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SECO News, November 2016

SECO News, Duncans Digest, November 2016

 

Duncan’s Digest

Most people would equate a company giving money back to their consumers with flying pigs. However, SECO Energy is different. As a not-for-profit electric cooperative owned by our members, pigs really do fly this time of year – putting money back in your pocket with another record Capital Credit retirement.

 

Here’s how it works: Your membership in SECO Energy builds ownership through your energy purchases. That ownership is defined through the annual process of allocating each member’s share of the co-op’s operating margins from the prior year. The annual amounts for each member who purchased electric service from SECO Energy during that 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 have been paid. These credits are allocated on a pro-rata basis to each SECO Energy member’s account as “Capital Credits” and represent a portion of the member’s patronage with the cooperative in the prior fiscal year.

 

SECO Energy, SECO News November 2016 - Duncan's Digest, Putting Money Back In Your Pocket

 

During its September meeting, SECO’s Board of Trustees approved letting the proverbial pig fly with a record $5.1 million to be returned (retired) to members. Since SECO Energy’s inception, the co-op has retired more than $52.4 million to current and former members. This Capital Credits return is made possible by the sound financial stewardship of SECO’s Board, leadership team and employees. In a positive way, we really do reap what we “sow” – no pun intended.

 

Each current member receiving a Capital Credits retirement this year will see the amount on the November bill listed as a line item labeled Capital Credits. Visit our Capital Credits page if you have questions about Capital Credits.

 

SECO Energy, SECO News November 2016 - 2016 Hurricane Recap

 

2016 Hurricane Recap

 

Tropical Storm Colin made landfall in the late night hours on Monday, June 6. Colin is the first named storm to make landfall in Florida since Andrea in 2013. While Colin moved across the state, parts of SECO’s service area experienced tropical-storm-force winds and extended periods of heavy rainfall. Colin caused only a small number of outages in SECO’s area. Crews worked quickly and safely to restore these outages within hours.

 

Hurricane Hermine made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane in the Big Bend area on Friday, September 2. Hermine brought buckets of rain and high winds to the area, causing approximately 14,000 total service interruptions. Along with the hurricane, tornadoes touched down in Sumter County. Members in Marion, Levy and Citrus counties were hardest hit by Hurricane Hermine. The SECO team did a stellar job in quickly restoring power by midnight that Friday.

 

Hurricane Matthew became an extremely powerful Category 3 hurricane that hugged Florida’s east coast as it traveled north Thursday, October 6. Though Matthew didn’t make landfall in Florida, the storm brought rain and very strong winds to SECO’s service area. The hurricane accounted for approximately 28,000 outages for SECO members. The area hardest hit was east Lake County, which suffered extensive damage. Broken trees, damaged utility poles, flooding and roadway debris were challenges for SECO crews and contractors. By early Saturday afternoon, all SECO members’ power was restored.

 

SECO Energy, SECO News November 2016 - 2016 Hurricane Recap

 

SECO was Storm Ready and once again proved the team is the best-of-the-best. SECO enacted its emergency restoration plan and manned Customer Service and System Operations Centers round-the-clock until all restoration was complete. Members reported service interruptions online or called and spoke to a representative 24/7. Thousands of members reached out via Facebook and Twitter to ask questions about restoration and report unsafe conditions. Members on social media offered thanks, compliments, praise, prayers and well-wishes for the entire SECO team and the contractors working to restore power.

 

Thank you, SECO Energy members, for your patience and understanding, as well as your kind words, prayers and compliments – they are truly appreciated. Words cannot begin to express our gratitude.

 

SECO Energy, SECO News November 2016 - Power Outage Safety

 

Power Outage Safety

 

If a power outage occurs, contact SECO Energy right away. Don’t assume that someone else has already reported it, and don’t worry that we’re too busy. Every call and online outage report helps pinpoint the location and extent of an outage. Be sure to let us know if you see downed power lines or any damaged utility equipment. If there’s an immediate danger, call 911.

 

Don’t Use Candles

Avoid using candles during power out-ages – the risk of fire is too great. Use battery-powered lights, like a flashlight or LED lantern, for emergency lighting.

 

Protect Your Appliances

When a storm involves high winds or lightning, turn off and unplug as many appliances as possible (including your HVAC during a summer storm). This will prevent damage from a power surge when service is restored. After the storm has passed, flip the breakers back on, plug in and turn them on one at a time. Consider enrolling in our Surge Protection program.

 

Flood Dangers

If flooding occurs or is predicted in your area – do not use any electrical devices. Turn off the main circuit breaker or remove the primary fuse cartridge – but only if you can reach it without touching water.

 

To report outages quickly and easily online, bookmark Storm Center on your smartphone or tablet or call the outage hotline at (800) 732-6141.

 

SECO Energy, SECO News November 2016 - Holiday Energy Savings, Energy Efficiency

 

Holiday Energy Savings

 

The holiday season is upon us. Decorating, holiday gatherings and gift buying are in full swing. Here are a few tips to keep your energy-saving efforts intact while enjoying all the festivities.

 

Decorate with LED holiday lights. LED lights are more efficient, last longer and are safer than standard incandescent lights. The initial purchase cost is higher, but LEDs use much less energy and produce a lot less heat.

 

Holiday gatherings usually mean a lot of cooking. Don’t peek inside the oven. Each time you open the oven door, the temperature drops by as much as 25 degrees – forcing the oven to use more energy. It’s not necessary to pre-heat the oven for baking times over one hour. You can turn off the burner 5 to 10 minutes before the dish is done on an electric stove-top. Keep the lid on until time is up.

 

When it comes to gift buying, consider purchasing ENERGY STAR qualified items. Electronics such as computers, TVs and other appliances are popular choices. ENERGY STAR qualified products may cost more up front, but they will save in energy use for years to come.

 

SECO Energy, SECO News November 2016 - Area Light Out?

 

Area Light Out?

 

Do you or a neighbor have a SECO Energy area light that isn’t working properly? Is the light blinking, shining during daylight hours or off completely? Report area light problems day or night on our website. Lights are usually repaired within 72 hours. Have the pole number and location on hand if possible.

 

SECO Energy, Expressions

 

Expressions

 

Members expressed their appreciation for the SECO Team’s hard work during Hurricane Matthew’s aftermath via our websites Contact Us page.

 

Larry Grose  –  I’ve been dealing with the public for many years and I am aware of people being the first to complain and seldom to offer atta-boys. I just would like to ask that you pass this along to the proper personnel. I want to offer an atta-boy and sincerely thank those involved for their hard work and restoring power to the homes on Firefox Lane. Your work is greatly appreciated and you are an asset to your employer and community.

 

Clint Moseley  –  I wanted to take some time to say thanks for the hard work of the folks at SECO Energy. Hurricane Matthew came through my area and I only lost power once in the middle of the night, which I suspect may have been a maintenance issue. I really appreciate it so much. You guys are wonderful and I am very lucky to have such a dedicated group of people servicing my energy needs. Thank you again and I hope you get more letters of gratitude because you guys deserve it!

 

Read the full November 2016 SECO News here.

SECO Crews Worked Overnight Restoring Power

Hurricane Matthew’s bands of high winds and rains passed through SECO Energy’s service area on Friday afternoon. The Category 3 hurricane knocked out power, downed trees and power lines in many parts of Central Florida.

 

SECO crews and contractors worked overnight Friday into Saturday morning restoring power to members. The crews worked diligently to bring the number of those without power from 5,000 last night to under 400 this morning. There are only small pockets of isolated outages remaining to restore and a ready and able crew is assigned to each outage. Most crews are already onsite.

 

SECO Energy Crews Worked Overnight Restoring Power

 

SECO members should continue to report outages – especially if they are unsure if the outage was previously reported. Members can report outages online using a smartphone or tablet through SECO’s Storm Center application. Storm Center allows members to report outages quickly with just the house number and last name on the account.

 

For members less tech savvy, call and talk to a member service rep or use the prompts to report the outage by phone at 800-732-6141. SECO’s System Operations Center and our call centers will continue to be manned 24/7 until all members are restored after Hurricane Matthew. Also report downed power lines – call 911 if there is immediate danger.

 

SECO is Storm Ready and was well prepared to deal with Hurricane Matthew and its aftermath. SECO tracked the hurricane and activated its emergency response plan well in advance. Additional line crews and tree trimming contractors arrived, ready to help SECO crews restore power.

 

SECO appreciates its members and their positive, heart-warming comments and compliments during Hurricane Matthew. SECO and its crews and contractors will be working on restoration until every SECO member has their power restored.

 

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO is dedicated to being members’ first source for accurate storm information. “Like” SECO Energy on Facebook and “follow” the company on Twitter.

SECO Recovers from Hurricane Matthew

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

Hurricane Matthew – Powerful Cat 4 Approaches Florida Coast Thursday Night

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

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

Hurricane Matthew Forecast to Hit Florida as Cat 4

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

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

SECO Continues Tracking Hurricane Matthew

SECO Energy continues to monitor and track Hurricane Matthew and its path to Florida. SECO is urging members to gather emergency supplies and be ready for service interruptions while the hurricane is passing through Florida and for a period of time thereafter.

 

As of Wednesday morning, Hurricane Matthew was downgraded to a Category 3 hurricane with sustained winds up to 125 mph. The storm is currently located about 35 miles north-northwest of the eastern tip of Cuba and is moving north at 8 mph. The storm is still predicted to turn northwest Wednesday night and is expected to remain a major hurricane as it moves over the Bahamas Wednesday and Thursday. By Thursday evening, Matthew will be near Florida’s east coast – with the center located 25 to 30 miles off the coast. The state will feel its effects through Friday night.

 

The forecast for Florida includes rain bands and strong, potentially damaging wind gusts – especially within rain bands and thunderstorms. Members in SECO’s service area can expect heavy rain, gusty winds that may strengthen to tropical-storm-force.

 

SECO asks members to keep a close watch on the hurricane’s impact on the area and be prepared for the possibility of prolonged service interruptions. Members should check emergency supplies, fill vehicles with gas, stock up on non-perishables and check property for objects that could cause damage during high winds.

 

Make sure cell phones and tablets are fully charged – include extra chargers in your emergency supplies. Bookmark SECO’s Storm Center on your smartphone or tablet. It’s simple to report an outage using the account last name and house number.

 

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO is dedicated to being our members’ first source for accurate storm information. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” the company on Twitter to stay updated about storms affecting our area.

SECO Gears up for Hurricane Matthew

SECO Energy is geared up for Hurricane Matthew – a Category 4 Hurricane – and its possible impact on the area and its members. SECO continues to monitor and track the storm as it passes over Jamaica and Cuba on its way to Florida’s east coast waters.

 

As of Tuesday afternoon per the NHC forecast, Hurricane Matthew is moving toward the north at 10 mph. On this track, the eye will move over eastern Cuba later this afternoon. A turn toward the north-northwest is expected by Wednesday, followed by a northwest turn Wednesday night. Maximum sustained winds remain near 145 mph with higher gusts. Matthew is expected to remain a powerful hurricane through at least Wednesday night.

 

Locally in Central Florida, expect heavy, continuous rains and gusty winds beginning as early as Wednesday afternoon. Conditions are meant to deteriorate on Thursday with the strongest storms forming between 2 am on Friday and continuing through about 7 pm Friday.

 

SECO is Storm Ready with a comprehensive emergency response plan that determines the system’s restoration priority of each affected feeder. Essential services such as shelters, hospitals, schools and government agencies are the highest priority. Next, line personnel make repairs that will restore power to large groups of members and then repairs begin on individual electric services in less populated areas. SECO has called for additional line crews and tree trimming contractors to respond quickly to outages caused by Hurricane Matthew.

 

SECO is urging members to be prepared for outages that may occur. Members may experience extended outages if tropical-storm-force winds linger in the area. It’s important to understand that line and tree crews cannot perform electric line work and bucket truck maneuvers during sustained winds of over 35 mph.

 

If you rely on a generator during storm season, remember to read and follow all manufacturer’s safety warnings. Visit the Generator Safety section of our website to learn more about being safe when using a generator.

 

Ensure your smartphone or tablet is fully charged and bookmark SECO’s Storm Center to report outages online. It’s simple to report an outage using the account last name and house number.

 

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO is dedicated to being our members’ first source for accurate storm information. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” the company on Twitter to stay updated about storms affecting SECO’s area.

SECO braces for wind and rain from Hurricane Matthew

SECO Energy is warning members that Hurricane Matthew will bring rain and wind to its service territory.

 

As of Tuesday morning, Hurricane Matthew is a Category 4 storm with maximum sustained winds of 145 mph. The storm is located 165 miles east-southeast of Kingston, Jamaica and is moving north at 8 mph. Matthew is expected to continue to track north today and take a slight north-northwest turn tonight and into Wednesday. Matthew is expected to remain a major hurricane as it passes over western Hispaniola and eastern Cuba today.

 

The forecasted path of Matthew is a parallel track on Florida’s east coast – but the track continues to shift to the west. It is likely that the storm will be located 50 to 75 miles off the coast at its nearest approach to Central Florida – late Thursday night or early Friday morning. Florida will likely experience rain bands and strong tropical-storm-force wind gusts with the potential to cause damage.

 

SECO is Storm Ready and continues to prepare for hurricanes throughout the year. Hurricane Matthew could impact SECO’s service area as early as Wednesday morning – bringing heavy rains and wind and may linger in the area through Friday. SECO is prepared for Hurricane Matthew to cause outages and is fully staffed and ready to restore service interruptions quickly and safely. Wet ground and gusty winds will likely cause trees to fall from outside SECO’s right of way and trim zones – causing outages.

 

Members should prepare in advance for hurricane season and SECO has provided an emergency checklist on the Storm Preparation section of our website. Don’t be caught unprepared – when storm watches and warnings go into effect, supplies sell out quickly.

 

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO is dedicated to being our members’ first source for accurate storm information. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” the company on Twitter to stay updated about storms affecting our area. Be sure to bookmark SECO’s Storm Center on your smartphone or tablet. It’s simple to report an outage using the account last name and house number on SECO’s Storm Center.

 

For members who rely on back-up generators during storm season, remember to read and follow all manufacturer’s safety warnings. Visit our Generator Safety page to learn more about generator safety.

SECO News, October 2016

SECO News, Duncan's Digest, February 2016

 

The Hot Bucks streak continues

SECO Energy has lowered the cost of energy again! As of October 1, the price for the first 1,000 kWh – average residential energy consumption in SECO’s area – has been reduced another dollar to $112.60.

 

Since January 2014, our cooperative has reduced the cost of energy nine times. In less than three years, SECO has lowered members’ bills by almost 12%. This latest reduction means that SECO members pay one of the lowest rates for energy in Central Florida (and per J.D. Power, our members receive the best service in the nation).

 

SECO Energy, October 2016 SECO News, The Hot Bucks streak continues

 

The decrease is formally called a Power Cost Adjustment or PCA – but our members know it better as “Hot Bucks.” The PCA is a line item component on your bill representing positive reductions in our cost of power. As a not-for-profit electric cooperative and a two-time J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction winner, SECO’s dedication to its members is clear. SECO is committed to providing members with low rates, reliable electric service and excellent customer service.

 

Be sure to look for the latest reduction on your October bill, as your Board of Trustees (your fellow members who govern your cooperative) approved the reduction in their September meeting.

 

 

SECO Energy, October 2016 SECO News, What it takes to be a JDP Winner

 

What it takes to be a JDP Winner

 

SECO Energy earned its second J.D. Power award in 2016 – ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction among Cooperatives.” J.D. Power examines the six factors, highlighted below, that explain SECO’s success.

 

Corporate Citizenship

 

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO has deep roots in the communities we serve. SECO Energy and its members team up through our Pennies from Heaven Program that rounds members’ bills up to the nearest dollar. The funds collected support area social service agencies to provide financial assistance for members in need. SECO’s scholarship program awards 12 deserving high school seniors in our service area a $3,000 scholarship to an accredited college, trade or technical school. SECO’s scholarship program has awarded over $500,000 to local students over the last 20 years.

 

Billing & Payment

 

SECO Energy offers a variety of convenient ways to pay your bill – without convenience fees. Members can pay online via SmartHub (SECO’s account management system), pay by bank draft, by mail or by phone. Members can pay in person at one of our five member service center locations – some include kiosks available 24/7. Another option is SECO’s MyWay PrePay program – members pay for their daily energy before usage. MyWay PrePay is perfect for members on a budget who closely track their usage and expenses.

 

Communications

 

SECO Energy’s Communications score is highest in the nation in our segment according to J.D.Power’s 2016 Customer Satisfaction Study. In February, SECO launched a brand-new website with a user-friendly platform that performs on a variety of mobile devices and browsers. SECO members also interact online with the cooperative through Facebook and Twitter. Members are reporting service interruptions online using their smart phones/tablets through our Storm Center application. Your monthly SECO News publication has been enhanced to be more informative and dynamic as well.

 

Customer Service

 

At SECO Energy, our customer service team is the best of the best. In fact, SECO is ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction” among electric cooperatives across the nation. The SECO Team is staffed with employees who live locally in the communities we serve. Phone calls to SECO are answered by a local employee. These calls are not outsourced. Members can engage with a local associate – to pay a bill, ask a question or voice a concern – in one of our five convenient locations. Or you can contact us online at your convenience.

 

Price

 

SECO Energy continues to lower energy costs – nine times in less than three years. Our cost per kilowatt hour is one of the lowest in Central Florida. SECO members also benefit from our Capital Credits program. Through sound financial stewardship, SECO has returned (retired) Capital Credits to members for years. Since inception, SECO has returned over $47.3 million to current and former members. Watch your November bill and SECO News for more information.

 

Power Quality & Reliability

 

SECO Energy is the third largest co-op in Florida and the sixth largest nationally. We serve almost 200,000 members across seven Central Florida counties over 2,000 square miles. SECO maintains, inspects and upgrades 12,000 miles of power lines to provide reliable power to members. To increase reliability, SECO has honed a comprehensive vegetation management program, and has been recognized as a Tree Line USA utility by the National Arbor Day Foundation for nine years in a row. SECO continues to expand to meet the growing power demand.

 

 

SECO Energy, October 2016 SECO News, Energy Efficiency Insulation Investment Pays Off

 

Energy Efficiency Tips – Insulation Investment Pays Off

 

Homes with the proper level of attic insulation provide reduced energy costs and increase your comfort level year-round. Upgrading attic insulation is one of the best energy efficiency investments – paying dividends year after year.

 

Attic insulation works to slow the movement of heat, reducing the HVAC system workload. Insufficient insulation causes the HVAC to work harder to cool or heat the home. It also causes the HVAC to run less efficiently and increase energy bills over time. Fiberglass batting is a pre-formed material sized to fit between ceiling joists and should be trimmed to rest snugly against any obstructions such as electrical wiring and air-conditioning ductwork. This makes fiberglass batting somewhat difficult to install as an upgrade.

 

Loose-fill fiberglass insulation is fed into a machine that loosens and propels the material through a hose allowing the installer to place a uniform blanket throughout the attic.

 

Loose-fill cellulose, like loose-fill fiberglass, is blown into attic spaces through special hoses. It can settle over time – you may need to install extra to account for settling. When upgrading attic insulation, make sure any recessed lighting is approved to be in direct contact with insulation. For more energy-saving ideas, check out the Energy Solutions section of our website.

 

 

SECO Energy, Like us on Facebook by Nov. 30 to be entered into a drawing for a $500 electric bill credit

 

Facebook Contest

 

Want to win a $500 bill credit? “Like” SECO Energy on Facebook today. All members who “like” SECO Energy’s Facebook page by November 30 will automatically be entered into a random drawing to win the $500 bill credit.

 

 

SECO Energy, Expressions

 

Expressions

 

Recently, members recognized the SECO Team and our hard work. The restoration effort after Hurricane Hermine was truly a team effort and was accomplished within 24 hours of the storm. The SECO Team of employees is the best of the best and our members continue to show us their appreciation on Facebook!

 

Thomas House  –  Just want to thank each and every one of you for your tireless devotion to ensuring that everyone had their power back on. You did a great job in horrible weather. Bless you all!!!

 

Barbara Maurer Chadwick  –  Love being a member of this electric cooperative! It’s so reliable, and who wouldn’t love getting money back every year, and “Hot Bucks” back every month!

 

Howard Shehan  –  You guys and gals are the best. I tip my hat to all of you. Stay safe out there.

 

Bart Walker  –  Well done and the tree trimming mitigation over the last few years really paid off. We used to lose power a lot, the lights barely blinked this time around, great job!

 

John Parker Awesome work SECO Energy! You Rock!!
 

 

Read the full October 2016 SECO News here.

Nature’s Reflections – Salty Lightfoot Crab

Salty Lightfoot Crab

Colorful, feisty crab lives and hunts in rock crevices

 

The Salty Lightfoot crab, (Grapsus grapsus) also called the red rock crab, is found on rocky beaches in the Americas on both the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines. It is a common crab on the Galapagos and along the Atlantic coast of Africa. In Florida, it can be found along the Atlantic coastline, living in the rocks of the jetties.

 

The Salty Lightfoot crab is a bright multi-colored crustacean. Its body, called the carapace, is three to four inches across and bright red with black, orange and yellow markings. It has ten jointed legs with a bright orange or yellow tip on each leg. Two legs are claws, called pinchers that are larger and are more vivid red. It has two large bluish eyes and four antennae. Males tend to be slightly smaller than females and the right claw is slightly larger than the left. The underbelly is pale white. Young Salty Lightfoot crabs are darker-colored.

 

Salty Lightfoot crabs can move quickly and demonstrate remarkable agility clinging to the rocks while powerful waves crash over them. It will eat practically anything it can get, from algae to dead fish. It is known to clean the beach of broken eggs and bird and bat droppings.

 

SECO Energy, SECO News September 2016 Nature’s Reflections – Salty Lightfoot Crab

 

While Salty serves an important role as predator and beach janitor, it is also a vital part of the ecosystem as prey for many animals including large birds, octopuses, sea turtles, etc. In addition, fishermen use the species for bait and others become part of the pet trade. Average lifespan in captivity is seven years.

 

Breeding occurs year round. Males battle for females in a crab-style boxing match and the victor wins brief access to the female. Males and females may have multiple partners over a breeding season. After mating both return to a solitary life. Eggs remain suspended in a female’s belly until hatching in about three weeks, normally during a full moon. Females may bear twenty to a hundred offspring in a clutch. Once the young drop into the water they are on their own. Females molt after hatching the eggs and are ready to mate again in about three weeks.

 

Column & photo by: Sandi Staton