SECO Energy Foundation $10,000 Grant Supports United Way of Citrus County

The SECO Energy Foundation awarded the United Way of Citrus County a $10,000 community grant. The United Way of Citrus County has earmarked the grant funds to support The Grow Initiative: Financial Literacy; participants learn about financial literacy through classes that teach clients how to budget, manage and build credit, create a résumé, interview for jobs, and other skills to prepare them for financial success.

The GROW Initiative provides an opportunity to improve lives by teaching skills essential to long-term stability, which is an unknown concept to many people. The SECO Energy Foundation grant, with contributions from other community partners, will enable the organization to improve lives, create sustainable change, and assist Citrus County residents.

United Way of Citrus County CEO, George Schmalstig, described how the funding from SECO Energy Foundation would extend beyond supporting just the courses. Schmalstig stated, “This community grant from the SECO Energy Foundation will also be used to provide emergency assistance to participants attending the financial literacy courses. We want to be sure each person has the support to complete the training, so we will step in if needs arise.”

SECO Energy Foundation Board member, Mary Pericht, endorsed the approval of the grant’s potential impact, saying, “We respect the history of the United Way of Citrus County and their past achievements. Supporting this program made sense from the standpoint of its potential to radically improve the lives of Citrus County residents.”

Examples of emergency assistance could be eviction mitigation, rent/mortgage assistance, utility assistance, and car repairs, to name a few.

SECO Energy Foundation Executive Director, Mariah Delgado was confident the initiative would result in a positive outcome, stating, “I am so happy our Board chose to approve this grant, and I believe this team at United Way of Citrus County can execute The GROW Initiative successfully.”

The grant was one of five grants approved by the SECO Energy Foundation Board at their first quarterly meeting in 2024. The funded grants will be used to support charitable organizations that assist residents in need and improve the quality of life in communities served by SECO Energy. SECO serves over 240,000 homes and businesses in Central Florida’s Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Levy, Marion, Pasco, and Sumter Counties.

The SECO Energy Foundation is a charitable organization operating as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3). Contributions to the Foundation are tax-deductible.

The SECO Energy Foundation aims to support charitable organizations that assist residents in need and improve the quality of life in communities served by SECO Energy, which include the Central Florida counties of Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Levy, Marion, Pasco, and Sumter. To learn more about the SECO Energy Foundation, visit SECOFoundation.org.

SECO Energy Foundation $50,000 Grant Supports United Way of Marion County

The SECO Energy Foundation awarded a $50,000 community grant to United Way of Marion County. The SECO Energy Foundation presented the grant funds to the organization in support of both the 2-1-1 helpline and the Strong Families program that addresses homelessness and promotes debt reduction with one-on-one success coaching.

The United Way’s 2-1-1 helpline connects individuals with essential community resources, such as healthcare referrals, assistance with housing, food, and mental health resources, which are directly related to the health and well-being of the community. The Strong Families initiative aims to end generational poverty by pairing participants with success coaches who will concentrate on providing guidance in managing debt, increasing personal income, and furthering their education. During this year-long program, participants will advance their long-term financial stability.

The United Way of Marion County’s VP of Community Impact, Beth Nelson expressed gratitude for the SECO Energy Foundation grant, saying, “We are very grateful to the SECO Energy Foundation for this support. Our 2-1-1 helpline is very well-utilized and our ability to support it is strengthened by this grant.” She continued, “We believe teaching financial concepts to less-fortunate individuals through the Strong Families program will truly change lives and offer a brighter outlook for future generations. There really is nothing else like this available locally.”

The SECO Energy Foundation Executive Director Mariah Delgado was supportive of the organization’s plans for the funds. Delgado shared, “The grant to the United Way of Marion County is going to make a difference, I believe. Changing lives with education is a terrific long-term approach to improving the lives of the homeless population that truly wants to succeed in life, and the 2-1-1 program has been a valuable source of community support for years. This grant should help each initiative and the SECO Energy Foundation is happy to provide it.”

The SECO Energy Foundation is a charitable organization operating as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3). Contributions to the Foundation are tax-deductible.

SECO Energy Foundation $50,000 Grant Supports United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties

The SECO Energy Foundation awarded a $50,000 community grant to United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties. On Wednesday, April 10, 2024, the SECO Energy Foundation presented the funds to the organization during a brief ceremony at their Leesburg office. The grant will support the Mission United veteran’s assistance initiative dedicated to supporting the needs of veterans in our community.

The Mission United veteran’s assistance program addresses transportation, financial stability, emergency assistance, housing, and other essential services. Crucial transportation services to medical, dental, and mental health appointments, grocery stores, Veterans Affairs appointments, and other necessary destinations are provided along with rent and utility assistance, emergency financial support, and food assistance. Veterans are offered personalized support that connects them with necessary resources including employment, education, training, and housing.

United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties CEO, Jessica Davis is thankful for the SECO Energy Foundation’s community support. Davis stated, “The SECO Energy Foundation grant is instrumental, as it will enable us to reach more veterans, provide more comprehensive services, and continue making a significant impact in the lives of those who have given so much for our nation.”

The SECO Energy Foundation Executive Director Mariah Delgado is enthusiastic about the organization’s plans for the funds. Delgado stated, “The grant to the United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties will truly make a difference in our local communities. It will help the United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties’ mission, including addressing health, family stability, and education needs. In this case, it also serves our veterans, so two of the SECO Energy Foundation’s target initiatives are supported.”

Delgado added, “The SECO Energy Foundation is pleased to have these funds applied to such a good program. We are excited to contribute to efforts that will provide opportunities to improve the quality of life in our communities.”

The SECO Energy Foundation is a charitable organization operating as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3). Contributions to the Foundation are tax-deductible.

SECO Energy Foundation Approves $200,000 in Community Grants

The SECO Energy Foundation Directors approved $200,000 in community grants at their first quarterly meeting in 2024. The funded grants will be used to support charitable organizations that assist local residents in need and improve the quality of life in communities served by SECO Energy. SECO serves over 240,000 homes and businesses in Central Florida’s Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Levy, Marion, Pasco, and Sumter Counties.

Central Florida Council, Boy Scouts of America was awarded $40,000. The award will be used to purchase a generator to operate freezer and cooling equipment at the Camp La-No-Che Boy Scout Camp located in Paisley. The generator will be an asset to the Boy Scout Council and local Scouting Associations as a means of storm preparedness.

Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter was awarded $50,000 for their Veterans Housing Initiative. The agency is working to help veterans maintain the safety and livability of their homes. There is a growing need to help low-income families and individuals who own a home but are unable to complete necessary repairs or improve the home’s accessibility needs due to aging or health constraints.

United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties received approval for $50,000 to fund their Mission United Veteran’s Assistance program. The Mission United Program is a comprehensive initiative dedicated to supporting veteran’s needs. The program aids in transportation, financial stability, emergency assistance, housing, and other essential services for veterans.

United Way of Citrus County will benefit from a $10,000 grant to fund The GROW Initiative: Financial Literacy Class. Financial literacy courses provided by the United Way of Citrus County teach citizens budgeting priorities, managing and building credit, help in resumé preparation, job interview skills, and other expertise to set them up for financial success.

United Way of Marion County was awarded $50,000 to support the 2-1-1 and Strong Families programs. 2-1-1 is an informational and referral helpline that connects families and individuals with essential community services and resources. The Strong Families program seeks to end generational poverty by teaching financial stability to Marion County residents. The coaching program addresses homelessness, promotes debt reduction, increased income, and education attainment.

The SECO Energy Foundation Board of Directors President James LaMotte is excited for the organizations receiving grant funds. LaMotte stated, “The SECO Energy Foundation Board of Directors is pleased to fund five local charitable organizations. All funded projects will enhance or expand needed social services within our communities.”

The SECO Energy Foundation’s Executive Director Mariah Delgado echoes Mr. LaMotte’s sentiments by adding, “The SECO Energy Foundation was organized to help charitable organizations expand their outreach. Funding was scarce for many social service agencies, that citizens depend on, during the Covid Pandemic. There is a great risk to communities as a whole when charitable programs remain under funded, and the grants funded by the SECO Energy Foundation will help immensely.”

The SECO Energy Foundation is a charitable organization operating as tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3). Contributions to the Foundation are tax deductible.

The aim of the SECO Energy Foundation is to support charitable organizations that assist local residents in need and improve the quality of life in communities served by SECO Energy, which include the Central Florida counties of Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Levy, Marion, Pasco and Sumter. To learn more about the SECO Energy Foundation, visit SECOFoundation.org.

September 2022 Sunshine State Stats

Hurricane Ian blazed through Central Florida between Wednesday, September 28, and Thursday, September 29, bringing large amounts of rainfall, high winds and fall temperatures. The average temperature for the month was 81 degrees, which was 3 degrees lower than last month’s average. The average high was 88 degrees while the average low was 73 degrees.

The highest daily recorded temperature (data from the Leesburg KLEE weather station) in September was 95 degrees and the lowest 63 – the highest daily recorded temperature in August 2022 was 96 degrees and the lowest was 72. Rainfall was above average in September. The total precipitation for the month was 7.25 inches, well above the September average rainfall of 5.76 inches.

Daily high temperatures soared over 90 degrees 16 days in September. Hurricane Ian brought a slight cooldown to daily temperatures toward the end of the month. Expect daily highs to reach near 90 degrees into October.

Before September, the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season was mostly inactive. Hurricane Ian made landfall as a strong Category 4 hurricane on Florida’s west coast. It traveled slowly through southwest and central Florida before exiting into the Atlantic and making another landfall in South Carolina. Hurricane Ian was deadly and caused power outages for millions in the southeast United States. At its peak, SECO Energy had just over 11,000 accounts without electric service overnight on the 28th and 29th. All accounts were restored by late on Friday, September 30. It only takes one powerful storm to damage electric transmission and distribution infrastructure causing widespread power outages.

Have a plan in place for hurricane season. Don’t wait until a storm is approaching to prepare. Essential supplies such as water, gasoline, bread and other non-perishable food sell out quickly. Read our Hurricane Handbook to learn more about what to do before, during and after a tropical storm or hurricane.

October forecast:

Expect daily high temperatures to reach into the high to mid 80s during October 2022. Be alert for late-season tropical storm and hurricane activity heading toward Central Florida. Central Florida’s rainy season is winding down, expect less rain and thunderstorms during the month.

HVAC use may be starting to decrease with cooler daily and evening temperatures. For Floridians, HVAC use is a longer span (typically early spring to late fall) than in other parts of the country and runs more frequently. It is likely the highest energy user in your home. Before winter temperatures set in, schedule an HVAC tune up with a qualified technician.

To check historical usage, log into SmartHub to view past bills and consumption charts. If your usage is high, SECO offers several energy-efficiency tools to help you identify energy wasters. Take the Home Energy Assessment to receive a detailed email tailored to your home’s features and lifestyle. The energy-saving advice will provide low-cost ways to decrease your usage – and your electric bill.

To easily calculate how much energy your appliances, lighting, electronic devices, and other energy-using items in your home consume, use the Energy Estimator.

November 2021 Sunshine State Stats

Central Florida felt its first winter-like temperatures in November 2021. The average high temperature reached 76 degrees, while the average low reached only 56 degrees. The average temperature for the month was a cool 66 degrees which is 12 degrees lower than the previous month.

In November 2021, the highest daily temperature recorded was 85 degrees, which is 10 degrees lower than the highest recorded temp in October 2021. The lowest recorded temperature this month was 45 degrees, which is 12 degrees lower than the lowest temp recorded in October 2021. Rainfall increased this month to measure 3.61 inches and is above November’s average of 2.53 inches.

The Atlantic hurricane season officially ended on November 30, with Central Florida remaining unscathed for the season.

Members may notice their energy usage for November 2021 increase slightly from October 2021 if you’re running the heat on chilly mornings/evenings. Daily temperatures that reach into the 80s and chilly mornings in the 40s, along with Florida’s humidity mean HVACs will run for longer periods of time and more frequently to keep temperatures stable inside the home. Wide daily temperature fluctuations also increase HVAC usage. In November 2021, the largest daily temperature fluctuation was 30 degrees.

December forecast:

The Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts winter in Florida will be colder than usual. Prepare for the most frigid temperatures to begin in mid-December and continue into early February. Precipitation will also be above average.

With temperatures running colder than average, your HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) unit may run longer and more frequently this year than in previous years. Now is the time to schedule an HVAC service call with a licensed technician. Read December 2021 SECO News to learn more about scheduling a winter HVAC service.

For December 2021, The Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts the temperature will average 62 degrees for the month, which is 1 degree below average. Precipitation is forecast to be 3 inches above average. Look for daily highs in the low 80s to low 70s with lows dipping into the low 50s.

Take the bite out of damaging surges and spikes with SECO Energy’s Surge MitiGator surge protection. Our meter-based surge arrester protects large appliances by reducing surges BEFORE they enter the meter. Learn more about the Surge MitiGator.

To easily calculate how much energy your appliances, lighting, electronic devices, and other energy-using items in your home consume, use the Energy Estimator.

Sunshine State Stats December 2019

Central Florida didn’t see a White Christmas in December 2019. The temperatures were warm even by Central Florida standards. The monthly average temperature was a mild 66 degrees – which was 4 degrees warmer than the average temperature in December 2018. The highest daily recorded temperature was 85 degrees and the lowest daily recorded temperature was 41 degrees. That’s a fluctuation of 44 degrees between hot and cold so most likely both cooling and heating units ran in December.

December 2019’s average high temperature was 76 degrees with an average low temperature of 57 degrees. In December 2018, the average high temperature was 71 degrees while the average low temperature was 53 degrees.

Families who were visiting for the holidays from colder areas were pleased with the warm temperatures. Locally we enjoyed 11 days of high temperatures over 80 degrees in December 2019. Rainfall for the month was higher than last month at 3.67 inches. Rainfall for December 2018 was higher than 2019 at 5.55 inches.

While parts of the U.S. were blanketed in snow, Central Florida’s early morning temperatures were in the mid to high forties. If you had visiting family and friends, the afternoon highs and extra visitors probably required extra HVAC cooling. Members who used heat during the colder mornings and cooling in the warmer afternoons can expect to see an increase in energy consumption on their December billing statement. ENERGY STAR recommends setting your heat to no higher than 68 degrees during the winter months.

Have you scheduled an annual HVAC service? January and February are typically the coldest months in Florida. A well-maintained unit runs more efficiently and helps lower your energy usage. Read more about HVAC service and maintenance in November SECO News.

January 2020 forecast:

January 2020 is forecast for an average high of 75 degrees with high temperatures reaching the low 80s. The average low is forecast at 56 degrees with 14 or 15 days dropping into the 40s. Precipitation levels are forecast to be low with the best chance for rain in the middle of the month.

To easily calculate how much energy your appliances, lighting, electronic devices, and other energy-using items in your home consume, use the Energy Estimator.

Energy Insider – 3rd Quarter

What are Capital Credits SECO Insider 3rd Quarter 2018

What Are Capital Credits?

As the last quarter of the year approaches, we in the cooperative world begin to address Capital Credits. Most members, both residential and businesses, will ask “what are capital credits?” As a not-for-profit electric utility and like most businesses, SECO Energy sets an annual budget to pay operating costs, make payments on loans and ensure a reserve for emergencies. At the end of the year, expenses are subtracted from collected revenue and the remaining balance is referred to as margins. Based on the financial strength of the cooperative and member equity, SECO’s Board of Trustees annually makes a determination to refund a portion of these margins also known as Capital Credits. These Capital Credits represent the member’s share of ownership or “member equity” in SECO Energy.

Through 2017, SECO Energy has returned $57.8 million in Capital Credits to our membership. These distributions, returned to the members, are expressed as general retirements and are typically paid out each November. Current members receive a credit on their electric bill and former members receive a check if the amount exceeds $10.00. Capital Credits are issued to businesses in the same manner as individuals. Therefore, it is important to notify SECO Energy if your account status changes. Having updated contact information on file, especially a valid mailing address, will ensure Capital Credits accumulated in your name continue to make their way to you in the future. Don’t be like others who have moved away and didn’t update their information resulting in unclaimed Capital Credits on our books. For a complete list of unclaimed Capital Credits accounts, both residential and commercial, visit our Unclaimed Capital Credits page.

Team Building at Blackjack Sporting Clays SECO Insider 3rd Quarter 2018

Team Building At Blackjack Sporting Clays

Team building exercises boost morale, improve communication, motivate employees to be more productive and to get to know each other better. If you think team building activities must meet strict criteria to produce benefits, then think again. Sometimes, just an offsite activity that allows your employees to interact away from the workplace is all you need. Maybe, a visit to Blackjack Sporting Clays in Sumterville is in order.

Blackjack Sporting Clays is a beautiful facility nestled among thousands of acres of pristine Florida landscape. Dale Walker, owner/operator, describes his venue as a “country club” for folks that want to shoot with some of the finest equipment in the business. He offers something for everyone at all levels of the shooting sport spectrum. A beautifully decorated clubhouse with TVs and a billiard table are available for non-shooters or those waiting to shoot.

Each course at Blackjack Sporting Clays is laid out along a paved path that meanders through “old Florida” type landscape. There are two separate 16 station courses, and an additional six station Sub-Gauge Course. Along with these courses, there is also a standard five stand range as well. The shooting stations are fully covered with drinking water and restroom facilities throughout each course. Golf cart and gun rentals are available. There is even a large pavilion with seating for 300+ available for public and private use.

To find out more about this “country club for folks that want to shoot,” visit Blackjack Sporting Clays online or stop by and check out their beautiful facility at 3372 County Road 526 in Sumterville, Florida.

SECO Insider NuRF 3rd Quarter 2018

Lake County Water Authority’s NuRF Facility

The Lake County Water Authority (LCWA) is committed to conserving and protecting freshwater resources. In 2007, they invested in a state-of-the-art facility designed to remove 67% of pollutants from water, specifically from the Harris Chain of Lakes. “The facility, known as the Lake County Nutrient Reduction Facility (NuRF), is the largest of its design in the world and is very unique in operation” according to Ron Hart, Chief Scientist with LCWA. The results of the facility are clear and so is the positive impact it is having on our environment.

Served by SECO Energy, NuRF is located at the headend of the Chain of Lakes, west of Astatula, on County Road 48. The plant takes in water from Lake Apopka, the “single largest controllable source of water pollution in Lake County,” according to LCWA. The water is cleaned by a process of injecting liquid alum which binds with the pollutants to create snowflake-like particles. The particles, referred to as floc, fall like snowflakes from the water to the bottom of two 9-acre holding ponds. Once the floc or pollutants have settled on the bottom of the pond they are dredged and pumped to a centrifuge. Like a washer, wringing water from clothes, the centrifuge separates the water from the floc – a process known as dewatering. The clean water is then pumped back into the canal feeding the Harris Chain of Lakes. The floc is allowed to dry and used in several beneficial applications such as landfill cover.

Lakes Beauclair, Dora, Eustis and Griffin are the biggest benefactors of the Nutrient Reduction Facility. The process of removing the targeted algae-feeding nutrients results in increased water clarity allowing for beneficial plant growth and better fish habitat.

In a day and age where water quality is becoming more and more of a hot topic, our hats are off to LCWA for pro-actively taking steps to enhance water quality in Central Florida. Visit the LWCA website to learn more about the NuRF Facility.

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

Energy Insider – 4th Quarter

Energy Data the Easy Way

All appliances/devices have unique electrical signatures. These unique signatures can now be identified using electronic monitoring at a macro level. Previously, information needed about a specific appliance required a recorder at the device. Having multiple data recorders is costly and does not provide a method to automatically aggregate the information allowing for a view of the ‘big’ picture.

Although there are various types of equipment on the market to help track energy usage, Sense™, is different. Electric energy measuring recorders capture and calculate energy using voltage readings and current readings. They require a connection to a breaker for the voltage readings and use current transformers to capture amperage readings. Sense™ uses advanced algorithms to monitor electric usage in a 240V single-phase environment. It ‘listens’ to the unique electrical signatures and records them over time.

Within days or weeks of installing, Sense™ can determine which appliances/devices are using electricity, how much is used and when by analyzing the recorded data millions of times a second. Sense™ records and tracks energy and makes the data available through a wireless connection to an app on your (iOS or Android) phone or tablet. The real-time and historical data allows you to analyze trends in usage, detect anomalies and make modifications that can save you money. Sense™ is available for $299 and installs at your panel box. For more information visit their website. Visit SECOEnergy.com to learn more about our services or for additional energy saving tips.

Help as Close as Your Fingertips

At SECO Energy we understand the importance of our commercial and industrial members and are happy to provide you with a great resource – your Key Accounts Consultant. Taking advantage of this representative means you have your own advocate – someone to personally assist you in a variety of ways.

Your Key Accounts Consultant is your single point-of-contact available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. They can initiate and expedite resolution of your concerns, provide yearly rate reviews, give advice on security deposits, arrange for energy audits, initiate new service requests, electrical upgrades and more. During a power outage, they will open the lines of communication to help you plan. In addition, your representative can assist you with a wealth of information through both SECO and Touchstone Energy.

Touchstone Energy is a nationwide network of more than 750 local member-owned electric co-ops dedicated to providing its members with safe, reliable and affordable electricity across 45 states. Together we form the largest electric utility in the country. Connecting the people of America’s electric cooperatives to benefit members and their communities.

As a member of the Touchstone Energy network all the resources available to SECO Energy are available to you. One in particular you may find extremely useful is The Business Energy Advisor. The Business Energy Advisor is a great tool offering in-depth energy management articles, case studies and infographics. The Business Energy Advisor includes The Energy Resource Library. This great resource provides specific information for a number of different business types and technologies. It also offers money saving energy advice for your business. Check it out today.

Reporting an area light for repair

Reporting an Area Light for Repair

Typically, three things go wrong with an area light. The light is completely out, the light is always on, or the light flickers. If you discover a light with any of these problems, jot down the GIS number of the pole with the light. The number should be mounted vertically at eye level. The pole designation will be four to six black numbers on a yellow metal background.

If there is more than one light on the pole, tie a ribbon around the light with the knot on the same side as the light that is malfunctioning. If both lights are out, leave the knot in the middle.

Once you have the number, send us an email at arealightrepair@secoenergy.com or call SECO’s automated outage hotline at 1-800-732-6141. To request additional lighting at your location, contact your account representative.

SECO Energy Insider Novelty Crystal 4th quarter 2017

Member Spotlight: Novelty Crystal

Novelty Crystal in Groveland, Florida, is one of two facilities nationwide manufacturing, warehousing and distributing high quality plastic serving ware of all types. Novelty Crystal has been in business since 1961 with their corporate office/manufacturing facility in Long Island City, New York. The Groveland manufacturing operation opened in 1989 and serves as the company’s sales hub.

From the very beginning, Novelty Crystal has been committed to meeting customer needs through product development, quality manufacturing and at the lowest possible cost. Today they are the largest source for plastic serving ware on the internet. Because Novelty Crystal offers direct to consumer pricing you can save time and money.

The Novelty Crystal catalog consists of hundreds of items ranging from bowls, cake servers, drinkware, stemware, ice buckets, trays, plates, platters, serving utensils, insulated tumblers, coffee mugs and more. Products can be customized with artwork and imprinted to meet a variety of needs. Their primary customers include party stores, supermarkets (in both the retail and on the supply side), food service distribution (non-foods goods), caterers, event planners, party rental, gift shops, gourmet stores, hardware stores, variety stores, nightclubs, bars, and theme parks. They also offer direct to individual prices.

Whether you need one item or a thousand, want plain plastic or something that looks like high-end cut crystal or even a special personalized promotional piece, this Central Florida retailer can meet your needs. For more information visit their website.

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

J.D. Simmons, SECO Energy Key Accounts Consultant

J.D. SIMMONS

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

Hurricane Restoration Continues Across Central Florida

Hurricane restoration continues across Central Florida with SECO Energy diligently working to restore power to the over 110,000 members without power after Hurricane Irma ravaged its service territory. SECO crews along with hundreds of contracted line and tree crews are deployed to all counties.

SECO crews and contracted line and tree crews worked overnight restoring power to members. Because of the significant damage, SECO is diligently calling for more man-power and additional resources to speed up restoration efforts. SECO members were understandably frustrated yesterday with the seeming lack of progress and information on restoration activities. About half of SECO’s system was on the ground Monday morning after Hurricane Irma blasted directly through the center of its service territory.

After Monday’s restoration began and the overnight efforts continued, and 25,000 of the 110,000 members without power had their service restored. The following is a summary of Monday’s restoration progress:

More members will see power restored today and we will update social media and customer service as soon as possible. Please keep in mind that Hurricane Irma just left SECO’s service area late Monday morning. Even the storms of 2004 didn’t hit the area this hard with this much damage. It is unprecedented and SECO is doing its best to fully recover.

Seek shelter if you or your loved ones need power to run life-saving medical devices. Floridians can access www.floridadisaster.org/shelters for shelter information by county, including general population shelters, pet-friendly shelters and special needs shelters.

If you are using a portable or backup generator, never let it run in enclosed spaces. Generators emit carbon monoxide gas that is a silent, odorless killer. Ensure these are connected correctly. Do not tamper with a meter to connect a generator as this requires a licensed electrician. Safety tips and storm preparation tips are available on SECO’s website.

To avoid scams and dangers, do not accept restoration or tree trimming assistance from someone who is asking for payment on the spot and is not a SECO employee or contractor. Under no circumstances would SECO ask for payment in the field during a restoration event. Do not attempt to reconnect services yourself.

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO is dedicated to being our members’ first source for accurate storm information. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” the company on Twitter to stay updated about storms affecting our area.

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Archive

What Are Capital Credits?

Team Building At Blackjack Sporting Clays

Lake County Water Authority’s NuRF Facility

Energy Data the Easy Way

Help as Close as Your Fingertips

Reporting an Area Light for Repair

Member Spotlight: Novelty Crystal

NEED HELP? CALL (352) 793 -3801

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NEED HELP? CALL (352) 793 -3801

Search our website

CONNECT WITH US