Post Hurricane Milton Restoration Ongoing

Restoration continues across SECO Energy’s 2,100-square-mile territory after Hurricane Milton passed through Central Florida. At the peak, over 100,000 SECO members’ electric service was interrupted due to damaging wind speeds and heavy rains. Progress is steady; just over 10,500 services are waiting for restoration as of early this morning; restoration is ongoing through the weekend and early this week.

SECO Energy’s service area has not experienced such widespread damage since Hurricane Irma in 2017. Over 300 additional crews arrived yesterday and got to work with the SECO home team. All crews that arrive onsite first attend a safety briefing that includes an overview of the damage to the system, hazards crews may face in the field, and SECO’s construction standards.

Progress Timeline:

Over 100,000, or 41% of SECO Energy’s 245,000, members experienced service interruption due to Hurricane Milton’s intense wind and rain. Significant progress has been made in restoring power to affected members from the impact of Hurricane Milton, which made landfall near Siesta Key late Wednesday night.

On day one of restoration, the team restored over 55,000 accounts, reducing the percentage of SECO members without power to 18%. All critical accounts were restored; per Florida mandates, critical accounts are the priority. Transmission lines that provide service to substations and large groups of members were also restored. Crews began assessing damage to feeder lines and lateral lines.

On day two, crews continued to repair broken poles and downed trees. Damage assessments continued. By the end of the day on Friday, an additional 23,000 services were restored.

On day three, work and damage assessments continued. Crews rebuilt feeder lines, replaced poles, and removed broken trees. Fresh mutual aid arrived and got to work, with crews restoring over 10,000 members’ services by the night’s end.

“Day four of Hurricane Milton brings new challenges as our SECO home team crews and our mutual aid line and tree crews move into some of the most heavily damaged areas,” said Curtis Wynn, CEO of SECO Energy. “Electricity is an essential service; four days without it is a major hardship, and we understand that members without service need their power restored so they can get back to normal day-to-day activities. Please continue to be patient with our team and contractors who are working in the field and behind the scenes to repair the damage caused by Hurricane Milton. They are working long hours and desperately want to see your lights come back on, too.”

Restoration and recovery in some communities is a long process due to the substantial number of outages caused by downed lines, broken poles, flooding, fallen trees, and other damage curtailing restoration work. Do not enter a work zone – this is a safety hazard and slows work progress. Crews may need to leave a jobsite to respond to an emergency or get materials; they will return to complete the job.

For outage reporting and updates, SECO Energy offers StormCenter, an outage and communications platform. Members can report outages, check the status of an outage, and sign up for alerts via email, text, or phone. Visit SECOEnergy.com > StormCenter and bookmark the page for quick access.

Stay away from downed wires. Always assume they are energized. Call 911 if you see a downed line. Members who require electricity to operate medical equipment should consider investing in a backup power source or have a relocation plan during extended power outages. Follow manufacturer’s safety instructions if you use a portable generator. Do not run a portable generator while sleeping. Carbon monoxide is emitted from a generator’s exhaust; it is deadly, colorless, and odorless. Avoid the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning by placing portable generators outside in a well-ventilated area, more than 20 feet away from your home, doors, and windows. Never run a generator inside, not even in your garage. Do not connect the generator directly to your home’s main fuse box or circuit panel.

For more storm safety tips, visit Ready.gov or download the American Red Cross’s Emergency Severe Weather App by texting “GETEMERGENCY” to 90999.

SECO Energy Completes Restoration from Hurricane Debby

SECO Energy is pleased to announce that power has been fully restored to all members following the impact of Hurricane Debby. The system made landfall near Steinhatchee early Monday morning, causing widespread outages across Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Levy, Marion, Pasco, and Sumter counties.

The Category One hurricane brought sustained winds of up to 85 mph and heavy rainfall, leading to extensive flooding and damage. In SECO Energy’s service area, downed power lines, damaged poles, fallen trees, and standing water disrupted electric service to thousands of members. The not-for-profit cooperative’s infrastructure experienced over 400 outages, affecting over 37,000 total accounts. By midnight on Monday, SECO had fully restored service to all members.

SECO Energy’s Chief Operating Officer, John LaSelva, commended the cooperative’s employees for their dedication and hard work. “Our team was well-prepared for Hurricane Debby’s approach days before landfall. Without question, SECO Energy’s line crews, support staff, and contractors worked tirelessly around the clock assessing damage, repairing infrastructure, and restoring power as quickly and safely as possible. The hurricane’s strong winds and torrential rain made efforts challenging, but the SECO team and outside personnel remained resilient and focused on restoring service to every member.” 

Members are encouraged to use StormCenter, SECO Energy’s outage and communications platform to report outages, check the status of an existing outage, and enroll in outage communications and alerts via email, text, voice or all three. Visit StormCenter today and bookmark it on your smartphone or tablet to report outages quickly and easily. 

For storm preparation and safety tips, SECO Energy’s Hurricane Handbook provides valuable information on how to prepare before, during, and after a storm.

“Like” SECO Energy on Facebook and follow @SECOEnergy on X 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 SECOEnergy.com> Your Co-op>About.

Officials and Key Community Leaders Attend Storm Preparation Meeting at SECO Energy

Representative Yvonne Hinson (Florida House of Representatives) asking questions during SECO Energy’s Storm Preparedness and Readiness meeting.

SECO Energy hosted a Storm Preparedness and Readiness meeting as Atlantic hurricane season begins. The meeting focused on engaging with officials and key community leaders to discuss detailed strategies for hurricane season. The meeting was an essential part of the cooperative’s ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and resilience of the communities we serve.

Attendees included several notable figures such as Representative Yvonne Hinson; staff from the offices of Representative Ryan Chamberlin, Congresswoman Kat Cammack, and Congressman Daniel Webster; Citrus County Fire Chief Craig Stevens; and various emergency management officials from Marion, Citrus, and Sumter counties.

The meeting was opened with a warm welcome from SECO Energy’s CEO, Curtis Wynn, and followed up by a presentation led by John LaSelva, Chief Operating Officer, focusing on the cooperative’s storm readiness process involving extensive pre-storm preparation that includes system hardening, vegetation management, and the development of an emergency response plan with FEMA contracts in place. Also mentioned were meticulously planned pre-storm logistics, such as securing hotel accommodations for assisting crews, fuel, and staging personnel and equipment.

SECO Energy Storm Preparedness and Readiness Meeting held at SECO Energy headquarters on Tuesday, June 25, 2024

Following a storm, SECO conducts thorough damage assessments and restores service in the priority order mandated by the State – shelters, hospitals, feeders with the highest member count, then individual services and area lights. All reports and invoices are compiled and submitted for FEMA reimbursement to ensure financial accountability and recovery. SECO Energy’s Vice President of Financial & Administrative Services, Anh Reynolds, discussed FEMA reimbursement requirements and how the cooperative plans and prepares for the potential financial aftermath of a storm.

Kathy Judkins, Manager of Community and Economic Development and Government Relations for SECO Energy, provided information on Emergency Operation Center preparations and post-storm activities. She also shared SECO Energy’s role in providing timely and accurate information to officials and key community leaders, which helps them offer information when their constituents call on them.

Joint group discussion networking with Chris Evan, Director of Emergency Management for Citrus County; David Casto, Director of Emergency Management for Sumter County; Anh Reynolds, SECO Energy’s VP of Financial & Administrative Services; and Ben Dawson, SECO Energy’s VP of Growth, Smart Grid & Operational Technology

SECO Energy places a strong emphasis on communication internally and externally. Amanda Richardson, Manager of Corporate Communications for SECO Energy, concluded the presentation by highlighting the cooperative’s strategic storm communication efforts. She discussed the cooperative’s strategic storm communications plan, implemented to ensure that all the employees, members, and communities served have the information and support they need to weather the storm. This includes updates on the storm’s track and intensity, restoration progress, and essential community alerts.

The meeting was an essential step in reinforcing the community’s resilience and readiness for the Atlantic Hurricane Season, which spans from June 1 to November 30. The collaborative efforts and shared insights will significantly contribute to a coordinated and effective response to future storm events.

CEO Curtis Wynn emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts and the role of community leaders in ensuring an effective and swift response to storm impacts. “Our preparedness and readiness are crucial to the safety and well-being of the communities we serve,” said Mr. Wynn. “The collaborative efforts of our leaders and emergency management teams are vital in ensuring a quick and effective response. At SECO Energy, we are committed to leveraging all our resources and expertise to protect our members and maintain service reliability during the hurricane season.”

For more information about SECO Energy’s storm preparedness and response efforts, visit SECOEnergy.com.

“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 News June 2024

Hurricane Season runs from June 1 to November 30 each year, presenting a heightened risk of severe weather and extended power outages. As the 2024 hurricane season begins, I want to address you directly regarding the forecasted weather patterns for our region and what we are doing to ensure your safety and well-being.

The Colorado State University (CSU) Weather and Climate Research team is predicting an above-average season, with forecasts indicating the possibility of 23 named storms across the Atlantic basin. Eleven are expected to become hurricanes, with five potentially reaching major hurricane status. This projection surpasses the 30-year historical average and reinforces the need for heightened preparedness.

SECO Energy is StormReady and prepared to respond to outages caused by summer thunderstorms, tropical storms, and hurricanes. We closely monitor the weather and make necessary pre-storm preparations behind the scenes. Our crews are trained and ready to respond swiftly to any outages that may occur, but it is equally imperative that all of us take proactive steps to stay prepared.

I strongly urge members to be cautious and prepare for potential disruptions. Essential supplies disappear quickly when tropical storms and hurricanes approach. To ensure you are adequately prepared, stay informed and updated on weather forecasts and advisories issued by state and local authorities. Make time to prepare an emergency kit stocked with essential supplies such as water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, and medications. It’s also important to establish a communication plan with your family and loved ones in case of separation during an emergency. Take precautions to secure outdoor furniture, trim trees, and secure loose objects around your property to minimize potential hazards.

During restoration mode, SECO Energy operates around the clock. Crews on the frontline face elements head-on as they work to clear roads to reach affected areas, repairing broken poles, fallen lines, and damaged equipment. We utilize all available resources to restore power to your homes and businesses as safely and quickly as possible and provide regular updates on our progress to keep you informed every step of the way.

As we embark on this hurricane season, let’s stay vigilant, prepared, and supportive of one another. Your safety and well-being are paramount. Together, we can weather any storm.

Sincerely,

Curtis Wynn

Chief Executive Officer

When major storms strike, portable generators can be beneficial but pose significant risks if mishandled. If you plan to use a generator this storm season, here are a few of the dos and don’ts of generator safety you’ll need to know:

✓ DO:

Use generators OUTSIDE ONLY, directing the generator’s exhaust away from your home and any nearby air intakes to other buildings. Deadly levels of carbon monoxide can build up fast from a portable generator’s exhaust.
Operate generators on dry surfaces, under open structures, and away from rain and other water sources to minimize electrical hazards. Remember, WATER AND ELECTRICITY DO NOT MIX.

✗ DON’T:

DON’T connect your generator directly to your home’s wiring unless it has been wired for generator use by a licensed electrician.
DON’T refuel your generator while it is running. Allow it to cool down before refueling.

Before using a portable generator, always read its operations manual and adhere to its guidelines for safe operation. By following these precautions, you can make the most of your portable generator while keeping you and your loved ones safe.

BEFORE: Prepare a storm kit with flashlights, batteries, medicine, first aid supplies, necessary baby items, and supplies for your pets. Stock two weeks’ worth of water, non-perishable food, and essentials. Refill prescriptions and gather important documents such as your social security card, driver’s license, birth certificate, and insurance information for your home, car, and life. Plan an evacuation route in case of an extended power outage and monitor weather forecasts.

DURING: Seek shelter and stay away from windows. Avoid leaving candles unattended and limit opening freezers and refrigerators more than necessary. Turn off your heating and air conditioning systems, and unplug sensitive electronic appliances such as TVs, game consoles, microwaves, and computers – this will protect your appliances against power fluctuations that can occur when power is restored. After power is restored, wait five to ten minutes before turning on appliances and heating systems. Stay updated on local alerts and off roads where trees and power lines are down.

AFTER: Exercise caution if power lines and poles are down; power lines can still be energized even on the ground, so avoid contact. Debris from a storm can hide downed lines and poles. Fallen trees touching energized power lines can electrify nearby objects such as metal fences, ponds, and even the ground. Check your breakers or fuses if power has been restored to your neighborhood but your home remains out. When using a portable generator during an outage, follow the safety tips in the operations manual.

Review our Hurricane Handbook at SECOEnergy.com > Safety > Hurricane Handbook.

StormCenter is SECO Energy’s outage and communications platform to report outages, check the status of an existing outage, and enroll in outage communications and alerts via email, text, voice, or all three.

Visit SECOEnergy.com > StormCenter and bookmark StormCenter to your smartphone or tablet. With StormCenter bookmarked, you can easily access the outage map, report outages, track restoration progress, and quickly manage notifications related to outage detection and restoration.

You can also report an area light outage or malfunction 24 hours a day, seven days a week, using LightFinder. Simply go to StormCenter’s bookmarked page, choose the LightFinder tile, and enter the pole number or turn on location services to report. Reporting members will receive a follow–up email when the light is repaired – usually within 24 hours.

SECO Energy provides transparent communication and regular restoration updates during storms. Subscribe to receive email, text, and voice notifications on StormCenter. If you have already subscribed, make sure your contact information is up to date to receive timely notifications and updates regarding future outages and restoration efforts.

SECO Energy strives to provide top-tier reliability to 240,000+ homes and businesses in our service territory. Unexpected outages due to weather, vehicle accidents, equipment issues, trees, or animal contact means that SECO cannot guarantee 100 percent uninterrupted power.

During emergency restoration efforts following widespread damage, SECO Energy’s foremost priority is to restore power to essential facilities such as shelters, hospitals, schools, and government agencies, including emergency operations centers, fire stations, and law enforcement facilities. It’s important to note that residential accounts marked as medically necessary services are not given top priority during emergencies caused by named storms.

For individuals with special needs, resources are available through the Florida Department of Health. Those requiring medical attention or having a specific health need should register with their local emergency management agency to receive assistance during disasters. You can visit FloridaDisaster.org to add your name or a loved one’s to the statewide registry.

Registering provides first responders with valuable information to prepare for disasters or other emergencies to meet citizens’ unique needs. Providing as much information as possible will allow emergency management officials to plan accordingly for future disasters. You will be emailed periodically to verify the information provided is correct and to make any necessary changes.

Unless you plan to seek shelter at an approved facility, backup generation is critical if you are a member who relies on lifesaving medical equipment powered by electricity.

Store your county’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) contact in your phone for quick access. You can also visit your county’s EOC online and enroll in county-specific emergency assistance services and updates.

CITRUS COUNTY: (352) 249-2775

HERNANDO COUNTY: (352) 754-4083

LAKE COUNTY: (352) 343-9420

LEVY COUNTY: (352) 486-5213

MARION COUNTY: (352) 369-8100

PASCO COUNTY: (727) 847-8137

SUMTER COUNTY: (352) 689-4400

To enroll to receive emergency alerts for your county, visit FloridaDisaster.org.

Read the full June 2024 SECO News.

SECO Energy Tracking Tropical Depression Nine

SECO Energy is tracking Tropical Depression Nine as it slowly moves on a westerly track toward the Florida Peninsula. Tropical Depression Nine (TD9) is expected to strengthen to a hurricane this weekend. The storm would be renamed Hurricane Hermine and could impact Central Florida as a Category 2 hurricane early next week.

TD9 was formerly known as Invest 98L. Meteorologists have watched the storm as it became more organized this week. TD9 is moving west-northwest at 13 mph with maximum sustained wind speeds of 35 mph. The latest National Hurricane Center (NHC) forecast puts the storm in the Gulf of Mexico and moving across Central Florida early next week. TD9 is still far away from Florida, and models will continue to shift this weekend.

SECO Energy’s service territory could begin to feel the effects of Tropical Depression Nine as it strengthens into a Category 2 hurricane as early as Tuesday of next week. Category 2 hurricanes have maximum sustained wind speeds between 96 and 110 mph. If the storm arrives in SECO’s service area, members will experience widespread heavy rains and gusty winds. A soggy August and early September storms have left standing water in some areas. Additional rain and high winds can cause downed trees and power outages for members.

CEO Curtis Wynn assured members that SECO Energy is StormReady and ready to respond to power outages caused by tropical storms and hurricanes. Wynn stated, “SECO Energy is tracking Tropical Depression Nine and the possible weather effects that this system could bring to SECO’s service area. We are StormReady and prepared to respond to outages caused by tropical storms and hurricanes. I am asking members to prepare for the possibility that Tropical Depression Nine will strengthen and move toward our service territory. Now is the time to gather essential hurricane supplies. While we are nearing the end of Atlantic hurricane season and Tropical Depression Nine’s ultimate track remains uncertain, this reminds us to stay vigilant for late season storms.”

StormCenter is SECO Energy’s outage and communications platform for members to report outages, check the status of an existing outage and enroll in outage communications and alerts via email, text, voice or all three. Visit StormCenter today and bookmark on your smartphone or tablet to report outages quickly and easily.

Major weather events can cause extended power outages. SECO Energy reminds members to follow safety protocols when using a generator during a power outage. Generators emit deadly carbon monoxide (CO) that is odorless and colorless. Thousands of people die each year from CO poisoning. Never operate a generator in an enclosed space, including a garage. Always place the generator at least 15 to 20 feet away from your home and never near open windows.

Before operating a generator, thoroughly read and review the owner’s manual. Never plug a generator directly into an electrical outlet. This current flow is deadly for utility personnel. Keep children away from an operating generator and store fuel in approved containers. Do not smoke while fueling a generator. Always operate a generator in a dry space. If it is raining, use a canopy or cover. SECO Energy’s Hurricane Handbook includes generator safety tips and how to prepare for before, during and after a storm.

“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 SECOEnergy.com>Your Co-op>About.

SECO News, August 2021

Duncan’s Digest – Enroll in Surge Protection – Win a Generator

Dear Members,

The 2021 Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. The Colorado State University (CSU) Tropical Meteorology Project team released an updated forecast for this year’s hurricane season. This team of experts has maintained its prediction that the Atlantic basin will have above-average storm activity this year, and has increased its forecast of the number of named storms anticipated this season.

Tropical Storm Elsa affected our service area on Tuesday, July 6, and Wednesday, July 7. Elsa became the first named hurricane of the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season on July 2 when it reached Category 1 strength. Elsa was downgraded to a tropical storm as it passed over Cuba and the Florida Straits. For a short while, the storm lingered west of Tampa Bay and strengthened into a hurricane once again. Ultimately Elsa lost intensity and made landfall in Taylor County as a tropical storm on July 7.

SECO prepared for the worst. We brought in over 100 contract line and vegetation crews to assist in restoration from Tropical Storm Elsa. Overnight on the 6th and 7th, our system fared exceptionally well as Elsa’s rain bands soaked our service area and brought tornado watches, warnings and wind. During this time, we experienced no large substation or feeder outages. I commend our employees and contractors who rallied to assist in the effort by restoring outages quickly while working safely.

Tropical Storm Elsa was the first test of this year’s hurricane season, and we passed with flying colors. But it may be the first of many. That’s why it’s best to be prepared. Not only do we have hurricane season to contend with, but Florida has afternoon summer thunderstorms as well. These storms occur almost daily and bring heavy rain and lightning that can lead to power surges entering your home from the electric line and through the meter.

Surges are powerful increases in voltage that can destroy your home’s appliances and electronics. The Surge MitiGator is SECO’s meter-based surge arrester. It is designed to take the bite out of a surge. The MitiGator helps prevent high voltage spikes and surges before they damage appliances and cause financial loss. SECO installs the Surge MitiGator at the meter and the product carries a 15-year warranty. The arrester at the meter is the first step in protection. Point-of-use surge devices should be installed for a home’s electronics and other appliances that run on electric service. Purchase these at your local big box or hardware store. Install as directed.

The Surge MitiGator is available for lease for only $5.95 plus tax per month with a $25 installation fee. If you choose to purchase the product, the price ranges from $349 to $399, and installation is always free.

Enroll in the Surge MitiGator program (lease or purchase) for a chance to win a portable generator. We’ll pick a winner in both August and September. Read Winners’ Circle on page 4 for the July winner. Members in a current lease or prior purchase are already eligible to win. To enroll in the Surge MitiGator program, visit the Surge MitiGator page and fill out the web form. You can also call us at (352) 793-3801 or email Customer Service.

Living in Florida, the potential for tropical storms and hurricanes is a fact of life. I urge you to prepare in advance for the possibility of widespread power outages if a major storm affects our service area. Prepare your emergency supplies before forecasters put Central Florida in the cone of probability. Have a backup source of power if you require electricity for life-sustaining medical equipment. SECO is StormReady – you should be too.

Sincerely,

Jim Duncan

Chief Executive Officer

Advice from The Old Farmer’s Almanac

Florida, with its copious sunshine and sub-tropical climate, provides the perfect environment for a backyard garden. The Old Farmer’s Almanac has advice for gardeners who love the hobby but have space, sun or other limitations. For small areas, use raised beds, vertical spaces or containers. A raised-bed garden can yield 10 times the amount as a same size in-ground garden. Another idea for small spaces is to use a trellis, cage or attach pots to fences. Short on sun? Most vegetables require 8 hours of sunlight to grow, but leafy greens grow well in partial shade. Garlic, peas, beets and radishes can grow in as little as 4 hours a day. If all else fails, use containers to grow your garden. Anything that will hold soil and has water drainage holes will work.

Turn to page 4 to read this month’s Florida Fauna & Flora to learn more about the resurrection fern.

Energy Saving on a Budget

Improving your home’s energy efficiency doesn’t have to be expensive. While buying new ENERGY STAR appliances or upgrading your home’s HVAC will reduce your home’s energy consumption, these items carry a hefty price tag. The no-cost and low-cost energy-saving ideas listed below will help reduce your energy usage without breaking the bank.

No-cost Energy-Efficiency Ideas:

• Wash clothes in cold water.

• Use the air-dry cycle on your dishwasher.

• Hang laundry outside to dry.

• Use natural light during the day.

• Turn off lights when leaving a room.

• Ceiling fans cool people, not rooms. Turn off when the room is vacant.

• Turn off bathroom and kitchen ventilation fans. These bring warm outside air inside.

• Turn off electronics like computers, printers and monitors when not in use.

• In summer, grill or use appliances such as crock pots, air fryers or microwaves instead of your oven.

Low-cost Energy-Efficiency Ideas:

• Invest in LEDs.

• Replace all filters monthly or according to manufacturer’s instructions.

• Seal windows and doors with weatherstripping and/or caulk.

• Install window film to limit sunlight.

• Plant shade trees on the south, southwest and west sides of buildings for shade.

• Plant trees on the north and the west sides of buildings to block winds.

• Plant trees to shade driveways, sidewalks, patios and HVAC units.

• Use blinds or drapes during summer to limit sun exposure.

• Control outdoor lighting with a photocell or timer.

Want more energy-efficiency tips? Try our Home Energy Assessment — a complete online energy audit for your home. Submit your responses and email address to receive an email with energy-efficiency advice tailored to your home and lifestyle. To see the math behind your energy consumption, complete the Energy Estimator.

Winners’ Circle

Engage with our virtual assistant Electra on the phone for a chance to win a $25 gift card. Winners who self-served using Electra are:

John Bost from Ocala

Felica Grost from Inverness

Mark Damann from Morriston

Christian Oliver from Tavares

The latest winner of a SECO Energy Level 2 EV Charger is Marc Crail from Mount Dora. To enter, text “EV” to (352) 320-4500 for a link to enter. Or click on the EV Charger Giveaway homepage banner. Visit our Electric Vehicles website section to learn more about the benefits of owning an EV.

Winners in our Go Green and Win: Paperless Billing and Bank Draft Incentive

Kinilei Shewell from Clermont is the winner of a $200 SECO Energy bill credit.

Jules Sigler from Ocala is the winner of a NEST thermostat.

Jan Browning from The Villages is the winner of an Amazon Echo Dot with Alexa.

Bryant Currier from The Villages is our first winner of a portable generator. We have two more to give away! For a chance to win, lease or purchase SECO’s Surge MitiGator product that protects your home’s appliances from damaging surges and spikes. To learn more or enroll, visit our Surge MitiGator page. Members in a current surge lease or prior purchase are automatically entered in the drawing to win.

Read the full August 2021 SECO News online.

SECO Energy Recovers from Tropical Storm Elsa

SECO Energy employees and contractors worked overnight and will continue throughout the day restoring outages caused by Tropical Storm Elsa. The storm strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane Tuesday evening as it approached the Tampa Bay area, but lost intensity and reverted back to tropical storm strength.

Currently, the storm is moving north at 14 mph with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph. The 11 AM forecast from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) shows Tropical Storm Elsa making landfall in Taylor County along the North Florida Gulf Coast. Once Elsa leaves Florida, it is predicted to travel along the east coast and create storm surges in Georgia and South Carolina.

SECO Energy began monitoring Tropical Storm Elsa last week and was well prepared. SECO’s system fared extremely well overnight as the storm’s rain bands soaked the cooperative’s service territory. Elsa also brought tornado watches, warnings and strong winds. There were no large substation or feeder outages, and just 300 services were without power during the overnight hours. Rain will continue today as Tropical Storm Elsa leaves Central Florida.

CEO Jim Duncan commends the employees’ and contract crews’ restoration effort. He stated, “I am extremely grateful for the efforts of our SECO employees. We prepare for the worst and our employees are ready to respond to outages 24/7. I also want to acknowledge the contract line and vegetation crew reinforcements who answered our call to assist with Tropical Storm Elsa restoration.”

Duncan also reminded members that SECO Energy’s StormCenter outage reporting and communications platform offers outage alerts. “StormCenter is available for members to report outages using their smartphones or tablets 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Members should also enroll in outage notifications and alerts via email, text, voice message, or all three. An alert is sent when the system recognizes that your service has been interrupted. The alert will include crew status and an estimated restoration time. You’ll also receive a notification when the service is restored that includes the cause of the outage if it is known at that time.”

Members should visit StormCenter and bookmark the site on their smartphones or tablets. At StormCenter, members can view the outage map, enroll or manage notifications, check the status of an existing outage, report an area light outage and more.

Stay up to date on weather affecting SECO Energy’s service area, the latest news releases and cooperative updates by liking SECO’s Facebook page and following @SECOEnergy on Twitter.

SECO Energy Braced for Hurricane Eta

The National Hurricane Center upgraded TS Eta to hurricane status Wednesday morning. SECO Energy has been monitoring Eta and its pending effects on the cooperative’s territory. Hurricane Eta’s track and landfall site have continued to change since the storm moved away from Central America last week. Forecasters now predict Hurricane Eta will make an easterly turn into Florida’s Gulf Coast with the potential to travel through SECO’s service area as a tropical storm.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) forecasts shows that Hurricane Eta is about 145 miles south/southwest of Tampa with 75 mph sustained winds. On the forecast track, the center of Eta will move closer to the southwest coast of Florida today, approach the west-central coast of Florida tonight, and move inland over the northern portion of the Florida peninsula on Thursday. Eta is expected to move northeastward into the western Atlantic late Thursday or early Friday.

Projected landfall location is between Citrus and Levy Counties. Citrus County has announced school closures for Thursday. Currently, hurricane force winds extend 60 miles from the center. SECO’s forecaster predicts that Eta will bring heavy rains and wind gusts between 40 and 50 mph at peak to parts of the cooperative’s service territory. A storm surge warning has been issued for the Florida west coast from Suwannee River to Bonita Beach, including Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor.

SECO Energy is StormReady and prepared to respond to power outages caused by Hurricane Eta’s rainbands and wind gusts. SECO employee and contractor line crews, as well as tree crews are staged across the system. Above normal rains in October have left some areas saturated. Additional rain from Hurricane Eta could cause outages from trees falling into power lines.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began in mid-March, SECO Energy has taken the necessary precautions to ensure the health and wellbeing of its employees and contractors. SECO’s line crews and contractors are the key to preserving service reliability for the cooperative’s 200,000+ homes and businesses within its service territory. The COVID-19 protections instituted for SECO employees and contractors may slow restoration effort.

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “Our SECO storm watchers have been monitoring Hurricane Eta and its wobbling projected track since early last week. We’ve been lucky in Central Florida that the 2020 hurricane season has had minimal effect on our area. Hurricane Eta looks to change that trend. SECO Energy employees and our line and tree contractor partners are prepared to respond to outages from Hurricane Eta’s heavy rains and winds. The track, intensity and forecast of tropical storms and hurricanes often change, and we will keep members updated so they can be prepared.”

Duncan also reminded members that SECO Energy’s StormCenter outage reporting and communications platform offers outage alerts. He advises, “StormCenter is available for members to report new outages or check the status of an existing outage using their smartphones or tablets 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Members should also enroll in outage notifications and alerts via email, text or voice message, or all three. An alert is sent when the system recognizes that your service has been interrupted. The alert will include crew status, start time and an estimated restoration time. You’ll also receive a notification when service is restored, and we will include the cause of the outage if it is known at that time.”

Members should visit StormCenter and bookmark the site on their smartphones or tablets. On StormCenter, members can view the outage map, manage notifications, check the status of an existing outage, report an area light issue and more. Stay up to date on weather affecting SECO Energy’s service area, the latest news releases and cooperative updates by “liking” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter.

Florida Fauna & Flora – Hurricanes and Pets

Don’t forget a hurricane or disaster plan for your family pet. According to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), take your pets with you if you decide to evacuate before a storm arrives. Service animals that meet the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements are usually welcome in general population shelters.

You can also look locally for a pet-friendly shelter. Contact the shelter before you go to make sure there is availability for you and your pet. Pet-friendly hotels and motels are also an option. Check with your local Humane Society to find pet-friendly options.

If you’re staying home during the storm, don’t forget to add your pet’s food, medicine and essentials to your supply kit. Have enough pet supplies on hand to last at least seven days. Just as humans enjoy snacks when waiting out a storm, your pets do too! Stock up on some extra bones and treats to show your furry or feathered friends some love.
Bring your pets indoors before a storm arrives. Many pets who enjoy spending time outside become lost after a strong storm. Bring them indoors where they will be safe.

Read the full September 2020 SECO News online.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

MY ACCOUNT

AMI

MEMBER PERKS

ENERGY SOLUTIONS

SOLAR

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

SAFETY

VEGETATION MANAGEMENT

RELIABILITY

VEGETATION MANAGEMENT

MEMBER PERKS

YOUR CO-OP

MEMBER PERKS

COMMUNITY

Archive

Tag: hurricane season

Post Hurricane Milton Restoration Ongoing

Progress Timeline:

SECO Energy Completes Restoration from Hurricane Debby

Officials and Key Community Leaders Attend Storm Preparation Meeting at SECO Energy

SECO News June 2024

SECO Energy Tracking Tropical Depression Nine

SECO News, August 2021

Duncan’s Digest – Enroll in Surge Protection – Win a Generator

Advice from The Old Farmer’s Almanac

Energy Saving on a Budget

Winners’ Circle

SECO Energy Recovers from Tropical Storm Elsa

SECO Energy Braced for Hurricane Eta

Florida Fauna & Flora – Hurricanes and Pets

NEED HELP? CALL (352) 793 -3801

CONTACT US

Search our website

CONNECT WITH US

NEED HELP? CALL (352) 793 -3801

CONTACT US

Search our website

CONNECT WITH US