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Energy Insider – 1st Quarter

Autonomous Taxis Coming Soon to a Village Near You

 

Autonomous Taxis – Coming Soon to a Village Near You!

 

The future is now! Autonomous taxi company Voyage Auto has launched a pilot program in The Villages, Florida, specifically the Village of Virginia Trace. The self-driving taxi program, unveiled earlier this year, is as an added benefit for the residents in The Villages. This is simply a taxi service for folks who need to get to or from somewhere but do not have their own transportation or perhaps don’t feel comfortable driving. Ryan McCabe, Operations Manager with The Villages, states; “We believe in what Voyage Auto is trying to do. We couldn’t be happier with the idea.”

 

The thing that makes this different from other transportation services is that there isn’t a person in the driver’s seat! This vehicle is fully autonomous and a ride can be arranged using the Voyage mobile app. In the near future, Voyage will be expanding their presence in The Villages on a neighborhood-by-neighborhood basis. Virginia Trace was chosen for the pilot because of its close proximity to Lake Sumter Landing. It is likely the same criteria will be used in choosing which neighborhood is next. Mr. McCabe stated, “With golf carts and Voyage, the residents might not need a car to live here.”

 

For those concerned with this “out-of-the-box” idea, Tom Hauburger, Director of Product for Voyage, states, “The technology investment we make is centered on safety and comfort.” The Voyage team understands the highest level of safety is expected and consumer comfort is a close second.

 

Keep an eye out for upcoming “try-ride” events at a location near you. Customers will have the opportunity to experience a ride into the future. Try-ride event dates will be announced once all of the details are finalized and locations are chosen.

 

Visit Voyage for more information about this revolutionary idea!

 

 

SECO Earns Tree Line USA Distinction

 

SECO Earns Tree Line USA Distinction

 

The wind is blowing, the rain is coming down sideways and ZAP, your power is out. Power is of the utmost importance to your business. Power drives the machines, lights and most likely everything essential to your operation. The last thing you need is a power outage. However, this is Florida where storms develop quickly and in some cases are severe enough to threaten your reliability.

 

When storms happen, trees pose the greatest hazards to the electric lines serving your facility. For this reason, SECO Energy has a services agreement with tree trimming contractors and also arranges for a very large contingent of tree trimming contractors to aid with restoration activities prior to a major storm or hurricane. Our vegetation management efforts are ongoing and a very important function to ensure reliability of your electric service. As a matter of fact, for twelve consecutive years, SECO Energy has been awarded the Tree Line USA Utility distinction from the Arbor Day Foundation. We are very proud of this achievement.

 

SECO Energy’s award-winning Vegetation Management team is comprised of five professionals who manage the program. According to April Hurst, Supervisor of Vegetation Management, “SECO’s goal is to prevent tree-related outages. We plan, direct and execute activities to clear the right-of-ways for any vegetative hazard posed to the electric lines from the substation all the way to the transformer that serves member facilities.” Doing this requires a massive amount of planning, supervision and the actual execution of the plan.

 

On average SECO Energy spends about $10,000,000 per year to execute the vegetation management plan. Our program is very aggressive and our proactive approach has greatly reduced the number of tree-related outages. “Although what we do is not always esthetically pleasing or pretty, it is necessary for the health of the tree and for line clearances – healthy trees planted in the right place do not cause outages,” advises Mrs. Hurst.

 

To ensure correct methods for trimming trees, SECO Energy hires certified arborists. Crews that specialize in tree trimming perform the actual work. The correct trimming methods maintain the health of the tree and minimize the threat to the electric system. Follow up inspections are performed by SECO professionals to ensure work has been performed correctly.

 

How can you help? Take notice of trees/tree limbs in close proximity of electric distribution lines serving your facility. Even if your service is underground, at some point it feeds into an overhead line. When adding landscape, be sure and plant the right tree in the right place – where there is little likelihood the tree will ever impact electric facilities. Talk to your Key Account consultant regarding any concerns you have.

 

For more information on our vegetation management program or for clarification of what SECO will trim versus your trimming responsibilities, visit our tree trimming page. Want to meet SECO vegetation management team in person? Join us on Saturday, April 27, 2019 for Earthfest at Arbor Day event in Tuscawilla Park in Ocala!

 

 

12 Annual Earth Day Celebration Sponsored by CEMEX

 

12th Annual Earth Day Celebration

 

If you are looking for a fun family event in Sumter County this April, look no further than the 12th Annual Earth Day Celebration in Center Hill, Florida. So what is this you may ask? The event is a partnership between the Sumter County School Board and CEMEX. This FREE event features a tour of the CEMEX mine and provides insight on the importance of mining and how it’s done while protecting and conserving our natural resources.

 

The Earth Day celebration includes many local environmental agencies who share useful information on a number of topics from water conservation to preventing pollution. Represented this year will be the UF/IFAS Extension Service, National Resources Conservation Service, Phosphate Research Institute, Florida Native Plant Society, Sumter County Master Gardeners and the Florida Forestry Service. SECO Energy will also be onsite to educate attendees on electrical safety and energy conservation.

 

Food and entertainment are part of the celebration. Enjoy a Grumpy’s famous ice cream and hot dogs cooked by Ring Power Corporation. Meet the animal ambassadors from the Florida International Teaching Zoo and learn all about bats. You can even hold a baby alligator and learn how to sculpt sand. The ever-popular Kids Fossil Dig will be open for children ages three to third grade along with the opportunity to plant a tree. The Same in Lame Jazz Ambassadors and the South Sumter High School Naval National Defense Cadet Corps will open the event with the Pledge of Allegiance and the Star Spangled Banner. Chorus and band groups from South Sumter Middle School, Wildwood Middle School and Wildwood Elementary School will perform their favorite songs.

 

The 12th Annual Earth Day Event is scheduled for April 13, 2019 at the CEMEX mine located at 530 W. King Highway in Center Hill. The fun begins at 10 a.m. and ends at 2 p.m.

 

 

 

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

 

 

Energy Insider – 2nd Quarter

SECO Energy Insider, 2nd Quarter - Avoid Taking the Bait When Hackers Phish

Avoid Taking the Bait When Hackers Phish

 

Online phishing emails are a very real and dangerous trend. According to Wikipedia, the annual worldwide impact of phishing was as high as five billion dollars as of 2015. Today, this number is substantially more.

 

Being aware of what phishing emails look like and how to avoid them can save a company a lot of money, damage, and stress. Computer hackers love to go phishing, but instead of baiting hooks, they’re sending emails. They disguise what looks like a trustworthy email in order to obtain sensitive information from companies and individuals. Phishing is a form of social engineering designed to trick people into clicking what appears to be a valid link but instead causes damage in one way or another.

 

The reason hackers phish is to obtain sensitive and profitable information. By clicking on the link in their email, you may be doing anything from installing a virus to allowing the hackers into your computer network. Either of these is to gain information to be used against the company or for access to sensitive information such as a social security number or password. For example, the hacker may obtain a company’s username and password to their bank account and start making money transfers. They may gain trade secrets or future plans. This vital information is up for grabs if someone is not careful when receiving a phishing email.

 

Phishing emails are designed to blend in with emails employees receive every day. For example, if you work in the accounting world and are accustomed to emails with invoices, you might receive the same type of email from a hacker with only a couple of variations. One may think that a small change isn’t a big deal, but that little detail could make all the difference. Often, the emails give a time frame or sense of urgency in order to prompt a quick click without thinking. For example, claiming your bank account is hacked and you need to click the link to reset your password. Phishing emails also often contain grammatical errors. A good example of a phishing email will look something like this:

 

SECO Energy Insider, 2nd Quarter - Avoid Taking the Bait When Hackers Phish, phishing email example

 

The easiest way to avoid falling victim to phishing emails is to always pay close attention. The “From” portion of the email address will often be similar to email addresses you would normally recognize. The slight difference could be as simple as an extra letter. Many times the sentences are not well written.

 

If an email is not one you’re expecting, question why it is being received. If the email is suspicious in any way, check with your company’s IT security team. If you receive an email asking to change a password for anything from a bank to a medical insurance site, call the company first or go directly to the website instead of clicking the link. Always check the legitimacy of the email before moving forward and warn others so everyone knows to be wary of a possible incoming attack.

 

 

 

SECO Energy Insider, 2nd Quarter - One-size-fits-all Does Not Apply

One-size-fits-all Does Not Apply

 

When it comes to surge protection, there is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Sometimes consumers spend a lot of money on surge products only to be disappointed. Typically this doesn’t relate to the product itself, instead, it’s because the manufacturer’s recommendations for installation have not been followed, contributing to poor product performance.

 

When contemplating surge protection think about multiple layers of protection. The goal should be to make sure the protector is installed as close as possible to the source you’re trying to protect. Let-thru voltages increase for every foot of excess wire used in an installation. This means additional unwanted surge energy can travel directly to your equipment/systems increasing the potential for damage. The rule-of-thumb is to use as little wire as possible, avoid loops and bends, and follow instructions as outlined.

 

Although installation is a key factor in ensuring success, without a properly connected ground at the service entrance, dollars spent on surge protection are spent in vain. Have a professional test your grounding effectiveness before you get started. Once grounding is confirmed, draw a circle around your facility. Take a look at all lines coming in such as the electric, phone, satellite, and cable. Then determine the best way to protect each point of entry.

 

Besides primary surge protector at your service entrance or before the first breaker in your main panel box, add protection at all subpanels. Pay careful attention not to forget panels feeding security systems, outdoor lighting, gates, fountains, etc. Utilize point-of-use devices on indoor equipment such as computers, copiers, fax machines, and phone chargers. Statistics show up to 80 percent of power surges are generated internally. Although these are not the surges that do the most damage, they degrade equipment over time.

 

For more information on how to protect your commercial/industrial facility from damaging surges contact your SECO Energy Key Accounts Consultant. We’ll be glad to arrange for our surge vendor to help you formulate a plan to fit your company’s specific needs.

 

 

 

SECO Energy Insider, 2nd Quarter - Member Spotlight, E.R. Jahna Industries

Member Spotlight: E. R. Jahna 474 Sand Mine, Clermont, Florida

 

E.R. Jahna Industries is American-owned and has been independently operated since 1934 from their headquarters in Lake Wales Florida. Building upon his construction and concrete background, Emil Jahna, Jr., started mining operations in 1946 supplying sand for local businesses producing concrete. Beginning in the late 1960s, E.R. Jahna’s Central Florida locations allowed them to flourish by supplying construction grade sands to Disney World, Interstate 4 and the surrounding building growth. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, E.R. Jahna Industries purchased and started several new mines to expand their Florida footprint.

 

Today, E.R. Jahna remains owned and operated by the second and third generations of family. They continue to grow in the mining industry currently operating four sand mines in Florida and one in Savannah, GA. The company is a leading producer of high quality and reliable aggregate products – specifically sand. However, the term aggregate applies to a broad category of either fine or coarse particulate material such as silica sand, gravel, slag or crushed stone. These products are mined and used in concrete, concrete products, construction and every day modern life applications. Drain fields, road base, materials for concrete, sand for golf courses, roof tile, power poles, pavers, concrete pipe, concrete block and beach replenishment are all typical uses of aggregates here in Florida.

 

Although sand mining may sound simple, it is not! It requires a huge investment and an involved process to ensure a high quality product to meet end-use expectations. At E.R. Jahna’s in Clermont, Florida (served by SECO Energy), a dredge is used to remove sand from a pit. The sand is then transported through a pipeline to the sand plant. The sand plant washes and separates material through different processes to meet the customer’s end-use requirements. During its journey through the plant, the sand is screened of foreign debris, washed, sized, and the water removed creating the final sand aggregate product(s). Because the sand is so hard and abrasive on the metal processing equipment, continuous maintenance is required to meet production schedules and customer needs. E.R. Jahna’s maintenance program is key to its reliable production capabilities and quality products.

 

In order to compete in a competitive marketplace, E.R. Jahna continues to increase efficiency in extracting aggregates companywide. Many projects include sand plant re-configurations, efficient pump and motor upgrades, and an extensive geologic analysis of reserves and production yields. Over the next year, the E.R. Jahna 474 Independent Sand Mine will see drastic capital improvements including the total rebuild of the sand plant. With new technology and continued learning, E.R. Jahna can remain competitive and on the forefront of the aggregate mining industry.

 

 

 

SECO Energy Insider, 2nd Quarter - SECO Energy Is “Storm Ready,” Are You

SECO Energy Is “Storm Ready,” Are You?

 

Hurricane season began on June 1st and SECO Energy stands “Storm Ready.” Our System Operations Center is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and crews and support staff are available around the clock. Our Emergency Restoration Plan serves as a guide to ensure the timeliest restoration of service even under the most adverse circumstances. SECO Energy’s operating plan is continually evaluated and updated annually because we understand the importance of electricity to your business. However, this is only half the battle. You too must be storm ready.

 

For your business, being storm ready may not necessarily apply to a weather event or service interruption at your location. Depending on your operation, there could be a number of things with the potential to impact your bottom line. Having a plan in place to deal with concerns increases the chances of your business surviving. Statistics show that ninety percent of companies fail within a year unless they can resume operations within five days after a catastrophe.

 

In today’s world, businesses must prepare for the impacts of many hazards including natural disasters like hurricanes, tornados and flooding. Then there are human caused hazards, acts of violence and terrorism, technology-related issues and equipment failures. Whether the disaster is major or minor, anything that has the potential to cease operations at your location for a prolonged period of time can be crippling. A good plan is necessary to prevent this.

 

Many experts advise developing a preparedness plan consisting of the five steps as follows:

 

  1. STEP ONE-Program Management
    Assign an administrator to organize, develop and identify the regulations that establish the minimum requirements of your program.
  2.  

  3. STEP TWO-Planning
    Gather information and examine ways to identify, assess, prevent and reduce hazards and risks. Done correctly, this would include a business impact analysis.
  4.  

  5. STEP THREE-Implementation
    Create a written plan to address resource management, emergency response, communication, operational continuity, IT, employee assistance, incident management and training.
  6.  

  7. STEP FOUR-Testing and Exercises
    Evaluate your plan on an ongoing basis by conducting multiple types of training and exercises, using the results to evaluate the effectiveness of the plan.
  8.  

  9. STEP FIVE-Program Improvement
    Establish a cycle of review and methods of evaluation and make the necessary changes to keep the plan current.

 

Related to your hurricane preparedness plan, be sure your plan includes actions to be taken before, during and after the storm. Keep the lines of communication open for everyone involved. It is imperative employees understand their assignments and reporting procedures. Be sure site issues, such as boarding up buildings, securing or relocating signs or equipment and removing loose debris, are done before the storm’s arrival. After the storm, wait until the area is declared safe before proceeding to survey damage. Then, survey the site for safety hazards, downed power lines, leaking gas or fluids and damage to foundations or piping. If you lose power, report the outage to your SECO Energy representative and visit our Storm Center and Facebook at SECOenergy.com for progress updates and to monitor restoration efforts.

 

Remember, you are not alone. There are many resources to assist you in preparing for disasters. FEMA, the State of Florida and the Small Business Administration all have resources available on-line including free sample emergency plans, preparedness checklists and templates.

 

 

 

SECO Energy Insider, 2nd Quarter - Energy Conservation Tips for Small Retailers

Energy Conservation Tips for Small Retailers

 

Saving energy makes good business sense. Not only is conserving energy good for the environment, but it’s also good for your bank account. Implementing a few simple energy conservation strategies can help reduce your monthly energy bill.

 

Historical Usage
By monitoring your energy usage on your monthly electric bill you can identify patterns and understand normal monthly consumption. Knowing how and where energy is consumed is a first step to reduce costs and lower consumption.

 

Energy Efficient Equipment
Whenever possible, upgrade or retrofit light fixtures to CFLs or LEDs and consider adding occupancy sensors to turn lighting off in storerooms or other seldom-used areas. Make it convenient to unplug all equipment, not in use, with the aid of a power strip.

 

Control Your Thermostat
Many offices seem to have ongoing thermostat wars that can actually decrease your energy efficiency and lead to higher energy bills. Prevent this by investing in a programmable thermostat. According to ENERGY STAR® you can save $180 annually. Additional savings can be achieved if you program a more conservative setting during unoccupied hours.

 

Keep the Heat Outside
Ensuring your business is properly insulated and taking steps to reduce drafts can help lower your monthly bill. Door seals, window coverings, and door closers are just a few examples of low-cost ways to conserve energy.

 

For more information on how to save, contact your SECO Energy representative and arrange for a free personalized energy assessment of your facility.

 

 

 

 

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

J.D. Simmons, SECO Energy Key Accounts Consultant

J.D. SIMMONS

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

 

 

Energy Insider – 3rd Quarter

SECO Energy Insider - 3rd Quarter, Local Resource for Lighting Choices, Besco Lighting and Electric Supply

 

Local Resource for Lighting Choices

 

When it comes to lighting, there is much to know. The average person can be easily overwhelmed especially since technology continues to change at such a rapid pace. Just when you think you’ve got it figured out, the “next best” product hits the market. Although residential lighting doesn’t have the energy impact it does in a commercial operation, you need to make an informed choice. Besco Lighting and Electric Supply, located at 711 South Main Street in Leesburg can help you.

 

Besco’s Leesburg headquarters office and retail lighting showroom offers a wide variety of decorative fixtures in addition to a number of décor items including fans, silk plants and mirrors. However, this is only a small portion of the business; their wholesale operation caters to contractors and commercial businesses in need of lighting and/or electrical supplies.

 

According to Andy Braun, Besco Vice President, the business his father built from the ground up is helping consumers find the “right” product. “We will sit with our customer for hours; we will go to the jobsite or residential home. We provide commercial/industrial lighting assessments at no charge. Our team understands the importance of selecting a good quality light and matching the light to the application in which it will be used. We are proud of our reputation and to have served Central Florida since 1954.”

 

With over 35 years of expertise, Andy is quick to point out that it’s a full-time job keeping up with technology. He says, “everyone is moving toward light-emitting diodes, commonly referred to as LEDs. When they initially hit the market, LEDs were very expensive and had some flaws. Now it appears market price and quality are beginning to stabilize making it a good time to consider new lighting.”

 

LED sales continue to increase nationwide. Most consumers like the bright white light, although there is actually a range of colors to choose from. LEDs are attractive because of their long life span and because they emit less heat. Another benefit is that unlike fluorescent lighting, they contain no mercury. Today’s LEDs are also very versatile. There are literally hundreds of styles to choose from and a number of those are dimmable. At Besco, one of the most popular residential sellers is “tape” lighting. This thin rope-like LED lighting can be cut to specs and easily adheres to cabinet bottoms.

 

SECO Energy Insider - 3rd Quarter, Local Resource for Lighting Choices, Besco Lighting and Electric Supply

 

In commercial and industrial operations, LEDs are making their mark as well. They are replacing fluorescents in troffers and recessed fixtures and becoming increasingly popular as canopy lighting in gas stations.

 

When it comes to LEDs, experts like Andy say you get what you pay for. He recommends to pay close attention and look at ratings, hours and for name-brand recognition. Give thought also to the number of hours a light operates. Don’t spend your hard-earned dollars to replace a light that is seldom used.

 

For help determining specialized needs, forgo big box retailers and tap into more personalized advice from one of Central Florida’s experts – Besco Lighting and Electrical Supply. For more information visit their website  or email one of SECO’s Key Account Consultants. We’ll perform a lighting assessment of your facility free of charge and help you evaluate if your business can benefit from a lighting upgrade.

 

 

SECO Energy Insider - 3rd Quarter, Publix, Ensuring a Healthier World for Generations to Come

 

Ensuring a Healthier World for Generations to Come

 

This quarter, Publix Super Markets, Inc. opened two new stores in SECO Energy’s service territory. One of the new stores is located at Lake Deaton Plaza in The Villages and the other at the Tavares Crossroads Plaza. The stores offer a full range of services including grocery, deli, meat & seafood, produce, floral, dairy, health & nutrition, beauty & personal care, housewares, pet, non-foods, liquors, Green Wise products, and pharmacy.

 

As part of Publix’s mission to be the “premier quality food retailer in the world,” the Get into the Green Routine® program was created back in 2001. The program emphasizes sustainability by balancing the needs of the community with the environment. One of the key components of the program is energy conservation with a focus on refrigeration, air conditioning, lighting, and solar energy. Publix takes this commitment very seriously when designing new facilities, but they have also retrofitted a number of their older stores.

 

In the areas of refrigeration and air conditioning, Publix utilizes secondary coolant technology. This technology results in a refrigerate charge reduction, reduces the potential for refrigerant leaks, and simplifies maintenance. Low-ozone refrigerants are also being used in their low-temperature cases. Because of these efforts, Publix received the GreenChill Achievement award from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and is currently partnering with the agency to evaluate new refrigeration technologies.

 

SECO Energy Insider - 3rd Quarter, Publix Mission

 

Another “bright” idea you’ll see in Publix stores is the latest fluorescent lighting technologies, state-of-the-art metal halide fixtures, and energy management system (EMS) controls. You’ll also notice Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) are replacing traditional incandescent lamps and motion sensors on refrigerated door cases. These upgrades have reduced their lighting energy usage by 50 to 80 percent.

 

To date, 780 stores, both new and existing, have incorporated new technologies. These measures save almost 100,000 kWh annually per store. Although this figure is quite impressive, the retail giant’s combined conservation efforts have saved over 1 billion kWh- enough to power 84,000 homes for a year at an average of 1000 kWh per month.

 

The Publix commitment to the environment and energy conservation doesn’t stop there. The grocer has partnered with the Florida Solar Energy Center and other solar companies to conduct feasibility studies at five Publix locations. The goal is to determine the best way to integrate solar into their energy management strategy. So the next time you’re shopping at Publix, remember – for them, it’s not just about the goods, it’s about ensuring a better world for generations to come.

 

Publix Super Market was founded in Winter Haven, Florida in 1930 by George W. Jenkins and represents the largest employee-owned grocery chain in the Unites States. They currently operate 1,127 stores, 8 distribution centers, and 10 manufacturing facilities in the southeast with retail sales totaling $32.4 billion annually. Publix Super Markets is the largest private employer in the state of Florida with 184,500 people on their payroll. They also purchase 1% of all the electric generation in Florida.

 

 

SECO Energy Insider - 3rd Quarter, Infrared (IR) Thermal Imagers

 

Beyond What Your Eyes Can See

 

Does your business have a predictive maintenance plan? How would you like to get ahead of a mechanical/electrical breakdown of your plant equipment? Would you like to repair potential problems at your discretion and at a time convenient with your production schedule? If so, now may be the time to start thinking thermally.

 

Infrared (IR) Thermal Imagers (cameras) have radically transformed the predictive maintenance field. Each year products are getting better and are less costly. Years ago an IR camera was thousands of dollars – now one can be purchased for as little as a couple hundred dollars.

 

There are many camera options. Cameras can be standalone or built into a multi-meter. Some IR cameras offer digital imaging to provide an accurate visual record. Most are supported with memory cards for image storage and reporting purposes. There are also cameras that attach to your smart phones for additional flexibility and ease of use.

 

With so many camera choices today, it might be a bit confusing trying to select one that’s right for your operation. To help you decide, consider one of the well-established tech giants like Fluke Corporation or FLIR. These companies have been in the business of predictive maintenance for a long time and are recognized leaders in the industry.

 

SECO Energy Insider - 3rd Quarter, Infrared (IR) Thermal Imagers

 

At SECO Energy, we have used thermography for imaging as part of our preventive maintenance plan for years. Even before thermal imaging became popular, we were patrolling our substations and distribution facilities to identify potential problems. Today we understand what a valuable resource IR technology is and all service personnel carry thermography cameras in their trucks. We also utilize the cameras when performing commercial energy assessments.

 

The fact is, the cameras can be used for a multitude of purposes. They have been used to inspect switchgear, breaker panels, roofs, walls, leaks, human bodies and even horses for many years. You can scan anything that moves such as motors, conveyors, vehicle engines, pulley bearings, brakes, drive shafts and all other kinds of items that generate heat. The possibilities are endless.

 

Once you decide that an IR camera is right for your business, establish a routine inspection schedule. Using your initial survey as your baseline moving forward you can identify and correct potential problems before they impact your operation.

 

For more information about infrared technologies contact your account representative or visit Flir or Fluke online. Go online to learn more about SECO products and services.

 

 

SECO Energy Insider - 3rd Quarter, The Power of Reliability

 

The Power of Reliability

 

“Our goal is to construct electrical facilities to the highest standards and maintain our vast system to prevent outages. When outages do occur we restore the power safely, quickly and professionally. Our average restoration time is 60 minutes which is World Class.” John LaSelva, VP of Operations.

 

SECO Energy’s system held up remarkably well despite the high winds and rains associated with Hurricane Hermine. For those thousands of members who did incur outages, the majority were back in service within 153 minutes – pretty darn quick for a hurricane-driven outage event.

 

With almost 200,000 members, 12,000 miles of lines covering over 2000 square miles of service territory keeping your lights on is a huge responsibility – one that SECO Energy’s Vice President of Operations, John LaSelva, takes very seriously.

 

As leader of the reliability and operations group, John oversees 271 employees and contractors. His goal is to prevent outages by constructing facilities to the highest standards and through ongoing maintenance. This means continually inspecting and upgrading existing facilities – distribution and transmission poles, underground equipment and substation infrastructure.

 

Although replacement of poles and transformers is ongoing, it is only a small portion of what your cooperative does to maintain our “World Class” reliability rating worthy of two consecutive J.D. Power customer satisfaction awards. Every substation throughout the SECO Energy system is inspected monthly and upgraded as needed. Marion Oaks, Continental and Mt. Dora are currently scheduled for upgrades to meet the needs of a growing membership.

 

SECO Energy Insider - 3rd Quarter, The Power of Reliability

 

In addition to high construction standards and ongoing upgrades, SECO Energy employs a comprehensive vegetation management program trimming over 1500 miles of right-a-way each year. Infrared imaging is also utilized to perform bi-annual inspections on overhead and underground facilities. Both of these efforts drastically reduces outages.

 

Reliability of your electric service doesn’t stop with the facilities that bring the power to your plant. SECO’s system contains 1159 active Current Transformer (CT) meters, most installed at commercial/industrial accounts. These CT meters are tested on a 3-year cycle and the top 30 (highest monthly energy usage) are tested annually. These metering inspections increase reliability at your location and ensure accurate billing of your electric usage.

 

When we think of reliability, we tend to think only of the power to make things work. However, SECO Energy takes pride in repairing area lights in a timely manner. Of the 9,000 lights reported annually, 95% of them are back in service within our goal of 24 hours. Just a reminder, if you have a lights(s) in need of repair, just email us or fill out our convenient web form.

 

 

 

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

J.D. Simmons, SECO Energy Key Accounts Consultant

J.D. SIMMONS

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