StormCenter logo

Archive

SECO News February-March 2024

I am proud to report that SECO Energy continues to be a member satisfaction leader. SECO Energy completed its annual member-wide customer satisfaction survey, where over 1,700 members were asked to participate. The member responses were sent to the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI®), a company that measures customer satisfaction across multiple industries throughout the entire United States.

 

Wynn's Wire

 

For 2023, SECO Energy received an ACSI score of “89” out of a maximum score of “100.” [1] SECO’s score is higher than all publicly measured investor-owned utility scores, cooperative utility scores, and municipal utility scores. SECO Energy’s score of “89” places the not-for-profit electric cooperative 17 points higher than the average investor-owned utility score of 72, as well as 18 points higher than the average municipal utilities score of 71, per the industry ratings in the 2023 ACSI Utility Sector Report.

 

Not only is SECO’s 2023 ACSI score of 89 higher than the average investor-owned utility or municipal utility score, but our score is also higher than the average cooperative utility. SECO scored 15 points higher than the average cooperative utility. For more information, please visit www.theacsi.org.

 

ACSI is the only national cross-industry customer satisfaction measure representing the U.S. economy. A wide range of industries and organizations of all types count on ACSI methodology to obtain science-based insights across the complete arc of the customer experience.

 

Thank you, members, for recognizing our commitment to outstanding member satisfaction and engagement. We are 100% committed to engaging with you and making sure SECO and its 400+ employees fulfill our mission to provide reliable and innovative energy services. Earning your trust is an accomplishment like no other.

 

Best regards,

 

Curtis Wynn

Chief Executive Officer

 

[1] Results based on data provided by SECO Energy, collected between December 4 and 8, 2023. ACSI did not regulate the survey administration or sample size. ACSI and its logo are registered trademarks of the American Customer Satisfaction Index LLC.

 


 

SECO News February - March 2024 A Message from Shannon Wright SECO Energy 2024 Scholarship Program

 

SECO Energy practices the seven Cooperative Principles through our efforts to achieve our Mission, Vision and Core Values. Our annual Scholarship Program is one such initiative that embodies the principles of Concern for Community and Education, Training, and Information.

 

SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees has approved $36,000 to fund the 2024 Scholarship Program. Up to twelve graduating high school seniors living in a home served by SECO will be awarded a $3,000 scholarship designed to ease the financial burden of pursuing higher education at an accredited institution in Florida.

 

As the labor pool in the energy industry narrows, cultivating and retaining local talent is critical. SECO Energy is seeking applicants who stand out in math and science and are keen on forging a career in energy-related fields. Whether technology, business, engineering, or mathematics, we support students with a passion for powering the future.

 

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:

 

• Eligible candidates must graduate from high school by the end of the 2023-2024 academic year (May/June) and enroll in a Florida-based college, university, or technical school by the conclusion of the same year.
• Applicants must reside in a household within SECO Energy’s service area or live with a parent or legal guardian who is an active SECO Energy member.
• Special consideration will be given to those seeking a STEM-related degree or aiming for a career in the energy sector. Relevant majors include computer science, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, chemical, nuclear, environmental, civil, agricultural/biological, industrial, materials science, and various branches of mathematics.

 

EVALUATION PROCESS

 

When assessing applicants, SECO Energy will weigh financial need, academic accomplishments, community engagement, quality of the personal statement or essay, and relevance of the candidate’s major in preparation for a STEM-related or energy sector career.

 

APPLICATION DETAILS
Applications for the 2024 Scholarship Program are available online at SECOEnergy.com > Your Co-op > Scholarships. Completed applications must be submitted to SECO Energy by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, April 1, 2024.

 

For inquiries regarding SECO Energy’s 2024 Scholarship Program, please contact our Communications team.

 

GOOD LUCK, APPLICANTS!

 


 

SECO News February - March 2024 StormCenter and LightFinder Power and Area Light Outage Reporting

StormCenter is SECO Energy’s online outage reporting center. Not only can you report power outages using your smartphone or tablet, but SECO will also send you outage updates via email, text, voice message, or all three.

 

Reporting a new outage or checking the status of an existing outage with your smartphone or tablet is easy. To report an outage, visit SECOEnergy.com > StormCenter and click
“Report Outage.” Enter the account holder’s last name and house number (or the account number or phone number). To find the status of a current outage, click on the “Check Status” tab.

 

Make sure you’re enrolled in outage notifications via email, text or voice message or a combination of the three. Once service is restored, we’ll send you a message that includes the outage cause and restoration time. You can also set do not disturb times. To choose notification preferences, visit SECOEnergy.com > StormCenter and click the “Manage Notifications” tab.

 

StormCenter allows you to report an area light malfunction, too. Choose LightFinder through the StormCenter platform to report area light malfunctions 24/7, including weekends, quickly and conveniently online. To report an area light that is completely out, flickering, or shining during daylight hours, visit SECOEnergy.com > StormCenter and choose “LightFinder.” In the search bar at the top left of the LightFinder map, enter the pole number or closest address. An icon represents each light. Working lights are shown as a green icon, while a red icon is a light that has already been reported as malfunctioning. The icon is orange if the light has been repaired in the last 24 hours. A gray icon represents an inactive light, and a blue icon is a member-owned light, which is the member’s responsibility to repair.

 

After completing the brief reporting form, remember to provide your email address to receive timely updates regarding the status of the light repair. Area lights are repaired as soon as possible. In most cases, repairs are completed within 24 hours.

 


 

SECO News February - March 2024 Energizing 2024 Landstone Substation Fuels Growth in Sumter County

 

The massive construction of Middleton, one of the newest communities in The Villages, continues rapidly. New homes, businesses, and schools are being built to support Sumter County’s population increase. As the community grows, so will the demand for reliable, affordable energy. SECO Energy’s newest advanced substation, our 50th called Landstone, plays a vital role in meeting this demand.

 

Central Florida and SECO Energy’s service area is growing. With this growth comes the critical need for a reliable and robust electrical infrastructure. SECO is strategically building and planning for growth to continue long into the future. Landstone, with its two 56-megavolt amp (MVA) power transformers, is the key to ensuring thousands of homes and businesses receive the necessary electricity.

 

Landstone utilizes two Duke Energy transmission lines in a looped configuration, creating redundancy that increases reliability for members served from the nearby Federal substation. By design, crews can restore service to members served by either substation through distribution backfeeding. This redundancy decreases the length of service interruptions and supports growing demand.

 

To view your area’s system improvements and expansion projects, visit us online at SECOEnergy.com > Contact > System Improvement Map.

 

Read the full February-March 2024 SECO News.

SECO News July 2025

Wynn's Wire

 

DEAR MEMBERS,

 

As temperatures rise and the summer heat returns, SECO Energy remains committed to delivering the safe, reliable service you depend on. With more than a quarter-million homes and businesses relying on us daily, keeping your lights on – especially during peak demand – is not just our job; it is our promise.

 

That’s why we’re making significant, ongoing investments in the core components of our electric system, especially our substations. Substations are critical to maintaining reliability. They regulate voltage, balance electrical load, and enable our crews to isolate outages and restore power more quickly and safely. Upgrading and enhancing these essential facilities ensures that our electric grid remains strong, efficient, and responsive as our service area continues to grow.

 

Although we won’t detail every project here, SECO is strategically upgrading existing substations and building new ones throughout our system to meet increasing demand and strengthen reliability across all of the communities we serve.

 

With the rapidly rising costs of labor and material, these infrastructure investments are becoming increasingly more expensive. But they are also necessary to keep pace with growth and to maintain the high reliability standards that SECO members have come to expect. However, there’s also a powerful way you can help us manage the rising cost of infrastructure: by participating in our new Smart Connect program.

 

Smart Connect empowers members to play an active role in reducing demand on the grid during peak hours. When you take part, whether by building a Home Profile in SmartHub or simply being mindful of energy use during peak times, you are helping lower the system’s overall energy load. That, in turn, reduces the need for expensive infrastructure upgrades in the future.

 

Together, through smart technology and your active engagement, we can protect our system, reduce long-term costs, and keep energy affordable for everyone.

 

Thank you for your continued trust and partnership.

 

Sincerely,

 

CURTIS WYNN

Chief Executive Officer

 

 


 

SECO News July 2025 Protect Your Home From Power Surges - And Win!

 

SECO Energy’s Surge MitiGator™ program helps shield your home from damaging electrical surges and spikes. Now is the perfect time to sign up for this protection! Enroll by September 30, 2025, and you’ll be entered for a chance to win one of three portable generators. If you’re already leasing or previously purchased a Surge MitiGator™, you’re automatically entered.

 

Surge protection is your home’s first line of defense, blocking electrical disturbances before they can damage appliances and electronics. Surges often result from lightning strikes, vehicle accidents, fallen trees, and other unpredictable events. The surge device includes a 15-year manufacturer warranty for extra peace of mind.

 

CHOOSE YOUR PROTECTION PLAN:

  • Lease for just $5.95/month plus tax and installation fee
  • Purchase outright for $349

 

SECO recommends adding point-of-use surge protectors for sensitive electronics. These are widely available at most major home improvement stores.

 

To enroll, visit secoenergy.com/surge-mitigator/ and complete the web form. We’ll draw three lucky winners in October.

 


 

SECO News July 2025 Energy Efficiency Tip of the Month: Stay Cool and Save!

 

As summer temperatures rise, you can stay comfortable and keep your energy costs in check by adjusting your HVAC temperature settings. Setting your thermostat to 78°F when you’re home and awake is ideal for balancing comfort and efficiency. When you’re away, raising the temperature to 85°F can lead to substantial energy savings. Remember, the lower you set your thermostat, the harder your system has to work – using more energy and increasing your bill.

 

Installing a smart thermostat is one of the best investments for improving energy efficiency. These devices automatically adjust your home’s temperature based on your schedule, making it easier to save energy without sacrificing comfort. Already have a smart thermostat? You could receive a $50 one-time incentive by enrolling your Wi-Fi-connected device in SECO’s Smart Connect program.

 

You can earn additional incentives if you have a Level 2 EV Charger or battery backup system. Learn more about the program and enroll.

 


SECO News July 2025 Annual Meeting Trivia Winners

 

Congratulations to our 2025 Annual Meeting trivia winners!

 

Donna Dube – Lady Lake – $250 SECO Energy Bill Credit

Thomas Graham – The Villages – $250 SECO Energy Bill Credit

Doug Golden – Ocala – $100 SECO Energy Bill Credit

Mikelyn Urban – Inverness – $100 SECO Energy Bill Credit

Lorelei Small – Groveland – $100 SECO Energy Bill Credit

Steve Gosnell – Inverness – $50 SECO Energy Bill Credit

William Riemer – Sumterville – $50 SECO Energy Bill Credit

Regina Wergin – Ocala – $50 SECO Energy Bill Credit

Paul Skonezny – Clermont – $50 SECO Energy Bill Credit

Peter Orlowski – Lady Lake – $50 SECO Energy Bill Credit

 

If you missed this year’s Annual Meeting, watch the recording online at SECOEnergy.com/Your Co-op/Annual Member Meeting.

 


SECO News July 2025 Trustee Focus A Message from District 5 Trustee Shannon Wright

 

Build Your Home Profile in SmartHub

 

SECO Energy offers more innovative tools to help you manage your energy use – and SmartHub is one of the best. By building a Home Profile you can analyze your home’s energy consumption, identify potential savings, and make informed decisions to boost efficiency. Completing the Home Profile also allows SmartHub to deliver insights tailored to your home’s unique characteristics.

 

SmartHub is a secure, user-friendly platform that empowers you to view and pay bills, monitor energy usage in real-time, set up budget alerts, and access personalized insights about your energy consumption. It puts you in the driver’s seat of your energy management.

 

Building your Home Profile is easy as 1, 2, 3:

  1. Log in to SmartHub on a desktop computer or mobile device.
  2. Navigate to the “Usage” menu option and choose “Build Your Home Profile.”
  3. Enter basic information like square footage, heating/cooling system, number of occupants, etc. – that’s it!

 

Once your Home Profile is complete, SmartHub will provide a personalized breakdown of your estimated energy use by category (heating, cooling, appliances, lights, etc.) along with custom tips to help you improve efficiency. Review the data collected to make wise choices about your energy usage.

 

Take a few minutes to build your SmartHub Home Profile today. Whether you’re looking to cut costs or go greener, the insights provided can lead to longterm energy savings and empower you to take control of your energy dollars.

 

Read the full July SECO News.

SECO Energy Trustee Shannon Wright Earns Director Gold Credential

SECO Energy District 5 Trustee Shannon Wright has successfully completed the requirements to earn the Director Gold Credential (DGS) from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).

 

According to the NRECA, the DGC recognizes directors/trustees who desire a tangible credential that demonstrates their ongoing commitment to advancing their knowledge and performing their fiduciary duty to the best of their ability. The DGC offers a continuing education path for directors/trustees beyond the Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD) and Board Leadership Certificate (BLC).

 

SECO Energy is a not-for-profit electric utility operated for and owned by its members. SECO’s nine-member Board of Trustees consists of members who live in SECO’s service area. Trustees are elected to oversee the governance of the cooperative. Each Trustee on SECO Energy’s Board is elected by the members who reside in his/her District.

 

Collectively, the Trustees are responsible for establishing, reviewing and revising corporate policies to ensure that SECO continues to preserve reliable, affordable service for all members.

 

Trustee Wright resides in Lake Panasoffkee and has been a SECO Energy member since 2014. She was elected to the SECO Energy Board of Trustees in 2022.

 

Mrs. Wright stated, “I am proud to join the other Board Trustees who have achieved the Director Gold Credential from the NRECA. This process has equipped me to better serve not just the SECO Energy members I represent in District 5, but our electric cooperative as a whole. My experience as a SECO Energy Trustee has been a rewarding one.”

 

CEO Curtis Wynn extended his congratulations to Trustee Wright, expressing his enthusiasm for the industry knowledge enrichment undertaken by the Board Trustee. “Congratulations, Mrs. Wright, on achieving the NRECA’s Director Gold Credential. Your commitment to the NRECA educational path is a benefit to SECO Energy, its members and the Board of Trustees. Thank you for expanding your preparedness to serve at such a high level.”

 

To learn more about the Board of Trustees, visit SECOEnergy.com>Your Co-op. “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 reliability and expansion projects in your area, visit our new System Improvement Map. To learn more about SECO Energy as a not-for-profit cooperative, visit SECOEnergy.com > Your Co-op > About.

 

SECO Energy District 5 Trustee Shannon Wright Earns Credentialed Cooperative Director Certificate

SECO Energy congratulates District 5 Trustee Shannon Wright on earning her Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD) Certificate from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). Earning the CCD is the initial step in the NRECA’s Director Education program that is designed to assist cooperative Trustees to meet the challenges facing electric cooperatives.

 

To earn the CCD certification from the NRECA, directors/trustees complete five courses that focus on basic cooperative governance and the essential skills needed for cooperative directors/trustees. The CCD prepares directors/trustees to fulfill their fiduciary duty as elected officials serving on behalf of their membership. Upon completion of the five CCD required courses, directors/trustees are awarded the Credential Cooperative Director Certificate.

 

SECO Energy is a not-for-profit electric cooperative, operating for and owned by its members. SECO’s nine-member Board of Trustees consists of members who live in SECO’s service area. They are elected to oversee the governance of the cooperative. Each Trustee on the Board is elected by the members who reside in his/her District. Collectively, the Trustees are responsible for establishing, reviewing and revising corporate policies to ensure that SECO continues to preserve reliable, affordable service for all members.

 

Trustee Wright welcomes the opportunity to expand her energy industry knowledge. Mrs. Wright stated, “I am excited to learn more about the electric cooperative business model and the energy industry through Director Certificate Program courses from the NRECA. Serving my fellow SECO Energy members, neighbors and my community through my Board of Trustees service is a rewarding experience. I am very thankful for the opportunity.”

 

SECO Energy CEO Curtis Wynn stated, “Congratulations, Mrs. Wright, on earning your Credentialed Cooperative Director Certificate, and taking the first steps on your continuing education path. Thank you for your community involvement and dedication to the SECO Energy membership through your Board service.”

 

To learn more about the Board of Trustees, visit SECOEnergy.com>Your Co-op. “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 reliability and expansion projects in your area, visit our new System Improvement Map. To learn more about SECO Energy as a not-for-profit cooperative, visit SECOEnergy.com > Your Co-op > About.