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SECO Energy Automates Payment Arrangement Assistance 24/7

The reliability of SECO’s electric service plays a critical role in SECO members’ health and wellbeing. To keep its employees healthy and ready to serve its members, the cooperative has made changes to mitigate health risks related to member and public interaction.

 

During SECO’s Emergency Response Plan activation, it is offering members who request a payment arrangement an extended period of time over and above normal payment arrangement parameters. Members requesting a payment arrangement can do so by visiting with SECO’s virtual assistant on the automated telephone system or by logging into SmartHub at SECOEnergy.com. Both platforms have been programmed to automatically allow additional time for payment arrangements. Members are encouraged to utilize the phone system and SmartHub as call volume has been high amid COVID-19 concerns.

 

SECO is taking precautions to protect its members and employees from risk. SECO’s five Member Service Centers are equipped with counter-to-ceiling glass barriers for employee and member protection. As such, SECO has decided not to close any Member Service Centers at this time; however, they will be operating with limited staff. The cooperative offers members 12 ways to pay bills, most that avoid face-to-face contact. Members can pay online, by phone, by mail, enroll in bank draft and more. SECO’s online account platform called SmartHub is the place to start for convenient self-serve options. Log in or create an account profile today. View past bills, usage history, request a payment arrangement and more.

 

As part of the Emergency Response Plan, SECO Energy’s Sumterville headquarters and adjacent campus are temporarily closed to public access for any vendor or delivery without an approved appointment or scheduled delivery. SECO field personnel are practicing the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommended social distancing standard of maintaining a six-foot barrier with members. Employees and members are asked to use email, phone and web conferencing communication in lieu of in-person meetings whenever possible and to practice social distancing when in-person meetings are unavoidable.

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “SECO Energy provides electricity which is an essential service in preserving public health and quality of life in today’s world. The cooperative’s Emergency Response Plan ensures it can maintain a 24/7 workforce, preserve SECO’s ability to maintain its electric system and provide an acceptable level of member service even in the face of employee impact with COVID-19. Our members depend on us to provide reliable electric service, and that’s even more important as our largely senior demographic practices social distancing at home to remain healthy.”

 

Duncan continued, “SECO has proactively waived late payment fees, and we automatically extending the time period for payment arrangements so that members can use both SmartHub and the virtual phone assistant as hold times are longer due to COVID-19 concerns.”

 

SECO has other ways to help members in need through a corporate citizenship initiative called Pennies from Heaven. The program helps fund local United Way chapters managed through Florida 211 for bill payment assistance for SECO members. Members who need assistance with utilities, food, and other household expenses are encouraged to contact 211.

 

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

Citrus County Health Dept Advises of Possible COVID-19 Contact

SECO Energy was informed late Tuesday afternoon that a SECO Energy warehouse administrative employee may have had an exposure to a Citrus County resident who has been tested for COVID-19 but results are not available. The employee serves in an administrative role with the cooperative and has limited contact with the public and other employees. The employee is asymptomatic and has been placed in quarantine as a precaution along with the employees with whom he was in contact.

 

The reliability of SECO’s electric service plays a critical role in SECO members’ health and wellbeing. To keep its employees healthy and ready to serve its members, the cooperative has made changes to mitigate health risks related to member and public interaction.

 

SECO Energy’s Sumterville headquarters and adjacent campus are temporarily closed to public access for any vendor or delivery without an approved appointment or scheduled delivery. SECO’s five Member Service Centers are equipped with counter-to-ceiling glass barriers for employee and member protection. As such, SECO has decided not to close any Member Service Centers at this time. SECO field personnel are practicing the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommended social distancing standard of maintaining a six-foot barrier with members. Employees and members are asked to use email and phone communication in lieu of in-person meetings whenever possible and to practice social distancing when in-person meetings are unavoidable.

 

Most importantly, SECO Energy activated its Emergency Response Plan (ERP) on March 9 in response to the Coronavirus situation. CEO Jim Duncan stated, “SECO Energy provides electricity which is an essential service in preserving public health and quality of life in today’s world. The cooperative’s ERP ensures it can maintain a 24/7 workforce, preserve SECO’s ability to maintain its electric system and provide an acceptable level of member service even in the face of employee impact with Coronavirus. Our members depend on us to provide reliable electric service, and that’s even more important as our largely senior demographic practices social distancing at home to remain healthy.”

 

Duncan continued, “SECO has proactively waived late payment fees, and we will allow additional payment arrangement time to members affected by the Coronavirus situation.” If a member has difficulty paying an electric bill during this declared emergency, it’s easy and private to request an automated payment arrangement through our new automated IVR phone system. Members can also log into SmartHub to request a payment arrangement online.

 

SECO has other ways to help members in need through a corporate citizenship initiative called Pennies from Heaven. The program helps fund local United Way chapters managed through Florida 211 for bill payment assistance for SECO members. Members who need assistance with utilities, food, and other household expenses are encouraged to contact 211.

 

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

SECO Energy 2020 Annual Meeting Goes VIRTUAL ONLY for Public Health and Safety

SECO Energy announced that its 82nd Annual Meeting is going virtual only in the interest of public health and safety. The SECO Energy Annual Meeting is the cooperative’s pinnacle event. Based on Florida’s declared public health emergency in response to coronavirus developments, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advisories and SECO’s corresponding need to activate its Emergency Response Plan, the Board of Trustees and senior leadership have determined the need to hold a virtual ONLY Annual Meeting instead of hosting the large crowd who typically attends.

 

The Virtual Annual Meeting will be live streamed online on Saturday, March 28, beginning at 10:30 a.m. Members can tune in by visiting the website and clicking on the Virtual Annual Meeting homepage banner. Board President Jerry Hatfield and CEO Jim Duncan will deliver their respective addresses via the Virtual Annual Meeting streamed live. The results of member votes on the Bylaws Revision and 2019 Annual Meeting Minutes will be announced by Cooperative Attorney Scott Gerken. Vice President Kathryn Gloria will announce the prize winners from the names drawn from the list of members who cast votes.

 

To encourage members to vote on the Bylaws Revision and 2019 Annual Meeting Minutes, SECO Energy is shifting its traditional in-person door prize drawing to a voting member drawing. All members who cast a vote are eligible to win a prize from the comfort of their home. A complete list of prizes is available on SECO’s website.

 

Members can vote electronically by visiting the website and clicking on the Vote homepage banner or by texting VOTE to (352) 320-2200. Members also have the option to complete the by-mail ballot on the Official Annual Meeting Notice and mail with their electric payment. Members who are not tech-savvy can visit a Member Service Center or call (352) 793-3801 for voting assistance. To be eligible for the prize drawing, members must cast their vote before the Virtual Annual Meeting begins at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 28.

 

Prizes include a 2010 Chevy Colorado 4×4, two 2016 EZGO RSV golf carts, cash prizes ($1,500, $1,000 and two $500s), electric bill credits, WiFi thermostats, Instapots, air fryers, tool sets, Ring doorbells, Amazon Fire and Apple TVs, Fire HD tablets with Alexa, Fitbits, a 43-inch Visio TV, twenty $100/$50 VISA gift cards and more. View the full prize list online.

 

Prize winners will be announced at the end of the Virtual Annual Meeting and also published on the website. Prizes will be shipped to each winner. SECO will arrange delivery of the truck and golf carts along with the title/registration documents. Winners of the $1,500 and $1,000 prizes will receive an IRS Form 1099 and will be required to sign an IRS Form W-9 before the checks can be issued.

 

SECO Energy CEO Jim Duncan states, “The on-site Annual Meeting is an event that we look forward to hosting every year. We will certainly miss visiting with members and seeing their smiling faces for this year’s Annual Meeting, but the decision to change the format to a Virtual Annual Meeting is in the best interest of our members and employees. I hope members plan to watch the Virtual Annual Meeting on Saturday, March 28 at 10:30 a.m.”

 

Members who want to interact with SECO live during the Virtual Annual Meeting can call (352) 329-MEET or email SECO2020AM@secoenergy.com starting at 8 a.m. on Saturday, March 28. The phone number and email will only be available during the Virtual Annual Meeting timeframe. For members who aren’t able to watch virtually, a video production of the Virtual Annual Meeting will be available on SECO Energy’s YouTube channel the following week.

 

Learn more about SECO Energy’s Virtual Annual Meeting on our website. “Like” SECO’s page on Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

SECO News, March 2020

 

Duncan’s Digest – SECO Energy’s 82nd Annual Meeting

 

Our 82nd Annual Meeting is Saturday, March 28, at 293 S. US Highway 301 in Sumterville. Registration opens at 8 a.m. and the Business Meeting begins at 10:30 a.m. The live prize drawing is held after the Business Meeting and wraps up around noon.

May 2018 SECO News Duncan's Digest

 

Even if you can’t attend, there are ways to win this year. All members are invited to vote on Annual Meeting business in advance. On the SECO Energy homepage, click on the VOTE banner and cast your vote prior to Thursday, March 26 at 5 p.m. for a chance to win a golf cart, gift cards, bill credits, tools, Nest thermostats, Apple TVs, air fryers, Instapots, Ring doorbells and other great prizes. See the complete prize list on page four.

 

If you do attend the March 28 meeting, you’ll enjoy a light breakfast and entertainment by Margo Rochelle & Rodeo Drive Band. Each registered member will receive our 2019 Annual Report, a special gift and an LED from our wholesale power provider Seminole Electric Cooperative.

 

This year, there are three ways to win. Members who attend the Annual Meeting are eligible for the door prize drawing that begins at the conclusion of the Business Meeting. If you RSVP online and attend the Meeting, you are entered into a drawing for a $300 bill credit. And again, there are great prizes for members who vote on Annual Meeting business by mail or online before March 26 at 5 p.m. Attendance is NOT required to win.

 

The grand prizes for Annual Meeting attendees are a refurbished 2010 Chevy Colorado 4X4, an electric golf cart, four cash prizes, bill credits, Kindles, Apple TVs, Ring doorbells, air fryers, Instapots and more. Turn to page four for a list of all prizes.

 

Even if you RSVP and vote in advance, you must register upon entrance to receive your ticket set for breakfast, gifts and the door prize drawing. For speedy registration, bring a copy of your bill. Photo ID is required. The prize ticket barrels are located just after Registration Tents. The map on the next page clearly marks the Stations.

 

Visit the Energy Showcase to learn more about energy efficiency, talk with energy-efficiency vendors and stop by Station 4 in the same tent for your free LED. Enjoy live music under the Pavilion and find a dance partner. Visit our electric vehicle (EV) show behind the Energy Showcase tent. EVs include brands like Tesla, Porsche, BMW, Chevy, Nissan, Honda and more.

 

You’ll find a variety of seating areas with sound and screens. We accommodate 3,600 in the covered Pavilion and another 2,000 in the grass areas. Picnic and high-top tables are first-come, first-served. You are welcome to bring your own picnic blankets or folding chairs.

 

To vote electronically and/or RSVP, click on the homepage banner. Follow the instructions to view and vote on the Board-recommended Bylaws Revision and the 2019 Annual Meeting Minutes.

 

To vote and/or RSVP by mail, follow the instructions in the Official Annual Meeting Notice included with billing statements mailed February 14 through March 13. You can drop off your ballot at a Member Service Center or enclose with your payment. To be counted for advance voting, all mail and electronic votes must be received by 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 26.

 

Don’t forget to “like” SECO Energy’s Facebook page and post a selfie during the event. All members who interact on Facebook during the meeting are entered into a drawing to win a $300 SECO bill credit. You must be present during the live door prize drawing to win.

 

On behalf of myself, the Board of Trustees and all SECO employees, we look forward to hosting our 82nd Annual Meeting on March 28 and seeing you there.

 

Sincerely,

 

Jim Duncan

Chief Executive Officer

 

Read the full 2020 March SECO News online.

SECO Energy Awarded 5-Star Status in ‘Co-ops Vote’ National Program

SECO Energy announced today it has been named a “5-Star Co-op” by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). NRECA is the national organization that represents the nation’s 900+ not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives. With 42 million members in 48 states, electric co-ops can stand together as a powerful voice in this year’s elections.

 

The 5-star designation recognizes SECO Energy’s high level of participation in Co-ops Vote, a national get-out-the-vote campaign. The non-partisan campaign seeks to engage voters and boost turnout in areas served by electric co-ops. The 5-star status marks the highest level of engagement in Co-ops Vote and is achieved when a participating co-op completes five or more program activities.

 

SECO Energy CEO Jim Duncan stated, “Voting is an important right that too many citizens across the nation don’t embrace but SECO is fortunate to have a higher-than-average level of participation in the Central Florida counties we serve. Elections are important and SECO uses the Co-ops Vote program to increase awareness of civic duty on Election Day and every day. We’re honored to be recognized by NRECA for being a Co-ops Vote award winner.”

 

SECO Energy encourages member participation in the democratic process on a local, state and federal level. The cooperative’s members can find out more about legislation affecting the energy industry, how to register and where to cast their vote by visiting our Legislative Corner.

 

The Co-ops Vote program makes a difference in the communities SECO serves by giving a voice to SECO Energy members related to issues affecting affordable, reliable electric service. Learn more about Co-ops Vote and subscribe to updates at Vote.coop.The seven cooperative principles include the premise of participation in the political process. As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO supports these principles and encourages its members to engage in the political process and make their voices heard at the local, state and national level.

 

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

SECO Energy District 4 Members Re-elect Trustee Richard Dennison

SECO Energy members residing in District 4 re-elected incumbent Trustee Richard Dennison. A large crowd of District 4 members gathered at the Marion Oaks Community Center on February 20 to elect a Trustee to represent their District on SECO’s Board of Trustees. Mr. Dennison currently holds an officer position on the Board as Vice President.

 

SECO Energy is a not-for-profit electric cooperative, operated for and owned by its members. SECO members who reside in the District elect one of their fellow members to serve on SECO’s nine-member Board of Trustees. SECO Energy CEO Jim Duncan stated, “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 members at large.”

 

Mr. Dennison declared his willingness to serve the members of District 4 by submitting his letter of intent to run for Trustee. Elected Trustees serve a three-year term. A SECO member since 1999, Trustee Dennison lives in Ocala and was first elected to the Board in 2015. Mr. Dennison ran unopposed and even though Mr. Dennison was the only candidate, the Bylaws require that SECO hold a District Meeting. Subsequently, Florida Statute requires SECO to hold in-person elections.

 

Trustee Dennison stated, “I began my campaign months ago and am grateful for the members in District 4 who came out today and voted to re-elect me as the District 4 Trustee. It is truly an honor that my fellow members have continued to place their faith in me. I want you to know it is a pleasure to work in this role at SECO because we all get along for the good of the cooperative. The Board members, the senior management and the employees of this well-run company make this work fulfilling.”

 

President Jerry Hatfield stated, “Congratulations, Mr. Dennison on your re-election as District 4 Trustee. On behalf of my fellow Board officers and peers, we look forward to continue working with you.”

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “I would like to thank the members of District 4 for engaging with SECO in the democratic process to elect a Trustee to represent your District. Congratulations Mr. Dennison on re-election as District 4 Trustee. I appreciate your community-minded enthusiasm and your dedication to your fellow members.”

 

Visit our Board of Trustees page to view a photo and brief bio of SECO’s Trustees along with a District Map. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

SECO Energy Trustees Maintain Director Gold Credentials

SECO Energy congratulates five members of its Board of Trustees who have completed the necessary coursework to maintain their Director Gold Credentials from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). The five Trustees are: Board President and District 9 Trustee Jerry Hatfield; Board Secretary/Treasurer and District 8 Trustee William James; District 2 Trustee Dillard Boyatt; District 5 Trustee Ray Vick; and District 6 Trustee Earl Muffett.

 

To earn Director Gold, Trustees must first complete the Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD) and the Board Leadership Certificate (BLC). The Director Gold Credential Program (DGC) offers Trustees and Directors the opportunity to enhance their education to better support their cooperatives. Trustees Hatfield, James, Boyatt, Vick and Muffett earned their Director Gold Credentials and continued to attend courses through the NRECA to maintain their Director Gold status.

 

SECO Energy’s service area is geographically divided into nine Districts. Members in each District elect one member from the District to represent the District on SECO’s Board of Trustees and the membership at large. Trustees are elected to oversee the governance of the cooperative.

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “Congratulations, gentlemen, on continuing your Trustee education through the NRECA. Our Board of Trustees is an active, engaged group who has assisted SECO during times of high member satisfaction and improved reliability. Thank you, gentlemen, for your commitment to SECO members and your communities through your Board service.”

 

Visit our Board of Trustees page to view a short bio of SECO Energy’s Trustees and a District Map. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

SECO Energy District 2 Members Elect Joyce Anderson as New Trustee

SECO Energy members residing in District 2 elected Joyce Anderson as their new Trustee. District 2 members gathered at the Sumter County School Board building on February 11 to elect a Trustee to represent their District on SECO’s Board of Trustees. Ms. Anderson lives in Sumterville and is the first woman to be elected to the SECO Energy Board of Trustees.

 

SECO Energy is a not-for-profit electric cooperative, operated for and owned by its members. SECO members who reside in the District elect one of their fellow members to serve on SECO’s nine-member Board of Trustees. SECO Energy CEO Jim Duncan stated, “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 members at large.”

 

Along with Ms. Joyce C. Anderson of Sumterville; from The Villages Mr. John F. Baileys; Mr. Joe W. Elliott; Mr. Peter N. Hill; Mr. Neil R. Hoffman; Mr. Lee R. Linn; and Mr. Dale J. Williams declared their willingness to serve the members of District 2 by submitting their letter of intent to run for Trustee. Elected Trustees serve a three-year term. Trustee-elect Anderson will attend her first official Board of Trustees’ meeting on Monday, March 30.

 

Trustee-elect Anderson stated, “I am excited and honored to serve as a SECO Energy Trustee, and proud to be the first woman elected to the Board. I greatly appreciate the support of my fellow District 2 members. SECO members and continued member satisfaction will be my highest priority.”

 

President Jerry Hatfield stated, “Congratulations, Ms. Anderson on your election as District 2 Trustee. On behalf of my fellow Board officers and peers, we welcome you and look forward to working with you.”

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “Congratulations Ms. Anderson on your election as District 2 Trustee. Thank you to the members in District 2 who assembled to democratically elect your new Trustee to represent your District on the Board. In District 2, a total of seven candidates expressed a willingness to serve their fellow members and the membership at large.”

 

Duncan continued, “Thank you Mr. Baileys, Mr. Elliott, Mr. Hill, Mr. Hoffman, Mr. Linn and Mr. Williams for your interest. It is truly amazing to have seven candidates eager to be of service to their cooperative and our members.”

 

Visit our Board of Trustees page to view a photo and brief bio of SECO’s Trustees along with a District Map. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

SECO Energy Honored as a Tree Line USA Utility

SECO Energy has once again been honored as a Tree Line USA Utility by the Arbor Day Foundation. Tree Line USA recognizes best practices in utility arboriculture. This is the eleventh year that SECO has received this honor.

 

The Arbor Day Foundation was founded in 1972 and its mission is to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. The Foundation recognizes that communities depend on safe, reliable electricity to power homes and businesses, while protecting and enhancing community treescapes.

 

Tree Line USA recognition is awarded to utilities that follow the Arbor Day Foundation’s five core standards of Quality Tree Care; Annual Worker Training; Tree Planting and Public Education; Tree-based Energy Conservation Program; and participating in an Arbor Day Celebration.

 

“Trees are a critical part of urban landscapes all across the United States,” said Dan Lambe, president of the Arbor Day Foundation. “They provide important benefits to residents, including clean air, clean water and a tolerable climate. Service providers like SECO Energy demonstrate that it’s possible for trees and utilities to co-exist for the benefit of communities and citizens.”

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “The SECO Energy team is extremely proud to once again be recognized as a Tree Line USA Utility by the Arbor Day Foundation. Central Florida is a natural paradise, we understand our members love their trees and landscaping and expect their cooperative to maintain reliable service. The Arbor Day’s five core standards enable SECO to find the proper balance between member reliability and encouraging a healthy tree canopy.”

 

SECO Energy Vice President of Operations John LaSelva stated, “Maintaining SECO’s Tree Line USA Utility status is a priority for our Vegetation Management team. The National Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree Line USA Utility status benefits our service area by strengthening our urban forest and reducing tree-related outages. On behalf of the SECO’s executive leadership and the Vegetation Management team, we are honored to receive the 2020 Tree Line USA designation.”

 

Visit our Right Tree, Right Place page to learn how strategically planted trees can help reduce energy usage. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

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