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Tag: Hurricane Irma

Sunshine State Stats, September 2017

September 2017’s Sunshine State Stats and the local weather was about the same as the previous September – with the exception of Cat 2/3 Hurricane Irma that barreled through the center of the state on Sunday, September 9.   The average temperature came in at 82°, while September of 2016 was a degree higher with an average temperature of 83°. Rainfall came in at 9.68 inches compared to last September at 6.14 inches. This was mainly due to Hurricane Irma.

 

There were 514 cooling degree days and 0 heating degree days for September 2017, while last year there were 502 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 70° degrees outside on a particular day, there are 5 Cooling Degree Days for that day in that location.

 

SECO Energy's Sunshine State Stats for September 2017 - September's monthly averages and stats

 

October is forecast to be slightly warmer than normal with precipitation being higher than normal compared to last year. The hot and humid days of 2017 are almost behind us –  bringing lower energy bills. 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, October 2017

 

Duncan’s Digest

HURRICANE IRMA HITS HARD

 

Hurricane Irma is indeed the biggest, baddest, meanest named storm we’ve seen in a long time. Irma’s damage to our system was more significant than we experienced in the infamous 2004 hurricane season.

 

Hurricane Irma – the aptly named “war goddess” – arrived with an arsenal of hurricane-force winds. She wreaked havoc as she traveled directly through SECO’s service territory as a Category 1 to a Category 3 hurricane, per data from the National Hurricane Center. Power outages began late Sunday evening September 10, and members continued to lose power through Monday morning.

 

SECO News, October 2017 - Duncan's Digest , Hurricane Irma Hits Hard

 

From Irma’s onset until winds subsided Monday mid-day, approximately 139,000 outages were reported by members and captured by our outage management system. Over half of our system was damaged by the hurricane-force winds with lines, transformers and poles on the ground covered by trees and debris.

 

Executing an emergency action plan before, during and after a named storm is a standard practice for a Florida utility like SECO Energy. Storm hardening and emergency response are key investments for a not-for-profit electric cooperative. To successfully react to a weather crisis, we rely heavily on our tried and true emergency response plan and advanced preparation.

 

Members always want to know how SECO decides who is first in line for restoration. Florida requires substations and feeders serving hospitals, shelters, schools and government agencies to be restored as the highest priority. The next priority is restoring power to large groups of members, and then to less populated areas with individual electric services.

 

SECO News, October 2017 - Hurricane Irma Hits Hard, downed power lines, linemen working, damaged poles

 

Due to SECO’s demographic, we serve a large number of nursing homes and assisted living facilities. During Hurricane Irma, these facilities became a priority as well as they began to run out of generator fuel. The same held true for communication towers a few days into the recovery. Water treatment facilities and lift stations were also a strong consideration.

 

The bottom line is every member wants power turned back on – now. SECO is sensitive to that, and we understand the discomfort and inconvenience members experience. Personally, I slept on a cot in my office for four nights because my home was without power. I’m sharing that not for sympathy but to emphasize that SECO follows the plan and does not give special treatment or favors.

 

Once an emergency begins, logistics like fuel, food, lodging, manpower and a solid work plan are all critical to a timely restoration. Securing line and tree trimming contractor support from neighboring areas was difficult because Irma had such far-reaching effects. We searched far and wide and brought in contractors from Alabama, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas and other parts of Florida.

 

SECO News, October 2017 - Hurricane Irma Hits Hard, SECO brought in contractors from Alabama, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas and other parts of Florida.

 

Fuel, ice, food and hotel rooms for these folks became a logistical challenge as the state seemingly shut down before, during and after Irma. From the beginning of the restoration effort on Monday, fuel availability for our trucks was limited. Traffic on I-75 southbound delayed the out-of-state contractors’ arrivals. Evacuees understandably fled from coastal areas to central Florida, reducing the availability of hotels to lodge our restoration teams from out of state.

 

Contract line and tree crews arrived and suited up alongside our SECO home team after winds died down around noon that Monday. These professionals were in it to win it. SECO made significant progress, restoring power to over 90,000 members during the first three days of restoration – 49,000 members remained without power.

 

To better communicate with members, SECO developed an interactive restoration plan map that was launched Tuesday evening. The map was updated nightly to reflect the next day’s restoration plan.

 

SECO News, October 2017 - Hurricane Irma Hits Hard, To better communicate with members, SECO developed an interactive restoration plan map

 

This resource became a useful communication tool for members seeking information on the timing of their particular area’s restoration. Social media was a blessing throughout the hurricane and restoration, and helped members keep in touch when CenturyLink went down.

 

When Thursday dawned, progress slowed as SECO fought through new challenges and obstacles. High waters across roads and in homes prevented restoration in south Sumter County. Areas with significant damage took longer than planned. Stolen wire delayed restoration in Webster, Croom-A-Coochee and Lake Panasoffkee. Crews were redirected to allow restoration to continue in areas where we could restore larger numbers quickly.

 

SECO News, October 2017 - Hurricane Irma Hits Hard, Areas of south Sumter County were engulfed by rising water

 

The weather threatened to hinder progress on Friday and Saturday, as the presence of lightning would bring restoration to a stop. We put the word out for farmers to stop cutting hay and for residents to not wash their cars. We prayed and crossed our fingers.

 

Prayers were answered, and on Saturday at noon, less than 10,000 members were without power. We were determined to have full restoration complete by the end of the day Sunday, September 17. More than 1,200 SECO crews, along with line and tree contractors converged for the last time on our territory to finish rebuilding the remaining lines, clear trees, replace poles, avoid alligators and respond to the remaining small pockets of outages.

 

Though it was admittedly a rough week for those who lost power, I am proud to say that by Sunday night, 99.9% of SECO members had power restored. Only about 70 accounts in south Sumter County were unable to receive electric service due to high water conditions.

 

Many of our employees worked 20-hour days, didn’t have power at home and could have auditioned for a role on The Walking Dead. I am grateful for the hard work and dedication of the entire SECO team. I’m also grateful for the thousands of line and tree contractors who traveled thousands of miles to Florida, leaving their families to aid ours during Hurricane Irma restoration. They have my respect and appreciation.

 

In each major restoration event, there are lessons learned. Sometimes Murphy’s Law prevailed and other times, thankfully, we had favor and won the day. As a team, we celebrated the highs and worried through the lows.

 

Nature’s Reflections will be back next month. Clearly, Mother Nature made her presence known through Hurricane Irma as these photos show.

 

I believe in preparing for the worst and praying for the best. Hurricane Irma may be as close to the worst we will ever see. Today, let’s count our blessings and be thankful.

 

Sincerely,

 

Jim Duncan

Chief Executive Officer

 

Read the full October 2017 SECO News here.

 

Hurricane Irma Aftermath: Disaster Aid Resources

As a result of the damage caused by Hurricane Irma, every county in SECO Energy’s service territory is eligible for the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Individual Assistance and Public Assistance programs. Local, state and federal officials have allocated funds to rebuild Florida. The programs provide financial assistance to eligible applicants affected by Irma. Please, contact the appropriate agency for your situation.

 

FEMA Individual Assistance: FEMA made every county in our service territory – Lake, Marion, Sumter, Hernando, Citrus, Pasco and Levy – eligible for Individual Assistance. Steps to begin applying:

  • Residents who sustained losses should register at www.DisasterAssistance.gov
  • If you do have Internet access, register by calling 1-800-621-3362
  • The toll-free telephone numbers operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time)

 

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA), call 1-866-487-2365. To be eligible, individuals must:

  • Not be eligible for regular Unemployment Insurance (UI);
  • Be unemployed as a direct result of the disaster;
  • Be able and available for work, unless injured as a direct result of the disaster;
  • File an application within 30 days of the date of announcement of DUA availability;
  • Have not refused an offer of employment in a suitable position.

 

Information for Small Businesses: Governor Scott has re-started the Florida Small Business Bridge Loan Program to assist small businesses affected by Irma. The program is intended to provide short-term, interest-free loans to small businesses that have sustained physical or economic damage. The application period runs from September 14, 2017 to October 31, 2017. To complete the application or find more information, visit www.floridadisasterloan.org. Reach the Florida Small Business Development Center Network – which runs the loan program – at 1-850-898-3489.

 

Flood Insurance:

    • If you have a National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) flood policy, you may be eligible for reimbursement of actions taken to protect your property. Call your insurance agent to learn more.
    • To file a flood insurance claim under the NFIP, contact your insurance agent immediately. You may also call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362)

If you need help with utility payment, contact Florida 2-1-1.  As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO is dedicated to being our members’ first source for accurate storm information. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” the company on Twitter to stay updated about storms affecting our area.

Copper Crooks Slow Power Restoration

During the recent Hurricane Irma power restoration effort, SECO Energy fell victim to thieves who stole copper feeder line from three local substations. The thefts occurred in Sumter County in the communities of Webster, Lake Panasoffkee and Croom-A-Coochee/Clay Sink. The thieves slowed power restoration to local residents.

 

SECO approximates the theft occurred sometime between Thursday, September 14, and Saturday, September 16. In Webster, thieves took off with 464-feet of line from 516 NW 3rd Street. In Lake Panasoffkee, 1,006-feet of line disappeared from 3417 CR 421. The largest amount of line was stolen from the Croom-A-Coochee/Clay Sink area, 4,726-feet was taken from Porter Gap Road.

 

Thieves steal copper wire to sell the copper for scrap value, the value of which can add up quickly. It is always dangerous to touch any electric line, and if the thieves had encountered an energized line, they could have been seriously injured or killed. If you see a down line, always assume it is live and stay away, never try to pick it up yourself, call for help. SECO has notified the proper authorities, and asks citizens for their help. Please report any suspicious activity to the Sumter County Sheriff and to SECO.

 

CEO Jim Duncan states, “This act is criminal in more ways than one. I was saddened to learn that because of these crooks, residents in Webster, Lake Pan and Croom waited longer for power restoration. These members were already suffering without power after Hurricane Irma and these copper crooks created additional hardships. My heart goes out to these communities, and I sincerely hope the thieves are apprehended, charged and convicted.”

 

In addition to theft, SECO advises members to be cautious of any person or company claiming to be from SECO. SECO employees and contractors carry company identification and trucks are clearly marked. SECO will never call and harass members for payment, if you receive a questionable phone call, hang up and call SECO directly.

 

Learn more about SECO Energy’s commitment to community at SECOEnergy.com > Your Co-op > Community. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” the company on Twitter to stay updated about storms affecting our area.

SECO’s System 99.9% Recovered After Hurricane Irma

SECO Energy completed the final stage of its Hurricane Irma restoration effort on Sunday. At the end of Sunday, the not-for-profit electric cooperative completed power restoration for 99.9 percent of all members affected by Hurricane Irma.

 

SECO’s infrastructure suffered significant damage as Hurricane Irma traveled directly through its service territory with winds that ranged from a Category 1 to a Category 3 hurricane, per data from the National Hurricane Center. Power outages began Sunday evening, September 10, as Irma’s tropical-storm-force winds entered Central Florida. Members continued to lose power throughout Sunday night and Monday morning when winds increased to hurricane-force speeds. When winds subsided, more than half of SECO’s system was down and more than half of the cooperative’s members were without power.

 

Restoration began on Monday, September 11, at noon. More than 1,200 SECO crews and line/tree contractors were deployed in full force throughout the system over the next six days to restore power. At the end of the day on Sunday, September 17, SECO’s system was more than 99.9% restored. Only about 70 accounts in South Sumter County are unable to receive electric service at this time due to high water.

 

The damage to SECO’s system from Hurricane Irma was much more significant than even the damage from the 2004 hurricanes. The damage and disruptions from Hurricane Irma, were unprecedented in SECO’s service territory and across the state.

 

Today, line and tree trimming contractors are preparing to return home. If a member experiences a new outage, it should be reported at Storm Center using the last name and house number.

 

For SECO members who were without power, it was a long week. SECO Energy thanks them for their patience and understanding as crews worked to bring substations back online, rebuild feeder lines, replace thousands of broken poles and clear trees from infrastructure. Most important, the company is overwhelmed by and grateful for the thoughtful outreach by hundreds of members across the service area. Citizens brought pizza, sandwiches, cookies, goodie bags and more to the crews in the field and employees in our locations. Members sent notes of encouragement and posted signs of gratitude along the roads.

 

SECO members are still facing the after effects of Hurricane Irma. A colossal amount of tree branches, trunks and debris remains on the ground and near roadways. Members should call the county where they reside and ask for the debris to be removed. For members who have damage to their homes or property, please call your homeowners’ insurance carrier, county emergency services or FEMA. If you need financial assistance with everyday living expenses due to the hardship of Hurricane Irma, please contact Florida 2-1-1.

 

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO is dedicated to being our members’ first source for accurate storm information. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” the company on Twitter to stay updated about storms affecting our area.

SECO Crews and Contractors Fully Deployed for Final Hurricane Restorations

SECO Energy’s crews and contract line and tree trimming crews remain fully deployed for final Hurricane Irma power restoration. Today, 1,200 crew members from nine states are finishing the last of the feeder rebuilding and repairing. Crews are also focusing on restoring isolated outages affecting small numbers of members, and clearing trees from functioning lines.

 

Understandably, SECO members have been frustrated by the outages caused by significant infrastructure damage as Hurricane Irma blazed a path through our service territory. Members reported over 110,000 outages immediately after hurricane-force winds left over half of SECO’s feeder lines on the ground and covered by downed trees and debris. Phone lines and Internet services were inoperational, making outage reporting difficult for members.

 

For the few thousand members still without power on Sunday, it has been a long week. Restoration efforts have been hampered by standing water, significant system damage and multiple thefts of copper line in Webster and Lake Panasoffkee. Earlier this week, SECO publicly committed to full restoration on Sunday. As of 10 am, SECO has less than 3,000 members – less than one percent – remain without power according to SECO’s Storm Center outage map it appears we will uphold that commitment.

 

Florida mandates that facilities such as hospitals, shelters, schools and government offices are given highest priority when restoration begins. SECO restored power to these facilities first. Assisted-living, non-hospital medical facilities, nursing homes, gas stations and communications towers running on generator power began running out of fuel Thursday. These necessarily became a priority. SECO’s crews are pulled in many directions so members may see crews leaving residential areas that are not yet completely restored. Homes in one subdivision on one side of the street may have power while the other side does not. This can occur where one line ends and another line begins.

 

If a member experiences a new outage, it should be reported at Storm Center using the last name and house number. Members can also use our interactive restoration map. It displays areas where small pockets of outages exist and crews are working. It does not display individual outages but crews are being deployed to those as well this morning because there are more than 1,200 crew members in the field moving from one outage to the next.

 

Please keep in mind that Hurricane Irma just left SECO’s service area late Monday morning. Even the storms of 2004 didn’t hit SECO’s area this hard and with this much damage. The system disruption is unprecedented and SECO is doing its best to quickly and fully recover.

 

During this time of prolonged outages from Hurricane Irma, if you are using a generator, never let it operate in an enclosed space such as your home, garage or enclosed porch. Generators emit carbon monoxide, a silent, odorless killer. There are multiple reports of Central Floridians who have been rushed to the hospital for carbon monoxide poisoning, and some of these cases were fatal. Read and follow manufacturer’s safety warnings when operating a generator.

 

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO is dedicated to being our members’ first source for accurate storm information. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” the company on Twitter to stay updated about storms affecting our area.

Hurricane Irma Power Outage Numbers Dwindling

The number of power outages caused by Hurricane Irma’s wrath as it blazed through SECO Energy’s territory are dwindling. SECO crews along with hundreds of contract line and tree trimming crews continued tackling the sections of SECO’s service area hardest hit by Hurricane Irma.

 

On Monday morning when hurricane winds subsided, our systems indicated more than 110,000 reported power outages out of SECO’s 200,000 members. Crews began rebuilding and repairing feeder lines after winds subsided at noon on Monday. As of Saturday, at 12 pm, SECO’s Storm Center outage map indicates less than 10,000 members remained without power. Restoration and recovery in some communities is a long process due to significant damage and high water. SECO’s goal is full restoration for all members by Sunday at noon.

 

SECO understands that members with prolonged outages are frustrated. Isolated thunderstorms on Friday hampered efforts in a few areas, but fortunately, widespread storms that were forecast held off. Crews made good progress throughout the day and overnight. Saturday’s forecast calls for a 50% chance of thunderstorms, keep your fingers crossed and pray the rains stay away. If lightning conditions occur, line work comes to a stop for safety reasons.

 

Florida mandates that facilities such as hospitals, shelters, schools and government offices are given highest priority when restoration begins. SECO restored power to these facilities first. Assisted-living, non-hospital medical facilities, nursing homes, gas stations and communications towers running on generator power began running out of fuel Thursday. These necessarily became a priority. SECO’s crews are pulled in many directions so members may see crews leaving residential areas that are not yet completely restored. Homes in one subdivision on one side of the street may have power while the other side does not. This can occur where one line ends and another line begins.

 

The electric system design is complicated, and we’ve developed an online visual to help members understand where the feeders/lines are located. SECO’s interactive restoration plan map was updated overnight to reflect Saturday’s planned restoration areas. Members can use the daily restoration plan map to input their service address and determine if their area is included in the current day’s restoration plan. Substations are labeled as a reference and feeders are outlined in polygons. To use the map, visit www.SECOEnergy.com and hover over “Contact Us” in the top right corner. Select “Daily Restoration Plan.”

 

The following is a summary of substations and feeders where crews are or will be TODAY performing repairs and restoration:

 

Sumterville District Office:
• Wildwood substation north of CR-222 in Sumter County.
• Lake Ella substation in Fruitland Park in Lake County.
• Bushnell substation in Sumter County on CR-48.
• Lake Panasoffkee substation on CR 416N in Sumter County.
• Sumterville substation on South Hwy 301 in Sumter County.
• Webster substation on CR 753 in Sumter County.

 

Eustis District Office:
• Sorrento substation on CR 437 in Lake County.
• Deer Island substation on CR 448 in Tavares.
• Linadale substation in Umatilla in Lake County.
• St. Johns substation in Lake County off Lake Mack Drive in Deland.
• Paisley substation off Maggie Jones Road in Lake County.

 

Ocala District Office:
• Dallas substation serving CR-42 and Hwy 301 in Marion County.
• Belleview substation serving Belleview and Summerfield in Marion County.
• Timberwood substation in Marion County off 60th Avenue in Ocala.
• Waterways substation on SW 49th Ave in Ocala.
• Martel substation in NW Ocala off 110th Ave in Marion County.
• Ocala substation on SW 80th Street in Marion County.
• Blitchton substation on NW Hwy 464 in Morriston.
• Marion Oaks substation in Ocala on SW 134 Loop in Marion County.
• Lady Lake substation on Griffin Ave in Lake County.
• Summerglen substation on SW 16th Ave in Ocala.

 

Please keep in mind that Hurricane Irma just left SECO’s service area late Monday morning. Even the storms of 2004 didn’t hit SECO’s area this hard and with this much damage. The system disruption is unprecedented and SECO is doing its best to quickly and fully recover.

 

During this time of prolonged outages from Hurricane Irma, if you are using a generator, never let it operate in an enclosed space such as your home, garage or enclosed porch. Generators emit carbon monoxide, a silent, odorless killer. There are multiple reports of Central Floridians who have been rushed to the hospital for carbon monoxide poisoning, and some of these cases were fatal. Read and follow manufacturer’s safety warnings when operating a generator.

 

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO is dedicated to being our members’ first source for accurate storm information. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” the company on Twitter to stay updated about storms affecting our area.

Post Hurricane Irma Restoration Ongoing

SECO Energy’s crews along with contract line and tree trimming crews continued the post Hurricane Irma restoration effort throughout the day Thursday and into the early morning hours on Friday. Restoration and recovery in some communities is a long process due to significant damage and flooding. Less than 23,000 of the almost 200,000 SECO members remain without power according to SECO’s Storm Center outage map.

 

Not all of the areas on Thursday’s feeder work designated on our interactive outage map were fully restored. Significant damage and flooding in certain areas curtailed restoration work. SECO understands that members with prolonged outages are frustrated. Restoration progress has slowed down as crews have moved into the most heavily damaged areas. Crews continued to work into the night, the restoration effort in the areas with the most damage is time-consuming. Friday’s forecast calls for a 70% chance of thunderstorms. Lightning conditions during restoration today will cause line work to come to an abrupt stop.

 

Florida mandates that facilities such as hospitals, shelters, schools and government offices are given highest priority when restoration begins. SECO restored power to these facilities first. Assisted-living, non-hospital medical facilities, nursing homes, gas stations and communications towers running on generator power began running out of fuel Thursday. These necessarily became a priority. SECO’s crews are pulled in many directions so members may see crews leaving residential areas that are not yet completely restored. Homes in one subdivision on one side of the street may have power while the other side does not. This can occur where one line ends and another line begins.

 

The electric system design is complicated, and we’ve developed an online visual to help members understand where the feeders/lines are located. SECO’s interactive restoration plan map was updated overnight to reflect Friday’s planned restoration areas. Members can use the daily restoration plan map to input their service address and determine if their area is included in the current day’s restoration plan. Substations are labeled as a reference and feeders are outlined in polygons. To use the map, visit www.SECOEnergy.com and hover over “Contact Us” in the top right corner. Select “Daily Restoration Plan.”

 

The following is a summary of substations and feeders where crews are or will be TODAY performing repairs and restoration:

 

Sumterville District Office:
• Gospel Island substation off Turner Camp Road in Citrus County.
• Lady Lake substation off Griffin Avenue in Lake County.
• Wildwood substation north of CR-222 in Sumter County.
• Floral City substation off E. Floral Park Drive in Lake County.
• Bushnell substation in Sumter County on CR-48.
• Lake Panasoffkee substation on CR 416N in Sumter County.
• Sumterville substation on South Hwy 301 in Sumter County.
• Webster substation on CR 753 in Sumter County.

 

Groveland District Office:
• South Highway substation in Groveland on SR-33 in Lake County.

 

Eustis District Office:
• Astatula substation on CR 561 in Lake County.
• Deer Island substation on CR 448 in Tavares.
• Howey substation in Howey-in-the-Hills in Lake County.
• Linadale substation in Umatilla in Lake County.
• St. Johns substation in Lake County off Lake Mack Drive in Deland.
• Umatilla substation in Lake County off of CR-450A.
• Paisley substation off Maggie Jones Road in Lake County.

 

Ocala District Office:
• Dallas substation serving CR-42 and Hwy 301 in Marion County.
• Belleview substation serving Belleview and Summerfield in Marion County.
• Timberwood substation in Marion County off 60th Avenue in Ocala.
• Westwood Acres substation in Ocala off SW 140th Ave in Ocala in Marion County.
• Martel substation in NW Ocala off 110th Ave in Marion County.
• Ocala substation on SW 80th Street in Marion County.
• Blitchton substation on NW Hwy 464 in Morriston.
• Marion Oaks substation in Ocala on SW 134 Loop in Marion County.
• Rainbow Lakes substation in Dunnellon on SW 33 Street in Marion County.

 

Please keep in mind that Hurricane Irma just left SECO’s service area late Monday morning. Even the storms of 2004 didn’t hit SECO’s area this hard and with this much damage. The system disruption is unprecedented and SECO is doing its best to quickly and fully recover.

 

During this time of prolonged outages from Hurricane Irma, if you are using a generator, never let it operate in an enclosed space such as your home, garage or enclosed porch. Generators emit carbon monoxide, a silent, odorless killer. There are multiple reports of Central Floridians who have been rushed to the hospital for carbon monoxide poisoning, and some of these cases were fatal. Read and follow manufacturer’s safety warnings when operating a generator.

 

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO is dedicated to being our members’ first source for accurate storm information. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” the company on Twitter to stay updated about storms affecting our area.

Crews Worked Overnight Restoring Power to SECO Members

SECO Energy crews along with contract line and tree trimming crews worked day and night on Wednesday restoring power to SECO members after Hurricane Irma devastated the area. Crews spent the day fixing damaged lines, clearing trees and restoring power to 35,368 members on Wednesday alone.

 

Since Monday at noon when restoration began, crews have restored service to more than 90,000 members. Early today, SECO’s Storm Center showed approximately 35,500 members remain without power. Now that CenturyLink phone lines are working again and more members who evacuated are returning home, outage reports continue to generate. 

 

SECO’s interactive restoration plan map was updated overnight to reflect Thursday’s planned restoration locations. The daily restoration plan map is a useful communication tool for members seeking power restoration information. Members can input their service address and determine if their area is included in the current day’s restoration plan. Substations are labeled as a reference and feeders are outlined in polygons. To use the map, visit www.SECOEnergy.com and hover over “Contact Us” in the top right corner. Select “Daily Restoration Plan.”

 

Overnight, hundreds of crews from Missouri cooperatives arrived at SECO to join the restoration effort early this morning. Fresh contingents of line and tree contractors from Texas, North Carolina and Louisiana arrived on Tuesday. All SECO substations are operating normally, and SECO is working with Duke Energy as it repairs its transmission lines connected to SECO’s Gospel Island substation.
 

The following is a summary of substations and feeders where crews are or will be TODAY performing repairs and restoration:

 

Sumterville District Office:
• Gospel Island substation off Turner Camp Road in Citrus County.
• Lady Lake substation off Griffin Avenue in Lake County.
• Wildwood substation north of CR-222 in Sumter County.
• Floral City substation off E. Floral Park Drive in Lake County.
• Bushnell substation in Sumter County on CR-48.

 

Groveland District Office:
• Groveland substation in Lake County on Phelps Street.
• Big Creek substation in Clermont off CR-474 in Lake County.
• South Highway substation in Groveland on SR-33 in Lake County.

 

Eustis District Office:
• St. Johns substation in Lake County off Lake Mack Drive in Deland.
• Mount Dora substation off SR-44 in Lake County.
• Umatilla substation in Lake County off of CR-450A.
• Paisley substation off Maggie Jones Road in Lake County.

 

Ocala District Office:
• Dallas substation serving CR-42 and Hwy 301 in Marion County.
• Belleview substation serving Belleview and Summerfield in Marion County.
• Timberwood substation in Marion County off 60th Avenue in Ocala.
• Summerglen substation serving Summerglen and Marion Oaks in Marion County.
• Westwood Acres substation in Ocala off SW 140th Ave in Ocala in Marion County.
• Martel substation in NW Ocala off 110th Ave in Marion County.
• Ocala substation on SW 80th Street in Marion County.
• Waterways substation in Ocala off SW 49th Ave in Marion County.

 

Please keep in mind that Hurricane Irma just left SECO’s service area late Monday morning. Even the storms of 2004 didn’t hit SECO’s area this hard and with this much damage. The system disruption is unprecedented and SECO is doing its best to quickly and fully recover.

 

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO is dedicated to being our members’ first source for accurate storm information. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” the company on Twitter to stay updated about storms affecting our area.