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Energy Insider – 2nd Quarter 2020

From electric draglines to electric cars, beneficial electrification provides the opportunity to achieve economic and environmental benefits.

 

SECO Insider: SECO Energy Insider 2nd Quarter 2020 - Beneficial Electrification

 

Mining is a big industry in Florida and the need to extract product in the most cost effective manner is essential to remain competitive. With the advent of electricity, mines moved away from human, animal and steam power to fossil fuels and electricity. Every step away from old processes increased production. There is a long history of efficiency and innovation especially in recent years with increased interest in electrification of fossil-fueled processes. This transition away from fossil fuels is referred to as beneficial electrification. In a mining environment, this is applicable to crushing, moving and processing of the mined product.

 

When it comes to beneficial electrification, SECO-served Bedrock Resources of Ocala, Florida, is a great example. Bedrock Resources has converted its rock crushers that process mined material for use in road construction, from gas to electric. They have replaced smaller, fossil-fueled, inefficient draglines used to excavate rock with larger electric ones. Recently, they purchased loaders propelled by electric motors powered by diesel generators on the equipment. The fuel usage has been cut in half and the savings are impressive. Beneficial electrification creates new and exciting opportunities to achieve economic and environmental goals, but it is not limited to just mining. Today, more than ever before, there is increasing interest in many other areas.

 

A recent survey of 1,200 Americans by the Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative indicated that 68% of respondents are willing to transition from fossil fuels to electricity for transportation, cooking, heating and water heating. The study also indicated that respondents believe it is important for their electric utility to invest in electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. Additionally, 31% of respondents have an interest in purchasing an electric vehicle.

 

A recent SECO Energy survey of 90,000 members also indicated the same. The survey was a preliminary first step in SECO Energy’s planning for maximizing the benefit of electric vehicles in our service territory. SECO received nearly 7,000 responses with interesting results:

 

• 5% of members already own an EV.
• 34% indicate interest in purchasing an EV in the future.
• 42% think SECO should promote and support the use of EVs in our service area.

 

Based upon both surveys, residential consumers are looking ahead and planning purchases of electric vehicles rather than continuing to rely solely on fossil fuels. In addition, we are seeing an increased interest in using electrified semi-trucks in the future. Distribution warehouses are already making use of electricity for battery-powered forklifts and electricity for idling processes such as refrigerated trailers that are parked for the evening. School systems are investing in electric/battery-powered buses that offset the need for additional generation during summer peak loads.

 

Beneficial electrification saves consumers money over time, helps the environment, reduces carbon emissions, improves quality of life and enhances a stronger electrical grid. There are many opportunities for residential, commercial and industrial sectors to take advantage of beneficial electrification. Electrifying equipment at the right place and the right time can deliver a savings for all involved. Beneficial electrification also enables better grid management, creates jobs and provides solutions to meet environmental goals. While the greatest opportunity for beneficial electrification is with transportation, heating and water heating; many end uses have potential.

 

As your electric provider, SECO Energy is ready to engage with you if you have an interest in shifting away from fossil fuels to a cleaner source of energy. A good place to start may be with your fleet vehicles. If you haven’t already, learn more about electric vehicles by visiting our website https://secoenergy.com/electric-vehicles/. You will find a wealth of information including a savings calculator and a CO2 emissions comparison of gas versus electric. To promote the use of EVs in our service area, we are giving away a SECO branded 50-amp JuiceBox Pro Level 2 EV fast charger for residential use. We will choose one random winner on the 15th of each month until the promotion ends. Register for a chance to win: https://secoenergy.com/electric-vehicle-charger-giveaway/.

 

 

BARBIE SHAW

Manager of Key Accounts & Energy Services
OFFICE: (352) 569-9787
CELL: (352) 303-3567
barbie.shaw@secoenergy.com

Hank Bolduc, SECO Energy Key Accounts Consultant

HANK BOLDUC

Key Accounts Consultant
OFFICE: (352) 569-9789
CELL: (352) 303-3546
hank.bolduc@secoenergy.com

Ryon Meyers, SECO Energy Key Accounts Consultant

RYON MEYERS

Key Accounts Consultant
OFFICE: (352) 569-9781
CELL: (352) 636-9593
ryon.meyers@secoenergy.com

Jeff Light, SECO Energy Key Accounts Consultant

JEFF LIGHT

Key Accounts Consultant
OFFICE: (352) 569-9790
CELL: (352) 303-3183
jeff.light@secoenergy.com

 

Win an EV JuiceBox Level 2 Fast Charger from SECO Energy

Across the country, Florida is emerging as a leader in electric vehicle (EV) sales. To promote the use of EVs in its service area, SECO is giving away a SECO Energy branded 50-amp JuiceBox Pro EV charger. The cooperative will choose one random winner each month while supplies last. Members still have time to enter the drawing for the June 15 winner.

 

As a not-for-profit electric provider in Central Florida, SECO Energy is excited at the prospects of expanded EV infrastructure for the communities it serves. Earlier this year, SECO surveyed almost 100,000 members to gauge their interest in EVs. This was a preliminary first step in SECO’s planning to maximize the benefit of EVs in its service area.

 

Almost 7,000 members responded to the survey with interesting results. Of the respondents, five percent currently own an EV, while thirty-four percent indicate an interest in purchasing an EV in the future. Forty-two percent of members responded that they have no interest in owning an EV but believe SECO should promote and support the use of EVs in the communities it serves.

 

SECO Energy is developing a plan for the future that includes increased EV usage in the counties it serves. With the interest in EVs increasing, the cooperative plans to partner with builders and developers in new residential communities in Lake, Marion and Sumter Counties to pre-wire homes with Level 2 charging capabilities during the construction phase as this is more cost-effective for the homebuyer and beneficial to SECO to encourage EV use.

 

Another EV-centric SECO project in the works is a Level 2 fast charger residential lease program. Members will have the opportunity to lease a Level 2 fast charger from SECO for a small monthly fee instead of purchasing the charger outright. Watch for more details about the Level 2 fast charger lease program in an upcoming SECO News.

 

In addition to the entry form for the JuiceBox Charger giveaway, members with an interest in an EV will find a new section dedicated to electric vehicles on the cooperative’s website.

 

The new EV section of SECO Energy’s website includes an overview of EV and PHEV models, ownership savings benefits, EV facts and information on how EVs reduce an individual’s carbon footprint. There is a savings calculator to compute the amount of money saved on gasoline by purchasing an EV. Members can input the number of miles they drive in a year and the savings calculator will compute the amount saved by charging an EV versus filling up with gas.

 

The website also provides information about residential EV charging. For efficiency and quick charging, installing a Level 2 fast charger is the way to go. Installing a Level 2 will charge an EV four to six times faster than a Level 1 charger. Also included on the website is an interactive EV charger-finder map to locate chargers anywhere in the country.

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “In early March, the Florida House passed Senate Bill 7018 that paves the way for the Florida Department of Transportation to work with the Florida Public Service Commission, the Office of Energy and others to develop plans to expand Florida’s EV infrastructure. As a state in the top-three in EV sales, Florida is poised to be an example of how electric vehicles can be a fit for our lifestyles. We are excited about the possibilities and the opportunities that new EV infrastructure will bring to Central Florida.”

 

Members who are interested in an EV and Level 2 charging should register to win a SECO Energy branded 50-amp JuiceBox Pro EV Charger. This 9.6 kW charger is UL listed with a 24-foot cable, a 5-year manufacturer warranty, built-in Wi-Fi and is 110-240VAC. One random winner will be drawn each month on the 15th.

 

To enter to win, text “EV” to (352) 320-4500 to receive a direct link to enter. Or visit the EV page on our website or click on the homepage banner. Installation is not included and winner must agree to terms and conditions.

 

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