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Tag: SECO Energy

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

 

 

Tropical Depression #9 Upgraded to Tropical Storm Hermine

As of Wednesday afternoon, Tropical Depression #9 is upgraded. Tropical Storm Hermine’s (pronounced Her-MEAN) maximum sustained winds are 40 mph and its location is 400 miles south of Apalachicola and is moving very slowly north at 2 mph. Hermine is expected to increase in speed when turning northeast toward Florida’s west coast. The latest models,predict that Hermine could make landfall somewhere between Apalachicola and Cross City on Thursday as a weak Category 1 hurricane.

 

In significant storms, SECO Energy engages resources to ensure power is restored quickly and safely. SECO’s Operations crews have already been supplemented with tree trimming crews and contractors. Additional reinforcements are on standby.

 

SECO Energy, Tropical Depression #9 Upgraded to Tropical Storm Hermine

 

SECO’s emergency restoration plan determines the system’s restoration priority of each affected feeder. Essential services such as shelters, hospitals, fire/law enforcement facilities, schools, and government agencies are the highest priority. Line repairs that will restore power to large groups of members are next, and then individual electric services in less populated areas. It’s important to understand that bucket truck maneuvers and electric line work cannot withstand winds in excess of 35 mph. Thus, SECO crews and contractors cannot begin restoration until winds subside.

 

Vice President of Corporate Communications & Energy Services Kathryn Gloria stated, “SECO is concerned about our members’ wellbeing. It’s critical to prepare for those rare moments when you must take cover in the dark and wait it out. As this slow-moving storm edges closer to Florida, members prepare to hunker down when the storm makes landfall on Thursday.”

 

Use these practical suggestions:

  • If using a landline, have a non-electric phone for emergencies.
  • Invest in and charge a battery-operated cell phone charger.
  • Buy a battery-powered radio and a supply of fresh batteries.
  • Keep flashlights and extra batteries handy.
  • Dig out your first aid kit and refill prescription medications.
  • Stock a three-day supply of bottled water.
  • Fill bathtubs with water to flush toilets.
  • Purchase canned or packaged nonperishable food.
  • Buy an old-fashioned crank can opener.
  • Review your homeowners and flood insurance.

If power is lost, turn off/unplug appliances to protect them when power is restored, to prevent electrical fires and to lessen the chances of a circuit overload when service is restored. Leave the porch light switch on so that you and the repair crews patrolling can confirm that power is restored.

 

SECO Energy, Tropical Depression #9 Upgraded to Tropical Storm Hermine. Leave your porch lights on.

 

If it appears that neighbors have power but you do not, check your panel for tripped breakers, as this is common. If the breakers aren’t tripped, report the outage using your smartphone or tablet through the SECO Storm Center – or call us.

 

If you operate a generator, run it outside in a well-ventilated area, as carbon monoxide emissions from a generator are a silent killer that you can’t see, smell or taste. Do not connect the generator directly to your main electrical panel. If installed incorrectly, generator power could flow into SECO’s electric system, causing injury or death to neighbors or crews who may be under the impression that power lines are not energized.

 

For more information on preparing, refer to SECO’s Emergency Checklist under the Reliability tab.

 

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

SECO News, September 2016

SECO News, Duncan's Digest, February 2016

Conduct a Home Energy Assessment Online

 

Your happiness with SECO Energy is dependent on low rates, high reliability and help managing your energy use to keep your bills low. As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, we’re one of those rare companies that actually want you to use less of our product. So to help you identify energy-wasters in your home, SECO has developed an online Home Energy Assessment. By answering a short series of questions in four quick steps, you’ll input simple answers that allows SECO to send you an email – within minutes – that provides low-cost and no-cost energy-saving tools and tips to cut down on your usage – thus lowering your electric bill.

 

The Home Energy Assessment is easy. There’s no math to do and all you need to start is your electric bill to input your account number. Take the Home Energy Assessment today and start saving money and energy. The email you receive comes in checklist format, giving you a step-by-step path to lowering your bill.

 

SECO Energy, SECO News September 2016, Duncan's Digest - Take the Home Energy Assessment survey today

 

Find the Home Energy Assessment here. If you’re not so tech savvy and rely more on pencil and paper, just give us a call and we’ll mail the assessment to you. If you’re looking for a way to save big money, visit our Facebook page for the latest trivia contest. Not only could you win a $300 bill credit, you’ll have access to real-time outage and restoration information, the latest energy-efficiency gadget news, community outreach projects and more..

 

 

SECO Stands Storm Ready

 

Storm Ready

 

We are mid-way through the 2016 Atlantic hurricane season. Hopefully, Floridians will dodge the hurricane and tropical storm bullet again this year, but the month of September is often the most active of the season, so we shall see. Even though Tropical Storm Colin (the earliest third named storm in the Atlantic in recorded history) is the only tropical event that made landfall so far this year, SECO remains vigilant and Storm Ready.

 

SECO’s Operations employees stand ready to respond to outages 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. SECO’s local customer service team is available to answer member phone calls (and emails) and assist members in one of our five convenient office locations. Members can interact with our Communications team live on social media for outage information, weather affecting our area and cooperative updates. Also, visit our Storm Preparedness to review our Emergency Preparation Checklist with your family so you can stay safe and Storm Ready!

 

 

 

Bill Enhancement

 

When you open your bill, the new graph will make it easy to track usage on a monthly basis and know if you used more or less energy the same month the previous year.

 

Members can also track energy usage through SmartHub, SECO’s online account management tool. Access SmartHub on your computer, tablet or smartphone to view or pay a current bill, review a previous bill, compare yearly or monthly energy use, update your mailing address or phone numbers and view SECO’s social media feeds. Visit My Account and register for SmartHub today.

 

SECO Energy, SECO News September 2016, Bill Enhancement

 

 

SECO Energy, SECO News September 2016, Top 10 Safety Tips for Kids

 

Safety Corner: Top 10 Kids’ Safety Tips

 

Electricity is everywhere. It lights our homes, charges our phones, runs our appliances and powers our quality of life. But electricity can be dangerous. Explain to your kids how electricity works and warn them why it’s important to follow these safety tips.

  1. Never put fingers, toys or other objects in an electrical outlet
  2. Keep metal objects out of toasters
  3. Never use anything with a cord or plug around water
  4. Never pull a plug from an outlet by its cord
  5. Stay away from substations and power lines
  6. Never fly kites or climb trees near power lines
  7. Never place your drinks on top of electronics
  8. Stay away from broken or fallen power lines
  9. Never touch big, green metal transformer boxes
  10. Obey warning signs on power poles, substations and transformer boxes

 

 

SECO News May 2016, Winner Winner! $300 Electric Bill Credit!

 

Facebook Trivia Winners

 

Congratulations SECO Energy member Craig McDade of Belleview who correctly answered our three surge trivia questions on Facebook. Craig was randomly selected as our winner of the $300 bill credit. Eric Schwab from Leesburg is the winner of the Kindle Fire and Eleanor Newton, also from Leesburg, is the winner of a $25 restaurant gift card. Congratulations Craig, Eric and Eleanor!

 

“Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” us on Twitter for future chances to win. Not tech savvy? Look for the last six digits of your account number in this month’s SECO News for a chance to win a $25 restaurant gift card. Call or email us if your number appears. Good luck!

 

 

SECO Energy, September 2016, Co-op Votes, Join today

 

 

SECO Energy, Expressions

 

Expressions

I would just like to say thank you for the opportunity you gave me in receiving your scholarship, and for seeing something in me. With this I will have a greater chance in succeeding in everything I want to do in college, and for that I am extremely thankful. I would also like to thank all of SECO for the celebration we had with all of the winners as it was a very enjoyable time for my mom and I.

Once again thank you for everything.
Raul Bayas
Ocala, FL

 

I wish to express my utmost gratitude to you for choosing me as a recipient of the 2016 SECO Scholarship. By providing such an award you are furthering my academic success in the future by allowing me to focus whole-heartedly on my studies. I cannot adequately express my thanks for not only what you have done for me, but many students before and after me who would be far less likely to succeed if it weren’t for people like you.

Thank you,
Cayley Buckner
Ocala, FL

 

Read the full September 2016 SECO News here.

 

SECO Monitoring Atlantic Storms

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the most active period in the Atlantic Hurricane season begins in mid-August and ends in mid-October. SECO Energy continues to monitor tropical depression Invest 99 and the possibility it could make landfall in Florida early next week.

 

As of late Thursday afternoon, tropical wave Invest 99 is an unorganized, broad area of low pressure moving westward at 15 to 20 mph through the southeastern Bahamas. Winds associated with the system have decreased to below tropical storm strength.

 

Spaghetti models are predicting possible landfall in southern Florida or continue into the southeastern Gulf of Mexico. If conditions are favorable, the depression could strengthen and become Hurricane Hermine as early as Friday. At that point, the storm could pick up steam and make landfall again somewhere on Florida’s west coast. This system could bring heavy rain and winds to SECO’s service area early next week.

 

Even though it is too early to predict when and how Central Florida will be affected, SECO is urging members to make preparations in advance. SECO has provided an emergency checklist for members on our website.

 

Kathryn Gloria, Vice President of Corporate Communications and Energy Services stated, “It has been 11 years since Hurricane Wilma made landfall in Florida, and members may feel confident that Florida will continue to be lucky and larger storms will pass us by. Emergency supplies sell out quickly when storm watches and warnings go into effect, gather your supplies beforehand. I urge all SECO members to prepare for the possibility of increased storm activity during this peak time.”

 

SECO Stands Storm Ready

 

SECO is Storm Ready. Our locally-based customer service staff is ready and available to respond to member inquiries in person, by phone or online. SECO’s System Operations directs the SECO cavalry 24 hours a day, seven days a week – each truck is equipped to respond to member concerns or service interruptions in the field quickly and safely.

 

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” us on Twitter to stay updated about storms affecting our area.

 

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

Hackers, scammers and thieves – at your door

In today’s fast-paced world of hackers, scammers and thieves, SECO Energy members must be vigilant to protect themselves, their property and their financial information. If someone calls you or comes to your door and requests access or payment, protect yourself. Hang up on the caller and above all, don’t allow an unidentified person access to your home. Call 911 if someone suspicious comes to your door without identification and a vehicle with company signage.

 

SECO Energy, New Fleet Look

 

All SECO vehicles display prominent signage. Our fleet vehicles have refreshed branding with larger logos so you can better recognize us when we are working in your area. Our contractors display their company logos with a SECO Energy contractor signage as well. Keep in mind that SECO contractors include meter readers, surge protection installers, tree trimming crews and construction/maintenance contractors, so there are a variety of legitimate reasons for SECO to be in your area.  Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have a question or concern.  If you feel you are in danger, immediately call 911.

 

SECO Energy, New Fleet Look

 

SECO News, August 2016

SECO News, Duncan's Digest, February 2016

 

In 2015, the J. D. Power Electric Utility Residential Customer Satisfaction Study ranked SECO Energy “Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Midsize Utilities in the South.” Words cannot express the gratitude our Board of Trustees, leadership team and employees felt after winning such a prestigious, humbling award. The entire cooperative was inspired, setting our sights on a repeat performance with continued improvement in serving our members.

 

You, our members, ranked SECO highly again in 2016, honoring us with another J.D. Power trophy. We are referring to the pair as our “Dynamic Duo.” This year’s ranking placed SECO Energy in a segment with the toughest competition – all cooperatives across the nation with over 100,000 meters.

 

On July 12, J.D. Power announced that SECO Energy has been ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Electric Cooperatives.”
J.D. Power’s six scored factors are:

  1. power quality and reliability
  2. price
  3. billing and payment
  4. corporate citizenship
  5. communications
  6. customer service

 

SECO’s 2016 overall customer satisfaction score this year is an astonishing 769, which is a 20-point increase from our 2015 score. This increase reflects significant efforts by our employees to improve the level of service you receive from SECO.

 

SECO Energy, SECO News August 2016, Duncan's Digest

 

Our Operations & Engineering employees focused on reducing outage durations and improving facilities to deliver safe, reliable power. Member communications have been modernized through our redesigned website, online “Contact Us” web form and stronger social media usage. SECO News is more interesting – promoting energy efficiency, safety and ways for members to win bill credits and prizes.

 

Customer Service folks answered more than 300,000 phone calls in the last year and handled nearly 250,000 transactions in our Service Centers. Our Billing team generated nearly 2.5 million billing statements in the last 12 months.

 

SECO’s sound financial management allowed us to retire $4.6 million in Capital Credits to members in 2015 ($47.3 million since inception). And most important, we dropped the cost of electricity again on June 1st – the 8th decrease of members’ bills in the last three years.

 

Historically, electric cooperatives rank the best of the best in customer satisfaction compared to municipal and investor-owned utilities. Electric cooperatives are owned by the members they serve, which means our Board of Trustees, leadership team and employees focus on our most important asset: you, our member.

 

Thank you, members, for ranking YOUR electric cooperative as the best in the nation. It is our privilege and pleasure to serve as your electric provider.

 

 

SECO Energy COMMUNITY SUPPORT 2016

 

Community Support

 

Red Nose Day

SECO Energy employees and members brought the laughs and raised $1,181 to support FUN-raising on Red Nose Day. Wearing big, red noses may be fun, but Red Nose Day is serious support for many global charities. Donations contribute to meals for children in homeless shelters, antibiotics to treat pneumonia, eye exams, medical supplies and support homeless shelters for children.

 

Trees Donated to Habitat

This summer, SECO added to the beauty of the urban forest and energized the community by donating trees and shrubs to Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter. For nine years in a row, SECO has been recognized by the National Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree Line USA utility. The collection of cypress trees, loropetalum bushes, bougainvillea and lily hybrids will be planted at various Habitat projects in Lake and Sumter Counties.

 

Trees beautify communities and save energy when planted in the right place. Shade from trees can reduce cooling costs and trees block wind in the winter to reduce heating costs. To learn more about planting the right tree in the right place and saving energy, visit the Reliability section of our website.

 

Community Action Luncheon

SECO Energy representatives attended the Central Florida Community Action Agency (CFCAA) Annual Awards Luncheon. As a Diamond level sponsor, SECO joined community leaders in honoring the CFCAA board members, staff and area residents who dedicate their time to enrich the lives of Alachua, Levy and Marion county citizens. The CFCAA’s purpose is to reduce poverty and help low income individuals and families become self sufficient. Photo inset: CFCAA CEO, Charles J. Harris Jr., with the Honorary Senior Judge Sandra E. Champ.

 

SECO Energy COMMUNITY SUPPORT 2016, Pennies from Heaven

 

Extra Pennies?

Partner with SECO to help your neighbors in need. SECO’s Pennies from Heaven program rounds up your electric bill to the nearest dollar. The pennies donated are used to assist fellow SECO members with bill payment and to help members in dire and unique circumstances. Sign up for Pennies from Heaven today.

 

 

SECO Energy, New Fleet Look

 

New Fleet Look

Have you seen our new look? Our entire fleet’s branding has been redesigned to display SECO Energy’s new logo. We think it looks pretty snazzy; do you?

 

 

SECO Energy, COMMUNITY SOLAR PROJECT

 

Community Solar Project

In June, SECO Energy’s wholesale power provider Seminole Electric Cooperative, Inc. began construction on its 2.2 megawatt solar facility. SECO members will have the ability to live a greener lifestyle and reduce their carbon footprint by enrolling in this upcoming Cooperative Solar Project. The enrollment process is slated to begin in October, and the project should be operational by 2017. Watch for more details on our website.

 

 

SECO Energy, Energy Efficiency, Cash-saving Splash

 

Energy Efficiency: Cash-saving Splash

Florida summers are long and hot. One of the best ways to beat the heat is in the family pool. Although the cost of running a pool adds a little to your electric bill, there are ways you can save.

 

Variable-speed pumps are the best energy saver. They are much more energy efficient than traditional, single-speed pool pumps. Before spending the money on costly repairs for an older pump, consider upgrading to the newer technology. Regardless of the type of pump, install a pool timer and set to operate 6-8 hours daily during the summer and 3-4 hours daily during the winter.

 

If you’re thinking about heating your pool, think solar. Solar panels are the most economical way to heat the water. The next best energy-saving option is a heat pump pool heater. To reduce heat loss, utilize a pool cover. Covering your pool when not in use is the single most effective means of reducing heating costs and can save you as much as 70% in electric costs.

 

For more information on how to save energy or to learn more about SECO Energy products and services, visit our website’s Energy Solutions section.

 

 

Scam Alert

Slam the Door on Scams

SECO is cautioning members to slam the door on utility scams. Exercise caution when answering the door – don’t get scammed. All SECO employees carry – company issued identification – don’t hesitate to ask to see an employee’s identification. All approved SECO contractors display an “Authorized SECO Contractor” sign on their trucks, and members can view the list of authorized contractors at SECOEnergy. com under the Reliability tab.

 

If you receive a call threatening disconnection of service if the bill is not paid immediately, or have a question about an employee or contractor call SECO at (352) 793-3801. Prevent any bill payment confusion by enrolling in automatic bank draft today – call us or establish an online account at secoenergy.com. Don’t let scammers in – slam the door!

 

 

SECO News May 2016, Winner Winner! $300 Electric Bill Credit!

 

Facebook Winners

Congratulations to SECO Energy member Mary Wimberly of Wildwood who correctly answered our three outage prevention trivia questions on Facebook. Mary was randomly selected as our winner of the $300 electric bill credit. Congratulations, Mary!

 

Scott Bidgood of Ocala is the winner of our “Dodged a Bullet” gift basket. Scott posted photos and offered members additional storm preparedness tips on Facebook. Congratulations, Scott we hope you enjoy your goodies!

 

Be sure to “like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” us on Twitter for more chances to win. Also, look for the last six digits of your account number in this month’s SECO News for a chance to win a $25 restaurant gift card. Call or email us if your number appears. Good luck!

 

Read the full August 2016 SECO News here.

 

SECO Donates to Habitat for Humanity

SECO Energy is adding to the beauty of the urban forest and energizing the community by donating trees and shrubs to Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter. The collection of cypress trees, loropetalum bushes, bougainvillea and lily hybrids will be planted at various Habitat projects in Lake and Sumter counties.

 

SECO Energy is nationally recognized as a Tree Line USA utility by the National Arbor Day Foundation for nine years in a row. SECO achieved Tree Line USA by meeting five program standards. Utilities must follow industry standards for quality tree care; provide annual worker training in best tree-care practices; sponsor a tree-planting and public education program; maintain a tree-based energy conservation program; and participate in an Arbor Day celebration.

 

Ken Lacasse, Manager of System Reliability, explains that trees and utilities can co-exist in an urban landscape. “To get the most benefit from your trees, plant the right tree in the right place to save energy and keep it away from overhead lines. As a certified arborist, I recommend planting tall trees such as oaks and pines at least 70 feet away from overhead lines and low-growing trees such as azaleas and crape myrtles at least 15 feet from lines. Larger trees near the home will offer more shade, which will reduce cooling costs, and won’t interfere with power lines.”

 

SECO Energy Donates to Habitat for Humanity

 

SECO’s donation to Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter makes a difference in the communities it serves. Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter’s programs are designed to meet the needs of local communities. To learn more about Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter, visit www.habitatls.org.

 

To learn more about how trees can help consumers save energy, visit www.secoenergy.com. At SECO Energy’s website, consumers can find more information about planting the right tree in the right place and about SECO’s vegetation management program. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” SECO on Twitter for cooperative updates and news releases.

SECO Sponsors Community Action Luncheon

SECO Energy representatives attended the Central Florida Community Action Agency’s (CFCAA) Annual Awards Luncheon. As a Diamond level sponsor, SECO joined community leaders in honoring the CFCAA board members, staff and area residents who dedicate their time to enrich the lives of Alachua, Levy and Marion county residents.

 

City of Ocala Mayor Ken Guinn opened the program with praise for the CFCAA. Guinn stated, “It’s great to know this organization is here to help those in need.”

 

Caroone Rush, CFCAA Board Member and the audience recited, “The Promise of Community Action – Community action changes people’s lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities and makes America a better place to live. We care about the entire community, and we are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other.”

 

The entire audience was inspired by guest speaker Herman Washington’s personal story. Herman was named CFCAA’s “Self-Sufficiency Success Story” for 2016. A former troubled youth, Herman was determined to find the right path for him and his family. He received assistance through the CFCAA to attend barber school and now he is the owner of his own barber shop. Herman thanked the CFCAA, his wife and family, his pastor and his church family for their support.

 

Honorable Senior Judge Sandra E. Champ, keynote speaker spoke about the importance of elevating lives in a striving community. Champ said, “There are times individuals need elevating from homelessness, public housing and poverty to becoming self-sufficient and financially stable. Providing temporary assistance for individuals to become self-sufficient is how CFCAA elevates the community, one household at a time.”

 

CFCAA Chief Executive Officer, Charles J. Harris Jr., presented the Freddie L. Warmack Community Partner of the Year Awards to: Corey Harris, Executive Director – Neighborhood Housing & Development Corporation; Beverly Goodman, Manager – Tri-County Community Resource Center; and Ramona Williams, Customer Service Supervisor – City of Ocala Utility Services.

 

Harris closed the ceremony by thanking Judge Champ and the audience, as well as a final congratulation to all award recipients.

 

To learn more about SECO Energy’s commitment to community, visit www.secoenergy.com. SECO members can partner with SECO to help fellow members in need by rounding up their bill to the nearest dollar through its Pennies from Heaven program. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” SECO on Twitter for cooperative updates and news releases.