 

My background by trade is accounting and finance. I have a healthy belief in data analysis to project trends. The percentages below certainly get my attention and should grab yours as well.

 

May 2018 SECO News Duncan's Digest

 

The Department of Atmospheric Science at Colorado State University (CSU) published its Atlantic hurricane season forecast in April. These experts predict the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season will have above-normal activity. This includes the probability of major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 and 5) to make landfall along the U.S. coast and in the Caribbean based on historical and 2020 probability trackers.

 

Historically between 1878 and 2017, Florida had a 51% probability of a hurricane spinning into the state. The probability of a major hurricane was 21%. CSU’s probability tracker for 2020 reflects an increased chance of 68% of a hurricane affecting the state. The probability that at least one major hurricane will make Florida landfall is 31%.

 

For the Gulf Coast, the probability of at least one major hurricane making landfall is 44% which is above the historical average. For the U.S. east coast including Florida, the probability of at least one major hurricane making landfall this year is 45% which is also above average.

 

While these statistics are troubling, the fact is that living on the Florida peninsula surrounded by water, we are bound to feel the effects of tropical storms and hurricanes. Preparing before they happen is critical.

 

SECO Energy is StormReady and strongly encourages your family to practice hurricane preparedness. Our storm hardening efforts include replacing aging distribution poles, upgrading transmission poles from wood to concrete and trimming trees that encroach on power lines.

 

StormReady also includes our $1 million investment in our outage map, reporting tools, status checker and communications platform called StormCenter. Members can proactively enroll to receive outage communications through email, text, voice messages or all three.

 

StormCenter identifies the service locations affected by an outage and proactively sends a notification with the estimated restoration time, crew status and more. Once service is restored, you’ll receive a message that includes the outage cause if known. You can set do not disturb times if you don’t want to be called in the middle of the night about an outage or restoration. To choose notification preferences, visit StormCenter on the website and click on the Manage Notifications tab.

 

Reporting a new outage or checking the status of an existing outage with your smartphone or tablet is easy. Click “Report Outage” and enter the account holder’s last name and house number (or the account or phone number). Find the status of an existing outage on the Check Status tab.

 

Create a StormReady plan for your family that includes gathering emergency supplies, reading our Hurricane Handbook, enrolling in county alerts and saving your county Emergency Operations Center (EOC) number on your phone.

 

Prepare for the worst, hope and pray for the best and know that it is our privilege to serve as your energy provider.

 

Sincerely,

 

Jim Duncan

Chief Executive Officer

 

SECO News June Generator Safety

 

Generator Safety

 

Are you considering purchasing an in-home generator as a back-up power source during unexpected power outages? Know the difference between stationary and portable generators and learn safety tips that save lives.

 

Stationary generators are permanently affixed with an approved disconnect and transfer switch that isolates your home’s circuits from SECO Energy’s electric system. This isolation eliminates the risk of backfeeding onto utility lines. Installing a stationary generator is not a DIY project. Contact a licensed electrician.

 

Portable generators are more common than stationary. Portable generators use extension cords to plug desired appliances into the generator.

 

Generators emit deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gas that is odorless and colorless. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends installing a battery-operated CO detector in your home. Place the detector where the alarm will wake you up – just outside bedroom doorways is a good choice. Never run a generator outside an open window or in an enclosed area such as a garage. Also, never use a generator in the rain. You can be shocked or killed.

 

Always read your unit’s safety and instruction manual before operating. Visit our Generator Safety page for more safe operating tips and watch our video to learn how to size a generator correctly.

 

SECO News June 2020 Winners' Circle

 

Winners’ Circle

 

Welcome ELECTRA as our new IVR virtual assistant. Thank you, members, for voting to help us name our newest SECO representative. ELECTRA assists with billing inquiries, outage reporting, checking the status of a current outage and automated payment arrangements.

 

ALL MEMBERS WHO VOTED WERE ENTERED TO WIN ONE OF FIVE GREAT PRIZES.

 

Winners:

 

$250 SECO BILL CREDIT – Amanda Robertson, Clermont

 

RING DOORBELL – Larry Bocharski, Deland

 

NEST LEARNING THERMOSTAT – Scott McConnell, Lake Panasoffkee

 

AMAZON ALEXA – John Halpin, Ocala

 

AMAZON FIRE TABLET – Warren Hammersla, The Villages

 

Congratulations winners!

 

SECO News June 2020 Pennies From Heaven Count

 

Pennies from Heaven Count – Enroll Today

 

Thousands of SECO residential members and small business owners have been unable to pay their electric bills since the economic effect of COVID-19 hit. Can you help? Enroll in our Pennies from Heaven program to round up your monthly bill to the nearest dollar. The donated pennies fund bill payment assistance for SECO members. The average donation is $6 per year. Visit our Pennies from Heaven page to enroll. Members can also enroll through SmartHub. Choose “Bill & Pay” and click on “Pennies from Heaven.” You will need to accept the Terms & Conditions and click “Round bill to next dollar each month.”

 

If you prefer to make a one-time donation, send a check to SECO Energy, Attn: Corporate Communications, P.O. Box 301, Sumterville, FL 33585.

 

For members who have already enrolled, thank you for your generosity and your willingness to help your neighbors and communities. Your pennies make a difference in the lives of members in need. If you need help, text or call Florida 211 for resources in your area supported by SECO Pennies from Heaven funding.

 

SECO News June Emergency Operations Center Contacts (EOC)

 

EOC Contacts

 

AS PART OF YOUR FAMILY’S STORMREADY PLAN, sign up for emergency alerts from your local Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Visit your county’s EOC website for resources such as shelter information, storm planning, evacuation orders and more.

 

To enroll in your county’s emergency alerts, visit the Florida Disaster website. Enter the county or city and follow the enrollment link. Program your county’s number on your phone to have at your fingertips.

 

Citrus County EOC (352) 527-2106 or (352) 746-5470

 

Hernando County EOC (352) 754-4083 or (352) 754-4111

 

Lake County EOC (352) 343-9420

 

Levy County EOC (352) 486-5213

 

Marion County EOC (352) 369-8100

 

Pasco County EOC (727) 847-8137

 

Sumter County EOC (352) 689-4400

 

SECO News June 2020 Hurricane Handbook

 

Hurricane Handbook

 

The SECO Energy Hurricane Handbook is your one-stop guide to being StormReady before, during and after a storm.

 

The Hurricane Handbook defines hurricane category strength, outlines our restoration priority and dispels the myth that SECO disconnects service in advance of an approaching storm. Before a storm arrives, bookmark both StormCenter and our Daily Restoration Plan map on your smartphone or tablet. Enroll in your county’s alert notifications at FloridaDisater.org. We’ve included a seven-day supply stock-up list for you and your pets and advice for members who require electricity for medical equipment. Back-up generation is critical for these special needs members.

 

What to do during a storm? Hunker down and stay informed. Remain indoors and prepare to wait out the weather safely. SECO Energy crews are dispatched to begin restoration only after winds are under 35 mph. Read about the difference between a tornado watch versus a warning. Read the sections on Electric System 101 and Generator Safety.

 

Assess your home or business to make sure it’s safe before you return. If you experience damage, turn off your main breaker if it is safe to do so. If appliances are wet, turn off each appliance’s breaker and then unplug. Check our above ground and underground service diagrams to assess electric damage and know when to call an electrician for repairs.

 

Focus on your family’s safety by heeding storm watches and warnings. Stock up on hurricane essentials – buy early. When a storm approaches supplies sell out quickly.

 

Read the full June 2020 SECO News online.

SECO News, May 2020

 

Duncan’s Digest – Choose EV and Plug In To Win!

 

Florida is quickly emerging as a leader in electric vehicle (EV) sales. In early March, the Florida House passed Senate Bill 7018 that paves the way for the Florida Department of Transportation to work with the Florida Public Service Commission, Office of Energy and others to develop plans to expand EV infrastructure across the state.

 

May 2018 SECO News Duncan's Digest

 

According to the Alternative Fuels Data Center at energy.gov, Florida has the third-highest number of EVs in the United States.

 

Earlier this year we surveyed about 100,000 SECO members to gauge interest in electric vehicles. The results were interesting. Five percent of SECO members already own an EV. Thirty-four percent indicate an interest in purchasing an EV in the future. Of those with interest, forty percent have not yet decided on a brand or model. Surprisingly, forty-two percent of those who aren’t even interested in owning an EV believe SECO should promote and support the use of electric vehicles in our service area.

 

In response, we have developed a new electric vehicle section for our website. You’ll find an overview of EV models, ownership savings benefits, EV facts and information on how electric vehicles can help you reduce your carbon footprint.

 

Use the savings calculator to compute the amount of money you would save on gasoline by purchasing an EV. Input the number of miles you drive in a year and the savings calculator will provide you with the amount you can save versus charging your vehicle and filling up with gas.

 

You’ll also find information about charging your EV. For efficiency and quick charging, consider installing a Level 2 fast charger to charge your EV four to six times faster than a Level 1 charger. If you’re on the go, locate a charger across the country using the charger finder. We’ve also added information about IRS tax credits for EV purchase and the purchase of a Level 2 fast charger.

 

Interested in an EV and Level 2 charging? Enter to win a SECO Energy branded 50-amp JuiceBox Pro 40 Electric Vehicle Charger. This 9.6kW charger is UL listed with a 24-foot cable, a 5-year manufacturer warranty, built-in Wi-Fi and is 110-240VAC. We’ll choose one random winner each month starting June 15 while supplies last.

 

You have three ways to enter to win. Scan the QR code and click the link to enter. Text “EV” to (352) 320-4500, you’ll receive a link to enter. Or visit our Electric Vehicles page and choose Offers & Events or click the homepage banner. Installation not included. Winner must agree to terms and conditions.

 

Shift your EV interest into high gear – enter to win a JuiceBox EV charger and visit our website to learn if an electric vehicle is the right choice for you and your family.

Sincerely,

 

Jim Duncan

Chief Executive Officer

 

SECO News May 2020 Pennies From Heaven banner

 

Pennies from Heaven

 

SECO’s Pennies from Heaven program helps change the lives of your fellow members – one penny at a time. Enroll today to round up your monthly bill to the nearest dollar and donate those pennies to the Angel Fund. The extra pennies are used to provide financial assistance in our local communities.

 

The funds can be used for local worthy causes or to help your fellow members with payment assistance. The funds are administered through local agencies that partner with Florida 211. Reach out via phone or text if you need assistance.

 

Our CEO Jim Duncan supports the Pennies from Heaven program and so do our employees. Employees, even those who are not members, donate funds to the program through internal fundraising efforts to provide support for our service area and members.

 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have received many new Pennies from Heaven enrollments. Members, we thank you for your generosity and willingness to help your fellow cooperative neighbors.

 

If you would like to donate your extra pennies, visit our Pennies from Heaven page to enroll.

 

SECO News May 2020 298 Megawatts of Solar Coming Soon! Banner

 

298 Megawatts of Solar Coming Online

 

SECO Energy’s wholesale power provider Seminole Electric Cooperative, Inc. has contracted with Florida Renewable Partners (FRP) for 298 megawatts of solar generation to add to their fuel portfolio. FRP will construct four new photovoltaic (PV) solar sites that will provide solar power to Seminole’s nine member distribution electric cooperatives through purchased power agreements. These facilities are expected to be online in 2023 to serve SECO’s and other cooperatives’ members.

 

SECO News May 2020 Move Over - It's The Law banner

 

Move Over It’s the Law

 

Change lanes when you see flashing lights, or you may pay a hefty fine. Florida’s Move Over Law requires drivers to move over a lane when emergency, law enforcement, sanitation, utility service vehicles and tow trucks and wreckers are stopped on the shoulder.

 

If you can’t move over safely, slow down to a speed that is at least 20 miles per hour under the posted speed limit. Slow down and move over safely to protect defenseless workers and drivers stopped on the side of the road. Break the law and you’ll pay a fine, fees and incur points on your driving record.

 

SECO News May 2020 Special Needs Registry Banner

 

Special Needs Registry

 

Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1. Prepare today – as we have seen locally and nationally with the COVID-19 pandemic, supplies sell out quickly. Don’t be left unprepared.

 

If you or a loved one who lives in your home has special needs, add your name to the Florida Special Needs Registry. The Registry was created to allow residents with special needs to receive assistance and valuable information about evacuation and shelter options. It also helps first responders and local emergency management officials determine shelter needs and disaster response. Providing this information could help save your life.

 

To register, visit the Florida Disaster website and select your county. You will receive periodic emails to verify that your information and needs are current.

 

Before storm season arrives, verify your contacts are up to date in StormCenter to receive outage communications. You can choose to receive an email, text or voice message or all three. Visit StormCenter to manage your notifications. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” us on Twitter for updates on current outages, press releases and more.

 

Read the full May 2020 SECO News online.

SECO News, December 2019

 

Duncan’s Digest – 2020 Outlook – Rising Costs

 

The costs of virtually everything required to operate a modern electrical system are increasing rapidly. Our 2020 outlook is a mix of good and bad news. The good news is wholesale power costs are stable, so we’re able to apply a higher, member-favorable Power Cost Adjustment (PCA aka Hot Bucks) credit to your bills starting January 1. The bad news is the customer charge component for both residential and certain commercial members is increasing. The residential increase is 17 cents a day and the commercial customer and demand charge increases vary by rate type.

 

SECO News Duncan's Digest 2019

 

SECO’s mission is to construct, maintain and restore the electric system. We construct new facilities to meet growth demands. We upgrade and maintain the electric system to prevent outages. When an outage occurs, we restore as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, the costs associated with our three mission-critical focuses are rising at an alarming rate.

 

The 2020 construction work plan tops $55 million to construct new and upgrade existing infrastructure. Tree trimming, storm hardening and system maintenance work is performed largely by contract labor.

 

Construction and maintenance costs are rising by a whopping 25 percent in 2020. The job market is tight and contractors who perform system reliability maintenance are paying higher wages to keep workers on their payroll. This isn’t just a Florida utility phenomenon – it’s happening nationwide and was spurred when California utility PG&E was court ordered to significantly beef up their tree trimming and system maintenance programs to reduce fire risk. Florida lost a significant amount of its utility-related contract labor workforce to California and we are paying the price despite a booming economy.

 

SECO Energy is experiencing systemwide growth. Every part of our service territory requires infrastructure additions, system upgrades, storm hardening, tree trimming or communications improvements whether you live north, south, east or west of our headquarters.

 

SECO Energy 2020 Project Map

 

You may be wondering why the financial benefit of customer growth isn’t covering rising costs, and it’s a valid question. The answer lies in the low average residential member’s energy consumption. In our service area, the average kilowatt hour (kWh) monthly consumption today is 1,037. This average consumption is much lower than our cooperative peers due to the growing Central Florida trend of energy efficient homes and businesses, use of natural gas appliances, and a strong increase in solar installations. Low energy consumption equals a lower monthly bill – that is good for our members. Less energy consumption and use of solar are also good for the environment. So, what’s the downside?

 

There are significant financial challenges to low kWh sales, even for a not-for-profit electric provider in a growth environment. We must adjust the monthly customer charge that is collected to cover the costs associated with the delivery of power and system reliability maintenance.

 

A recent cost of service study indicates that the cost of delivering power and maintaining infrastructure in the residential sector is nearly $35 a month. Currently, we apply an average residential customer charge of $25 a month (83 cents a day). We are bridging that gap by increasing this customer charge by 17 cents a day. Commercial account customer and demand charge increases vary based on the cost of service study. Those adjustments are detailed in our rate tariff online. These collective increases will raise total revenue by about 3.5 percent.

 

We have tightened our corporate belts to carefully monitor controllable expenses while striving to maintain system reliability, but as I mentioned previously and as you can see on the 2020 Project Map, new construction, upgrades and maintenance are required across our entire service territory.

 

In response to growth and to preserve reliability, we must build new substations, add power transformers at existing substations, upgrade voltage and conductor and convert critical overhead facilities to underground. The work plan includes building new communication towers, upgrading our radio system and installing fiber-optic cable and microwave backhaul for automated communications that facilitate faster outage restoration. To storm harden, we must support an aggressive pole replacement and vegetation management program systemwide. All of these components play critical roles in the delivery of reliable power and speedy restoration in the event of an outage.

 

The bottom line is that none of us like having to increase the customer charge, but it is quite necessary to ensure continued service reliability. At the same time, we are pleased that stable fuel costs are allowing a larger Hot Bucks Credit (PCA) that will offset most or all of the increase depending on your respective usage level. These changes reflect the difficult balance between affordability and reliability.

 

Sincerely,

 

Jim Duncan

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

SECO Energy Employees Pledge Donations of $70,000 for United Way

 

Each year, SECO Energy employees participate in an employee-funded United Way Pledge Drive. Our employees understand that local community support is needed year-round and not only during the Christmas season.

 

The 2020 United Way Pledge Drive was an amazing success. SECO employees pledged $70,316 to United Way agencies in ten local counties. This total increased almost seven percent over 2019.

 

Citrus, Lake, Marion and Sumter Counties are where the bulk of our employees live and received the highest dollar amounts in donations. The breakdown by county is:

 

Citrus: $7,799
Lake: $14,316
Marion: $23,002
Sumter: $21,559
Other Counties (Hernando, Levy, Orange, Pasco, Polk, Volusia): $3,640

 

Join us in United Way’s mission to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities to advance the common good. To donate or volunteer, visit United Way online.

 

 

December 2019 SECO News Champion Kathy Judkins

 

Kathy Judkins – Senior Consultant for Civic, Charitable & Government Relations

 

Length of Service: 12 Years

 

 

“SECO IS COMMUNITY FOCUSED.” Kathy Judkins, Sr. Consultant for Civic, Charitable & Government Relations is a fourth-generation Floridian residing in Marion County. Her role with SECO Energy focuses on the cooperative principle of Concern for Community. Kathy manages annual SECO employee-giving campaigns and is excited that SECO is nearing the $1 million United Way contribution mark in the coming year. Kathy is honored to give hope to members in our service territory through SECO employee contributions to United Way. She also manages the Toys for Tots campaign companywide and is proud of SECO employees’ efforts to bring joy to children in our service territory on Christmas. Kathy also develops relationships with State Legislators and U.S. Congress members in Washington, D.C., to engage on issues related to the energy industry that could affect SECO’s ability to provide affordable, reliable service to our members.

 

 

December 2019 SECO News Relay For Life

 

SECO Energy and our employees are long-time sponsors of Relay For Life events that support the American Cancer Society. Our superhero employees participated in the Sumter County Relay For Life event on Saturday, November 2. The SECO team’s theme was “Superheroes Finish The Fight.”

 

In 2019, SECO raised $25,655 for the American Cancer Society to support cancer research, patients and caregivers and to fight for a cure.

 

Learn more about Relay For Life or donate to the American Cancer Society online.

 

 

December 2019 SECO News Toys for Tots drive

 

SECO Energy and our employees are Making A Difference at Christmas by donating toys for local children through our Annual Marine Toys for Tots collection drive. Members also joined in the gift-giving by adding new, unwrapped toys in the donation boxes at our five Member Service Centers.

 

Toys donated through Toys for Tots are delivered to local children. The donated toys remain in our local communities. For many children, toys donated by our generous employees and members will be the only gifts under the Christmas tree.

 

SECO employees rallied to pack Santa’s sleigh by donating over 60 bicycles and tricycles for local children, along with hundreds of other gifts. New this year, SECO’s member-funded Pennies from Heaven program matched this number with additional bike purchases. It’s clear that our employees enjoy playing Santa for local children through
Toys for Tots.

 

Thank you to our generous employees and members who are willing to share their Christmas joy and spirit with others. Making A Difference at Christmas brings happiness to children across our area.

 

 

December 2019 SECO News Pennies from Heaven

 

December is the month of giving, goodwill and cheer. Keep the Christmas spirit alive in the new year by joining SECO Energy’s Pennies from Heaven program. By joining Pennies from Heaven, SECO rounds up your bill to the nearest dollar and donates those pennies to charitable causes in the communities we serve.

 

The small change donated through Pennies from Heaven supports financial assistance to worthy causes in our service area. Requests for Angel Fund bill payment assistance are administered through several area agencies by calling 211 or visiting 211 online.

 

This year, we are excited to announce that Pennies from Heaven will purchase bicycles and tricycles to match the number donated by SECO employees! Thus far, employees donated over 60 bikes and trikes and SECO will double the amount. This means hundreds of local children will get their Christmas wish of a new bike courtesy of SECO employees and SECO members who donate to Pennies from Heaven.

 

Enroll in Pennies from Heaven to put your extra pennies to good use in charitable causes in our communities. Just a few cents every month can change lives. Learn more about the program or enroll online.

 

Thank you and Merry Christmas!

 

Read the full December 2019 SECO News online.

SECO Employee Aids Swindled Couple

SECO Energy’s Robert Stevens, an Energy Services Specialist, possesses the brain of an investigator and the heart of a philanthropist. Robert answered the call when an elderly couple required SECO’s assistance, found the cause of the members’ energy-use concerns and provided aid when they needed it most.

 

SECO helps members save energy and lower their bills by performing energy audits on members’ homes.The request may be in response to a bill that is abnormally high or from members who are simply looking for ways to save energy by making small changes in their homes/lifestyles.

 

In early May, SECO members Mr. and Mrs. George Somariva who reside in Lady Lake, received an electric bill that was much higher than usual. The Somarivas were concerned because of a previous, negative experience with their home warranty company and its contractor, so they called SECO for help. Within just a few days, Robert visited the Somariva’s home, completed an energy audit and found the problem. Mr. and Mrs. Somariva’s heat strips were heating the home at the same time the A/C was running to cool the home – causing the high energy usage.

 

In early 2016, the Somarivas contracted with a home warranty company that included HVAC services. The home warranty company sent a technician and there was significant confusion over what needed repair/replacement. In the end, the Somarivas gave the contractor a check representing a $2,000 deposit for a new unit. The check was cashed but they never heard from the contractor again.

 

SECO reached out to the contractor and to the home warranty management. Unfortunately, their recollections are contradictory. Some recompense was offered by the home warranty company but the Somarivas were not made whole. The couple contacted Seniors vs. Crime with their story and the agency helped them file complaints with Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation against both the contractor and the home warranty company. Seniors vs. Crime determined that the contractor was not licensed as his online profile suggests and that he has a criminal record in Florida.

 

The Somarivas paid for a home warranty. They paid a contractor sent by the home warranty company. Once Robert determined the heat strip issue with the AC unit, they had to pay a reputable HVAC company to fix the problem – to the tune of $500.

 

After this large outlay, the Somarivas remained distressed because they still had two high energy bills to pay. Robert’s heart went out to the retired couple. He asked SECO to help these long-time members with their energy-use issue, and SECO agreed. The cooperative allocated a donation of Angel Funds from the company’s Pennies from Heaven program to offset the high electric bills.

 

Robert offers this advice to SECO members, “If you believe you have a problem with your HVAC unit, call SECO first. A trained Energy Services Specialist will conduct a home energy audit, and we can usually help members identify the cause of an HVAC problem. SECO’s no-cost energy audit can potentially save members thousands in needless HVAC repairs or replacements recommended by contractors looking to make a quick buck.”

 

The Somarivas are grateful to SECO for help during this ordeal. Mr. Somariva stated, “I’m glad we called SECO and spoke to Robert. He’s a knowledgeable guy, he found the problem quickly, and we had it repaired the same day. It’s a shame that Total Maintenance of Tampa won’t stand by their warranty or their word and that their contractor, Chris Martin, was not reputable or licensed. But we are thankful to SECO and Robert for their help.”

 

SECO Energy members can make an appointment for a free in-home energy audit at their home or conduct an energy audit online with SECO’s Home Energy Assessment. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.