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SECO News January 2025

Wynn's Wire

 

 

 

 

 

DEAR MEMBERS,

 

The new year is bringing new opportunities for innovation and savings. SmartHub, SECO Energy’s trusted online platform for bill payments, now offers enhanced options to reduce energy and manage your home’s energy consumption more efficiently.

 

Over 180,000 accounts have been upgraded to Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) technology. These members can now access their home’s detailed energy use in 15-minute intervals, which is much more frequent compared to traditional monthly meter readings. With AMI technology, you can also set up high-energy usage alerts to spot spikes in energy use and take action to reduce consumption before the high-energy usage hits your bill at the end of the month.

 

To pinpoint appliance and electronics use more accurately, visit SmartHub and build your home energy profile. When you add your appliances and devices to your profile in SmartHub, you can see how much electricity each appliance consumes and how that use translates into dollars spent. Using appliance-specific data, you can leverage analytics to find ways to reduce unnecessary energy consumption. Building your home profile in SmartHub takes only a few minutes.

 

Consider joining our new SECO Smart Connect Program for even more savings! This program rewards residential members for lowering energy use during peak demand times through eligible devices like smart thermostats, electric vehicle (EV) chargers, and battery backup systems. By enrolling eligible devices and adhering to the program’s terms and conditions, you will earn reward credits that will be directly applied to your SECO Energy bill for your participation.

 

Every little bit helps, and this year, SECO Energy wants to offer you innovative energy services along with tools and resources to help and incentivize you to monitor and manage your home’s energy usage.

 

Sincerely,

 

CURTIS WYNN

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

SECO News January 2025 Now Accepting Applications for SECO Energy's 2025 Scholarship Program

 

SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees has approved $36,000 to fund the 2025 Scholarship Program to ease the financial burden for up to twelve graduating high school seniors with a passion for powering the future. The program awards each recipient a $3,000 scholarship to continue their pursuit of higher education at an accredited institution in Florida.

 

Eligibility Criteria:

 

➡️  Applicants must reside in a household within SECO Energy’s service area or live with a parent or legal guardian who is an active SECO Energy member.

➡️  Candidates must graduate from high school by the end of the 2024- 2025 academic year (May/June) and enroll in a Florida-based college, university, or technical school by the conclusion of the same year.

➡️  Special consideration will be given to those seeking a STEM-related degree or aiming for a career in the energy sector. Relevant majors include computer science, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, chemical, nuclear, environmental, civil, agricultural/ biological, industrial, materials science, and various branches of mathematics.

 

Evaluation Process:

When assessing applicants, SECO Energy will weigh financial need, academic accomplishments, community engagement, quality of the personal statement or essay, and relevance of the candidate’s major in preparation for a STEM-related or energy sector career.

 

Application Deadline: March 28, 2025

 

APPLY HERE

 

 

 

 

Smart Connect homepage banner

 

The SECO Smart Connect Program rewards you for reducing energy consumption through enrolled Wi-Fi connected smart thermostats, electric vehicle (EV) chargers, and battery backup systems during peak demand.

 

HOW IT WORKS?

Enrolling allows SECO Energy to temporarily adjust the settings on eligible Wi-Fi connected smart devices during periods of peak energy demand. These minor adjustments help reduce the strain on the electric grid when energy usage is at its highest.

 

DO YOU QUALIFY?

🔲  Are you a residential member?

🔲  Do you have an approved smart device such as a thermostat, EV charger, or battery?

🔲  Do you have a Wi-Fi network that is compatible with your smart device?

🔲  If you plan to enroll a thermostat, do you have a working central air conditioning unit?

 

ENROLLING IS EASY!

Learn more and sign up today! Click HERE.

 

 

 

 

SECO News January 2025 Trustee Education Milestones A Message from Board President Gerald Anderson

 

Your SECO Energy Board of Trustees encompasses nine of your fellow SECO members. Each elected Trustee represents a District. Trustees provide governance and oversight to the cooperative, as well as oversee the establishment of corporate policies. SECO Energy is member-owned and member-governed, so your Trustees prioritize members’ need for reliable, affordable, and safe electricity.

 

To prepare for their Board leadership role, SECO Energy Trustees invest extensive time and resources to complete a nationally recognized curriculum offered by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). Our two newest Trustees, James LaMotte from District 4 and Marty Proctor from District 8 have completed the requirements to be recognized as Credentialed Cooperative Directors (CCD).

 

The initial step in the NRECA’s Director Education program is earning the CCD. The next step is to build on their core education by completing the Board Leadership Certificate and ultimately completing the requirements for the distinguished Director Gold Credential. Through their full engagement with the NRECA’s curriculum, these two gentlemen are well on their way to achieving Gold.

 

These education programs equip us with the knowledge and skills to serve on your behalf, focusing on the responsibilities and liabilities of a Trustee, understanding the electric business, board operations and processes, strategic planning, and financial decision-making.

 

 

 


SECO Energy employees and Trustees have pledged $59,381 to local United Ways for 2025! SECO has held an annual United Way pledge donation for over 20 years. Since 2004, the total pledged to United Way has eclipsed $1.1 million! Thank you, SECO team, for your generous contributions to our local communities.

 

 

 

Read the full January SECO News.

SECO News November 2024

Wynn's Wire

 

 

 

 

 

DEAR MEMBERS,

 

SECO Energy has been faithfully serving Central Florida members since 1938. In that time, we have experienced momentous growth. From energizing the fi rst 400 rural farmsteads over 85 years ago, SECO has grown into a robust regional utility that serves over 245,000 meters. The demand for affordable energy is increasing along with our population. We plan to ensure that the highly-ranked responsiveness and reliability that you deserve continue.

 

In 2022, our Executive Leadership Team extensively studied the functionality and operability of our aging office buildings, warehouses, and staging areas. We have more than outgrown our buildings – some date back to the 1930s and ‘40s. Yet, our dedicated team has remained committed to serving you – working in less-than-ideal conditions every day. Their resilience and dedication are truly commendable. Offices designed for one person are occupied by two or more employees, departments are isolated by outdated office layouts, and our fi eld service workers are mired in substandard working conditions. Moving vehicles around the property is inefficient and frustrating; it’s beyond expensive and highly unsafe.

 

A change is needed; our employees deserve better. SECO Energy is launching an Expansion and Improvement plan that includes new buildings to optimize working conditions in an environment that promotes safety, collaboration, and efficiency. This is exciting news. We want to continue to build the SECO culture that has fueled our success for all these years.

 

In early 2026, look for SECO to embark on our expansion plan to support our growth well into the future. The project features adequate workspaces designed to foster collaboration and teamwork. Staging, maintenance, and storage areas will be combined – not separated – to optimize workflows and efficiencies. Crews who work in extreme weather and temperatures will have updated washrooms and locker areas. Spaces for team meals and breaks will foster togetherness and a unified One SECO company culture.

 

Among the many goals that our Board has charged us with is to become the employer of choice in our region to attract and retain top talent. That aspiration is a major reason why we are so excited about this plan and confident it will propel us forward while creating more jobs, fueling our local economy, and creating more opportunities for everyone – all in the service of our growing membership.

 

SECO Energy is confident that this important and much-needed plan is the right step for our cooperative – promising our continued world-class reliability and dedication to serving you. Thank you for being a valued SECO Energy member. Happy Thanksgiving!

 

Sincerely,

 

 

 

CURTIS WYNN

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

AT SECO ENERGY, WE BELIEVE IN PUTTING OUR MEMBERS FIRST.

As a not-for profit cooperative, our primary goal is to serve you, not to generate profits. When we do have excess funds – what we call margins – we’re excited to return those to you through Capital Credits, also known as member equity. Keep an eye out for your Capital Credit refund on your November billing statement; it’s our way of saying thank you for the opportunity to serve your electric energy needs.

 

As a member, you’re not just a customer; you’re a part-owner of SECO Energy. This means that any money left over after we cover our operating expenses gets shared with you based on how much electricity you’ve used over the year. We’re thrilled to share that at our recent September Board Meeting, our Trustees approved the return of $1.65 million in member equity to both current and former members.

 

We also take pride in reinvesting the funds that aren’t yet retired back into our infrastructure. This ensures that we continue to improve reliability and keep pace with the tremendous growth we are seeing here in Central Florida. At the end of 2023, we reached a significant milestone with over $1.2 billion invested in our electric plant and assets, all aimed at enhancing the electric service we provide you with every day.

 

Capital Credits are more than just numbers on a statement; they represent our deep commitment to you and the communities we serve. This unique aspect of cooperatives reflects the cooperative difference—where your voice and your needs truly matter. Thank you for being an integral part of the SECO Energy family!

 

 

 

 

 

Join SECO Energy employees as they suit up to play Santa again this year for our annual Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots donation drive. Jingle all the way to one of our five Member Service Centers and donate a new unwrapped toy.

 

The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to help bring the joy of Christmas and send a message of hope through the gift of a new toy to thousands of children across the United States. Since 2001, Toys for Tots has been ranked as one of the top-rated charities by “Philanthropy 400.”

 

Retired Marines and other volunteers operate Toys for Tots. Toys donated by SECO employees and members are gifted to children within the local community. Members who want to register to receive toys donated through Toys for Tots can visit ToysforTots.org > Request a Toy.

 

Santa’s elves are collecting toys at our Member Service Centers in Eustis, Groveland, Inverness, Ocala, and Sumterville, serving as public drop-off locations between November 1 and December 6. Help SECO spread Christmas cheer, goodwill to men, and Peace on Earth during this holiday season by donating to Toys for Tots.

 

SECO is committed to improving the communities we serve, from supporting local schools to investing in renewable energy.
These principles aren’t just words; they’re the foundation of how SECO Energy operates, ensuring that we serve you, our members, with fairness, transparency, and care.

 

 

Read the full November SECO News.

SECO Energy Holds 2024 Annual Meeting with Record Member Participation  

SECO Energy held its 2024 virtual Annual Meeting celebrating its 85th year as an electric cooperative on Thursday, March 21, 2024. The Meeting had a record number of member participation with over 17,000 members participating in the Cooperative’s governance process through their vote on Annual Meeting business.

 

During the Meeting, SECO Energy’s membership approved two revisions to the Cooperative’s Bylaws pertaining to District Meetings and Trustee Qualifications and the 2023 Annual Meeting Minutes. SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees recommended both revisions, with the first revision allowing a Trustee candidate to be declared Trustee at the District Meeting without holding an uncontested election if only one candidate is certified by the secretary and the second clarifying the District residency requirements to serve as a Trustee. Members can access the updated Bylaws on SECOEnergy.com or at any SECO Energy Member Service Center.

 

Highlights of the Meeting included SECO Energy’s Board President Gerald Anderson and Chief Executive Officer Curtis Wynn delivering their respective addresses to the membership, providing important updates on the Cooperative’s business and financial standing to ensure SECO Energy members are well-informed of the Cooperative’s direction and policies. Their messages reinforced SECO Energy’s dedication to providing reliable and innovative energy services and the Cooperative’s Vision to lead in member satisfaction and engagement, inviting members to partake in SECO Energy’s Member Engagement Panel and have their questions answered by the Cooperative’s Executive Leadership Team.

 

SECO Energy CEO Curtis Wynn

“This year marked a significant milestone for SECO Energy, commemorating its journey from a collective effort of rural households in 1938 to a major electric cooperative serving over 240,000 members today,” stated Wynn. “This milestone year commemorates decades of service, community involvement, and the Cooperative’s commitment to innovation and growth.”

 

Looking ahead, SECO Energy strategically focuses on improving operational efficiency, strengthening connections with its members, and navigating the evolving energy landscape. A vital component of this strategy is SECO Energy’s investment in Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), which marks a step towards modernizing the Cooperative’s services, offering members real-time insights into energy usage, and enabling a more resilient and sustainable energy infrastructure.
SECO Energy remains steadfast in its mission to enhance member experiences and lead the way in energy innovation as the Cooperative moves into the future. SECO Energy members are encouraged to stay tuned for upcoming announcements, including the launch of a program that leverages smart technology for energy efficiency and sustainability.

 

For those who missed the live event, the Annual Meeting recording will be available on the SECO Energy website, YouTube, and Facebook, featuring the list of 101 prize winners and more.

 

“Like” SECO Energy on Facebook and follow @SECOEnergy on Twitter for prize drawings, news releases, and severe weather alerts affecting SECO Energy’s service territory. Manage your outage notification preferences at StormCenter. To see when SECO Energy crews/contractors are working in your area, visit our new System Improvement Map. To learn more about SECO Energy as a not-for-profit cooperative, visit About SECO Energy.

SECO Energy District 9 Members Re-Elect Trustee Morgan Hatfield

SECO Energy members who reside in District 9 re-elected Morgan Hatfield as the District 9 Trustee to serve on SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees. The District 9 Meeting was held within the District on January 30 at Spring Creek Elementary School in Paisley.

 

SECO Energy is a not-for-profit electric cooperative operated for and owned by its members. SECO’s service area is geographically divided into nine Districts. One Trustee is elected from each of the nine Districts to represent their fellow members on SECO’s nine-member Board of Trustees. Collectively, the Board represents the SECO membership, meeting monthly to monitor the cooperative’s financial status while providing fiduciary oversight and participating in policy decisions that serve the best interests of the membership at large.

 

The District 9 election was uncontested, with Ms. Hatfield retaining the seat for another 3-year term. SECO’s Bylaws require that the cooperative hold District Meetings. Subsequently, Florida Statute requires SECO to hold in-person elections. A drive-thru voting option was available for members for added convenience and to encourage participation.

 

A SECO member since 2019, Ms. Hatfield currently holds the position of Secretary/Treasurer for the Board of Trustees. She attained the Director Gold credential, which is the highest level of achievement through the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). Trustee Hatfield earned a degree in Finance from UCF and is a Senior Wealth Advisor/Partner of Ruggie Wealth Management.

 

Ms. Hatfield shared with the District 9 audience, “I want to thank all District 9 members for attending and showing your interest in participating as SECO members. I am eager to continue working with my fellow Board of Trustees and doing our best to serve our members with an outstanding product supported by industry-leading service.”

 

Board President Gerald Anderson stated, “Congratulations, Ms. Hatfield, on your re-election as District 9 Trustee. I am grateful to the District 9 members who attended the Meeting and participated in our cooperative’s governance process. On behalf of our fellow Board members and peers, we are excited to support SECO Energy’s Mission and Vision through our Board service.”

 

Curtis Wynn CEO stated, “The Board of Trustees and the SECO Energy membership are grateful to all Trustees who give generously of their time and experience. We are very happy to have Ms. Hatfield continue with her leadership and strong contributions to the success of SECO Energy in her role as a Board Trustee and her expanded responsibilities as Secretary/Treasurer. Thank you, District 9 members, for your attendance at the meeting and your interest in SECO Energy and the strategic direction in which the board, executive leadership team and employees are taking your electric cooperative.”

 

“Like” SECO Energy on Facebook and follow @SECOEnergy on Twitter for prize drawings, news releases, and severe weather alerts affecting SECO Energy’s service territory. Manage your outage notification preferences at StormCenter. To see when SECO Energy crews/contractors are working in your area, visit our new System Improvement Map. To learn more about SECO Energy as a not-for-profit cooperative, visit About SECO Energy.

Members Tuned in for SECO Energy’s 85th Annual Meeting

SECO Energy members tuned in virtually for the Cooperative’s 85th Annual Meeting on March 23, 2023. SECO Energy Board of Trustees President Gerald Anderson and CEO Curtis Wynn presented their reports to members in a virtual meeting that streamed on the energy cooperative’s website, Facebook Live and YouTube. Members who missed the meeting can view the Annual Meeting video on YouTube.

 

Florida statute requires the Meeting to be held annually, and a quorum was achieved by member participation in voting on Annual Meeting business – a process that closed when President Anderson called the Meeting to order. In total, member voting participation reached 14,375 – which is record-high participation in Annual Meeting business from members across every part of the service territory. Members voted to approve both the 2022 Annual Meeting Minutes and a Bylaws revision establishing virtual online Annual Meetings as the delivery platform moving forward.

 

CEO Curtis Wynn shared updates related to operation costs, efficiency initiatives, growth projections, and SECO Energy Foundation funding and grant activities.

 

GROWTH

 

SECO’s 15.5% electric service membership growth between 2017 and 2022 is expected to continue. Wynn stated, “At today’s growth rate, SECO will hit the 250,000-member mark quickly, and may step up to be the largest electric Cooperative in Florida.” With over 230,000 members, SECO is currently the third-largest electric cooperative in Florida and the seventh largest in the country.

 

CORPORATE INITIATIVES

 

Wynn revealed a recently launched multi-year Strategy Map outlining SECO’s Mission, Vision, and updated Core Values that include Safety, Member Commitment, Honesty and Integrity, Accountability, Teamwork and an Inclusive Culture. Wynn said, “Our employees embody these traits, and we look for these characteristics when we hire new team members.”

 

EFFICIENCY INITIATIVES

 

While wholesale power costs continue to rise, SECO’s Technology Roadmap outlines current and future innovations to increase efficiency at SECO. The Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) project began a test period in early March. After data is analyzed, the systemwide implementation will continue, with a goal of replacing 7,000 to 9,000 meters each month until completion in three to four years. Combined with the new AMI meters, SECO’s SmartHub online account management interface will offer unprecedented energy usage information to members.

 

Efforts to elevate online member service were highlighted during the meeting. SECO’s Home Energy Assessment and Energy Estimator are online energy-efficiency tools found on SECOEnergy.com. The Home Energy Assessment is an online home energy audit, while the Energy Estimator calculates estimated energy usage from all sources in the home.

 

Also cited was the cooperative’s commitment to in-home electric vehicle charging, in which an EV Level 2 fast charger may be either leased or purchased and installed at a member’s premises. SECO is also accepting pre-enrollments in an EV monthly incentive program for members who agree to charge their electric vehicles during Super Off-Peak hours (midnight to 6 a.m.). More information about both EV offerings can be found at SECOEnergy.com.

 

COSTS AND BUDGET

 

Costs are rising at an astronomical rate. Even as a not-for-profit utility, SECO Energy is not immune to inflation and the economic downturn that began in 2020. As a result of rising costs. SECO reported an unprecedented increase in its 2023 capital budget. In 2022, the capital budget totaled $76,520,000; for 2023, SECO necessarily increased the capital budget by 57% to equal $119,795,000 to cover rising costs.

 

In response to the cost increases, CEO Wynn announced an increase to the customer charge effective May 1 to $34.50 per billing cycle. The monthly line-item fee is meant to fund the fixed costs of providing electric service. CEO Wynn added, “It became painfully clear that SECO cannot avoid a customer charge increase.”

 

A projection of wholesale fuel cost reductions paints a brighter outlook for members. Wynn said, if realized, the outlook may provide an opportunity to “positively impact” members’ bills.

 

SECO ENERGY FOUNDATION

 

The SECO Energy Foundation approved its first three grants in the first quarter 2023. These included transitional housing support in Lake County, the purchase of fire truck equipment for Marion County and the replacement of a Trout Lake Nature Center boardwalk in the Eustis area. The SECO Energy Foundation also accepted applications for scholarships from high school seniors in the first quarter.

 

The SECO Energy Foundation is proving to be a successful source of grant funding support for the communities SECO serves. But the Cooperative understands that rounding up one’s electric bill to the next even dollar to support the Foundation is a personal choice. Mr. Wynn reviewed the many ways members can discontinue supporting the Foundation if that is their desire.

 

The Annual Meeting concluded with the announcement of the 100 prize winners. All members who voted on Annual Meeting business were eligible to win. Members can view the Annual Meeting video to learn if they were a prize winner by visiting SECOEnergy.com or its YouTube channel.

 

To learn more about the Board of Trustees, visit SECOEnergy.com>Your Co-op. “Like” SECO Energy on Facebook and follow @SECOEnergy on Twitter for prize drawings, news releases, and severe weather alerts affecting SECO Energy’s service territory. Manage your outage notification preferences at StormCenter. To see reliability and expansion projects in your area, visit our new System Improvement Map. To learn more about SECO Energy as a not-for-profit cooperative, visit SECOEnergy.com > Your Co-op > About.

 

SECO Energy District 4 Members Re-elect Trustee Richard Dennison

SECO Energy members who reside in District 4 re-elected Richard Dennison as the District 4 Trustee to serve on SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees. The meeting was held in the District on Tuesday, February 7, at the Marion Oaks Community Center in Marion County for the purpose of electing a Trustee to represent District 4 on SECO’s Board of Trustees.

 

SECO Energy is a not-for-profit electric cooperative, operated for and owned by its members. SECO’s service area is geographically divided into nine Districts. One Trustee is elected from each of the nine Districts to represent their fellow members on SECO’s nine-member Board of Trustees. Collectively, the Board represents the SECO membership, meeting monthly to monitor the financial status of the cooperative while providing fiduciary oversight and participating in policy decisions that serve the best interests of the membership at large.

 

Trustee Dennison submitted a letter of intent to run for Trustee and was unopposed in his candidacy. SECO’s Bylaws currently require that the cooperative hold District Meetings. Subsequently, Florida Statute requires SECO to hold in-person elections; therefore, the cooperative continues to hold District Meetings as a means of electing Trustees. A drive-thru voting option was available for members for added convenience.

 

A SECO member since 1999, Mr. Dennison was first elected to SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees in 2015. Trustee Dennison has served as both Board of Trustees Vice President and President. He has also participated in continuing education classes through the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) to maintain his Director Gold Credential which is the highest Trustee accreditation from the NRECA.

 

Trustee Dennison looks forward to a new three-year term working with SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees. Mr. Dennison stated, “Thank you to all District 4 members who attended the meeting. We are thankful for your SECO membership and your participation. I enjoy working with my community and fellow SECO members through my Board of Trustees service and look forward to promoting SECO and its successes.”

 

Board President Gerald Anderson stated, “Congratulations, Mr. Dennison, on your re-election as District 4 Trustee. On behalf of my fellow Board Officers and peers, we look forward to supporting SECO Energy’s Mission and Vision through our Board service.”

 

Curtis Wynn CEO stated, “Mr. Dennison, the Board of Trustees and the SECO Energy membership are thankful for your Board service as District 4 Trustee. I congratulate you on your re-election and look forward to working with you and the Board for continued success at SECO Energy.”

 

To learn more about the Board of Trustees, visit SECOEnergy.com>Your Co-op. “Like” SECO Energy on Facebook and follow @SECOEnergy on Twitter for prize drawings, news releases, and severe weather alerts affecting SECO Energy’s service territory. Manage your outage notification preferences at StormCenter. To see reliability and expansion projects in your area, visit our new System Improvement Map. To learn more about SECO Energy as a not-for-profit cooperative, visit SECOEnergy.com > Your Co-op > About.

 

SECO Energy District 6 Members Re-elect Trustee Mike Muffett

SECO Energy members who reside in District 6 re-elected Mike Muffett as the District 6 Trustee to serve on SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees. The meeting was held in the District on Tuesday, January 31, at the Village View Community Church in Marion County for the purpose of electing a Trustee to represent District 6 on SECO’s Board of Trustees.

 

SECO Energy is a not-for-profit electric cooperative, operated for and owned by its members. SECO’s service area is geographically divided into nine Districts. One Trustee is elected from each of the nine Districts to represent their fellow members on SECO’s nine-member Board of Trustees. Collectively, the Board represents the SECO membership, meeting monthly to monitor the financial status of the cooperative while providing fiduciary oversight and participating in policy decisions that serve the best interests of the membership at large.

 

Trustee Muffett submitted a letter of intent to run for Trustee and was unopposed in his candidacy. SECO’s Bylaws currently require that the cooperative hold District Meetings. Subsequently, Florida Statute requires SECO to hold in-person elections; therefore, the cooperative continues to hold District Meetings as a means of electing Trustees. A drive-thru voting option was available for members for added convenience, to encourage participation, to practice social distancing and to reduce the size of the indoor meeting.

 

A SECO member since 1984, Mr. Muffett was first elected to SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees in 2020. Trustee Muffett earned his Director Gold Credential from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). The Director Gold Credential is the highest Trustee accreditation from the NRECA.

 

Trustee Muffett is grateful for the support of his fellow District 6 SECO Energy members. Mr. Muffett stated, “Thank you to all District 6 members who attended the District Meeting and participated in SECO Energy’s democratic voting process. I am grateful for the community support I have received from District 6 members and SECO’s membership as a whole. Serving my community through my SECO Energy Board of Trustees service is an honor.”

 

Board President Gerald Anderson stated, “Congratulations, Mr. Muffett, on your re-election as District 6 Trustee. Thank you to the District 6 members who attended the Meeting. On behalf of my fellow Board Officers and peers, we are excited to support SECO Energy’s Mission and Vision through our Board service.”

 

Curtis Wynn CEO stated, “Mr. Muffett, the Board of Trustees and the SECO Energy membership is thankful for your Board service as District 6 Trustee. I congratulate you on your re-election and look forward to working with you and the Board for continued success at SECO Energy.”

 

To learn more about the Board of Trustees, visit SECOEnergy.com>Your Co-op. “Like” SECO Energy on Facebook and follow @SECOEnergy on Twitter for prize drawings, news releases, and severe weather alerts affecting SECO Energy’s service territory. Manage your outage notification preferences at StormCenter. To see reliability and expansion projects in your area, visit our new System Improvement Map. To learn more about SECO Energy as a not-for-profit cooperative, visit SECOEnergy.com > Your Co-op > About.
 

SECO Energy Mourns Passing of Longtime Trustee Jerry Hatfield

SECO Energy mourns the passing of long-tenured District 9 Trustee, Mr. Jerry Hatfield, who served District 9 in Lake and Marion Counties in the Weirsdale, Umatilla and Paisley areas of SECO Energy’s service territory. Mr. Hatfield’s tenure on the Board of Trustees began in 2000 until 2021.

 

Mr. Hatfield’s daughter, Morgan Hatfield, who was elected to fill the District 9 Trustee seat in 2021 when her father decided not to seek re-election, informed SECO Energy of his passing on November 11, 2022. The cooperative extends its sincere condolences to Mr. Hatfield’s family and loved ones.

 

Mr. Hatfield played several pivotal roles as an elected Trustee serving as Board President for four years. He also served for nine years as Vice President and two years as Secretary/Treasurer. A committed member of the Board of Trustees, Mr. Hatfield provided his insight and wisdom to his fellow Trustees and the executive leadership team for over two decades of service on the Board.

 

Board of Trustee President Gerald Anderson stated, “Jerry was a respected member of the Board of Trustees and represented his constituents and the membership as a whole with a servant leadership approach. He was full of energy and enthusiasm for his community and conducted the governance of SECO Energy with both head and heart. He will be dearly missed by his fellow Trustees, SECO Energy leadership and the many employees whose lives he touched over the years.”

 

SECO Energy CEO Curtis Wynn stated, “Mr. Hatfield was an educator, administrator and a friend and father figure to many. I’ve heard a number of stories about how he touched the lives of so many students and parents in the Lake County School District and also through his avid work with the Lake County Youth Fair program. He has left an indomitable mark on SECO Energy and the communities we serve with his adept leadership and compassionate heart.”

 

Mr. Hatfield was a longtime member of the Umatilla Kiwanis Club, served in the YMCA Indian Guides with his daughter Morgan in the Indian Princess Program and was a member of the 2005 Leadership Lake County class. He was also a strong supporter of the Lake County Fair.

 

SECO’s Board of Trustees represents the SECO membership, meeting monthly to monitor the cooperative’s financial status while providing fiduciary oversight and participating in policy decisions that serve the best interests of the membership at large.

 

To learn more about the Board of Trustees, visit SECOEnergy.com>Your Co-op. “Like” SECO Energy on Facebook and follow @SECOEnergy on Twitter for prize drawings, news releases, and severe weather alerts affecting SECO Energy’s service territory. Manage your outage notification preferences at StormCenter. To see reliability and expansion projects in your area, visit our new System Improvement map. To learn more about SECO Energy as a not-for-profit cooperative, visit SECOEnergy.com > Your Co-op > About.

 

SECO News October 2022

SECO News October 2022 Message From Board President and District 3 Trustee Gerald Anderson

Dear Members,

I am honored to serve as your Board President. As our CEO Curtis Wynn has highlighted in previous articles, we remain committed to maintaining our electric grid and keeping up with the growth we are experiencing system-wide.  I want to highlight some of those specific activities.

 

Members who live in Sumter County know the growth in our area has been incredible over the last decade. Last year, SECO energized 1,443 new services in Sumter County – representing 25 percent of SECO’s total new service count. This year between January and August, we have already energized 2,257 new meters in Sumter County, bringing the total service count in the county to 82,173.

 

You can’t help but notice the construction all over Sumter County, and SECO Energy has many projects in various design and construction stages. SECO is actively focused on improving the reliability of its existing infrastructure in Sumter County and building new facilities to meet increasing demand.

 

Currently in the Belmont area, new commercial development is happening around County Road 466A to include new restaurants, retail space and a hotel. In Belmont Phase 3, SECO recently energized electric infrastructure for 57 residential lots. A 100,000-square-foot self-storage facility is currently in the engineering design stage.

 

New single-family residences are proposed at the Keys at Wildwood Phase II and the Villas at Wildwood. The Wildwood Cottages subdivision is also in development near County Roads 134 and 426. These 70 new units have no age restrictions. The community will include a clubhouse, pool, dog park and community garden. 

 

A new nursing center is planned for Trailwinds Villages. SECO’s Engineering team has completed the electric design for an assisted-living facility of 160 units at Lumin Park in Lady Lake. Another new senior assisted-living facility in Wildwood on County Road 472 will have 132 units and is in the electrical design stage. 

 

Sumter County is also welcoming new commercial growth. An adhesive plant is in construction on 82nd Avenue west of County Road 127. In the same area, SECO has completed the electric design of a 170,000-square-foot building. A 7,000-square-foot retail building is being designed in the Fenney Professional Plaza. Near the corner of Buena Vista and Parr, a proposed 2,300-square-foot facility for a new Sprouts grocery store is in the works.  

 

This long list helps emphasize our area’s robust residential development and commercial growth. Keeping pace with the growth while continuing to maintain our existing infrastructure to serve our current members is a high priority for every SECO Energy employee. Visit SECOEnergy.com > Newsroom > System Improvement Map to see reliability and expansion projects across our entire service territory. 

 

Unfortunately, we continue to battle supply chain and labor shortages as a not-for-profit cooperative trying to keep pace with unprecedented growth. Our members continue to feel the crunch in their electric bills as the price of natural gas – the primary fuel used to generate electricity – increased 52% in July compared with June per the Energy Information Administration depicted in the graph to the right. The Power Cost Adjustment (PCA) component on your bill reflects these ongoing increases.   

 

Members who need financial help should visit SECOEnergy.com > Contact and click on the Find Bill Payment Help map to locate a social service agency in their area. These agencies receive funding from SECO Energy’s Pennies from Heaven program for the specific purpose of helping members who have difficulty paying their electric bill. Florida 211 is also a resource for residents who need resources related to food, addiction, housing and healthcare. Call 211 or visit 211.org today.  

 

 

 

Sincerely,

 

Gerald Anderson

Board Trustee President

 

 

SECO News September 2022 Enroll In The Surge MitiGator For A Chance to Win a Generator

Surge MitiGator – Win a Generator Reminder!

 

Enroll in SECO Energy’s Surge MitiGator program by November 15 for a chance to win one of three portable generators! Members in a current lease or prior purchase are already eligible to win.

 

Chomp down on voltage spikes and surges with SECO Energy surge protection. The meter-based surge arrester blocks damaging surges and voltage spikes that come in through the electric line before they damage appliances and cause financial loss. Surges are caused by lightning, vehicle accidents, small animals, fallen trees and more. 

 

You can lease the protection for only $5.95 plus tax per month with a $25 installation fee. Purchase prices range from $349 to $399, and installation is always free. The product carries a 15-year warranty.

 

Enroll in the Surge MitiGator program (lease or purchase) for a chance to win one of three portable generators. To enroll, visit SECOEnergy.com > Energy Solutions > Surge MitiGator and submit the web form.

 

The arrester at the meter is the first step in protection. You should invest in point-of-use surge devices to protect electronics and appliances. Purchase at local big box or hardware store. 

 

SECO News October 2022 Scare Away Phantom Load

Scare Away Phantom Load

 

Did you know that many everyday electronics consume electricity when plugged into an outlet? Electronics such as TVs, DVD players, computer equipment, gaming or audio systems, cable boxes and device chargers are the most common culprits. This phenomenon is called phantom load, and it leads to increased energy bills.

 

Phantom load may be responsible for 10 to 20 percent of residential electricity use in the United States alone. Studies report that homes may have 20 to 40 sources of phantom load. 

 

How do you scare away phantom load? The Department of Energy’s (DOE) website at energy.gov recommends using power strips instead of plugging items directly into outlets. Power strips enable multiple devices to be plugged in at one time and can be turned “on” or “off.” Smart plugs are also available for devices such as cell phones that stop using electricity when the battery is charged.

 

Scare away phantom load by identifying and eliminating energy wasters in your home. TVs and DVD players in a guest room? Multiple chargers plugged directly into outlets and not being used? A computer, printer or gaming system plugged in and not in use?

 

SECO offers a variety of ways to search out energy wasters in disguise. Find the Energy Estimator and the Home Energy Assessment at SECOEnergy.com to receive energy-efficiency advice tailored to your home.

 

 

 

SECO News September 2022 SECO Energy Employees donate to Relay For Life

SECO Energy Employees Donate to Relay For Life

 

For decades, SECO Energy employees have donated to and participated in The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life which is the largest peer-to-peer fundraising event dedicated to saving lives affected by cancer. 

 

SECO Energy is proud to announce that its employees collectively donated $4,640 to Relay For Life teams in SECO’s service area. SECO Energy has committed to matching employees’ donations from our Pennies from Heaven fund. The total contribution totaled $9,280 for the American Cancer Society. 

 

Want to join SECO Energy’s charitable endeavors? Enroll in our Pennies from Heaven program that is transitioning to the SECO Energy Foundation. Your bill will be rounded up to the nearest dollar each month. These donations assist your fellow members with bill payment assistance and other local worthy causes. Read more on page 4 about SECO Energy Foundation enrollment changes that take effect in January 2023.

 

 

 

SECO News October 2022 SECO Energy Foundation Pennies From Heaven Transition

SECO Energy Foundation Reminder

 

In January 2023, SECO Energy’s Pennies from Heaven program is transitioning to the SECO Energy Foundation. The SECO Energy Foundation’s goal is to increase community outreach in our service area. The new Foundation will generate grant funds for projects that align with SECO members’ needs and SECO’s strategic initiatives. The Foundation will also provide increased bill payment assistance for SECO members.

 

SECO members will automatically be transitioned to enrollment in the SECO Energy Foundation at year-end unless they have proactively unenrolled. The Foundation enrollment rounds up monthly bills to the nearest dollar. The average donation per member whose bill is rounded up is $6 annually. 

 

Update your SECO Energy Foundation enrollment status by visiting SECOEnergy.com > Contact >  SECO Energy Foundation. You can send an email to CustomerService@SECOEnergy.com, call (352) 793-3801 or write to SECO Energy, Attn: Corp Comm, P.O. Box 301, Sumterville, FL 33585 by December 31, 2022.

 

We are so thankful for our current Pennies from Heaven enrollees. We look forward to expanding our community outreach with the new SECO Energy Foundation.

 

Contributions to the SECO Energy Foundation will be tax-deductible.

Read the full October 2022 SECO News online.

 

SECO Energy Board of Trustees Elects 2022 Officers

The SECO Energy Board of Trustees elected 2022 Officers at its Trustees’ Meeting on Monday, March 28. District 3 Trustee Gerald Anderson was elected as Board President. District 1 Trustee Scott Boyatt was elected as Board Vice President. District 2 Trustee Joyce Anderson was elected to serve another term as Board Secretary/Treasurer.

 

Newly elected Board of Trustees President Gerald Anderson lives in The Villages and formerly served as Board Vice President. A SECO Energy member since 2013, Trustee Anderson was first elected to the Board of Trustees in May 2019.

 

Newly elected Board of Trustees Vice President Scott Boyatt lives in Clermont. Trustee Boyatt has been a SECO Energy member since 2004 and represents the members of District 1. Mr. Boyatt was first elected to the SECO Energy Board of Trustees in 2013.

 

Current Board of Trustees Secretary/Treasurer and District 2 Trustee Joyce Anderson resides in Sumterville. Mrs. Anderson was elected to the Board in February 2020 and has been a SECO member since 2017.

 

SECO Energy CEO Curtis Wynn congratulated the 2022 Board of Trustees officers. Mr. Wynn stated, “Congratulations, Mr. Anderson and Mr. Boyatt on your new positions as Board President and Vice President respectively, and congratulations, Mrs. Anderson on your re-election as Board Secretary/Treasurer. I thank you and your Board peers for your collective service to the SECO Energy membership. I look forward to working with each of you to continue the success of our not-for-profit electric cooperative as SECO embraces new technologies to lead us into the future.”

 

The SECO Energy Board of Trustees welcomed Shannon Wright as the newly elected District 5 Trustee. Mrs. Wright lives in Lake Panasoffkee and was elected in February. She has been a SECO member since 2014.

 

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