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SECO News December 2024

 

DEAR MEMBERS,

 

I want to end the year by thanking you for your SECO Energy membership. In the aftermath of Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton, SECO Energy received thousands of phone calls, emails, letters, and social media comments expressing your unwavering support as we underwent a massive restoration effort. The SECO team is grateful for your patience and encouragement. I also want to thank the over 1,200 line and tree contractor crews, and food and service workers from across the nation who traveled to SECO to support one of the most extensive power restoration efforts in our history.

 

This year also marked several key milestones. We announced SECO Energy’s Expansion and Improvement Plan, launched the SECO Smart Connect Program that rewards members for saving energy, and made significant progress in our systemwide upgrade to Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI). We increased the capacity at several substations to meet the growing demands of new residential and commercial developments, and began transitioning area lighting to LED fixtures for improved efficiency.

 

Furthermore, we advanced our mission to support rural communities through engagement at the White House’s Rural Communities in Action Event and by collaborating with officials and key community leaders to address local needs. We achieved a lot this year, and despite challenges that came our way, the resilience of SECO Energy employees shone brightly and demonstrated the dedication that defines who we are as a cooperative.

 

As we look to the future, we anticipate the demand for safe, reliable, affordable electric service will continue growing. We also want to continue our efforts to engage with you – our valued members – through our innovative energy services offerings. The entire SECO Energy team will continue to explore new ways to support and meet member needs right here in Central Florida.

 

From the SECO Energy family to yours, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year!

 

Sincerely,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURTIS WYNN

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

Heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) systems work best when serviced regularly (one to two times yearly) by a certified HVAC professional.

Don’t walk on thin ice waiting until unusual sounds are coming from the HVAC system, musty or burning-smelling odors, poor airflow in certain rooms, or high spikes in energy usage – schedule a service call and beat the rush before any cold snaps. Regular maintenance will help you feel comfortable at home and improve your HVAC system’s efficiency and longevity.

 

SECO Energy recommends setting your heating temperature between 68°F and 70°F. Why? When temperatures drop, the wider the difference between the outdoor temperature and the temperature in your home, the more energy your HVAC system will use to maintain the set temperature. This is why heating and cooling costs increase during cold and hot seasons.

 

Ensure your air vents or heating elements (like radiators) can adequately heat your home and aren’t blocked by furniture or rugs. Seal windows and exterior doors with caulk and weather stripping to help keep warm air in and cold air out. Open window blinds and curtains to let natural sunlight warm your home during the day and close them at night to block the chilly night air.

 

Increasing the heating temperature causes your HVAC to run longer, which will increase energy costs. Now is a good time to invest in a Wi-Fi-connected smart thermostat – use the programmable energy-efficiency settings to save energy and reduce your monthly bill. Finally, visit SECOEnergy.com > Energy Solutions > Smart Connect Program to find out which Wi-Fi-connected thermostats are eligible to participate and how to earn incentives.

 

IT PAYS TO SAVE with the SECO Smart Connect Program! Click this link to learn more and enroll.

 

 

 

 

 

 

According to the Electrical Safety Foundation, there are an estimated 860 home fires each year caused by holiday decorations and another 210 home fires caused by Christmas trees. Safe decorations are the best decorations to keep you on the nice list and off the naughty list this year.

 

TIPS TO HELP YOU DECK THE HALLS SAFELY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON:

  • Keep decorations at least 3 ft. away from open flames and heat sources.
  • Inspect all decorations for frayed or pinched wires and replace any that are worn or damaged.
  • Avoid overloading electrical outlets with too many lights or appliances.
  • Refrain from connecting multiple extension cords or running them under rugs, carpets, or furniture.
  • If you have a natural Christmas tree, water it daily and discard it when it becomes dry or starts shedding needles.
  • Test your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, and make sure they have fresh batteries.
  • Turn off all electrical decorations before leaving the house or going to bed.

 

Remember to enjoy the holiday season without adding decorations to SECO Energy poles. Decorative poles are not rated to withstand the added weight of decorations and holiday lights. It is extremely unsafe to nail or tack signs or decorations to wood poles; sharp objects can pierce our crews’ personal protective equipment and their skin. Poles are also not safe to use as a ladder stabilizer.

 

Santa always checks his list twice before Christmas, so make sure you’re following these tips to stay on Santa’s nice list and enjoy a festive and safe holiday season.

Source: Electrical Safety Foundation

 

 

 

 

 

 

Did you know SECO Energy offers 12 ways to pay your bill? Most payment options are available with no convenience fee.

 

Here are the top 5 most popular options:

 

1. SmartHub

Use SmartHub to pay your bill, view account history, set up hassle-free ongoing payments with bank draft, enroll in eBill to reduce clutter, and monitor your home’s energy usage. You can also make instant payments without registering your account.

 

2. Bank draft

Simplify your life; have your monthly SECO Energy bill drafted from a bank account of your choice. There is no fee to participate in bank draft, no stamps to buy, and no waiting on mail time. Bank draft is the most secure and convenient payment option.

 

3. Pay By Phone

Call 1 (877) 371-9382 to pay 24/7 using a card or electronic check. Note that the phone number to Pay By Phone will change to 1 (855) 938-3432 on January 27, 2025.

 

4. Pay In Person

For drive-thru and kiosk payments, visit Member Service Centers in Eustis, Groveland, Inverness, Ocala, or Sumterville.

 

5. By Mail

Send payments to SECO Energy, P.O. Box 70997, Charlotte, NC 28272-0997.

 

Third-Party Payment Warning: SmartHub is SECO Energy’s only authorized online bill payment system to avoid potential delays, fees, or service disruption. If you are unsure about payment services, contact SECO Energy at (352) 793-3801.

 

Notice to Update Records:
Effective January 27, 2025, SECO Energy’s Pay By Phone number is changing to 1 (855) 938-3432, and members can no longer make payments by calling the former number.

 

 

Read the full December SECO News.

SECO News November 2024

 

 

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 News October 2024

Wynn's Wire

 

 

 

 

 

DEAR MEMBERS,

 

SECO Energy is locally owned and operated for the sole benefit of our members, which means our priorities align with your needs. We focus on providing reliable, affordable electric service that benefits the entire community. To enhance the reliability of our services and address the growing needs of the communities we serve, SECO Energy has recently made several significant investments in our existing infrastructure:

 

Timberwood Substation (Marion County):

We’ve installed a new power transformer and added three additional distribution circuits, increasing capacity to 75 megawatts — doubling its previous capacity. This upgrade also includes an automatic transfer scheme that connects to another distribution feeder. During a power outage, crews can transfer load between feeders for faster and safer restoration.

 

Clermont Substation (Lake County):

Ranking among SECO Energy’s top five substations for load and member count, we’ve added two new power transformers, boosting capacity to 112 megawatts – an increase of nearly 50%.

 

Webster Substation (Sumter County):

To improve reliability, we’ve replaced an older fuse system with a more advanced transmission fuse breaker and upgraded three single-phase power transformers to three-phase power transformers.

 

Sumterville Substation (Sumter County):

We’re expanding this substation and tripling the capacity from 37 to 112 megawatts by building a second side, replacing one power transformer, and installing two new power transformers. Construction is scheduled for completion by the end of 2024.

 

On tap for 2025 is a brand-new substation in Lake County. The Dilly Lake substation near Howey-in-the-Hills and Minneola is undergoing a major rebuild. The capacity of the substation is almost quadrupling from 28 to 112 megawatts. We’re increasing the distribution circuits from two to eight and adding two new power transformers.

 

These upgrades support new and existing homes and businesses and ensure reliable power during peak demand as Central Florida grows. We understand that reliability, value, and trust are what SECO Energy members expect. That’s why we’ve made these proactive improvements to address today’s needs and support future growth.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURTIS WYNN

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

SECO News October 2024 A Legacy of Growth and Service

 

 

October is National Co-op Month, and SECO Energy is proud to join REI, Land O’ Lakes, Ocean Spray, Florida’s Natural Growers, Inc., and other cooperatives across the United States in celebrating co-ops’ impact on their communities. Co-ops come in various shapes and sizes, but no matter how big or how small, they all share a common goal: to provide exceptional goods or services to their members.

 

Founded in 1938 as Sumter Electric Cooperative, Inc., SECO Energy has evolved from a small rural utility into a leading not-for-profit Touchstone Energy Cooperative serving Central Florida. SECO powers over 245,000 homes and businesses across seven counties today, providing reliable, safe, and affordable electric service to over half a million consumers. This remarkable growth has made SECO Energy the seventh-largest in the nation among over 900 electric cooperatives.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SECO News October 2024 Protect Your Home With SurgeMitigator™

 

Power surges can wreck havoc on your appliances and electronics. SECO Energy’s Surge MitiGator™ program can help safeguard your home. From October 1 to November 12, SECO Energy is running a promotion for FREE installation when you enroll in this essential protection plan. The Surge MitiGator™ program is the first step in defending your large appliances by reducing surges at the meter before they can enter your home. Don’t wait for disaster – invest in peace of mind today.

 

To learn more about SECO Energy’s Surge MitiGator™ program click here.

 

 

 

 

SECO News October 2024 SECO Energy Youth Tour Leadership Opportunity

 

CALLING ALL HIGH SCHOOL JUNIORS! Apply now to win a sponsorship for the 2025 Tallahassee Youth Tour.

 

ELIGIBILITY: Any high school junior living in a home that receives electric service from SECO Energy. Up to ten students will be selected to attend the Tallahassee Youth Tour – one from each of our nine Districts and one at large.

 

TALLAHASSEE YOUTH TOUR DATES: February 12 – 13, 2025

 

APPLICATION DEADLINE: December 13, 2024

 

TALLAHASSEE YOUTH TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Visit the State Capitol
  • Venture the Florida Supreme Court
  • Tour the Governor’s Mansion
  • Explore museums
  • Develop leadership skills
  • Learn about the Cooperative Business Model

 

WASHINGTON YOUTH TOUR COMPETITION:

After the Tallahassee Youth Tour, each of the ten participants will have a second opportunity to compete for one of two spots to attend a once-in-a-lifetime, sponsored trip to tour our Nation’s Capital as SECO Energy’s 2025 Washington Youth Tour delegates.

 

In June 2025, the two selected students will join more than 1,800 students from across the country to learn about our great nation, develop leadership skills, better understand electric cooperatives, and make lasting friendships.

 

Students selected for the SECO Energy Youth Tour will be notified in early January 2025. The two Washington D.C. Youth Tour representatives will be announced during the SECO Energy Youth Tour banquet in April 2025.

 

CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE TODAY!

 

 

 

 

 

At SECO Energy, you’re not just connected to an electric provider. You’re a valued member of a Touchstone Energy Cooperative guided by seven cooperative principles that put your needs first:

 

1. Voluntary and Open Membership: 

Membership is open to all individuals who purchase electric service from SECO Energy.

 

2. Democratic Member Control:

Your vote matters. Members elect fellow members like me to SECO’s Board of Trustees to ensure cooperative decisions reflect your interests.

 

3. Members’ Economic Participation:

Members contribute by paying their monthly utility bill. At the end of the year, profits are then distributed to members, not investors.

 

4. Autonomy and Independence:

SECO is controlled by a nine-member Board of Trustees that is focused on the needs of our members and communities.

 

5. Education, Training, and Information:

SECO provides the tools and knowledge to help you understand your energy use and make informed decisions.

 

6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives:

SECO collaborates with other cooperatives, enhancing service reliability and sharing resources in times of need.

 

7. Concern for Community:

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 October SECO News.