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Tag: Marion County

Students Vie for $36,000 in SECO Scholarships

Annually, SECO Energy offers graduating high school seniors, who reside in its service area, the chance to compete for a $3,000 college scholarship.

 

Once again, SECO’s Board of Trustees has approved up to $36,000 in scholarships for twelve deserving high school seniors. For over 20 years, SECO Energy has awarded more than $500,000 in scholarships. As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO is proud to have a hand in launching hundreds of young scholars on their path to a college education.

 

To be eligible, student must:

 

  • Reside in a home served by SECO.
  • Graduate high school by the end of the current school year.
  • Provide proof of acceptance to an accredited college, university or vocational/technical school by the end of 2017.
  • Plan to be enrolled as a full-time college student.

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “Concern for Community is a key cooperative principle and what better way to connect with the communities we serve than through scholarship awards. SECO helps young citizens embark on their college careers and lightens the financial load for their parents who are our members. I hope they bring their new-found knowledge and skills back to the area and seek future employment with SECO.”

 

Board of Trustees President Ray Vick, stated, “I have served on SECO’s Board of Trustees for over 35 years, and I am so happy to have a hand in continuing SECO’s scholarship program for the last 20 years. On behalf of the entire Board, we are very proud of SECO’s community outreach programs and its strong corporate citizenship ties to the communities it serves.”

 

An independent panel of educators from SECO’s service territory evaluates all applicants and selects each year’s winners. Scholarship selections are based on past and present achievements in school, community service, financial need and scholastic records.

 

The scholarship application period begins January 1, 2017. Applications will be available at SECO’s five Member Service Centers in Lake, Sumter, Marion and Citrus counties, area high school guidance offices, at the SECO corporate offices in Sumterville and online.

 

To be considered, completed applications must be received no later than 5 p.m. on March 31, 2017. Applications can be dropped off at any SECO Member Service Center or mailed to:

 

SECO Energy

Attn: Youth Scholarship

330 South Hwy 301

Sumterville, FL  33585-0301

 

Winners will be notified by phone or mail on or about April 28, 2017. For additional questions, visit SECO’s scholarship page or call Eneida Robaina at (352) 569-9561.

 

“Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates. Visit SECO online to learn more about additional community outreach programs.

SECO Recovers from Hurricane Matthew

Hurricane Matthew’s bands of high wind and rain passed through SECO Energy’s service territory on Friday afternoon. Lake County bore the brunt of the damage. Winds reached the eastern portion of Marion County and Citrus County sustained some utility damage as well.

 

As expected with tropical storm wind gusts, poles and lines went down. Big trees fell. Restoration began in the wee hours Friday morning when the very first storm related outage occurred and continues into the overnight hours on Friday. Hundreds of line and tree trimming contractors and hundreds of SECO employees supporting the restoration effort were prepared to brave the storm when duty called.

 

SECO Energy Recovers from Hurricane Matthew, downed trees on power lines

 

The contractors had been arranged in advance and were staged at SECO’s headquarters throughout the day on Thursday. This was a key component in a speedy restoration effort. As of Friday at 6 pm, less than 5,000 members remain without power. Line and tree personnel continue to work in the dark to get the lights back on for those still without power. The members who remain without power can rest assure work will continue diligently until all service is restored.

 

SECO Energy CEO Jim Duncan stated, “I commend the SECO employees who worked hard to prepare for Hurricane Matthew and execute an extremely comprehensive emergency response plan. I also must commend Governor Scott for being fully engaged in arranging assistance and removing roadblocks to serving the public.” SECO Energy is a two-time J.D. Power award winner for Highest in Customer Satisfaction in its segment in 2015 and 2016.

 

Providing reliable, low-cost power to members with outstanding customer service is SECO’s highest priority. The company’s internal employee battle cry is “Every moment is meaningful. Every member matters. Every minute counts.” The company rallied behind the battle cry in Hurricane Matthew as it did with Hurricane Hermine in September.

 

If a member is unsure SECO is aware of an outage, it’s easy to report it using a smartphone or tablet at the Storm Center application. Members can contact SECO via Facebook and Twitter and read outage details. For members less tech savvy, call and talk to a member service rep (or use the prompts to report the outage by phone at 800-732-6141. SECO’s System Operations Center is manned 24/7, and SECO’s call center will remain manned 24/7 until all hurricane related outages are restored. The Lake County Emergency Operations Center remains open as do shelters. The EOC’s contact number is 352-343-9420.

 

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO is dedicated to being members’ first source for accurate storm information.

Calm Before the Storm – SECO Braces for Matthew’s Inland Effects

Per the Friday morning National Hurricane Center update, Hurricane Matthew continues to slowly move up the Florida east coast – just off the shore. Matthew is moving at 13 mph and has weakened to a Category 3 hurricane. As of 5 am, the eye is located parallel to Melbourne.

 

For Central Florida, winds will increase throughout the day. Lake County, Sumter County and the east side of Marion County could feel wind gusts up to 60 mph. Models remain mixed as to if the eye will cross Florida’s shores. Where it will head after it passes the state remains uncertain.

 

Poles and lines will go down, and power outages will likely be widespread. Because crews are unable to work safely or raise bucket truck booms in winds over 35 mph, outages will be long in duration if crews cannot respond to outages until winds subside and the storm passes.

 

SECO encourages its members to report outages using smartphones or tablets at the Storm Center application on SECOEnergy.com. It’s easy to report with the last name and house number. Members can contact SECO via Facebook and Twitter and read outage details.

 

For members less tech savvy, call and talk to a member service rep (or use the prompts to report the outage by phone at 800 732 6141). SECO’s System Operations Center is manned 24/7, and our call centers are also manned 24/7 when severe weather comes through – as will be the case as Hurricane Matthew approaches. Also report downed power lines – call 911 if there is immediate danger.

 

SECO is Storm Ready. Its emergency response plan determines the restoration priority of each feeder. Essential services like shelters, hospitals, schools and government agencies are the highest priority. Next, linemen work to restore power to large groups of members. Then repairs begin on individual services in less populated areas. Additional line crews and tree trimming contractors continue to arrive at SECO to be staged for the restoration effort.

 

Members who need continuous power for medical devices and do not have a back-up source of power must act now. Shelters are open in the SECO area. Contact your county’s emergency operations center (EOC) to find shelter in your area – do not wait.

• Sumter County 352-689-4400 or visit the website.
• Lake County 352-343-9420 or visit the website.
• Marion County Citizen’s Info line is 352-369-7500 or visit the website.
• Citrus County 352-527-2106 or 352-746-5470 or visit the website.
• Levy County 352-486-5213 or visit the website.
• Hernando County 352-754-4083 or 352-754-4111 or visit the website.
• Pasco County 727-847-8137 or visit the website.

 

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO is dedicated to being members’ first source for accurate storm information. Learn more at SECOEnergy.com.

Hurricane Matthew – Powerful Cat 4 Approaches Florida Coast Thursday Night

Per the National Hurricane Center’s afternoon forecast, Hurricane Matthew is moving northwest at 14 mph. On this track, Matthew crosses the Bahamas today and approaches Florida’s east coast tonight, strengthening to a category 4 hurricane – which means winds of 130 to 156 mph.

The forecasted path of Matthew remains parallel to Florida’s east coast – but models are mixed as to how close the eye will come to Florida’s shores and where it will head after it passes the state. It is certain that Central Florida residents east of I-75 will experience rain and tropical-storm-force winds.

 

Poles and lines will go down, and power outages will likely be widespread. Because crews are unable to work safely or raise bucket truck booms in winds over 35 mph, outages will be long in duration if crews cannot respond to outages until winds subside and the storm passes.

 

SECO encourages its members to report outages using smartphones or tablets at the Storm Center application on our website. It’s easy to report with the last name and house number. Members can contact SECO via Facebook and Twitter and read outage details.

 

For members less tech savvy, call and talk to a member service rep (or use the prompts to report the outage by phone at 800 732 6141. SECO’s System Operations Center is manned 24/7, and our call centers are also manned 24/7 when severe weather comes through – as will be the case as Hurricane Matthew approaches. Also report downed power lines – call 911 if there is immediate danger.

 

SECO Energy, Hurricane Matthew – Powerful Cat 4 Approaches Florida Coast Thursday Night

 

SECO is Storm Ready. Its emergency response plan determines the restoration priority of each feeder. Essential services like shelters, hospitals, schools and government agencies are the highest priority. Next, linemen work to restore power to large groups of members. Then repairs begin on individual services in less populated areas. All day today, additional line crews and tree trimming contractors are arriving at SECO to be staged for the restoration effort.

 

Members who need continuous power for medical devices and do not have a back-up source of power must act now. Shelters are open in the SECO area. Contact your county’s emergency operations center (EOC) to find shelter in your area – do not wait.

 

 

 

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO is dedicated to being members’ first source for accurate storm information.

Hurricane Matthew Forecast to Hit Florida as Cat 4

Per the National Hurricane Center’s 8 am forecast, Hurricane Matthew is moving northwest at 12 mph. On this track, Matthew crosses the Bahamas today and approaches Florida’s east coast tonight, strengthening to a category 4 hurricane – which means winds of 130 to 156 mph.

 

The forecasted path of Matthew remains parallel to Florida’s east coast – but models are mixed as to how close the eye will come to Florida’s shores and where it will head after it passes the state. It is certain that Central Florida residents east of I-75 will experience rain and tropical-storm-force winds.

 

Poles and lines will go down, and power outages will likely be widespread. Because crews are unable to work safely or raise bucket truck booms in winds over 35 mph, outages will be long in duration if crews cannot respond to outages until winds subside and the storm passes.

 

SECO encourages its members to report outages using smartphones or tablets at the Storm Center application on our website. It’s easy to report with the last name and house number. Members can contact SECO via Facebook and Twitter and read outage details.

 

For members less tech savvy, call and talk to a member service rep (or use the prompts to report the outage by phone at 800 732 6141. SECO’s System Operations Center is manned 24/7, and our call centers are also manned 24/7 when severe weather comes through – as will be the case as Hurricane Matthew approaches. Also report downed power lines – call 911 if there is immediate danger.

 

SECO is Storm Ready. Its emergency response plan determines the restoration priority of each feeder. Essential services like shelters, hospitals, schools and government agencies are the highest priority. Next, linemen work to restore power to large groups of members. Then repairs begin on individual services in less populated areas. All day today, additional line crews and tree trimming contractors are arriving at SECO to be staged for the restoration effort.

 

Members who need continuous power for medical devices and do not have a back-up source of power must act now. Shelters are open in the SECO area. Contact your county’s emergency operations center (EOC) to find shelter in your area – do not wait.

 

 

 

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO is dedicated to being members’ first source for accurate storm information.

Generator Power Safety and Medical Devices

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO Energy is dedicated to being its members’ first source for electric safety communication and resources during major weather events such as Hurricane Matthew.

 

Members who use generators during service interruptions should only use with safety in mind.  Generators should never be used in an enclosed space – generator engines emit carbon monoxide (CO). If CO is inhaled, it can be fatal to humans and pets, as it is a colorless, odorless, invisible killer.  Do not attempt to use a generator when it is wet, as this poses a risk for electrocution and death.  Always read and follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions contained in the generator operations manual.

 

SECO Encourages Member Safety During Hurricane Matthew

 

For members who may need continuous power to run life-saving machines, please be aware that Hurricane Matthew may be the cause of prolonged outages during and after the storm hits. If you are a SECO member who requires uninterrupted service and you do not have a back-up source of power to operate a medically necessary device, now is the time to act as SECO cannot guarantee continuous service during a severe storm event. Contact the emergency operations center (EOC) in the county where you live and inquire about available shelters in your area. Below is the contact information for the EOCs by county:

 

 

SECO reminds members to never touch downed power lines.  Even if a line is down, it could still be live and lead to electrocution and death.  Do not allow children to play near downed lines or trees downed during storms.  Please report any service interruptions or downed power lines through SECO’s Storm Center or call 800-732-6141.

 

SECO Encourages Member Safety During Hurricane Matthew

 

“Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” the company on Twitter to stay updated about storms affecting the area.

SECO Sponsors Community Action Luncheon

SECO Energy representatives attended the Central Florida Community Action Agency’s (CFCAA) Annual Awards Luncheon. As a Diamond level sponsor, SECO joined community leaders in honoring the CFCAA board members, staff and area residents who dedicate their time to enrich the lives of Alachua, Levy and Marion county residents.

 

City of Ocala Mayor Ken Guinn opened the program with praise for the CFCAA. Guinn stated, “It’s great to know this organization is here to help those in need.”

 

Caroone Rush, CFCAA Board Member and the audience recited, “The Promise of Community Action – Community action changes people’s lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities and makes America a better place to live. We care about the entire community, and we are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other.”

 

The entire audience was inspired by guest speaker Herman Washington’s personal story. Herman was named CFCAA’s “Self-Sufficiency Success Story” for 2016. A former troubled youth, Herman was determined to find the right path for him and his family. He received assistance through the CFCAA to attend barber school and now he is the owner of his own barber shop. Herman thanked the CFCAA, his wife and family, his pastor and his church family for their support.

 

Honorable Senior Judge Sandra E. Champ, keynote speaker spoke about the importance of elevating lives in a striving community. Champ said, “There are times individuals need elevating from homelessness, public housing and poverty to becoming self-sufficient and financially stable. Providing temporary assistance for individuals to become self-sufficient is how CFCAA elevates the community, one household at a time.”

 

CFCAA Chief Executive Officer, Charles J. Harris Jr., presented the Freddie L. Warmack Community Partner of the Year Awards to: Corey Harris, Executive Director – Neighborhood Housing & Development Corporation; Beverly Goodman, Manager – Tri-County Community Resource Center; and Ramona Williams, Customer Service Supervisor – City of Ocala Utility Services.

 

Harris closed the ceremony by thanking Judge Champ and the audience, as well as a final congratulation to all award recipients.

 

To learn more about SECO Energy’s commitment to community, visit www.secoenergy.com. SECO members can partner with SECO to help fellow members in need by rounding up their bill to the nearest dollar through its Pennies from Heaven program. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” SECO on Twitter for cooperative updates and news releases.

SECO Employee Named Sumter County Chamber Volunteer of the Year

SECO Energy is proud to announce that Ryon Meyers, Key Accounts Consultant, has been named Sumter County Chamber Volunteer of the Year.

 

Ryon has dedicated numerous hours to many different projects in support of the Sumter County Chamber. Each month, Ryon has set up tables, chairs, audio and video equipment as well as volunteered for clean up before and after all chamber luncheons. He has attended all quarterly signature events and delivered welcome packages to all new chamber members.

 

“I am so proud of Ryon,” stated Barbara Shaw, SECO’s Manager of Key Accounts & Energy Services. “It warms my heart to have employees on my team willing to dedicate their time to give back to our community. I am so pleased that Ryon’s contributions and hard work are recognized by the Sumter County Chamber.”

SECO Employee Named Sumter County Chamber Volunteer of the Year

Kathryn Gloria, SECO’s Vice President of Corporate Communications & Energy Services agrees, “I am humbled that many of our employees donate their time and talents to help others. As a not-for-profit cooperative, we support the communities we serve and our employees exemplify this through their willingness to lend a hand.”

 

Concern for Community is a key cooperative principle and SECO is proud that its employees take their personal time to volunteer within their communities. Recently, SECO employees have volunteered their time to United Way for the Day of Caring project in Marion County and pledged nearly $45,000 in donations to United Way for 2016.

 

SECO strives to be a good corporate citizen and partner to our members and the communities we serve. Our employees contribute countless hours of their free time in order to make a personal difference in their communities. Many SECO members also aid communities in need by agreeing to round up their monthly electric bills to the nearest dollar. These extra pennies make a difference for local communities’ one penny at a time.

 

Learn more about SECO’s corporate citizenship or its Pennies from Heaven program here.