CEO Curtis Wynn – SECO Energy

Q: What is LIHEAP?

LIHEAP stands for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program . It’s a federal program that helps income-qualified households with their energy costs.

Q: How is SECO involved?

SECO partnered with FloridaCommerce to make the process easier. Normally, members must apply for LIHEAP funds. But through this partnership, Florida Commerce will automatically match qualifying SECO accounts and apply the credit directly.

Q: Do I need to apply for LIHEAP?

No. If your household qualifies, FloridaCommerce will automatically apply a bill credit to your SECO account.

Q: How will I know if I qualify?

If your account qualifies, the credit will show up automatically on your bill. No further action is required.

Q: What about the deposit refund? Who qualifies?

Beginning in October, SECO will automatically return deposits to eligible residential members. To qualify, you must: Have paid a deposit when opening a residential account with SECO and still have an active deposit balance on the account Have completed 24 consecutive months of excellent SECO payment history.

SECO Energy District 6 Trustee Mike Muffett to Continue Board Service

SECO Energy’s District 6 members have re-elected Trustee Mike Muffett without opposition, to continue serving on SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees. Mr. Muffett will serve a new three-year term following the election held on February 3 at Village View Community Church, which was well attended by District 6 members.

SECO Energy is a not-for-profit electric cooperative owned by and operated for more than 265,000 Central Florida members. The Cooperative is geographically divided into nine Districts, each represented by a Trustee who serves on the SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees. The nine-member Board meets monthly to make decisions in the best interests of the membership. As SECO’s governing body, the board plays a pivotal role in shaping the cooperative’s present and future.

In accordance with SECO’s bylaws and Florida statute, the cooperative conducts in-person district meetings and elections. The District 6 meeting saw a strong attendance, with members actively engaged throughout the Member Engagement Panel discussion, sharing thoughtful questions, feedback and perspectives on cooperative operations and priorities. Mr. Muffett was the sole candidate for the District 6 Trustee position and received strong support from members for his continued service.

A SECO Energy member since 1984, Mr. Muffett was first elected as District 6 Trustee in 2020. He has earned a Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD) Certificate and a Director Gold Credential (DGC) from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).

“I’m extremely grateful for the strong turnout and active participation from the District 6 members,” said Trustee Muffett. “After six years of serving on SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees, I remain fully committed to helping this community and working alongside the rest of the Board, ensuring our members get the best energy services possible.”

Gerald Anderson, President of the Board of Trustees, praised the level of member involvement. “Thank you to our District 6 members for your attendance, questions and meaningful discussion,” stated Anderson. Congratulations, Trustee Muffett, on your re-election as District 6 Trustee. The Board looks forward to our continued work together.”

SECO Energy CEO Curtis Wynn also acknowledged the District 6 members and their strong turnout and engagement. “The high level of participation we saw during the Member Engagement Panel demonstrates how invested our members are in their cooperative,” Wynn said. “Thank you to our District 6 members for attending, asking questions and sharing feedback. This level of engagement strengthens our cooperative and helps guide our decisions.”

Wynn continued to say, “Congratulations to Trustee Muffett on continuing to represent his fellow members. The trust and support shown by District 6 were evident throughout the meeting. The Executive Leadership Team looks forward to continuing our work with Trustee Muffett and the entire Board as we drive SECO Energy’s success and support the well-being of our members.”

(Left to right) SECO Energy Board of Trustees President Gerald Anderson, District 6 Trustee Mike Muffett, and SECO CEO Curtis Wynn at the District 6 Meeting on Tuesday night.

Members ask insightful questions to SECO Energy’s Executive Leadership Team during the Member Engagement Panel segment at the District 6 Meeting.

SECO Energy District 2 Members Re-Elect Trustee Joyce Anderson

SECO Energy members in District 2 have re-elected Secretary-Treasurer Joyce Anderson to the cooperative’s Board of Trustees for a new three-year term. The District 2 election was held on January 29 at the Sumter County Fairgrounds Cow Palace.

In accordance with SECO’s bylaws, the cooperative conducts in-person elections, as required by Florida statute. Trustee Joyce Anderson of Sumterville, John McCumber of The Villages, and Wayland Wagner also of The Villages were certified candidates who expressed their intent to seek election for the District 2 Trustee position. Trustee Anderson was elected by a majority vote.

First elected in February 2020, Anderson has earned a Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD) Certificate and Director Gold Credential (DGC) from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). She has been a SECO Energy member since 2017.

“I’m honored to be re-elected to the SECO Board of Trustees and want to thank the members of District 2 for trusting me to represent them. I take this responsibility with great care,” Anderson said. “To grow with this cooperative is a privilege and I remain committed to making decisions that will benefit members in the long run alongside my fellow Trustees.”

Gerald Anderson, President of the Board of Trustees, stated, “Thank you to the District 2 members who took part in the voting process. Congratulations to Trustee Anderson on her re-election as District 2 Trustee. The Board and I are pleased with the outcome and look forward to continuing our work together.”

During the district meeting, SECO Energy CEO Curtis Wynn provided members with an update on the cooperative and emphasized the importance of member participation in the democratic process.

“We appreciate the strong turnout from District 2 members and thank everyone who participated, whether in person or through our drive-thru voting option,” Wynn said. “Members asked insightful questions during the panel discussion, and that engagement reflects the cooperative difference – ensuring our members have a voice in choosing their representatives and in the future of their cooperative. Congratulations to Secretary-Treasurer Joyce Anderson on her re-election. We look forward to continuing our work together to ensure SECO’s future success.”

A member shares their questions with the Executive Leadership Team during the Member Engagement Panel segment at the District 2 Meeting.

February/March SECO News

DEAR MEMBERS,

Reliable electricity is essential to everyday life. SECO Energy’s 2025 reliability performance reflects our World Class results. Reliable power supports growing communities, attracts businesses and jobs, protects livelihoods, and provides peace of mind. SECO Energy members deserve an electric system they can trust, which is why we are committed to continued improvement, thoughtful planning, and routine infrastructure maintenance.

We measure reliability using three nationally recognized metrics that serve as a report card on how well our electric system performs.

In 2025, SECO members were without power an average of just 63 minutes – slightly over an hour for the entire year. By comparison, nationwide data from 2024 shows consumers experienced an average of 662 minutes without power, or nearly 11 hours annually. That difference means homes remain comfortable and safe, and businesses can continue operating with minimal disruption.

We also track how often outages occur. In 2025, members experienced an average of less than one outage per year – .94 times to be exact. This result is well below the 2024 national average of 1.53 interruptions. For our communities, fewer outages translate

into greater productivity, safety, and confidence in planning for the future.

Equally important is how quickly power is restored when outages do occur. While we were fortunate to avoid major weather events last year, outages can still happen. In 2025, SECO’s average restoration time was only 67 minutes – more than six times faster than the 2024 national average of 432 minutes, or just over seven hours. Every minute matters, and our line technicians are prepared to respond quickly and safely.

Maintaining World Class reliability takes careful planning, disciplined maintenance, and ongoing investments in our electric grid. From routine inspections to proactive vegetation management along thousands of miles of power lines, our teams work every day to prevent outages before they happen and protect the communities we serve.

At SECO Energy, reliability isn’t measured in minutes – it’s measured in trust, preparedness, and our promise to keep you powered today and well into the future.

Sincerely,

CURTIS WYNN

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

SPRING IS HERE, and in Central Florida, that means that temperatures are back on the rise. We know how difficult it can be to stay cool without your energy bill skyrocketing. Here are some tips to cut back on your energy usage while keeping cool this spring.

USE YOUR WINDOWS TO COMBAT HEAT:

Install window coverings or curtains that prevent heat from entering through your windows during the day. Blocking this heat will improve efficiency by lightening the workload on your HVAC system.

OPERATE THERMOSTAT EFFICIENTLY:

Set your thermostat to a comfortable temperature while keeping in mind that the smaller the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill will be. ENERGY STAR recommends setting your cooling temperature to 78 degrees.
Avoid setting your thermostat colder than usual when you first turn on your air conditioner, as this could lead to excessive cooling and unnecessary expense.
Keep your house warmer than usual when you are away and lower the thermostat when you return and need cooling.
Enroll qualifying thermostats in SECO’s Smart Connect program and earn incentives for allowing temperature adjustments during peak demand.

USE FANS AND VENTILATION STRATEGIES TO COOL YOUR HOME:

Keep in mind that fans cool people, not rooms, by creating a wind chill effect. Be sure to turn off ceiling fans when you leave the room.
When you take a shower or bath, use the ventilation fan to remove heat and humidity from your home. Ensure that bathroom and kitchen fans are routed to the outside.

MAINTAIN COOLING SYSTEM EFFICIENCY:

Schedule regular maintenance for your HVAC equipment to maximize energy affordability.
Avoid placing lamps or TV sets near your thermostat; the thermostat senses heat from these appliances, which can cause the air conditioner to run longer than necessary.
Regularly clean air intake vents to remove dust buildup and ensure that furniture or other objects do not block airflow through your registers.

PREVENT HOT AIR FROM LEAKING INTO YOUR HOME

Seal cracks and openings to prevent warm air from leaking into your home.
Seal air leaks around doors and windows using caulk or weatherstripping.

LOWER HOT WATER HEATING:

According to Energy.gov, water heating accounts for 18% of the energy consumed in your home. Lowering your hot water setting will conserve energy and save money.

SECO Energy is excited to announce the twelve high school juniors who have been selected to attend the Florida Youth Tour in Tallahassee. This is an exciting leadership and learning opportunity for students in our communities. Student delegates will gain insight into the energy industry and cooperative business model while exploring the Florida State Capitol and Legislative Chambers.

V. ESCOBAR, Ocala

Forest High School

P. FORMAN, Minneola

Lake Minneola High School

D. HERRICK, Eustis

Homeschool

S. HYMILLER, Clermont

East Ridge High School

J. JACKSON, Minneola

Lake Minneola High School

E. BARRIOS MEDRANO, Ocala

West Port High School

L. PATTESON, Eustis

Mount Dora High School

D. PINEIRO, Inverness

Homeschool (Abeka Academy)

M. REES, Middleton

The Villages Charter High School

M. SUDOL, Ocala

Belleview High School

H. TURO, Summerfield

Forest High School

C. WINTERS, Oxford

The Villages Charter High School

Managing your electric bill should be simple, secure, and stress-free – that’s why more members are choosing to pay their monthly bill through bank draft instead of mailing a check.

With bank draft, your monthly payment is automatically withdrawn from your checking or savings account on your due date. Bank draft is the environmentally friendly choice – no stamps to buy and no need to write a check. Once you enroll in bank draft, you can relax knowing that your bill will be paid on time, every time – even when you’re away from home.

Security is a top priority. Your financial information is protected using encrypted systems, which reduces the risk of lost checks, mail delays, or fraud. Bank draft minimizes handling and provides a safe, reliable way to pay your bill month after month.

After enrolling in bank draft, go green and paperless – paperless billing makes bill management even easier. Instead of waiting for a paper bill, you’ll receive your statement electronically, which is faster, more secure, and accessible anytime through our online account management platform SmartHub. Paperless billing reduces clutter, supports environmental sustainability, and ensures you always have a digital record at your fingertips.

Bank draft and paperless billing are convenient. You’ll save time by eliminating manual payments, late fees, and trying to remember due dates. Your bill is available for review each month, you can track payments easily, while letting bank draft work automatically in the background.

Choosing bank draft and paperless billing is a smart, secure, and hassle-free way to manage your SECO Energy account – and enjoy greater peace of mind every month.

If you notice an area light that is out, flickering, or on during the day, report the malfunction online using LightFinder on our StormCenter platform. LightFinder is available to report outage light issues 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – even on weekends.

To report, visit SECOEnergy.com > StormCenter and choose LightFinder. Enter the pole number or closest address in the search bar in the upper left. An icon represents each light. Working lights are shown as a green icon, while a red icon is a light that has already been reported as malfunctioning. The icon is orange if the light has been repaired in the last 24 hours. A gray icon represents inactive lights, and a blue icon is a member-owned light.

Complete the short reporting form and submit your email address to receive updates about the light’s repair status.

BOARD MEETING DATES

The Board of Trustees will meet on Monday, February 23, at 2:30 p.m. in the Corporate Offices at 330 South US HWY 301 in Sumterville.

A Trustees’ meeting will also be held on Monday, March 30, 2026.

Read the full February/March SECO News.

SECO Energy District 4 Trustee James LaMotte Re-elected Unopposed Following Highly Attended District Meeting

SECO Energy members in District 4 have re-elected Trustee James LaMotte without opposition to continue serving on SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees following a highly attended District 4 Meeting held January 27 at the Marion Oaks Community Center.

Demonstrating strong engagement and support for their cooperative, more than 200 District 4 members and their families attended the meeting, making it one of the most well-attended District events. The impressive turnout underscored the importance members place on participation, transparency, and local representation within SECO Energy.

SECO Energy is a not-for-profit electric cooperative owned and operated by more than 265,000 Central Florida members. The Cooperative is geographically divided into nine Districts, each represented by a Trustee who serves on the SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees. The nine-member Board meets monthly to make decisions in the best interests of the membership. As SECO’s governing body, the board plays a pivotal role in shaping the cooperative’s present and future.

District Meetings are conducted in accordance with SECO Energy’s bylaws, and in-person elections are required by Florida statute. LaMotte was the sole candidate for District 4 Trustee position, reflecting strong member confidence in his leadership and service.

James LaMotte was first elected as District 4 Trustee in April 2024, following a Special District Meeting. He has earned the Director Gold Credential from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), the highest level of Trustee education. LaMotte has been a member of SECO Energy since 2018.

“I am amazed and humbled by the number of District 4 members who attended our meeting,” said LaMotte. “Running is an honor, and I remain committed to working with my fellow Trustees to advance SECO Energy’s mission and long-term success.”

Gerald Anderson, President of the Board of Trustees, emphasized the importance of member involvement. “Member participation is the foundation of the cooperative business model. We thank the District 4 members for their outstanding engagement, attendance, and community presence. Congratulations to Trustee LaMotte on his re-election. The Board looks forward to continuing our work together.”

SECO Energy Chief Executive Officer Curtis Wynn also recognized District 4 members for their strong participation. “Looking out at this amazing crowd, I see member engagement with SECO Energy in action,” Wynn said. Thank you to our District 4 members for understanding the importance of attending your District Meeting and taking part in the cooperative process.”

Wynn added, “I appreciate Trustee LaMotte for his dedication to representing his fellow members. It is clear that he has the confidence and support of his District and is representing District 4 extremely well. The Executive Leadership Team looks forward to continuing our collaborative work with Trustee LaMotte and the entire Board to ensure the very best for our members.”

SECO Energy CEO Curtis Wynn addresses the District 4 crowd on Tuesday, January 27

SECO Energy is a not-for-profit electric cooperative serving more than 250,000 homes and businesses across the Florida counties of Sumter, Citrus, Marion, Lake, Levy, Pasco, and Hernando. SECO is the seventh largest in the nation. SECO’s wholesale power provider is Seminole Electric, one of the nation’s largest generation and transmission cooperatives, serving nearly 2 million consumers in Florida. Seminole is owned by nine electric distribution cooperatives, and SECO is one of those nine member-owners. 

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

SECO Energy Foundation Awards Over $1 Million in 2025 Community Grants

Curtis Wynn, Chief Executive Officer of SECO Energy

The SECO Energy Foundation has awarded more than $1 million in grants to support 82 transformative community initiatives across nonprofit organizations serving Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Levy, Marion, Pasco, and Sumter Counties in 2025. Without the unwavering support of SECO members, meaningful projects in these local communities would not be possible.

In 2025, the Foundation’s Board of Directors approved grants totaling $1,093,147, supporting programs that strengthen families, promote education, enhance health and wellness, and improve quality of life throughout Central Florida. The SECO Energy Foundation is an example of how many small contributions working together equal measurable support.

Overview of SECO Energy Foundation Funding in 2025:

Health and Human Services: $747,502
Education STEM Projects: $118,935
Veteran’s Initiatives: $104,800
Energy-Related Projects: $60,900
Public Safety: $51,010
Environmental Projects: $10,000

“These grants are a powerful reminder of the difference we can make when we come together as a community,” said Curtis Wynn, CEO of SECO Energy. “Thanks to the dedication of our SECO Energy members, these funds are helping local organizations provide critical resources – from feeding families and supporting veterans to empowering young people and advancing education. It’s an honor to see these contributions bring lasting change to our communities.” 

The SECO Energy Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to uplifting local communities. These funds support a diverse range of impactful initiatives across SECO Energy’s service area, advancing public safety, educational STEM, energy efficiency, environmental stewardship, veterans’ services, and health and human services. Each awarded organization plays a vital role in strengthening our communities. For more information or to apply, visit www.SECOFoundation.org.

SECO Energy Spreads Holiday Cheer Alongside Toys for Tots

SECO Energy is proud to continue its longstanding tradition of supporting the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program.  

The Marine Corps Reserves’ purpose is to help bring Christmas joy and a message of hope to children across the United States through the gift of a new toy. Since 2001, the Toys for Tots program has consistently been recognized among the top charities by Philanthropy 400.

Each year, starting in November, SECO Trustees, employees, and members drop off donations of new, unwrapped toys at SECO Member Service locations in Eustis, Groveland, Inverness, Ocala, and Sumterville.  

Founded nearly 90 years ago by members who banded together to bring electricity to rural areas of Central Florida, SECO’s cooperative spirit is reflected in the generosity of its employees, trustees and members. Their contributions to programs like Toys for Tots serve as a reminder of SECO’s original shared purpose: supporting and strengthening the communities we serve.

“I’m always amazed by the kindness of our team, members, and Trustees,” said, Kathy Judkins, SECO Energy’s Vice President of Communications, Community and Member Experience. “Even a single toy can light up a child’s face and create memories that last a lifetime.”

A highlight of SECO Energy’s annual participation is that donated toys remain in the local community, allowing members, employees, and Trustees to give directly to the neighborhoods where they live.

“Giving back is in our DNA,” said Curtis Wynn, SECO’s Chief Executive Officer. “Our employees, members and Trustees know that every toy they donate creates a Christmas morning full of smiles right here at home. That’s the magic of community.”

Retired Marines and other volunteers collect the donations in early December so that they can be distributed in time for the holidays. SECO looks forward to continuing its longstanding tradition with Toys for Tots and spreading Christmas cheer in the years to come.  

2025 Toys for Tots Photo Gallery:

Sumterville Corporate & Operations Division

SECO Energy Celebrates 500-Employee Milestone

SECO Energy’s Executive Leadership Team representing SECO Energy’s commitment to collaboration and innovation.

SECO Energy is proud to announce it has reached a major milestone, recently welcoming its 500^th employee—the largest workforce in the cooperative’s nearly 90-year history. This growth reflects SECO’s ongoing commitment to its employees, members and the communities it serves. SECO Energy’s vision is to lead the industry in member satisfaction and engagement and be the preferred employer in our region.

Founded in 1938, SECO Energy began as a small, rural cooperative that focused on bringing electricity to rural Central Florida. In November 1938, SECO turned the lights on to 400 rural farmsteads in Sumter County. Today, the cooperative serves over 260,000 homes and businesses, making it the seventh-largest electric cooperative in the nation. From its inception, SECO has been an economic driver and steadfast supporter of its local communities.

Over the last 15 years, SECO has added 100 employees to its overall headcount, and continues to grow ahead of its Workplace Expansion and Improvement Plan that will break ground in early 2026.

“Our 500 employees are dedicated to keeping our promise to members,” said Curtis Wynn, CEO. “Each team member plays a vital role in ensuring that every home and business receives safe, reliable, and affordable energy. This milestone reflects SECO’s continued investment in people and resources that directly benefit our members. As we expand our workforce, we enhance our ability to provide exceptional service, embrace innovation, and uphold the cooperative difference that sets SECO apart.”

SECO Energy is actively hiring multiple roles across departments. Click here to view the current job openings.

SECO News October 2025

The Value of Safe, Reliable, and Affordable Electric Service

DEAR MEMBERS,

We often take the electricity that powers our homes and businesses for granted. Yet less than 100 years ago, Central Florida was largely without electric service – investor-owned utilities considered it too expensive to extend lines to rural homes and farmsteads. During the Great Depression, neighbors came together to build electric cooperatives, bringing electricity to rural communities when it was needed most.

Electricity keeps your home comfortable, your food fresh, your laundry clean, and your devices charged. It powers schools, local businesses, and fuels community growth, connecting you to every corner of the world.

When compared to other household expenses, electricity remains one of the best values in your budget. The average SECO Energy home consumes roughly 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per month. Through careful long-term planning, efficient operations, and a commitment to cooperative principles, SECO’s rates have remained relatively stable. At today’s rates, most homes spend less than $5 per day on electricity – an exceptional value even as the costs of other essentials continue to rise.

Behind every flip of a switch is a dedicated team ensuring your family’s comfort and safety. SECO maintains more than 14,000 miles of electric infrastructure across our service area. When storms or outages occur, we respond quickly, understanding the vital role electricity plays in our daily life.

SECO’s mission is to deliver reliable and innovative energy services to our members and communities. Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) is one of many innovative solutions SECO has developed that gives you insight and control over your energy usage. The AMI driven Smart Connect program works with your in-home devices, such as your smart thermostats and electric vehicle chargers to reduce peak energy demand and help lower SECO’s wholesale power costs. Additionally, our home energy reviews can help you identify common sense ways to reduce electricity consumption and maximize the value of every kilowatt-hour.

SECO Energy delivers the electricity that powers your life and your community. It supports your quality of life, drives the local economy, and strengthens neighborhoods. We are proud to provide you safe, reliable, and affordable electric service – and we will continue working diligently to keep it that way.

Sincerely,

CURTIS WYNN

Chief Executive Officer

SECO Energy is seeking student delegates for the 2026 Florida Youth Tour in Tallahassee. This program is open to high school juniors living in SECO-served homes. Twelve students will be selected, with one from each of our nine Districts and three additional candidates.

Delegates will be sponsored by SECO to join over 100 peers on February 4 – 5, 2026, for tours of the State Capitol, Florida’s Supreme Court, and other local attractions. From the chosen students, four will have the chance to attend the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Youth Tour in Washington, D.C., where they will learn about electric cooperatives and engage with elected officials. This experience aims to deepen understanding of rural electrification and foster networking and leadership opportunities.

To qualify for the SECO Energy Youth Tour, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Students must be currently enrolled as a high school junior or be home-schooled at the junior level within one of our nine service Districts.
The student must live with a parent or guardian whose home is served by SECO Energy and must have an active account at the time of application and during the tour dates.

Applicants must submit a short essay on the future of the energy industry and a letter of recommendation from a school counselor, teacher, administrator, or community leader.

Energy vampires or phantom loads can haunt your electric bill. Many appliances and electronics drain electricity even when turned off or in standby mode, contributing to a “phantom load.” Microwaves, TVs, computers, gaming consoles, phone chargers, and remote-control devices are common energy vampires.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, phantom loads account for 5 to 10% of residential energy use, costing the average household up to $100 a year.

TIPS TO REDUCE ENERGY VAMPIRES:

Use Power Strips: Plug devices into a surge or timed power strip with switches to turn them off completely when not in use.
Unplug Unused Devices: Disconnect appliances like coffee makers and phone chargers after use.

Be mindful to keep these energy drains at bay to avoid inflated bills. For more energy efficiency tips, visit SECOEnergy.com.

Protect your home from damaging power surges and spikes with SECO Energy’s Surge MitiGator™ program. Power surges are sudden, intense increases in voltage that can damage or destroy household appliances and electronic devices, including televisions, computers, cordless telephones, and more.

Safeguard your home’s appliances with SECO’s meter-based surge arrester. This device is designed to prevent unnecessary financial loss by protecting large appliances (such as motors and compressors) by reducing surges at the meter before they enter your home.

You can lease this protection for only $5.95 per month, plus tax, or purchase it for $349, plus tax. From October 1 to November 15, 2025, SECO will waive the $40 installation fee.

Question from Member:

Will a programmable thermostat really help me reduce energy costs?

You Asked: We Answer:

Absolutely! A programmable thermostat helps you take control of your energy use by automatically adjusting temperatures when you’re asleep or away from home. When used correctly, a programmable thermostat can reduce your annual energy costs by up to 10 – 15%, according to the Department of Energy (Energy.gov). That’s money back in your pocket while still keeping you and your family comfortable.

WANT TO TAKE YOUR SAVINGS A STEP FURTHER?

Earn rewards by enrolling your smart devices (such as a thermostat, EV charger, or battery backup system) in our Smart Connect program. To learn more about the program and eligibility, visit SECOEnergy.com > Energy Solutions > Smart Connect.

BOARD – LED INITIATIVE PROVIDES PAYMENT RELIEF AFTER SUMMER HEATWAVE

Following an extreme summer heatwave that pushed energy use to record levels, SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees has championed a major change to its residential deposit procedure. Qualifying residential members will now have their deposits automatically credited to their electric bill – no request needed.

TO QUALIFY, YOU MUST:

Have paid a deposit when opening a residential account with SECO and still have an active deposit balance on the account
Have completed 24 consecutive months of excellent SECO payment history.

“This change reflects our commitment to putting members first,” said Gerald Anderson, President of SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees. “After this summer’s extreme heat, we wanted to find tangible relief for those eligible for a deposit refund and thank them for their loyalty and good payment history.”

District 6 Trustee Mike Muffett, an early advocate for automatically refunding member deposits, shared, “We know our members work hard, and many have been stretched thin. These steps show that SECO is their trusted energy provider, especially in challenging times.”

In addition, through a partnership with FloridaCommerce, eligible SECO members will receive payment assistance funded by the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The federal program assists income-qualified households with energy costs. Normally, members must apply for LIHEAP support, but thanks to this partnership, qualifying member accounts will automatically receive federal energy assistance credit on their SECO electric bill – no application required.

FIRST EPISODE PREMIERES OCTOBER 9

We’re always looking for better ways to communicate and connect with you—our members. That’s why SECO Energy is launching a new podcast!

Episode 1: “Who We Are & Why We Serve” with CEO Curtis Wynn and VP of Communications, Community & Member Experience, Kathy Judkins. Learn more about your cooperative, how we serve our community, and how we’re finding new ways to stay connected with you. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.

Read the full October 2025 SECO News.

SECO Energy Champions Relief for Members Following Record Summer Heatwave

After an extreme summer heatwave drove record energy use across Central Florida, SECO Energy is championing two sources of bill payment relief for eligible members in the coming months.

Through a partnership with FloridaCommerce, SECO will deliver payment assistance funded by the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The federal program assists income-qualified households with energy costs. Typically, members must apply to receive LIHEAP support, but thanks to this partnership, qualifying member accounts will automatically receive federal energy assistance credit on their SECO electric bill – no application required.

At the same time, SECO’s Board of Trustees has approved a significant change to its residential deposit policy. Beginning in October, residential members who paid a deposit when opening an account and have completed 24 consecutive months of excellent payment history will automatically have their deposit credited back to their bill – no request needed. Only accounts that meet these criteria are eligible for the automatic deposit refund.

“Members are at the heart of every decision we make, “said Curtis Wynn, SECO Energy CEO. “This summer’s record heat has strained household budgets, and we wanted to act quickly. Thanks to our partnership with FloridaCommerce, qualifying accounts will receive automatic LIHEAP credit. And looking ahead, our deposit return policy rewards members who have consistently paid on time. Although we cannot help every member with these two initiatives, a considerable number of members meet the requirements.”

Both initiatives highlight the cooperative difference: being not-for-profit, member-owned and committed to strengthening community while putting members’ needs first.

There is no action required from SECO members to benefit from these initiatives. Qualifying accounts will automatically receive LIHEAP credits, and eligible deposit refunds will be applied beginning in October. Members can review SECO’s Rate Tariff for full details on deposit requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is LIHEAP?

LIHEAP stands for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. It’s a federal program that helps income-qualified households with their energy costs.

How is SECO involved?

SECO partnered with FloridaCommerce to make the process easier. Normally, members must apply for LIHEAP funds. But through this partnership, Florida Commerce will automatically match qualifying SECO accounts and apply the credit directly.

Do I need to apply for LIHEAP?

No. If your household qualifies, FloridaCommerce will automatically apply a bill credit to your SECO account.

How will I know if I qualify?

If your account qualifies, the credit will show up automatically on your bill. No further action is required.

My account didn’t receive an automatic LIHEAP disbursement. How can I apply for LIHEAP funds?

Members can visit FloridaCommerce and apply for LIHEAP funds online. SECO Energy also provides an interactive map of social service agencies that may be able to help with utility bill payment assistance. Visit our website and view our Find Bill Payment Help section.

What about the deposit refund? Who qualifies?

Beginning in October, SECO will automatically return deposits to eligible residential members. To qualify, you must:

Have paid a deposit when opening a residential account with SECO and still have an active deposit balance on the account

Have completed 24 consecutive months of excellent SECO payment history.

What does “excellent SECO payment history” mean?

When you applied for a new service connection with SECO, you were required to have a deposit because your credit score did not qualify for a waiver.

Excellent SECO payment history means that during the previous consecutive 24-month period,

Your bill was paid by the due date,
Your account had no disconnections, and
There were no instances of meter tampering, or other adverse actions on your account.

If you would like to review your account payment history, please contact Member Services at (352) 793-3801.

Do I need to request my deposit back?

No. If you meet the qualifications, your deposit will be credited directly to your SECO bill starting in October.

Does this apply to all accounts?

No. The automatic deposit refund applies only to residential members who originally paid a deposit and meet the 24-month payment history requirement.

Why is SECO doing this now?

Because members come first. The summer heat brought record energy use and higher bills. By partnering with Florida Commerce and adjusting our deposit procedures, SECO is easing today’s burdens and rewarding members’ long-term reliability.

SECO Energy District 8 Trustee Earns National Leadership Recognition

SECO Energy congratulates District 8 Trustee Marty Proctor on earning his Board Leadership Certificate (BLC) from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). This distinguished credential marks the second step in NRECA’s director education program, which prepares cooperative trustees with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate today’s complex energy industry. 

The BLC is awarded to trustees who have already completed the Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD) program and then continue their studies in areas such as governance, risk management, financial decision–making, technology and policy development. Trustees who achieve this level of training demonstrate a deep commitment to responsible leadership and service to cooperative members.

“Continuing education is the cornerstone of effective cooperative leadership,” said SECO Energy’s Chief Executive Officer, Curtis Wynn. “This recognition ensures that our board remains well-prepared to make strategic decisions in a rapidly evolving energy landscape.” 

“Congratulations to Trustee Proctor on earning his BLC,” said Board President and District 3 Trustee Gerald Anderson. “SECO’s board has invested hundreds of hours to advancing their education. I continue to be impressed by the commitment to serve and dedication to our members that Mr. Proctor and his fellow Trustees demonstrate.”

Trustee Proctor earned his CCD in December of 2024 and is proud to continue his education through the NRECA. Mr. Proctor stated, “It is an honor to serve my community alongside my fellow Trustees. I am committed to continuing my growth and learning so that I can best serve the members of District 8 and contribute to the success of SECO Energy as a whole.”

With this accomplishment, Trustee Proctor joins a distinguished group of cooperative leaders nationwide who have pursued advanced governance education to better serve their communities. SECO Energy is a not-for-profit electric cooperative, operated for and owned by its members. SECO Energy’s 2,100-square-mile service area is divided into nine geographic Districts. Trustees are democratically elected by the members who reside in each District. As SECO Energy’s governing body, the Board of Trustees provides oversight and plays an essential role in policy-making decisions. To learn more about SECO Energy’s Board, visit our Board of Trustees page. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is LIHEAP?

How is SECO involved?

Do I need to apply for LIHEAP?

How will I know if I qualify?

My account didn’t receive an automatic LIHEAP disbursement. How can I apply for LIHEAP funds?

What about the deposit refund? Who qualifies?

What does “excellent SECO payment history” mean?

Do I need to request my deposit back?

Does this apply to all accounts?

Why is SECO doing this now?

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