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Tag: SECO Energy Key Accounts

Energy Insider – 3rd Quarter 2021

Odds are over the last year, you have seen a growing number of electric vehicles (EVs) on the road. EVs have become more than just a fad of the environmentally conscious. It is an evolving technology that is being enjoyed by those looking for a new family vehicle and even sports car enthusiasts.

 

 

Just this month, EV startup Riviana announced it had beaten other industry giants to become the first automaker to produce and sell the first electric pickup. Quite frankly, EV technology is far superior to that of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and has, at a minimum, raised the bar on what consumers are looking for in a new ride.

 

In past publications of the Energy Insider, we have reviewed many of the benefits that this technology provides. We have covered the maintenance savings, convenience of charging at night instead of worrying about a fluctuating, volatile fuel market, the warranty improvements provided by manufacturers, range increases, and tax credits available. In this edition, we shed light on some lesser-known EVs – the medium and heavy-duty market as well as the utility market.

 

All-electric semi-trucks are coming soon. Volvo, Peterbilt, Kenworth, Tesla, Cummins and Freightliner along with other manufacturers promise tractor trailers are becoming a reality. This month, the North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE) is conducting Run on Less – Electric (RoL-E), an electric truck technology demonstration with big names in the trucking industry. The three-week demonstration will showcase electric trucks in everyday operation. Visit runonless.com to learn more.

 

Production has started on medium duty (Class 6-7) trucks with ranges of approximately 230 miles on a full charge and a 26,000 – 33,000-pound gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) as well as heavy duty (Class 8) trucks with ranges of approximately 250 miles and a max gross combined weight (GCW) of 82,000 pounds. These trucks can take 1-8 hours for a full charge depending on the charger and have around 300 HP and 500 HP, respectively. These cutting-edge trucks are ideal for short hauls but a range from 300 – 500 miles is anticipated soon.

 

Utility vehicles are also available as EVs. Warehouses are now utilizing this technology for tow tractors, burden carriers, stock chasers and forklifts. EV technology provides the same benefits as passenger vehicles and minimizes the amount of exhaust and noise of a traditional ICE vehicle. EV technologies offer beneficial additions and contribute to a healthier and cleaner working environment.

 

In short, the EV market is developing rapidly, and all indicators point toward an evolution of converting workforce fleets to electric vehicles. Are there transportation needs you have today or that will be coming soon that make transitioning to EVs from ICEs beneficial? Does such a transition make financial sense to your business or meet an environmental goal? We encourage the discussion with your Key Accounts Consultant to see if the time is near and if electric infrastructure upgrades are required at your facility to support EV needs.

 

From utility vehicles to semi-trucks, EVs are becoming more prevalent than ever. There is a plethora of options available and more on the way. Who knows, the next one we see may be the new addition to your fleet!

 

 

Jeff Light, SECO Energy Key Accounts Consultant

JEFF LIGHT

Manager of Key Accounts & Revenue Programs
OFFICE: (352) 569-9787
CELL: (352) 250-2863
jeff.light@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

SECO Energy Key Accounts Consultant Dustin Merritt

DUSTIN MERRITT

Key Accounts Consultant
OFFICE: (352) 569-9782
CELL: (352) 303-3183
dustin.merritt@secoenergy.com

 

Energy Insider – 4th Quarter 2020

Happy New Year! We do not know about you, but we are glad to see 2020 behind us. To say that it was a crazy year is an understatement. Then again, maybe crazy is not the right word but most would agree it certainly was a year like no other.

 

Bill Payment Options Save Time and Money 4Q Insider 2021

 

COVID-19 prompted behavioral changes all around the world impacting the lives of consumers and businesses alike. At SECO, we instituted a myriad of changes to ensure continued operations with a focus on keeping our workforce healthy and safe. We connected with each other and our members in ways like never before, keeping the lines of communications open to serve you better.

 

It was not just our behavior that changed – member behavior changed as well. Across the country, online shopping and grocery pickup and delivery hit an all-time high. Consumers made a clear choice to limit interactions whether with people or things. More SECO members than ever before took advantage of online bill payment through the establishment of a SmartHub account. SECO’s Automatic Bank Draft Program also became a popular option this past year. The increase in employees working from home prompted more SECO commercial and industrial account holders to take advantage of electric bill payment options including Automated Clearing House (ACH) or electronic payment.

 

Today, the trend continues as members have realized the value and added security of eliminating a paper check. Savings is achieved by eliminating the check itself and associated postage in addition to reducing the amount of time to initiate a paper payment. Online options (electronic payments) are also much more secure than a paper check going through the mail.

 

At SECO, we understand the importance of providing you with several ways to pay your bill. Choosing the best method for your business requires that you have a good understanding of the options available to you. Perhaps you will find the following helpful:

 

ACH Payment: This type of bank-to-bank payment is similar to a wire transfer but ACH payments are typically free (they are with SECO). Most often a wire transfer involves cost to both the sender and receiver. ACHs are initiated online by the payor (member/consumer) to the payee (SECO Energy). Same-day or delayed payment can be arranged. The National Automated Clearing House Association (NACHA) operating rules govern all ACH transactions (facilitating the movement of money) whether by a bank, business, or John Doe consumer. Several banking system software apps are available to initiate an online payment transaction.

 

SmartHub: SECO Energy’s online account platform called SmartHub is a good place to start for convenient self-serve options. You can create a profile and view past bills, usage history, and more. Online bill payment is electronic and is fast and easy. Note, even if you choose to not pay your electric account through SmartHub you can still setup an account and enjoy the benefits this option provides.

 

Automatic Bank Draft: This reoccurring monthly payment option is also available through SmartHub. Setup is easy or if you prefer to contact your Key Account representative, they will be happy to take care of this for you. All we need is your banking information or a cancelled check. Messenger settings are available for advance notification of balance due and draft date.

 

Paying your bill has never been easier. Whether it is an ACH payment, SmartHub electronic payment or reoccurring bank draft, these options will save you time and money. These options also allow SECO Energy to save by eliminating the handling/processing of paper checks and fees associated with the use of credit cards for payment. Every dollar saved helps us keep your costs of power down and that is of prime importance to us. We know, as a business owner, it is important to you as well. If you have questions or need assistance in setting up a new payment option, reach out to your Key Account Representative today. We are happy to help!

 

 

BARBIE SHAW

Manager of Key Accounts & Revenue Programs
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

 

Financial Resources for Commercial Accounts Through CARES Act

SECO Energy’s primary mission is to maintain the health of its workforce to ensure the reliability of its electric system as it plays a critical role in members’ health and wellbeing. During the COVID-19 situation, SECO is offering flexibility to residential members that includes waived late fees and extended payment arrangements. The not-for-profit cooperative understands that businesses need relief as well and the cooperative’s Key Accounts staff is prepared to answer account-specific questions about helping businesses get federal relief.

 

Congress recently passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act which includes assistance for commercial account members. SECO encourages its commercial members to research the resources available through the CARES Act. These resources include capital to cover the cost of retaining employees, utility payments, payroll assistance, grants, loans (including loan forgiveness) along with free counseling during this difficult time.

 

The Small Business Debt Relief Program provides immediate relief to small businesses with non-disaster SBA loans, in particular 7(a), 504 and microloans. Under it, SBA will cover all loan payments on these SBA loans including principal, interest and fees for six months. This relief will also be available to new borrowers who take out loans within six months of the president signing the bill into law.

 

Economic Injury Disaster Loans & Emergency Economic Injury Grants are also available. These grants provide an emergency advance of up to $10,000 to small businesses and private non-profits harmed by COVID-19 within three days of applying for an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). To access the advance, apply for an EIDL first and then request the advance. The advance does not need to be repaid under any circumstance. It may be used to keep employees on payroll, pay for sick leave, meet increased production costs due to supply chain disruptions, or pay business obligations, including debts, rent and mortgage payments.

 

Congress has also provided relief and business protection under the CARES Act for government contractors. Agencies will be able to modify terms and conditions of a contract and to reimburse contractors at a billing rate of up to 40 hours per week of any paid leave, including sick leave. The contractors eligible are those whose employees or subcontractors cannot perform work on site and cannot telework due to federal facilities closing because of COVID-19.

 

The CARES Act also provides a refundable payroll tax credit for 50 percent of wages paid by eligible employers to certain employees during the COVID-19 crisis. The credit is available to employers, including non-profits, whose operations have been fully or partially suspended as a result of a government order limiting commerce, travel or group meetings. The credit is also provided to employers who have experienced a greater than 50 percent reduction in quarterly receipts, measured on a year-over-year basis.

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “During the COVID-19 situation, small businesses are at risk. The CARES Act provides options and resources for commercial account members. Small businesses are the backbone of the economy, and for many are the fulfillment of the American dream. I urge commercial account members to take advantage of the assistance from CARES.”

 

Commercial members can reach out to their local Small Business Development Center, Women’s Business Center, SCORE chapter or SBA district office. Commercial account members with account specific questions can reach out to one of our Key Accounts staff.

 

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

SECO Energy Welcomes South Sumter Middle School Eighth Graders

Local eighth grade students from South Sumter Middle School traveled to SECO Energy Monday and Tuesday for a field trip at the not-for-profit cooperative to learn about the basics of power related to nuclear, hydro, biomass, wind and solar. Students visited a variety of stations for hands-on practice and experience. The eighth-grade science students are learning about solar power and other energy sources in their classes.

 

SECO Energy’s Manager of Key Accounts and Energy Services Barbie Shaw opened the field trip by stating, “Today is a great day at SECO Energy. We’re excited to host over 100 eighth graders from South Sumter Middle School to provide an overview of solar power generation and electricity in general. SECO feels educating local students is a commitment to our communities and an investment in our future leaders.”

 

Key Accounts Consultant Jeff Light provided the audience with an overview of energy basics. Light demonstrated how energy is generated by fossil fuels, nuclear, hydropower, wind, biomass and geothermal means. Energy Services Supervisor Dustin Merritt delved into the basics of solar generation. Merritt presented students with solar definitions, how solar power is generated and how generated solar power is converted into usable energy. Students learned about the materials used to manufacture solar panels, how humidity and cloud cover affect solar production and the pros and cons of solar installation.

 

After the overview, students visited five stations to expand their industry knowledge. At station one, students engaged with Energy Services and Engineering employees to see SECO Energy’s Solar Square in action as it produced usable electricity. SECO metering technicians were positioned at station two to educate students about different types of meters, meter testing and a short explanation about net metering for solar generation. Station three included kits for students to assemble hand-held solar panels that produce energy to power small fans. The Solar Pathfinder was available at station four for a hands-on demonstration showing the students how the path of the sun and shading from trees and buildings can reduce solar production. Finally, at station five SECO Energy Human Resources personnel showcased the varied high-tech careers available in today’s energy industry. This station also showcased the safety equipment that SECO field personnel use to protect themselves on the job.

 

Eighth grade science teacher from South Sumter Middle School Shelly Paulinyce is excited for students’ real-world solar power experience. Paulinyce stated, “Eighth grade science students are learning about solar power in the classroom. Visiting SECO Energy is not only a review of the classroom lesson, it offers students the opportunity to expand their thought process to connect to the real world. Today’s field trip is a great preview for a future lesson. Students will soon be building and racing solar-powered cars in the classroom. The lesson that demonstrated the hand-held solar panel and fan will help them understand the process for their future activity.”

 

SECO Energy’s solar centric eighth grade curriculum field trip continues on September 30 and October 1 drew more than 200 eighth grade science students from South Sumter Middle School. All students who attended the field trip received a SECO gift bag and the chance to win door prizes. In November, students from Wildwood Middle School’s eighth grade science classes will also attend the SECO event.

 

School administrators who are interested in adding real-world experience to their students’ eighth grade science curriculum are encouraged to contact SECO Energy about available field trip dates and times. SECO also visits local elementary schools with presentations about energy and electrical safety geared toward younger students. Requests for those presentations can be made through the same email address.

 

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