SECO Energy is proud to announce it has earned the Tree Line USA Utility distinction from the Arbor Day Foundation. The cooperative has been named a Tree Line USA Utility for twelve consecutive years.
The Arbor Day Foundation created the Tree Line USA program to recognize public and private utilities for practices that protect and enhance America’s urban forests. A collaboration of the Foundation and the National Association of State Foresters, Tree Line USA promotes the dual goals of delivering safe and reliable electricity while maintaining healthy community trees.
To be named a Tree Line USA Utility, SECO follows the Arbor Day Foundation’s standards that include quality tree care, annual worker training, tree planting and public education, tree-based energy conservation programs and participation in an annual Arbor Day celebration event.
SECO contracts with professional utility tree trimming services that employ trimmers who are specially trained to perform work near electric lines. SECO’s contractors prune trees according to International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) standards that maintain a healthy tree structure and appearance.
“Trees are a critical part of urban landscapes all across the United States,” said Dan Lambe, president of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Service providers like SECO Energy demonstrate that it’s possible for trees and utilities to co-exist for the benefit of communities and citizens.”
CEO Jim Duncan is proud of SECO’s Vegetation Management team for their Tree Line USA recognition, stating “Congratulations to our Vegetation Management team for helping SECO earn its 12th consecutive Tree Line USA recognition. Reducing the potential for tree-caused outages and SECO’s commitment to member satisfaction is a delicate balance. Trees growing too close to power lines are a leading cause of power outages in our service area. Communicating with members about trimming near their property and following industry best practices for tree care promote healthy community trees while lowering the number of tree-caused outages and shortening outage duration.”
SECO encourages members to plant the right tree in the right place to reduce energy consumption and save on energy costs. To reduce cooling costs, plant deciduous trees to the south, southwest or west sides of structures to reduce heat from the summer sun. To reduce heating costs, plant evergreens and shrubs on the north and west sides of structures to block winds. Trees that grow to a mature height of over 40 feet should never be planted near power lines.
Learn more about landscaping to reduce energy costs or planting the right tree in the right place online. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.
Congratulations to SECO Energy District 1 Trustee Scott Boyatt on his re-election. District 1 members gathered at Pine Ridge Elementary School in Clermont on Thursday, January 31, to elect a Trustee to represent their District on SECO’s Board. Mr. Boyatt lives in Clermont and has been a SECO member since 2004. Mr. Boyatt was first elected to the Board in 2013.
SECO Energy is a not-for-profit electric cooperative, operated for and owned by its members. SECO members who reside in the District elect one of their fellow members to serve on SECO’s nine-member Board of Trustees. Collectively, the Board represents the SECO membership, meeting monthly to monitor the financial status of the cooperative while providing fiduciary oversight and participating in policy decisions that serve the best interests of the members at large.
Mr. Boyatt declared his continued willingness to serve the members in District 1 by submitting his letter of intent to run for Trustee. Elected Trustees serve a three-year term. Mr. Boyatt’s candidacy for District 1 Trustee was unopposed.
Trustee Boyatt stated, “I thank the District 1 members for pledging their continued support for me as their Trustee. After recently completing my Director Gold Credentials from the NRECA, I am looking forward to putting my enhanced skill set to work for not only District 1 members but SECO’s membership as a whole.”
President Jerry Hatfield stated, “Congratulations, Mr. Boyatt, on your re-election as District 1 Trustee. Mr. Boyatt is a valued member of SECO’s Board, and I look forward to working with him and my peers on behalf of our fellow SECO members.”
CEO Jim Duncan stated, “Thank you, District 1 members, for joining us at your District Meeting and participating in the cooperative governance process. I congratulate Mr. Boyatt on his re-election and thank him for sharing his industry knowledge to support his fellow members. I am grateful for our Board’s fiduciary guidance and oversight, and their collective knowledge of the utility industry.”
Duncan continued, “I hope members plan to attend our Annual Meeting on Saturday, March 23. We will be serving breakfast, coffee, soft drinks and snacks. Members can visit the Energy Showcase for energy-efficiency displays, enjoy live entertainment and enter for the chance to win door prizes. The grand prizes this year are a refurbished 2009 Ford SuperCab 4-wheel drive with less than 60,000 miles, a golf cart, cash and many other prizes.”
Visit SECO’s Board of Trustees page to view a photo and brief bio of SECO’s Trustees along with a District map. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.
SECO Energy is an advocate for members who choose to reduce their utility-supplied power by purchasing their own systems. In fact, as of mid-January, 1,050 SECO members have interconnected with SECO’s facilities by installing a member-owned solar array.
SECO members considering a solar investment are often frustrated by the confusion about return on investment, less-than-reputable contractors and dishonest business practices. To help inform and protect our members, SECO has completed an enhancement and redesign of the Solar Power section of our website. Valuable information from a trusted source is now just a click away.
Our new online tools like the Solar Estimator can help you determine the reduction in utility-supplied power for a specific system size/orientation. The 10-step process and timeline to interconnect with SECO’s system is outlined. We provide answers to frequently asked questions, an explanation of net metering, a sample bill and other resources. We’ve published a comprehensive checklist and list of resources for vetting and selecting a contractor.
When visiting the website, carefully read through “Selecting Your System.” This section explains how to determine system size and the math behind member generation. You’ll find advantages and disadvantages of different panel and inverter types keep reading to find insurance requirements (Florida Administrative Code requires insurance for systems over 10kW).
Most important, the interconnection process and agreement is enhanced with an online application. Members and contractors will now establish login credentials and register to begin the process online. Contractors can register and help manage the interconnection process and agreement on behalf of their client.
At every step of the process toward interconnection with SECO’s facilities, members and contractors will be notified via email to provide updates. We’re leaping into 21st Century technology by incorporating electronic signatures and communications into our new system.
But wait! Before you take another step toward solar, contact SECO for a free solar audit. Our Energy Services Specialists will visit your home and use the Solar Pathfinder to determine the amount of sun your home receives. Our expert will assess your roof, note home orientation and measure obstructions that may block solar power production.
Before signing a contract with an installer, do your homework. Let SECO help you research any potential return on investment. The calculation must include the system investment, maintenance and the cost of utility-supplied power used at night, chilly early mornings or cloudy days.
Attend SECO’s 81st Annual Meeting of the Membership on Saturday, March 23 for a live demonstration at our Solar Square. Gates open at 8 a.m. – join us for breakfast, snacks, live entertainment, gifts, the potential to win door prizes and top-notch hospitality of our local employees.
Sincerely,
Jim Duncan
Chief Executive Officer
Meet SECO Champion Tony Shaw – an example of our 400+ SECO Champion employees. Tony is dedicated to providing exceptional service to members, co-workers and communities.
TONY SHAW – ENERGY SERVICES SPECIALIST
LENGTH OF SERVICE – 19 YEARS
“I make a difference.”
SECO Champion Tony Shaw is an Energy Services Specialist who is a subject matter expert on member-owned solar systems and energy-efficiency measures. As a Citrus County resident, he is often the SECO contact stationed in the Citrus County Emergency Operations Center during emergencies such as Hurricanes Irma and Matthew. Tony’s family has called Central Florida home for generations. He and his family enjoy fishing and golf, and he loves to spend time with his young grandson. Tony is proud that he helps members save money and reduce energy usage by conducting energy and solar audits. Tony is often out and about in the community offering energy-efficiency tips, providing money-saving ideas and sharing his knowledge of solar generation. Tony states, “People really trust and believe in SECO Energy as a company.”
FLORIDA SPECIAL NEEDS REGISTRY
The Florida Division of Emergency Management has developed the Florida Special Needs Registry to allow residents with special needs to register with their local emergency management agency to receive assistance during a disaster. The statewide registry provides first responders with valuable information to prepare for disasters or other emergencies. The Special Needs Registry may help save your life. Visit the Florida Disaster website to locate your county and register.
SECO IS TOPS!
Thank you, SECO Members, for rating your not-for-profit electric cooperative top in customer satisfaction. SECO received an outstanding ACSI score of 89 in 2018! When comparing SECO to average ACSI scores in the energy industry – SECO is a clear Florida and national frontrunner. Nationally, cooperative utilities averaged 77 in 2018. Scores for municipal and investor-owned utilities both averaged slightly lower at 75.
MOVE OVER FOR SAFETY
Did you know that Florida law requires drivers to Move Over a lane – safely – for law enforcement, emergency, sanitation, utility vehicles, tow trucks and wreckers that are stopped on the roadside? Heed the law or pay a hefty fine – $100 to $500 (dependent on the county where cited) – and three points on your driving record.
If you can’t safely move over a lane – Slow Down to a speed that is 20 mph less than the posted speed limit.
In 2017, over 17,000 Move Over citations were issued in Florida– this includes 1,756 logged in SECO’s service area. There were 212 Move Over crashes in the state and 16 Move Over crashes in our area.
The fine will lighten your wallet and the points will damage your driving record. But the law is designed to protect defenseless roadside workers including SECO‘s line technicians. Let’s all Move Over and allow these folks to return home safely to their loved ones after a hard day’s work.
RIGHT TREE – RIGHT PLACE
Spring is just around the corner and many of us are looking forward to planting a new landscape. For energy efficiency and safety, plant the right tree in the right place and always call 811 Sunshine One-call (it’s free!) before you dig. 811 will arrange for the free service of locating and marking underground utilities.
Did you know the right landscape plan can greatly reduce your annual energy costs? Deciduous trees planted to the south, southwest or west side of buildings can provide shade that helps reduce cooling costs. Evergreen trees planted on the north and west sides help to block winter winds and reduce heating costs.
When planning, consider the tree’s height when fully grown. Trees growing too close to lines are a safety hazard to SECO field employees and the public. Trees touching lines can cause sparks, fires, power outages and shock hazards. Never plant tall oak, pine, sycamore or palm trees near power lines.
Planning the right landscape today can avoid problems in the future, especially where power lines are concerned.
The NRECA offers a Director Certification Program for not-for-profit electric cooperative Trustees to better understand their roles and responsibilities, stay up-to-date on key issues and energy trends while preparing them to meet the challenges facing electric cooperatives now and in the future. To attain the Director Gold Credential, Mr. Boyatt first completed the Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD) Certificate and the Board Leadership Certificate (BLC).
Mr. Boyatt lives in Clermont and became a SECO member in 2004. He was elected by District 1 members to serve as their representative on SECO’s Board of Trustees in 2013. Collectively, SECO’s nine-member Board of Trustees represents members as a whole with one Trustee elected from each of SECO’s nine Districts.
Trustee Boyatt stated, “I am very proud to represent my fellow District 1 members as their voice on SECO Energy’s Board. After earning the BLC last year, I was inspired to earn the Director Gold Credential before the District 1 Trustee election on January 31. Upon completing the Director Certification Program, I felt that I was called to run for Trustee again and I am confident in my ability to serve our members.”
CEO Jim Duncan stated, “Congratulations to Mr. Boyatt on his recent educational achievement and his willingness to serve as District 1 Trustee. SECO’s Board has continually supported our cooperative’s efforts to offer members improved reliability, safe and affordable power with excellent customer service. I am grateful for the Board’s guidance and their commitment to fellow members.”
Duncan continued, “Make plans to attend our 81st Annual Meeting of the membership on Saturday, March 23. We are serving breakfast and snacks, providing live entertainment and offering members chances to win prizes, including a refurbished 2009 Ford SuperCab, a golf cart, several cash prizes and a large variety of other door prizes.”
Visit our Board of Trustees page to view a photo and brief bio of SECO’s Trustees along with a District map. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.
SECO Energy District 3 members gathered at The Villages’ Savannah Center on Thursday, January 24 to elect a Trustee to represent their District on SECO’s Board. Members voted to re-elect District 3 Trustee Richard Belles. A SECO member since 2001, Mr. Belles was first elected to the Board in 2013.
SECO Energy is a not-for-profit electric cooperative, operated for and owned by its members. SECO members who reside in the District elect one of their fellow members to serve on SECO’s nine-member Board of Trustees. Collectively, the Board represents the SECO membership, meeting monthly to monitor the financial status of the cooperative while providing fiduciary oversight and participating in policy decisions that serve the best interests of the members at large.
In January, both Mr. Belles and fellow District 3 resident Bryan Lifsey declared their willingness to serve the members in District 3 by submitting letters of intent to run. On the afternoon of January 24, a large crowd assembled in the Savannah Center to elect a District 3 Trustee for a three-year term.
Trustee Belles stated, “Thank you District 3 members for choosing me as your Trustee. I am humbled and honored by your support and trust. It is a pleasure to work on your behalf with my fellow Trustees, and I look forward to continuing my Board service.”
President Jerry Hatfield stated, “Mr. Belles’ Board service has had a meaningful impact on SECO’s improved reliability, financial stability and customer service recognitions and success. I congratulate him on his re-election and I look forward to his assistance in serving our fellow SECO members.”
CEO Jim Duncan stated, “Congratulations to Mr. Belles on his re-election and thank you District 3 members for participating in your District Meeting. SECO’s Board of Trustees is an important piece of the cooperative process. They are a fiscally responsible group who is very supportive of SECO, its members and employees. I am grateful for our Board’s fiduciary guidance and oversight, and their collective knowledge of the utility industry.”
Duncan continued, “I hope members plan to attend our Annual Meeting on Saturday, March 23. We will be serving breakfast, snacks, visit the Energy Showcase for energy-efficiency displays, enjoy live entertainment and the chance to win door prizes. The grand prizes this year are a refurbished 2009 Ford SuperCab 4-wheel drive with less than 60,000 miles, a golf cart, cash and many other prizes.”
Visit our Trustees page to view a photo and read a brief bio of SECO’s Trustees along with a District map. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.
SECO Energy members have once again rated the not-for-profit electric cooperative top in customer satisfaction. SECO received an outstanding ACSI score of 89 in 2018, a one-point increase from the cooperative’s 2017 score.
The American Customer Satisfaction Index provides a one-of-a-kind, cross-industry measurement of customer satisfaction. ACSI scores are comparable across all sectors, industries, companies and time periods. SECO Energy conducted the membership survey that included the ACSI metrics at year end and contacted members both by phone and online to ask about their unique experience with the cooperative. Members rated SECO an impressive score of 89.
When comparing SECO to average ACSI scores in the energy industry – SECO is a clear Florida and national frontrunner. Nationally, cooperative utilities averaged 77 in 2018. Scores for municipal and investor-owned utilities both averaged slightly lower at 75.
Among 18 other metrics in the survey, members ranked SECO as “excellent” on 16 of 18 attributes with the highest ratings for employees, bills and payment options, minimizing outages, having consumers’ best interests at heart and the cooperative’s corporate citizenship initiatives. Three attributes increased significantly from 2017: having highly trained, professional employees, communicating with members and keeping them informed and being easy to reach.
CEO Jim Duncan stated, “SECO’s recent increase in our ACSI score is a clear indicator that our employees are our cooperative’s greatest asset. Accolades and high rankings from members are a testament to our employees’ dedication to improving reliability, maintaining low rates and offering members world-class customer service. I am grateful to work with a group of folks committed to the cooperative purpose.”
Duncan continued, “And thank you, members, in particular for recognizing our employees’ efforts on your behalf. We are grateful for your continued approval and support.”
The survey also included feedback that members’ satisfaction increased with the addition of our new StormCenter outage map and communications suite that offers proactive email, text and voice notifications. To manage preferences, visit SECO Energy’s StormCenter.
In recent years, SECO Energy has received national attention, and three J.D. Power trophies, for its exceptional customer satisfaction rankings. In the 2015 J.D. Power study, SECO Energy was ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Midsize Utilities in the South.” And in 2016 and 2017, SECO was ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Cooperatives.”
“Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates. Visit SECO Energy’s About SECO page to learn more about the Central Florida not-for-profit electric cooperative.
SECO Energy learned on Monday afternoon that a Marion County couple’s home was burglarized while they were distracted by an imposter representing himself as a SECO employee.
The scammer posed as a SECO worker assigned to assess a project to upgrade lines and transformers on the couple’s property. The male imposter was well-dressed, driving a white SUV and was seemingly educated about the local area and electric services. The couple discovered that while they were lured to the back of their property by the imposter, their residence was burglarized by an accomplice. The crime was reported to Marion County law enforcement and is being investigated.
CEO Jim Duncan cautions members, “If you are approached by an individual claiming to be a SECO employee or contractor, immediately request to see a SECO ID badge. The SECO logo should be visible on all SECO Energy-issued ID badges. SECO employee and contractor vehicles are required to display the SECO Energy logo. If a logo is not visible on the badge or vehicle, immediately disengage from the situation and contact law enforcement. Exercise caution and stay safe.”
Keep in mind that phone, online and in-person scammers continue to threaten disconnection of service if payment is not immediately rendered either by producing cash, credit card information or a money gram type card for payment. Do not fall for these scams. Check your account status at online or contact the cooperative by phone or email to verify.
If in doubt, close the door or hang up. Reach out directly to SECO. Read more about scams in our Newsroom blog to protect your family.
“Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates. Learn more about the Central Florida not-for-profit electric cooperative.
SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees has once again approved $36,000 in 2019 scholarships to support local students looking to fulfill their quest for a higher education. SECO has provided over $500,000 in scholarships to area students during the program’s 20-year tenure.
The Cooperative will award up to 12 local high school students a $3,000 scholarship toward their education at an accredited college, university or vocational/technical school located in Florida. To be considered, applicants must live in a home served by SECO and must graduate in the 2019 school year (May/June). Awardees must be enrolled full time by the end of 2019 to receive the scholarship disbursement.
Scholarship awards are based on scholastic achievements, community service and financial need as well as an interest in pursuing a career in the energy field. An independent group of educators from within SECO’s service area evaluates all applicants and determines the winners.
CEO Jim Duncan encourages area high school seniors to apply stating, “We are happy to continue SECO’s scholarship program in 2019. SECO embraces educational initiatives, especially ones that may lead to future energy industry careers. In addition to scholarships, SECO has formed a partnership with Dunnellon High School assisting students in its Power Generation Academy. We talk to students of all ages about careers at SECO when attending career fairs.”
Duncan added, “Our communities are full of bright, talented young men and women who are looking for stable employment close to their hometowns with benefits and competitive compensation. We hope that our scholarship winners will choose to apply for a position at SECO as they begin their career.”
Scholarship applications are available beginning January 2 at SECO’s Member Service Centers or on our Scholarship page. Students can also pick up an application at their local high school guidance counselors’ offices.
Mail completed applications to: SECO Energy Attn: Corporate Communications, P.O. Box 301, Sumterville, FL 33585-0301. SECO must receive the completed application by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 29. Winners will be notified by phone or letter on or before April 26. The awards banquet is scheduled for May 20, 2019.
“Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates. Visit our Community page to learn more about SECO’s corporate citizenship and other community outreach initiatives.
SECO Energy employees generously donated over $66,000 to local United Way agencies for the employee-led 2019 United Way Pledge Drive. Employee generosity increased dramatically this year with a $13,000 or 25 percent increase over the 2018 pledge amount.
SECO’s 400+ employees live in or near the seven counties served by the cooperative, which delivers reliable, affordable power to over 200,000 Central Florida families and businesses. During the pledge drive, employees who contribute are able to choose the county where their donated dollars will benefit.
The bulk of SECO members reside in Citrus, Lake, Marion and Sumter Counties and the majority of SECO employees live and work in these counties as well. In Citrus County, employees pledged $6,656; in Lake County, employees pledged $15,591; in Marion County, employees pledged $19,790; in Sumter County, employees pledged $20,598; and other regional counties received $3,484.
United Way’s mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities to advance the common good. Education, income and health are the United Way’s key focuses. Visit United Way to find a local branch, volunteer or donate.
CEO Jim Duncan stated, “During this Christmas season, let us all pledge to give back within our local communities. SECO employees are blessed with a giving spirit. Their increased pledges represent substantial individual generosity toward the collective goal of assisting others who are less fortunate. Our employees’ pledges will make a difference in the lives of those in need across our service territory.”
Deputy Director of Civic, Charitable and Government Affairs Kathy Judkins manages SECO’s giving programs, and is a board member of a local United Way agency. Judkins stated, “I know first-hand that every donation provides solutions to health and human services in our community. It is all of us giving collectively to a local cause that unites us.”
SECO members can donate their extra pennies to help fellow members in need or to support local, worthy causes – by enrolling in SECO’s Pennies from Heaven program. Once enrolled, members’ bills are automatically rounded up to the nearest dollar. The donated pennies provide assistance through the Angel Fund.
Angel Funds are used to provide bill payment assistance to members, help those in dire and unique circumstances or support other causes in the counties we serve. Requests for Angel Fund assistance are administered through several local agencies by calling 2-1-1.
“Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates. Visit our Community page online to learn more about SECO’s corporate citizenship and other community outreach initiatives.
SECO Energy employees are here to fill the sleigh with toys collected for the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program. As a Marine myself, Toys for Tots is particularly special to me. Our employees have also embraced Toys for Tots because they know the organization is delivering Christmas morning happiness to children in our local communities.
Toys for Tots plays Santa for thousands of less-fortunate children. Toy donation boxes were made available in all Member Service Centers through early December for employees and members alike to donate new, unwrapped toys to this worthy cause.
The collected toys remain right here in our local communities to be distributed to local children. Hundreds of employees and members displayed their Christmas spirit by dropping a toy or two into the Toys for Tots collection box. The number of new bikes donated by our employees this year is definitely a record-setter. For thousands of children, the donated toys are the only gifts waiting for them under the Christmas tree.
I believe Charles Schulz of Peanuts fame said it best, “Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone.” Many of our employees and members do a little extra for others by contributing to Toys for Tots every year. I thank you all for your generosity and willingness to give.
From the SECO family to yours, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Sincerely,
Jim Duncan
Chief Executive Officer
Meet SECO Champions Kathy and Kurt – two examples of our 400+ SECO Champion employees. Kathy and Kurt are dedicated to providing exceptional service to members, co-workers and communities.
KATHY POSSO – MEMBER SERVICES SUPERVISOR
LENGTH OF SERVICE – 4 YEARS
“We’re here for members.”
Member Services Supervisor Kathy Posso is a SECO Champion who is a friendly face assisting members in our Sumterville Member Service Center. In 2005, Kathy’s family moved to Central Florida, and she joined the SECO team in 2014. In 2017 during Hurricane Irma restoration, Kathy was especially humbled by members’ stories of devastation after the storm. Kathy’s passion is helping members. She recalls a time when a member who recently lost a spouse was grateful when she took extra time to help him read and understand the bill and complete a payment. Kathy and her husband are leaders at their church. Kathy’s family is proud that she works for SECO Energy, a cooperative that believes in putting members first and also appreciates and recognizes its employees.
KURT CAMPBELL – R&D TECHNICIAN
LENGTH OF SERVICE – 14 YEARS
“My family is proud.”
SECO Champion Kurt Campbell is an R&D Technician working throughout Sumter, Lake and Citrus Counties performing meter work to ensure accurate account billing. During Hurricane Irma restoration in 2017, Kurt worked with the warehouse team transporting supplies to crews restoring power in the field. Kurt interacts with members every day and is grateful that he was on-hand during several emergency situations. While waiting for emergency personnel, Kurt comforted a member whose husband suffered a stroke. He has also helped members with vehicle trouble. Kurt was born and raised in Sumter County and lives with his family in Coleman. Kurt says his family is glad to know that he is part of the effort to restore power to SECO members after a hurricane or major storm.
UNITED WAY
SECO Energy employees are truly blessed with a giving spirit. Our 2019 United Way Pledge Drive was an overwhelming success. Employees pledged over $66,000 to United Way – a $13,000 or 25 percent increase from last year.
The pledges will make a big difference in the lives of those in need in our service territory. SECO’s 400+ employees live in or near the counties we serve, and employees are able to choose the county where their donated dollars will benefit.
Citrus, Lake, Marion and Sumter Counties are the four counties in our service area with the highest member count. The majority of our employees live and work in these four counties as well.
United Way’s mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities around the world to advance the common good. Education, income and health are the United Way’s key focuses. Visit United Way online to find a local branch, register to volunteer or to donate.
Donate your extra pennies to help your fellow SECO Energy members in need or to support worthy causes right here in our service territory. Enroll in Pennies from Heaven to have your monthly bill automatically rounded up to the nearest dollar. The donated pennies provide financial assistance through the Angel Fund.
Angel Funds are used to provide bill payment assistance to members, help those in dire and unique circumstances or support other worthy causes in the counties we serve. Requests for Angel Fund assistance are administered through several local agencies by calling 2-1-1.
LENDING A HAND IN NORTH FLORIDA
On October 10, 2018, Category 4 Hurricane Michael blazed a deadly path through North Florida, Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina. Destructive and deadly, Michael left 400,000 Floridians without power for weeks.
The day after Hurricane Michael, a team of SECO employees voluntarily packed their bags, leaving their families to help our cooperative neighbors’ restoration efforts.
Initially, the module traveled to Tri-County Electric in Madison before trekking to Talquin Electric Cooperative near Tallahassee. Additional line techs and warehouse personnel joined the module, and some returned home while additional employees accompanied the group as it traveled to assist Gulf Coast Electric in Wewahitchka.
SECO is very proud of our employees’ willingness to assist our cooperative neighbors. 53 SECO employees (named below) worked an almost four-week restoration effort assisting three cooperatives restoring power to thousands.
