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Tag: District 9 Trustee Morgan Hatfield

SECO News August 2025

Wynn's Wire

Powering Through the Heat Together

 

DEAR MEMBERS,

 

As we move through August – the hottest stretch of the year – many of you are feeling the effects of this intense summer. High temperatures often lead to higher electric bills. With the added pressures of rising costs across the board, we understand this season can be challenging for families and businesses alike.

 

At SECO Energy, we want you to know we’re right there with you. We live and work in the communities we serve. We’re feeling the heat – and the bills just like you. That local connection is at the heart of the cooperative difference. We don’t exist to generate profits – we’re here to provide reliable, affordable power and for the well-being of the people we serve. Despite the challenges of higher supply costs and increased energy demand, we’re proud to continue offering our Power Cost Adjustment (PCA), also known as “Hot Bucks,” due to stabilized natural gas prices; and to maintain some of the lowest electric rates in the state.

 

Our crews are working to maintain and strengthen the system to meet increased demand. We’ve invested in technology and equipment upgrades to reduce outages and keep your power flowing – even on the hottest days. We monitor usage trends so we can respond quickly and efficiently when the load is high.

 

To help you control your energy use, explore SmartHub, our free online and mobile tool. With SmartHub’s energy profile feature, you can track your daily and hourly usage, set alerts, and better understand when and how you’re using electricity – giving you more control over your bill. We know that some members may need assistance paying their monthly energy bill from time to time. To locate a social service agency, use our interactive map on SECOEnergy.com; click on Your Co-op and choose Find Bill Payment Assistance.

 

Even small changes, such as setting your thermostat to 78°F, using ceiling fans, and avoiding peak usage hours – can make a big difference. Visit our website for more energy-saving tips.

 

In this edition, we’re excited to announce the GenerLink pre-sale is here – offering members with generators a safe and convenient way to connect backup power during outages.

 

We’ll continue doing everything we can to keep your power reliable and your costs manageable. Thank you for being part of the SECO community. We’re proud to serve you – and even more proud to call this community home.

 

Sincerely,

 

CURTIS WYNN

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

Utility scams are on the rise, targeting both homes and businesses with increasingly sophisticated tactics. Scammers often impersonate utility employees to trick people into making immediate payments or sharing personal information.

 

TO STAY SAFE, BE AWARE OF THE MOST COMMON TYPES OF UTILITY SCAMS AND RECOGNIZE RED FLAGS.

 

1. DISCONNECTION THREATS & OVERPAYMENT REFUND SCAMS

Scammers may claim your power will be shut off due to a missed payment and demand immediate payment through prepaid cards, wire transfers, or digital apps. Others may say you overpaid and request your banking details for a refund.

RED FLAG: SECO Energy will never demand instant payment or request nontraditional methods, such as gift cards or wire transfers. Refunds are issued as bill credits or checks – never by phone or email.

 

2. FAKE SOLAR PARTNERSHIPS, METER UPGRADES OR INSPECTIONS

Impostors may show up in person, claiming to be a utility partner or a utility worker, and attempt to sell products, pretend to upgrade the meter, check wiring, or inspect service lines. They may ask to enter your property or request payment for services.

RED FLAG: SECO Energy does not send employees door-to-door selling solar or partner with any solar companies. Employees and contractors always carry identification and typically schedule service visits in advance.

Exercise caution and contact local law enforcement immediately if you encounter suspicious activity or feel threatened.

 

3. PHISHING EMAILS AND TEXTS

These messages look similar to official communication, prompting you to click a link to pay a bill or verify personal information. These links often lead to fake websites designed to steal your data.

RED FLAG: Be cautious with unsolicited emails or texts – especially those with spelling errors, urgent language, or unfamiliar sender addresses. Contact SECO Energy at (352) 793-3801 to confirm the legitimacy of a communication when in doubt.

 

STAY ALERT, STAY INFORMED, AND HELP OTHERS DO THE SAME. Report suspected scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and the Florida Attorney General’s Office at MyFloridaLegal.com or by calling 1-866-9-NO-SCAM.

 

 

Inaugural Electric Youth Tour Trip to Washington, D.C.

 

2025 Youth Tour Delegates Jayley Lewis and Lilly Brogan
2025 Youth Tour Delegates Jayley Lewis and Lilly Brogan

 

Lilly Brogan (District 3) and Jayley Lewis (District 5), both South Sumter High School students, represented SECO Energy at this year’s Electric Cooperative Youth Tour in Washington, D.C. Nearly 100,000 student delegates nationwide come together annually to represent their local electric cooperative community, and state, to explore our nation’s capital, learn about the cooperative business model, and gain leadership experience.

 

Selected for their academic excellence, community involvement, and leadership potential, Jayley and Lilly stood out in a competitive video essay contest after attending the Tallahassee Youth Tour earlier this year. Along with their fellow Youth Tour delegates, they toured iconic landmarks and engaged with lawmakers, including representatives from Senator Rick Scott’s office. These meetings offered firsthand insight into how cooperatives advocate for their members at the federal level.

 

 

 

 

Energy Efficiency Tip of the Month: Energy Savings on a Budget

 

Improving your home’s energy efficiency doesn’t have to be costly. The simple no- and low-cost changes listed below can help you reduce energy use and lower your bill.

 

NO COST TIPS:

• Wash clothes in cold water

• Air-dry dishes and laundry

• Use natural light

• Turn off lights, fans, and electronics when not in use

• Avoid oven use in the summer – grill outside or use small appliances

 

LOW COST TIPS:

• Switch to LED bulbs

• Replace filters regularly

• Seal window and door leaks

• Use blinds, window fi lm, and shade trees to control summer heat

• Install timers or photocells on outdoor lights

 

If you are considering making significant upgrades to ENERGY STAR® appliances or a new HVAC system, give us a call at (352) 793-3801 and ask to speak to the Energy Services team for advice on energy-efficiency upgrades. We are your partner in energy savings.

 

SECO News August 2025 Trustee Focus A Message From District 9 Trustee Morgan Hatfield

 

 

SECO Energy Foundation Update

 

SECO Energy established the SECO Energy Foundation to improve the quality of life in the communities we serve. Through strategic grants and partnerships, the Foundation provides support to nonprofit organizations in Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Levy, Marion, Pasco, and Sumter Counties.

 

In the first half of 2025, the Foundation has awarded 38 grants totaling $524,581, allocated as follows:

  • Education & STEM Projects – $103,160

  • Energy Efficiency Projects – $9,780

  • Environmental Projects – $10,000

  • Health & Human Services – $316,841

  • Veterans Initiatives – $84,800

 

The Foundation is extremely thankful for the support of hundreds of thousands of SECO members who round up their monthly bills to contribute to this effort. Your small change adds up to make a big difference in our communities. With an average donation of only $6 per year, it’s a powerful reminder that there is strength in numbers. To learn more about the Foundation, view awarded grants, and explore funding guidelines, visit SECOFoundation.org.

 

 

When hurricanes or severe storms hit, power outages can leave you in the dark. If you have a portable generator, GenerLink™ can help you stay safely connected. GenerLink is a UL-listed transfer switch that is installed behind the electric meter – no rewiring or complicated setup is required. Purchase GenerLink early to be first on the list for installation. Learn more and sign up at SECOEnergy.com/Energy Solutions/GenerLink.

Purchase price is $1,200 (plus tax/installation included). Purchase must be completed before installation, which are estimated to begin in mid-August 2025 and installed by SECO’s authorized contractor.

 

Read the full August SECO News.

SECO Energy Board of Trustees Elects 2024 Officers

The SECO Energy Board of Trustees elected its 2024 Officers during their March Trustee Meeting. District 3 Trustee Gerald Anderson was re-elected Board President. Scott Boyatt, District 1 Trustee, was elected to once again serve as Board Vice President and District 9 Trustee Morgan Hatfield was re-elected to continue her role as Secretary/Treasurer.  

  

SECO Energy is a not-for-profit electric cooperative owned by its members, who elect representatives from their respective Districts to serve on the SECO Energy Board of Trustees for three-year terms. Collectively, the nine-member SECO Board of Trustees represents all members by meeting monthly to monitor the cooperative’s governance process, provide fiduciary oversight, and participate in policy decisions that serve the best interests of the members at large.  

 

District 3 Trustee and Board President Gerald Anderson was re-elected for a third consecutive term. Mr. Anderson has been a SECO Energy member since 2013 and resides in The Villages. His first election to the SECO Energy Board of Trustees was in 2019. During his tenure, he has earned his Credentialed Cooperative Director’s Certificate (CCD), Board Leadership Certificate (BLC), and maintained the prestigious Director Gold Credential (DGC) from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). 

 

President Anderson stated, “I’m truly moved and honored to continue serving our members as President. Leading such a talented and diverse team is a privilege and responsibility. Together, we’re not just facing challenges but seizing opportunities to make SECO Energy even stronger for our members.”  

 

District 1 Trustee Scott Boyatt retained his office as Vice President. Mr. Boyatt has been a SECO Member since 2004 and resides in Clermont. His first election to the Board was in 2013. Since joining the SECO Board, he has completed the Credentialed Cooperative Director’s Certificate (CCD) and Board Leadership Certificate (BLC) and has achieved Director Gold Credentials from the NRECA.  

  

Vice President Boyatt reflected on his continued service with a sense of purpose and commitment, saying, “Being a part of this Board has been a rewarding experience. Each decision we make is an opportunity to positively impact our community and ensure the sustainability of our service area. As we navigate growth and transformation in our region, I’m eager to shape a future where every member benefits from reliable, sustainable, and efficient energy solutions.” 

  

District 9 Trustee Morgan Hatfield was re-elected to serve a second term as Secretary/Treasurer. She has been a member since 2019 and resides in Paisley. Her first election to the Board was in 2021. Ms. Hatfield successfully holds her Credentialed Cooperative Director’s Certificate (CCD), the Board Leadership Certificate (BLC), and Director Gold Credential (DGC) from the National Rural Electric Cooperatives Association (NRECA).   

  

Ms. Hatfield expressed her enthusiasm and dedication to her role, stating, “It’s genuinely an honor to serve in this capacity. I enjoy contributing to the cooperative’s welfare and success to ensure our cooperative’s financial health and operational efficiency lay a strong foundation for a sustainable future.”  

  

SECO Energy CEO Curtis Wynn applauded the Board’s commitment and vision. “Our Board of Trustees embodies the Mission, Vision, and Core Values of SECO. Their dedication is pivotal to our success as we continue to grow. These Officers have demonstrated their ability to help lead SECO Energy in a direction that will not only meet but exceed the needs of our members, ensuring we remain a reliable and trusted energy provider for years to come.”  

  

The NRECA offers the Director Certification Program to equip cooperative trustees with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective governance, preparing them to address current and future challenges within the electric cooperative sector. This program also awards the Director Gold Credential (DGC) to those continuously seeking to expand their knowledge and fulfill their governance duties to the highest standard.  

  

For more information about SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees, initiatives, and how the cooperative serves its members, 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 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 9 Members Re-Elect Trustee Morgan Hatfield

SECO Energy members who reside in District 9 re-elected Morgan Hatfield as the District 9 Trustee to serve on SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees. The District 9 Meeting was held within the District on January 30 at Spring Creek Elementary School in Paisley.

 

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 cooperative’s financial status while providing fiduciary oversight and participating in policy decisions that serve the best interests of the membership at large.

 

The District 9 election was uncontested, with Ms. Hatfield retaining the seat for another 3-year term. SECO’s Bylaws require that the cooperative hold District Meetings. Subsequently, Florida Statute requires SECO to hold in-person elections. A drive-thru voting option was available for members for added convenience and to encourage participation.

 

A SECO member since 2019, Ms. Hatfield currently holds the position of Secretary/Treasurer for the Board of Trustees. She attained the Director Gold credential, which is the highest level of achievement through the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). Trustee Hatfield earned a degree in Finance from UCF and is a Senior Wealth Advisor/Partner of Ruggie Wealth Management.

 

Ms. Hatfield shared with the District 9 audience, “I want to thank all District 9 members for attending and showing your interest in participating as SECO members. I am eager to continue working with my fellow Board of Trustees and doing our best to serve our members with an outstanding product supported by industry-leading service.”

 

Board President Gerald Anderson stated, “Congratulations, Ms. Hatfield, on your re-election as District 9 Trustee. I am grateful to the District 9 members who attended the Meeting and participated in our cooperative’s governance process. On behalf of our fellow Board members and peers, we are excited to support SECO Energy’s Mission and Vision through our Board service.”

 

Curtis Wynn CEO stated, “The Board of Trustees and the SECO Energy membership are grateful to all Trustees who give generously of their time and experience. We are very happy to have Ms. Hatfield continue with her leadership and strong contributions to the success of SECO Energy in her role as a Board Trustee and her expanded responsibilities as Secretary/Treasurer. Thank you, District 9 members, for your attendance at the meeting and your interest in SECO Energy and the strategic direction in which the board, executive leadership team and employees are taking your electric cooperative.”

 

“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 Board of Trustees Elects 2023 Officers

SECO Energy Board of Trustees elected its 2023 Officers during the March Trustee meeting. District 3 Trustee Gerald Anderson was re-elected Board President, Scott Boyatt District 1 Trustee was re-elected as Board Vice President and District 9 Trustee Morgan Hatfield was elected Secretary/Treasurer.  

 

SECO Energy is a not-for-profit electric cooperative operated for and owned by its members. Members from each District elect a fellow member for a three-year term to represent them on the SECO Board of Trustees. Collectively, the nine-member SECO Board of Trustees represents all members by meeting monthly to monitor the cooperative’s governance process, provide fiduciary oversight, and participate in policy decisions that serve the best interests of the members at large. 

 

Board President

District 3 Trustee Gerald Anderson was re-elected Board President for a second term. Mr. Anderson has been a SECO Energy member since 2013 and resides in The Villages. His first election to the SECO Energy Board of Trustees was in 2019. He earned his Credentialed Cooperative Director’s Certificate (CCD), his Board Leadership Certificate (BLC) and his Director Gold Credential (DGC) from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) in 2021.  

 

Board President Anderson said he is pleased to be involved with a group of such dedicated leaders. “I am humbled, honored, and thankful to the Trustees for their confidence in electing me President for another term. It’s exciting to work with such a diverse, well-educated Board and staff to chart the next course for SECO Energy. Our Board is well prepared to tackle what may prove to be the most challenging electric cooperative business environment of any generation.” 

 

Board Vice President

District 1 Trustee Scott Boyatt retained his office as Vice President. Mr. Boyatt has been a SECO Member since 2004 and resides in Clermont. His first election to the Board was in 2013. Since joining the SECO Board, he has completed the Credentialed Cooperative Director’s Certificate (CCD), the Board Leadership Certificate (BLC), and has achieved Director Gold Credentials from the NRECA. 

 

Mr. Boyatt stated, “Through my Board of Trustees service, I look forward to helping guide SECO Energy through the remarkable growth in our service area as we support SECO’s Strategy Map.”  

 

Board Secretary/Treasurer

District 9 Trustee Morgan Hatfield joins the Officers as its Secretary/Treasurer and has served on the Board of Trustees since 2021. Ms. Hatfield successfully completed her Credentialed Cooperative Director’s Certificate (CCD), the Board Leadership Certificate (BLC) and her Director Gold Credential (DGC) from the National Rural Electric Cooperatives Association (NRECA).  

 

Ms. Hatfield stated, “It is an honor to serve my neighbors and fellow SECO Energy members through my service on the Board of Trustees. It is especially meaningful to begin serving in an Officer position as Secretary/Treasurer.” 

 

CEO Curtis Wynn’s Comments

SECO Energy CEO Curtis Wynn applauded the commitment of the Board and its vision. “I truly believe we have a Board of Trustees that is in total alignment with the Mission, Vision, and Core Values of SECO. These three Officers have demonstrated their dedication to improving their fiduciary oversight and industry knowledge. We all benefit from their service and are grateful for their efforts.” 

 

The NRECA offers a Director Certification Program for not-for-profit electric cooperative Trustees. It aims to help participants understand their roles and responsibilities and stay up to date on important issues and energy trends while preparing them to meet the challenges facing electric cooperatives now and in the future. The DGC recognizes directors/trustees seeking a credential that confirms their ongoing dedication to extending their knowledge and fulfilling their fiduciary duty in cooperative governance with the highest standards. 

 

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.