SECO News November 2024
DEAR MEMBERS,
SECO Energy has been faithfully serving Central Florida members since 1938. In that time, we have experienced momentous growth. From energizing the fi rst 400 rural farmsteads over 85 years ago, SECO has grown into a robust regional utility that serves over 245,000 meters. The demand for affordable energy is increasing along with our population. We plan to ensure that the highly-ranked responsiveness and reliability that you deserve continue.
In 2022, our Executive Leadership Team extensively studied the functionality and operability of our aging office buildings, warehouses, and staging areas. We have more than outgrown our buildings – some date back to the 1930s and ‘40s. Yet, our dedicated team has remained committed to serving you – working in less-than-ideal conditions every day. Their resilience and dedication are truly commendable. Offices designed for one person are occupied by two or more employees, departments are isolated by outdated office layouts, and our fi eld service workers are mired in substandard working conditions. Moving vehicles around the property is inefficient and frustrating; it’s beyond expensive and highly unsafe.
A change is needed; our employees deserve better. SECO Energy is launching an Expansion and Improvement plan that includes new buildings to optimize working conditions in an environment that promotes safety, collaboration, and efficiency. This is exciting news. We want to continue to build the SECO culture that has fueled our success for all these years.
In early 2026, look for SECO to embark on our expansion plan to support our growth well into the future. The project features adequate workspaces designed to foster collaboration and teamwork. Staging, maintenance, and storage areas will be combined – not separated – to optimize workflows and efficiencies. Crews who work in extreme weather and temperatures will have updated washrooms and locker areas. Spaces for team meals and breaks will foster togetherness and a unified One SECO company culture.
Among the many goals that our Board has charged us with is to become the employer of choice in our region to attract and retain top talent. That aspiration is a major reason why we are so excited about this plan and confident it will propel us forward while creating more jobs, fueling our local economy, and creating more opportunities for everyone – all in the service of our growing membership.
SECO Energy is confident that this important and much-needed plan is the right step for our cooperative – promising our continued world-class reliability and dedication to serving you. Thank you for being a valued SECO Energy member. Happy Thanksgiving!
Sincerely,
CURTIS WYNN
Chief Executive Officer
AT SECO ENERGY, WE BELIEVE IN PUTTING OUR MEMBERS FIRST.
As a not-for profit cooperative, our primary goal is to serve you, not to generate profits. When we do have excess funds – what we call margins – we’re excited to return those to you through Capital Credits, also known as member equity. Keep an eye out for your Capital Credit refund on your November billing statement; it’s our way of saying thank you for the opportunity to serve your electric energy needs.
As a member, you’re not just a customer; you’re a part-owner of SECO Energy. This means that any money left over after we cover our operating expenses gets shared with you based on how much electricity you’ve used over the year. We’re thrilled to share that at our recent September Board Meeting, our Trustees approved the return of $1.65 million in member equity to both current and former members.
We also take pride in reinvesting the funds that aren’t yet retired back into our infrastructure. This ensures that we continue to improve reliability and keep pace with the tremendous growth we are seeing here in Central Florida. At the end of 2023, we reached a significant milestone with over $1.2 billion invested in our electric plant and assets, all aimed at enhancing the electric service we provide you with every day.
Capital Credits are more than just numbers on a statement; they represent our deep commitment to you and the communities we serve. This unique aspect of cooperatives reflects the cooperative difference—where your voice and your needs truly matter. Thank you for being an integral part of the SECO Energy family!
Join SECO Energy employees as they suit up to play Santa again this year for our annual Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots donation drive. Jingle all the way to one of our five Member Service Centers and donate a new unwrapped toy.
The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to help bring the joy of Christmas and send a message of hope through the gift of a new toy to thousands of children across the United States. Since 2001, Toys for Tots has been ranked as one of the top-rated charities by “Philanthropy 400.”
Retired Marines and other volunteers operate Toys for Tots. Toys donated by SECO employees and members are gifted to children within the local community. Members who want to register to receive toys donated through Toys for Tots can visit ToysforTots.org > Request a Toy.
Santa’s elves are collecting toys at our Member Service Centers in Eustis, Groveland, Inverness, Ocala, and Sumterville, serving as public drop-off locations between November 1 and December 6. Help SECO spread Christmas cheer, goodwill to men, and Peace on Earth during this holiday season by donating to Toys for Tots.
SECO is committed to improving the communities we serve, from supporting local schools to investing in renewable energy.
These principles aren’t just words; they’re the foundation of how SECO Energy operates, ensuring that we serve you, our members, with fairness, transparency, and care.
Read the full November SECO News.
