Jim Duncan CEO – Page 3

SECO News, June 2021

Duncan’s Digest – StormReady: Hurricane Season Warning

The 2021 Atlantic hurricane season began June 1. SECO Energy uses a unique and well-tested response plan that stands ready when typical afternoon thunderstorms occur and when our service area is affected by tropical storms or hurricanes. SECO is StormReady, and I urge you and your family to prepare proactively for hurricane season.

All signs point to the potential for a very active hurricane season this year. In April, The Department of Atmospheric Science at Colorado State University (CSU) published its Atlantic hurricane season forecast. CSU predicts that this year’s Atlantic hurricane season will have above-normal activity.

These experts predict there will be a total of seventeen named storms. Eight of these will develop into hurricanes and four of these will become major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 and 5).

Compared to the historical record between 1991 and 2020, the projections for this year are higher than average. During this period, the Atlantic hurricane season averaged fourteen named storms. Seven of these became hurricanes, with three developing into major hurricanes.

An above-average activity hurricane season was predicted for last year as well. The 2020 season broke records with thirty named storms. Frankly, we were extremely lucky that these storms veered away from Central Florida. Tropical Storm Eta in mid-November was the only named storm that directly affected SECO’s service area last year.

One tropical storm or hurricane spinning through our service area is all it takes to make this a memorable season for SECO Energy members and employees. Part of storm readiness is our commitment to storm hardening our electrical system – valued at about $1 billion. Annually, we replace aging distribution poles and install concrete transmission poles to replace older wooden poles. Our robust vegetation management program also plays a key storm readiness role with a goal of trimming vegetation back from the entire 12,000 miles of overhead line systemwide every five years.

If you or a family member rely on life-sustaining medical equipment and cannot be without power for an extended time, your home should have a secondary backup power source available. You may need to relocate to a shelter to wait out the storm in the event of an outage. As a start, register with the Florida Special Needs Registry at FloridaDisaster.org that provides local first responders with information about your needs.

SECO’s StormReady approach also includes our online StormCenter outage map and communications platform that is available 24/7 on your smartphone or tablet. Report an outage, view the outage map, check the status of a current outage and report an area light malfunction.

Enroll or update your outage notifications through StormCenter today. We’ll send you an email, text, voice message or all three when the system detects an outage affecting your service. You’ll receive a follow-up communication when the outage is restored. Visit StormCenter and click on the Manage Notifications tab.

It is critical to prepare before a storm arrives. Gather your emergency supplies early using this month’s Word Search on page 5. Supplies sell out quickly when a storm is approaching. Prepare your home in advance and make an emergency plan with your family.

Sincerely,

Jim Duncan

Chief Executive Officer

Advice from The Old Farmer’s Almanac

Plan your summer fishing trips with The Old Farmer’s Almanac’s best fishing days. The sun, moon, tides and weather all affect fish activity. The best time of day to fish is when they are most active – fish often feed more in the early morning and late evening. It is believed that fish feed more during a full moon as well. This summer’s best fishing dates are June 10 – 24, July 9 – 23, August 8 – 22 and September 6 – 20. Read this month’s Florida Fauna & Flora to learn more about the sailfish, Florida’s state saltwater fish.

Safety Corner – Vehicle Accidents and Utility Lines

A report by the National Safety Council (NSC) finds that over 42,000 people died in vehicle crashes in 2020. This statistic is an increase of 8% from 2019. Most alarming is the number of miles driven last year was much lower than the year before.

In SECO Energy’s service area, 91 separate vehicle crashes occurred that involved utility poles or other infrastructure in 2020. These crashes alone interrupted electric service to over 31,000 accounts.

Accidents involving downed power lines are extremely dangerous. Always assumed downed lines are energized and dangerous – and can kill. Stay in the vehicle if possible. Inform the 911 dispatcher that power lines are down near the crash site.

If you smell smoke or the vehicle catches fire, follow these steps to safety:

• Open the vehicle door but do not touch exterior metal that may be energized.
• Jump clear of the vehicle, landing with both feet on the ground at the same time.
• Again, do not touch the metal on the vehicle while touching the ground.
• Walk in a shuffling motion or bunny hop to safety.

If you witness an accident involving downed lines near or on the vehicle, stay away from the car and its occupants and call 911 immediately. Try your best to get the occupants’ attention and warn them to stay in the car if safe to do so.

Share this information with your family – especially younger drivers. For more tips on how to be safe around electricity, visit our Electrical Safety section on our website.

EV Charger Winner

Paula Stewart from Tavares is the latest winner of a SECO Energy branded JuiceBox Pro 40 EV Level 2 charger. We’re giving one charger away each month while supplies last. To enter, text “EV” to (352) 320-4500 for a link to enter. Or click on the EV Charger Giveaway homepage banner.

Learn more about the benefits of electric vehicle ownership on our EV website pages. You’ll find an EV savings calculator, information about CO2 reduction, an EV and PHEV model finder and a nationwide charger-finder map. Visit our Electric Vehicles website section for more details.

Watch SECO News for next month’s charger winner.

2021 SECO Energy Youth Scholarship Awardees

For decades, SECO Energy has awarded scholarships annually to deserving high school seniors who live in a home served by SECO. Over the years, we have provided over $500,000 in scholarship funds to over 300 students to help fulfill their dreams.

This year, we awarded nine students interested in a career in the energy industry and planning to attend a Florida college, university or vocational/trade school.

Join us in congratulating our 2021 SECO Energy Scholarship awardees:

LEIGHTON LEE BAKER
Eustis High School: Plans to attend Lake-Sumter State College and study electrical engineering. Leighton took part in the Eustis High School swim team, robotics and debate club.

LANDEN CARTER
The Villages Charter High School: Seeks an AAS degree in electrical distribution technology from Lake-Sumter State College. Landen played baseball and enjoys hunting, fishing and spending time with family.

AUSTON CHISENHALL
South Lake High School: Plans to attend Lake-Sumter State College and study business. Auston likes to fish, and while in school, participated in baseball and business classes.

ASHLEY DELEZENNE
The Villages Charter High School: Majoring in finance at Stetson University. Ashley is a member of the National Honor Society and spends time tutoring and volunteering at sporting events.

SHANIA DELPINO-LITTLE
The Villages Charter High School: Will attend the University of South Florida and major in accounting. Shania served as Secretary of the Science National Honor Society Club, the Vice President of the Student Activities Club and is a member of the National Honor Society.

SEBASTIAN LOAIZA
Belleview High School: Will major in computer science at the University of South Florida. Sebastian plays soccer and is a member of the Interact Club and the Robotics Automation Design (RAD) Club.

MICHAEL M. MARVIN, JR.
The Villages Charter High School: Plans to complete the electrical lineman program at Northwest Lineman College. Michael attended advanced placement courses in high school and enjoys football and weightlifting.

BRENDAN SIMONS
The Villages Charter High School: Is attending Florida Atlantic University to major in business. Brendan played baseball and participated in the Engineering Club and Rho Khappa.

COLIN B. SORENSON
South Lake High School: Is majoring in biological sciences at Florida State University. While in high school, Colin played baseball, basketball and is a member of Business Professionals of America.

Good luck, students, in reaching your education and future career goals!

Emergency Supplies Word Search

SECO Energy is StormReady and stands prepared for the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season. Gather the list of emergency supplies below. Have enough on hand for each person for at least three days.

Connect with Electra

We invite you to connect with our virtual assistant Electra through our easy-to-use interactive voice response phone system.

Electra can assist thousands of members at the same time. Without waiting for a live agent, Electra can help you check your balance, find billing due date, disconnect service, report a power outage or service problem, check the status of a current outage or complete a payment arrangement.

To reach out to Electra, give her a call at (352) 793-3801. This number takes the place of any local numbers to Member Service Centers that were previously used.

If you request to speak to a live agent and call volume is high, Electra can save your place in line and arrange a callback during our regular business hours.

Read the Winners’ Circle article below for our latest winners.

Winners’ Circle

Four lucky winners who have completed a call with Electra won a $25 gift card. Congratulations, winners!

Carmen Linzey from Wildwood

Angela Medina from Ocala

Audrey Reed from Howey-in-the-Hills

Nola Jenzen from Lady Lake

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

Jade Greene from Tavares is the winner of a $200 SECO Energy bill credit.

Matthew Ketchum from Clermont is the winner of a NEST thermostat.

Judy Robertson from Lady Lake is the winner of an Amazon Echo Dot with Alexa.

Read Winners’ Circle next month for more winners.

Summer HVAC Check-Up

In Central Florida, the largest energy user in your home is the HVAC system. HVAC use accounts for about 35 to 40% of your energy use (energy.gov). Florida’s high humidity levels also make high temperatures feel hotter. Using a dehumidifier during the summer months and a humidifier in the colder months may increase your comfort level.

We recommend scheduling an HVAC check-up with a qualified technician annually. Preventative maintenance will help your unit to operate more efficiently. Yearly maintenance will also help you avoid unexpected and often costly repair bills. Change or check HVAC filters each month or as directed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Weather plays a significant role in your energy usage. Try the Home Energy Assessment for a complete online energy audit that is tailored to your home and lifestyle. Our Energy Estimator shows you the math behind your monthly kilowatt hour (kWh) usage. We publish a monthly weather blog called Sunshine State Stats on our website and social media. Find these tools and more energy-efficiency ideas on the Energy Solutions section of our website.

Read the full June 2021 SECO News online.

SECO News, May 2021

Duncan’s Digest – 2021 “Just Business” Annual Meeting Recap

We celebrated our 2021 “Just Business” 83rd Annual Meeting on Thursday, March 25. We opted to hold the event virtually to avoid the large crowd that traditionally gathers for our onsite Annual Meetings. If you couldn’t watch live, you can watch the full video on our Annual Meeting website section.

The Meeting was live streamed through webcast, Facebook Live and YouTube. Members tuned in to watch our Board President and District 4 Trustee Richard Dennison call the Meeting to order and close the voting platform at 4:30 p.m. Our Vice President of Corporate Communications and Energy Services Kathryn Gloria gave the invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem which was prerecorded by SECO Energy’s Manager Consumer Billing & Accounting Tim Wallace.

During Board introductions, we welcomed new Trustee Morgan Hatfield to the Board. Ms. Hatfield was elected in early February to represent District 9 and began her duties on March 29.

Mr. Dennison’s President’s Report provided an overview of the quorum and Annual Meeting requirements Florida cooperatives adhere to under Florida Statute. Two years ago, a Bylaws revision was approved that allows electronic, in-person and by-mail voting on Annual Meeting business to achieve a quorum. Almost 5,000 members voted this year to approve a Bylaws Revision and the 2020 Annual Meeting Minutes. All members who voted were eligible to win 1 of 100 prizes.

My state of the company address reported on the excellent financial health of the cooperative. At year-end 2020, our meter count had grown to 216,477 ranking SECO as the third-largest cooperative in Florida and seventh-largest in the nation. Last year, you and your fellow members consumed 3.64 billion kilowatt hours which is an increase of about 1.7 million over 2019.

SECO’s investment in its electric system is approaching the $1 billion mark at a current valuation of $955.9 million to support the increased demand for affordable energy in our area. Our TIER rating is 2.87 and member equity equals 33.64%. In the customer satisfaction arena, our 2020 ACSI score is an impressive 91. These are all very healthy ratios in the cooperative utility world.

If you’re interested in learning more about our fiscal health, the “Just Business” 2020 Annual Report is available online. Our Independent Auditor’s Report is included with the cooperative’s 2020 and 2019 financial statements.

During the “Just Business” Annual Meeting, we held the traditional military branches tribute and recognized the efforts of the 400+ SECO employees, Board of Trustees and local first responders. I also announced my plan to retire as CEO in January 2022, making this my last Annual Meeting as CEO. Admittedly, I wanted my final Annual Meeting address to be live with a large audience in attendance. Unfortunately, large gatherings are currently not in the best interest of our members and employees.

Thank you to all who tuned in to watch the Annual Meeting live. If you could not tune in, you can view the full video online.

Sincerely,

Jim Duncan

Chief Executive Officer

Advice from The Old Farmer’s Almanac

A new friend with fur, feathers or scales may help you reduce stress and offer valuable companionship. The Old Farmer’s Almanac has advice on which pet may be the best fit for your home and family. Almost 60% of U.S. households include at least one pet. Dogs rule the home because they are loving and affectionate but require a hefty time commitment. Cats may be less affectionate and more independent than dogs, but they usually involve less work. Fish are beautiful and colorful but need a clean and well-maintained tank to live. Birds are fun to watch and may add a lively tune or funny voices to your home – but can be messy.

Want to spread the love for pets and wildlife? Purchase or lease the Surge MitiGator and SECO will donate $5 to a pet or animal rescue or shelter of your choice. Read on for more details.

Surgeo Loves Pets – Through June 15

In February SECO News, Surgeo asked for members’ help in supporting domestic and wildlife shelters and rescues by enrolling in SECO Energy’s Surge MitiGator™. For every new MitiGator enrollment, SECO donates $5 to a local pet shelter in Citrus, Lake, Marion or Sumter Counties.

February through March, 1,120 members completed a new Surge MitiGator enrollment, which equaled a $5,600 donation divided among local pet and wildlife rescues.

Take the bite out of damaging surges and spikes with the Surge MitiGator. Surges are caused by lightning, vehicle accidents involving SECO facilities, small animals, birds or fallen trees. Power surges can damage or destroy household appliances and sensitive electronics such as televisions, computers, stereo equipment and more.

SECO’s meter-based surge arrester helps prevent unnecessary financial loss by reducing surges BEFORE they enter your home through the meter. The Surge MitiGator has a beastly 15-year warranty and is designed to protect your home’s large-motor appliances.

You can lease the MitiGator for only $5.95 plus tax per month plus a $25 installation fee. The purchase price ranges from $349 to $399, with installation included.

Enroll in SECO’s Surge MitiGator™ to donate $5 to the shelter or rescue of your choice. Visit our Surge MitiGator website section and click on the enroll icon to fill out the webform and choose which pet shelter will receive a $5 donation on your behalf from SECO. The promotion ends June 15.

EV Charger Winner

Kathy Ziegler from Ocala is the April winner of a SECO Energy branded JuiceBox Pro 40 EV Level 2 charger. We’re giving one charger away each month while supplies last. To enter, text “EV” to (352) 320-4500 for a link to enter. Or click on the EV Charger Giveaway homepage banner.

Watch SECO News for next month’s charger winner.

Safety Corner – Generator Safety

Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1. If you plan on using a portable or permanent generator as a source of back-up power during a power outage, learn to operate your generator correctly and safely before a storm impacts our service area.

Follow the safety warnings below to operate a generator.

• To protect yourself, your family, your property and SECO employees and contractors, read and follow the generator owner’s manual and pay close attention to the safety instructions.

• A qualified electrical contractor must install a permanent generator with a disconnect and transfer switch. This is NOT a DIY job.

• A qualified electrician is required to connect a generator to an electrical panel. An incorrect connection could electrocute the user or endanger our employees and contractors.

• Follow local, state and national fire and electric codes. A permit is required to install a permanent generator.

• Before starting your generator–always disconnect from your metered electric utility service.

• Never run a generator inside a building – even in a garage – it is a hazard and violates safety codes because it generates deadly (and odorless) carbon monoxide (CO).

• Be sure the area where a generator is operating is adequately ventilated, has sufficient airflow and is away from open windows.

• Store gasoline and diesel in approved containers out of the reach of children. Never fuel the generator while it is running.

• Extinguish all flames and cigarettes when handling fuel.

• Stage a fully charged, approved fire extinguisher near the generator.

• Use extension cords free of exposed wires and frayed shielding.

• Never remove or tamper with a generator’s safety devices.

• Do not attempt to repair a generator. A qualified technician should perform repairs and service as needed.

• Generator engine parts are very hot during operation. Severe burns may result. Always keep children away.

Improper use or installation of an electric generator can cause property damage, severe injury or even death. Members who use a generator to operate life-saving equipment should verify the generator’s compatibility. Learn more about proper generator use and safety tips; view our generator safety video on our website.

Generator Safety Word Search

A generator may come in handy during storm season. Make a commitment to safety while running a generator to protect you, your family and SECO employees and contractors.

PCA Adjustment

The commodities market is changing, and natural gas prices are rising. This affects fuel costs associated with producing power at Seminole Electric Cooperative’s natural gas plants. In turn, those costs are passed along to SECO members with the Power Cost Adjustment (PCA) factor line item on the monthly electric bill. On May 1, the SECO Energy PCA changed to keep pace with the market and wholesale power costs. The result is the cost of 1,000 kilowatt hours increased from $116.90 to $121.00

Need help paying your bill? View our interactive map to find an agency in your area.

Winners’ Circle

Have you engaged with our virtual assistant Electra who can answer thousands of calls without missing a beat? Ask Electra for assistance instead of waiting to speak with a representative. Each week, we’ll draw one winner who will receive a $25 gift card. Winners are drawn from all members who called and successfully took care of business with Electra.

Winners Are:

Jeffrey Moody from Umatilla

Dona Macomber from Webster

Peter Cockcroft from Bushnell

Francis Campbell from Clermont

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

Josh McIntyre from Lake Panasoffkee is the winner of a $200 SECO Energy bill credit.

Thomas Binkley from Clermont is the winner of a NEST thermostat.

Jacob Dickman from Ocala is the winner of an Amazon Echo Dot with Alexa.

Read Winners’ Circle next month for more winners.

StormCenter

Before the Atlantic hurricane season begins on June 1, enroll in StormCenter outage notifications via email, text, voice messages or all three.

StormCenter identifies the service locations affected by an outage and proactively sends a notification with the estimated restoration time, crew status and more. Once service is restored, you’ll receive a message that includes the outage cause if known. You can set do not disturb times if you don’t want to be called in the middle of the night about an outage or restoration. To choose notification preferences, visit StormCenter on the website and click on the Manage Notifications tab.

Reporting a new outage or checking the status of an existing outage with your smartphone or tablet is easy. Click “Report Outage” and enter the account holder’s last name and house number (or the account or phone number). Find the status of an existing outage on the Check Status tab.

Read the full May SECO News online.

SECO Energy Trustee Gerald Anderson Earns Director Gold Credential

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

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

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

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

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

SECO Energy Board of Trustees Elect 2021 Officers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SECO News, April 2021

Duncan’s Digest – Inverness Substation Upgrade

SECO Energy’s service territory covers 2,100 square miles, which is about the size of Delaware. At year-end 2020, we were serving 216,477 homes and businesses in seven Central Florida counties. The bulk of our members live in Citrus, Lake, Marion and Sumter Counties, with smaller numbers of members in Hernando, Levy and Pasco Counties.

Our cooperative purpose is to provide exceptional service to our members, co-workers and communities. That exceptional service is reflected in SECO Energy winning coveted J.D. Power awards in 2015, 2016 and 2017 when our satisfaction scores topped all utilities in the nation. In 2020, we upheld our position as an American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) frontrunner in Florida and nationally with a score of 91.

We definitely have a strong reputation to uphold. Another example of our exceptional service is a meticulous inspection and maintenance schedule that ensures day-to-day reliability while expanding an electric system that meets both current and future members’ energy needs.

In the July 2020 SECO News edition, I communicated about the Marion Oaks substation rebuild underway in Marion County. That project, including the demolition of the older adjacent substation, is almost complete.

A new project in the works is the Inverness substation rebuild in Citrus County. The Inverness substation was reconstructed in 1982. Due to its age, the substation needed a complete rebuild. This substation serves just under 6,000 members. The rebuild includes a high-side ring bus and steel structures that support the heavy, high voltage transmission line. The high-side ring bus will increase service reliability for all members served by the Inverness sub by creating redundancy through looped service.

The Inverness substation rebuild also improves reliability for members served by the nearby Floral City substation as well. Both substations are looped in with two separate Duke Energy transmission lines. Currently, members served by both substations experience an outage if even one of the Duke transmission lines experiences a fault or operates. When the new ring bus is in place at the Inverness substation, members served by our Floral City sub will no longer experience an outage if the fault occurs between the transmission line and the Inverness substation.

Along with the ring bus on the high side, we’re working to re-gasket the existing power transformer, install a new metering package and implement a state-of-the-art relay schematic. The new foundation is in place, the fence surrounding the substation has been installed, and a new control house is being constructed on-site. The Inverness substation rebuild is on schedule for completion in early summer, just in time for storm season to arrive.

The total value of our electric facilities systemwide is inching closer to the $1 billion mark. At year-end 2020, the value of SECO’s utility plant was $955.9 million. We’re spending about $3.2 million per month to improve existing members’ service reliability and to build new infrastructure to meet the growing demand in our area.

Without question, your electric service is supported by an extensive, robust and well-maintained infrastructure.

Sincerely,

Jim Duncan

Chief Executive Officer

Advice from The Old Farmer’s Almanac

The Old Farmer’s Almanac recommends the best days in April and May to complete indoor and outdoor projects. Ready for spring cleaning? Wash windows on April 10 and 11 and May 7 – 9, and wash floors on April 8 and 9 or May 5 and 6. The best days to bake are on April 18 and 19 and May 15 and 16. If spring yard work is on your list, the best days prune to encourage growth are April 20 and 21 and May 17 – 19. Prune to discourage growth on April 1, 2, and 10 and May 7 – 9.

Call 811 Before You Dig

Longer days and sunny weather make spring the perfect time to tackle your honey-do list. April is Safe Digging Month and Florida law requires you to call 811 or visit www.call811.com online before you dig.

811 is a free service that will locate and mark underground utilities on your property or in the area you plan to dig. Never install a fence, plant a garden, add new landscaping or trees before contacting 811. Are you working with a contractor on a project? Make sure your contractor has connected with 811 before beginning the project on your property.

Wait for the flags! Keep shovels out of the ground until the 811 locating service has responded to your request and flagged the approximate area where underground utility lines (electric, water, gas, communications, etc.) are located.

Know what’s below – call 811 before you dig. In Florida – it’s the law.

EV Charger Winner

Pamela Gladd from Minneola is the March winner of a SECO Energy branded JuiceBox Pro 40 EV Level 2 charger. We’re giving one charger away each month while supplies last. To enter, text “EV” to (352) 320-4500 for a link to enter. Or click on the EV Charger Giveaway homepage banner.

Watch SECO News for next month’s charger winner.

Spring for Energy Savings

The Department of Energy (DOE) at energy.gov estimates the energy used to cool and heat your Central Florida home is 35 to 40% of your total energy consumption. You control how and when you use electricity. The condition and age of your home’s HVAC system, insulation, roof, windows, ducts, appliances and lifestyle also affect your energy consumption. Newer, well-insulated, properly weatherized homes with double-pane windows and ENERGY STAR-rated appliances consume less energy.

The number of people living in your home and weather also affect energy consumption. More people living in the house create more laundry, heating, cooling, cooking and increased hot water and electronics use. Central Florida is known for scorching summer temperatures that cause your HVAC to work overtime to keep the home cool. During a cold snap, the heating system also runs more frequently to warm the house.

Want help to reduce your energy consumption and lower your monthly energy bill? SECO Energy’s online energy-efficiency tools can help you spring for energy savings with low-cost and no-cost tips and ideas to help you reduce your energy use.

Home Energy Assessment

Our Home Energy Assessment is an online energy audit that you can complete from the comfort of your home. Fill out the assessment based on your home and lifestyle. Submit your answers and email address, and in just minutes you’ll receive energy-savings advice tailored to your home and lifestyle. Complete the energy-saving ideas, and you’ll be on your way to consuming less energy – and saving money.

Energy Estimator

Are you interested in seeing the math associated with your energy usage? Visit our Energy Estimator online to calculate the estimated costs for each of your home’s appliances and electronics. Submit your email address to receive no-cost and low-cost energy-savings suggestions via email.

Energy Savings Word Search

After completing our Home Energy Assessment and Energy Estimator, sharpen your energy-saving knowledge with this month’s Energy Savings word search.

2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season Early Warning

Traditionally, the Atlantic hurricane season begins on June 1. But the past six hurricane seasons have seen hurricanes and tropical storms form in mid-May. Because of this change, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) will begin its Atlantic Tropical Weather Outlook earlier on May 15 instead of waiting until June 1.

What does this mean for SECO Energy members? SECO is StormReady, and we encourage you to begin your preparations for hurricane season now. Don’t wait until a hurricane or tropical storm is heading our way to prepare.

Learn more about hurricanes and tropical storms in our Hurricane Handbook. You’ll find helpful information on emergency supplies for people and pets. We’ve also included tips for before, during and after a storm. Pick up a copy of our Hurricane Handbook at one of our five Member Service Centers or visit our Storm Preparation page.

Winners’ Circle

February’s Winners Are:

Mark Fagan from Clermont

Lynn Pulchano from Inverness

Don Whittigton from Dunnellon

Sandra Ennulat-Davis from Eustis

Congratulations to our three March winners in our Go Green and Win: Paperless Billing and Bank Draft incentive.

Narasimha Murthy from Tavares is the winner of a $200 SECO Energy bill credit.

Karen Chapman from Ocala is the winner of a NEST thermostat.

John Johnson from Summerfield is the winner of an Amazon Echo Dot with Alexa.

Read Winners’ Circle next month for more winners.

Thank a Lineman License Plate

Members can show their support for the thousands of Florida lineworkers and utility personnel who restore power to millions of Floridians after devastating natural disasters by ordering a “Thank a Lineman” license plate. The 2020 Florida Legislature approved the plate after Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB 1135 into law.

This cause is local and benefits a key SECO Energy employee recruitment partner. For every “Thank a Lineman” plate sold, $25 goes to Lake-Sumter State College (LSSC) to support their Electric Utility programs. According to LSSC’s website (www.lssc.edu), the college is ranked in the top 150 Community Colleges nationally. Their student job placement or continuing education rate is 97%. The scholarship boost is an exciting opportunity for LSSC, utility personnel across the state and cooperative members.

Reserve your plate today by purchasing a pre-sale voucher. Purchase avenues vary from county to county. Contact your local county tax collector’s office for guidance or visit https://myfloridaspecialtyplate.com/lineman-order.html, where you can pay for the pre-sale voucher and process your order online. Learn more at www.thankalineworker.com.

The actual “Thank a Lineman” license plates will be available once the pre-sale threshold is met.

Read the full April 2021 SECO News online.

SECO Energy Celebrates 83rd Annual Meeting Virtually

SECO Energy celebrated its “Just Business” 83rd Annual Meeting of the Membership on Thursday, March 25. Because of the continuing COVID-cautious environment and the need to limit large gatherings, the not-for-profit cooperative held the Just Business Meeting virtually.

Members tuned in via Facebook live, YouTube and live stream to watch the cooperative’s second virtual Annual Meeting. Board President and District 4 Trustee Richard Dennison called the Meeting to order and closed the voting platform at 4:30 p.m. SECO’s VP of Corporate Communications and Energy Services Kathryn Gloria led the invocation and asked the virtual audience to join her in the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem. Ms. Gloria introduced the Trustees and welcomed District 9 Trustee-elect Morgan Hatfield, who began her duties at the Trustees’ Meeting on Monday, March 29. Ms. Gloria also introduced CEO Jim Duncan, Cooperative Attorney Scott Gerken and Executive Administrator to the CEO and Board Nora Brown, who served as Recording Secretary during the Meeting. Board Secretary/Treasurer and District 3 Trustee Gerald Anderson certified the Official Annual Meeting Notice that was mailed to all cooperative members per the terms of the Bylaws.

Mr. Dennison began his President’s Report by welcoming the virtual audience. He thanked the members who voted electronically, in person, by phone or by mail, and announced that SECO achieved a quorum by virtue of votes cast on Annual Meeting business. Mr. Dennison stated, “Florida cooperatives are required by statute to hold an Annual Meeting and must achieve a quorum to conduct official business. I am happy to announce that member voting participation has indeed helped us achieve a quorum this year. Thank you so much to all who cast a vote this year.”

Following the President’s Report, CEO Jim Duncan began his CEO Report. Mr. Duncan welcomed the virtual audience, performed the traditional military salute and first responders’ recognition. He acknowledged the Board of Trustees’ service and employees’ hard work and dedication to members.

Mr. Duncan also formally announced his plan to retire as CEO. Duncan stated, “Today is bittersweet for me. Earlier this year, I conveyed to the Board my plan to retire from SECO Energy in January 2022. That making the 83rd Annual Meeting my last as CEO. The decision to retire was a difficult and emotional one. My wife Connie and I have been married for 53 years, and we are looking forward to more vacations, scuba diving and family time with our sons and grandchildren.”

CEO Duncan’s state of the company address included an overview of his 42-year SECO career, the cooperative’s financial health, significant meter growth and reliability improvements during his tenure as CEO. Duncan stated, “Much has changed during my three decades as CEO. If you’ve been a member for decades, you may remember the days when our unflattering but true moniker ‘Sometimes Sumter’ was coined. Not only was our reliability marginal, but our rates were also some of the highest in the state. During my tenure as CEO, we dramatically improved service reliability through increased investments in our electric infrastructure and a strengthened vegetation management program.”

Cooperative Attorney Scott Gerken certified the 2021 Annual Meeting voting results. In total, 4,576 members voted on 2021 Annual Meeting business. As to the 2021 Bylaws Revision: 4,263 members voted “Yes,” 93 members voted “No,” and 220 members abstained. As to the 2020 Annual Meeting Minutes approval: 4,368 members voted “Yes,” 7 members voted “No,” and 201 members abstained. Mr. Gerken announced, “The membership clearly approves the 2021 Bylaws Revision and 2020 Annual Meeting Minutes.”

SECO Energy established a special phone number, email address and social media presence for the Virtual Annual Meeting. A panel of SECO employees interacted with members who posed questions and comments that were read and answered during the meeting by CEO Jim Duncan.

Mr. Duncan concluded the Virtual Annual Meeting by saying, “I appreciate you joining us and participating in the cooperative governance process.” He reminded members to stay tuned for the live prize drawing.

The meeting ended with the announcement of prize winners. All members who voted were entered into the random drawing for 100 prizes. Russell Rager from Tavares won the 2011 GMC Canyon 4X4 Extended Cab. A commercial member under The Stardust Collection account from Lake Panasoffkee won the golf cart that was provided at cost by The Villages Golf Cars. The four $1,000 winners are James Wilson from The Villages, Christine Hankla from The Villages, Kenneth A. Merritt from Center Hill and Leonard J. George from The Villages. Other prizes including Apple TVs, Instapots, toolsets, Amazon Fire tablets and airfryers will be shipped directly to winners. SECO will arrange for delivery of grand prizes. View the complete list of prize winners.

“Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates. If you missed the virtual meeting, visit SECOEnergy.com>Your Co-op>Annual Meeting to view the video.

SECO News, March 2021

Duncan’s Digest – Retirement Announcement and 2021 “Just Business” Annual Meeting

Dear Members,

After 42 years at SECO Energy, I have formally announced my plan to retire as CEO in January 2022. I began my career with SECO in 1979 as the Director of Accounting and Finance. At that time, the cooperative was known as Sumter Electric Cooperative, and the meter count was just 37,000.

Growth in Central Florida took off, and when I was promoted to CEO in 1990, the meter count had almost doubled to 66,000 homes and businesses. We reached the 100,000-meter count milestone in 1999 and the 200,000-meter count milestone in 2017.

Without question, much has changed over my three decades as CEO. We have dramatically improved members’ service reliability through increased investments in our electric infrastructure and a strengthened vegetation management program. At the end of 2020, our meter count reached 216,477. Our total investment in our electric facilities is approaching the $1 billion mark at $955.6 million.

We’ve celebrated customer satisfaction wins in recent years, too. Some of my proudest moments as CEO came when SECO Energy won coveted J.D. Power awards in 2015, 2016 and 2017 when our satisfaction scores topped all utilities in the nation. In 2020, we upheld our position as an American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) frontrunner in Florida and nationally with a score of 91.

Most important, I am honored to work with the best employees in the energy industry. SECO employees are world-class representatives of the cooperative purpose who provide exceptional customer service to our members. When I retire, it’s the great employees of this company I will miss the most.

My wife Connie and I have been married for 53 years. We are looking forward to spending more time traveling, scuba diving and relaxing on the water. We’re excited to spend more of our free time with our two sons and three grandchildren as well. Though the timing of my retirement was an emotional and difficult decision, I know it is the right time to take the next steps to focus on fun and family.

I hope you will tune in to watch our 83rd Annual Meeting’s live virtual webcast on Thursday, March 25, at 4:30 p.m. This will be my final address to the membership. The Meeting this year is a no-frills, virtual Annual Business Meeting that is themed “Just Business.” In our continued COVID-cautious environment, we encourage you to watch our virtual webcast from the comfort and safety of your home. The link to the live webcast will be posted on our homepage, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

Though we are not hosting the big onsite party, we have 100 Annual Meeting prizes up for grabs. Members who vote on Annual Meeting business (a Bylaws Revision and last year’s minutes) are eligible to win a prize. The grand prizes are a 2011 refurbished GMC Canyon 4×4 extended cab truck, a golf cart and four $1,000 cash prizes. Other prizes include air fryers, tool sets, Ring doorbells, NEST thermostats, SECO bill credits and more. All members who vote on the Bylaws Revision and the 2020 Annual Meeting Minutes are eligible to win. Learn more about Annual Meeting voting and review the list of prizes on pages four and five.

I know the next ten months will fly by quickly, and I want to emphasize how thankful I am for the privilege of working for this great organization for 42 years.

Sincerely,

Jim Duncan

Chief Executive Officer

Advice from The Old Farmer’s Almanac

Ripe, refreshing summer fruits and vegetables are planted in spring gardens. According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, Florida falls in Area 1 based on the potential frost and cold period. There is still plenty of time to get seeds in the ground. Plant beans, sweet corn, muskmelons, squashes and watermelons beginning March 15. Be sure to plant cucumbers, eggplant, leeks and sweet potatoes by mid-April. If you like okra, wait until April 15 to plant. Above-ground crops should be planted March 21 – 23 or April 18 – 19. The best days for planting below-ground crops are March 3 – 4 and 30 – 31 and April 8 – 9.

Florida Special Needs Registry

The Florida Division of Emergency Management has developed the Florida Special Needs Registry. Before Atlantic hurricane season begins on June 1, if you or a family member has a special need, add your name to the registry.

The Florida Special Needs Registry allows residents with special needs to subscribe to their county’s emergency management agency to receive assistance and alerts during a disaster. The statewide registry provides first responders with valuable information to prepare for disasters or other emergencies.

The Special Needs Registry may help save your life. Visit the Florida Disaster website or snr.FLhealthresponse.com to locate your county and register.

If someone in your home depends on life-sustaining medical equipment that operates on electricity, make arrangements in advance for an emergency alternative power source. If you are considering installing a generator, go to our Safety page to view our video on generators.

EV Charger Winner

Fred Zesewitz from Eustis is the February winner of a SECO Energy branded JuiceBox Pro 40 EV Level 2 charger. We’re giving one charger away each month while supplies last. To enter, text “EV” to (352) 320-4500 for a link to enter. Or click on the EV Charger Giveaway homepage banner.

Watch SECO News for next month’s charger winner.

“Just Business” 2020 Virtual Annual Meeting

Tune in virtually for SECO Energy’s 2021 Annual “Just Business” Meeting on Thursday, March 25. The Annual Business Meeting online webcast begins at 4:30 p.m. To access, click on the 2021 Virtual Annual Just Business Meeting banner at SECOEnergy.com. Links to the webcast will also be published on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Given the continuing COVID-cautious environment, we do not encourage in-person attendance and are unable to accommodate food service, shuttle service, onsite prize distribution and other activities of previous years. The good news is that members do not have to attend the meeting to vote and be entered in the prize drawing.

Ways to Vote

To vote electronically, visit our homepage and click on the VOTE banner. You can also text “VOTE” to (352) 320-2200 and follow the link provided.

To vote by mail, complete the ballot included in the Official Annual Meeting Notice enclosed in your February or March billing statement. Enclose with your electric bill payment or mail completed ballot to: SECO Energy, P.O. Box 301, Sumterville, FL 33585 by Tuesday, March 23 at 5:00 p.m.

To vote by phone, reach out to Member Services at (352) 793-3801 during regular business hours and an agent will assist you in casting your vote.

To vote in person, visit one of our five Member Service Centers to view a paper copy of the Bylaws Revision and last year’s minutes. We’ll help you cast your vote when you’re ready.

View the full list of 100 Annual Meeting prizes up for grabs. All members who vote on 2021 Annual Meeting business are eligible to win.

Go Green and Win

Go Green in 2021 to be eligible to win a prize. Help SECO reduce billing and paper costs and you could win a $200 bill credit, a NEST thermostat or an Amazon Echo Dot with Alexa. We’ll draw three winners each month whose account meets the three account eligibility criteria:

. registered through SmartHub

. opted out of paper billing statements

. enrolled in automatic bank draft

If you have more than one account that meets the three criteria, each account is eligible to be drawn as a winner.

You can enroll in bank draft and select paperless billing through SmartHub. Members who aren’t as tech savvy or do not have a smartphone or tablet can reach out to Member Services by phone for enrollment assistance.

We’ll choose three winners each month through 2021. GOOD LUCK!

Winners’ Circle

JANUARY’S WINNERS ARE:

Alma Cook from Lake Panasoffkee

Ron Lyle from Ocala

Raymond Clark from Deland

Susan Scarano from Floral City

Congratulations to our three February winners in our Go Green and Win: Paperless Billing and Bank Draft member incentive.

Linda Lauletta from Mascotte is the winner of a $200 SECO Energy bill credit.

Jerry Johnson from Ocala is the winner of a NEST thermostat.

Nancy Marty from Leesburg is the winner of an Amazon Echo Dot with Alexa.

Read Winners’ Circle next month for more winners. Congratulations, winners!

Scholarship Reminder

Attention high school seniors interested in a career in the energy industry, SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees has approved $36,000 in scholarship funds for 12 awardees to receive $3,000 each. Completed applications are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 26.

Student Eligibility Requirements:

• reside in a home served by SECO Energy

• interested in a career in the energy industry

• graduating in the current school year (2021)

• enrolled full-time in an accredited Florida college, university, vocational/technical school by the end of 2021

• pursuing a degree or certification in technology, engineering, math or business

An independent panel of educators from SECO’s service area evaluates all applications and selects each year’s winners. Print an application by visiting our Scholarships page or pick one up from a school guidance counselor.

Read the full March 2021 SECO News online.

SECO Energy Trustee Scott Boyatt Maintains Director Gold Credential

SECO Energy congratulates District 1 Trustee Scott Boyatt on maintaining his Director Gold Credential (DGC) from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). Mr. Boyatt first earned his DGC in January 2019.

According to the NRECA, the DGC recognizes directors/trustees who desire a tangible credential that demonstrates their ongoing commitment to advancing their knowledge and performing their fiduciary duty to the best of their ability. The DGC offers a continuing education path for directors/trustees beyond the Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD) and Board Leadership Certificate (BLC).

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

Trustee Boyatt lives in Clermont and has been a SECO member since 2004. Mr. Boyatt was first elected to the Board of Trustees in 2013.

Trustee Boyatt stated, “I am proud to continue my Board education through the NRECA. As the District 1 Trustee, the Board education classes are an essential component of my Board service. I am grateful for the trust District 1 members have placed in me to represent them on SECO’s Board of Trustees. I look forward to SECO Energy’s continued success.”

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “Congratulations, Trustee Boyatt, on maintaining your Director Gold Credential and completing the NRECA’s director/trustee continuing education courses. I am thankful for your Board service and willingness to serve as your District’s representative on the SECO Energy Board.”

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

SECO Energy Trustee Richard Dennison Maintains Director Gold Credential

SECO Energy congratulates its Board of Trustees President and District 4 Trustee Richard Dennison on maintaining his Director Gold Credential (DGC) from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). Mr. Dennison first earned his DGC in May 2018.

Trustee Dennison currently serves in an officer position as President of the Board of Trustees. Mr. Dennison lives in Ocala and has been a SECO member since 1999. Mr. Dennison was first elected to the Board of Trustees in 2015.

Trustee Dennison stated, “I am honored to serve as SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees President and District 4 Trustee. The continuing education program through the NRECA helps me to build upon my experience as a Trustee. SECO Energy is a world-class leader in customer satisfaction, and I am proud to be a part of its success.”

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

SECO Energy Contractors Aid Texas Power Restoration

SECO Energy contractors were released on Sunday, February 14, to join the massive power restoration effort in Texas. Over 4 million Texans are without power following deadly ice storms.

SECO Energy released five Pike Electric crews and three Nelson Tree crew modules to assist with the restoration effort. Both contractor crews left SECO on Monday, February 15. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), a Winter Storm Warning continues for the majority of Texas. The warning is in effect from 6 p.m. Tuesday, February 16, through 6 a.m. Thursday, February 18. Heavy rains and two to six inches of snow are expected. Ice accumulations of .10 to .25 inches are expected as well.

A federal emergency was declared on Sunday, February 14, for the entire state of Texas. The state is under a Winter Storm Warning that includes snow, ice and extremely low temperatures. Residents are being warned to limit travel during the ice storm.

Jim Duncan CEO stated, “We are happy to release crews from Pike Electric and Nelson Tree modules so they can travel to Texas to aid in power restoration. I wish them a safe journey and a safe and successful power restoration effort as they work through the snow and ice. We appreciate the crews’ willingness to leave their homes and families to assist others.”

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

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Archive

Duncan’s Digest – StormReady: Hurricane Season Warning

Advice from The Old Farmer’s Almanac

Safety Corner – Vehicle Accidents and Utility Lines

EV Charger Winner

2021 SECO Energy Youth Scholarship Awardees

Emergency Supplies Word Search

Connect with Electra

Winners’ Circle

Summer HVAC Check-Up

Duncan’s Digest – 2021 “Just Business” Annual Meeting Recap

Advice from The Old Farmer’s Almanac

Surgeo Loves Pets – Through June 15

EV Charger Winner

Safety Corner – Generator Safety

Generator Safety Word Search

PCA Adjustment

Winners’ Circle

StormCenter

Duncan’s Digest – Inverness Substation Upgrade

Advice from The Old Farmer’s Almanac

Call 811 Before You Dig

EV Charger Winner

Spring for Energy Savings

Energy Savings Word Search

2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season Early Warning

Winners’ Circle

Thank a Lineman License Plate

Duncan’s Digest – Retirement Announcement and 2021 “Just Business” Annual Meeting

Advice from The Old Farmer’s Almanac

Florida Special Needs Registry

EV Charger Winner

“Just Business” 2020 Virtual Annual Meeting

Go Green and Win

Winners’ Circle

Scholarship Reminder

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