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Tag: CEO Jim Duncan

SECO Energy’s Pennies from Heaven Fund Donates $25,500 to Area Food Banks

SECO Energy recently pledged $25,500 to local food banks based on the increased number of Central Florida residents who have been affected by the COVID-19 national emergency. The $25,500 donation was collected through SECO’s Pennies from Heaven program which is funded through members who round up their electric bills and by SECO Energy employees who donate to the program.

 

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO’s business model aligns with the seven cooperative principles and during this time of economic hardship Concern for Community is essential. The funds will be distributed to 12 area food banks in Citrus, Lake, Marion and Sumter counties* to help the organizations replenish their shelves. With national unemployment numbers skyrocketing due to the stay-at-home order to fight the spread of COVID-19, more and more Central Florida residents need assistance through local food banks.

 

Citrus County $3,000 divided among:

 

  • Salvation Army of Citrus County
  • Daystar Life Center
  • Community Food Bank

 

Lake County $7,500 divided among:

 

  • Salvation Army of Lake County
  • Leesburg Food Bank
  • Faith Neighborhood Center, Inc.

 

Marion County $7,500 divided among:

 

  • Salvation Army of Marion County
  • Interfaith Emergency Services
  • St. Theresa’s Catholic Church Social Services

Sumter County $7,500 divided among:

 

  • Salvation Army of Sumter County
  • Hope Ministries Center, Inc.
  • Wildwood Food Pantry

 

*Funding amounts based on number of members served in each county

 

Members enrolled in Pennies from Heaven have agreed to round up their monthly bills to the next dollar and donate those pennies to the program. The donated pennies can be used to fund local, worthy causes and offer bill payment assistance to their fellow members. The funds stay within SECO’s service area. SECO employees also support the Pennies from Heaven program through internal fundraising efforts.

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “To help members during the COVID-19 pandemic, SECO Energy has waived late payment fees, offered flexible payment arrangement timeframes and allocated bill payment assistance dollars to local United Ways and social service agencies through Florida 211. We also wanted to do more to aid the communities in our service area. Local food banks are struggling to meet the increased demand. The Pennies from Heaven donation will help restock empty shelves and feed those who are waiting to go back to work or haven’t received their stimulus or unemployment check yet.”

 

Duncan urged members to consider a Pennies from Heaven donation. He continued, “I support Pennies from Heaven myself as a member as do many of our employees who are not SECO members. The funds donated through the Pennies from Heaven program are dollars that stay local and help your fellow cooperative neighbors.”

 

If you’d prefer to write a check, please send it to SECO Energy at 330 S US Highway 301, Sumterville, FL 33585.

 

The Pennies from Heaven program also provides dollars every quarter to local United Ways chapters and social service agencies for bill payment assistance for members. Requests for assistance are initiated by calling 2-1-1 or visiting 211.org. Second quarter funds were just recently allocated so dollars are available for member bill payment assistance.

 

“Like” SECO on Facebook and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

SECO Energy Infrastructure Damaged by Tornado

A strong, severe line of thunderstorms passed through SECO Energy’s Central Florida service area today. A tornado damaged some of SECO’s electric facilities but the SummerGlen substation’s critical infrastructure appears largely unscathed.

 

This powerful weather system knocked down poles and lines in the area causing outages for about 3,500 Marion County SECO members. The tornado was captured on video crossing over I75 near SECO Energy’s SummerGlen substation in southwest Marion County near County Road 484. The substation serves SECO members in the SummerGlen and Marion Oaks subdivisions and the surrounding area. There were no physical injuries reported from this morning’s torrential winds and rains.

 

Trucks owned by SECO’s tree trimming contractor Nelson Tree Service that are regularly staged at the SummerGlen substation sustained damage. A pickup was tossed nearly 100 feet and windows of larger vehicles were shattered by debris. The fence and much of the landscaping at the SummerGlen substation suffered damage and at least one home in the SummerGlen neighborhood sustained significant damage.

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “We are immensely grateful that no SECO employees, contractors or residents were injured during today’s severe weather. As soon as it was safe to do so, crews were dispatched to the area to begin the assessment and restoration effort. We are making good progress and should have all members’ service in southwest Marion County restored this evening.”

 

Crews are working to repair the damage near where the tornado touched down. Downed poles are being replaced as well as sections of downed lines. Stay away from downed lines; do not touch or approach as the line may still be energized. Warn children to never touch downed power lines.

 

Duncan continued, “Atlantic hurricane season begins on June 1 and our summer storm season seems to have arrived a little early this year. Now is a good time to enroll in surge protection and to update your contact information to receive proactive outage notifications through our StormCenter platform.”

 

Visit StormCenter and choose Manage Notifications to enroll in email, text or voice messages or all three.

 

“Like” SECO on Facebook and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

Financial Resources for Commercial Accounts Through CARES Act

SECO Energy’s primary mission is to maintain the health of its workforce to ensure the reliability of its electric system as it plays a critical role in members’ health and wellbeing. During the COVID-19 situation, SECO is offering flexibility to residential members that includes waived late fees and extended payment arrangements. The not-for-profit cooperative understands that businesses need relief as well and the cooperative’s Key Accounts staff is prepared to answer account-specific questions about helping businesses get federal relief.

 

Congress recently passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act which includes assistance for commercial account members. SECO encourages its commercial members to research the resources available through the CARES Act. These resources include capital to cover the cost of retaining employees, utility payments, payroll assistance, grants, loans (including loan forgiveness) along with free counseling during this difficult time.

 

The Small Business Debt Relief Program provides immediate relief to small businesses with non-disaster SBA loans, in particular 7(a), 504 and microloans. Under it, SBA will cover all loan payments on these SBA loans including principal, interest and fees for six months. This relief will also be available to new borrowers who take out loans within six months of the president signing the bill into law.

 

Economic Injury Disaster Loans & Emergency Economic Injury Grants are also available. These grants provide an emergency advance of up to $10,000 to small businesses and private non-profits harmed by COVID-19 within three days of applying for an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). To access the advance, apply for an EIDL first and then request the advance. The advance does not need to be repaid under any circumstance. It may be used to keep employees on payroll, pay for sick leave, meet increased production costs due to supply chain disruptions, or pay business obligations, including debts, rent and mortgage payments.

 

Congress has also provided relief and business protection under the CARES Act for government contractors. Agencies will be able to modify terms and conditions of a contract and to reimburse contractors at a billing rate of up to 40 hours per week of any paid leave, including sick leave. The contractors eligible are those whose employees or subcontractors cannot perform work on site and cannot telework due to federal facilities closing because of COVID-19.

 

The CARES Act also provides a refundable payroll tax credit for 50 percent of wages paid by eligible employers to certain employees during the COVID-19 crisis. The credit is available to employers, including non-profits, whose operations have been fully or partially suspended as a result of a government order limiting commerce, travel or group meetings. The credit is also provided to employers who have experienced a greater than 50 percent reduction in quarterly receipts, measured on a year-over-year basis.

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “During the COVID-19 situation, small businesses are at risk. The CARES Act provides options and resources for commercial account members. Small businesses are the backbone of the economy, and for many are the fulfillment of the American dream. I urge commercial account members to take advantage of the assistance from CARES.”

 

Commercial members can reach out to their local Small Business Development Center, Women’s Business Center, SCORE chapter or SBA district office. Commercial account members with account specific questions can reach out to one of our Key Accounts staff.

 

“Like” SECO on Facebook and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

SECO Energy Extends Payment Arrangements

The reliability of the SECO Energy electric system plays a critical role in SECO members’ health and wellbeing. To keep SECO employees healthy and ready to serve its members and in light of the current economic environment, the cooperative has made changes to policies and procedures. For SECO, COVID-19 is a storm – a storm that shall pass – and a storm during which the cooperative applies flexibility, understanding and protection for its members.

 

The not-for-profit cooperative has extended payment arrangement timeframes over and above normal parameters. SECO is also proactively waiving late payment fees. The cooperative continues to apply flexibility and convenient/automated processes to request payment arrangements during the COVID-19 situation. Members requesting a payment arrangement can do so 24/7 by talking to SECO’s virtual assistant on the automated phone system or by logging into SmartHub. Both platforms have been programmed to automatically allow additional time for payment arrangements. Members are encouraged to use the virtual assistant and SmartHub as call volume has been high amid COVID-19 concerns. Eligibility for a payment arrangement has been expanded significantly and talking directly to a member services representative is typically not required.

 

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued a ‘stay-at-home’ executive order for the state beginning April 3. SECO understands this order may create unprecedented hardships that affect members in its service area. In response, SECO has extended the activation of its Emergency Response Plan (ERP) until further notice and has expanded the payment arrangement and late fee flexibility described above. As a distribution cooperative, SECO provides electricity which is an essential service. The reliability of this service is supported by every SECO employee – thus, all employees are essential.

 

SECO’s five Member Service Centers are closed to walk-ins but drive-thru facilities remain open. The cooperative offers members 12 ways to pay bills, most that avoid face-to-face contact. Members can pay online, by phone, by mail, enroll in bank draft and more. SECO’s online account platform called SmartHub is the place to start for convenient self-serve options. Log in or create an account profile today. View past bills, usage history, request a payment arrangement and more.

 

As part of the Emergency Response Plan, SECO Energy’s Sumterville headquarters and adjacent campus are temporarily closed to public access for any vendor or delivery without an approved appointment or scheduled delivery. SECO field personnel are practicing the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommended social distancing standard of maintaining a six-foot barrier with members. Employees and members are asked to use email, phone and web conferencing communication in lieu of in-person meetings whenever possible and to practice social distancing when in-person meetings are unavoidable.

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “For SECO, COVID-19 is a storm – a storm that shall pass – and a storm during which the cooperative applies flexibility, understanding and protection for its members. Our service is essential in preserving public health and quality of life in today’s world. The cooperative’s Emergency Response Plan ensures it can maintain a 24/7 workforce, preserve SECO’s ability to maintain its electric system and provide an acceptable level of member service even in the face of employee impact with COVID-19. Our members depend on us to provide reliable electric service, and that’s even more important as our largely senior demographic practices social distancing at home to remain healthy.”

 

SECO has other ways to help members in need through a corporate citizenship initiative called Pennies from Heaven. The program helps fund local United Way chapters managed through Florida 211 for bill payment assistance for SECO members. Members who need assistance with utilities, food, and other household expenses are encouraged to contact 211.

 

“Like” SECO on Facebook and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

SECO Energy Board of Trustees Elects Officers

The SECO Energy Board of Trustees held elections on Monday, March 30 for its three Board Officer positions. District 4 Trustee Richard Dennison was elected Board President, District 9 Trustee Jerry Hatfield was elected Vice President and District 3 Trustee Gerald Anderson was elected Board Secretary/Treasurer.

 

District 4 Trustee and Board President Richard Dennison lives in Marion County and has been a SECO Energy member since 1999. Trustee Dennison was originally elected to the Board in a special election in 2015 and was most recently re-elected as the District 4 Trustee in February 2020. Mr. Dennison has previously held the office of Board Vice President.

 

District 9 Trustee and Vice President Jerry Hatfield lives in Lake County has been a SECO Energy member since 1974. Trustee Hatfield was first elected to the SECO Board in 2000 and was most recently re-elected as District 9 Trustee in February 2018. Mr. Hatfield has previously held the office of Board President.

 

District 3 Trustee and Secretary-Treasurer Gerald Anderson lives in The Villages and has been a SECO Energy member since 2013. Trustee Anderson was elected as District 3 Trustee in a special election in May 2019 when a previous Trustee stepped down. This is Mr. Anderson’s first officer position on the Board.

 

SECO Energy CEO Jim Duncan stated, “Congratulations on earning the trust of your peers. We are grateful for your time and dedication to SECO members through your Board service. We’re delivering unmatched customer satisfaction ratings, affordable rates and world-class reliability under your Board tenure. I thank you for your leadership, guidance and willingness to serve.”

 

Along with holding the election for Board officers, the Trustees welcomed new District 2 Trustee Joyce Anderson who resides in Sumterville and District 6 Trustee Michael Muffett who resides in Summerfield.

 

“Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

Hundreds tune in to SECO Energy’s First Virtual Annual Meeting

SECO Energy hosted its first Virtual Annual Meeting on Saturday, March 28. Hundreds of members tuned in to watch the live stream of the cooperative’s 82nd Annual Meeting, and nearly 8,000 members voted on Annual Meeting business prior to the start of the virtual meeting.

 

SECO Energy decided in early March to significantly change the format of the traditional on-site Annual Meeting to a Virtual Annual Meeting in response to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) advisories to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The CDC advised limiting gatherings to less than 50 people. In recent years, attendance at SECO’s popular on-site Annual Meeting had surged into the thousands.

 

SECO Energy Board President Jerry Hatfield called the Meeting to order at 10:30 a.m. and closed the voting platform. SECO’s Vice President of Corporate Communications and Energy Services Kathryn Gloria led the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance and introduced the Board Trustees, CEO and Cooperative Attorney. Board Secretary/Treasurer Bill James certified the Official Annual Meeting Notice before Mr. Hatfield began the President’s Report.

 

President Hatfield welcomed the members who tuned in live and explained the Annual Meeting quorum requirements. Mr. Hatfield stated, “SECO Energy is required to achieve a quorum to conduct official Annual Meeting business. With the help of a Bylaws revision passed by the membership last year, achieving a quorum is now more efficient and inclusive. We can count member participation in voting on Annual Meeting business – either electronically, in person or by mail as part of the quorum.”

 

SECO Energy CEO Jim Duncan began his CEO Report after Mr. Hatfield completed the President’s Report. Mr. Duncan addressed the audience, “Good morning and welcome to the 82nd Annual Meeting of the Membership and our 1st Virtual Annual Meeting. My presentation will be much the same as it is live, but this year members will avoid the large crowd. Limiting large gatherings is a key precautionary measure to protect against the spread of COVID-19, and a virtual meeting is the right choice this year to protect our members and employees.”

 

Mr. Duncan continued his CEO Report with his traditional military salute, first responders recognition and appreciation, introducing the senior staff and applauding the Board of Trustees and employees. Mr. Duncan spoke to the virtual audience about the cooperative’s 2019 financial results, growth, SECO’s new interactive voice response (IVR) virtual assistant, our StormCenter platform and recent customer satisfaction successes.

 

Cooperative Attorney Scott Gerken certified the 2020 Annual Meeting voting results. In total, 7,895 members voted on 2020 Annual Meeting business. As to the Bylaws Revision: Gerken certified 7,320 “Yes” votes, 198 “No” votes and 377 members abstained. As to the 2019 Annual Meeting Minutes approval: Gerken certified 7,484 “Yes” votes, 39 “No” votes and 372 members abstained. Mr. Gerken announced, “The 2020 Bylaws Revision and 2019 Annual Meeting Minutes are clearly approved by the membership.”

 

SECO Energy established a special phone number, email address and social media presence for the Virtual Annual Meeting. A panel of SECO employees interacted with members who posed questions and comments that were read and answered during the meeting by the CEO.

 

Mr. Duncan concluded the Virtual Annual Meeting by stating, “Thank you for your patience and understanding with today’s event – held virtually in the interest of public health. Your wellbeing is the highest priority as we made the decision to go virtual. The continued health of our employees is critical to keeping our system up and running.”

 

The meeting ended with the announcement of prize winners. All 7,895 members who voted were entered into the random drawing for 96 prizes. Grand prize winners are: Tammy Webb from Tavares won the 2010 Chevy Colorado 4X4; the two winners of the 2016 EZGO golf carts are William A. Wiggins from Leesburg and Terry Lester from Tavares; the $1,500 cash prize was won by Rebecca Tinder from The Villages; $1,000 cash prize went to William Boe of The Villages; and two $500 cash prizes were won by Marcia Klepinger and Thomas Wible both from The Villages. Other prizes including Apple TVs, Instapots, tool sets, Amazon Fire tablets and TVs will be shipped directly to winners. SECO will arrange for delivery of grand prizes.

 

The Virtual Annual Meeting concept was well received by members who complimented the cooperative’s decision to go virtual. CEO Jim Duncan elaborated, “SECO will evaluate the cost benefit associated with hosting a virtual meeting and may consider this approach for the future rather than holding an extremely large on-site meeting. We were actually at a point last year with maxed capacity and must find an alternative. Inviting 200,000+ people to an event with a capacity of less than 10,000 is risky. We must find more cost-effective options that encourage member participation. By mail and electronic voting worked well this year, so that is an avenue we’ll continue – with prizes of course as incentive to participate. Next year, however, we are considering a smaller, scaled-down business meeting along with a virtual option for the majority of the membership. It will be up to the Board of Trustees to approve our direction before it’s time to budget for 2021.”

 

“Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

SECO News, April 2020

 

Duncan’s Digest – Name the New IVR Virtual Assistant

 

I have exciting news to share. SECO’s new interactive voice response (IVR) phone system launched in early March. The system is available 24/7, is user-friendly and is a big leap forward in customer service technology.

May 2018 SECO News Duncan's Digest

 

The former phone system was in desperate need of an upgrade. With recent laws banning handheld phone use while driving, the new natural language IVR is a safer alternative and is easier to navigate.

 

The new IVR features a virtual assistant who uses natural language technology mimicking a real conversation. Previously manual tasks can now be completed virtually with full automation. Without pressing numbers on your keypad, you can report an outage, initiate a billing inquiry or make a payment arrangement at any time without speaking to a representative. Members can also log into SmartHub at SECOEnergy.com and request a payment arrangement.

 

Using the new IVR, you can check the status of an existing outage, learn the estimated restoration time and crew status. The IVR’s outage component functions much the same as the online StormCenter platform. Members who aren’t so tech-savvy will receive the same information and level of service as online members.

 

Another benefit of the virtual assistant is its call back feature. If you have tried to call us on Monday morning or the Tuesday after a holiday, you may have noticed longer hold times. With the virtual assistant, you can request a call back during normal business hours Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. This call back saves your place in the queue, and you don’t have to wait on hold. A future phase of the IVR will include virtual assistance with high usage inquiries, meter re-reads, new service connects, disconnects and transfers.

 

The virtual assistant is our newest SECO representative who can assist thousands of members simultaneously. This will come in handy during hurricane season when perhaps 100,000+ are without power at once like during Hurricane Irma.

 

We like our virtual assistant a lot and think she needs a name. I’m asking for your help and want to give you a chance to listen to the great features of the new IVR. Visit our Name the IVR page or click on the homepage banner. Play the four sample recordings of our new virtual assistant. Verify your account information and cast your vote for one of the name options:

 

1. Electra
2. Ernestine
3. Katie Kilowatt
4. SECO Elle
5. Trudy Transformer

 

Your entry places you in a drawing to win one of five great prizes: a $250 SECO bill credit, a Ring doorbell, a Nest Learning Thermostat, an Amazon Alexa and an Amazon fire tablet. Enter before May 15. We’ll announce our new virtual assistant’s name and contest winners in June SECO News.

 

This new system is indeed state-of-the-art technology and it came with a corresponding price tag. The good news is that it will pay for itself over the years as more members experience it firsthand and are willing to self-serve using the IVR. No employees will be displaced by the new technology. I encourage members to use it to their advantage and ours as a not-for-profit cooperative committed to affordable, reliable electric service for years to come.

 

Sincerely,

 

Jim Duncan

Chief Executive Officer

 

Right Tree, Right Place April 2020 SECO News

 

Right Tree, Right Place

 

What is green, creates oxygen and can help you reduce your annual energy costs? Trees, of course! Choosing the right tree to plant in the right place can help you reduce energy costs and reduce tree-related power outages.

 

Plant trees to the south, southwest or west side of structures to reduce cooling costs in the summer. Native Florida shade trees that grow well in Central Florida according to the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) are Florida elms and hophornbeam trees.

 

Block fall and winter winds by planting evergreens and shrubs on the north and west side of structures. UF/IFAS lists hollies, southern magnolias and sweetbay magnolias as native Floridian evergreen shade trees. For shrubs, choose azaleas, bottlebrush, Indian hawthorn, juniper, loropetalum or tea olive. Plant shrubs close to your home’s foundation to insulate against cold weather.

 

Trees growing too close to power lines can cause sparks, fires, power outages and shock hazards. Maintain a clear zone of 15 feet on each side of an overhead line. Before planting a tree, consider its mature height and its proximity to overhead power lines. Trees that grow to a mature height of 40 feet or higher should be planted at least 50 feet away from power lines. Small ornamental trees or shrubs that will not exceed 25 feet in height are best to be planted closer to lines, but outside the clear zone.

 

 

Advice from the Old Farmer's Almanac January 2020 SECO News

 

Advice from The Old Farmer’s Almanac

 

THE OLD FARMER’S ALMANAC lists April 1st and 2nd as well as the 27th through the 29th to turn April showers into May flowers by planting aboveground crops. For belowground crops, plant on April 9th and 10th or the 18th or 19th. Are you planning on spring cleaning? The best day to wash windows is the 20th through the 22nd. Clean your floors on either the 18th or 19th and paint on the 7th or 8th.

 

Safety Corner Downed Line Dangers April 2020 SECO News

 

Safety Corner – Downed Line Dangers

 

Overhead power lines are a necessary component of SECO Energy’s electric system. Never touch an overhead line – even if the line is broken and on the ground after a storm. Always assume an overhead line is energized. Touching it could cause severe injury and even death.

 

Never lean a ladder against a power line or trim trees growing too close to lines. Warn children not to play on or near electric equipment. Do not allow children to fly kites or toy planes, climb trees or release balloons near power lines.

 

Use these tips to help keep you and your family safe from the risk of contacting an energized power line.

 

April Safe Digging Month April 2020 SECO News

 

April – #SafeDiggingMonth

 

Spring’s warmer weather adds to-do items to your list. Before picking up a shovel to install a new fence, plant a garden or add landscaping or trees, contact 811 to locate the underground utilities on your property.

 

Florida law requires you to call 811 or go online before digging. The 811 service is free. April is #SafeDiggingMonth – remember to call 811 or visit Sunshine811.com before you dig!

 

Read the full April 2020 SECO News online.

SECO Energy Extends 2020 Scholarship Program Deadline

SECO Energy has extended its 2020 Youth Scholarship Program deadline from Friday, March 27, to Friday, May 1, in response to Florida school district closures to protect students from COVID-19 risk. Applications will also be accepted without the normally required counselor signatures.

 

For over two decades, SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees has renewed its annual commitment to members and the communities the cooperative serves by approving the Scholarship Program for local students. A total of $36,000 is available for 12 recipients to receive $3,000 each.

 

SECO Energy has adjusted the eligibility requirements for the 2020 Scholarship Program to better align with its corporate goals. SECO believes its annual scholarships are a way to spark an interest in energy industry careers and should be used as a recruitment tool.

 

To be eligible to apply, the student must be interested in pursuing a career in the energy sector. The student must live in a home served by SECO and be a high school senior who is graduating this school year (2019-2020). Awardees must be enrolled full-time in an accredited college, university or vocational/technical school located in Florida by the end of 2020. Students should also be pursuing a degree in technology, engineering, math or business. The student may also pursue a certification directly related to jobs in the electric industry.

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “SECO Energy has provided youth scholarships to help students complete their quest for a higher education for over twenty years. We firmly believe in supporting students who are interested in a career in the energy industry and didn’t want to let the current COVID-19 situation block these local students. Extending the youth scholarship program deadline to May 1 will allow students the flexibility to complete the application process.”

 

Scholarship applications are available on our Scholarship page. Those without internet access can, email Communications to request a mailed paper application.

 

View a slideshow of past scholarship awardees, print an application and read more about eligibility requirements online. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

SECO Energy Automates Payment Arrangement Assistance 24/7

The reliability of SECO’s electric service plays a critical role in SECO members’ health and wellbeing. To keep its employees healthy and ready to serve its members, the cooperative has made changes to mitigate health risks related to member and public interaction.

 

During SECO’s Emergency Response Plan activation, it is offering members who request a payment arrangement an extended period of time over and above normal payment arrangement parameters. Members requesting a payment arrangement can do so by visiting with SECO’s virtual assistant on the automated telephone system or by logging into SmartHub at SECOEnergy.com. Both platforms have been programmed to automatically allow additional time for payment arrangements. Members are encouraged to utilize the phone system and SmartHub as call volume has been high amid COVID-19 concerns.

 

SECO is taking precautions to protect its members and employees from risk. SECO’s five Member Service Centers are equipped with counter-to-ceiling glass barriers for employee and member protection. As such, SECO has decided not to close any Member Service Centers at this time; however, they will be operating with limited staff. The cooperative offers members 12 ways to pay bills, most that avoid face-to-face contact. Members can pay online, by phone, by mail, enroll in bank draft and more. SECO’s online account platform called SmartHub is the place to start for convenient self-serve options. Log in or create an account profile today. View past bills, usage history, request a payment arrangement and more.

 

As part of the Emergency Response Plan, SECO Energy’s Sumterville headquarters and adjacent campus are temporarily closed to public access for any vendor or delivery without an approved appointment or scheduled delivery. SECO field personnel are practicing the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommended social distancing standard of maintaining a six-foot barrier with members. Employees and members are asked to use email, phone and web conferencing communication in lieu of in-person meetings whenever possible and to practice social distancing when in-person meetings are unavoidable.

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “SECO Energy provides electricity which is an essential service in preserving public health and quality of life in today’s world. The cooperative’s Emergency Response Plan ensures it can maintain a 24/7 workforce, preserve SECO’s ability to maintain its electric system and provide an acceptable level of member service even in the face of employee impact with COVID-19. Our members depend on us to provide reliable electric service, and that’s even more important as our largely senior demographic practices social distancing at home to remain healthy.”

 

Duncan continued, “SECO has proactively waived late payment fees, and we automatically extending the time period for payment arrangements so that members can use both SmartHub and the virtual phone assistant as hold times are longer due to COVID-19 concerns.”

 

SECO has other ways to help members in need through a corporate citizenship initiative called Pennies from Heaven. The program helps fund local United Way chapters managed through Florida 211 for bill payment assistance for SECO members. Members who need assistance with utilities, food, and other household expenses are encouraged to contact 211.

 

“Like” SECO’s page on Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.