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Energy Insider – 3rd Quarter 2021

Odds are over the last year, you have seen a growing number of electric vehicles (EVs) on the road. EVs have become more than just a fad of the environmentally conscious. It is an evolving technology that is being enjoyed by those looking for a new family vehicle and even sports car enthusiasts.

 

 

Just this month, EV startup Riviana announced it had beaten other industry giants to become the first automaker to produce and sell the first electric pickup. Quite frankly, EV technology is far superior to that of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and has, at a minimum, raised the bar on what consumers are looking for in a new ride.

 

In past publications of the Energy Insider, we have reviewed many of the benefits that this technology provides. We have covered the maintenance savings, convenience of charging at night instead of worrying about a fluctuating, volatile fuel market, the warranty improvements provided by manufacturers, range increases, and tax credits available. In this edition, we shed light on some lesser-known EVs – the medium and heavy-duty market as well as the utility market.

 

All-electric semi-trucks are coming soon. Volvo, Peterbilt, Kenworth, Tesla, Cummins and Freightliner along with other manufacturers promise tractor trailers are becoming a reality. This month, the North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE) is conducting Run on Less – Electric (RoL-E), an electric truck technology demonstration with big names in the trucking industry. The three-week demonstration will showcase electric trucks in everyday operation. Visit runonless.com to learn more.

 

Production has started on medium duty (Class 6-7) trucks with ranges of approximately 230 miles on a full charge and a 26,000 – 33,000-pound gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) as well as heavy duty (Class 8) trucks with ranges of approximately 250 miles and a max gross combined weight (GCW) of 82,000 pounds. These trucks can take 1-8 hours for a full charge depending on the charger and have around 300 HP and 500 HP, respectively. These cutting-edge trucks are ideal for short hauls but a range from 300 – 500 miles is anticipated soon.

 

Utility vehicles are also available as EVs. Warehouses are now utilizing this technology for tow tractors, burden carriers, stock chasers and forklifts. EV technology provides the same benefits as passenger vehicles and minimizes the amount of exhaust and noise of a traditional ICE vehicle. EV technologies offer beneficial additions and contribute to a healthier and cleaner working environment.

 

In short, the EV market is developing rapidly, and all indicators point toward an evolution of converting workforce fleets to electric vehicles. Are there transportation needs you have today or that will be coming soon that make transitioning to EVs from ICEs beneficial? Does such a transition make financial sense to your business or meet an environmental goal? We encourage the discussion with your Key Accounts Consultant to see if the time is near and if electric infrastructure upgrades are required at your facility to support EV needs.

 

From utility vehicles to semi-trucks, EVs are becoming more prevalent than ever. There is a plethora of options available and more on the way. Who knows, the next one we see may be the new addition to your fleet!

 

 

Jeff Light, SECO Energy Key Accounts Consultant

JEFF LIGHT

Manager of Key Accounts & Revenue Programs
OFFICE: (352) 569-9787
CELL: (352) 250-2863
jeff.light@secoenergy.com

Hank Bolduc, SECO Energy Key Accounts Consultant

HANK BOLDUC

Key Accounts Consultant
OFFICE: (352) 569-9789
CELL: (352) 303-3546
hank.bolduc@secoenergy.com

Ryon Meyers, SECO Energy Key Accounts Consultant

RYON MEYERS

Key Accounts Consultant
OFFICE: (352) 569-9781
CELL: (352) 636-9593
ryon.meyers@secoenergy.com

SECO Energy Key Accounts Consultant Dustin Merritt

DUSTIN MERRITT

Key Accounts Consultant
OFFICE: (352) 569-9782
CELL: (352) 303-3183
dustin.merritt@secoenergy.com

 

SECO News, October 2020

 

Duncan’s Digest – Power Cost Adjustment Lowers Bills

 

SECO Energy’s mission is to construct, maintain and restore the electric system that serves over 210,000 homes and businesses in the counties we serve. As a not-for-profit electric cooperative that operates for our members, we are proud to provide safe, reliable, affordable electric service and offer world-class customer service.

 

May 2018 SECO News Duncan's Digest

 

This month I have good news to share – SECO is once again lowering the cost of electric service. Beginning October 1, we are applying a higher member-favorable Power Cost Adjustment (PCA) credit to your bill. The PCA appears as a line item on your monthly bill titled “Hot Bucks.”

 

Since January 1, 2020, our rate for the first 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) consumed has been $116.90. The reduction on October 1 will lower the amount by $4.50 per 1,000 kWh to $112.40 or approximately 4 percent.

 

The monthly bill’s PCA factor fluctuates based on the amount SECO pays for power purchased from our wholesale provider Seminole Electric Cooperative, Inc. We work closely with Seminole to ensure the lowest rates possible for members. When the wholesale cost of purchased power decreases, we pass the savings along to you.

 

Providing affordable electric service is a high priority for a not-for-profit electric cooperative like SECO. Going back to January 2014, the rate for 1,000 kWh was $127.75. We applied several member-favorable PCA adjustments since early 2014 to correspond with fuel cost decreases. There were times when fuel costs rose and we had to adjust the PCA to reflect the increase but for the most part, the PCA changes have consistently lowered members’ bills.

 

Between January 1, 2014, and October 1, 2020, the price for 1,000 kWh of electricity has decreased by $15.35 or over 12 percent.

 

SECO also wants to help you use our product efficiently and reduce your monthly energy consumption. Visit our Energy Efficiency page to complete the Home Energy Assessment for an online energy audit. Try the Energy Estimator to calculate the energy use and costs for your electronics, lighting, appliances and more.

 

The relationship between members and their electric cooperative is unique. It’s rare that a company wants you to use less of its product at a lower cost. That’s the cooperative difference. It is our privilege to serve as your electric provider.

 

Sincerely,

 

Jim Duncan

Chief Executive Officer

 


 

SECO News October 2020 Phantom Load It's A Real Scare

Phantom Load – It’s a Real Scare

 

Many everyday electronics consume electricity when plugged into an outlet even when turned “off.” TVs, DVD players, computer equipment, game or audio systems, cable boxes and phone or device chargers are the common culprits. This small amount of energy consumption called phantom load adds up to a real energy consumption trick.

 

Past studies estimate that phantom load is responsible for 10 to 20% of residential electricity consumption in the United States alone. Homes may have 20 to 40 sources of phantom load. The Department of Energy’s (DOE) website at energy.gov references a Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory study that promotes electric power strips. Instead of unplugging multiple devices, a flip of the power strip switch turns off all devices plugged into the strip. Smart plugs are also available for devices such as cell phones that stop using electricity when the battery is charged.

 

What are some opportunities to scare away phantom load in your home? An old electric clock or TV in a spare bedroom? A battery charger for a forgotten tool? How about a computer and printer that is in use only once a week?

 

Ready to battle phantom load? Unplugging appliances and resetting clocks can be a chore. Our online Energy Estimator calculates the energy used and costs for common electronics and appliances in your home.

 

Don’t be scared – SECO’s Energy Estimator tool is available at no cost to you along with the Home Energy Assessment. Submit your Estimator with your email address and we’ll send you additional energy-efficiency treats – no tricks here. Both tools provide energy-efficiency advice tailored to the Energy home.

 


 

SECO News October 2020 Advice From The Old Farmer's Almanac

Advice from The Old Farmer’s Almanac

 

Autumn/winter skies offer planetary treat. The Old Farmer’s Almanac recommends looking for Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn in the autumn and winter skies. Mercury’s position closest to the sun makes it visible during twilight hours in November and December, and Venus is visible as a morning star. Mars is visible all night on October 13 and will continue to be brightly visible through 2020. Jupiter will be visible during the first half of the night in autumn but will pass near Saturn in winter. Look for Jupiter and Saturn to pass closely during the solstice on December 21. Saturn is visible before midnight through autumn. Remember, Jupiter is much brighter than Saturn.

 


SECO News October 2020 StormCenter

StormCenter

Visit StormCenter to view our interactive outage map, subscribe to email, text and voice notifications for outages, check the status of an existing outage and more. You’ll find storm preparation tips and guidance in our Hurricane Handbook online.

 


SECO News July 2020 Keep It Clear - We Work Here

Keep It Clear – We Work Here

 

Safety is our top core value at SECO Energy. Our Keep It Clear – We Work Here campaign promotes and ensures a safe working environment for our employees and contractors.

 

Members sometimes place obstructions such as plants, fences, shrubbery and other lawn items that block personnel’s safe access to SECO equipment. Members are responsible for keeping SECO-owned equipment and the area surrounding equipment clear. Obstructions are a safety hazard to employees and contractors and create longer restoration times.

 

The whyfors of the need for clearance on all sides are safety driven. Multiple employees work on this type of equipment while it’s energized – often in the dark and in adverse weather conditions. Our focus is on the safety of our field employees and contractors who maneuver around equipment with eight-foot hot sticks and bulky testing equipment. Battling shrubs, potted plants, fencing, bird baths, sharp objects and other obstructions can delay restoring power and prevent us from doing so safely. One slip or a difference of a sliver of an inch could result in an employee or contractor getting seriously injured or killed.

 

We are conducting equipment inspections across the service area. View the diagrams and photos on the opposite page as a clearance guide for transformers, secondary enclosures and meters. In addition to this SECO News article, you will be receiving email, text or voice notifications warning to clear obstructions around electric equipment. If you have an obstruction and an Energy Services Specialist must visit the property after multiple attempts to garner cooperation, disconnection of service may occur. This step is a last resort but one that is supported by our Terms & Conditions of Service.

 

Visit our Keep It Clear – We Work Here page if you have questions.

 


SECO News October 2020 EV Charger Winner!

EV Charger Winners

 

We have two EV Level Two charger winners to announce this month. Frank Maglio from The Villages is the August winner. We dropped by Mr. and Mrs. Maglio’s home to deliver the EV charger. The couple already has an electric hybrid Ford Fusion and was so excited to be a winner! Simon Johnson from Clermont is the September winner of a SECO Energy branded JuiceBox Pro 40 EV Level 2 charger. We’re giving one charger away each month while supplies last. To enter, text “EV” to (352) 320-4500 for a link to enter. Or click on the EV Charger Giveaway homepage banner.

 

Learn more about the benefits of electric vehicle ownership on our EV website pages. You’ll find an EV savings calculator, information about CO2 reduction, an EV and PHEV model finder and a nationwide charger-finder map. Visit our Electric Vehicles page for more information.

 

Watch SECO News for next month’s charger winner.

 


SECO News October 2020 Winner's Circle

Winner’s Circle

 

Congratulations to Jerome Szelak of Leesburg, who is the winner of a Nest Learning Thermostat. In a July SECO News promotion, we entered all members enrolled in surge protection by August 15 in this prize drawing. Mr. Szelak’s name was drawn at random from thousands of Surge MitiGator enrollees.

 


SECO News October 2020 Scam alert Solar Scam

Scam Alert – Solar Scams

 

Scam artists have new tricks up their sleeves. We hear more and more from members who are concerned about solar scams. Remember these wise words: If it sounds too good to be true, it’s most likely a trick.

 

The latest solar scams are installers posing as SECO Energy contractors. Members report seeing groups of people walk up and down the streets in neighborhoods insisting that all residents must be on a “solar plan” or SECO will receive a fine. They threaten that SECO will raise rates astronomically and attempt to harass or intimidate you into investing in a solar array that may cost you big bucks.

 

Slam the door on these scammers! They are not authorized SECO Energy contractors. We do not force members to enroll in “solar plans” or buy expensive equipment.

 

You may have seen posts on social media or yard signs advertising “free solar” or “no electric bill solar.” These claims are also too good to be true. Solar panels and their installation are expensive and never “free.” This claim often relates to leasing solar panels. Here’s how it typically works: The homeowner enters into a lease agreement or a power purchase agreement (PPA) with a solar installer. The system belongs to the solar company, not the homeowner. The company then sells the energy produced back to you at a fixed price per kilowatt hour (kWh). If kWh rates go down at your local utility, you are stuck paying the solar company the fixed rate. The homeowner is still connected to the utility grid and now pays a bill to the solar contractor and their local utility. You’ll also likely end up with a lien on your home until the system is paid off – whether you lease or finance the system.

 

A competent, reputable solar installer will meet with you to determine your goals when installing a solar system on your home. They will review your recent consumption history to help you choose the system size that meets your needs. They will not make promises that are too good to be true. Homeowners with solar panel systems interconnected to SECO’s electric system still receive a monthly bill. Members who have solar systems without battery or generator backup will continue to use utility-supplied power at night or when the sun isn’t shining and are billed a monthly customer charge. Homeowners will not have power during a utility outage unless they invest in a robust battery or generator backup system.

 

SECO Energy is a partner for members who choose to reduce their utility-supplied power by installing a solar system. We will not try and dissuade you from choosing to reduce your utility-supplied power by investing in solar. Our Energy Services team specializes in solar system knowledge and will be happy to help you navigate the false advertising and claims made by less-than-reputable solar contractors and installers.

 

We have a host of resources online, visit the Is Solar Right for You? page. You’ll find an FAQ section, view a sample solar bill, a net metering explanation and independent resources to research the facts and dispel solar myths and false claims. If you decide solar is right for you, SECO provides an easy to navigate online Interconnection Platform where you and your contractor will collaboratively plan your system installation.

 

Read the full October 2020 SECO News online.

Energy Insider – 2nd Quarter 2020

From electric draglines to electric cars, beneficial electrification provides the opportunity to achieve economic and environmental benefits.

 

SECO Insider: SECO Energy Insider 2nd Quarter 2020 - Beneficial Electrification

 

Mining is a big industry in Florida and the need to extract product in the most cost effective manner is essential to remain competitive. With the advent of electricity, mines moved away from human, animal and steam power to fossil fuels and electricity. Every step away from old processes increased production. There is a long history of efficiency and innovation especially in recent years with increased interest in electrification of fossil-fueled processes. This transition away from fossil fuels is referred to as beneficial electrification. In a mining environment, this is applicable to crushing, moving and processing of the mined product.

 

When it comes to beneficial electrification, SECO-served Bedrock Resources of Ocala, Florida, is a great example. Bedrock Resources has converted its rock crushers that process mined material for use in road construction, from gas to electric. They have replaced smaller, fossil-fueled, inefficient draglines used to excavate rock with larger electric ones. Recently, they purchased loaders propelled by electric motors powered by diesel generators on the equipment. The fuel usage has been cut in half and the savings are impressive. Beneficial electrification creates new and exciting opportunities to achieve economic and environmental goals, but it is not limited to just mining. Today, more than ever before, there is increasing interest in many other areas.

 

A recent survey of 1,200 Americans by the Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative indicated that 68% of respondents are willing to transition from fossil fuels to electricity for transportation, cooking, heating and water heating. The study also indicated that respondents believe it is important for their electric utility to invest in electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. Additionally, 31% of respondents have an interest in purchasing an electric vehicle.

 

A recent SECO Energy survey of 90,000 members also indicated the same. The survey was a preliminary first step in SECO Energy’s planning for maximizing the benefit of electric vehicles in our service territory. SECO received nearly 7,000 responses with interesting results:

 

• 5% of members already own an EV.
• 34% indicate interest in purchasing an EV in the future.
• 42% think SECO should promote and support the use of EVs in our service area.

 

Based upon both surveys, residential consumers are looking ahead and planning purchases of electric vehicles rather than continuing to rely solely on fossil fuels. In addition, we are seeing an increased interest in using electrified semi-trucks in the future. Distribution warehouses are already making use of electricity for battery-powered forklifts and electricity for idling processes such as refrigerated trailers that are parked for the evening. School systems are investing in electric/battery-powered buses that offset the need for additional generation during summer peak loads.

 

Beneficial electrification saves consumers money over time, helps the environment, reduces carbon emissions, improves quality of life and enhances a stronger electrical grid. There are many opportunities for residential, commercial and industrial sectors to take advantage of beneficial electrification. Electrifying equipment at the right place and the right time can deliver a savings for all involved. Beneficial electrification also enables better grid management, creates jobs and provides solutions to meet environmental goals. While the greatest opportunity for beneficial electrification is with transportation, heating and water heating; many end uses have potential.

 

As your electric provider, SECO Energy is ready to engage with you if you have an interest in shifting away from fossil fuels to a cleaner source of energy. A good place to start may be with your fleet vehicles. If you haven’t already, learn more about electric vehicles by visiting our website https://secoenergy.com/electric-vehicles/. You will find a wealth of information including a savings calculator and a CO2 emissions comparison of gas versus electric. To promote the use of EVs in our service area, we are giving away a SECO branded 50-amp JuiceBox Pro Level 2 EV fast charger for residential use. We will choose one random winner on the 15th of each month until the promotion ends. Register for a chance to win: https://secoenergy.com/electric-vehicle-charger-giveaway/.

 

 

BARBIE SHAW

Manager of Key Accounts & Energy Services
OFFICE: (352) 569-9787
CELL: (352) 303-3567
barbie.shaw@secoenergy.com

Hank Bolduc, SECO Energy Key Accounts Consultant

HANK BOLDUC

Key Accounts Consultant
OFFICE: (352) 569-9789
CELL: (352) 303-3546
hank.bolduc@secoenergy.com

Ryon Meyers, SECO Energy Key Accounts Consultant

RYON MEYERS

Key Accounts Consultant
OFFICE: (352) 569-9781
CELL: (352) 636-9593
ryon.meyers@secoenergy.com

Jeff Light, SECO Energy Key Accounts Consultant

JEFF LIGHT

Key Accounts Consultant
OFFICE: (352) 569-9790
CELL: (352) 303-3183
jeff.light@secoenergy.com