Marion County – SECO Energy

December 2024 Sunshine State Stats

Although winter officially arrived on December 21, the month ended warmer than it started, while dry conditions continued in Central Florida. The average temperature in December was 62 degrees, 2 degrees below the normal average, and 9 degrees lower than the November average. The average high for the month was 72 degrees, 2 degrees lower than the average high in December. Likewise, the average low temperature dropped to 52 degrees, also 2 degrees lower than the average low in December.

The month’s highest temperature reached 83 degrees on December 17th, and the lowest temperature, 36 degrees, was recorded on December 4th.

The December 2024 rainfall totaled 1.66 inches, .99 inch less than the typical December total of 2.65 inches, and well below the 4.31 inches that one year ago. Measurable rainfall occurred on 5 days, with only two days experiencing more than .02 inch of rain. The U.S. Drought Monitor labels the entire SECO Energy service area as “Abnormally Dry.” However, parts of Marion and Citrus Counties and all of Levy County are drier and qualify as “Moderate Drought” areas as of December 25, 2024.

The U.S. Drought Monitor is jointly produced by the National Drought Mitigation Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the United States Department of Agriculture, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Map courtesy of NDMC.

Thunderstorm activity within a 20-mile radius of Leesburg International Airport occurred just two days. On December 11, WeatherSentry recorded 34 cloud-to-ground strikes, while a fast-moving front on December 29 generated 59 strikes. The images below indicate the location of strikes as recorded within the 20-mile radius of Leesburg International Airport (KLEE).

Lightning Archive Report – 20-mile radius from Leesburg International Airport (KLEE)
Data and charts provided by weathersentry.dtn.com

Cloud to Ground Lightning – December 11, 2024

Cloud to Ground Lightning – December 29, 2024

January forecast from The Old Farmer’s Almanac:

The Old Farmer’s Almanac weather outlook for January 2025 predicts a week of sunny and warm conditions with scattered showers to start the year, followed by a solid week of sunny and warm conditions. A mid-month change to rain mixed with sun and cooling temperatures foretells a very cold final six days of the month. Bundle up!

The estimated average temperature for January is 61 degrees, and the expected rainfall is 2 inches, which is .5 inch below the average for the month.

SECO Smart Connect Program: A New Way to Save on Your Electric Bill

Review our new SECO Smart Connect Program – this is an opportunity for members to receive bill credits for allowing SECO Energy to make brief changes to the settings on residential devices during times of peak energy demand. By enrolling approved smart device(s), members can help limit the impact on the electric grid when the most energy is being used. Residential members who enroll in the SECO Smart Connect Program will receive enrollment and seasonal incentives via bill credits based on the type of device(s) enrolled. Learn more and enroll here.

Protect Your Appliances

Power surges are sudden, powerful increases in voltage that can damage or destroy household appliances and electronics. SECO Energy’s Surge Mitigator™ program offers a meter-based surge arrester designed to protect large appliances, such as motors and compressors, by reducing surges at the meter before they enter your home. Members can lease or purchase the Surge MitiGator surge protection program by completing a contact form. 

November 2024 Sunshine State Stats

In November 2024, the monthly average temperature fell by 4 degrees from October, while the total rainfall plummeted to just .6 inches. This was well below the normal precipitation level of 2.53 inches in November and 5.27 inches less than what fell in October.

The average temperature in November was 71 degrees, 2 degrees below the normal average. The average high for the month was 80 degrees, 4 degrees less than the average high in October. Likewise, the average low temperature dropped to 61 degrees, 6 degrees lower than in October.

The month’s high temperature was 87 degrees on November 3rd and 12th, and the lowest temperature, 42 degrees, was recorded on the final day of November.

Measurable rainfall occurred on 7 days, with only two days experiencing more than one-tenth inch of rain. SECO Energy serves three counties that are listed as “Abnormally Dry” by the National Integrated Drought Information System as of November 28, 2024.

All of Levy County and parts of Marion and Citrus Counties are in an “Abnormally Dry” status.

Map source: plantmaps.com

  Thunderstorm activity was minimal in November. Only six cloud-to-ground lightning strikes were recorded by WeatherSentry within the 20-mile radius of Leesburg International Airport (KLEE); all occurred on the 6th.

December Forecast from The Old Farmer’s Almanac:

The Old Farmer’s Almanac weather outlook for December 2024 predicts the first week will be sunny and warm, followed by two days of cooler temperatures and showers. From December 10 to 14, sunshine returns, accompanied by cool temperatures. This will be followed by an eight-day period of isolated showers and warmer conditions. The final week, including Christmas and New Year’s Eve, is forecast to be sunny and cold.

The estimated average temperature for December is 64 degrees, and the expected rainfall is 1.5 inches, which is 1 inch below the average for the month.

SECO Smart Connect Program: A New Way to Save on Your Electric Bill

Protect Your Appliances

SECO Energy Foundation Approves $5,319 Grant for Marion County Fire Rescue

The newly established SECO Energy Foundation approved a grant of $5,319 to benefit public safety for Marion County Fire Rescue (MCFR). MCFR requested $5,319 to equip three MCFR fire engines with updated material.

The new equipment for the three MCFR fire engines consists of line pressure gauges, gate valves and three-way ball valves. The improved equipment prepares the local fire rescue team to respond to emergency calls, provide service to citizens and protect its team of first responders who put their lives in danger to assist the community in fire, rescue and medical emergencies.

According to the Marion County Fire Rescue’s website (www.marionfl.org), MCFR is a progressive, professional fire rescue department dedicated to the community’s health, safety and well-being providing excellent service, education and prevention in partnership with the citizens of Marion County.

The SECO Energy Foundation Board of Directors President James LaMotte is excited to begin the process of approving grants that align with the SECO Energy Foundation’s goals and objectives. Mr. LaMotte stated, “The SECO Energy Foundation was founded to improve quality of life and expand services within the communities in SECO Energy’s service territory in the areas of public safety, educational STEM projects, environmental projects, scholarships, Veterans’ initiatives, health and human services, energy-related projects and bill payment assistance. Safety is SECO Energy’s most important Core Value and funding public safety initiatives is one of the Foundation’s goals. I am extremely pleased that my fellow Directors and I were able to unanimously approve a grant that will improve safety for Marion County citizens through the Marion County Fire Rescue team.”

Marion County Fire Rescue Lieutenant Henry Herrera is thankful for the grant award. Lieutenant Herrera stated, “The Marion County Fire Rescue team is thankful for the grant award that will help MCFR to respond to and provide service and protection to Marion County residents. The grant will purchase needed equipment to meet new challenges the MCFR team faces in responding to fire, rescue and medical emergencies.”

The SECO Energy Foundation is a nonprofit 501c3 entity that is funded largely through SECO’s electric bill round up program and will be supplemented by grants the Foundation applies for through other local, state and federal funding programs that align with the SECO Energy Foundation’s goals. Participating members’ extra pennies are donated to the Foundation to fund grants and bill payment assistance that make a difference in the lives of members across the communities served by SECO Energy.

SECO Energy’s CEO Curtis Wynn stated, “Concern for community is a key co-op principle and remains a high priority. Surveys tell us that members want to be part of an organization that does more for their consumers and communities than profit from the goods/services it sells. Our ability to support public safety, is one example of the Foundation’s focus to help improve the quality of life in and around SECO’s service territory.”

To learn more about the SECO Energy Foundation, visit SECOEnergy.com >  Your Co-op >  Foundation. “Like” SECO Energy on Facebook and follow @SECOEnergy on Twitter for prize drawings, news releases, and severe weather alerts affecting SECO Energy’s service territory. Manage your outage notification preferences at StormCenter. To see reliability and expansion projects in your area, visit our new System Improvement Map. To learn more about SECO Energy as a not-for-profit cooperative, visit SECOEnergy.com  >  Your Co-op  >  About.

SECO Energy District 4 Members Re-elect Trustee Richard Dennison

SECO Energy members who reside in District 4 re-elected Richard Dennison as the District 4 Trustee to serve on SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees. The meeting was held in the District on Tuesday, February 7, at the Marion Oaks Community Center in Marion County for the purpose of electing a Trustee to represent District 4 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 Dennison submitted a letter of intent to run for Trustee and was unopposed in his candidacy. SECO’s Bylaws currently require that the cooperative hold District Meetings. Subsequently, Florida Statute requires SECO to hold in-person elections; therefore, the cooperative continues to hold District Meetings as a means of electing Trustees. A drive-thru voting option was available for members for added convenience.

A SECO member since 1999, Mr. Dennison was first elected to SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees in 2015. Trustee Dennison has served as both Board of Trustees Vice President and President. He has also participated in continuing education classes through the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) to maintain his Director Gold Credential which is the highest Trustee accreditation from the NRECA.

Trustee Dennison looks forward to a new three-year term working with SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees. Mr. Dennison stated, “Thank you to all District 4 members who attended the meeting. We are thankful for your SECO membership and your participation. I enjoy working with my community and fellow SECO members through my Board of Trustees service and look forward to promoting SECO and its successes.”

Board President Gerald Anderson 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 supporting SECO Energy’s Mission and Vision through our Board service.”

Curtis Wynn CEO stated, “Mr. Dennison, the Board of Trustees and the SECO Energy membership are thankful for your Board service as District 4 Trustee. I congratulate you on your re-election and look forward to working with you and the Board for continued success at SECO Energy.”

To learn more about the Board of Trustees, visit SECOEnergy.com>Your Co-op. “Like” SECO Energy on Facebook and follow @SECOEnergy on Twitter for prize drawings, news releases, and severe weather alerts affecting SECO Energy’s service territory. Manage your outage notification preferences at StormCenter. To see reliability and expansion projects in your area, visit our new System Improvement Map. To learn more about SECO Energy as a not-for-profit cooperative, visit SECOEnergy.com > Your Co-op > About.

SECO Energy’s Pennies Program Donates $12,305 to Local Animal Shelters – Marion County

SECO Energy’s Pennies from Heaven program has donated $12,305 to local animal shelters and rescues. In February, the not-for-profit electric cooperative announced that for every new Surge MitiGator meter-based surge protection lease enrollment or purchase, members could choose a shelter or rescue to receive a $5 donation on their behalf.

Between February 1 to June 15, 2,461 members enrolled in SECO’s Surge MitiGator surge protection product that resulted in a total donation of $12,305 in Citrus, Lake, Marion and Sumter Counties. The total allocated in Marion County is $4,100 donated to the shelters listed below:

Endangered Animal Rescue Sanctuary – $200
Forest Animal Rescue – $200
Front Range Equine Rescue – $200
Fur Kids Pet Rescue Inc. – $200
Humane Society of Marion County – $1,000
Kindred Spirits Sanctuary – $200
Marion County Animal Services – $500
Ocala Wildlife Sanctuary Inc. (Owls Ocala Inc.) – $200
Pets in Distress Inc. – $200
Quality of Life Rehab and Foster – $200
Sheltering Hands – $200
SPCA of Marion County – $200
SPCA of Ocala – $200
Vocal (Voices of Change Animal League) – $200
Forest Animal Rescue – $200
Beauty’s Haven Farm and Equine Rescue Inc. (Levy County) – $200

Eddie Leedy, the Executive Director of the Humane Society of Marion County stated, “The Humane Society of Marion County values and cherishes our donors and business partners. Their support allows us to help thousands of animals each year. SECO Energy’s generous donation is so appreciated in these difficult times for non-profits.”

CEO Jim Duncan is pleased to help local shelters and rescues. Duncan stated, “Thank you, members, for making our Surgeo Loves Pets charitable initiative a success. I am grateful for members who recognize a need in their community and respond generously. Though the vast majority of Pennies funding is allocated for bill payment assistance and educational initiatives for our members, the animals in our local communities need assistance as well, and SECO is happy that the Pennies from Heaven donations will be put to good use.”

SECO Energy’s Surge MitiGator product helps to reduce damaging surges and voltage spikes at the meter. Visit our Surge MitiGator page to learn more about the product, to read its beastly 15-year warranty and to complete the web form to enroll.

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

SECO Energy Braced for Tropical Storm Elsa

SECO Energy is monitoring Tropical Storm Elsa as it creeps closer to Florida’s Gulf Coast with a predicted landfall near Cedar Key. SECO Energy is StormReady and prepared for Tropical Storm Elsa’s impact to its service area late Tuesday night through Wednesday.

Tropical Storm Elsa has remained intact as it moved across Cuba and through the Florida Straits. The current forecast from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) shows Tropical Storm Elsa moving north northwest with maximum sustained winds up to 60 mph. Earlier today, the Key West airport reported wind gusts up to 48 mph.

The weather forecast for SECO’s service area has changed significantly since Monday. Members in Citrus, Hernando, Levy and Marion Counties may experience maximum sustained winds up to 35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph. Members in Lake and Sumter Counties may experience maximum sustained winds up to 28 mph with gusts up to 40 mph. It’s important to understand that when wind speeds exceed 35 mph, bucket trucks are grounded for safety. SECO will suspend restoration operations until wind speeds fall under 35 mph.

The heaviest winds and rain are expected to arrive just after midnight Wednesday morning and may last until noon. SECO members in all areas should be prepared for heavy rain from Tropical Storm Elsa beginning late Tuesday afternoon and lasting through Wednesday. The area along I-75 and west to the Gulf Coast will likely feel the most impact from Elsa. The grounds are already heavily soaked after a rainy June. More rain could bring trees down and create extended power outages.

In preparation, SECO Energy has called on outside crew reinforcements to assist with power restoration as a result of Tropical Storm Elsa. Over 100 contracted line crews and vegetation crews are arriving today ahead of the storm.

Shelters have opened in Citrus and Marion Counties. In Citrus County, the special needs shelter is open at Citrus County Renaissance Center at 3630 W. Educational Path, Lecanto, 34461. The general shelter is open at Lecanto Primary at 3790 W. Educational Path, Lecanto, 34461. In Marion County, West Port High School is open for special needs, general population and pets at 3733 SW 80th Avenue, Ocala, 34481.

CEO Jim Duncan urges members to prepare for the possibility of power outages from Tropical Storm Elsa’s heavy rain and wind. He stated, “We’ve been watching Tropical Storm Elsa since last week and the forecast has changed often. The wind speed predictions have changed significantly almost overnight. Expect a greater impact from Tropical Storm Elsa than we previously expected. This storm will bring heavy rain and wind to almost every corner of our service area very early Wednesday morning. Be prepared for the possibility of extended power outages from the storm.”

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

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

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

SECO News, July 2020

Duncan’s Digest – Marion Oaks Substation Rebuild

In the December 2019 edition of SECO News, I shared an overview of our $55 million 2020 construction work plan. I want to share an exciting project from the plan that is currently in progress.

Recently, crews and contractors have begun the Marion Oaks substation rebuild in Marion County on County Road 484 about two miles west of Interstate 75.

The new, massive Florida Crossroads Commerce Park is the main reason for the substation rebuild. The Park is undoubtedly a boon for Marion County, boosting the economy, increasing the tax base and bringing in new jobs. In Phase I, Dollar Tree will open a 500,000-square-foot distribution center that will employ 200 people. In fact, they’re already hiring. In Phase II, another 1.2-million-square-feet will be built and bring another 500 jobs to the area. Just the Dollar Tree portion of capital investment in the Florida Crossroads Commerce Park is upward of $200 million.

Rebuilding the Marion Oaks substation is necessary to serve this new commerce area, and because the county says that Marion Oaks’ population could quadruple in the next two decades, the substation must meet growing residential demand as well. The rebuild will increase reliability and meet demand in southwest Marion County.

The current Marion Oaks substation sits on half an acre and is almost forty years old. The cost to build the sub in 1982 was $540,000. The substation was upgraded within the last decade to include a 28 Mega Volt Amp (MVA) power transformer. The original substation has four feeder lines and serves less than 5,000 SECO members.

The price tag for the construction of the new ultramodern Marion Oaks substation is $5.6 million. This substation is being built on a five-acre tract and has the potential to serve 20,000 to 30,000 members. The plan is to construct the sub with ten feeder bays, with eight feeders energized initially and two as spares for future use. The construction plan includes two new 37 MVA power transformers and a new control house. Once this construction is complete, the original substation will be leveled.

Substations transform high voltage electricity from transmission lines to low voltage electricity that travels through feeder distribution lines to power homes and businesses. The new Marion Oaks substation’s incoming transmission high side will include a ring bus that will provide better reliability for all members served by the sub. The Duke Energy 69kV Ross Prairie transmission line serves the substation; however, a set of breakers at our Waterways and Summerglen substations will create a full loop with the new Marion Oaks sub. The circuit will pick up load from other transmission sources. If there is a fault on an incoming transmission line, members shouldn’t even see a blink.

On the distribution low side, a breaker ties two power transformer banks together. If one of the power transformers is interrupted, the relays are programmed with an auto-restore scheme that quickly reacts to pick up the load using a product called Schweitzer relays – which are state-of-the-art microprocessors. This relay scheme is so fast that members will only notice a short blink.

To reduce the environmental impact, we are installing new concrete retention areas at the new substation. If an oil leak is detected, the oil would be captured in the retention area instead of absorbing into the soil. The retention areas will be specially coated to prevent the oil soaking into the concrete.

Recently, crews finished the Federal substation expansion in Sumter County and completed the Ocala Park substation upgrade in Marion County. Next up after the Marion Oaks project is complete, significant updates are planned at the Inverness substation this autumn. Upgrades to the Astatula substation are coming in 2021.

The design and construction of reliable electric facilities have come a long way in recent years. Our investments in high-quality infrastructure ensure that the right thing happens when you flip the light switch, turn on the TV and adjust the thermostat. Visit SECOEnergy.com>Newsroom>System Improvement Map to see the enhancements coming to your area.

Sincerely,

Jim Duncan

Chief Executive Officer

2020 Scholarship Awardees

Congratulations to our 2020 SECO Energy Scholarship awardees! Each of the 12 awardees receive $3,000 in scholarship funds to further his or her education. Over the last two decades, your not-for-profit electric cooperative has awarded over $500,000 in scholarships to 300+ local students.

The 2020 SECO Scholarship awardees are:

TYLIN N. BARNARD – Ocala | West Port High School | Chemical Engineering

CHEYENNE DIAZ – Ocala | Vanguard High School | Manufacturing Processes/Mechanical Engineering

ISABELLA HERNANDEZ – Clermont | East Ridge High School | Engineering

ANIYA HOUSTON – Ocala | West Port High School | Quality Engineering

JOSEPH A. LACOURSE – Oxford | The Villages Charter High School | Engineering

CAMERON MACLEAN – Tavares | Tavares High School | Electrical Engineering

LUCAS MARDEN – Tavares | Tavares High School | Aerospace Engineering

STUART T. PALMER – Umatilla | Umatilla High School | Electrical Engineering

ALAYNA PHILLIPS – Wildwood | The Villages Charter High School | Business

MIGUEL SANTOS – Ocala | West Port High School | Business/Marketing

WILLIAM J. SIMMONS – Dunnellon | Dunnellon High School | Electrical Distribution Technology

ALEXANDER Q. WILLIAMS – Sorrento | Eustis High School | Biomedical Engineering

Advice from The Old Farmer’s Almanac

THE OLD FARMER’S ALMANAC IS READY WITH A FLORIDA WEATHER FORECAST FOR THE UPCOMING SUMMER AND EARLY AUTUMN. Summer will be slightly cooler and drier than usual. Watch out for the hottest temperatures in mid-July and mid-August. Look for a tropical storm threat July 23 to 25 and daily thunderstorms in August. Watch for a hurricane threat September 17 to 19 and a tropical storm threat October 19 to 21.

Need help creating a hurricane supply list for your family? Visit our Storm Preparation page for a list of hurricane essentials and a link to our Hurricane Handbook.

Protect Your Home’s Appliances with Surgeo

Sudden increases in voltage called power surges can damage or destroy your home’s appliances and sensitive electronics. Lightning is a common cause of surges, but falling trees, small animals, birds, or vehicles crashing into power poles create surges as well.

SECO Energy offers the Surge MitiGator™ as an extra layer of protection for your home’s appliances. Our meter-based surge arrester is designed to prevent unnecessary financial loss by reducing surges at the meter BEFORE they enter the home.

You can lease the MitiGator™ for only $5.95 plus tax with a $25 installation fee. For services greater than 200 amps, installation is $100. If you choose to purchase the Surge MitiGator, prices range from $349 to $399 plus tax — and installation is free.

Members should also purchase of point-of-use devices to protect sensitive electronics such as computers and televisions.

Take the bite out of damaging surges and spikes with SECO Energy’s Surge MitiGator™. Enroll online today.

EV Charger Winner

Congratulations to John J. Reyes, Jr. of Groveland who is the winner of the first SECO Energy branded JuiceBox Pro 40 EV Level 2 charger. We’re giving away one charger each month while supplies last. Text “EV” to (352) 320-4500 for a link to enter. Or click on the EV Charger Giveaway homepage banner on our homepage.

While on our website, learn more about the benefits of electric vehicle ownership on our EV pages. You’ll find an EV savings calculator, information about CO2 reduction, EV and PHEV models and a nationwide charger-finder map.

Watch SECO News for next month’s charger winner.

Surge MitiGator™ Word Search

Members enrolled in SECO Energy’s Surge MitiGator™ are winning the surge protection game. For another chance to win, all members who are current Surge MitiGator™ enrollees as of August 14 are entered to win a Nest Learning Thermostat. Winner is chosen August 15.

Keep It Clear – We Work Here

Safety is SECO Energy’s most important core value, and our employees take safety seriously. We are committed to a safe working environment for all employees.

Members who live in areas with underground utilities often want to disguise transformers using fences, shrubs, potted plants or other lawn items. Obstructions such as these block access to transformers, meters and poles and are a safety hazard.

For the safety of SECO employees and contractors, keep the area surrounding our equipment clear. Obstructions create longer restoration times and an unsafe work zone. Learn more about safe access on our Keep It Clear page.

Go Green – Enroll in Ebill through SmartHub

Reduce your carbon footprint, limit your risk of identity theft and avoid wasting paper by enrolling in eBill instead of a traditional paper statement.

To enroll in eBill, log in to SmartHub. In SmartHub, choose “My Profile” and “Update My Paperless Settings.” Choose “on” for your Paperless setting.

It’s that easy. Instead of waiting on your bill to arrive by mail, you’ll receive an eBill via email much faster. With SmartHub, you can view your past usage, see payment history, enroll in bank draft and more.

Summer Energy Efficiency – Keep Your Cool

Looking for easy, low-cost energy-efficiency ideas that will help you reduce summer energy use? SECO has cool tips that won’t break the bank.

Air conditioning accounts for approximately 50 percent of your summer bill. SECO Energy and the Department of Energy (DOE) recommend setting your thermostat at 78. Lower the thermostat temperature and expect your cooling costs to increase 6 to 8 percent for each degree lower than 78. Want to feel cooler? Turn on a ceiling or floor fan. Fans make the room feel four degrees cooler than the room temperature. Fans cool people, not rooms, so only use them in occupied spaces.

Another way to stay cool this summer is to keep the heat out. Natural sunlight through windows and doors is the source of 76 percent of the heat that enters your home per the DOE. Reduce the amount of heat gain in rooms by using blinds or heavy curtains on windows. Check that the caulking, sealing or weather stripping on windows and doors is in good condition.

Fire up the grill to reduce the heat generated inside your home. Choose small appliances such as grills, crockpots, air fryers, toaster ovens or microwaves instead of your oven. These appliances reduce the amount of heat generated in your home and consume less energy. Consider replacing incandescent lightbulbs with LEDs as they use less power and produce less heat.

Visit SECOEnergy.com for more energy-saving advice. Try the Home Energy Assessment to conduct a full home energy audit online. Check out the Energy Estimator to find the estimated energy use and costs for each electronic and appliance in your home.

Read the full July 2020 SECO News online.

SECO Energy Employees Pledge Donations of $70,000 for United Way

SECO Energy employees have participated in an annual employee-funded United Way Pledge Drive for local communities for decades. During the 2020 United Way Pledge Drive, SECO employees donated $70,316 that will benefit local families living in SECO’s service area.

The $70,316 pledged by SECO employees for the 2020 drive is an increase of seven percent from the 2019 pledges. The donated funds will be distributed among ten local counties. The bulk of SECO employees live in Citrus, Lake, Marion and Sumter Counties and received the highest dollar amounts in donations. The breakdown by county is:

Citrus: $7,799
Lake: $14,316
Marion: $23,002
Sumter: $21,559
Other Counties (Hernando, Levy, Orange, Pasco, Polk and Volusia): $3,640

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “SECO’s ever-generous employees and their commitment to the communities we serve made our 2020 United Way Pledge Drive extremely successful. Our employees understand that local families need financial support year-round, and United Way is instrumental in leading the charge to improve lives. I truly appreciate the efforts of our employees and applaud their generosity.”

SECO’s Senior Consultant for Civic, Charitable & Government Relations Kathy Judkins spearheads the annual employee giving campaign. She stated, “United Way’s mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities around the world to advance the common good.” To join SECO Energy employees in supporting United Way, visit them online to donate or volunteer.

Learn more about SECO Energy’s Concern for Community online. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

SECO News, September 2019

Welcome to our new Hurricane Handbook. Named storms can cause extended outages even for a system like SECO’s that is well built, constructed and maintained. To prepare for the worst, review our people/pets preparation checklists, outage notification enrollment instructions, Florida Special Needs Registry details, restoration priorities, damage assessment warnings and lessons on hunkering down. Learn about generator safety by to watch our newest video. For the chance to win an 8,000 watt Briggs Stratton portable generator, click on the website’s home page banner to register at SmartHub (SECO’s online account platform) by October 15. All members with SmartHub accounts as of October 15 will be entered in the drawing.

Sincerely,

Jim Duncan

Chief Executive Officer

HURRICANE STRENGTH STATS

The Saffir–Simpson wind scale classifies hurricanes that exceed the intensities of tropical depressions and tropical storms into five categories distinguished by the intensities of sustained winds.

CAT 1 74 to 95 mph
CAT 2 96 to 110 mph
CAT 3 111 to 129 mph (major)
CAT 4 130 to 156 mph (major)
CAT 5 157 mph or higher (major)

Even tropical storms can cause significant damage and flooding. Most storm casualties are from drowning and not wind. Always heed weather warnings, evacuate as instructed and don’t drive into high water. Keep your family safe.

DISCONNECTING IN ADVANCE: MYTH OR FACT

Many years ago, it was a common practice for utilities to completely de-energize their electric systems ahead of a storm in an effort to proactively prevent damage during the storm. SECO Energy does not employ this practice.

RESTORATION PRIORITY – WHO’S FIRST?

SECO Energy provides world-class reliability to 200,000+ homes and businesses. Outages due to weather, vehicle accidents, equipment issues, animal or tree contact with lines result in utilities being unable to guarantee 100 percent uninterrupted electric service.

During emergency restoration with widespread damage, SECO Energy’s first responsibilities are shelters, hospitals, schools and government agencies like emergency ops centers, fire stations and law enforcement facilities. SECO’s next priority is large commercial accounts providing food, water and damage-recovery supplies. Feeders with the largest number of members served are next. Our goal is to restore service to the highest volume of members as quickly as possible.

FLORIDA’S SPECIAL NEEDS REGISTRY

Register with the Florida Division of Emergency Management at floridadisaster.org before a storm hits to receive county specific lifesaving information. If an evacuation or emergency is declared, you will receive important options from local emergency management by signing up with your county’s emergency alert notifications (Alert Citrus, Alert Hernando, Alert Marion, Alert Levy, Alert Lake, Alert Sumter, Alert Pasco). Visit your county’s Emergency Operations online to sign up for the alerts you would like to receive.

MEMBERS USING MEDICAL EQUIPMENT

Residential members’ accounts coded as having medically necessary service are not the first priority after a storm with widespread damage. These members should prepare before storm season and anticipate the possibility of extended outages that could last for days. If you are dependent on electric-powered medical equipment, register with your county emergency management center’s Special Needs Registry. Most important, purchase a generator for use during power outages.

OUTAGE NOTIFICATION PREFERENCES

Visit us online and click StormCenter at the top right. Scroll down and select “Manage Notifications.” Log in with your account number or phone number. View and update your preferences for email, text or voice notifications. Set do not disturb parameters.

ADD STORMCENTER APP TO MOBILE DEVICE HOME SCREEN

On our website, click StormCenter. Select the Outage Map tile. Tap the Share Arrow. Select “Add to Home Screen” from options.

BOOKMARK DAILY RESTORATION PLAN MAP

SECO utilizes this interactive map when the Emergency Response Plan is activated. This map is different from the StormCenter outage map. The Restoration Plan Map displays the areas where crews are working each day and helps you know when you can reasonably expect service restoration. Access this map from the website home page banner during emergencies.

SUPPLY STOCK UP – SEVEN DAYS

Turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest settings. Only open refrigerator and freezer doors when necessary. Move freezable foods into the freezer. A refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours after a power outage; a full freezer will keep food frozen for about 48 hours. Move your emergency supplies into a secure room with no windows or fireplaces.

HUNKER DOWN – STAY INFORMED

During the storm, remain indoors and prepare to wait out the weather safely. Stay informed with a battery-powered weather radio. Be ready to re-locate your family and pets to a secure location in your home with no windows or fireplaces. Break out the family board games and preserve your phone’s battery power.

NO RESTORATION IN WINDS ABOVE 35 MPH

SECO Energy invests heavily in an aggressive vegetation management program to keep our overhead lines clear. Still, severe storms with high winds create tree-related outages. Once sustained wind speeds reach 35 mph, it is not safe to use bucket trucks or perform restoration. When wind speeds have fallen below 35 mph, SECO deploys employees and mutual aid to begin restoration efforts.

TORNADOES – WATCH VS WARNING

Tornadoes are vertical funnels of rapidly spinning air often referred to as nature’s most violent storm. Winds can reach speeds of 300 mph. Tornadoes are commonly associated with severe thunderstorms. It is extremely likely that during a hurricane you may experience a tornado.

TORNADO WATCH: Tornadoes are possible in/near the watch area. Check supplies and your safe room. Be ready to act fast if a warning is issued or you suspect a tornado is approaching.

TORNADO WARNING: A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. There is imminent danger to life and property. Go immediately to your safe room, interior room or hallway. Avoid windows.

IF YOU EXPERIENCE A TORNADO, stay clear of downed power lines and damaged buildings. Treat downed lines as if they are energized.

HIGH VOLTAGE TRANSMISSION LINES: These supply power to SECO’s 48 substations which serve 200,000+ homes and businesses. If a storm damages a transmission line, substations also lose power. Much of the transmission serving SECO’s substations is owned/operated by Duke Energy. If Duke’s lines are down, SECO Energy cannot restore power to our members until these lines are repaired.

DISTRIBUTION SUBSTATION: A substation serves thousands of members. Our line crews inspect substations to determine if problems stem from transmission lines feeding into the substation, the substation itself, or if problems exist further down the feeders and lateral lines.

FEEDER DISTRIBUTION LINES: When problems cannot be isolated at a substation, distribution lines are inspected. These larger lines originate from substations and distribute power to large groups of members in our service area.

LATERAL DISTRIBUTION LINES: These smaller lines deliver power to transformers, either mounted on poles or placed on pads for underground service and deliver power to smaller groups of members in less densely populated areas.

SERVICE LINES: The service line is the line between a transformer and your residence or business.

STATIONARY GENERATOR: A permanently affixed generator installed by a licensed technician with an approved disconnect and transfer switch that isolates your home’s circuits from SECO Energy and eliminates the risk of backfeeding on utility lines.

PORTABLE GENERATOR: A common type of generator that does not require a licensed technician to install. Use extension cords to plug certain appliances into the outlets on the generator. Never operate indoors.

More lifesaving information on generator safety can be found on our website. Click on the generator banner for a chance to win a new 8,000 watt Briggs Stratton portable generator. Enter by October 15.

RETURNING HOME-ASSESS DAMAGE

If your home or business is damaged and it is safe, turn off your main breaker to prevent fires. If appliances are wet, turn off each appliance’s main breaker. Once you’ve turned the breaker off, unplug the wet appliance.

If fuses blow when your power is restored, turn off the breakers and contact a licensed electrician. Always call an electrician or an appliance repair service if in doubt.

DEBRIS CLEANUP

Once the storm has passed, ensure that you and your home are safe while power is being restored. Do not make piles that interfere with utility trucks. Keep piles away from power lines, transformers and downed lines for safety and speedy restoration. Call your county’s emergency operations center if public roadway debris prevents utility and emergency vehicle access.

• Move over a lane for law enforcement, emergency, sanitation, utility vehicles and tow trucks.
• If you can’t move over, slow to 20 mph less than the posted speed limit.
• If the posted speed limit is 20 mph or less, slow down to 5 mph.

#MoveOverFL

Read the full September 2019 SECO News online.

Local Counties Preparing for Hurricane Dorian

Additional shelters are opening in the counties served by SECO Energy to assist residents in need of shelter during Hurricane Dorian. SECO members who require uninterrupted electricity to power medical devices are advised to wait out Hurricane Dorian at a shelter that meets their special needs. Deadly Hurricane Dorian stalled over parts of The Bahamas on Monday destroying property and is responsible for a reported five deaths.

Hurricane Dorian is spinning at about 120 mph at a forward speed of just 2 mph. Hurricane force winds extend 40 miles and tropical storm winds extend 160 miles. Dorian is expected to pick up forward motion later today and bring rain bands and sustained winds of about 25 mph to the SECO service territory. Overnight and into Wednesday, SECO Energy members east of I-75 will likely experience sustained winds of 35 mph and gusts up to 50 mph. SECO Energy is StormReady with 800 additional line and tree contractors from Rhode Island, Indiana, Alabama, Pennsylvania, Texas, New York and New Jersey.

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “Hurricane Dorian is forecast to move away from The Bahamas and move northwest with an eventual eastern turn that keeps it just off Florida’s coast. SECO Energy’s service area could begin to feel the hurricane’s effects late this afternoon. Members who live in homes or areas that are subject to flooding, suggested to evacuate, or need guaranteed power to sustain life should check in at a shelter today. If conditions deteriorate emergency personnel may be grounded and unable to help until the storm passes.”

Duncan added, “SECO Energy has been monitoring and preparing for Hurricane Dorian since early last week. The cooperative is prepared for power outages caused by Hurricane Dorian. Out-of-state crews began to arrive on Monday to assist. Please take this storm seriously and put your family’s safety first.”

Two shelters are open in Sumter County. A pet-friendly, general public shelter is available at the Sumter County Fairgrounds at 7620 SR 471, Webster. A special needs shelter is open in Wildwood at the Wildwood Community Center at 5600 Powell Road. Sumter County officials are concerned that flooding in the county will be worse than in 2017 with Hurricane Irma. Shelters are available for residents living in mobile homes, recreational vehicles and low-lying flood prone areas.

Six shelters are open in Lake County. The general public shelter is open at Mount Dora High School located at 700 N. Highland Street, Mount Dora. Two pet-friendly shelters are available at Round Lake Elementary 31333 Round Lake Road, Mount Dora and Spring Creek Elementary 44440 Spring Creek Road, Paisley. Three special needs, pet-friendly shelters are open at Leesburg Elementary 2229 South Street, Leesburg and Lost Lake Elementary 1901 Johns Lake Road, Clermont and Umatilla Elementary 401 Lake Street, Umatilla.

Marion County is opening four shelters. Two general population shelters are opening today at noon located at Fort McCoy Middle School at 16160 NE County Road 315, Ft. McCoy and North Marion Middle School at 20085 W Highway 329, Citra. A special needs only shelter is currently open at West Port High School at 3733 SW 80th Avenue, Ocala. A pet-friendly shelter at Lake Weir High School at 10351 SE Maricamp Road, Ocala opens at noon today.

Citrus, Hernando, Levy and Pasco Counties are not opening shelters at this time, but officials are closely monitoring Hurricane Dorian. Schools are closed on Tuesday (today) in Citrus, Hernando, Levy, Pasco and Sumter Counties. In Lake County, schools are closed Tuesday and Wednesday; in Marion County, schools are closed for the rest of this week.

SECO Energy’s Hurricane Handbook is available on SECOEnergy.com by clicking on the homepage banner. The Hurricane Handbook offers members tips for preparing before, during and after a storm. The cooperative has included tips on generator safety, downed power line safety, electric system 101, Florida’s Move Over Law and more.

StormCenter is SECO Energy’s outage and communications platform for members to report outages, check the status of an existing outage and enroll in outage communications and alerts via email, text, voice or all three. Visit StormCenter today at SECOEnergy.com>StormCenter and bookmark on your smartphone or tablet to report outages quickly and easily. Once the hurricane has passed SECO’s area later next week, members should use our Daily Restoration Plan Map to identify if crews are working in their area that day. Visit SECOEnergy.com and click on the homepage banner to access the map.

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

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