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Members Re-elect District 2 Trustee Dillard Boyatt

On Thursday, February 2, members voted to re-elect Dillard Boyatt to represent District 2 on SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees. Boyatt has been a SECO member since 1978 and has served on the Board since 1990.

 

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO members vote for the person they choose to represent the members in a particular district and to make governance decisions that serve the best interests of the members at large. SECO’s Board of Trustees are members themselves and provide governance and financial oversight to the cooperative.

 

Almost 200 members arrived at the Sumter County School Board to cast their vote for the representative of their choice. Both Boyatt and Bushnell resident Phillip Longo had submitted their letter of intent in January and expressed a willingness to serve.

 

Boyatt wishes to thank his community for their continued support. Boyatt stated, “I am proud to be a loyal Sumter County resident for 58 years and equally as proud to continue my service as a SECO Trustee. I am happy to see many positive changes for SECO members during my tenure on SECO’s Board. As a former SECO employee and long-time Trustee, watching the cooperative grow from a small operation to a nationally recognized model of customer satisfaction is especially gratifying.”

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “We had a large turn-out for SECO’s District 2 Meeting and I would like to thank the community for joining us. Our members continue to prove that the cooperative business model is alive and well, and that SECO member-owners enjoy their ability to vote for their District’s Trustee. The Board’s industry knowledge and oversight is invaluable and I look forward to working with them to continue SECO’s success.”

 

View photos of the Trustees and a District map online. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

SECO News, October 2016

SECO News, Duncan's Digest, February 2016

 

The Hot Bucks streak continues

SECO Energy has lowered the cost of energy again! As of October 1, the price for the first 1,000 kWh – average residential energy consumption in SECO’s area – has been reduced another dollar to $112.60.

 

Since January 2014, our cooperative has reduced the cost of energy nine times. In less than three years, SECO has lowered members’ bills by almost 12%. This latest reduction means that SECO members pay one of the lowest rates for energy in Central Florida (and per J.D. Power, our members receive the best service in the nation).

 

SECO Energy, October 2016 SECO News, The Hot Bucks streak continues

 

The decrease is formally called a Power Cost Adjustment or PCA – but our members know it better as “Hot Bucks.” The PCA is a line item component on your bill representing positive reductions in our cost of power. As a not-for-profit electric cooperative and a two-time J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction winner, SECO’s dedication to its members is clear. SECO is committed to providing members with low rates, reliable electric service and excellent customer service.

 

Be sure to look for the latest reduction on your October bill, as your Board of Trustees (your fellow members who govern your cooperative) approved the reduction in their September meeting.

 

 

SECO Energy, October 2016 SECO News, What it takes to be a JDP Winner

 

What it takes to be a JDP Winner

 

SECO Energy earned its second J.D. Power award in 2016 – ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction among Cooperatives.” J.D. Power examines the six factors, highlighted below, that explain SECO’s success.

 

Corporate Citizenship

 

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO has deep roots in the communities we serve. SECO Energy and its members team up through our Pennies from Heaven Program that rounds members’ bills up to the nearest dollar. The funds collected support area social service agencies to provide financial assistance for members in need. SECO’s scholarship program awards 12 deserving high school seniors in our service area a $3,000 scholarship to an accredited college, trade or technical school. SECO’s scholarship program has awarded over $500,000 to local students over the last 20 years.

 

Billing & Payment

 

SECO Energy offers a variety of convenient ways to pay your bill – without convenience fees. Members can pay online via SmartHub (SECO’s account management system), pay by bank draft, by mail or by phone. Members can pay in person at one of our five member service center locations – some include kiosks available 24/7. Another option is SECO’s MyWay PrePay program – members pay for their daily energy before usage. MyWay PrePay is perfect for members on a budget who closely track their usage and expenses.

 

Communications

 

SECO Energy’s Communications score is highest in the nation in our segment according to J.D.Power’s 2016 Customer Satisfaction Study. In February, SECO launched a brand-new website with a user-friendly platform that performs on a variety of mobile devices and browsers. SECO members also interact online with the cooperative through Facebook and Twitter. Members are reporting service interruptions online using their smart phones/tablets through our Storm Center application. Your monthly SECO News publication has been enhanced to be more informative and dynamic as well.

 

Customer Service

 

At SECO Energy, our customer service team is the best of the best. In fact, SECO is ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction” among electric cooperatives across the nation. The SECO Team is staffed with employees who live locally in the communities we serve. Phone calls to SECO are answered by a local employee. These calls are not outsourced. Members can engage with a local associate – to pay a bill, ask a question or voice a concern – in one of our five convenient locations. Or you can contact us online at your convenience.

 

Price

 

SECO Energy continues to lower energy costs – nine times in less than three years. Our cost per kilowatt hour is one of the lowest in Central Florida. SECO members also benefit from our Capital Credits program. Through sound financial stewardship, SECO has returned (retired) Capital Credits to members for years. Since inception, SECO has returned over $47.3 million to current and former members. Watch your November bill and SECO News for more information.

 

Power Quality & Reliability

 

SECO Energy is the third largest co-op in Florida and the sixth largest nationally. We serve almost 200,000 members across seven Central Florida counties over 2,000 square miles. SECO maintains, inspects and upgrades 12,000 miles of power lines to provide reliable power to members. To increase reliability, SECO has honed a comprehensive vegetation management program, and has been recognized as a Tree Line USA utility by the National Arbor Day Foundation for nine years in a row. SECO continues to expand to meet the growing power demand.

 

 

SECO Energy, October 2016 SECO News, Energy Efficiency Insulation Investment Pays Off

 

Energy Efficiency Tips – Insulation Investment Pays Off

 

Homes with the proper level of attic insulation provide reduced energy costs and increase your comfort level year-round. Upgrading attic insulation is one of the best energy efficiency investments – paying dividends year after year.

 

Attic insulation works to slow the movement of heat, reducing the HVAC system workload. Insufficient insulation causes the HVAC to work harder to cool or heat the home. It also causes the HVAC to run less efficiently and increase energy bills over time. Fiberglass batting is a pre-formed material sized to fit between ceiling joists and should be trimmed to rest snugly against any obstructions such as electrical wiring and air-conditioning ductwork. This makes fiberglass batting somewhat difficult to install as an upgrade.

 

Loose-fill fiberglass insulation is fed into a machine that loosens and propels the material through a hose allowing the installer to place a uniform blanket throughout the attic.

 

Loose-fill cellulose, like loose-fill fiberglass, is blown into attic spaces through special hoses. It can settle over time – you may need to install extra to account for settling. When upgrading attic insulation, make sure any recessed lighting is approved to be in direct contact with insulation. For more energy-saving ideas, check out the Energy Solutions section of our website.

 

 

SECO Energy, Like us on Facebook by Nov. 30 to be entered into a drawing for a $500 electric bill credit

 

Facebook Contest

 

Want to win a $500 bill credit? “Like” SECO Energy on Facebook today. All members who “like” SECO Energy’s Facebook page by November 30 will automatically be entered into a random drawing to win the $500 bill credit.

 

 

SECO Energy, Expressions

 

Expressions

 

Recently, members recognized the SECO Team and our hard work. The restoration effort after Hurricane Hermine was truly a team effort and was accomplished within 24 hours of the storm. The SECO Team of employees is the best of the best and our members continue to show us their appreciation on Facebook!

 

Thomas House  –  Just want to thank each and every one of you for your tireless devotion to ensuring that everyone had their power back on. You did a great job in horrible weather. Bless you all!!!

 

Barbara Maurer Chadwick  –  Love being a member of this electric cooperative! It’s so reliable, and who wouldn’t love getting money back every year, and “Hot Bucks” back every month!

 

Howard Shehan  –  You guys and gals are the best. I tip my hat to all of you. Stay safe out there.

 

Bart Walker  –  Well done and the tree trimming mitigation over the last few years really paid off. We used to lose power a lot, the lights barely blinked this time around, great job!

 

John Parker Awesome work SECO Energy! You Rock!!
 

 

Read the full October 2016 SECO News here.

78th Annual Meeting Welcomes 3,000 Members and Guests

March 30, 2016 – SECO Energy celebrated its 78th Annual Meeting of the Membership on Saturday March 19th, with over 3,000 SECO members and guests. Among the guests were Representatives Dennis Baxley from District 23, and Daniel Webster from District 10; State Senator Charlie Dean attended as well.

 

The light rain didn’t keep away the crowd who gathered for breakfast biscuits, energy saving displays at the Energy Showcase, gifts, door prizes, an update on the business side of the cooperative and the renowned hospitality of SECO employees.

 

SECO Energy 2016 Annual Meeting

 

Members browsed energy saving displays at the revamped Energy Showcase tent and learned new ways to lower their electric bills. The Energy Showcase tent displayed a working rooftop and ground mounted solar panel system along with a touchscreen tool to estimate the amount of energy a home can produce using a rooftop solar panel system. SECO also hosted a number of vendors that brought their ideas and products to further assist members with energy savings.

 

After the meeting, CEO Jim Duncan said he was very pleased with the meeting as a whole, “As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO is owned by the members, not investors or stockholders. I always encourage SECO members to attend their Annual Meeting for an update on cooperative business, and we appreciate that this year’s crowd was large. Hands down, SECO employees are the best in the business and I want to thank them for the work they do not only during the Annual Meeting, but throughout the year. SECO’s Board of Trustees, senior staff and employees are committed to providing members with low rates, reliable power and exceptional customer service.”

 

Board of Trustees President Ray Vick shared his thoughts “As a SECO member, and Board President, I look forward to attending the Annual Meeting every year. I enjoy spending this time with fellow members, and we all agree that the hospitality of SECO’s employees can’t be beat. On behalf of myself and the other Board members, I want to thank all of SECO’s hardworking employees who made our 78th Annual Meeting a success.”

 

Duncan added, “Thank you to all the SECO members, special guests and vendors who joined us on Saturday and braved the rain. The door prizes for Saturday were donated by, or purchased from, local businesses who are SECO members and I want to thank them for supporting their cooperative. Congratulations to all of Saturday’s winners.”

 

SECO Energy 2016 Annual Meeting Facebook bill credit winner Bob Warhu

 

As a new promotion for 2016, members who liked SECO’s Facebook page and engaged with SECO during the Annual Meeting by uploading a photo, liking or commenting on the Annual Meeting status update were entered into a drawing for a $300 electric bill credit. Congratulations to Robert Warhus from Leesburg, a first-time meeting attendee, who was the winner of the bill credit. Members who weren’t able to attend the meeting can like SECO’s Facebook page today for cooperative updates and look for future chances to win.

 

Another opportunity to win at the Annual Meeting on Saturday was with a pledge to The Action Committee for Rural Electrification (ACRE). This political action committee uses contributions to fund candidates who support the interests of electric cooperatives such as SECO. At this year’s meeting, SECO received 42 new pledges to ACRE and raised $1,050. SECO member John Halpin from Ocala pledged an ACRE contribution and was the winner of the Patriotic Picnic Table and accessories. Learn how you can sign up to be an energy voter at www.vote.coop.

 

SECO Energy 2016 Annual Meeting ACRE prize winner John Halpin
Saturday’s prize winners also included: Leslie Burtnett of The Villages won the refurbished 2005 Dodge Dakota; David Cragen of Leesburg won $1,500; Richard Hathaway of Groveland won $1,000; and James Francis of The Villages and Norma Simonsen of Lady Lake each won $500. In addition to the truck and cash prizes, SECO members also had the chance to win almost 100 other door prizes.

 

View the video of the Board President and CEO Reports. Please call 352-793-3801 or email communications@secoenergy.com to share your comments or thoughts about the Annual Meeting.