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SECO News October 2024

Wynn's Wire

 

 

 

 

 

DEAR MEMBERS,

 

SECO Energy is locally owned and operated for the sole benefit of our members, which means our priorities align with your needs. We focus on providing reliable, affordable electric service that benefits the entire community. To enhance the reliability of our services and address the growing needs of the communities we serve, SECO Energy has recently made several significant investments in our existing infrastructure:

 

Timberwood Substation (Marion County):

We’ve installed a new power transformer and added three additional distribution circuits, increasing capacity to 75 megawatts — doubling its previous capacity. This upgrade also includes an automatic transfer scheme that connects to another distribution feeder. During a power outage, crews can transfer load between feeders for faster and safer restoration.

 

Clermont Substation (Lake County):

Ranking among SECO Energy’s top five substations for load and member count, we’ve added two new power transformers, boosting capacity to 112 megawatts – an increase of nearly 50%.

 

Webster Substation (Sumter County):

To improve reliability, we’ve replaced an older fuse system with a more advanced transmission fuse breaker and upgraded three single-phase power transformers to three-phase power transformers.

 

Sumterville Substation (Sumter County):

We’re expanding this substation and tripling the capacity from 37 to 112 megawatts by building a second side, replacing one power transformer, and installing two new power transformers. Construction is scheduled for completion by the end of 2024.

 

On tap for 2025 is a brand-new substation in Lake County. The Dilly Lake substation near Howey-in-the-Hills and Minneola is undergoing a major rebuild. The capacity of the substation is almost quadrupling from 28 to 112 megawatts. We’re increasing the distribution circuits from two to eight and adding two new power transformers.

 

These upgrades support new and existing homes and businesses and ensure reliable power during peak demand as Central Florida grows. We understand that reliability, value, and trust are what SECO Energy members expect. That’s why we’ve made these proactive improvements to address today’s needs and support future growth.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURTIS WYNN

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

SECO News October 2024 A Legacy of Growth and Service

 

 

October is National Co-op Month, and SECO Energy is proud to join REI, Land O’ Lakes, Ocean Spray, Florida’s Natural Growers, Inc., and other cooperatives across the United States in celebrating co-ops’ impact on their communities. Co-ops come in various shapes and sizes, but no matter how big or how small, they all share a common goal: to provide exceptional goods or services to their members.

 

Founded in 1938 as Sumter Electric Cooperative, Inc., SECO Energy has evolved from a small rural utility into a leading not-for-profit Touchstone Energy Cooperative serving Central Florida. SECO powers over 245,000 homes and businesses across seven counties today, providing reliable, safe, and affordable electric service to over half a million consumers. This remarkable growth has made SECO Energy the seventh-largest in the nation among over 900 electric cooperatives.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SECO News October 2024 Protect Your Home With SurgeMitigator™

 

Power surges can wreck havoc on your appliances and electronics. SECO Energy’s Surge MitiGator™ program can help safeguard your home. From October 1 to November 12, SECO Energy is running a promotion for FREE installation when you enroll in this essential protection plan. The Surge MitiGator™ program is the first step in defending your large appliances by reducing surges at the meter before they can enter your home. Don’t wait for disaster – invest in peace of mind today.

 

To learn more about SECO Energy’s Surge MitiGator™ program click here.

 

 

 

 

SECO News October 2024 SECO Energy Youth Tour Leadership Opportunity

 

CALLING ALL HIGH SCHOOL JUNIORS! Apply now to win a sponsorship for the 2025 Tallahassee Youth Tour.

 

ELIGIBILITY: Any high school junior living in a home that receives electric service from SECO Energy. Up to ten students will be selected to attend the Tallahassee Youth Tour – one from each of our nine Districts and one at large.

 

TALLAHASSEE YOUTH TOUR DATES: February 12 – 13, 2025

 

APPLICATION DEADLINE: December 13, 2024

 

TALLAHASSEE YOUTH TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Visit the State Capitol
  • Venture the Florida Supreme Court
  • Tour the Governor’s Mansion
  • Explore museums
  • Develop leadership skills
  • Learn about the Cooperative Business Model

 

WASHINGTON YOUTH TOUR COMPETITION:

After the Tallahassee Youth Tour, each of the ten participants will have a second opportunity to compete for one of two spots to attend a once-in-a-lifetime, sponsored trip to tour our Nation’s Capital as SECO Energy’s 2025 Washington Youth Tour delegates.

 

In June 2025, the two selected students will join more than 1,800 students from across the country to learn about our great nation, develop leadership skills, better understand electric cooperatives, and make lasting friendships.

 

Students selected for the SECO Energy Youth Tour will be notified in early January 2025. The two Washington D.C. Youth Tour representatives will be announced during the SECO Energy Youth Tour banquet in April 2025.

 

CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE TODAY!

 

 

 

 

 

At SECO Energy, you’re not just connected to an electric provider. You’re a valued member of a Touchstone Energy Cooperative guided by seven cooperative principles that put your needs first:

 

1. Voluntary and Open Membership: 

Membership is open to all individuals who purchase electric service from SECO Energy.

 

2. Democratic Member Control:

Your vote matters. Members elect fellow members like me to SECO’s Board of Trustees to ensure cooperative decisions reflect your interests.

 

3. Members’ Economic Participation:

Members contribute by paying their monthly utility bill. At the end of the year, profits are then distributed to members, not investors.

 

4. Autonomy and Independence:

SECO is controlled by a nine-member Board of Trustees that is focused on the needs of our members and communities.

 

5. Education, Training, and Information:

SECO provides the tools and knowledge to help you understand your energy use and make informed decisions.

 

6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives:

SECO collaborates with other cooperatives, enhancing service reliability and sharing resources in times of need.

 

7. Concern for Community:

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 October SECO News.

 

 

 

SECO Energy District 4 Members Elect James LaMotte as Trustee

SECO Energy members residing in District 4 elected James LaMotte as their representative to serve on SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees in a Special District Meeting on April 9, following the passing of Mr. Richard Dennison, a long-standing Trustee earlier this year. The Meeting and election were held within the District at the Marion Oaks Assembly of God in Ocala. 

 

SECO Energy is a not-for-profit electric cooperative operated for and owned by its members. SECO’s service area is geographically divided into nine Districts. One Trustee is elected from each of the nine Districts to represent their fellow members 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 membership at large. 

 

Mr. James LaMotte and Mr. Richard McGinley, both of whom reside in Ocala, submitted letters of intent to run as the District 4 candidate, and each met the Trustee qualifications. As the newly elected Trustee, Mr. LaMotte will assume the seat held since 2015 by the late Trustee, Mr. Richard Dennison. Mr. LaMotte will hold the Trustee position for the remainder of the 2023-2026 term. 

 

SECO Energy’s Bylaws require that the cooperative hold District Meetings every three years, during which time elections are held to determine the District’s representation on the SECO Energy Board of Trustees. Cooperatives that hold in-person District Meetings must also hold an in-person election per Florida Statute. A drive-thru voting option was available for members for added convenience and to encourage participation. 

 

Mr. LaMotte has served as president of the SECO Energy Foundation Board since its inception. He currently works as the Area Coordinator for Marion County Public Schools, handling the custodial and grounds of over 25 sites and managing approximately 100 employees. He lives in Ocala Waterway Estates with his wife, Suzan, and has been a member of SECO Energy for nearly 30 years.

 

Following the election, Mr. LaMotte was congratulated by Board Trustee and President Gerald Anderson and SECO Energy CEO Curtis Wynn. LaMotte expressed his appreciation for being chosen to contribute to his community in a significant role, stating, “I’m thankful and humbled by the support from everyone in District 4 who participated in the election. Serving on the SECO Energy Board of Trustees is a tremendous honor. Mr. Dennison has been an exemplary figure in this District. Stepping into this role, I look forward to tackling the challenges of increasing energy demand, grid security, and the integration of new technologies. I’m ready to work closely with the Board to navigate these issues and support the members of SECO Energy effectively.” 

 

President Anderson added, “Well done, Mr. LaMotte, on your successful election to the SECO Energy Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees and I are prepared to collaborate with you to deepen your understanding of SECO’s distinct operational procedures, our key goals, and the significant challenges we face moving forward.” 

 

SECO Energy CEO Curtis Wynn expressed condolences for Mr. Dennison’s passing and welcomed Mr. LaMotte to his new role, stating, “We deeply feel the absence left by Mr. Dennison, a Trustee whose dedication and work were highly esteemed. Mr. LaMotte’s significant involvement in the SECO Energy Foundation Board has helped equip him for his responsibilities as a Trustee. Given his contributions and dedication to SECO Energy’s mission, we look forward to the future with optimism.” 

 

“Like” SECO Energy on Facebook and follow @SECOEnergy on Twitter for prize drawings, news releases, and severe weather alerts affecting SECO Energy’s service territory. Manage your outage notification preferences at StormCenter. To see when SECO Energy crews/contractors are working in your area, visit our new System Improvement Map. To learn more about SECO Energy as a not-for-profit cooperative, visit About SECO Energy.

SECO Energy District 4 Members Re-elect Trustee Richard Dennison

SECO Energy members residing in District 4 re-elected incumbent Trustee Richard Dennison. A large crowd of District 4 members gathered at the Marion Oaks Community Center on February 20 to elect a Trustee to represent their District on SECO’s Board of Trustees. Mr. Dennison currently holds an officer position on the Board as Vice President.

 

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. SECO Energy CEO Jim Duncan stated, “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. Dennison declared his willingness to serve the members of District 4 by submitting his letter of intent to run for Trustee. Elected Trustees serve a three-year term. A SECO member since 1999, Trustee Dennison lives in Ocala and was first elected to the Board in 2015. Mr. Dennison ran unopposed and even though Mr. Dennison was the only candidate, the Bylaws require that SECO hold a District Meeting. Subsequently, Florida Statute requires SECO to hold in-person elections.

 

Trustee Dennison stated, “I began my campaign months ago and am grateful for the members in District 4 who came out today and voted to re-elect me as the District 4 Trustee. It is truly an honor that my fellow members have continued to place their faith in me. I want you to know it is a pleasure to work in this role at SECO because we all get along for the good of the cooperative. The Board members, the senior management and the employees of this well-run company make this work fulfilling.”

 

President Jerry Hatfield stated, “Congratulations, Mr. Dennison on your re-election as District 4 Trustee. On behalf of my fellow Board officers and peers, we look forward to continue working with you.”

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “I would like to thank the members of District 4 for engaging with SECO in the democratic process to elect a Trustee to represent your District. Congratulations Mr. Dennison on re-election as District 4 Trustee. I appreciate your community-minded enthusiasm and your dedication to your fellow members.”

 

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 Trustee Dennison Earns NRECA Director Gold Certification

SECO Energy District 4 Trustee and Vice President Richard Dennison has completed the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s (NRECA) Director Gold Credential Program.

 

According to the NRECA, the Director Gold credential recognizes utility professionals who are committed to advancing their knowledge and performing their fiduciary duty to the best of their ability. Before obtaining the advanced Director Gold credential, Vice President & Trustee Dennison completed both the NRECA’s Board Leadership Certification and the Credential Cooperative Director Certificate.

 

A SECO member since 1999, Vice President & Trustee Dennison lives in Marion County and is active in his local community. Dennison was first elected to SECO’s Board of Trustees during a special election in 2015 when a former Trustee vacated the post. Dennison was re-elected in 2017 and was elected to his first officer position as Board Vice President in April 2018.

 

Vice President Dennison stated, “I am proud to continue my education through the NRECA. Earning the Director Gold credential allows me to broaden my utility industry knowledge to benefit the SECO membership at large. SECO Energy has an outstanding operational and financial performance record. I am proud and humbled to work with my Board peers and serve our SECO members.”

 

CEO Jim Duncan praised Dennison’s commitment to his continuing education and SECO members. Duncan stated, “I commend Vice President Dennison’s committed effort to enhancing his industry knowledge through the NRECA Board education program. Mr. Dennison is an essential member of SECO’s Board of Trustees, I am grateful for his service and commitment to our members.”

 

Visit our website for photos and brief bios of the Trustees along with an interactive District map. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

SECO Energy Board of Trustees Elects 2018 Officers

SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees elected its 2018 officers during the regularly scheduled Trustees’ Meeting on Monday, April 23. The Board voted District 9 Trustee Jerry Hatfield as President; District 4 Trustee Richard Dennison as Vice President; and District 8 Trustee Bill James as Secretary-Treasurer.

 

SECO Energy Board of Trustees Elects 2018 Officers

 

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO Energy is operated for and owned by the members it serves. SECO members elect their fellow members to 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.

 

Board Elected Officers 2018

 

Newly elected President Hatfield is a long-time Lake County resident, and became a SECO member in 1971. Hatfield has represented District 9 members on SECO’s Board of Trustees since first being elected in 2000. Mr. Hatfield was re-elected as District 9 Trustee in February 2018, and most recently served as Vice President.

 

District 4 Trustee Dennison elected as Vice President has been a member since 1999, and was first elected to the Board of Trustees in 2015 when a former Trustee stepped down. Dennison was re-elected as District 4 Trustee in February 2017.

 

A SECO member since 2002, Secretary-Treasurer James resides in Leesburg, and was first elected as the District 8 Trustee serving on SECO Energy’s Board in 2010. James was re-elected District 8 Trustee in February this year.

 

Hatfield stated, “I would like to thank my fellow Board members on my election as President. Serving SECO members as a Board of Trustee is a distinct honor, and I appreciate the trust my fellow members have placed in me and my peers to govern our Cooperative. I eagerly assume the duties of President and look forward to continuing my Board service.”

 

Visit our Board of Trustees page for photos and brief bios of the Trustees along with an interactive District map. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

SECO Trustee Dennison Earns Leadership Accreditation

SECO Energy applauds District 4 Trustee Richard Dennison for earning his Board Leadership Certificate (BLC) from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). This is the second advanced certification earned by Mr. Dennison, who received his Credentialed Cooperative Director certificate in November 2016.

 

Mr. Dennison has been a SECO member since 1999, and he has served on SECO’s Board for two years. Dennison was first elected to the Board of Trustees in 2015 when a former Trustee vacated the post. SECO members in District 4 re-elected Mr. Dennison as Trustee in February 2017.

 

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO’s nine Board of Trustees are members themselves who collectively serve as the members’ representatives within SECO. Dennison is committed to putting members’ interests first by following the key cooperative principle of Education, Training and Information. Continuing his education with the BLC allows Dennison to advance his knowledge of the cooperative business model and equips him with the tools to practice sound governance and oversight while serving on SECO’s Board.

 

Trustee Dennison states, “After winning re-election in February, I promised SECO members to work hard on their behalf. My recent educational achievement, this Board Leadership Certificate, is the next step in keeping my promise to members and the communities SECO serves. I am proud to serve as Trustee for District 4 and look forward to being a part of SECO’s continued success in providing our members with affordable, reliable power.”

 

Mr. Dennison resides in Ocala and is retired. He displays his passion for community service by not only serving on SECO’s Board of Trustees, but also serving as President of the Marion Oaks Civic Association.

 

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

Members Re-elect Richard Dennison District 4 Trustee

On Thursday, February 16, members voted to re-elect Richard Dennison to represent District 4 on SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees.  A SECO member since 1999, Dennison was first elected to the Board in 2015 when a former Trustee stepped down.

 

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.

 

A crowd of members gathered at the Marion Oaks Community Center in Ocala to cast their vote for the representative of their choice.  Dennison and Ocala residents Sheila Anderson and Edwin Million, Jr. expressed a willingness to serve the members in District 4 and submitted their letter of intent in January.

 

Dennison stated, “I am both humbled and grateful for your continued support for me as your District 4 Trustee.  Your confidence in me encourages me to work hard on your behalf for the cooperative that has an outstanding performance record.  Thank you again, it is a pleasure being your Trustee.”

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “I would like to congratulate Mr. Dennison on his re-election.  SECO’s Board of Trustees provides the cooperative with sound governance, and collectively represents all SECO members.  And a thank you to the hundreds of members who attended this year’s District Meetings.  Members are an important part of the cooperative difference – the cooperative exists to provide members reliable power at a fair price, while delivering first-rate customer satisfaction.”

 

Dennison added, “I look forward to continuing my work on the Board with my peers and working with Mr. Duncan, who I believe is the best CEO in the state.”

 

SECO members should plan to attend its 79th Annual Meeting of the Membership on Saturday, March 25.  Registration opens at 8:00 a.m., and the business meeting begins at 10:30 a.m.  The meeting is located across the street from the corporate headquarters at the junction of highways 301 and 471 in Sumterville.

 

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.