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Generator Safety Tips for Atlantic Hurricane Season

The 2020 Atlantic Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. This year, forecasters at the Department of Atmospheric Science at Colorado State University (CSU) predict tropical storm and hurricane activity will be well above average. SECO Energy warns members to keep safety in mind while using a generator during power outages.

 

Before purchasing a generator, learn the difference between stationary and portable generators. Stationary generators are permanently affixed with an approved disconnect and transfer switch. This switch isolates a home’s circuits from SECO Energy’s electric system. This isolation is critical to eliminate the risk of electricity backfeeding onto SECO’s lines. Installing a stationary generator and disconnect and transfer switch is not a do-it-yourself job. Portable generators are more common and less expensive than stationary generators. Homeowners use extension cords to plug appliances directly in to the portable generator.

 

When major weather events cause extended power outages, homeowners often utilize generators. SECO asks members using a generator to operate the equipment in a manner that promotes safety for homeowners, their families, SECO employees and contractors and the public.

 

Generators emit the deadly, colorless, odorless gas carbon monoxide (CO). Thousands of people die each year from CO poisoning. Never run a generator in an enclosed area such as a house, garage or covered porch. Never place a generator outside of an open window where CO can leach into the home. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends installing a battery-operated CO detector in your home. Choose an area where the sound of the alarm will wake the home’s inhabitants. Outside of bedroom doorways is a good choice.

 

Never operate a generator in the rain – you can be shocked or killed. Plug appliances directly into the portable generator or use an extension cord to prevent electric shock. If using extension cords, choose a heavy-duty outdoor extension cord with a watt or amp rating equal to the sum of the appliance. Examine extension cords for cuts, tears or frays – replace damaged extension cords.

 

Fuel the generator safely to avoid fires. Do not fuel a generator while it’s in operation. Gasoline and diesel fuel should be stored in approved containers and out of the reach of children. Extinguish all flames, including cigarettes, during fueling. Stage a fully charged fire extinguisher near the generator.

 

Generator engine parts are scorching hot while the machine is running and take time to cool after the machine is off. Touching engine parts can result in severe burns. Keep children away from running generators. If the generator is faulty, contact a qualified technician for repair or service. Repairing or servicing a generator is a job best left to a professional. Test the generator at the start of hurricane season.

 

SECO Energy is StormReady and prepared for the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season. Members should prepare for the possibility of tropical storms and hurricanes by assembling an emergency supply kit, enrolling in StormCenter outage notifications and bookmarking StormCenter and SECO’s daily restoration plan map on their smartphone or tablet. Through StormCenter, members receive outage alerts via email, text, voice message or all three that include crew status and estimated restoration time. Members will receive follow-up outage communication with updated restoration times and the outage cause if known. StormCenter is available online at SECOEnergy.com>StormCenter.

 

For more information about generator safety, visit our Generator Safety page. “Like” SECO on Facebook and “follow” @SECOenergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

SECO Energy Extends Payment Arrangements

The reliability of the SECO Energy electric system plays a critical role in SECO members’ health and wellbeing. To keep SECO employees healthy and ready to serve its members and in light of the current economic environment, the cooperative has made changes to policies and procedures. For SECO, COVID-19 is a storm – a storm that shall pass – and a storm during which the cooperative applies flexibility, understanding and protection for its members.

 

The not-for-profit cooperative has extended payment arrangement timeframes over and above normal parameters. SECO is also proactively waiving late payment fees. The cooperative continues to apply flexibility and convenient/automated processes to request payment arrangements during the COVID-19 situation. Members requesting a payment arrangement can do so 24/7 by talking to SECO’s virtual assistant on the automated phone system or by logging into SmartHub. Both platforms have been programmed to automatically allow additional time for payment arrangements. Members are encouraged to use the virtual assistant and SmartHub as call volume has been high amid COVID-19 concerns. Eligibility for a payment arrangement has been expanded significantly and talking directly to a member services representative is typically not required.

 

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued a ‘stay-at-home’ executive order for the state beginning April 3. SECO understands this order may create unprecedented hardships that affect members in its service area. In response, SECO has extended the activation of its Emergency Response Plan (ERP) until further notice and has expanded the payment arrangement and late fee flexibility described above. As a distribution cooperative, SECO provides electricity which is an essential service. The reliability of this service is supported by every SECO employee – thus, all employees are essential.

 

SECO’s five Member Service Centers are closed to walk-ins but drive-thru facilities remain open. The cooperative offers members 12 ways to pay bills, most that avoid face-to-face contact. Members can pay online, by phone, by mail, enroll in bank draft and more. SECO’s online account platform called SmartHub is the place to start for convenient self-serve options. Log in or create an account profile today. View past bills, usage history, request a payment arrangement and more.

 

As part of the Emergency Response Plan, SECO Energy’s Sumterville headquarters and adjacent campus are temporarily closed to public access for any vendor or delivery without an approved appointment or scheduled delivery. SECO field personnel are practicing the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommended social distancing standard of maintaining a six-foot barrier with members. Employees and members are asked to use email, phone and web conferencing communication in lieu of in-person meetings whenever possible and to practice social distancing when in-person meetings are unavoidable.

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “For SECO, COVID-19 is a storm – a storm that shall pass – and a storm during which the cooperative applies flexibility, understanding and protection for its members. Our service is essential in preserving public health and quality of life in today’s world. The cooperative’s Emergency Response Plan ensures it can maintain a 24/7 workforce, preserve SECO’s ability to maintain its electric system and provide an acceptable level of member service even in the face of employee impact with COVID-19. Our members depend on us to provide reliable electric service, and that’s even more important as our largely senior demographic practices social distancing at home to remain healthy.”

 

SECO has other ways to help members in need through a corporate citizenship initiative called Pennies from Heaven. The program helps fund local United Way chapters managed through Florida 211 for bill payment assistance for SECO members. Members who need assistance with utilities, food, and other household expenses are encouraged to contact 211.

 

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

Hundreds tune in to SECO Energy’s First Virtual Annual Meeting

SECO Energy hosted its first Virtual Annual Meeting on Saturday, March 28. Hundreds of members tuned in to watch the live stream of the cooperative’s 82nd Annual Meeting, and nearly 8,000 members voted on Annual Meeting business prior to the start of the virtual meeting.

 

SECO Energy decided in early March to significantly change the format of the traditional on-site Annual Meeting to a Virtual Annual Meeting in response to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) advisories to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The CDC advised limiting gatherings to less than 50 people. In recent years, attendance at SECO’s popular on-site Annual Meeting had surged into the thousands.

 

SECO Energy Board President Jerry Hatfield called the Meeting to order at 10:30 a.m. and closed the voting platform. SECO’s Vice President of Corporate Communications and Energy Services Kathryn Gloria led the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance and introduced the Board Trustees, CEO and Cooperative Attorney. Board Secretary/Treasurer Bill James certified the Official Annual Meeting Notice before Mr. Hatfield began the President’s Report.

 

President Hatfield welcomed the members who tuned in live and explained the Annual Meeting quorum requirements. Mr. Hatfield stated, “SECO Energy is required to achieve a quorum to conduct official Annual Meeting business. With the help of a Bylaws revision passed by the membership last year, achieving a quorum is now more efficient and inclusive. We can count member participation in voting on Annual Meeting business – either electronically, in person or by mail as part of the quorum.”

 

SECO Energy CEO Jim Duncan began his CEO Report after Mr. Hatfield completed the President’s Report. Mr. Duncan addressed the audience, “Good morning and welcome to the 82nd Annual Meeting of the Membership and our 1st Virtual Annual Meeting. My presentation will be much the same as it is live, but this year members will avoid the large crowd. Limiting large gatherings is a key precautionary measure to protect against the spread of COVID-19, and a virtual meeting is the right choice this year to protect our members and employees.”

 

Mr. Duncan continued his CEO Report with his traditional military salute, first responders recognition and appreciation, introducing the senior staff and applauding the Board of Trustees and employees. Mr. Duncan spoke to the virtual audience about the cooperative’s 2019 financial results, growth, SECO’s new interactive voice response (IVR) virtual assistant, our StormCenter platform and recent customer satisfaction successes.

 

Cooperative Attorney Scott Gerken certified the 2020 Annual Meeting voting results. In total, 7,895 members voted on 2020 Annual Meeting business. As to the Bylaws Revision: Gerken certified 7,320 “Yes” votes, 198 “No” votes and 377 members abstained. As to the 2019 Annual Meeting Minutes approval: Gerken certified 7,484 “Yes” votes, 39 “No” votes and 372 members abstained. Mr. Gerken announced, “The 2020 Bylaws Revision and 2019 Annual Meeting Minutes are clearly approved by the membership.”

 

SECO Energy established a special phone number, email address and social media presence for the Virtual Annual Meeting. A panel of SECO employees interacted with members who posed questions and comments that were read and answered during the meeting by the CEO.

 

Mr. Duncan concluded the Virtual Annual Meeting by stating, “Thank you for your patience and understanding with today’s event – held virtually in the interest of public health. Your wellbeing is the highest priority as we made the decision to go virtual. The continued health of our employees is critical to keeping our system up and running.”

 

The meeting ended with the announcement of prize winners. All 7,895 members who voted were entered into the random drawing for 96 prizes. Grand prize winners are: Tammy Webb from Tavares won the 2010 Chevy Colorado 4X4; the two winners of the 2016 EZGO golf carts are William A. Wiggins from Leesburg and Terry Lester from Tavares; the $1,500 cash prize was won by Rebecca Tinder from The Villages; $1,000 cash prize went to William Boe of The Villages; and two $500 cash prizes were won by Marcia Klepinger and Thomas Wible both from The Villages. Other prizes including Apple TVs, Instapots, tool sets, Amazon Fire tablets and TVs will be shipped directly to winners. SECO will arrange for delivery of grand prizes.

 

The Virtual Annual Meeting concept was well received by members who complimented the cooperative’s decision to go virtual. CEO Jim Duncan elaborated, “SECO will evaluate the cost benefit associated with hosting a virtual meeting and may consider this approach for the future rather than holding an extremely large on-site meeting. We were actually at a point last year with maxed capacity and must find an alternative. Inviting 200,000+ people to an event with a capacity of less than 10,000 is risky. We must find more cost-effective options that encourage member participation. By mail and electronic voting worked well this year, so that is an avenue we’ll continue – with prizes of course as incentive to participate. Next year, however, we are considering a smaller, scaled-down business meeting along with a virtual option for the majority of the membership. It will be up to the Board of Trustees to approve our direction before it’s time to budget for 2021.”

 

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

Energy Insider – 4th Quarter

SECO Energy 4th Quarter 2018 Insider Small Steps with Big Impact

 

Small Steps With Big Impact

 

Business challenges at your workplace include work-related injuries, chronic disease, absenteeism and sick employees who return to work before getting well. According to the Centers for Disease Control, an aging workforce also presents unique challenges such as stress, fatigue, depression – all which all contribute to declining productivity. The fact is that small changes at work can add up to big changes in productivity and for employees personally.

 

A healthy workplace starts with leadership taking the time to remind employees to take care of themselves. Starting small by implementing weekly or even daily safety huddles in a break room or on the tailgate can reap big rewards. Just 5 – 10 minutes spent talking about workplace healthy lifestyles can change attitudes. An example might be to encourage adding a few more steps during the day like walking during breaks or lunch and even taking the stairs instead of the elevator. If space permits, a designated walking path at your location could be a source of encouragement.

 

Besides coffee and conversation, give thought to implementing a morning stretch routine. Allow employees the time to perform a few basic exercises to limber up prior to beginning their work shift. Just a few minutes of stretching improves performance of physical activities and reduces the risk of injuries. Add a little music which has been shown to reduce stress and promote overall better health.

 

If your budget allows, consider hosting “Lunch and Learns” at your location by inviting area experts to share with your employees on health-related topics of interest. Your program plan could be as simple as having someone from a local health facility share tips on how to stay well during cold and flu season. Just a reminder to disinfect your phone, wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer and practice good hygiene habits can go a long way.

 

Something else you can do for your employees is to promote good food choices by providing healthy snacks such as fruit, nuts and vegetables in break room vending machines or through the addition of a micro-market.

 

For more information to help you get started visit the CDC’s Healthy Workforce Infographic.

 

 

SECO Energy Insider 4th Quarter 2018 Member Spotlight Camp Boggy Creek

 

Camp Boggy Creek

 

In the heart of SECO Energy’s service area is a unique one-of-a-kind camp beautifully spread across 232 acres east of Eustis. Camp Boggy Creek serves children ages 7-16 who have been diagnosed with chronic or life threatening illnesses. The camp provides a full-time doctor and nurse to help children and parents keep up with the medical needs of each individual camper or family.

 

Family retreat weekends for spring and winter and summer camp schedules are posted on the website and applications are now available. If you know someone who can benefit, make them aware. Camp Boggy Creek never charges the campers to attend and does not ask for them to contribute anything other than a positive attitude. Aside from all of the different fun activities that the camp provides (including horseback riding, fishing, rope climbs and drama), Camp Boggy Creek gives the opportunity for children and parents for fellowship with others whose circumstances are similar to their own. This serves as a reminder that they are not alone. They are able to form a support network with people who truly do understand their needs.

 

Founded in 1996 by Paul Newman and General H. Norman Schwarzkopf, Camp Boggy Creek began with the premise that every child, no matter their illness, could experience the transforming spirit and friendships that go hand in hand with a great camp experience.

 

To learn more about this amazing camp, visit Camp Boggy Creek online. Download applications, gain information about the camp, learn about the medical group, volunteer and donate to the programs.

 

 

4th Quarter SECO Insider Your 2019 Expansion Plan

 

Your 2019 Expansion Plan

 

Whether you’re applying for a new electrical service, service modification, upgrade or have plans for a new subdivision, contact your SECO Energy account representative as soon as possible. With Central Florida growing by leaps and bounds, this is necessary to ensure all the right people are involved in your project early on and you receive a timely response to meet your expectations for service.

 

If you’re planning to add a meter, an application for service is required and should be made well in advance of the date the service is needed. Depending on the type of service requested, any or all of the following information may be necessary:

 

  • Exact location of the property where service is needed (site plan, recorded plat, street address, lot, block number and legal description)
  • Service size (main) and voltage
  • Size of air conditioning, heating, water heating, refrigeration, and cooking when applicable
  • Type and voltage of motor loads, number of phases, horsepower
  • Street/area lighting – type and size (if lighting is to be installed behind the meter)
  • Mechanical and electrical plans (in the case of service upgrades, these must include existing and new load along with a riser diagram)
  • Utility (water, sewer, gas) plans including elevations
  • Plans for paving and drainage

 

In addition to the above, there may be other considerations such as easements and permits. A new meter set will also require a deposit equal to two times the projected average bill. Deposits are accepted in the form of cash, surety bond or irrevocable letter of credit. Depending on the size load you’re adding, a written power purchase agreement may also be necessary.

 

Contact your account representative early in the design stage so that engineering, material procurement and construction can be scheduled to meet your timeline.

 

 

 

BARBIE SHAW

Manager of Key Accounts & Energy Services
OFFICE: (352) 569-9787
CELL: (352) 303-3567
barbie.shaw@secoenergy.com

Hank Bolduc, SECO Energy Key Accounts Consultant

HANK BOLDUC

Key Accounts Consultant
OFFICE: (352) 569-9789
CELL: (352) 303-3546
hank.bolduc@secoenergy.com

Ryon Meyers, SECO Energy Key Accounts Consultant

RYON MEYERS

Key Accounts Consultant
OFFICE: (352) 569-9781
CELL: (352) 636-9593
ryon.meyers@secoenergy.com

Jeff Light, SECO Energy Key Accounts Consultant

JEFF LIGHT

Key Accounts Consultant
OFFICE: (352) 569-9790
CELL: (352) 303-3183
jeff.light@secoenergy.com

 

 

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.