SECO News, July 2018

Duncan’s Digest

Did you know SECO Energy serves over 200,000 homes and businesses in seven Central Florida Counties? Our 2,100-square mile territory houses 48 substations, over 12,000 miles of overhead line and more than 138,000 poles. SECO provides service to over 53,000 area lights that brighten roadways, sidewalks and members’ yards.

The 53,000 area lights are a significant component of our system. Crews are constantly on the lookout for lights that are out or burning during the day, and SECO typically repairs an area light in about 24 hours. To provide members and others with a fast way to report area light issues, SECO developed an easy-to-use online tool. This new system is called LightFinder.

In LightFinder, each area light is represented by an icon. Working lights are indicated by a green lightbulb icon. Lights already reported for repair are shown as a red wrench icon. For 24 hours after repairs are complete, the light icon changes to an orange check mark. Member-owned lights are expressed as blue icons, and inactive lights are gray

To report an area light outage or needed repair, visit StormCenter online. Locate the LightFinder icon and proceed to the LightFinder map. In the search bar at the top of the page, input the pole number or address to locate the area light.

Click the icon representing the light you wish to report. An info panel opens on the right side of the screen. Choose the light problem type from the drop-down menu, enter comments and continue.

Once reported, you will receive an email confirmation and a follow-up notification when the light is repaired.

LightFinder is also accessible through our online billing/payment account management tool called SmartHub which is available as an app for your smartphone or mobile device. To download, search SmartHub in your smartphone or tablet’s app store and complete the installation instructions. By clicking the icons on the home page of the SmartHub app, you can report area light outages through LightFinder or report a power outage through StormCenter.

These new online tools are designed for you, our members, to save you time and to help SECO communicate with you quickly. I hope you take advantage of the tools if needed.

Sincerely,

Jim Duncan

Chief Executive Officer

Energy Efficiency – Program Into Savings

Installing a programmable Wi-Fi thermostat is a low-cost step to reduce energy costs. ENERGY STAR recommends using the programmable thermostat’s pre-programmed settings to save up to $180 a year on your electric bill. You can purchase a name-brand Wi-Fi programmable thermostat at your local hardware or big box store for under $100.

For optimum efficiency, utilize the thermostat’s pre-set energy efficiency controls. Resist adjusting the thermostat to temporarily make a room cooler or warmer. Continued adjustments will increase the amount of energy used, and will not heat or cool your home faster. If you have strip heating, manually adjusting your thermostat by more than a few degrees at a time will cause the strips to cycle on in error.

During the summer, set the temperature for 78 degrees or higher. Set at 68 or lower during winter months. Program “away” timeframes so that your HVAC does not run unnecessarily while no one is home. Keep your fan setting on “Auto” and the HVAC unit’s fan will run only as needed. If the unit requires batteries, be sure to change them once a year. Weak or dying batteries will prevent programmed settings from running correctly.

Safety Corner – Downed Line Dangers

SECO Energy inspects thousands of poles annually to ensure they are in good condition. Poles damaged by bears, woodpeckers, high winds, vehicle accidents or weakening due to age are replaced. In the event of a tornado, tropical storm or hurricane, poles may break and result in downed power lines.

Downed lines are extremely dangerous. Always assume a downed line is energized. Never touch a downed power line and stay far away. Even the ground near a downed line has the potential to be energized – which can cause severe injury or death. Call 911 or SECO to report a downed line immediately.

Warn children of the dangers of downed power lines. Children are curious by nature and may want to touch or approach downed lines. Never allow children to play near electrical equipment or climb trees encroaching overhead lines. After storms, survey your area for hazards before allowing children outside to play. A downed line may be hidden by a tree or landscaping and not easily seen.

Power lines and poles are often found near roadways and can be damaged in vehicle accidents. In 2017, SECO crews repaired or replaced poles over 70 times as a result of vehicle accidents. If you strike a utility pole, stay in your vehicle unless it is on fire. Practice extreme caution before exiting. A downed line may be present on your car or close by on the ground. Warn emergency personnel and bystanders about possible downed lines nearby.

Understand the dangers of downed power lines. Play it safe, stay away from downed lines and report immediately.

Read the full July SECO News online.

SECO Members Use 30% More Energy in January

To help members understand increasing energy bills this winter, SECO Energy has published its Central Florida January weather blog

January 2018 was much colder than January 2017. The average low in January was a chilly 46 degrees – last year at the same time the average low was a warmer 54 degrees. Central Florida residents experienced ten days of lows in the 30s and one day in the 20s, when snow flurries were reported at the Leesburg Airport!

SECO’s residential members consumed, on average, 30 percent more energy in January this year than last year. Members’ bills will reflect the increased energy consumption. SECO is advising members to expect an increase in usage and billing amounts of 30 percent or higher due to the cold weather.

Heating costs can vary widely depending on your home’s type of heat unit. If your thermostat does not have an “emergency heat” setting, then you will likely have electric resistance heat (also known as heat strips). This type of heating costs up to five times more to operate than a heat pump or conventional air conditioning unit.

SECO Energy’s Kathryn Gloria, Vice President of Corporate Communications and Energy Services, reminds members to be energy efficient in the colder months. “For energy efficiency, ENERGY STAR® recommends setting your thermostat at 68 degrees or lower. Members can install an ENERGY STAR programmable thermostat and utilize the pre-programmed settings to save energy year-round. And don’t forget to check the weather stripping on your windows and doors and re-seal as needed.”

Gloria added, “Even if you didn’t raise your thermostat settings in January, your heating unit ran more frequently to maintain your home’s temperature. That’s why it’s important for members to have their HVAC units serviced annually by a qualified technician and change the air filter according to manufacturer’s instructions.”

Members who are concerned about their January energy usage increasing more than 50 percent over last year’s usage are urged to contact SECO for a high usage investigation. To arrange for an Energy Services Specialist to visit and conduct the investigation, use the handy web form to contact SECO by visiting www.SECOEnergy.com. This service is free to SECO members.

There were 292 heating degree days for January 2018, while last year there were only 116 heating degree days (HDDS). Degree Days are based on how much warmer or cooler than 65°F the average temperature at a particular location is. With nearly three times as many HDDs in January, your heating units will have run more frequently to maintain your temperature setting.

For members who would like to learn more about energy efficiency, visit SECOEnergy.com and request a free in-home energy audit. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” the company on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

FAQ:

Why is my bill higher this January than it was last year? Temperatures were much colder this January. The average low temperature was only 46 degrees compared to 54 degrees last year. Even if you didn’t raise your thermostat settings during January’s cold weather, your heating unit ran more frequently to maintain your home’s temperature.

How do I ensure my heating unit is working properly? Have your unit serviced annually by a qualified technician. The best time is typically in the spring or fall before the extreme temperatures of summer and/or winter.

What should I set my thermostat at during cold weather? The recommended setting for heat is 68 degrees or lower.

How do I know if I have a heat pump unit? A heat pump thermostat will have an “Emergency Heat” setting.

What is the cost difference in a heat pump and electric resistance heat? Electric resistance or heat strips can cost up to five times more to operate than a heat pump unit.

I have a heat pump. Aren’t these supposed to be energy efficient? Heat pumps are very efficient; however, when temperatures drop into the 30s, heat pumps rely on auxiliary heat also known as emergency heat. Your thermostat will indicate if “auxiliary” or “emergency” heat is operating. Keep in mind that Central Florida experienced 20 days with temps that dropped to the 30s and one day that dropped to the 20s. During these low temperatures every type of heating unit ran frequently to maintain warmth.

How do I use a heat pump most efficiently? Set it and forget it. The less you adjust the thermostat the better. If you do need to make an adjustment, raise the temperature slowly one or two degrees at a time to prevent the emergency heat from operating.

What else can I do to get my heating bill down?

Lower the thermostat to the lowest setting you are comfortable with. You can save 3-5 percent on your electric bill for every degree lower you set the thermostat.
Be sure to check your weather stripping and caulking. A leaky house will use more energy and produce higher bills.
Close your drapes or blinds at night to help retain the heat in your home.

I’m not even using my heat because I have space heaters, so why did my bill go up? Space heaters cost 15-17 cents per hour to operate. If you’re using two space heaters, the cost per hour would be about the same as a three-ton heat pump.

My bill is double the amount of last year’s bill and I can’t afford to pay it right now. What can I do? Contact us. For members whose bills are 50% higher than last year due to cold weather or a malfunctioning heating unit, SECO may be able to offer payment arrangements and waive late fees.

What energy efficiency tools does SECO offer to help me reduce energy use?

If you want to check historical usage, log into SmartHub to view past bills and charts. If your usage is high, SECO offers several energy-efficiency tools to help you identify energy wasters.

Take the Home Energy Assessment to receive a detailed email tailored to your home’s features and lifestyle. The energy-saving advice will provide low-cost ways to decrease your usage – and your electric bill.

To easily calculate how much energy your appliances, lighting, electronic devices, and other energy-using items in your home consume, use the Energy Estimator.

SECO News, September 2017

Duncan’s Digest

MEGAWATTS & MILLIONS

On November 12, 1938, the first employees of Sumter Electric Cooperative electrified 400 homes at the crossroads of Sumter, Lake and Marion Counties. Sumter Electric has since evolved from a small, rural electric cooperative into our d/b/a name of SECO Energy, and has grown into a regional, not-for-profit electric cooperative serving members across Central Florida.

SECO’s growth during its 80-year history is impressive. Continued economic development in our service territory, keeps us investing in new infrastructure and upgrading our existing system. When I joined the SECO team in 1979, the cooperative served less than 39,000 members. Upon becoming CEO in 1990, we served almost 70,000 members. Since then, SECO’s membership increased to almost 200,000 members – a growth rate of 186%.

Population booms create a greater demand for power. To keep pace, SECO makes investing in its electric system a top priority. As of July 31, SECO’s system wide facilities investment is $817.8 million, which equates to an investment of $2.77 million per month in SECO’s system.

Sumter County is growing with The Villages of Fenney and Southern Oaks, future home to 8,000 houses and numerous retail spaces. As a result, SECO is upgrading that area’s substation (called “Federal” because it serves the prison) from 12kV to 25kV and building additional feeders to increase capacity.

In its current configuration, the substation can serve 5,000 members. The upgrade brings the capacity to 25,000 members. The substation is currently equipped with a 34-megawatt power transformer. The upgrade adds two 56-megawatt power transformers with space for another 56-megawatt power transformer if/when needed. The Federal substation upgrade investment is approximately $3 million.

This system upgrade also gives SECO the ability to backfeed power to members served by other substations in the event of an outage.

In south Lake County, crews have already upgraded equipment at our Big Creek substation. In Marion County, crews are upgrading the relay equipment at our Oak Run substation that serves members in the western State Road 200 area. In northwest Marion County, work has begun to upgrade our Blitchton substation to increase its operating voltage and capacity.

Future power supply development by our wholesale provider, Seminole Electric Cooperative is a topic you’ll hear about in more detail soon. Seminole supplies power to 1.6 million Floridians, and the company’s plans for the future ensure an adequate power supply with a fuel portfolio that keeps costs and rates low but also expands the use of renewable energy. That said, SECO will continue to provide reliable power to current members and be ready to serve future members.

It is our pleasure to serve your family’s energy needs. Thank you for being a SECO member.

Lightning Buzz

Florida is deemed the “Lightning Capital” of the nation. It comes as no surprise that lightning is the leading cause of outages in SECO’s service area, and it creates a host of problems for our electric system. Lightning can strike power lines directly, causing a sudden increase in the electrical field. This sudden increase causes outages by tripping fuses, reclosers and breakers installed along the lines to protect the circuit. Lightning also plays a role in the second and third leading causes of outages – trees and equipment failures. Lightning strikes trees, causing damage to tree branches, trunks and roots. Branches and entire trees fall onto lines, bringing down poles and lines, causing outages. Lightning interrupts the normal operation of transformers, cabinets, fusers and breakers, and lightning can spark fires that damage electrical equipment.

Squirrels, birds and bears – oh my – they wreak havoc on SECO’s facilities. Bears use SECO poles as scratching posts, creating a weakened pole that could break and cause lines to fall. Squirrels, birds and snakes travel on SECO lines and cause outages. Birds build their nests on SECO poles and woodpeckers drill into wood poles to hollow out nests.

System maintenance is a constant and costly battle. During hurricane season and beyond, SECO is Storm Ready, equipped to respond quickly and safely to major weather events and occasional outages. If you experience an outage, use your tablet or smartphone to report it through Storm Center at SECOEnergy.com.

Energy Efficiency

Curb the Silent Demanders

According to energy.gov, a home’s water heater accounts for about 12% of monthly energy use. Follow these simple, easy tips to increase the energy efficiency of your water heater.

Install a timer that turns off the unit at night or when not in use.
Lower the temperature to 120º F.
Wash and rinse clothes in cold water.
Wash only a full load in your dishwasher on the shortest cycle.
Replace showerheads and faucets with low-flow fixtures.

It may be time to consider purchasing a new water heater, clothes washer or dishwasher. Look for the ENERGY STAR® label. Tankless water heaters use less energy, but the up-front costs are higher. ENERGY STAR reports savings of $135 a year by replacing a washer that’s over ten years old. ENERGY STAR-qualified dishwashers use 31% less energy and 33% less water than older models – a double-win for efficiency.

Searching for additional energy-saving advice? SECO’s Energy Services Specialists are available to answer your questions. Visit our website to schedule an Energy Audit appointment at your home or business today.

Surge Protection Bill Credit Winner

Margaret Locke from Umatilla is the winner of SECO’s $300 Surge Protection Bill Credit. Congratulations Margaret!

You too can add a layer of protection to your home’s appliances with SECO’s meter-based surge protection. Enroll online today!

Read the full September 2017 SECO News here.

SECO News, April 2017

Duncan’s Digest: SUBSTATION BUZZ

When I first started working in the energy industry, I was convinced that the linemen had their own language and it wasn’t English. As a financial guy, industry terms like “feeder,” “backfeed,” and “step-up and step-down,” frankly didn’t make much sense. But, as my career continued and I became engrossed in energy, I now use these terms and more on a regular basis. I thought it might be interesting for you to have more insight into the energy industry at SECO.

Substations are a visible and integral part of our nation’s electric grid. If you think of a generating plant as the brains of the operation, then substations are the heart. Substations serve many functions, transforming high-voltage to low-voltage or vice versa as power flows through them – almost instantaneously.

Substations are an essential component of the grid’s connection as the link between the transmission and distribution portions of an electric system. Substations are key to performing electric system maintenance and balancing the flow of power during irregular operations.

How do the components of the grid work together? As a SECO member, the electricity you use is created at Seminole Electric (a generation and transmission cooperative) power plant and then supplied to a transmission substation near the plant.

The transmission substation increases or “steps-up” the voltage in order for the generated power to travel hundreds of miles via large transmission lines to a SECO substation. Upon arrival, voltage is decreased or stepped-down and sent on its way in multiple directions through SECO’s distribution lines. Along the distribution lines, additional transformers decrease the voltage again before it is ready to energize the homes and businesses SECO serves.

The SECO and Seminole connected electric grid can be thought of as a highway system. Generating plants, transmission lines, substations and distribution lines are all connected – which is a benefit to you. Interconnection allows other substations to pick up load when another substation or distribution line is in high demand. This keeps the energy flowing freely and uniformly on the grid.

Interconnected substations in our service area allow SECO’s Operations crews to restore power quickly and safely to members. When a substation or major line (that we refer to as a feeder) suffers an outage, SECO’s System Control Coordinators can use the interconnected grid to program another substation to pick up the load or “backfeed” service to the meters that lost power. System Control Coordinators also use backfeeding to keep SECO members in service when a substation, transmission or distribution line requires routine maintenance.

At the heart of SECO’s 2,000-square mile territory, are the 48 substations that supply power to almost 200,000 SECO members. SECO owns, inspects and maintains over 12,000 miles of electric lines that represent an almost 800-million-dollar investment.

According to the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (Jefferson Lab), electricity moves almost as fast as the speed of light – about 173,000 miles per second. When you turn on a light in your home, the power to run that light was actually created less than one second ago.

Last year, you and your fellow members consumed over 3.239 billion, yes billion, kilowatt hours. Providing safe, reliable electric service to members is one of our top priorities. And our expertly designed, soundly built, well-maintained, sophisticated system allows us to do just that. On behalf of myself and 400+ SECO employees, it is our pleasure serving as your energy provider.

Ways to Pay

SECO offers members several convenient ways to pay your monthly energy bill. Whether you stop by, drive-thru or log in – SECO has a payment option that is right for you.

Pay online with SmartHub – available online or via mobile application, SmartHub is a tech savvy member’s preferred payment choice. Using SmartHub, members can view and pay their bill, enroll in bank draft, update account information and compare energy usage by month or year.

Pay by Bank Draft – Seasonal members appreciate the convenience of having their monthly bill automatically drafted from a bank account of their choice. Thousands of others depend on bank draft to keep their account current with little effort on their part. Sign up through SmartHub today.

Your Bank’s Online Bill Payment – You can also choose to pay your energy bill through your bank’s online bill payment system. When setting up the payment, have your bill available to enter the key information like the account number and SECO’s payment address.

Pay in Person – SECO’s five Member Service Centers have walk-in and drive-thru access available. Some offices have payment kiosks available 24/7 that accept cash, debit and credit cards.

Pay by Phone – Call 1-877-371-9382 24 hours a day, seven days a week to pay by Visa, MasterCard, Discover, debit card or electronic check.

Pay Now – Need to make a quick one-time payment now? PayNow (a quick feature of SmartHub) is available for members to pay online without actually registering for a SmartHub account.

Pay by Mail – Members can mail their monthly payments to:
SECO Energy P.O. Box 31634
Tampa, FL 33631-3634.

My Way PrePay – The program is perfect for SECO members on a budget. Members who enroll in My Way PrePay pay for their energy before use. Register with SmartHub and pay online, by phone or through a kiosk. No deposit required.

Fidelity Xpresspay – Pay your SECO bill through a Fidelity Xpresspay location in Central Florida. For a list of payment centers call 1-800-621-8030 or visit www.fidelityexpress.com. Processing time is approximately two days. This payment option is not recommended for MyWay PrePay members or those who have received a disconnect notice. There is a $1.50 processing fee per payment.

MoneyGram – Another option available is MoneyGram. MoneyGram has locations in Central Florida and is recommended for MyWay PrePay members who aren’t using SmartHub. Visit www.moneygram.com to learn more or find a location near you. There is a $1.50 processing fee per payment.

Explore SECO’s ways to pay, find an office location or sign up for SmartHub.

Energy Estimator Winners

Congratulations to our three Energy Estimator Contest winners. John and Barbara Gardner of The Villages are the winners of the $300 bill credit. Bruce McClain of Ocala is the winner of the energy efficiency tools and John Baccoli, also of Ocala, won the programmable Wi-Fi thermostat. Want to learn more about energy efficiency and lowering your bills? Calculate your monthly and yearly energy usage on a variety of appliances and electronics with the Energy Estimator. Interested in an in-depth audit of your home’s energy efficiency? On the website Contact Us page, request a free in-home energy audit with one of SECO’s trained Energy Specialists or if you are short on time, explore the Home Energy Assessment, a comprehensive online energy audit you can complete in the comfort of your home.

Safety Corner

Spring is here, the sun is shining and it’s time to update your landscaping. Before you dig, call 811 – it’s the law. 811 is a free service that locates and marks the underground lines on your property. Don’t be caught unaware, cause an accident or an outage – call 811 before you dig.

Read the full April 2017 SECO News here.

Fun, Food and Prizes at SECO’s 79th Annual Meeting

SECO Energy members are invited to spend a morning attending the cooperative’s 79th Annual Meeting of the Membership on Saturday, March 25. The meeting is held at the Annual Meeting Pavilion, located across the street from SECO’s corporate headquarters at the junction of highways 301 and 471 in Sumterville.

Arrive early and hungry. Registration opens at 8:00 a.m. and SECO is serving breakfast. Dine on fresh sausage, egg and cheese breakfast biscuits, Krispy Kreme donuts and a variety of cookies. Sip a hot cup of coffee, enjoy a soda or water, and tap your feet or line dance to live country music hits by Margo Rochelle and Rodeo Drive.

Learn more about energy efficiency and savings by exploring this year’s Energy Showcase. Visit with vendors providing energy efficient ideas and products, or drop by the SECO information booth to ask a question or inquire about a SECO product or service. Just outside the Energy Showcase, take a few minutes to view a brand-new rooftop solar photovoltaic system and solar demonstration. Use the Solar Estimator to eyeball what your costs might be for a solar array at your home or business.

Members who attend receive a gift bag containing two commemorative insulated steel tumblers, 2016 Annual Report, and an LED bulb – along with other giveaways in the Energy Showcase. Upon registering, drop your door prize ticket in the prize barrel for the grand prize drawing which will include cash prizes, an electric golf cart, a refurbished Dodge Dakota pickup truck and many other door prizes – many of which are donated by local businesses that are also SECO members. The business meeting begins at 10:30 a.m. and the drawing for the grand prizes and door prizes takes place immediately after the business meeting ends – members must be present to win.

Stroll the grounds, look for our special characters, and find a member of SECO’s Facebook Help Squad to help you take and upload a photo. Members who “like” SECO’s Facebook page and interact online during the Annual Meeting, will be entered into a random drawing for a $300 bill credit. “Like” SECO Energy’s Facebook page before the meeting and find a Facebook Help Squad member during the meeting for assistance in entering the drawing for the $300 bill credit. Drawing for the Facebook bill credit takes place just before the business meeting begins – as with all of the prizes, the member must be present to win.

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “Mark your calendar and plan to attend SECO’s Annual Meeting. Enjoy breakfast on us, dance to the band, mingle with your neighbors and fellow members, determine new ways to lower your energy usage and maybe win a prize. Come out and experience the hospitality of SECO employees, which I believe is second to none.”

Ray Vick, Board of Trustees President, stated, “SECO’s Annual Meeting is the Board’s favorite event. Myself and my Trustee peers like to share SECO’s latest news and relish the chance to meet and get to know our fellow members. My fellow Trustees and I hope to see you there.”

Members should look for their personal invitation to the Meeting to arrive with their monthly energy bill between February 8 and March 10.

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

Energy Efficiency Sparks for Sorrento Elementary

While summer school was still in session, SECO Energy Services Specialist Dustin Merritt introduced energy efficiency basics to students in Sorrento. As an energy efficiency expert, Dustin covered the simple ways kids can help their parents save energy at the home.

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO Energy is committed to educating the youngest members within the communities it serves about energy efficiency and renewable energy sources. SECO’s “Kids and Energy” presentation teaches elementary-age students about renewable types of energy such as solar, wind, water and biomass power. Students also learn ways they can be energy efficient at home. They test their new found knowledge with an interactive quiz at the end of the presentation and take home energy efficiency activity books, pencils and other small prizes.

Students as young as elementary age can increase energy efficiency in their homes by reminding parents to change older light bulbs to either the CFL or LED types and look for ENERGY STAR labels on light bulbs, electronics and appliances. Young children can be reminded to turn off lights in unused rooms, take shorter showers and keep doors and windows closed while the HVAC is running.

Dustin enjoys working with young students and stated, “The students I work with love this interactive presentation. Each child has their own personal “clicker” that allows them to answer the questions in the quiz. Kids this age are eager to learn and open to new ideas, this is the right age to begin teaching kids about saving energy and renewable energy. They want to be good stewards for the future. This generation will do more to be responsible with their energy consumption, to create less waste and invent new ways to become energy efficient.”

Are you interested in learning more about energy efficiency, renewable energy or electrical safety? SECO Energy offers a variety of speakers and presentations for groups of any age and size. Contact SECO to schedule a speaker and presentation. “Like” SECO Energy’s Facebook page and “follow” us on Twitter for cooperative updates and the latest news releases.

SECO News, August 2016

In 2015, the J. D. Power Electric Utility Residential Customer Satisfaction Study ranked SECO Energy “Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Midsize Utilities in the South.” Words cannot express the gratitude our Board of Trustees, leadership team and employees felt after winning such a prestigious, humbling award. The entire cooperative was inspired, setting our sights on a repeat performance with continued improvement in serving our members.

You, our members, ranked SECO highly again in 2016, honoring us with another J.D. Power trophy. We are referring to the pair as our “Dynamic Duo.” This year’s ranking placed SECO Energy in a segment with the toughest competition – all cooperatives across the nation with over 100,000 meters.

On July 12, J.D. Power announced that SECO Energy has been ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Electric Cooperatives.”
J.D. Power’s six scored factors are:

power quality and reliability
price
billing and payment
corporate citizenship
communications
customer service

SECO’s 2016 overall customer satisfaction score this year is an astonishing 769, which is a 20-point increase from our 2015 score. This increase reflects significant efforts by our employees to improve the level of service you receive from SECO.

Our Operations & Engineering employees focused on reducing outage durations and improving facilities to deliver safe, reliable power. Member communications have been modernized through our redesigned website, online “Contact Us” web form and stronger social media usage. SECO News is more interesting – promoting energy efficiency, safety and ways for members to win bill credits and prizes.

Customer Service folks answered more than 300,000 phone calls in the last year and handled nearly 250,000 transactions in our Service Centers. Our Billing team generated nearly 2.5 million billing statements in the last 12 months.

SECO’s sound financial management allowed us to retire $4.6 million in Capital Credits to members in 2015 ($47.3 million since inception). And most important, we dropped the cost of electricity again on June 1st – the 8th decrease of members’ bills in the last three years.

Historically, electric cooperatives rank the best of the best in customer satisfaction compared to municipal and investor-owned utilities. Electric cooperatives are owned by the members they serve, which means our Board of Trustees, leadership team and employees focus on our most important asset: you, our member.

Thank you, members, for ranking YOUR electric cooperative as the best in the nation. It is our privilege and pleasure to serve as your electric provider.

Community Support

Red Nose Day

SECO Energy employees and members brought the laughs and raised $1,181 to support FUN-raising on Red Nose Day. Wearing big, red noses may be fun, but Red Nose Day is serious support for many global charities. Donations contribute to meals for children in homeless shelters, antibiotics to treat pneumonia, eye exams, medical supplies and support homeless shelters for children.

Trees Donated to Habitat

This summer, SECO added to the beauty of the urban forest and energized the community by donating trees and shrubs to Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter. For nine years in a row, SECO has been recognized by the National Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree Line USA utility. The collection of cypress trees, loropetalum bushes, bougainvillea and lily hybrids will be planted at various Habitat projects in Lake and Sumter Counties.

Trees beautify communities and save energy when planted in the right place. Shade from trees can reduce cooling costs and trees block wind in the winter to reduce heating costs. To learn more about planting the right tree in the right place and saving energy, visit the Reliability section of our website.

Community Action Luncheon

SECO Energy representatives attended the Central Florida Community Action Agency (CFCAA) Annual Awards Luncheon. As a Diamond level sponsor, SECO joined community leaders in honoring the CFCAA board members, staff and area residents who dedicate their time to enrich the lives of Alachua, Levy and Marion county citizens. The CFCAA’s purpose is to reduce poverty and help low income individuals and families become self sufficient. Photo inset: CFCAA CEO, Charles J. Harris Jr., with the Honorary Senior Judge Sandra E. Champ.

Extra Pennies?

Partner with SECO to help your neighbors in need. SECO’s Pennies from Heaven program rounds up your electric bill to the nearest dollar. The pennies donated are used to assist fellow SECO members with bill payment and to help members in dire and unique circumstances. Sign up for Pennies from Heaven today.

New Fleet Look

Have you seen our new look? Our entire fleet’s branding has been redesigned to display SECO Energy’s new logo. We think it looks pretty snazzy; do you?

Community Solar Project

In June, SECO Energy’s wholesale power provider Seminole Electric Cooperative, Inc. began construction on its 2.2 megawatt solar facility. SECO members will have the ability to live a greener lifestyle and reduce their carbon footprint by enrolling in this upcoming Cooperative Solar Project. The enrollment process is slated to begin in October, and the project should be operational by 2017. Watch for more details on our website.

Energy Efficiency: Cash-saving Splash

Florida summers are long and hot. One of the best ways to beat the heat is in the family pool. Although the cost of running a pool adds a little to your electric bill, there are ways you can save.

Variable-speed pumps are the best energy saver. They are much more energy efficient than traditional, single-speed pool pumps. Before spending the money on costly repairs for an older pump, consider upgrading to the newer technology. Regardless of the type of pump, install a pool timer and set to operate 6-8 hours daily during the summer and 3-4 hours daily during the winter.

If you’re thinking about heating your pool, think solar. Solar panels are the most economical way to heat the water. The next best energy-saving option is a heat pump pool heater. To reduce heat loss, utilize a pool cover. Covering your pool when not in use is the single most effective means of reducing heating costs and can save you as much as 70% in electric costs.

For more information on how to save energy or to learn more about SECO Energy products and services, visit our website’s Energy Solutions section.

Slam the Door on Scams

SECO is cautioning members to slam the door on utility scams. Exercise caution when answering the door – don’t get scammed. All SECO employees carry – company issued identification – don’t hesitate to ask to see an employee’s identification. All approved SECO contractors display an “Authorized SECO Contractor” sign on their trucks, and members can view the list of authorized contractors at SECOEnergy. com under the Reliability tab.

If you receive a call threatening disconnection of service if the bill is not paid immediately, or have a question about an employee or contractor call SECO at (352) 793-3801. Prevent any bill payment confusion by enrolling in automatic bank draft today – call us or establish an online account at secoenergy.com. Don’t let scammers in – slam the door!

Facebook Winners

Congratulations to SECO Energy member Mary Wimberly of Wildwood who correctly answered our three outage prevention trivia questions on Facebook. Mary was randomly selected as our winner of the $300 electric bill credit. Congratulations, Mary!

Scott Bidgood of Ocala is the winner of our “Dodged a Bullet” gift basket. Scott posted photos and offered members additional storm preparedness tips on Facebook. Congratulations, Scott we hope you enjoy your goodies!

Be sure to “like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” us on Twitter for more chances to win. Also, look for the last six digits of your account number in this month’s SECO News for a chance to win a $25 restaurant gift card. Call or email us if your number appears. Good luck!

MY ACCOUNT

AMI

MEMBER PERKS

ENERGY SOLUTIONS

SOLAR

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

SAFETY

VEGETATION MANAGEMENT

RELIABILITY

VEGETATION MANAGEMENT

MEMBER PERKS

YOUR CO-OP

MEMBER PERKS

COMMUNITY

Archive

Duncan’s Digest

Energy Efficiency – Program Into Savings

Safety Corner – Downed Line Dangers

Duncan’s Digest

MEGAWATTS & MILLIONS

Lightning Buzz

Energy Efficiency

Curb the Silent Demanders

Surge Protection Bill Credit Winner

Duncan’s Digest: SUBSTATION BUZZ

Ways to Pay

Energy Estimator Winners

Safety Corner

Community Support

Red Nose Day

Trees Donated to Habitat

Community Action Luncheon

Extra Pennies?

New Fleet Look

Community Solar Project

Energy Efficiency: Cash-saving Splash

Slam the Door on Scams

Facebook Winners

Read the full August 2016 SECO News here.

NEED HELP? CALL (352) 793 -3801

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NEED HELP? CALL (352) 793 -3801

Search our website

CONNECT WITH US