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SECO Energy Tracking Tropical Storm Eta

SECO Energy is tracking Tropical Storm Eta and the possibility of a late-season tropical storm event for Central Florida. While Tropical Storm Eta’s eventual track and possible Florida landfall remain uncertain, SECO is prepared for the weather effects this storm could bring to its service area.

 

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) forecasts that Tropical Storm Eta will bring rain and winds to Central Florida next week. Eta weakened while over Central America. Forecasts predict the storm will take a northeastern turn and may gain strength. The probable track shows Tropical Storm Eta traveling across Cuba on its way toward Florida.

 

SECO members should prepare for the possibility of rain and winds early next week. SECO’s service area could begin to feel the effects of Tropical Storm Eta on Monday. Above normal rains in October have left some areas saturated. Additional rain from Tropical Storm Eta could cause outages from trees falling into power lines.

 

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began in mid-March, SECO Energy has taken the necessary precautions to ensure the health and wellbeing of its employees and contractors. SECO’s line crews and contractors are the key to preserving service reliability for the cooperative’s 200,000+ homes and businesses within its service territory. The COVID-19 protections instituted for SECO employees and contractors may slow restoration effort.

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “At times, Mother Nature likes to remind us that hurricane season lasts through the end of November. A late-season storm such as Tropical Storm Eta is a good reminder to stay vigilant during the entire hurricane season. Make sure your hurricane supplies are well stocked and up to date. We are watching Tropical Storm Eta closely, and SECO crews and contractors will be prepared to restore outages if needed in our area.”

 

Duncan also reminded members that SECO Energy’s StormCenter outage reporting and communications platform offers outage alerts. He advises, “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 or 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 service is restored, and we will include 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. On StormCenter, members can view the outage map, enroll or manage notifications, check the status of an existing outage, report an area light issue 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 “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter.

Sunshine State Stats August 2020

August in Central Florida was hot! The average high temperature was a melting 92 degrees while the average low was a warm 76 degrees. The average temperature for the month was 84. The highest recorded temperature was 96 degrees and the lowest recorded temperature was 73 degrees.

 

August 2020 Sunshine State Stats temperature breakdown

 

August was hot and drier than average. The average rainfall amount in August in Central Florida is 6.2 inches. In August 2020, rainfall was substantially lower than average at only 5.76 inches. Rainfall in August 2019 was much higher than average at 8.42 inches.

 

Hurricane activity and Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) has been higher this year per the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Tropical Storm Josephine, Tropical Storm Kyle, Hurricane Laura, Hurricane Marco, Tropical Storm Omar and Hurricane Nana all formed in August 2020.

 

Is your hurricane supplies kit ready for the possibility of a tropical storm or hurricane? We recommend having a three-day supply of non-perishable food and water per person, along with a seven-day supply of medications. Other essentials include a weather radio, cash, flashlights, batteries, can opener, and a first-aid kit. You will find a list of hurricane essentials on our Storm Preparation page.

 

September forecast:

 

September is the peak of Atlantic hurricane season. Read our special Hurricane Handbook edition of SECO News to prepare before, during and after a storm. September weather is similar to August. Temperatures normally average 83.8 degrees with precipitation just over 6 inches.

 

To check historical usage, log into SmartHub to view past bills and consumption charts. If your usage is high, SECO offers several energy-efficiency tools to help you identify energy wasters. Take the Home Energy Assessment to receive a detailed email tailored to your home’s features and lifestyle. The energy-saving advice will provide low-cost ways to decrease your usage – and your electric bill.

 

To easily calculate how much energy your appliances, lighting, electronic devices, and other energy-using items in your home consume, use the Energy Estimator.

 

*source: www.nhc.noaa.gov

SECO News, September 2020

 

Duncan’s Digest – Peak of Hurricane Season

 

The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season has been especially active. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the possibility of a hurricane forming is highest during September.

 

May 2018 SECO News Duncan's Digest

 

Hurricanes are massive tropical cyclones. Typically, hurricanes reach a width of 300 miles or more. The distinctive center eye is a calm space, while the eyewall outside of the eye holds the densest clouds and the storm’s highest winds. A storm’s outer rainbands are heavy thunderstorms that bring rain, lightning and tornadoes. These bands can extend out as much as 300 miles from the storm’s center eye. Hurricane-force winds – 74 mph and higher – can extend to 150 miles outward from the eye. Tropical-storm force winds – 39 mph to 73 mph – can reach out as far as 300 miles.

 

The right side of the storm is the most dangerous. A storm’s side is relative to its path. A westward-moving storm’s right side is north. Cyclone storms spin counterclockwise in the northern hemisphere and move forward as well. On a storm’s right side, the winds are moving in the same direction as its forward motion. These two velocities create higher wind speeds; thus, the likelihood of storm surges, stronger winds and tornadoes is higher on the storm’s right side than the left.

 

Living in Florida, the threat of hurricanes is a yearly reality. Unfortunately, these storms can cause extended power outages even for a system like SECO’s that is well constructed and rigorously inspected and maintained.

 

I urge you to prepare for the worst. This month’s edition of SECO News focuses on preparing for a storm, what to do during and after a storm and interesting facts and information found in our Hurricane Handbook – available online and as a brochure from one of our Member Service Centers. Review our “people and pets” supply list, enroll in outage notifications and alerts through StormCenter, sign up for the Florida Special Needs Registry, research generator safety tips and more.

 

SECO Energy is StormReady and prepared for the possibility of tropical storms and hurricanes that may come our way. COVID-19 may complicate an emergency restoration response this year, so patience and cooperation will play an even more important role than in the past. I assure you that we will perform at our very best within the bounds of health and safety for both members and employees.

 

Sincerely,

 

Jim Duncan

Chief Executive Officer

 

*source: www.weather.gov and www.noaa.gov

 


 

September SECO News Hurricane Stats

 

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.

 


 

Hurricane Handbook

 

Restoration Priority – Who’s First?

 

SECO Energy provides world-class reliability to 200,000+ homes and businesses. Unexpected 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 supplying 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.

 

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 to prevent damage during the storm. SECO Energy does not employ this practice.

 


 

SECO News September 2019 Before a Storm

 

Florida’s Special Needs Registry:

 

Do you have a family member who lives in your home who has special needs? 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 alert information 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 priority after a storm with widespread damage. These members should prepare before storm season for 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 Notifications:

 

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:

 

Click the StormCenter menu on our website. 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

 

September 2019 SECO News Supply Stock Up - Seven Days

 

Pro Tips:

 

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.

 


 

SECO News September 2019 During a Storm

 

Hunker Down – Stay Informed

 

During a storm, remain indoors and prepare to wait out the weather safely. Stay informed with a battery-powered weather radio. Be ready to relocate 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.

 

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 associated with severe thunderstorms. Tornadoes are likely during a hurricane.

 

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 wires and damaged buildings. Treat downed lines as if they are energized.

 


 

SECO News September 2019 Electric System 101

 

Electric System 101

 

High Voltage Transmission Lines: These supply power to our 48 substations that serve 210,000+ 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 cannot restore power to 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 provide 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.

 


 

SECO News September 2019 Generator Safety

 

Generator Safety

 

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.

 


 

September SECO News Hurricane Supplies Word Search

Hurricane Supplies Word Search

 

Need help deciding what to include in your hurricane supply kit? Complete our hurricane supplies word search to get started. You can find a list of hurricane essentials on our Storm Preparation page.

 

Hurricane Supplies Word Search September SECO News

 


 

SECO News September 2019 After a Storm

 

Return 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 a storm has passed, ensure that you and your home are safe while power is being restored. Do not make debris 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.

 

SECO News September 2019 Move Over It's the Law

 

Move Over It’s The Law

 

• 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.

 

#MoveOverFlorida

 


 

September SECO News Safety Corner

 

Safety Corner

 

Hurricanes, tropical storms and tornadoes bring high winds that can knock down power poles and bring power lines crashing to the ground. Wires and poles on the ground create a hazardous situation. Always assume lines on the ground are live and that you or a loved one can be injured or killed.

 

NEVER touch a downed pole or line. If poles or lines are down in your area, please stay away. Keep children and grandchildren safely inside where they cannot play near the downed poles or wires. Warn your neighbors of the danger.

 

If you see power poles or lines on the ground, call SECO Energy or 911 to report.

 

Read the full September 2020 SECO News online.

Sunshine State Stats June 2020

Nine days of rain in the first 13 days of June contributed to a total of 6.12 inches of rain during the month. The average low temperature was 72.1 and the average high temperature was 91.3 degrees. Even though the average temperature in June was 82 degrees which was the same average temp in June 2019, 6 out of the last 10 days of the month recorded highs of 96 degrees or greater. June 2019 only recorded one day that reached 96 degrees during the entire month.

 

Sunshine State Stats blog temperatures June 2020

 

Did you know that June is the month with the longest daylight hours of the year in the Northern Hemisphere? It also holds the longest day of the year – the summer solstice.

 

Although hurricane season officially began June 1st, the tropics were active beginning in mid-May with the formation of three named storms. Arthur, formed on May 14th, Bertha on May 25th, and Cristobal on May 31st. Temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico near Naples Florida were recorded at 90 degrees per NOAA.gov. Warmer water temperatures typically equate to a higher likelihood of hurricanes and thunderstorms. Per Wikipedia, Florida has never had a major hurricane in the month of June. With that said, SECO Energy urges you to take this time to prepare your home and family.

 

July 2020 forecast:

 

Lots of heat is on the horizon for the month of July. The average temperature forecast for July is 83.6 degrees with highs that reach to the mid-90s on a regular basis and lows in the 70s. Precipitation averages 5.67 inches in July. Due to the hot July temperatures you can expect the air conditioner to run longer than it has in the previous months. Remember to check your filters monthly!

 

To view historical usage, log into SmartHub for past bills and consumption charts. If your usage is high, SECO offers several energy-efficiency tools to help you identify energy wasters. Take the Home Energy Assessment to receive a detailed email tailored to your home’s features and lifestyle. The energy-saving advice will provide low-cost ways to decrease your usage – and your electric bill.

 

To easily calculate how much energy your appliances, lighting, electronic devices, and other energy-using items consume, check out our Energy Estimator.

SECO News, June 2019

DUNCAN’S DIGEST

 

Atlantic hurricane season makes its formal appearance on June 1 and ends November 30. In early May, however, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) was already tracking its first tropical disturbance in the Atlantic. NHC, a part of NOAA, at the time this publication went to print, had not released its official forecast.

May 2018 SECO News Duncan's Digest

The Weather Channel 2019 outlook calls for a total of 14 named Atlantic storms, seven hurricanes and three “major” hurricanes. That forecast is slightly above the 30-year average of 12 named storms, six hurricanes and three major hurricanes. A major hurricane is a Category 3 or stronger which means winds greater than 111 mph.

 

Unfortunately, no forecast can accurately predict the future. The lifesaving approach is to expect the unexpected and prepare in advance for the possibility of a power outage. Gather your hurricane supplies now. Water and plywood sell out when storms threaten. It’s essential to stock non-perishable food to sustain each family member for at least three days. If you need guidance, view SECO’s Emergency Preparation Checklist online.

 

Whether you plan to evacuate or stay put during a major event, enroll in outage notifications through StormCenter. Choose email, voice or text message – or all three. Take a tour of the outage map. Search for and bookmark your address. Create a SECO Energy StormCenter icon on the home screen of your smartphone or tablet.

 

We’ve added a new StormCenter feature. You can now check the status of a reported power outage. Visit StormCenter, click on “Check Status.” Input your last name and house number, account number or phone number on record.

 

StormCenter provides updates that include the time the outage began, estimated restoration time, crew status, cause if identified and when the outage was restored.

 

SECO has developed one of the nation’s most comprehensive Emergency Restoration Plans to respond to major storm damage. Restoring service to the largest number of members in the quickest amount of time is our goal, but with required priorities for shelters, schools, hospitals and government buildings.

 

If you or a family member have special needs, visit www.FloridaDisaster.org to locate your county and join the statewide Special Needs Registry. Other valuable resources for emergency planning are the National Weather Service and the American Red Cross.

 

Don’t be caught unprepared for the 2019 Atlantic hurricane season. SECO Energy is StormReady and equipped to respond quickly to outages affecting members. We are here for you. It is our privilege to serve your family’s energy needs.

 

Sincerely,

 

Jim Duncan

Chief Executive Officer

 

SECO CHAMPIONS JERRY BOLDUC JUNE 2019

Meet SECO Champion Jerry Bolduc – an example of our 400+ SECO Champion employees. Jerry is dedicated to providing exceptional service to members, co-workers and communities.

 

JERRY BOLDUC – LEAD PROJECT ENGINEER

 

LENGTH OF SERVICE – 14 YEARS

 

“SECO is amazing.”

 

 

SECO Champion Jerry Bolduc is a Lead Project Engineer at our SECO Headquarters. Before working at SECO, Jerry was employed by a large investor-owned utility. As a SECO member and an employee, he appreciates the cooperative difference in service that SECO offers members. During the three back-to-back hurricanes in 2004, Jerry assessed damaged areas and directed contract crews across the service territory. He was amazed by SECO’s storm response and the efficiency and organization shown during major restoration efforts. Originally from Canada, Jerry moved to Central Florida 20 years ago. He has participated in Ironman Triathlon Events including Escape from Alcatraz where he swam with sharks in San Francisco Bay. Jerry enjoys working in the field in sunny Florida (no snow) and is proud to be a SECO member, too.

SECO News HVAC Tune-Up and Filter Change June 2019

HVAC TUNE-UP AND FILTER CHANGE

 

Summer heat is quickly approaching. Weather.com predicts June through August temperatures will be above average in our area. Before your HVAC system begins its summer workout, schedule a tune-up with a reputable HVAC technician.

 

The technician should thoroughly inspect your HVAC to ensure it’s in good running condition. The system may need to be cleaned or serviced. Preventative maintenance is easier on the wallet than major repairs down the road. A well-tuned HVAC runs more efficiently, uses less energy and saves on cooling and heating costs.

 

Is it time to change your HVAC filter? A clean HVAC filter also helps your system run efficiently. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and change filters as recommended.

Power Line Safety June 2019 SECO News

POWER LINE SAFETY

 

Downed power lines are a safety hazard. Car accidents involving power poles, trees taking down a line or poles broken by heavy wind or rain have the potential to bring us too close to electric lines.

 

Electric energy can burn, shock, injure or kill you. Never assume a power line is safe to touch. Always assume a power line is live and has the ability to harm you. Children are especially curious and may knowingly or unknowingly approach a downed line. Talk with your kids and grandkids about the dangers of downed power lines.

 

Warn children to never play near or on substation fencing. Do not climb trees near power lines or allow kites, toy planes or balloons to touch power lines. Don’t release helium balloons at a birthday party or other celebration. These can tangle in lines or become deadly for Florida wildlife.

 

If you see a downed line, stay away and warn others away as well. Call 911 immediately to report the downed line.

SECO News June 2019 Relay For Life 6th Annual Golf Tournament

RELAY FOR LIFE – 6TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

 

Thank you to all players, sponsors and employees who participated in SECO Energy’s 6th Annual Relay For Life Golf Tournament “Tee-Up for a Cure” at Arlington Ridge Golf Club in Leesburg on Saturday, May 4th. Players enjoyed 18-holes of golf, chance to win door prizes and fellowship.

 

The Relay For Life Golf Tournament sponsored by SECO raised $16,600 for the American Cancer Society.

 

SECO and its employees are long-time supporters of the American Cancer Society and its premier annual Relay For Life events. Join SECO and its Commitment to Community by partnering with your not-for-profit cooperative on a virtual SECO Relay For Life team.

 

Join a SECO Energy team by visiting Relay.ACSevents.org and look for “Find a Participant or Team” and choose “Team.” Enter team name: “SECO Energy” and click “Search.” Choose a local Relay event and virtually join Team SECO and the American Cancer Society in the fight against cancer.

 

Read the full June 2019 SECO News online.