Duncan’s Digest – Choose EV and Plug In To Win!

Florida is quickly emerging as a leader in electric vehicle (EV) sales. In early March, the Florida House passed Senate Bill 7018 that paves the way for the Florida Department of Transportation to work with the Florida Public Service Commission, Office of Energy and others to develop plans to expand EV infrastructure across the state.

According to the Alternative Fuels Data Center at energy.gov, Florida has the third-highest number of EVs in the United States.

Earlier this year we surveyed about 100,000 SECO members to gauge interest in electric vehicles. The results were interesting. Five percent of SECO members already own an EV. Thirty-four percent indicate an interest in purchasing an EV in the future. Of those with interest, forty percent have not yet decided on a brand or model. Surprisingly, forty-two percent of those who aren’t even interested in owning an EV believe SECO should promote and support the use of electric vehicles in our service area.

In response, we have developed a new electric vehicle section for our website. You’ll find an overview of EV models, ownership savings benefits, EV facts and information on how electric vehicles can help you reduce your carbon footprint.

Use the savings calculator to compute the amount of money you would save on gasoline by purchasing an EV. Input the number of miles you drive in a year and the savings calculator will provide you with the amount you can save versus charging your vehicle and filling up with gas.

You’ll also find information about charging your EV. For efficiency and quick charging, consider installing a Level 2 fast charger to charge your EV four to six times faster than a Level 1 charger. If you’re on the go, locate a charger across the country using the charger finder. We’ve also added information about IRS tax credits for EV purchase and the purchase of a Level 2 fast charger.

Interested in an EV and Level 2 charging? Enter to win a SECO Energy branded 50-amp JuiceBox Pro 40 Electric Vehicle Charger. This 9.6kW charger is UL listed with a 24-foot cable, a 5-year manufacturer warranty, built-in Wi-Fi and is 110-240VAC. We’ll choose one random winner each month starting June 15 while supplies last.

You have three ways to enter to win. Scan the QR code and click the link to enter. Text “EV” to (352) 320-4500, you’ll receive a link to enter. Or visit our Electric Vehicles page and choose Offers & Events or click the homepage banner. Installation not included. Winner must agree to terms and conditions.

Shift your EV interest into high gear – enter to win a JuiceBox EV charger and visit our website to learn if an electric vehicle is the right choice for you and your family.

Sincerely,

Jim Duncan

Chief Executive Officer

Pennies from Heaven

SECO’s Pennies from Heaven program helps change the lives of your fellow members – one penny at a time. Enroll today to round up your monthly bill to the nearest dollar and donate those pennies to the Angel Fund. The extra pennies are used to provide financial assistance in our local communities.

The funds can be used for local worthy causes or to help your fellow members with payment assistance. The funds are administered through local agencies that partner with Florida 211. Reach out via phone or text if you need assistance.

Our CEO Jim Duncan supports the Pennies from Heaven program and so do our employees. Employees, even those who are not members, donate funds to the program through internal fundraising efforts to provide support for our service area and members.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have received many new Pennies from Heaven enrollments. Members, we thank you for your generosity and willingness to help your fellow cooperative neighbors.

If you would like to donate your extra pennies, visit our Pennies from Heaven page to enroll.

298 Megawatts of Solar Coming Online

SECO Energy’s wholesale power provider Seminole Electric Cooperative, Inc. has contracted with Florida Renewable Partners (FRP) for 298 megawatts of solar generation to add to their fuel portfolio. FRP will construct four new photovoltaic (PV) solar sites that will provide solar power to Seminole’s nine member distribution electric cooperatives through purchased power agreements. These facilities are expected to be online in 2023 to serve SECO’s and other cooperatives’ members.

Move Over It’s the Law

Change lanes when you see flashing lights, or you may pay a hefty fine. Florida’s Move Over Law requires drivers to move over a lane when emergency, law enforcement, sanitation, utility service vehicles and tow trucks and wreckers are stopped on the shoulder.

If you can’t move over safely, slow down to a speed that is at least 20 miles per hour under the posted speed limit. Slow down and move over safely to protect defenseless workers and drivers stopped on the side of the road. Break the law and you’ll pay a fine, fees and incur points on your driving record.

Special Needs Registry

Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1. Prepare today – as we have seen locally and nationally with the COVID-19 pandemic, supplies sell out quickly. Don’t be left unprepared.

If you or a loved one who lives in your home has special needs, add your name to the Florida Special Needs Registry. The Registry was created to allow residents with special needs to receive assistance and valuable information about evacuation and shelter options. It also helps first responders and local emergency management officials determine shelter needs and disaster response. Providing this information could help save your life.

To register, visit the Florida Disaster website and select your county. You will receive periodic emails to verify that your information and needs are current.

Before storm season arrives, verify your contacts are up to date in StormCenter to receive outage communications. You can choose to receive an email, text or voice message or all three. Visit StormCenter to manage your notifications. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” us on Twitter for updates on current outages, press releases and more.

Read the full May 2020 SECO News online.