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SECO Energy District 9 Members Elect Morgan Hatfield

SECO Energy members who reside in District 9 elected Morgan Hatfield as the new Trustee on SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees. The meeting was held in the District on Thursday, February 11, at Spring Creek Elementary School in Paisley for the purpose of electing a Trustee to represent District 9 on SECO’s Board of Trustees.

 

SECO Energy is a not-for-profit electric cooperative, operated for and owned by its members. SECO’s service area is geographically divided into nine Districts. One Trustee is elected from each of the nine Districts to represent their fellow members on SECO’s nine-member Board of Trustees. Collectively, the Board represents the SECO membership, meeting monthly to monitor the financial status of the cooperative while providing fiduciary oversight and participating in policy decisions that serve the best interests of the membership at large.

 

Along with Morgan Hatfield, Charles Castro of Tavares, Egor Emery of Eustis, Timothy Henke of Mount Dora, Crystal Jones of Eustis and Zackery Snaidman of Paisley each submitted a letter of intent to run for Trustee in January. SECO’s Bylaws currently require that the cooperative hold District Meetings. Subsequently, Florida Statute requires SECO to hold in-person elections as the cooperative continues to hold District Meetings as a means of electing Trustees. A drive-thru voting option was available for members to practice social distancing and to reduce the size of the indoor meeting.

 

A SECO member since 2019, Ms. Hatfield graduated from the University of Central Florida with a degree in finance. She is a Senior Wealth Advisor with Ruggie Wealth Management. Ms. Hatfield has been ranked as a five-star professional wealth manager and has served as Vice President of the 2019 Leadership Lake County.

 

Ms. Hatfield is excited to begin her SECO Energy Board service. Hatfield stated, “I want to share my appreciation for all of the District 9 members who attended the District Meeting and cast a vote. Thank you for trusting me as your District 9 Trustee. I look forward to serving the SECO membership in my role as Trustee and working with my fellow Board members.”

 

Board president Richard Dennison stated, “Congratulations, Ms. Hatfield, on your election as District 9 Trustee. On behalf of my fellow Board officers and peers, we welcome you and look forward to working with you to ensure SECO Energy’s future success.”

 

Jim Duncan CEO stated, “Ms. Hatfield, I appreciate your willingness to serve as District 9 Trustee. I applaud your dedication to your neighboring members and to the success of SECO Energy. Thank you District 9 members for participating in the cooperative’s democratic process by attending our District 9 Meeting to elect a Trustee for the SECO 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 District 8 Members Re-elect Trustee William James

SECO Energy members who reside in District 8 re-elected incumbent Trustee William James. The meeting was held in the District on Tuesday, February 9, at The Manor at The Plantation in Leesburg for the purpose of electing a Trustee to represent District 8 on SECO’s Board of Trustees.

 

SECO Energy is a not-for-profit electric cooperative, operated for and owned by its members. SECO’s service area is geographically divided into nine Districts. One Trustee is elected from each of the nine Districts to represent their fellow members on SECO’s nine-member Board of Trustees. Collectively, the Board represents the SECO membership, meeting monthly to monitor the financial status of the cooperative while providing fiduciary oversight and participating in policy decisions that serve the best interests of the membership at large.

 

Along with incumbent Trustee Mr. James, Ms. Annette Bailey of Leesburg and Mr. Martin Proctor of Groveland each submitted a letter of intent to run for Trustee in January. SECO’s Bylaws require that the cooperative hold a District Meeting. Subsequently, Florida Statute requires SECO to hold in-person elections as the cooperative continues to hold District Meetings as a means of electing Trustees. A drive-thru voting option was available for members to practice social distancing and to reduce the size of the indoor meeting.

 

A SECO member since 2002 who resides in Leesburg, Mr. James has served on SECO’s Board of Trustees for 10 years. Trustee James has spent 45 years of his career in the electric cooperative segment of the energy industry. Mr. James is also a SECO representative on the board of the cooperative’s wholesale power provider Seminole Electric Cooperative.

 

Trustee James is honored to continue his SECO Board service. Mr. James stated, “Thank you, District 8 members, for re-electing me to the SECO Energy Board. It is an honor to serve my fellow District 8 members. I look forward to continuing my Board service with SECO and working with my Board peers.”

 

Board president Richard Dennison stated, “Congratulations, Mr. James, on your re-election as District 8 Trustee. On behalf of my fellow Board officers and peers, we look forward to continue working with you.”

 

Jim Duncan CEO stated, “Mr. James, I appreciate your willingness to serve as District 8 Trustee. I applaud your dedication to your District’s members and to the success of SECO Energy. Thank you District 8 members for participating in the cooperative’s democratic process by attending the meeting to elect a Trustee for the SECO 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 District 7 Members Re-elect Trustee Joseph Kusiak

SECO Energy members who reside in District 7 re-elected incumbent Trustee Joseph Kusiak. The meeting was held in the District on Thursday, January 28, at the Rainbow Lakes Estates Community Center for the purpose of electing a Trustee to represent District 7 on SECO’s Board of Trustees.

 

SECO Energy is a not-for-profit electric cooperative, operated for and owned by its members. SECO’s service area is geographically divided into nine Districts. One Trustee is elected from each of the nine Districts to represent their fellow members on SECO’s nine-member Board of Trustees. Collectively, the Board represents the SECO membership, meeting monthly to monitor the financial status of the cooperative while providing fiduciary oversight and participating in policy decisions that serve the best interests of the membership at large.

 

Trustee Kusiak submitted his letter of intent to run for Trustee in December and ran unopposed. Even though Mr. Kusiak was unopposed, SECO’s Bylaws require that the cooperative hold a District Meeting. Subsequently, Florida Statute requires SECO to hold in-person elections as the cooperative continues to hold District Meetings as a means of electing Trustees. A drive-thru voting option was available for members to practice social distancing and to reduce the size of the indoor meeting.

 

A SECO member since 2002 who resides in Dunnellon, Mr. Kusiak was first elected to the Board at a special election in 2018. Trustee Kusiak has engaged in Board education certifications from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). He has completed the Credentialed Director Certification, the Board Leadership Certification and the Director Gold Program Certification. Mr. Kusiak also serves as a SECO representative on the Florida Electric Cooperatives Association board.

 

Trustee Kusiak is excited to continue his SECO Board service. Kusiak stated, “Thank you, District 7 members, for re-electing me to the SECO Energy Board. It is an honor to serve as your representative. I look forward to working with my Board peers to ensure SECO’s success for the future.”

 

Board president Richard Dennison stated, “Congratulations, Mr. Kusiak, on your re-election as District 7 Trustee. On behalf of my fellow Board officers and peers, we look forward to continue working with you.”

 

Jim Duncan CEO stated, “Mr. Kusiak, I appreciate your willingness to serve as District 7 Trustee. I applaud your dedication to your neighboring members and to the success of SECO Energy.”

 

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

SECO News, February 2021

 

Duncan’s Digest – Go Green and Win: Paperless Billing and Bank Draft

 

 

SECO Energy is a not-for-profit electric cooperative whose purpose is to provide exceptional service to our members, co-workers and communities. We are a unique business that promotes less use of our product rather than more – we’re your partner in saving energy and money.

 

May 2018 SECO News Duncan's Digest
Throughout the cooperative, we look for ways to reduce spending and waste while providing exceptional customer service to our 210,000+ members. We are adapting as technology changes as well. Surveys show that members want convenient billing and payment options (along with low rates and reliable service). Environmentally conscious members want to reduce paper waste and enjoy leisure time instead of writing checks and driving to the post office to buy stamps. Safety-minded folks don’t want the worry over the potential lack of security of mailing a paper check that contains an account number, routing number, address and signature. Mailbox thieves and porch pirates remain a threat despite the fact that they’re captured on video doorbells every day!

 

Currently, over 100,000 SECO accounts are enrolled in in our online account platform called SmartHub and nearly 50,000 of those are enrolled in eBill and have opted out of paper billing statements altogether. Members can view, manage and pay their bills through SmartHub. Enrolling in bank draft is another convenient way for members to pay bills directly from their bank account. SmartHub messenger provides advanced notification of amount due and draft date.

 

Paperless billing, bank draft and SmartHub account enrollments are green options that save money for the cooperative, too, and help us keep rates low. Per surveys, members who receive eBill are more satisfied with the email’s promptness and prefer it over waiting for the paper bill to print and mail.

 

Throughout 2021, members who partner with SECO to help reduce billing costs and paper waste will be eligible for a monthly drawing. Each month, three prizes will be awarded to lucky winners drawn from those enrolled in these billing options. Prizes include a $200 bill credit, a NEST thermostat and an Amazon Echo Dot with Alexa.

 

There are three criteria your account must meet to qualify for the monthly incentive:

 

Account is registered through SmartHub

 

Account is opted out of paper billing statements

 

Account is enrolled in automatic bank draft

 

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

 

These enrollment options are available through SmartHub. SmartHub is also available as an app on your smartphone or tablet. 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. Read more about SmartHub’s features on page 4.

 

We’ll publish the winners’ names in our Winners’ Circle in the upcoming SECO News editions.

 

SECO’s five Member Service Centers are equipped with debit/credit card processing machines for walk-in transactions. These will help us begin to phase out our existing kiosks. These third-party kiosks are under-utilized, under perform and are no longer cost effective.

 

All of these incentives and changes are part of keeping costs low and using technology that offers you convenience and security. Thank you for considering new options.

 

Sincerely,

 

Jim Duncan

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

SECO News February 2021 Old Farmer's Almanac

 

Advice from The Old Farmer’s Almanac

 

Happy Valentine’s Day! Celebrate your sweetheart all month long with these helpful ideas. Do you enjoy camping? The Old Farmer’s Almanac recommends planning your honey’s camping trip on either February 6 or 7. If you like warmer weather, wait until March 5 or 6. Are you planning a trip with someone special? The best days to schedule a trip for pleasure are February 24 – 26 or March 24 and 25. Getting married? The best days ahead for a wedding are February 1 or 2 or March 1, 2, 28, or 29. Make your love happy by tackling your honey-do list. The best day to start a project is February 12 or March 14.

 

 

SECO News February 2021 Less Coins; Big Change Pennies From Heaven

 

Less Coins; Big Change: Pennies from Heaven

 

Starting February 1, our Member Service Centers ask members to help make a difference in local communities. As the coin shortage continues, Service Centers are no longer stocking coins to make change on a cash bill payment. We ask members who visit a Service Center and pay in cash to donate their spare change to SECO Energy’s Pennies from Heaven program.

 

Less coins in your pocket will create big change in the communities we serve. Last year, an unprecedented number of members reached out to United Way and other local service agencies for help. SECO’s Pennies from Heaven program responded by providing thousands of dollars for bill payment assistance and dollars to local food banks in our area.

 

Why wait to visit a Member Service Center to donate your spare change? Enroll in Pennies from Heaven today, and SECO will round up your monthly billing amount to the nearest dollar (no matter how you choose to pay your bill). The average donation is small, only about $6 per year, but your small change equals big help for local families. You can enroll online or click on the homepage banner.

 

To all the members who are current Pennies from Heaven enrollees or who have made a one-time donation, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Our CEO Jim Duncan supports the program, as do many SECO employees.

 

Thank you for your generosity!

 

 

SECO News July 2020 EV Charger Winner

 

EV Charger Winner

 

Mary Maloney from Clermont is the January 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 page for more details.

 

Watch SECO News for next month’s charger winner.

 

 

SECO News February 2021 Account Access 24/7 With SmartHub

 

Account Access 24/7 with SmartHub

 

SmartHub is SECO Energy’s 24/7 account access and management platform. SmartHub is available as a user-friendly app for your smartphone or tablet or on your desktop computer or laptop. A SmartHub account registration is a criterion for winning the monthly incentive announced in this month’s Duncan’s Digest on page 1.

 

Register your SECO account with SmartHub for 24/7 access to these features:

 

PENNIES FROM HEAVEN: Enroll in SECO’s Pennies from Heaven program.

 

PREVIOUS STATEMENTS: Examine past consumption history and view previous billing statements.

 

NO WAITING TIME: View monthly billing statements faster (usually less than two business days) of meter reading and bill calculation.

 

UPDATE INFORMATION: You can change your mailing address (hi there, Snowbirds), add a new email address or update your phone number.

 

PAYMENT ARRANGEMENT*: Request a payment arrangement 24/7.

 

SOCIAL MEDIA: Click on the Facebook or Twitter icons for direct access to SECO’s social media feeds.

 

PAY YOUR MONTHLY BILL: SmartHub accepts debit/credit card or electronic – without the added expense of a convenience fee.

 

ACCESS STORMCENTER: Report outages 24/7, enroll in outage communications via email, text or voice and check the status of a current outage.

 

SET IT AND FORGET IT: Enroll in monthly bank draft from a checking or savings account of your choice.

 

GO GREEN: Suppress paper bills and reduce waste by receiving your statement via email. View the bottom of your eBill for a link to the current edition of SECO News.

New SmartHub Features:

 

PAY IN ADVANCE: Going out of town and need to schedule a payment? You can schedule a one-time advance payment in the amount you choose (up to $600) through SmartHub.

 

CLOSED ACCOUNT ACCESS: We’ve opened up SmartHub access for members who have closed/inactive accounts. View and pay a final bill or gain access to prior account history.

 

PAYMENT NOTIFICATIONS: Members who pay via SmartHub will now receive an immediate payment confirmation via email or text based on your SmartHub notification preference.

 

All these features are available for members with registered SmartHub accounts. Register your account at SmartHub today. Download the app on the Apple App Store or get it on Google Play.

 

*SmartHub can schedule payment arrangements for eligible accounts only.

 

 

SECO News February 2021 Smarthub Word Search

 

SmartHub Word Search

 

24/7 account access is available through our SmartHub online account manager. Have fun with our SmartHub word search and enroll your account today.

 

February 2021 word search

 

 

SECO News February 2021 Surgeo Loves Pets

 

Surgeo Loves Pets

 

February is the month of love, and Surgeo is asking for your help to aid domestic animal shelters and wildlife animal rescue organizations. Beginning February 1, for each new Surge MitiGator enrollment, SECO Energy will donate $5 to a local pet shelter that you designate in one of the four major counties we serve.

 

The Surge MitiGator takes the bite out of damaging surges and spikes caused by lightning, vehicles crashing into SECO poles, 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.

 

SECO’s Surgeo loves pets. Help him share the love by enrolling in SECO Energy’s Surge MitiGator to donate $5 to the pet shelter of your choice. To enroll, visit our Surge MitiGator page 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. SURGEO THANKS YOU!

 

 

SECO News February 2021 Winners' Circle

 

Winners’ Circle

 

Have you engaged with our virtual assistant Electra who can answer thousands of calls without missing a beat? In December SECO News, we announced a new contest for members who 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.

 

December’s winners are:

 

Bruce Cramer from The Villages

 

William Davner from Ocala

 

Brenda Jones from Ocala

 

Judith Pastula from Clermont

 

Josh Sittig from Bushnell

 

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

 

 

SECO News February 2021 SECO Energy Celebrates 14 Years of Tree Line USA Recognition

 

SECO Energy Celebrates 14 Years of Tree Line USA Recognition

 

We are celebrating 14 years of being recognized as a Tree Line USA utility by the Arbor Day Foundation. Tree Line USA recognizes public and private utilities who take part in activities that protect and enhance America’s urban forests.

 

The Arbor Day Foundation inspires people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. There are five program standards that SECO Energy achieved to be recognized as a Tree Line USA utility. Utilities must follow industry standards for quality tree care; provide annual worker training in best tree care practices; sponsor a tree planting and education program; maintain a tree-based energy conservation program; and participate in an Arbor Day celebration.

 

Trees offer many benefits. Did you know that trees can save energy? According to the Arbor Day Foundation, trees that shade structures and block winds can help reduce your heating and cooling costs by as much as 35%.

 

Plant deciduous trees to the south, southwest or west side of buildings to provide shade from the summer sun and reduce cooling costs. Florida elm and hophornbeam are native trees that flourish in Central Florida. Plant trees to shade driveways, sidewalks, patios and air conditioning units.

 

Evergreen trees and shrubs planted on the north and west sides of buildings block winter winds and reduce heating costs. Plantings around the foundation can also help insulate against cold weather.

 

To learn more about how trees can reduce yearly energy costs, visit our Right Tree, Right Place page.

 

Read the full February 2021 SECO News online.

SECO Energy Trustee Gerald Anderson Earns Board Leadership Certificate

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

SECO Energy Trustee Mike Muffett Earns Credentialed Cooperative Director Certificate

SECO Energy congratulates District 6 Trustee Mike Muffett on earning his Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD) Certificate from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). The CCD is the first part of the NRECA’s Director Education Program.

 

According to the NRECA, directors/trustees seeking the CCD certification must complete five courses that focus on basic cooperative governance and the essential skills required of cooperative directors/trustees. The CCD prepares directors/trustees to fulfill their fiduciary duty as elected officials serving on behalf of their membership. Upon completion of the five CCD required courses, directors/trustees are awarded the Credential Cooperative Director Certificate.

 

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

 

Trustee Muffett is proud earn the Credentialed Cooperative Director Certificate through the NRECA. Mr. Muffett stated, “I am proud to have completed the education requirement to earn the Credentialed Cooperative Director certification through the NRECA. I am extremely honored that the members of District 6 have put their trust in me to represent them on the SECO Energy Board of Trustees. I look forward to continuing my Board education through the NRECA.”

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “Congratulations, Trustee Muffett, on earning your Credentialed Cooperative Director Certification. I am thankful for your Board service and willingness to serve as your District’s representative on the SECO Energy Board.”

 

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

SECO Energy Trustee Joyce Anderson Earns Credentialed Cooperative Director Certificate

SECO Energy congratulates District 2 Trustee Joyce Anderson on earning her Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD) Certificate from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). The CCD is the first part of the NRECA’s Director Education Program.

 

According to the NRECA, directors/trustees seeking the CCD certification must complete five courses that focus on basic cooperative governance and the essential skills required of cooperative directors/trustees. The CCD prepares directors/trustees to fulfill their fiduciary duty as elected officials serving on behalf of their membership. Upon completion of the five CCD required courses, directors/trustees are awarded the Credential Cooperative Director Certificate.

 

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 is proud to represent her District on SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees. Mrs. Anderson stated, “I am excited to further pursue my Board education through the NRECA in order to fully represent the members in District 2. My former experience in the utility industry has prepared me for my role on SECO’s Board of Trustees. I am proud to complete the Credentialed Cooperative Director certification and look forward to continuing my Board education.”

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “Congratulations, Trustee Anderson, on earning your Credentialed Cooperative Director certification. I am thankful for your Board service and willingness to serve as your District’s representative on the SECO Energy Board and to serve as one of our co-op’s representatives on the Florida Electric Cooperatives Association board.”

 

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

SECO Energy CEO Jim Duncan Announces Retirement

After 43 years of service, SECO Energy’s CEO Jim Duncan announced his plans to retire in January 2022. Mr. Duncan conveyed his plans to the Board of Trustees at this month’s meeting during an executive session. The announcement comes as SECO Energy approaches its 83rd Annual Business Meeting of the Membership in March and as Mr. Duncan approaches his 75th birthday this coming August.

 

Mr. Duncan has served as the Chief Executive Officer of SECO Energy since 1990 and is one of the longest-serving CEOs in SECO Energy’s history. His career with SECO began in 1979 when he was hired as Director of Accounting and Finance at a time when the cooperative’s meter count was just 37,000. When Mr. Duncan was promoted to CEO in 1990, the cooperative served just 66,000 homes and businesses. Under Mr. Duncan’s purview, the cooperative reached the 100,000-meter milestone in 1999.

 

Much has changed in the last three decades with Mr. Duncan’s leadership. Reliability improved dramatically as Mr. Duncan recognized the need to invest in the cooperative’s infrastructure and strengthen a vegetation management program to promote the world-class delivery of reliable power. Under Mr. Duncan’s watchful financial eye, rates came down and the cooperative again became competitive in the Florida electric market.

 

In recent years, SECO Energy surpassed the 200,000-meter milestone and under Mr. Duncan’s leadership became a three-time J.D. Power award winner with scores topping those of all utilities in the nation in 2015, 2016 and 2017. In 2020, the cooperative upheld its title as an American Customer Satisfaction Index frontrunner in Florida and nationally with a score of 91. Without question, Mr. Duncan has built a legacy of customer-service focus that will remain strong long after his retirement next year.

 

Mr. Duncan and his wife Connie have been married for 53 years. They are avid boaters, travelers and University of Florida Gator fans. The couple has two grown sons and three grandchildren. Mr. Duncan stated, “Connie and I have spent the last few decades dividing our free time between Central Florida, St. Augustine, our home state of Tennessee and amazing scuba diving vacation spots. Though the timing of my retirement was a difficult and emotional decision, we know that it’s time to take the next steps to spend our golden years focused on fun and family.”

 

With 43 years of service, Mr. Duncan has devoted his life to the cooperative’s success for the benefit of its employees and members – he will be deeply missed. The Board of Trustees is in the process of identifying a recruiting firm to assist with finding Mr. Duncan’s replacement. Internal and external candidates will be considered.

 

This year’s Annual Meeting will be held on Thursday, March 25, at 4:30 p.m. as a virtual webcast again this year as the COVID-cautious practices continue to protect employees, members and the continuity of electric service. Watch for your invitation to the virtual business meeting in your February or March billing statement.

 

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

SECO Energy Soars to a 91 in Latest ACSI

SECO Energy’s customer satisfaction scores reached a new high for 2020. The not-for-profit electric cooperative soared to 91 in the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) rating that was measured as a part of SECO’s member satisfaction survey and calculated by ACSI. SECO’s score of 91 is a one-point increase over its 2019 score of 90.

 

The American Customer Satisfaction Index provides a one-of-a-kind, cross-industry measurement of customer satisfaction in the United States. Each year, the ACSI uses data from interviews with roughly 300,000 customers as inputs to an econometric model for analyzing customer satisfaction with more than 400 companies in 46 industries and 10 economic sectors. ACSI data has proven to be strongly related to several essential indicators of micro and macroeconomic performance.

 

At the end of 2020, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) conducted the membership survey on SECO Energy’s behalf that included the ACSI metrics at year end and contacted members by email to ask about their unique experience with the cooperative. Members rated SECO with an impressive ACSI score of 91, which is the highest score SECO has received since taking part in annual ACSI surveys since 2010.

 

SECO Energy’s ACSI score is tops when compared to average ACSI scores in the Energy Utilities Sector. The average ACSI score for energy utilities as an industry is down from 73 in 2019 to 72 in 2020. Nationally, cooperative utilities averaged 73 in 2020, which is 2 points lower than the 2019 cooperative average. Investor-owned utilities and municipal utilities scores averaged 72, both of which are 1 point lower than the 2019 average.

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “SECO Energy and our world-class employees excel in customer satisfaction. I am exceptionally proud of their service and dedication to our members and the communities we serve. When comparing our 2020 ACSI score of 91 to our industry peers and Fortune 500 companies, SECO is clearly a satisfaction frontrunner.”

 

Duncan added, “Thank you, members, for taking the time to respond and recognizing our employees’ efforts on your behalf. We are grateful for your approval and continued support.”

 

In recent years, SECO Energy has received national attention and three J.D. Power trophies for its exceptional customer satisfaction rankings. In the 2015 J.D. Power study, SECO Energy was ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Midsize Utilities in the South.” And in 2016 and 2017, SECO was ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Cooperatives.”

 

“Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates. Visit our About page to learn more about the Central Florida not-for-profit electric cooperative.

$36,000 in Scholarships Available from SECO Energy

SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees proudly approved the 2021 SECO Scholarship Program at a recent board meeting. $36,000 in scholarships is available for 12 recipients to receive $3,000 each.

 

The scholarship program is open to high school seniors who are graduating in May/June 2021. Applicants must live in a home served by SECO Energy and plan to pursue a career in the energy industry. Awardees must also be enrolled full-time in an accredited college, university or vocational/technical school located in Florida by the end of 2021. Qualifying degrees or certifications are in technology, engineering, math or business.

 

The energy industry is a growing field in Florida and SECO must find new, creative ways to connect with students who could be potential employees to hire a workforce with the technical skills and training required in this competitive field. According to the 2020 U.S. Energy and Employment Report (USEER), Florida currently has 124,954 traditional energy workers statewide – with a large number gearing up toward retirement in the coming years. Of these energy workers, 54,283 are in electric power generation, 18,802 are in fuels and 51,869 are in transmission, distribution and energy storage.

 

CEO Jim Duncan looks forward to reading about the applicants’ career plans and accomplishments. Duncan stated, “SECO Energy and the electric industry is a great place to plant career roots. Our SECO Scholarship Program is a recruiting tool that introduces us to local students pursuing a career in the growing energy industry. We hope to attract local students who want to engage with SECO for internship opportunities or as a possible future employer.”

 

Duncan continued, “Not-for-profit electric cooperatives like SECO Energy prioritize community support, environmental stewardship, corporate citizenship and sustainability. SECO offers competitive wages but we also offer a pension plan and healthy 401k match – which is a hard-to-find benefit in this day and age. In addition, SECO provides employees with high-quality, low-cost medical, dental and vision coverage. It’s a great place to work, and we are an essential employer that offers a healthy balance of work and personal life with a generous paid-time-off program, student loan reimbursement and more.”

 

Applications are available online beginning January 4, 2021. Paper applications are available at SECO’s five Member Service Centers located in Eustis, Groveland, Inverness, Ocala and Sumterville. Completed applications must be received no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, March 26, 2021.

 

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