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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.

 

“Like” SECO’s Facebook page and follow @SECOEnergy on Twitter for member contests, news releases, cooperative updates and severe weather alerts affecting SECO Energy’s service territory. To learn more about SECO Energy, visit our About SECO website section.

SECO Energy District 3 Members Re-elect Gerald Anderson as Trustee

SECO Energy members who reside in District 3 re-elected Gerald Anderson as the District 3 Trustee on SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees. The meeting was held in the District on Tuesday, February 8, at the Savannah Center in Sumter County for the purpose of electing a Trustee to represent District 3 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.

 

Along with Gerald Anderson, Hamilton McLean of The Villages submitted a letter of intent to run for Trustee. 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 2013, Trustee Anderson was first elected to SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees in 2019. Mr. Anderson currently serves as Board of Trustees Vice President and has completed the educational requirements from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) to earn the Director Gold Credential – the highest Trustee accreditation from the NRECA.

 

Trustee Anderson is eager to continue his Board service. Mr. Anderson stated, “I want first to thank all of the District 3 members who attended the District Meeting and cast a vote. Serving on SECO’s Board of Trustees and as Vice President is an honor, and I am looking forward to continuing to serve SECO Energy’s membership as a Trustee. Thank you to all District 3 members who placed their trust in me as their District representative.”

 

Board president Richard Dennison stated, “Congratulations, Mr. Anderson, on your re-election as District 3 Trustee. On behalf of my fellow Board officers and peers, we are excited to continue working with you to ensure SECO Energy’s future success. In addition, I want to thank Mr. McLean for his willingness to serve and also thank the members who attended the District 3 Meeting and participated in the cooperative business model’s governance practices.”

 

Curtis Wynn CEO stated, “Mr. Anderson, thank you for your willingness to continue your SECO Energy Board service as District 3 Trustee, and congratulations on your successful re-election as well. I am grateful to all who participated in our not-for-profit cooperative’s democratic process. I look forward to working with you and the rest of the SECO Energy Board of Trustees.”

 

SECO Energy will post a video of the meeting later this week along with the Q&A session for member viewing.

 

To view a brief bio of SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees and a District boundaries map, visit our Board of Trustees website section. “Like” SECO on Facebook and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates. SECO Energy is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

 

SECO Energy Trustee Gerald Anderson Earns Director Gold Credential

SECO Energy congratulates Board of Trustees’ Vice President and District 3 Trustee Gerald Anderson on earning his Director Gold Credential (DGC) from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). The DGC offers a continuing education path for directors/trustees beyond the Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD) and Board Leadership Certificate (BLC).

 

According to the NRECA, the DGC recognizes directors/trustees who desire a tangible credential that demonstrates their ongoing commitment to advancing their knowledge and performing their fiduciary duty to the best of their ability.

 

SECO Energy is a not-for-profit electric cooperative operated for and owned by its members. SECO’s nine-member Board of Trustees consists of members who live in SECO’s service area. They are elected to oversee the governance of the cooperative. Each Trustee on the Board is elected by the members who reside in his/her District. Collectively, the Trustees are responsible for establishing, reviewing and revising corporate policies to ensure that SECO continues to preserve reliable, affordable service for all members.

 

Trustee Anderson has completed the required coursework to earn both his CCD and BLC. Mr. Anderson stated, “Earning the Director Gold Credential from the NRECA is an exciting and rewarding educational opportunity that helps me fulfill my role on SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees. I am proud to represent the members in District 3 and the membership as a whole through my Board service.”

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “Congratulations, Trustee Anderson, on earning your Director Gold Credential and completing the NRECA’s director/trustee continuing education courses. I am thankful for your Board participation and willingness to serve as Board of Trustees’ Vice President and your District’s representative.”

 

To view a brief bio of SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees and a District boundaries map online. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

SECO Energy Board of Trustees Elect 2021 Officers

The SECO Energy Board of Trustees elected three officers at the Board of Trustees Meeting on Monday, March 29. President and District 4 Trustee Richard Dennison was elected to continue his tenure as Board President. District 3 Trustee Gerald Anderson who had previously served as Secretary/Treasurer was elected as the Board Vice President and District 2 Trustee Joyce Anderson was elected Secretary/Treasurer.

 

Board President Richard Dennison lives in Marion County and has been a SECO member since 1999. Trustee Dennison was first elected to the Board in 2015 and was re-elected as the District 4 Trustee in February 2020. Mr. Dennison has served as Board Vice President, and Monday’s election began his second term as Board President.

 

District 3 Trustee and Board Vice President Gerald Anderson lives in The Villages. A SECO member since 2013, Trustee Anderson was elected to the Board in 2019. Mr. Anderson formerly served as Board Secretary/Treasurer.

 

Newly elected Board Secretary/Treasurer and District 2 Trustee Joyce Anderson resides in Sumterville. Trustee Anderson is the first woman to serve on SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees and as a Board officer. Mrs. Anderson was elected to the Board in February 2020 and has been a SECO member since 2017.

 

CEO Jim Duncan congratulated the 2021 officers. Duncan stated, “Congratulations, Mr. Dennison, Mr. Anderson and Mrs. Anderson on your election as Board officers. Your elevation to Board officers shows your Board peers have confidence in your ability to lead the Board for the collective benefit of the entire SECO membership. I am grateful for your service to our members and the cooperative as a whole.”

 

The Board of Trustees also welcomed newly elected District 9 Trustee Morgan Hatfield to her first Trustees’ Meeting. Ms. Hatfield who lives in Paisley was elected in February 2021 and has been a SECO member since 2019.

 

“Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates. Visit our Board of Trustees page to view a short bio of SECO’s Board members. Use the interactive District Map to determine the District and Trustee of your SECO Energy service location.

SECO Energy Trustee Gerald Anderson Earns Board Leadership Certificate

SECO Energy congratulates District 3 Trustee Gerald Anderson on earning his Board Leadership Certificate (BLC) from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). The BLC is the second part of the NRECA’s Director Education Program. Mr. Anderson currently serves as Secretary/Treasurer on SECO’s Board of Trustees.

 

According to the NRECA, directors/trustees seeking the BLC must first complete the Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD) certification. The BLC consists of a series of courses focusing in greater depth on specific industry and governance issues. These include issues such as risk management, power supply, parliamentary procedure, technology and policy development.

 

SECO Energy is a not-for-profit electric cooperative, operated for an owned by its members. SECO’s nine-member Board of Trustees consists of members who live in SECO’s service area. They are elected to oversee the governance of the cooperative. Each Trustee on the Board is elected by the members who reside in his/her District. Collectively, the Trustees are responsible for establishing, reviewing and revising corporate policies to ensure that SECO continues to preserve reliable, affordable service for all members.

 

Trustee Anderson who earned his CCD certification in November 2019 is proud to continue his education through the NRECA. Mr. Anderson stated, “I am excited to continue my NRECA Board education programs to better serve the members in District 3 and the SECO membership as a whole. The next step in my education plan is earning the Director Gold credential. It is an honor to serve on the SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees with my fellow elected cooperative members.”

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “Congratulations, Trustee Anderson, on earning your Board Leadership Certificate. I am thankful for your Board service and willingness to serve as your District’s representative on the SECO Energy Board as in an officer role as Secretary/Treasurer.”

 

View our Board of Trustees page for a brief bio of SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees and a District boundaries map. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

SECO Energy Board of Trustees Elects Officers

The SECO Energy Board of Trustees held elections on Monday, March 30 for its three Board Officer positions. District 4 Trustee Richard Dennison was elected Board President, District 9 Trustee Jerry Hatfield was elected Vice President and District 3 Trustee Gerald Anderson was elected Board Secretary/Treasurer.

 

District 4 Trustee and Board President Richard Dennison lives in Marion County and has been a SECO Energy member since 1999. Trustee Dennison was originally elected to the Board in a special election in 2015 and was most recently re-elected as the District 4 Trustee in February 2020. Mr. Dennison has previously held the office of Board Vice President.

 

District 9 Trustee and Vice President Jerry Hatfield lives in Lake County has been a SECO Energy member since 1974. Trustee Hatfield was first elected to the SECO Board in 2000 and was most recently re-elected as District 9 Trustee in February 2018. Mr. Hatfield has previously held the office of Board President.

 

District 3 Trustee and Secretary-Treasurer Gerald Anderson lives in The Villages and has been a SECO Energy member since 2013. Trustee Anderson was elected as District 3 Trustee in a special election in May 2019 when a previous Trustee stepped down. This is Mr. Anderson’s first officer position on the Board.

 

SECO Energy CEO Jim Duncan stated, “Congratulations on earning the trust of your peers. We are grateful for your time and dedication to SECO members through your Board service. We’re delivering unmatched customer satisfaction ratings, affordable rates and world-class reliability under your Board tenure. I thank you for your leadership, guidance and willingness to serve.”

 

Along with holding the election for Board officers, the Trustees welcomed new District 2 Trustee Joyce Anderson who resides in Sumterville and District 6 Trustee Michael Muffett who resides in Summerfield.

 

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

SECO Energy District 3 Trustee Gerald Anderson Earns NRECA Certificate

SECO Energy congratulates District 3 Trustee Gerald Anderson who has completed the requirements to earn the Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD) certificate from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).

 

The CCD is the first of a three-part certificate program offered by the NRECA for Board of Trustee members or Directors. Participants complete courses on director duties and liabilities, understanding the electric business, board operations and processes, strategic planning and financial decision making. The courses encompassed in the CCD curriculum prepare Trustees to fulfill their fiduciary duty as elected officials who serve on behalf of the cooperative’s members.

 

Mr. Anderson has been a SECO member for five years and resides in The Villages. He was elected to represent the members of District 3 at a special election to fill a Board vacancy on May 13, 2019.

 

Trustee Anderson stated, “I am pleased to continue my education through the NRECA’s Director Certificate Program. The lessons I’ve learned help me to sharpen my skills in the energy industry. I look forward to continuing as the District 3 Trustee to represent my fellow SECO members.”

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “Congratulations, Mr. Anderson, on completing your Credentialed Cooperative Director certificate. I am grateful for your commitment to SECO members through your service on the SECO Board of Trustees. Thank you.”

 

Learn more about SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees and read a short bio about Gerald Anderson. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.