StormCenter logo

Archive

Sunshine State Stats, May 2018

May 2018 was slightly cooler on average than May 2017. The average temperature was 77°, while May of 2017 had an average temperature of 79°. Rainfall for May of 2018 was 8.28 inches compared to last May at 2.71 inches.

 

Sunshine State Stats breakdown May 2018

 

There were 363 cooling degree days and 0 heating degree days for May 2018, while last year there were 426 cooling degree days with 0 heating degree days. The Degree Days are based on how much warmer or cooler the average temperature at a particular location is than 65°F. In other words, if the average temperature is 60° degrees outside on a particular day, there are 5 Heating Degree Days for that day in that location.

 

June 2018 is forecast to be somewhat the same as last year with average temperatures in the mid 80’s and 90’s. Rainfall is forecast to be heavier than normal compared to 2017. The hot summer weather is upon us. Remember that every degree below 78° F the thermostat is lowered will increase your cooling costs by 6% – 8% per degree.

 

Per ENERGY STAR, investing in a programmable thermostat can save you about $180 annually. Wifi models that you can program from your computer or smartphone start at under $100 nowadays. Or you could win a wifi programmable thermostat in our May Facebook incentive. Read May SECO News for details.

 

Just in time for the 2018 Atlantic hurricane season, SECO debuted an all-new StormCenter outage reporting platform. Bookmark StormCenter on your smartphone or other mobile device today.

 

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. If you want a member of our Energy Services team to come to your home to perform a free energy audit, contact us today to book an appointment.

Sunshine State Stats, April 2018

April 2018 was slightly cooler on average than April 2017. The average temperature was 72°, while April of 2017 had an average temperature of 74°. Rainfall for April of 2018 was 3.46 inches compared to last April at 2.33 inches.

 

Sunshine State Stats April 2018 breakdown

 

There were 208 cooling degree days and 6 heating degree days for April 2018, while last year there were 283 cooling degree days with 4 heating degree days. The Degree Days are based on how much warmer or cooler the average temperature at a particular location is than 65°F. In other words, if the average temperature is 60° degrees outside on a particular day, there are 5 Heating Degree Days for that day in that location.

 

May 2018 is forecast to be somewhat the same as last year with average temperatures in the 80s and 90s. Rainfall is forecast to be heavier than normal compared to 2017. Much hotter weather is coming our way.

 

Keep in mind that 78°- 80° is the national standard for thermostat settings during the summer months. Per ENERGY STAR, investing in a programmable thermostat can save you about $180 annually. Wifi models that you can program from your computer or smartphone start at under $100 nowadays. Or you could win a wifi programmable thermostat in our May Facebook incentive. Read this month’s SECO News for details.

 
 
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. If you want a member of our Energy Services team to come to your home to perform a free energy audit, contact us today to book an appointment.

Sunshine State Stats, March 2018

March 2018 was slightly cooler on average than March 2017. The average temperature was 65°, while March of 2017 had an average temperature of 67°. Rainfall for March of 2018 was 2.03 inches compared to last March at 0.80 inches.

 

Sunshine State Stats March 2018 detail

 

There were 84 cooling degree days and 67 heating degree days for March 2018, while last year there were 135 cooling degree days with 61 heating degree days. The Degree Days are based on how much warmer or cooler the average temperature at a particular location is than 65°F. In other words, if the average temperature is 60° degrees outside on a particular day, there are 5 Heating Degree Days for that day in that location.

 

April 2018 is forecast to be somewhat the same as last year with average temperatures in the 80s and 90s. Rainfall is forecast to be heavier than normal compared to 2017. The hot and humid summers are around the corner, so keep in mind that every degree above 78 degrees will save you 6%-8% on your cooling costs.  Per ENERGY STAR, you can save up to $180 annually by using a programmable thermostat.

 

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. If you want a member of our Energy Services team to come to your home to perform a free energy audit, contact us today to book an appointment.

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.

Sunshine State Expanded stats January 2018

 

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.

Sunshine State Stats, November 2017

November 2017 was slightly warmer than the previous November, so members may have been running their HVAC units more frequently than last year at this time. Thus, your November bill this year may be higher than last year’s November bill. The average temperature came in at 69°, while November of 2016 had an average temperature of 68°. Rainfall came in at 1.51 inches compared to last November at 0.03 inches.

 

There were 132 cooling degree days and 7 heating degree days for November 2017, while last year there were 118 cooling degree days with 27 heating degree days. The Degree Days are based on how much warmer or cooler the average temperature at a particular location is than 65°F. In other words, if the average temperature is 60° degrees outside on a particular day, there are 5 Heating Degree Days for that day in that location.

 

Sunshine State Stats November 2017 Temperature layout

This December is forecast to be similar to last December with precipitation being higher than normal. At the time of this writing, a cold front is forecast to creep into Central Florida around December 7 with lows in the 30s. Therefore, heating costs will increase electric usage and bills. Per ENERGY STAR, you can save 3-5% annually on heating costs for each degree lower you set the thermostat during the winter. And you can save up to $180 annually with a programmable thermostat.

 

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. If you want a member of our Energy Services team to come to your home to perform a free energy auditcontact us today to book an appointment.

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%.

 

SECO News, September 2017 - Duncan's Digest, Megawatts and Millions

 

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.

 

SECO News, September 2017 - Lightning Buzz

 

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.

 

SECO News, September 2017 - Lightning Buzz, Branches and entire trees fall onto lines, bringing down poles and lines, causing outages.

 

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.

 

SECO News, September 2017 - Energy Efficiency, Curb the Silent Demanders

 

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.

 

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

 

SECO News, September 2017 - Energy Efficiency, ENERGY STAR reports savings of $135 a year by replacing a washer that’s over ten years old.

 

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.

 

SECO News, September 2017, Congrats to the Surge Protection $300 bill credit winner

 

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.

 

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 – 1st Quarter

SECO Energy Insider, 1st Quarter 2017 - Squirrels, Raccoons and Birds Oh My!

Squirrels, Raccoons and Birds Oh My!

 

SECO Energy’s pursuit to deliver the most reliable electric service is challenged by a number of uncontrollable circumstances. Storms and downed trees cause the majority of power outages, but animals dish out their fair share of damage.

 

Animal attacks on SECO Energy’s electrical facilities (overhead and underground) occur daily unlike seasonal storms. From subterranean to aerial assaults, animals big and small are constantly coming in contact with our equipment.

 

SECO’s quest to reduce animal-related outages is constantly evolving. SECO utilizes various types of animal or “critter” guards placed on poles and in our substations. These guards keep squirrels, raccoons, birds, snakes and other animals from shorting out power.

 

SECO also utilizes bird “discouragers” to deter birds from building their nests on a pole. On rare occasions, large wingspan birds, like the Florida Osprey, bypass traditional “discouragers” and continue building their nest on a pole. At this point, SECO installs state-of-the-art bird nesting dishes to prevent large birds from coming in contact with energized lines. You may have noticed our nesting dishes while driving about – they look like large grey saucers on top of our electrical distribution poles.

 

“Critter” guards and bird “discouragers” help protect small animals and birds – and save your cooperative thousands of dollars annually in labor and equipment replacement costs.

 

 

SECO Energy Insider, 1st Quarter 2017 - Using Waste to Clean Water, Standard Purification

Using Waste to Clean Water

 

Watercarb, Stratocarb and Agcarb sounds like the next best thing in carbohydrates but don’t let the names fool you. They are actually forms of activated carbon produced at the Standard Purification manufacturing plant located at 551 N US Highway 41 in Dunnellon, Florida.

 

Powered by SECO Energy, Standard Purification began operations in 2010. In the summer of 2016, they merged with Donau Carbon, a global supplier of activated carbon located in three countries. Currently Standard Purification is only one of four plants in the US that produce these types of activated carbon aimed at purifying water, air and soil.

 

The process for making activated carbon at the Dunnellon facility uses reclaimed yellow pine ash. This wood byproduct is activated by high heat in a kiln. Next, it is cooled and ground into a fine powder. “It’s exciting to think that we can clean our environment by using a waste product such as wood ash,” says CEO Tony Julian who plans to increase plant production by  50 percent before yearend.

 

Watercarb is used in municipal potable water treatment and accounts for 90 percent of standard purification’s production and sales. This product primarily removes contaminants associated with the unpleasant taste and odor in water. It removes many organic, in-organic and synthetic contaminants from a variety of industrial processes including municipal, refinery, petrochemical and coal gasification, reducing the impact of industrial pollutants on waterways and drinking water supplies.

 

Stratocarb is used to remove mercury from flue gas emissions at coal fired power plants. Agcarb is widely used as a soil treatment where herbicides, pesticides and fertilizer have been over-applied. Often Agcarb is used to remove contamination in a variety of agricultural applications before re-seeding. It can also be used in environmental cleanup situations where there has been prior pollution.

 

To learn more about Standard Purification, visit their website at http://standardpurification.com/

 

 

SECO Energy Insider, 1st Quarter 2017 - Benchmarking Made Easy

Benchmarking Made Easy

 

Are you a fan of tracking your favorite individual or team performance using statistics? Baseball and football coaches use numbers to validate performance through each respective season. They pour over these numbers to set up a successful shot at a championship. So why not benchmark your facilities by meter/building and measure energy performance?

 

Benchmarking helps to determine how energy is used and provides insight to high usage trends. Tracking energy (kWh) and demand (kW) against production cost may allow you to see how to increase energy efficiency. The Energy Star link below provides tools to assist you and useful side by side comparisons of like facilities. You can even earn an Energy Star Certificate for your efforts.

 

According to Lake County School Board’s Energy Program Manager Pete Myles, “benchmarking is important in our quest to be the best. The exchange of ideas and like metrics is an invaluable tool to keep the District’s dollars in the classroom with the students.”

 

If you are not benchmarking your energy consumption, then you’re not doing yourself any favors. Tracking electric consumption and tying this into production will show how well (or poorly) you and your team are actually performing. It’s a lot like tracking your vehicle’s fuel efficiency and understanding how driving habits, speed, start/stops and your car’s overall condition impacts the outcome.

 

If you decide to begin benchmarking your electric usage, SECO Energy can provide consumption histories for up to 36 months for comparison purposes.

 

The Department of Energy website includes tips and tools for benchmarking your energy consumption.

 

Energy Star has developed this stand alone spreadsheet to help you get started.

 

 

Our Changing World

 

At the New and Emerging Technologies (NET) conference held recently in San Diego, California, Alex Klokus, Futurism CEO, said we’re living in exponential times. Alex believes we won’t experience 100 years of progress in the 21st century, instead, it will be more like 20,000 years of progress. The expectation of the future is becoming less predictable each day.

 

Advancements in science are continually being taken to a new level with some things being more exciting than others. Of course, it may depend on who you ask. For instance, vegetarians and vegans may like the idea of lab grown meat. It is cleaner, safer and healthier – just produced in a different way. It’s the same meat as you get from an animal, it just begins through extraction of animals cells. It has no contaminants, no animals are harmed and in blind taste tests, no difference in taste has been noted.

 

If the idea of lab grown meat doesn’t excite you then maybe a cure for cancer, HIV and other diseases will. Right now scientists are experimenting with copying and pasting good DNA. So instead of taking prescription drugs to treat ailments in the future, patients may opt for an innovative gene-editing technology or genetic surgery to snip out harmful mutations and replace them with good DNA. Through this technology blind rats are beginning to see with partially restored vision. Just this past year in China they began testing on humans. Scientists believe they can even “create longevity” and dramatically extend human life since aging is now reversible in mice.

 

Advancements in science that may allow humans to live longer is good news for everyone or is it? Expected advancement of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) may soon mean competition for jobs. In recent years, Science has shown us that AI can learn to play video games. Google Deepminds’ Deep Q-learning (AI) after just two hours figured out how to play Atari Breakout. After four hours it mastered the game better than any human. AI is making music and doing so involves creativity. AI can even reflect on how to do things better and has proven they can beat fighter pilots in combat simulations. If we can fundamentally solve intelligence we can do all things – right?

 

Then what about the electric utility industry? Electricity is the lifeblood that powers our nation and currently we’re going through a significant revolution – regulation, technology and economics are continually changing. Planning for future generation is becoming more complex because of the rate of change associated with new technologies and the public’s acceptance of such.

 

Although many people like the idea of “going green,” the economics of individuals doing so is still not favorable in most areas of the country and especially in Florida. In The Sunshine State, electricity remains a good value. In addition, those who have jumped on the solar bandwagon know rainy and cloudy days provide very little generating benefit so a utility-supplied backup is a must. After all, battery storage is still not affordable for the multitudes and although great gains are expected in coming years, right now batteries are not a viable option. However, in 2016, 39 percent of all new generating capacity that came online in the US was solar photovoltaic (PV). A large percentage of these were utility-scale projects.

 

Utility-scale projects are gaining in popularity because they are more economical to build than traditional roof-top solar. The large-scale projects most often provide power to wholesale buyers and not end-use consumers. Then there is “community” solar. A community solar arrangement allows the sharing of generated electricity to more than one household. This is the premise of SECO Energy’s Solar Life program.

 

Solar Life is an opportunity for SECO members to live a greener lifestyle without the upfront investment of traditional solar panels at their location. Subscribers pay a flat monthly fee of $32 for the output of four panels of our cooperative-owned two-megawatt array. The monthly output of the four panels is shown as a kilowatt hour credit on your monthly electric bill – reducing your utility-supplied power cost.

 

Who could have imagined just a short time ago your electric cooperative would be harnessing the power of the sun. Perhaps one day we’ll have time to ponder this more while enjoying our lab-grown meal delivered by our self-driving car and served by our robotic butler.

 

For more information about solar and SECO Energy’s Solar Life program visit us at www.secoenergy.com

 

 

 

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

 

 

SECO News, November 2016

SECO News, Duncans Digest, November 2016

 

Duncan’s Digest

Most people would equate a company giving money back to their consumers with flying pigs. However, SECO Energy is different. As a not-for-profit electric cooperative owned by our members, pigs really do fly this time of year – putting money back in your pocket with another record Capital Credit retirement.

 

Here’s how it works: Your membership in SECO Energy builds ownership through your energy purchases. That ownership is defined through the annual process of allocating each member’s share of the co-op’s operating margins from the prior year. The annual amounts for each member who purchased electric service from SECO Energy during that year are referred to as Capital Credit allocations.

 

Capital Credits are the accumulation of all prior year’s revenue after the co-op’s operating costs and expenses have been paid. These credits are allocated on a pro-rata basis to each SECO Energy member’s account as “Capital Credits” and represent a portion of the member’s patronage with the cooperative in the prior fiscal year.

 

SECO Energy, SECO News November 2016 - Duncan's Digest, Putting Money Back In Your Pocket

 

During its September meeting, SECO’s Board of Trustees approved letting the proverbial pig fly with a record $5.1 million to be returned (retired) to members. Since SECO Energy’s inception, the co-op has retired more than $52.4 million to current and former members. This Capital Credits return is made possible by the sound financial stewardship of SECO’s Board, leadership team and employees. In a positive way, we really do reap what we “sow” – no pun intended.

 

Each current member receiving a Capital Credits retirement this year will see the amount on the November bill listed as a line item labeled Capital Credits. Visit our Capital Credits page if you have questions about Capital Credits.

 

SECO Energy, SECO News November 2016 - 2016 Hurricane Recap

 

2016 Hurricane Recap

 

Tropical Storm Colin made landfall in the late night hours on Monday, June 6. Colin is the first named storm to make landfall in Florida since Andrea in 2013. While Colin moved across the state, parts of SECO’s service area experienced tropical-storm-force winds and extended periods of heavy rainfall. Colin caused only a small number of outages in SECO’s area. Crews worked quickly and safely to restore these outages within hours.

 

Hurricane Hermine made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane in the Big Bend area on Friday, September 2. Hermine brought buckets of rain and high winds to the area, causing approximately 14,000 total service interruptions. Along with the hurricane, tornadoes touched down in Sumter County. Members in Marion, Levy and Citrus counties were hardest hit by Hurricane Hermine. The SECO team did a stellar job in quickly restoring power by midnight that Friday.

 

Hurricane Matthew became an extremely powerful Category 3 hurricane that hugged Florida’s east coast as it traveled north Thursday, October 6. Though Matthew didn’t make landfall in Florida, the storm brought rain and very strong winds to SECO’s service area. The hurricane accounted for approximately 28,000 outages for SECO members. The area hardest hit was east Lake County, which suffered extensive damage. Broken trees, damaged utility poles, flooding and roadway debris were challenges for SECO crews and contractors. By early Saturday afternoon, all SECO members’ power was restored.

 

SECO Energy, SECO News November 2016 - 2016 Hurricane Recap

 

SECO was Storm Ready and once again proved the team is the best-of-the-best. SECO enacted its emergency restoration plan and manned Customer Service and System Operations Centers round-the-clock until all restoration was complete. Members reported service interruptions online or called and spoke to a representative 24/7. Thousands of members reached out via Facebook and Twitter to ask questions about restoration and report unsafe conditions. Members on social media offered thanks, compliments, praise, prayers and well-wishes for the entire SECO team and the contractors working to restore power.

 

Thank you, SECO Energy members, for your patience and understanding, as well as your kind words, prayers and compliments – they are truly appreciated. Words cannot begin to express our gratitude.

 

SECO Energy, SECO News November 2016 - Power Outage Safety

 

Power Outage Safety

 

If a power outage occurs, contact SECO Energy right away. Don’t assume that someone else has already reported it, and don’t worry that we’re too busy. Every call and online outage report helps pinpoint the location and extent of an outage. Be sure to let us know if you see downed power lines or any damaged utility equipment. If there’s an immediate danger, call 911.

 

Don’t Use Candles

Avoid using candles during power out-ages – the risk of fire is too great. Use battery-powered lights, like a flashlight or LED lantern, for emergency lighting.

 

Protect Your Appliances

When a storm involves high winds or lightning, turn off and unplug as many appliances as possible (including your HVAC during a summer storm). This will prevent damage from a power surge when service is restored. After the storm has passed, flip the breakers back on, plug in and turn them on one at a time. Consider enrolling in our Surge Protection program.

 

Flood Dangers

If flooding occurs or is predicted in your area – do not use any electrical devices. Turn off the main circuit breaker or remove the primary fuse cartridge – but only if you can reach it without touching water.

 

To report outages quickly and easily online, bookmark Storm Center on your smartphone or tablet or call the outage hotline at (800) 732-6141.

 

SECO Energy, SECO News November 2016 - Holiday Energy Savings, Energy Efficiency

 

Holiday Energy Savings

 

The holiday season is upon us. Decorating, holiday gatherings and gift buying are in full swing. Here are a few tips to keep your energy-saving efforts intact while enjoying all the festivities.

 

Decorate with LED holiday lights. LED lights are more efficient, last longer and are safer than standard incandescent lights. The initial purchase cost is higher, but LEDs use much less energy and produce a lot less heat.

 

Holiday gatherings usually mean a lot of cooking. Don’t peek inside the oven. Each time you open the oven door, the temperature drops by as much as 25 degrees – forcing the oven to use more energy. It’s not necessary to pre-heat the oven for baking times over one hour. You can turn off the burner 5 to 10 minutes before the dish is done on an electric stove-top. Keep the lid on until time is up.

 

When it comes to gift buying, consider purchasing ENERGY STAR qualified items. Electronics such as computers, TVs and other appliances are popular choices. ENERGY STAR qualified products may cost more up front, but they will save in energy use for years to come.

 

SECO Energy, SECO News November 2016 - Area Light Out?

 

Area Light Out?

 

Do you or a neighbor have a SECO Energy area light that isn’t working properly? Is the light blinking, shining during daylight hours or off completely? Report area light problems day or night on our website. Lights are usually repaired within 72 hours. Have the pole number and location on hand if possible.

 

SECO Energy, Expressions

 

Expressions

 

Members expressed their appreciation for the SECO Team’s hard work during Hurricane Matthew’s aftermath via our websites Contact Us page.

 

Larry Grose  –  I’ve been dealing with the public for many years and I am aware of people being the first to complain and seldom to offer atta-boys. I just would like to ask that you pass this along to the proper personnel. I want to offer an atta-boy and sincerely thank those involved for their hard work and restoring power to the homes on Firefox Lane. Your work is greatly appreciated and you are an asset to your employer and community.

 

Clint Moseley  –  I wanted to take some time to say thanks for the hard work of the folks at SECO Energy. Hurricane Matthew came through my area and I only lost power once in the middle of the night, which I suspect may have been a maintenance issue. I really appreciate it so much. You guys are wonderful and I am very lucky to have such a dedicated group of people servicing my energy needs. Thank you again and I hope you get more letters of gratitude because you guys deserve it!

 

Read the full November 2016 SECO News here.

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.