SECO Energy Surge MitiGator

SECO News October 2024

DEAR MEMBERS,

SECO Energy is locally owned and operated for the sole benefit of our members, which means our priorities align with your needs. We focus on providing reliable, affordable electric service that benefits the entire community. To enhance the reliability of our services and address the growing needs of the communities we serve, SECO Energy has recently made several significant investments in our existing infrastructure:

Timberwood Substation (Marion County):

We’ve installed a new power transformer and added three additional distribution circuits, increasing capacity to 75 megawatts — doubling its previous capacity. This upgrade also includes an automatic transfer scheme that connects to another distribution feeder. During a power outage, crews can transfer load between feeders for faster and safer restoration.

Clermont Substation (Lake County):

Ranking among SECO Energy’s top five substations for load and member count, we’ve added two new power transformers, boosting capacity to 112 megawatts – an increase of nearly 50%.

Webster Substation (Sumter County):

To improve reliability, we’ve replaced an older fuse system with a more advanced transmission fuse breaker and upgraded three single-phase power transformers to three-phase power transformers.

Sumterville Substation (Sumter County):

We’re expanding this substation and tripling the capacity from 37 to 112 megawatts by building a second side, replacing one power transformer, and installing two new power transformers. Construction is scheduled for completion by the end of 2024.

On tap for 2025 is a brand-new substation in Lake County. The Dilly Lake substation near Howey-in-the-Hills and Minneola is undergoing a major rebuild. The capacity of the substation is almost quadrupling from 28 to 112 megawatts. We’re increasing the distribution circuits from two to eight and adding two new power transformers.

These upgrades support new and existing homes and businesses and ensure reliable power during peak demand as Central Florida grows. We understand that reliability, value, and trust are what SECO Energy members expect. That’s why we’ve made these proactive improvements to address today’s needs and support future growth.

Sincerely,

CURTIS WYNN

Chief Executive Officer

October is National Co-op Month, and SECO Energy is proud to join REI, Land O’ Lakes, Ocean Spray, Florida’s Natural Growers, Inc., and other cooperatives across the United States in celebrating co-ops’ impact on their communities. Co-ops come in various shapes and sizes, but no matter how big or how small, they all share a common goal: to provide exceptional goods or services to their members.

Founded in 1938 as Sumter Electric Cooperative, Inc., SECO Energy has evolved from a small rural utility into a leading not-for-profit Touchstone Energy Cooperative serving Central Florida. SECO powers over 245,000 homes and businesses across seven counties today, providing reliable, safe, and affordable electric service to over half a million consumers. This remarkable growth has made SECO Energy the seventh-largest in the nation among over 900 electric cooperatives.

Power surges can wreck havoc on your appliances and electronics. SECO Energy’s Surge MitiGator™ program can help safeguard your home. From October 1 to November 12, SECO Energy is running a promotion for FREE installation when you enroll in this essential protection plan. The Surge MitiGator™ program is the first step in defending your large appliances by reducing surges at the meter before they can enter your home. Don’t wait for disaster – invest in peace of mind today.

To learn more about SECO Energy’s Surge MitiGator™ program click here.

CALLING ALL HIGH SCHOOL JUNIORS! Apply now to win a sponsorship for the 2025 Tallahassee Youth Tour.

ELIGIBILITY: Any high school junior living in a home that receives electric service from SECO Energy. Up to ten students will be selected to attend the Tallahassee Youth Tour – one from each of our nine Districts and one at large.

TALLAHASSEE YOUTH TOUR DATES: February 12 – 13, 2025

APPLICATION DEADLINE: December 13, 2024

TALLAHASSEE YOUTH TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

Visit the State Capitol
Venture the Florida Supreme Court
Tour the Governor’s Mansion
Explore museums
Develop leadership skills
Learn about the Cooperative Business Model

WASHINGTON YOUTH TOUR COMPETITION:

After the Tallahassee Youth Tour, each of the ten participants will have a second opportunity to compete for one of two spots to attend a once-in-a-lifetime, sponsored trip to tour our Nation’s Capital as SECO Energy’s 2025 Washington Youth Tour delegates.

In June 2025, the two selected students will join more than 1,800 students from across the country to learn about our great nation, develop leadership skills, better understand electric cooperatives, and make lasting friendships.

Students selected for the SECO Energy Youth Tour will be notified in early January 2025. The two Washington D.C. Youth Tour representatives will be announced during the SECO Energy Youth Tour banquet in April 2025.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE TODAY!

At SECO Energy, you’re not just connected to an electric provider. You’re a valued member of a Touchstone Energy Cooperative guided by seven cooperative principles that put your needs first:

1. Voluntary and Open Membership:

Membership is open to all individuals who purchase electric service from SECO Energy.

2. Democratic Member Control:

Your vote matters. Members elect fellow members like me to SECO’s Board of Trustees to ensure cooperative decisions reflect your interests.

3. Members’ Economic Participation:

Members contribute by paying their monthly utility bill. At the end of the year, profits are then distributed to members, not investors.

4. Autonomy and Independence:

SECO is controlled by a nine-member Board of Trustees that is focused on the needs of our members and communities.

5. Education, Training, and Information:

SECO provides the tools and knowledge to help you understand your energy use and make informed decisions.

6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives:

SECO collaborates with other cooperatives, enhancing service reliability and sharing resources in times of need.

7. Concern for Community:

SECO is committed to improving the communities we serve, from supporting local schools to investing in renewable energy.

These principles aren’t just words; they’re the foundation of how SECO Energy operates, ensuring that we serve you, our members, with fairness, transparency, and care.

Read the full October SECO News.

SECO News October 2023

Dear Members,

SECO Energy and Central Florida were fortunate to escape most of the destruction from Hurricane Idalia. Our system fared extremely well – only 10,400 members were without power during the 24-hour period when Idalia reached closest to us. All outages were restored safely and quickly by dedicated line technicians. The SECO team executed their respective duties admirably and was prepared to confront more severe conditions that, fortunately, did not evolve.

SECO is a not-for-profit electric cooperative that is member-owned and operated for the benefit of all members we serve. We are also very thankful for the over 500 crews – including line and tree contractors – who answered our distress call and traveled to our location to assist with Hurricane Idalia restoration. SECO is StormReady and prepared for the worst, which thankfully did not happen.

While SECO Energy members were relatively unscathed, our neighbors in Northern Florida, which received a direct hit from Hurricane Idalia, fared far worse.

Hurricane Idalia made landfall in the Big Bend area on Wednesday, August 30. Some of the most affected were members served by Tri-County Electric Cooperative in Jefferson, Madison and Taylor Counties. Tri-County serves almost 25,000 members – 100% of which were without electric service from Hurricane Idalia. On Friday, September 1, a contingent of SECO line technicians, a mechanic, a superintendent and a supervisor traveled to Tri-County to assist in restoring power.

Suwannee Valley Electric Cooperative (SVEC) serves more than 28,000 members in Columbia, Hamilton, Lafayette and Suwannee Counties and also needed help. SECO released seven Pike contractor crews to SVEC to join their restoration effort. Both Tri-County and SVEC sustained extensive damage to their electric systems. While their members experienced days without electricity, our SECO crews received many gestures of thankfulness and appreciation.

These opportunities to offer mutual aid and support to each other are vital to the electric cooperative industry. They also underscore two primary tenets of the Seven Cooperative Principles to which we adhere: Cooperation Among Cooperatives and Concern for Community. SECO Energy will continue to embrace these standards and is grateful for the assistance we received.

Hurricane season runs through November 30; at the time of this column printing, we are monitoring three tropical disturbances. Preparing your homes and families for a tropical storm or hurricane is still vital. Read our Hurricane Handbook at SECOEnergy.com > Safety > Hurricane Handbook for more information about what to do before, during and after a storm.

Best regards,

Curtis Wynn
Chief Executive Officer

THERE IS AN UPDATE TO FLORIDA’S MOVE OVER LAW THAT TAKES EFFECT IN JANUARY 2024. HB 425, known as “Florida’s Move Over Law,” passed the House on April 26, 2023, and passed the Senate on May 4. It was signed into law by Governor DeSantis on June 5.

The new changes will expand the Move Over law by adding a disabled motor vehicle to those currently protected. A disabled vehicle will be treated the same as emergency vehicles if stopped, displaying warning lights, hazard lights, emergency flares, or posting emergency signage, or if it is stopped with one or more persons visibly present.

The Move Over law is intended to protect vehicles and nearby operators and workers from passing traffic. Currently, the law spells out responsibilities for drivers on an interstate highway or other highway with two or more lanes. Drivers are to vacate the lane closest to emergency or sanitation vehicles, utility service trucks, wreckers, and road and bridge maintenance or construction vehicles when traveling in the direction of these vehicles.

If moving over cannot be safely accomplished, the driver must reduce their speed to 20 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit (when the posted speed limit is 25 miles per hour or greater), or travel at 5 miles per hour when the posted speed limit is 20 miles per hour or less.

Drivers who do not slow down and move over could receive a noncriminal moving violation and be hit with a hefty monetary fine.

Phantom load, also known as standby or vampire power, refers to electricity consumed by electronic devices when turned off or in standby mode. Many modern devices, such as televisions, computers, chargers, and more, draw tiny amounts of energy when plugged in. These devices consume a small amount of power, which adds up over time. Phantom load contributes to higher energy use, which increases monthly bills.

Combining awareness, habit changes, and energy-efficient technologies reduces phantom load. Effective strategies include:

UNPLUG DEVICES: The simplest solution is unplugging electronics when they are not in use. This eliminates phantom load from these devices.

SMART POWER STRIPS: Plug electronics into innovative power strips that detect when devices are in standby mode or not being actively used. Smart power strips will automatically de-energize power to those devices. Convenient and reduces energy.

ENERGY-EFFICIENT DEVICES: Choose electronics and appliances with energy-saving features. Look for ENERGY STAR-certified products designed to consume less energy in standby mode.

TIMERS AND AUTOMATION: Use timers or smart home automation systems to schedule when devices should be powered on and off.

MANUAL POWER MANAGEMENT: Make it a habit to power down devices when not in use. Shut down computers, turn off lights and unplug chargers when not needed.

EDUCATION AND AWARENESS: Raising awareness among family members about phantom load and its impact can lead to using less energy at home.

Put these strategies into practice to significantly reduce electricity from phantom loads. Do you need additional energy-saving advice? SECO Energy has two online energy-saving tools to help you reduce energy and save money on your bill. Our Home Energy Assessment is a complete online energy audit tailored to your home and lifestyle. The Energy Estimator shows the math associated with your energy usage. Find both energy-saving tools at SECOEnergy.com > Energy Solutions.

Starting October 1, we’re offering free installation for all new Surge MitiGator enrollments through November 30. That’s a $25 savings for you and added protection for the electronics in your home.

SECO’s meter-based surge arrester is made in the USA. It has proven reliable for over 25 years by reducing or eliminating surges BEFORE they enter your home through the meter. More than 55,000 members already trust SECO’s Surge MitiGator.

The Surge MitiGator has a 15-year warranty and is designed to protect your home’s large-motor appliances. Household appliances and sensitive electronics such as televisions and computers can be damaged or destroyed by power surges. These also require in-home point-of-use devices that can be purchased at hardware or big-box retailers for adequate coverage.

Start at the meter base with the Surge MitiGator for the best protection. You can lease the MitiGator for only $5.95 plus tax per month with free installation – a $25 savings. The purchase price ranges from $349 to $399 plus tax, and installation is free. Visit SECOEnergy.com > Surge MitiGator and complete the contact form to learn more or enroll during this free installation promotion.

Read the full October 2023 SECO News.

SECO News October 2022

Dear Members,

I am honored to serve as your Board President. As our CEO Curtis Wynn has highlighted in previous articles, we remain committed to maintaining our electric grid and keeping up with the growth we are experiencing system-wide. I want to highlight some of those specific activities.

Members who live in Sumter County know the growth in our area has been incredible over the last decade. Last year, SECO energized 1,443 new services in Sumter County – representing 25 percent of SECO’s total new service count. This year between January and August, we have already energized 2,257 new meters in Sumter County, bringing the total service count in the county to 82,173.

You can’t help but notice the construction all over Sumter County, and SECO Energy has many projects in various design and construction stages. SECO is actively focused on improving the reliability of its existing infrastructure in Sumter County and building new facilities to meet increasing demand.

Currently in the Belmont area, new commercial development is happening around County Road 466A to include new restaurants, retail space and a hotel. In Belmont Phase 3, SECO recently energized electric infrastructure for 57 residential lots. A 100,000-square-foot self-storage facility is currently in the engineering design stage.

New single-family residences are proposed at the Keys at Wildwood Phase II and the Villas at Wildwood. The Wildwood Cottages subdivision is also in development near County Roads 134 and 426. These 70 new units have no age restrictions. The community will include a clubhouse, pool, dog park and community garden.

A new nursing center is planned for Trailwinds Villages. SECO’s Engineering team has completed the electric design for an assisted-living facility of 160 units at Lumin Park in Lady Lake. Another new senior assisted-living facility in Wildwood on County Road 472 will have 132 units and is in the electrical design stage.

Sumter County is also welcoming new commercial growth. An adhesive plant is in construction on 82nd Avenue west of County Road 127. In the same area, SECO has completed the electric design of a 170,000-square-foot building. A 7,000-square-foot retail building is being designed in the Fenney Professional Plaza. Near the corner of Buena Vista and Parr, a proposed 2,300-square-foot facility for a new Sprouts grocery store is in the works.

This long list helps emphasize our area’s robust residential development and commercial growth. Keeping pace with the growth while continuing to maintain our existing infrastructure to serve our current members is a high priority for every SECO Energy employee. Visit SECOEnergy.com > Newsroom > System Improvement Map to see reliability and expansion projects across our entire service territory.

Unfortunately, we continue to battle supply chain and labor shortages as a not-for-profit cooperative trying to keep pace with unprecedented growth. Our members continue to feel the crunch in their electric bills as the price of natural gas – the primary fuel used to generate electricity – increased 52% in July compared with June per the Energy Information Administration depicted in the graph to the right. The Power Cost Adjustment (PCA) component on your bill reflects these ongoing increases.

Members who need financial help should visit SECOEnergy.com > Contact and click on the Find Bill Payment Help map to locate a social service agency in their area. These agencies receive funding from SECO Energy’s Pennies from Heaven program for the specific purpose of helping members who have difficulty paying their electric bill. Florida 211 is also a resource for residents who need resources related to food, addiction, housing and healthcare. Call 211 or visit 211.org today.

Sincerely,

Gerald Anderson

Board Trustee President

Surge MitiGator – Win a Generator Reminder!

Enroll in SECO Energy’s Surge MitiGator program by November 15 for a chance to win one of three portable generators! Members in a current lease or prior purchase are already eligible to win.

Chomp down on voltage spikes and surges with SECO Energy surge protection. The meter-based surge arrester blocks damaging surges and voltage spikes that come in through the electric line before they damage appliances and cause financial loss. Surges are caused by lightning, vehicle accidents, small animals, fallen trees and more.

You can lease the protection for only $5.95 plus tax per month with a $25 installation fee. Purchase prices range from $349 to $399, and installation is always free. The product carries a 15-year warranty.

Enroll in the Surge MitiGator program (lease or purchase) for a chance to win one of three portable generators. To enroll, visit SECOEnergy.com > Energy Solutions > Surge MitiGator and submit the web form.

The arrester at the meter is the first step in protection. You should invest in point-of-use surge devices to protect electronics and appliances. Purchase at local big box or hardware store.

Scare Away Phantom Load

Did you know that many everyday electronics consume electricity when plugged into an outlet? Electronics such as TVs, DVD players, computer equipment, gaming or audio systems, cable boxes and device chargers are the most common culprits. This phenomenon is called phantom load, and it leads to increased energy bills.

Phantom load may be responsible for 10 to 20 percent of residential electricity use in the United States alone. Studies report that homes may have 20 to 40 sources of phantom load.

How do you scare away phantom load? The Department of Energy’s (DOE) website at energy.gov recommends using power strips instead of plugging items directly into outlets. Power strips enable multiple devices to be plugged in at one time and can be turned “on” or “off.” Smart plugs are also available for devices such as cell phones that stop using electricity when the battery is charged.

Scare away phantom load by identifying and eliminating energy wasters in your home. TVs and DVD players in a guest room? Multiple chargers plugged directly into outlets and not being used? A computer, printer or gaming system plugged in and not in use?

SECO offers a variety of ways to search out energy wasters in disguise. Find the Energy Estimator and the Home Energy Assessment at SECOEnergy.com to receive energy-efficiency advice tailored to your home.

SECO Energy Employees Donate to Relay For Life

For decades, SECO Energy employees have donated to and participated in The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life which is the largest peer-to-peer fundraising event dedicated to saving lives affected by cancer.

SECO Energy is proud to announce that its employees collectively donated $4,640 to Relay For Life teams in SECO’s service area. SECO Energy has committed to matching employees’ donations from our Pennies from Heaven fund. The total contribution totaled $9,280 for the American Cancer Society.

Want to join SECO Energy’s charitable endeavors? Enroll in our Pennies from Heaven program that is transitioning to the SECO Energy Foundation. Your bill will be rounded up to the nearest dollar each month. These donations assist your fellow members with bill payment assistance and other local worthy causes. Read more on page 4 about SECO Energy Foundation enrollment changes that take effect in January 2023.

SECO Energy Foundation Reminder

In January 2023, SECO Energy’s Pennies from Heaven program is transitioning to the SECO Energy Foundation. The SECO Energy Foundation’s goal is to increase community outreach in our service area. The new Foundation will generate grant funds for projects that align with SECO members’ needs and SECO’s strategic initiatives. The Foundation will also provide increased bill payment assistance for SECO members.

SECO members will automatically be transitioned to enrollment in the SECO Energy Foundation at year-end unless they have proactively unenrolled. The Foundation enrollment rounds up monthly bills to the nearest dollar. The average donation per member whose bill is rounded up is $6 annually.

Update your SECO Energy Foundation enrollment status by visiting SECOEnergy.com > Contact > SECO Energy Foundation. You can send an email to CustomerService@SECOEnergy.com, call (352) 793-3801 or write to SECO Energy, Attn: Corp Comm, P.O. Box 301, Sumterville, FL 33585 by December 31, 2022.

We are so thankful for our current Pennies from Heaven enrollees. We look forward to expanding our community outreach with the new SECO Energy Foundation.

Contributions to the SECO Energy Foundation will be tax-deductible.

Read the full October 2022 SECO News online.

SECO News September 2022

Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. Thankfully, at print time for this edition of SECO News, the season has been inactive, and the forecast revised. But it only takes one powerful tropical storm or hurricane to bring widespread damage to transmission and distribution electric infrastructure, so don’t let your guard down. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the possibility of a hurricane forming is highest during September.

Earlier this year, the Colorado State University (CSU) Tropical Meteorology Project team called for a well-above-average 2022 hurricane season. In August, the CSU experts decreased the season forecast to potentially above-average. Warmer tropical sea temperatures and cooler subtropical sea temperatures indicate a high probability that a major hurricane (Category 3, 4 or 5) will make landfall in the U.S.

CSU now predicts 18 named storms and 4 major hurricanes, which is by no means below average. Between 1991 and 2020, the average number of named storms was 14.4, and major hurricanes was 3.2.

SECO Energy is StormReady and prepared to respond to outages caused by summer thunderstorms, tropical storms and hurricanes. SECO’s StormReady approach includes our investment in our outage reporting and communications platform StormCenter. Report a new power outage and check the status of a current outage using your smartphone or tablet 24/7 (or call our IVR and use the automated system that offers outage details). With your account enrolled in notifications, we’ll send proactive outage alerts via email, text, voice or all three – depending on your enrollment preferences. These notifications generate when our system detects a feeder outage affecting your location. Manage your notification preferences at SECOEnergy.com > StormCenter.

Your county Emergency Operations Centers offer storm-related services. If you or a loved one have special needs, add your name to the Special Needs Registry at www.FloridaDisaster.org and review shelter, evacuation and emergency services details. SECO Energy’s restoration priorities in a named storm recovery are feeders that serve shelters, schools, hospitals and government/public safety facilities. Then we focus on restoring service to feeders with the largest number of accounts. If you or a loved one require electric service for life-sustaining medical equipment, invest in a generator or prepare to go to a shelter if a named storm heads our way.

Essential supplies fly off the shelves when a hurricane is en route. Need help getting started with a supply plan? Read our Hurricane Handbook at SECOEnergy.com > Safety > Hurricane Handbook to learn what to do before, during and after a tropical storm or hurricane.

Sincerely,

Curtis Wynn

Chief Executive Officer

Stop A Scam In Its Tracks

The adage is true: If it’s too good to be true, it usually is. Common scams include a threat to shut off electricity, “free” solar equipment or a stranger knocking on your door to supposedly change your meter. Millions of Americans fall victim to scams each year. Scammers try to create a sense of urgency or offer something too good to be true, so you’ll comply first and regret later.

One popular scam is a phone call that your energy provider will disconnect power in 30 minutes if you don’t pay your bill. The scammer wants your credit card information or suggests you meet in a public place (not the utility’s approved payment location) and hand over cash or a gift card. Don’t fall for the scam – SECO Energy will never call you and threaten to disconnect power within minutes. We will not ask for cash, gift cards or other internet forms of payment such as Zelle or Venmo. Check your billing balance and payment history through our online account manager SmartHub at SECOEnergy.com > Your Account.

Less-than-honest solar contractors advertise “free solar” or “eliminate your electric bill.” Both claims are false. Solar equipment is costly and never free – especially if a scammer talks you into financing a system at a high interest rate. Watt for watt, solar power generation costs more than traditional power generation. Members who invest in solar will purchase utility-supplied power when the sun isn’t shining – unless they invest in a backup power system like battery or generator power sources. Also, you will not have power during a utility outage unless you’ve installed a backup power source with your solar system. Get the facts about solar. Visit SECOEnergy.com > Energy Solutions > Is Solar Right For You? Find facts on solar generation, types of panels and inverters, how net metering works, frequently asked questions and more.

Another scam is a stranger knocking on your door to check/change your electric meter, perform a home energy audit and sell products that will reduce your electric bill. This person may indicate SECO sent them, or they represent a SECO program. Don’t let them in the door unless you have prearranged the visit. Nefarious persons may offer products or services you don’t need. The situation may be dangerous if someone is trying to gain access to your home and property. A Marion County couple fell for this ploy. Their home was robbed while a scammer distracted them in the yard while claiming to examine the electric meter. SECO will only send authorized contractors to your home to read your electric meter or replace faulty equipment. SECO contractors carry company ID and will show you their badge upon request.

You’ll find a list of common scams that are perpetrated in-person, by phone or online by visiting FBI.gov > Scams and Safety. If someone at your door is demanding payment or access, call 911 to ensure your safety. If you have questions about a phone interaction that you believe is a scam, email CustomerService@SECOEnergy.com.

SECO Energy Board of Trustees Secretary/Treasurer and District 2 Trustee Joyce Anderson has successfully completed the requirements to earn the Director Gold Credential (DGC) from the National Rural Electric Cooperatives Association (NRECA). This Credential recognizes directors/trustees who demonstrate their commitment to advancing their knowledge and performing their fiduciary duty to the best of their ability.

Trustee Anderson resides in Sumterville and was first elected to the SECO Energy Board of Trustees in February 2020. Ms. Anderson currently serves as the Board of Trustees Secretary/Treasurer and has been a SECO member since 2017.

SECO Energy Donates $10,500 for Public Education Foundations

School is back in session. As part of our ongoing commitment to education and the communities we serve, SECO Energy’s Pennies from Heaven program has donated $10,500 to local public education foundations.

$1,000 to The Citrus County Education Foundation

Its mission is to provide resources to support the Citrus County School District to enhance the quality of education for present and future generations.

$3,500 to The Educational Foundation of Lake County

The Foundation will fund travel to the World Competition for Vex Robotics. With SECO’s donation, more teams will be able to compete.

$3,000 to The Public Education Foundation of Marion County

The Foundation will use the funds to support their Grants for Great Ideas program that provides teachers funding for innovation in STEM education.

$3,000 to The Sumter County Schools Enhancement Foundation

The Foundation serves students with incentives for achievement, helping students in need, and awarding scholarships to seniors to promote higher education.

This year’s collective donation is a continuing investment in public education in the communities we serve, and follows two of the seven Cooperative Principles of Education, Training and Information and Concern for Community. Read more about the Pennies from Heaven program and 2023 transition to the SECO Energy Foundation at SECOEnergy.com. Click the Foundation banner to check your enrollment status in the electric bill round-up program that funds these types of initiatives.

Surge MitiGator – Win a Generator

Win one of three portable generators! Enroll in SECO Energy’s Surge MitiGator surge protection product by November 15. Members in a current lease or prior purchase are already eligible to win.

The MitiGator chomps down on voltage spikes and surges before they damage appliances and cause financial loss. Surges are caused by lightning, vehicles crashing into SECO facilities, small animals, fallen trees and more. The Surge MitiGator is installed at the meter and reduces surges that come through the electric line. The product carries a 15-year warranty.

Lease the protection for only $5.95 plus tax per month with a $25 installation fee. Purchase prices range from $349 to $399, and installation is always free.

Enroll in the Surge MitiGator program (lease or purchase) for a chance to win a portable generator. We’ll pick a winner in September, October and November. To enroll, visit our Surge MitiGator website section and fill out the web form.

The arrester at the meter is the first step in protection. Point-of-use surge devices should be installed for a home’s electronics and appliances. Purchase these at your local big box or hardware store.

SECO Energy Foundation Transition

SECO Energy’s Pennies from Heaven program is transitioning to the SECO Energy Foundation in January 2023. The goal of the SECO Energy Foundation is to generate more funds for projects that align with SECO members’ needs and the cooperative’s strategic objectives including increased bill payment assistance for SECO members.

At year-end, all SECO members will automatically be transitioned to enrollment in the SECO Energy Foundation that rounds up monthly bills to the nearest dollar. The average donation per member whose bill is rounded up is $6 annually.

We are so thankful for our current Pennies from Heaven enrollees, and we look forward to expanding our community outreach with the new SECO Energy Foundation.

Contributions will be tax-deductible.

Read the full September 2022 SECO News online.

SECO News August 2022

In June SECO News, I shared details about our current infrastructure expansion and reliability projects in Lake County. This month, I have an update on facilities projects and development in Marion County.

In 2021, SECO Energy welcomed 2,124 new accounts in Marion County. This total accounted for 37% of the 5,770 new services added last year. The influx of new residents and businesses in our area requires SECO to build new infrastructure to meet the increasing demand for reliable energy. We also pledge to maintain our existing system to serve members reliably.

A project nearing completion on the south side of Marion County is the rebuild of our Dallas substation located on Highway 301 near The Villages. This state-of-the-art redesign allows for multiple transmission sources with eight total distribution feeders to serve members in Summerfield, Oxford, Dallas and portions of The Villages. The Dallas substation will serve as a backfeed source for our Villages substation. The rebuild is on schedule for completion in early fall.

Members who live in Stone Creek, On Top of the World and nearby expanding areas will be pleased to know the substation that serves this area, Timberwood, is increasing. Currently, this substation has a single power transformer and four distribution feeders. The footprint expansion will add a second power transformer and increase the number of distribution feeders to six.

In Marion County, 22 new or expanding neighborhood developments are adding residential homesites. The proposed number of homesites for these projects tops 8,000.

Along with residential growth, Marion County is experiencing commercial development. The Florida Crossroads Industrial Commerce Park on Highway 484 is expanding. The new footprint will include three distribution centers, apartments, homesites and a new shopping center with outparcels. Winding Oaks, located south of State Road 200 near SW 66th Street, proposes over 600,000 square feet of retail and automotive sales space. With an additional 400,000 square feet of office/retail space and over 3,000 homesites, Winding Oaks will be an impressive development that will bring jobs and families to the area.

The future Calesa phases are new additions to On Top of the World and include almost 600 single-family homesites. A new high school is also underway in the location. The World Equestrian Center continues to grow by adding a second hotel that will feature 400 larger suite-like rooms. Also proposed is a new 80,000-square-foot restaurant complex, a grab-and-go marketplace, a WEC Florida Health Building and future apartment space.

At SECO Energy, I, along with our Board of Trustees and nearly 400 colleagues, strive to provide safe, affordable and reliable electric service to over 220,000 Central Florida homes and businesses. We are proud to partner with the communities we serve to make Central Florida the thriving region it is.

Sincerely,

Curtis Wynn

Chief Executive Officer

Swim Into Savings

Reduce your pool pump’s run time and dive into energy efficiency! According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA) at energy.gov, Florida homeowners can reduce energy costs by cutting their pool pump run times almost in half.

Pool pumps circulate your pool’s water to mix chemicals and remove debris. Circulate while adding chemicals to evenly distribute throughout the water. Increased circulation doesn’t reduce algae growth – proper cleaning and chemicals do. Screened-in pools gather less debris than pools in the open.

In a study by the Center for Energy Conservation at Florida Atlantic University, participants reduced their pool pump run time to less than 3 hours per day. Most participants reported they were satisfied with the pool’s water quality.

Reduce your pool pump’s daily run time to 3 to 4 hours. If the water isn’t clean, increase the run time in 30-minute increments until the quality improves. That is the optimal pool pump run time.

To reduce SECO Energy’s peak load, run your pool pump in the morning – 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. or at night after 7 p.m. Also, install a pool pump timer to set the run times. Minor changes to reduce your pool’s energy use will lead to lower energy costs.

SECO Energy Foundation – Pennies from Heaven Transition

SECO Energy is enhancing its longstanding Pennies from Heaven program in 2023. The current Pennies program provides bill payment assistance to members and funding for other local worthy causes. In 2023, the Pennies from Heaven “program” will change to the SECO Energy Foundation. The SECO Energy Foundation’s goal is to generate more funds for projects that align with SECO members’ needs and the company’s strategic initiatives. This alignment will include increased bill payment assistance for your fellow members, as well as projects focusing on energy-efficiency, education/STEM, environmental, veterans’ initiatives and public safety.

The current Pennies from Heaven program is transitioning to the SECO Energy Foundation in January 2023. Contributions will be tax-deductible and allow the Foundation (as a nonprofit entity) to apply for grants from other local, state and federal sources. Grants may include investments in first responder equipment, energy-efficiency grants for low-income communities and senior/youth centers.

Foundation dollars may assist in purchasing smart thermostats for those members who can’t afford one or other energy-efficiency improvements that lower consumption. These types of investments help members reduce energy usage – which leads to lower bills and reduces SECO Energy’s peak demand. A reduction in demand reduces SECO’s wholesale power bill, lowers costs for all members and decreases the need to build new power plants.

We’re revising the way members are enrolled in the program. See options to unenroll below if you choose not to participate. For those members already enrolled in Pennies from Heaven to have your bill rounded up to the nearest dollar – thank you! At year-end, you and your fellow members will automatically be transitioned to enrollment in the SECO Energy Foundation. Your bill will continue to be rounded up monthly, and the SECO Energy Foundation will devote the extra pennies toward initiatives like those listed above. The average donation per member whose bill is rounded up is $6 annually.

There are five convenient ways to unenroll. Just let us know by December 31, 2022.

1. Email Customer Service
2. Call 352-793-3801
3. Write to us at P.O. Box 301, Sumterville, FL 33585 ATTN: Corp Comm
4. Use the opt-out slip below and mail it with your bill

To learn more about the SECO Energy Foundation before making your decision, read the SECO Energy Foundation Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation. The Foundation will begin accepting grant applications for the initiative categories beginning January 4, 2023.

Enroll in the Surge MitiGator for a Chance to Win a Generator

Florida’s afternoon summer thunderstorms pack a punch. These storms bring heavy rain and lightning that may lead to power surges entering your home from the electric line and through the meter.

The Colorado State University (CSU) Tropical Meteorology Project team forecasts a well-above-average tropical storm and hurricane activity for the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season. These experts predict 20 named storms in 2022 compared to an average of 14.4 named storms between 1991 and 2020.

Surges are powerful increases in voltage that can destroy your home’s appliances and electronics. Surges are caused by lightning, vehicles crashing into SECO facilities, small animals, fallen trees and more. SECO’s meter-based surge arrester, the Surge MitiGator, takes the bite out of damaging surges and spikes.

The MitiGator chomps down on voltage spikes and surges before they damage appliances and cause financial loss. The Surge MitiGator is installed at the meter and the product carries a 15-year warranty.

Lease the Surge MitiGator for only $5.95 plus tax per month with a $25 installation fee. Purchase prices range from $349 to $399, and installation is always free.

Enroll in the Surge MitiGator program (lease or purchase) for a chance to win a portable generator. Members in a current lease or prior purchase are already eligible to win. We’ll pick a winner in September, October and November. To enroll in the Surge MitiGator program, visit our Surge MitiGator website section and fill out the web form. Good luck!

The arrester at the meter is the first step in protection. Point-of-use surge devices should be installed for a home’s electronics and other appliances that run on electric service. Purchase these at your local big box or hardware store. Install as directed.

Winners’ Circle

Congratulations to the five Watch and Win Annual Meeting video winners!

James Bowden | Belleview
$500 SECO Energy bill credit

Mary Lynn McKenzie | Tavares
$250 SECO Energy bill credit

Marvin Witt, Jr. | The Villages
Nest Learning Thermostat

Susan Sauer | Inverness
HoneyWell Wi-Fi Thermostat

Cristian Flores | Clermont
2021 Apple TV

The latest SECO Energy Level 2 EV Charger winner is Frank Griswold from Ocala. To enter, text “EV” to (352) 320-4500 for a link to enter. Or click on the EV Charger Giveaway homepage banner. Visit our Electric Vehicles website section to learn more about the benefits of owning an EV.

Read the full August 2022 SECO News online.

SECO News, August 2021

Duncan’s Digest – Enroll in Surge Protection – Win a Generator

Dear Members,

The 2021 Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. The Colorado State University (CSU) Tropical Meteorology Project team released an updated forecast for this year’s hurricane season. This team of experts has maintained its prediction that the Atlantic basin will have above-average storm activity this year, and has increased its forecast of the number of named storms anticipated this season.

Tropical Storm Elsa affected our service area on Tuesday, July 6, and Wednesday, July 7. Elsa became the first named hurricane of the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season on July 2 when it reached Category 1 strength. Elsa was downgraded to a tropical storm as it passed over Cuba and the Florida Straits. For a short while, the storm lingered west of Tampa Bay and strengthened into a hurricane once again. Ultimately Elsa lost intensity and made landfall in Taylor County as a tropical storm on July 7.

SECO prepared for the worst. We brought in over 100 contract line and vegetation crews to assist in restoration from Tropical Storm Elsa. Overnight on the 6th and 7th, our system fared exceptionally well as Elsa’s rain bands soaked our service area and brought tornado watches, warnings and wind. During this time, we experienced no large substation or feeder outages. I commend our employees and contractors who rallied to assist in the effort by restoring outages quickly while working safely.

Tropical Storm Elsa was the first test of this year’s hurricane season, and we passed with flying colors. But it may be the first of many. That’s why it’s best to be prepared. Not only do we have hurricane season to contend with, but Florida has afternoon summer thunderstorms as well. These storms occur almost daily and bring heavy rain and lightning that can lead to power surges entering your home from the electric line and through the meter.

Surges are powerful increases in voltage that can destroy your home’s appliances and electronics. The Surge MitiGator is SECO’s meter-based surge arrester. It is designed to take the bite out of a surge. The MitiGator helps prevent high voltage spikes and surges before they damage appliances and cause financial loss. SECO installs the Surge MitiGator at the meter and the product carries a 15-year warranty. The arrester at the meter is the first step in protection. Point-of-use surge devices should be installed for a home’s electronics and other appliances that run on electric service. Purchase these at your local big box or hardware store. Install as directed.

The Surge MitiGator is available for lease for only $5.95 plus tax per month with a $25 installation fee. If you choose to purchase the product, the price ranges from $349 to $399, and installation is always free.

Enroll in the Surge MitiGator program (lease or purchase) for a chance to win a portable generator. We’ll pick a winner in both August and September. Read Winners’ Circle on page 4 for the July winner. Members in a current lease or prior purchase are already eligible to win. To enroll in the Surge MitiGator program, visit the Surge MitiGator page and fill out the web form. You can also call us at (352) 793-3801 or email Customer Service.

Living in Florida, the potential for tropical storms and hurricanes is a fact of life. I urge you to prepare in advance for the possibility of widespread power outages if a major storm affects our service area. Prepare your emergency supplies before forecasters put Central Florida in the cone of probability. Have a backup source of power if you require electricity for life-sustaining medical equipment. SECO is StormReady – you should be too.

Sincerely,

Jim Duncan

Chief Executive Officer

Advice from The Old Farmer’s Almanac

Florida, with its copious sunshine and sub-tropical climate, provides the perfect environment for a backyard garden. The Old Farmer’s Almanac has advice for gardeners who love the hobby but have space, sun or other limitations. For small areas, use raised beds, vertical spaces or containers. A raised-bed garden can yield 10 times the amount as a same size in-ground garden. Another idea for small spaces is to use a trellis, cage or attach pots to fences. Short on sun? Most vegetables require 8 hours of sunlight to grow, but leafy greens grow well in partial shade. Garlic, peas, beets and radishes can grow in as little as 4 hours a day. If all else fails, use containers to grow your garden. Anything that will hold soil and has water drainage holes will work.

Turn to page 4 to read this month’s Florida Fauna & Flora to learn more about the resurrection fern.

Energy Saving on a Budget

Improving your home’s energy efficiency doesn’t have to be expensive. While buying new ENERGY STAR appliances or upgrading your home’s HVAC will reduce your home’s energy consumption, these items carry a hefty price tag. The no-cost and low-cost energy-saving ideas listed below will help reduce your energy usage without breaking the bank.

No-cost Energy-Efficiency Ideas:

• Wash clothes in cold water.

• Use the air-dry cycle on your dishwasher.

• Hang laundry outside to dry.

• Use natural light during the day.

• Turn off lights when leaving a room.

• Ceiling fans cool people, not rooms. Turn off when the room is vacant.

• Turn off bathroom and kitchen ventilation fans. These bring warm outside air inside.

• Turn off electronics like computers, printers and monitors when not in use.

• In summer, grill or use appliances such as crock pots, air fryers or microwaves instead of your oven.

Low-cost Energy-Efficiency Ideas:

• Invest in LEDs.

• Replace all filters monthly or according to manufacturer’s instructions.

• Seal windows and doors with weatherstripping and/or caulk.

• Install window film to limit sunlight.

• Plant shade trees on the south, southwest and west sides of buildings for shade.

• Plant trees on the north and the west sides of buildings to block winds.

• Plant trees to shade driveways, sidewalks, patios and HVAC units.

• Use blinds or drapes during summer to limit sun exposure.

• Control outdoor lighting with a photocell or timer.

Want more energy-efficiency tips? Try our Home Energy Assessment — a complete online energy audit for your home. Submit your responses and email address to receive an email with energy-efficiency advice tailored to your home and lifestyle. To see the math behind your energy consumption, complete the Energy Estimator.

Winners’ Circle

Engage with our virtual assistant Electra on the phone for a chance to win a $25 gift card. Winners who self-served using Electra are:

John Bost from Ocala

Felica Grost from Inverness

Mark Damann from Morriston

Christian Oliver from Tavares

The latest winner of a SECO Energy Level 2 EV Charger is Marc Crail from Mount Dora. To enter, text “EV” to (352) 320-4500 for a link to enter. Or click on the EV Charger Giveaway homepage banner. Visit our Electric Vehicles website section to learn more about the benefits of owning an EV.

Winners in our Go Green and Win: Paperless Billing and Bank Draft Incentive

Kinilei Shewell from Clermont is the winner of a $200 SECO Energy bill credit.

Jules Sigler from Ocala is the winner of a NEST thermostat.

Jan Browning from The Villages is the winner of an Amazon Echo Dot with Alexa.

Bryant Currier from The Villages is our first winner of a portable generator. We have two more to give away! For a chance to win, lease or purchase SECO’s Surge MitiGator product that protects your home’s appliances from damaging surges and spikes. To learn more or enroll, visit our Surge MitiGator page. Members in a current surge lease or prior purchase are automatically entered in the drawing to win.

Read the full August 2021 SECO News online.

SECO News, November 2019

Money doesn’t grow on trees and pigs don’t fly, but you can take your Capital Credits return to the bank. This month, SECO Energy is making you and your wallet a little happier. During its October meeting, SECO’s Board of Trustees approved a Capital Credits return (retirement) of $3.5 million to current and former members. Look for your 2019 Capital Credits retirement on your November bill just in time for the holiday season.

As a member of a not-for-profit electric utility, you along with your fellow 200,000+ SECO members own a portion of the cooperative’s equity. Your membership brings home the bacon through energy purchases that build patronage capital. Ownership is defined through the annual process of allocating each member’s share of the co-op’s margins from the prior year. The annual amounts for each member who purchases electric service during the year are referred to as Capital Credit allocations.

Capital Credits are the accumulation of all prior year’s revenue after the co-op’s operating costs and expenses are paid. These credits are allocated on a pro-rata basis to each SECO Energy member’s account as Capital Credits. Annually, SECO examines the financial position of the cooperative and makes a recommendation to the Board of Trustees on the “retirement” of Capital Credits. This year’s $3.5 million retirement means that a portion of the cooperative’s equity is being returned to current and former members. That number is a lower retirement than in years past, as the cost of delivering power to new members and maintaining our existing infrastructure is rising faster than our revenue.

Each current member who receives a 2019 Capital Credits retirement will see the retirement amount on the November billing statement listed as a line item labeled “Capital Credits Ret.” Commercial members with retirements over $1,000 will receive a check. If you move out of SECO’s service area, keep your mailing address updated so we can send future Capital Credit retirements your way.

SECO Energy was founded as Sumter Electric Cooperative, Inc. in 1938 and has retired more than $66.8 million to current and former members as a tangible benefit of the cooperative business model.

Sincerely,

Jim Duncan

Chief Executive Officer

SECO Energy and its ever-generous employees support the Marine Toys for Tots drives in the communities we serve. SECO’s five Member Service Centers in Eustis, Groveland, Inverness, Ocala and Sumterville are available as public drop-off locations for Toys for Tots.

This year, members can partner with SECO Energy to bring a smile to a child on Christmas day. Visit a Member Service Center to drop off new, unwrapped toys for the Toys for Tots donation box. Toys are collected by local Toys for Tots volunteers in each county and donated locally.

Toys for Tots is a top-rated charity. Since 1947, its mission is to deliver toys, books and other gifts to less fortunate children. Over 97% of cash donations directly support that mission. The remaining 3% is spent on fundraising expenses. No donation dollars are spent on salaries or other manpower. Toys for Tots volunteers collect and deliver the donations received. You can donate to Toys for Tots with confidence that your donation will go straight into the hands of a local child.

In 2018, SECO employees donated more than a hundred bicycles and tricycles, as well as hundreds of toys to make a difference in the lives of local children who live in the communities we serve.

Learn more about the Marine Toys for Tots Program online. Find a SECO Energy Member Service Center.

Protect your home from power surges by investing in SECO Energy’s Surge MitiGator™. Power surges are sudden, powerful increases in voltage that can damage or destroy your household appliances and electronics. Surges are caused by lightning, trees, small animals, birds and vehicle accidents involving energized facilities.

SECO’s Surge MitiGator™ is “Made in the USA” and is built to chomp down on surges and spikes. The MitiGator™ is available for just a few cents per day at a lease rate of $5.95 per month, plus tax, conveniently added to your monthly bill. Installation for standard residential 200-amp service is $25. For residential services greater than 200-amps installation is $100.

You can opt to purchase the product for $349 to $399 plus tax. The installation fee is waived when purchasing the MitiGator™.

The Surge MitiGator™ is an arrestor that is installed behind the meter. Your protection against surges and spikes begins at the meter but SECO encourages members to plug all sensitive electronics into point-of-use surge protection devices. Point-of-use devices can be purchased at your local hardware or big-box store.

Visit our Surge MitiGator™ page today to enroll and to learn more about how you can protect your home’s appliances from surges.

Fall for Energy Efficiency November 2019 SECO News

According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, November and December temperatures will average in the mid-60s. Winter is forecast to be mild with the coldest temperatures arriving in February. A well-functioning HVAC runs more efficiently and helps you lower your energy use when cooling or heating your home.

Inspecting your HVAC system is not a do-it-yourself job. Hire an experienced, licensed HVAC technician to test the unit’s voltage and electrical components. The tech should also lubricate moving parts, check the filter, measure refrigerant pressure, check electrical connections and test the safety controls. Ensure the tech inspects the drain system, tests the thermostat settings, airflow and more if your unit is problematic. Buyer beware – do your homework, obtain three quotes for the inspection service, read Google reviews and Better Business Bureau reviews. Most important if the price sounds too good to be true it probably is.

Change your air filter according to the HVAC manufacturer’s schedule or once a month. A clean air filter is the first step in helping your HVAC run efficiently.

Don’t leave energy efficiency out in the cold. Schedule an HVAC inspection with a qualified technician before the temperature drops. Preventative maintenance on your system will allow you to enjoy the winter weather from the comfort of your home and save you from the shock of a high repair bill.

Read the full November 2019 SECO News online.

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Archive

Surge MitiGator – Win a Generator Reminder!

Scare Away Phantom Load

SECO Energy Employees Donate to Relay For Life

SECO Energy Foundation Reminder

Stop A Scam In Its Tracks

SECO Energy Donates $10,500 for Public Education Foundations

Surge MitiGator – Win a Generator

SECO Energy Foundation Transition

Swim Into Savings

SECO Energy Foundation – Pennies from Heaven Transition

Enroll in the Surge MitiGator for a Chance to Win a Generator

Winners’ Circle

Duncan’s Digest – Enroll in Surge Protection – Win a Generator

Advice from The Old Farmer’s Almanac

Energy Saving on a Budget

Winners’ Circle

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