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Sunshine State Stats, January 2019

January 2019’s average high was 68° and the average low was 48° – a couple of degrees warmer than last January. January’s average temperature was 58°, while January of 2018 had an average temperature of 56°. Rainfall for January of 2019 was 3.02 inches compared to last January at 3.68 inches.

 

January 2019 Sunshine State Stats breakdown

 

Based on data from the Leesburg weather station, February’s average high will hit around 71° and the average low is 49°. Those averages may cause residents to run heating units overnight and to switch to cooling in the afternoons. Based on the current forecast, Central Florida residents will see some afternoon highs in the low to mid 80s in mid-February. That said, if you haven’t changed your HVAC filter since last year, now is a good time to do so. It’s also a good time to have a qualified technician perform a health check on your system – well before the heat of summer is upon us.

 

Rainfall is forecast to be heavier than normal compared to 2018. For those with heat pumps, raise the thermostat setting no more than 1-2 degrees at a time when heating is being used to prevent back-up heat strips from operating. Heat strips can cost up to 5 times more per hour.

 

There were 27 cooling degree days and 250 heating degree days for January 2019, while last year there were 29 cooling degree days with 292 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.

 

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, December 2018

December 2018 was chilly compared to December 2017. The average temperature was 62°, while December of 2017 had an average temperature of 64°. The average high in December 2018 was three degrees cooler than 2017. This December also saw heavier precipitation. Rainfall for December 2018 was 5.55 inches compared to last December at 1.20 inches.

 

SECO Energy Sunshine State Stats December 2018 breakdown

 

There were 62 cooling degree days and 157 heating degree days for December 2018, while last year there were 81 cooling degree days with 107 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.

 

January 2019 is forecast to be somewhat the same as last January and is still Central Florida’s coldest month of the year. Our local forecast calls for lows in the 40s for at least sixteen nights in January. Be sure you’ve changed your heating unit’s air filter and have had the unit serviced by a qualified technician. Rainfall is forecast to be heavier than normal so keep an umbrella handy.

 

For those with heat pumps, raise the thermostat setting no more than 1-2 degrees at a time when heating is being used to prevent back-up heat strips from operating. Heat strips can cost up to five times more per hour in 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. 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.

 

** Past weather data sourced from Leesburg Airport weather station. 

 

Sunshine State Stats, October 2018

October 2018’s average high of 87° was 2 degrees warmer than last October. The average temp was 77° – still pretty warm for October. Rainfall for October of 2018 was 1.81 inches compared to last October at 2.63 inches.

 

SECO Energy Sunshine State Stats breakdown October 2018

 

There were 373 cooling degree days and 1 heating degree days for October 2018, while last year there were 379 cooling degree days with 15 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.

 

November 2018 is forecast to give us daily high temperatures in the 70s and 80s right through Thanksgiving. Rainfall is forecast to be heavier than normal compared to 2017. By replacing a dirty HVAC filter, you can lower your air conditioner’s energy consumption by 5% – 15%. Per ENERGY STAR, investing in a programmable thermostat can save you up to $180 a year on energy costs. Ask for one for Christmas!

 

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.

 

** Past weather data sourced from Leesburg Airport weather station. 

 

Sunshine State Stats, August 2018

August 2018 was similar on average to August 2017. The average temperature was 83°, while August of 2017 had an average temperature of 84°. The average high this year was 91 – just one degree lower than last year. Though it seemed like it rained every darn day, rainfall for August of 2018 was 4.88 inches compared to last August at 7.91 inches.

 

SECO Energy Sunshine State Stats breakdown August 2018

 

There were 556 cooling degree days and 0 heating degree days for August 2018, while last year there were 595 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.

 

September 2018 is… well… still hot with highs in the high 80s and low 90s. Rainfall is forecast to be heavier than normal compared to 2017. Thankfully, Fall is around the corner bringing cooler temperatures, allowing your air conditioners to get a much-needed break.

 

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, July 2018

July 2018 was pretty darn hot with nearly daily rain showers. The average high was 90°. The average temperature was 82°, while July of 2017 had an average temperature of 84°. The average low was 75°, compared with an average low of 76° last July. Rainfall for July of 2018 was 7.45 inches compared to last July at 7.91 inches.

 

Sunshine State Stats July 2018 breakdown

 

There were 524 cooling degree days and 0 heating degree days for July 2018, while last year there were 590 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.

 

August 2018 is forecast to be somewhat the same as last year with average high temperatures in the 90s. Rainfall is forecast to be heavier than normal compared to 2017. The continuation of afternoon showers could give your HVAC units a much-needed break.

 

Hurricane Season Update: Chances that the global climate pattern El Niño will develop this fall were increased in the most recent forecast, boosting confidence in revised predictions for a below-normal hurricane season. The federal Climate Prediction Center’s July El Niño forecast is giving it a 65 percent chance of appearing in the fall, and about a 70 percent chance of a winter formation.

 

For Florida, the periodic warming of the equatorial Pacific Ocean can mean a less active hurricane season with fewer of the powerhouse Cat 5 tropical cyclones known to build during the peak months of August through October.

 

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, June 2018

The weather in June 2018 was similar on average to June 2017. The average temperature this June and last June was 81°. Rainfall, however, for June of 2018 was 5.30 inches compared to last June at 14.63 inches.

 

June 2018 Sunshine State Stats breakdown

 

There were 460 cooling degree days and 0 heating degree days for June 2018. Similarly, last year there were 495 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.

 

July 2018’s temperatures are forecast to be above normal with lows in the 70s and highs in the low 90s. Rainfall is forecast to be heavier than normal compared to 2017. Remember that July is typically one of the hottest months of the year. The excessive heat and humidity will make your HVAC run more frequently, therefore impacting your electric bill. Remember 78 – 80° is the national standard for the HVAC in the summer. Set the thermostat higher to reduce your energy consumption. Just one degree higher can save 6 – 8% on your cooling cost.

 

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, 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.

SECO News, July 2016

SECO News, Duncan's Digest, February 2016

 

Do you want to engage with SECO? I can think of at least ten ways for you to connect with us.
You can:

  1. Call
  2. Email
  3. Tweet
  4. Fill out a web form
  5. Upload Instagram photos
  6. Watch our YouTube channel
  7. Send a Facebook private message
  8. Comment on the Newsroom blog
  9. Check-in or comment on Facebook
  10. Visit us in person at one of our five locations

 

Now that you know how to engage with SECO Energy, let’s count the reasons why. You can:

  1. Request a free home energy audit
  2. Enroll in SECO’s Surge Protection Program
  3. Order deeply discounted HVAC filters with free delivery
  4. Visit with a member services representative about your bill
  5. Make a payment at a kiosk or in person with a representative
  6. Ask questions about your home’s conduciveness to rooftop solar
  7. Enter trivia contests on Facebook and win a $300 electric bill credit
  8. Establish an online account through SmartHub to view past billing
  9. Watch this year’s Annual Meeting video and learn about company news
  10. Find the estimated time of restoration for an outage affecting your area

 

In this day and age, we know we can’t just push information to you and meet today’s expectations. The communication must allow two-way dialogue, and we do our best to be responsive 24/7 and 365 days a year (366 this year since it’s leap year). I hope you’ll engage with us soon. We are always privileged to hear from our members.

 

 

SECO Energy, 2016 Scholarship Awardees

 

Community Support

SECO Energy’s 2016 scholarship awardees are truly the best of the best! As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO supports the communities we serve. In the 20 years since we began the scholarship program, we have enabled 257 young people to begin their dreams of a college education. Here at SECO, we are proud of our scholars and would like to introduce them to our members.

 

The twelve scholars this year were each awarded a $3,000 scholarship for the university, accredited college or vocational/technical school of their choice. Since the program’s inception in 1996, we have pledged over $500,000 in scholarships to young people in our service area.

 

Congratulations, 2016 scholarship awardees!

  • Merari Saldana, West Port High School – Majoring in Psychology at the University of Florida.
  • Megan Elliott, Tavares High School – Majoring in Mechanical Engineering at University of Central Florida.
  • Citlali Barragan-Hernandez, Belleview High School – Majoring in Biology at the University of Florida.
  • James Cato, Lake Weir High School – Majoring in Business Management at Warner University.
  • Cayley Buckner,West Port High School – Double majoring in Ecology and Creative Writing at Warren Wilson College.
  • Melissa Moreno, West Port High School – Plans to obtain a doctorate in Optometry from the University of Florida.
  • Shelby Smith, South Sumter High School – Majoring in Biology at Abraham Baldwin Agriculture College in Georgia.
  • Ana Mata, Belleview High School – Majoring in Business Administration/General Studies at the University of Florida.
  • Elijah Hughes, South Sumter High School – Majoring in Chemistry at Santa Fe College and is the first member of his family to go to college.
  • Karla Carvajal, Wildwood Middle-High School – Majoring in medicine/pre-med at College of Central Florida and is the first member of her family to go to college.
  • Raul Bayas, Vanguard High School – Majoring in Computer Engineering at Santa Fe College.
  • Richanda Pierre, West Port High School – Attending Florida Atlantic University with plans to work in physical therapy.

 

 

SECO Energy, SECO News July 2016. ENERGY EFFICIENCY - Shading for savings

 

ENERGY EFFICIENCY: Shading for Savings

Summer is here and staying cool is a top priority. The sun’s rays make keeping your home cool difficult. Shading your windows can help reduce solar heat gain and save on energy consumption.

 

There are a number of good exterior options to choose from when attempting to block out the heat. Solar screens, installed on exterior frames, cover the entire window blocking the sun’s heat before it gets to the glass. Exterior shutters do the same but require manual opening and closing. Both provide a bit of privacy in addition to energy savings.

 

SECO Energy, SECO News July 2016. ENERGY EFFICIENCY - Shading for savings. Use Awnings and trees

 

Awnings and trees are another good choice for window shading when placed on the east and west sides of your home. For added benefit, plant deciduous trees that lose their leaves in fall. You’ll want the heat from the sun to help warm your home in winter.

 

Interior window shading options include reflective film, shutters, and coverings such as drapes, blinds, or shades. Interior shutters and window coverings, although very effective at blocking the heat, will need to stay closed during the day – completely obstructing your view. Reflective film, on the other hand, reflects the sun’s rays without obstructing the view. Choose the option that is right for you.

 

 

SECO Energy, SECO News July 2016. Access to Underground Facilities

 

Access to Underground Facilities

SECO employees are currently out and about in the community inspecting padmount transformers (big green above-ground boxes). In order to quickly and safely restore power after an outage, our Operations employees need a clear path to access this equipment.

 

Landscape safely – keep fences and plants at least ten feet away from the front of the transformer and at least three feet away from the sides and rear of the transformer.

 

We are communicating proactively with members and asking them to relocate fences or plants that are obstructing transformers. If the obstructions are not cleared near the transformers, SECO will be forced to remove anything that blocks our access.

 

For more information about SECO Energy products and services, visit SECOEnergy.com.

 

Read the full July 2016 SECO News here.