Beat the Heat – Conserve Energy Warning

SECO Energy is preparing for some of the hottest summer temperatures recorded. For over a month, the heat index or “feels like” temperature has soared into the triple digits in Central Florida. Every day in August the temperature has reached 90 degrees and above, and SECO Energy members have set records several times in recent weeks for the highest usage our cooperative has ever experienced.

Today and for the rest of the week, heat indices in the counties SECO serves are forecast to climb to over 110 degrees. The increased HVAC usage to battle these hot summer temperatures is creating an energy generation shortage.

SECO Energy’s peak times of highest demand are generally between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. During this extremely hot summer, we’ve seen that demand time expand to 12 p.m. and 8 p.m.

We need your help in assisting with grid stability during these hot temperatures. Help us reduce energy demand by conserving.

Ways to reduce energy use:

Set your HVAC temperature to 78 degrees or higher.
Run pool pumps after 7 p.m.
Set electric vehicle (EVs) and golf carts to charge between midnight and 6 a.m.
Curtail household tasks like laundry and running the dishwasher until late evening/early morning
Lower your water heater temperature to 120 degrees and invest in a timer to curtail use between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

You’ll save money on your electric bill and help SECO reduce our peak demand (which lowers energy costs for all members). If you own an electric vehicle, enroll in our incentive rate. If you want to up your EV charging speed, you can lease or purchase a Level Two Fast Charger from SECO – free installation for a limited time. A 240-volt outlet NEMA 14 50-amp receptacle is required and is the member’s responsibility.

Be assured, we are monitoring the statewide energy shortage and working closely with our wholesale power provider Seminole Electric Cooperative, Inc. to maintain energy reserves. We are taking proactive action with Seminole to ensure that the electric grid remains stable and that system reliability for SECO members is unaffected. You can help by taking the small steps listed above.

SECO News July 2022

Dear Members,

SECO Energy continues to deal with supply chain constraints due to the pandemic aftermath. Utilities across the state and the nation are experiencing shortages of raw materials, labor shortages, shipping delays and increased demand for utility products. We are challenged to procure transformers, PVC pipe, meter boxes and any equipment that relies on a microchip. This shift changes our business model to operating around the available materials. In fact, utilities across the state and the nation are feeling the strain of the supply chain issue. Learn more from the Florida Electric Cooperatives Association in its recent statement.

These constraints also result in increased cost of inventory and price escalation due to runaway inflation – which is at a 40-year high. In May, the price of natural gas hit a decade high $9 per million BTUs (British thermal units) and this significantly affects the cost of power SECO delivers to you from our wholesale provider, Seminole Electric Cooperative. Given the domestic and global events causing these market trends to continue, SECO must prepare to meet our business targets and member requests in an environment today that is extremely challenging.

We anticipate the continuation of cost increases and supply chain interruptions. Ultimately, these factors will result in our members paying more for their energy needs – just as we at SECO find ourselves paying more for the materials we buy to construct new services and maintain existing infrastructure.

Roughly 70 cents of every dollar SECO spends is to purchase power from Seminole. Members who read SECO News regularly and review their electric bill each month have seen a line item referred to as the PCA – or Power Cost Adjustment. This calculation allows SECO to adjust for the rise or fall of fuel costs in real time without formally adjusting the actual rate.

This is a common utility practice that prevents the over or under collection of funds from our members. The PCA factor was changed in April bringing our cost per thousand kilowatt hours from $121.00 to $128.05. Unfortunately, projections from Seminole require us to make yet another adjustment to the PCA – sooner rather than later.

The fuel cost adjustment was approved by the Board and takes effect on July 1 with an increase to $137.60 per thousand kilowatt hours consumed at the residential level. Know that utilities across the state and the nation for that matter are all in the same boat and are making fuel cost adjustments and raising rates.

Notwithstanding all of this, SECO will strive, as we always do, to minimize such impact on our members by keeping our rates as affordable as possible and making sure our rates remain competitive locally, regionally and nationally.

In a June report from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), it forecasts the U.S. residential electricity price will average 14.6 cents/kWh between June and August 2022. SECO’s residential cost per kWh remains well below that and we’re hopeful we can hold that line through the remainder of the summer when members consume the most energy.

I realize that I’ve written to you largely about costs this month, but I want to close with the topic of reliability. Surveys show that the reliability of electric service is the most important driver of member satisfaction. Despite our collective current cost crunch, we continue to invest in expanding and maintaining our electric facilities throughout the entire service territory. With hurricane season upon us, I encourage you to view our System Improvement Map at SECOEnergy.com for Expansion and Reliability Projects to see where contractors and SECO Energy crews are working to enhance your experience as a SECO Energy member.

Sincerely,

Curtis Wynn

Chief Executive Officer

Advice From The Old Farmer’s Almanac: Summer Fishing Days

Cast a line, the fishing’s fine! The best fishing time is when fish are most active just after sunup and as the sun is going down and for an hour after. According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, anglers should fish during the full moon period when tides are higher than average. Also, one hour before and one hour after the high tides in your favorite fishing spot is an ideal time. Another indication of a good fishing day is when the breeze comes from the west, and the water is still or only slightly rippled. Fishing with family or friends, or enjoying quiet time alone makes for a great day!

The best fishing days are between the new and full moon according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac. This summer, drop your line between July 1 – 13, July 28 – August 11 and August 27 – September 10. Read Florida Fauna & Flora this month to learn about red snapper.

Summer Energy Efficiency Savings

The long, hot days of summer are here. The EIA calculates the highest amount of electricity consumed in the U.S. is attributed to HVAC use. For Floridians, HVAC use is a longer span (typically early spring to late fall) than in other parts of the country and runs more frequently. It is likely the highest energy user in your home.

Energy efficiency and reducing energy costs are hot topics, especially in the summer months. SECO Energy offers several online tools to help members understand their home usage and identify energy wasters.

The first stop is SmartHub, SECO’s online account platform. See past bills to compare last year’s usage with 2022’s usage – is it higher? Is it related to the weather? Visit our Sunshine State Stats in the Newsroom Blog to see how temperatures fluctuate and affect your bill.

Your next stop is our online Home Energy Assessment – a home energy audit you conduct from the comfort of home. Fill out the assessment based on your home’s specifics (construction type, roof age, amount of insulation, etc.) and lifestyle. Submit your answers to receive personal energy-savings advice tailored to the data you input in the Assessment. Implement our suggestions, and you’ll be on your way to consuming less energy – and saving money.

The Energy Estimator is an online tool that explores the math associated with your energy usage. The Estimator will calculate the estimated cost for each of your home’s appliances and electronics. Submit your email address to receive no-cost and low-cost energy-savings suggestions via email.

You’ll find these energy-efficiency tools and more energy-saving tips at SECOEnergy.com > Energy Solutions. Use our online tools today to save energy and money tomorrow.

Florida Fauna & Flora: Red Snapper

Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announced that Florida’s 2022 recreational red snapper season opened June 17 and runs consecutively through July 31. Visit myfwc.com for upcoming fall dates.

Red snapper in deeper waters tend to be redder than those caught in shallower waters. They have a long triangular face with the upper part sloping more strongly than the lower and earned the name snapper from their enlarged canine teeth.

Age wise, red snapper can live a long time—red snapper as old as 57 years have been reported in the Gulf of Mexico and can grow to 40 inches long and 50 pounds. Females are able to reproduce as early as age 2. Males and females spawn from May to October, depending on their location.

Red snapper feed on fish, shrimp, crab, worms, cephalopods (octopus or squid) and some plankton. Young red snapper are food for the large carnivorous fish that share their habitat, such as jacks, groupers, sharks, barracudas, and morays.

These fish are generally found at 30 to 620 feet deep in the Gulf of Mexico and along the eastern coasts of North America, Central America, and northern South America. They are rare north of the Carolinas.

Read the full July 2022 SECO News online.

SECO Energy Trustee Bill James Recognized for Seminole Electric Cooperative Board Service

During the May SECO Energy Board of Trustee meeting, SECO Energy Board President Gerald Anderson and CEO Curtis Wynn recognized longtime District 8 Trustee William (Bill) W. James, Jr. with a Certificate of Appreciation presented on behalf of the entire Board.

Mr. James is a longstanding resident of The Plantation in Leesburg and has been a SECO Energy member since 2002. He has served on the SECO Energy Board of Trustees since 2010 and served on the Seminole Electric Board of Directors from June 2016 through May 2022.

President Anderson stated, “The SECO Energy Board of Trustees wanted to formally recognize Mr. James’ distinguished service on the Seminole Electric Cooperative, Inc. Board of Directors over the last six years. His extensive experience and guidance supported Seminole’s strategic initiatives and kept SECO Energy’s Board informed of important information related to our wholesale power provider’s governance and operations.”

CEO Curtis Wynn echoed President Anderson’s sentiments and stated, “We are grateful for Mr. James’ hard work and dedication in support of SECO Energy’s ongoing mission to provide reliable, affordable and innovative energy services to our members and communities.”

SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees are members who live in SECO’s service territory. They are elected to oversee the governance of the cooperative. Each Trustee on the Board is elected by the members who reside in his/her District. Collectively, the Trustees are responsible for establishing, reviewing and revising corporate policies and approving the cooperative’s budget.

“Like” SECO Energy on Facebook and follow @SECOEnergy on Twitter for prize drawings, news releases, and severe weather alerts affecting SECO Energy’s service territory. Manage your outage notification preferences at StormCenter. To see when SECO Energy crews/contractors are working in your area, visit our new System Improvement Map. To learn more about SECO Energy as a not-for-profit cooperative, visit About SECO Energy.

SECO Energy Members Win Prizes for Saving Energy During Cold Weather Weekend

SECO Energy prepared for colder-than-average temperatures last weekend by asking members to turn down their thermostats and save energy to preserve electric grid stability. The incentive drawing was released on Friday evening on social media, SECOEnergy.com and distributed to local media outlets. More than 50,000 members read the communications about the thermostat incentive drawing and submitted nearly 10,000 photos of their thermostats with the settings turned down to 65 degrees or less.

SECO’s service area experienced early morning temperatures that plunged into the low 20s in some portions of the Central Florida SECO service area and the low 30s in other parts. SECO and its wholesale power provider, Seminole Electric, Inc. (SECI), proactively took action to ensure grid stability and system reliability.

SECO Energy asked members to assist the cooperative with ensuring grid stability during this past weekend’s cold temperatures by lowering their thermostats to 65 degrees from Friday evening to Sunday evening. Lowering the thermostat for the duration of the event helped members save money and energy, while helping SECO and SECI preserve grid stability. ENERGY STAR recommends a setting of 68 degrees in the winter, so the three-degree adjustment was minimal. Members also helped conserve energy by lowering their water heater temperature below 120 degrees and curtailing household tasks like doing laundry and running the dishwasher.

The coldest temperatures blanketed the area on Sunday morning. Ocala was 22 degrees, Leesburg was 32 degrees, Clermont was 39 degrees and Inverness 27. At 8 a.m., SECO had an instantaneous load of 929MW (megawatts) and SECI’s load was 3,998MW. SECO experienced only four outages systemwide that affected 160 members. There were reports of flickering in the Marion Oaks area in Ocala but overall, the SECO Energy and Seminole electric systems held up extraordinarily well. Historically, the SECO system has experienced similar extremely cold temperatures but with higher kWh usage. It’s clear that SECO members stepped up and conserved when asked.

Over 8,200 members sent in photos of their thermostat set at 65 degrees in an effort to conserve energy during the cold weather event. Members who sent a photo of their thermostat set at 65 degrees during the weekend event via email, text or social media were entered to win great prizes.

Random drawing prize winners are:

• Three $500 SECO Energy bill credits: Rory Davis, Wildwood; Charles Perry, Astatula; and William Westmoreland, Inverness

• Three NEST Learning Thermostats: Mark Piazza, The Villages; Dawn Finney, Umatilla; and Carolyn Clement, Inverness.

• Three HoneyWell Wi-Fi thermostats: Victoria Pierce, Minneola; Bryce Lemke, Clermont; and Marla Feichtenbiner, Ocala

• Three Apple TV boxes: Yushica Vaughns Johnson, The Villages; Krystal O’Brien, Eustis; and Vicky Mikrut, Belleview

• Three iPad’s (9th Generation): Henry Frick, Tavares; Clint Louton, Mount Dora; and Troy Davidson, Groveland

CEO Curtis Wynn stated, “Thank you to members who made a critical difference for SECO Energy and Seminole in reducing our overall load during critical peak events this past weekend. We are grateful for your actions to reduce energy use by lowering your thermostat and curtailing household activities involving electric usage. You did your part to ensure statewide grid stability last weekend. By reducing energy usage during an extremely cold weather event, you also helped to keep your bill lower and save money.”

Learn more about saving energy on our Energy Efficiency website section and access our online tools such as the Energy Estimator, the Home Energy Assessment and the Solar Estimator. SECO employs a team of Energy Services Specialists (ESS) and operates an Energy Services help resource via email. Visit our website today about saving energy and money on your bill.

“Like” SECO on Facebook and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates. SECO Energy is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

SECO News October 2021

Without question, your electric service is supported by an extensive, robust and well-maintained infrastructure that distributes power generated by our wholesale power provider, Seminole Electric Cooperative. Like SECO Energy, Seminole is a not-for-profit cooperative owned collectively by nine Florida electric distribution cooperatives.

Each distribution co-op’s CEO serves on the Seminole Board – myself included. In addition, select Trustees from each distribution co-op’s board have seats on the Seminole Board. Our Trustee representatives on the Seminole Board are President and District 4 Trustee Richard Dennison and District 8 Trustee Bill James.

In late September 2017, Seminole announced its plan to build a new, natural gas-fired generating plant next to the existing Seminole Generating Station (SGS) facility in Putnam County. This new, highly efficient generation facility is currently named the Seminole Combined Cycle Facility or SCCF. The new generating capacity is approximately 1,050 megawatts (MW).

The new SCCF plant is on schedule and budget. The major components of the plant have been delivered to the site, and construction is 50% complete. Seminole projects the plant to be commercially operational in the fall of 2022. Construction has continued through the COVID-19 pandemic, with personnel ensuring that work moves forward safely.

When Seminole’s plan to build SCCF was first announced, the board decided to take the environmentally friendly step to shutter one of its coal-fired units at the SGS facility once construction of the new natural gas-fired plant is complete.

Seminole is also taking steps to add a higher mix of renewable energy into its fuel portfolio. The cooperative will add 300 MW of additional solar power to its fuel mix by entering into purchased power agreements. Removing the SGS coal-fired unit from service and the addition of the 300 MW of solar, Seminole projects that it will decrease its carbon dioxide emissions in 2024 by 48% from 2005 levels.

Florida’s population is growing. According to the U.S. Census, between 2010 and 2020, Florida’s population grew from 18.8 million to 21.5 million. The growth doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. Sumter County is one of the fastest-growing counties in Florida.

In fact, The Villages recently earned the title as the fastest growing metropolitan area in the nation over the last decade per new 2020 census data with a Sumter County growth rate of 39%. Lake and Marion counties’ growth rates continue to climb at 29% and 13%, respectively. Stocking ever-more-expensive and hard-to-procure construction material to build new and maintain existing electric infrastructure is daunting in today’s economic environment as we continue to feel the effects of the pandemic.

SECO Energy and Seminole must work together to plan for future energy supplies to meet the growing demand for safe, affordable energy.

Sincerely,

Jim Duncan

Chief Executive Officer

ADVICE FROM THE OLD FARMER’S ALMANAC

With winter fast approaching, Florida will soon be welcoming our human snowbirds and our annual aviary migrating snowbirds, too. Read on for interesting facts about avian migration from The Old Farmer’s Almanac. Some migrating birds plump up for maximum energy in preparation for a long flight. In other birds, their reproductive organs shrink to trim excess weight while hemoglobin in their blood increases for aerobic efficiency. Other changes happen too. New feathers grow to improve flight efficiency; these feathers are often less colorful than the birds’ summer feathers. Every avian order has a long-distance migrator. No matter what time of the year, there are always birds on the move.

Read this month’s Florida Fauna and Flora to learn more about the American kestrel.

SURGE MITIGATOR HELPS AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY

The American Cancer Society is on a mission to free the world from cancer. You can help too by enrolling in SECO Energy’s Surge MitiGator surge protection product. From October 1 until November 15, for every new MitiGator lease or purchase, SECO’s Pennies from Heaven program will donate $5 to the American Cancer Society.

Take the bite out of damaging surges and spikes with our Surge MitiGator. Surges are often associated with lightning, but other causes are vehicles crashing into SECO poles, small animals and birds contacting SECO lines or falling trees. Household appliances and sensitive electronics such as televisions and computers can be damaged or destroyed by power surges and also require point-of-use devices for adequate protection.

Our made in the USA meter-based surge arrester helps prevent unnecessary financial loss by reducing surges BEFORE they enter your home through the meter. The MitiGator has a beastly 15-year warranty and is designed to protect your home’s large-motor appliances.

You can lease the MitiGator for only $5.95 plus tax per month plus a $25 installation fee. The purchase price ranges from $349 to $399, with installation included.

October is breast cancer awareness month, so the timing is perfect to aid cancer research and support cancer patients by enrolling in SECO Energy’s Surge MitiGator surge protection product. To enroll, visit SECOEnergy.com.

AREA LIGHT OUT?

Report an area light outage or malfunction online through LightFinder on our StormCenter platform. Whether the light is always on, completely off or flickering, you can report the malfunction 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – even on weekends.

To report an area light issue, visit SECOEnergy.com > StormCenter and choose LightFinder. Enter the pole number or closest address in the search bar in the upper left. Each light is represented by a lightbulb icon. Green indicates the light is working, and a red icon is a light that has already been reported as malfunctioning. If the icon is orange, it has been repaired in the last 24 hours. Inactive lights are represented by a gray icon and a blue icon is a member-owned light.

Complete the short reporting form and submit your email address to receive updates about the light’s repair status. Most area light issues are repaired within 24 hours.

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:

Donna Vail from Ocala

Jennifer Mears from Webster

Richard Reddy from Deland

Jane Lomont from Clermont

The latest winner of a SECO Energy Level 2 EV Charger is Harry Farrish from Minneola. 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

John Utegg from Ocala is the winner of a $200 SECO Energy bill credit.

Stephanie Eck from Clermont is the winner of a NEST thermostat.

Susan Douglas from The Villages is the winner of an Amazon Echo Dot with Alexa.

William Guffey from Clermont is our final winner of a portable generator – drawn from the list of all members enrolled in SECO Energy’s Surge MitiGator surge protection program. Though our generator giveaway has concluded, from October 1 through November 15, for every new Surge MitiGator lease enrollment or purchase SECO will donate $5 to the American Cancer Society. To learn more or enroll, visit SECOEnergy.com > Energy Solutions > Surge MitiGator.

Congratulations to our recent winners!

Read the full October 2021 SECO News online.

SECO News, March 2020

Duncan’s Digest – SECO Energy’s 82nd Annual Meeting

Our 82nd Annual Meeting is Saturday, March 28, at 293 S. US Highway 301 in Sumterville. Registration opens at 8 a.m. and the Business Meeting begins at 10:30 a.m. The live prize drawing is held after the Business Meeting and wraps up around noon.

Even if you can’t attend, there are ways to win this year. All members are invited to vote on Annual Meeting business in advance. On the SECO Energy homepage, click on the VOTE banner and cast your vote prior to Thursday, March 26 at 5 p.m. for a chance to win a golf cart, gift cards, bill credits, tools, Nest thermostats, Apple TVs, air fryers, Instapots, Ring doorbells and other great prizes. See the complete prize list on page four.

If you do attend the March 28 meeting, you’ll enjoy a light breakfast and entertainment by Margo Rochelle & Rodeo Drive Band. Each registered member will receive our 2019 Annual Report, a special gift and an LED from our wholesale power provider Seminole Electric Cooperative.

This year, there are three ways to win. Members who attend the Annual Meeting are eligible for the door prize drawing that begins at the conclusion of the Business Meeting. If you RSVP online and attend the Meeting, you are entered into a drawing for a $300 bill credit. And again, there are great prizes for members who vote on Annual Meeting business by mail or online before March 26 at 5 p.m. Attendance is NOT required to win.

The grand prizes for Annual Meeting attendees are a refurbished 2010 Chevy Colorado 4X4, an electric golf cart, four cash prizes, bill credits, Kindles, Apple TVs, Ring doorbells, air fryers, Instapots and more. Turn to page four for a list of all prizes.

Even if you RSVP and vote in advance, you must register upon entrance to receive your ticket set for breakfast, gifts and the door prize drawing. For speedy registration, bring a copy of your bill. Photo ID is required. The prize ticket barrels are located just after Registration Tents. The map on the next page clearly marks the Stations.

Visit the Energy Showcase to learn more about energy efficiency, talk with energy-efficiency vendors and stop by Station 4 in the same tent for your free LED. Enjoy live music under the Pavilion and find a dance partner. Visit our electric vehicle (EV) show behind the Energy Showcase tent. EVs include brands like Tesla, Porsche, BMW, Chevy, Nissan, Honda and more.

You’ll find a variety of seating areas with sound and screens. We accommodate 3,600 in the covered Pavilion and another 2,000 in the grass areas. Picnic and high-top tables are first-come, first-served. You are welcome to bring your own picnic blankets or folding chairs.

To vote electronically and/or RSVP, click on the homepage banner. Follow the instructions to view and vote on the Board-recommended Bylaws Revision and the 2019 Annual Meeting Minutes.

To vote and/or RSVP by mail, follow the instructions in the Official Annual Meeting Notice included with billing statements mailed February 14 through March 13. You can drop off your ballot at a Member Service Center or enclose with your payment. To be counted for advance voting, all mail and electronic votes must be received by 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 26.

Don’t forget to “like” SECO Energy’s Facebook page and post a selfie during the event. All members who interact on Facebook during the meeting are entered into a drawing to win a $300 SECO bill credit. You must be present during the live door prize drawing to win.

On behalf of myself, the Board of Trustees and all SECO employees, we look forward to hosting our 82nd Annual Meeting on March 28 and seeing you there.

Sincerely,

Jim Duncan

Chief Executive Officer

Read the full 2020 March SECO News online.

SECO Raises $16,600 for ACS at Annual Relay For Life Golf Tournament

SECO Energy hosted its sixth Annual Relay For Life Golf Tournament at Arlington Ridge in Leesburg on Saturday, May 4. Thanks to generous sponsors and players, the golf tournament was a great success. Over 60 golfers joined SECO’s cause to “Tee-up for a Cure.”

Approximately $16,600 in donations was raised for the American Cancer Society’s (ACS) effort to find cures for cancer and to reduce the burden of the disease in our community. “Each year, we’ve seen a steady increase in the number of golfers and sponsors participating in our golf tournament. The golfers have a fun day on the green supporting this worthy cause,” said Kathy Judkins, SECO Energy Senior Consultant for Civic, Charitable and Government Relations.

Golf tournament participants enjoyed a variety of competitions in addition to 18 holes of scramble golf tournament play. Activities included 1st, 2nd, 3rd place winning teams, a men’s and women’s longest drive, longest putt, and closest-to-the-pin game. The event concluded with a hearty lunch and an awards ceremony.

1st place winners – Mathew Woolf, David Woolf, Tyler Wingate, and Todd Blair
2nd place winners – Alan Campos, Kevin Rohr, Darryl Gonzalez, and Nick Reaves
3rd Place winners – Erin Quinn, Mark Grant, Byon Smiddy, and Thomas Gough
Men’s Longest Drive – Ben Pauluhn
Women’s Longest Drive – DJ Hamilton
Longest Putt – Alice Dickard
Men’s Closest-to-the-pin – Luke Pearce
Women’s Closest-to-the-pin – Janet Cox

“This event would not be possible without the sponsorships we received from the business community, our vendors and partners, our large group of golfers and our SECO employee volunteers. A huge thank you goes out to everyone who was instrumental in making the golf tournament an exciting and successful fundraising event,” said CEO Jim Duncan.

Thank you to the following sponsors for supporting the SECO Energy 6th Annual Relay For Life Golf Tournament: Electric Supply, Inc.; RadWear Designs; Power Services, Inc.; Conrad Tree Service; Substation Engineering & Design; Cap & Associates; McFarland Cascade; Barker Law Office; Florida Utility Services; GRESCO; Tri-State; Catfish Johnny’s; John Carter & Associates; IT Resources; Nelson Tree Service, LLC; Pike; Power Services; Seminole Electric Cooperative, Inc.; Sparks; Salescorp of Florida, Inc; and SubGrid Solutions.

SECO encourages the community to join the virtual SECO Energy Team and to attend Sumter County’s upcoming Relay For Life event at South Sumter High School, 706 N. Main Street, Bushnell, FL on November 2, 2019.

SECO Energy Partners with United Way at 81st Annual Meeting

SECO Energy is partnering with local United Way agencies during its Annual Meeting of the Membership on March 23, 2019, with a food donation drive to help restock local food pantries. Food donation drop-offs will be situated near parking areas between registration and the big American flag displays.

“Feeding the Cooperative Spirit” is the theme for this year’s Annual Meeting and is also a mission. Many local food banks are running desperately low on critical need food items. These shortages compromise their ability to support area residents. SECO and its local United Way partners have a plan to change that.

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “This year’s Annual Meeting is a perfect opportunity for community-minded members and guests, along with SECO and the United Way, to fill a community need. Almost 7,000 members and guests attended last year’s Annual Meeting, and we are expecting an even larger crowd this year. Please donate canned, boxed or jarred foods upon arrival at this year’s Annual Meeting food drive. Together, we can make a tangible difference in the communities we serve.”

Consider donating low-sodium, low-sugar options including canned meats, fruits, vegetables, soups and stews. Canned or dried beans, whole grains such as oatmeal, rice and pasta, assorted baby foods and prepared meals are also good options.

Gates and registration open at 8 a.m. To register bring a copy of your bill and photo ID. Members who attend the meeting are treated to hot sausage egg and cheese biscuits, cookies, doughnuts, coffee and soft drinks, a SECO gift and a 2018 Annual Report. Find a seat in the Annual Meeting Pavilion because Margo Rochelle & Rodeo Drive will be center stage. Visit the Energy Showcase for energy efficiency ideas and product information from SECO’s partners, and pick up a free LED provided by our wholesale provider Seminole Electric.

Members are invited to stroll the grounds and locate a member of the Facebook Help Squad. Snap a selfie or take a picture while at the Annual Meeting and post it on SECO’s Facebook page for the chance to win a $300 bill credit. Be sure to “like” SECO’s Facebook page before the meeting begins.

The business meeting begins at 10:30 a.m. Toward the end of the business meeting, members will be asked to vote on the Board-recommended Articles of Incorporation amendment and related Bylaws revision. After the votes, the drawing for grand and door prizes begins. Grand prizes this year include a refurbished 2009 Ford SuperCab 4X4, a gas-powered golf cart and $1,500 cash. Door prizes include cash, gift cards and assorted high-tech items.

Click on the RSVP home page banner to RSVP online before the meeting to help SECO with breakfast and gift headcount. Members who RSVP online are entered in a drawing for a $300 bill credit. As with all other prizes you must be present to win.

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

SECO News, March 2019

DUNCAN’S DIGEST

I would like to extend a personal invitation to join us for our 81st Annual Meeting on Saturday, March 23. Gates and registration open at 8 a.m. and the business meeting begins at 10:30 a.m. SECO’s ever-hospitable, friendly employees are excited to host members and guests on Annual Meeting day.

RSVP online if you plan to attend. The online RSVP is for breakfast and gift headcount only. You will still need to register upon arrival. To RSVP online or click on the RSVP home page banner. You’ll be entered in a $300 bill credit prize drawing and must be present at the meeting to win.

The theme of this year’s meeting is also a mission: “Feeding the Cooperative Spirit.” Many local food pantries are experiencing critical food shortages that compromise their ability to support area residents. Join SECO, the United Way and your fellow members to help restock local food dispensaries in the counties we serve. Consider donating healthy options including meats and vegetables; grains (oatmeal, rice, pasta); baby food and canned meals (soups, stews). United Way and local food pantry volunteers will be on-hand to collect your donated items at food drop-offs located near the big American flags in the parking areas.

Speaking of food, we are serving the now-famous “big breakfast biscuit” (sausage, egg and cheese – one per person please). You’ll also find cookies, doughnuts, coffee and sodas. Limited picnic and high top tables are available on the south side of the Annual Meeting Pavilion. You are welcome to bring your own picnic blankets, folding/camp chairs or grab a seat under the Pavilion.

To register, bring a copy of your bill. A photo ID is required. At registration, pick up a ticket set for breakfast, gifts and door prizes. Immediately after registration, you’ll drop your door prize ticket in the prize barrel at Station 1 and proceed to Station 2 to pick up your SECO gift bag. Inside you’ll find Voting Packets for the Board-recommended Articles of Incorporation amendment and the corresponding Bylaws revision. You’ll also find a copy of our 2018 Annual Report.

Scout a good seat early. Visit our Energy Showcase before the business meeting begins to learn more about energy efficiency, visit with our partners and pick up a free LED provided by our wholesale power provider Seminole Electric Cooperative. Tap your toes, sing along or dance to live music provided by member-favorite Margo Rochelle & Rodeo Drive Band.

Take a stroll and locate a member of our Facebook Help Squad. Snap a selfie or pose for a picture with a SECO photo frame. Members who “like” SECO’s Facebook page and post a photo or comment during the Annual Meeting on our page are entered into a drawing for a $300 bill credit.

The Articles of Incorporation amendment with Mr. Duncan cover letter 2019 and Bylaws revision with Mr. Duncan cover letter 2019 votes take place before the business meeting adjourns. Prize drawings begin directly after the business meeting. Grand prizes include a refurbished 2009 Ford SuperCab 4X4, a golf cart and cash prizes. The door prize list also includes gift cards and high-tech items. Keep reading for a sneak peek of the complete door prize list!

You must be present to win, so I hope to see you there!

Sincerely,

Jim Duncan

Chief Executive Officer

SECO CHAMPIONS – 400+ SECO EMPLOYEES

SECO’s 400+ employees are dedicated to providing exceptional service to members, co-workers and communities.

Thousands of members and guests join SECO Energy and its 400+ employees at our Annual Meetings. Members are surveyed about their Annual Meeting experience after the event, and they are not shy about sharing their feedback. Members enjoy the cooperative update, the breakfast biscuits and snacks, the live entertainment and learning about energy efficiency ideas at our Energy Showcase.

But hands-down, the highest-rated Annual Meeting experience is our members’ interactions with, and the hospitality provided by, our 400+ SECO Champion employees. Our group of hard working, local folks provide top-notch customer service to our members. Whether on the front lines or behind the scenes, SECO is proud of each employee and his/her work that helps pen our cooperative’s success stories – the stories of SECO Energy Champions.

Join us at our 81st Annual Meeting on Saturday, March 23, to interact with our employees and enjoy SECO hospitality at its finest. See you there!

ANNUAL MEETING 2019 DOOR PRIZES

Refurbished 2009 Ford SuperCab 4X4
Gas-powered golf cart
$1,500
$1,000
(2) $500
Masterbuilt Smokers
Shark Robotic Vacuum
Nest Learning Thermostats
Apple TVs
Wood-Burning Fire Pit
DEWALT Cordless Drills
Power Air Fryers
Foodsaver Vacuum Sealing Systems
Ring Video Doorbells
Amazon Fire HD 8 Tablets
Victrola 6-in-1 Entertainment Centers
Fire TV Cube
Black & Decker Cordless Combos
Amazon Fire TVs
Nix Digital Photo Frame
Nostalgia Vintage Ice Cream Makers
JBL Portable Bluetooth Speakers
Kobalt 227-piece Mechanic’s Tool Set
Fitbit Activity Trackers
Kobalt 22-piece Household Tool Set
Stanley Shop Vacs
$50 Visa Gift Cards

Read the full March 2019 SECO News online.

SECO Energy Hosts Record-breaking Crowd at 80th Annual Meeting

SECO Energy welcomed a record-breaking crowd to its 80th Annual Meeting of the Membership on Saturday, March 24. Attendance reached into the thousands as members, employees and VIP guests were treated to breakfast, live entertainment, gifts and more. Members voted overwhelmingly in favor of SECO’s Board-recommended Bylaws revision.

Over 6,700 registered members, guests, vendors, first responders, employees and VIPs attended, an increase of almost 1,000 guests from last year. Parking nearly reached capacity at just under 3,000 vehicles. A new exit plan and the addition of overflow parking with motor coach service to/from SECO’s headquarters parking area allowed SECO members and guests to exit the event in just 48 minutes.

Daryl Lanker, president of Dixie Lime & Stone and Bedrock Resources, which are two of SECO’s large-load accounts, arrived via helicopter after flying over the Annual Meeting space and graciously taking aerial photos of the crowd. Attendees were served an abundance of food and drinks including 8,250 breakfast biscuits served by Mojo Grill & Catering out of Ocala. Members and guests snacked on 22,000 oatmeal raisin and chocolate chip cookies and 15,600 Krispy Kreme doughnuts. During the chilly morning, attendees sipped down 5,300 cups of coffee. As temps warmed, 4,344 cans of soda and 6,294 bottles of water were consumed.

All registered members received a copy of SECO’s 2017 Annual Report, a thermal zip-up picnic blanket and an LED provided by SECO’s wholesale power provider Seminole Electric Cooperative. Three grand prizes included $1,500 in cash, a 2009 Chevy Colorado and a 2015 Club Car Precedent electric golf cart provided by Ocala Golf Cart at a significant discount. Additional door prizes included iPads, Nest thermostats, gift cards, Apple TV devices, various upscale electronics, two $500 cash prizes and a $1,000 cash prize.

Grand prize winner Darrell Clark of Leesburg won the 2009 Chevy Colorado; The Villages’ Laura Pfafman won the electric golf cart and Richard McHie took home the $1,500 cash prize. Bushnell’s Marcia Sanborn won the $1,000 cash prize. Marlene Garner from Leesburg and Ramindarjit Walia from The Villages both won $500. Steven Underwood from Ocala won the drawing for the $300 bill credit for posting a photo on SECO’s Facebook page during the Annual Meeting. Umatilla’s Barbara Nichols won the $300 bill credit drawing for her online RSVP and attendance. Cindy DesVoignes from Webster was the winner of the patriotic picnic set drawing from hundreds who pledged support of COPA (Co-op Owners for Political Action).

President & District 5 Trustee Ray Vick called the business meeting to order before delivering his annual President’s Report. Vick detailed 2017’s Board-approved Capital Credits retirement of $5.4 million and asked members to consider rounding-up their bills to donate the extra change to SECO’s Pennies from Heaven program. Vick stated, “Imagine how much good we could do for our members in need if each and every one of our 201,000 members joined Pennies from Heaven.” The average round up is about $6 annually, but collectively the pennies donated make a difference in the lives of many SECO members.

CEO Jim Duncan took the stage to provide a Cooperative update. Duncan shared SECO’s 2017 successes including a third J.D. Power award for highest in customer satisfaction among cooperatives, an American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) score of 88, a “Best of the Best” award from the Ocala Star Banner’s Readers’ Choice Awards, a Marion County United Way Outstanding Partner and the 2017 Large Business of the Year in Sumter County.

Duncan addressed the crowd stating, “We are proud of these awards and aren’t shy showing them off because the rankings come from you – our members. Since 1938, SECO’s roots have been firmly planted in Central Florida. Those roots, along with our employees’ dedication to member satisfaction and hard work, are the cooperative difference.”

Before inviting corporate attorney Lewis Stone to the podium to facilitate the Bylaws revision vote, Duncan summarized the revision reasons. Stone lead the vote and answered members’ questions. Members passed the Bylaws revision with little to no opposition.

Members unable to attend Saturday’s Annual Meeting can view video from the event on SECOEnergy.com, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube next week. Members who want to join the Pennies from Heaven program can enroll online.

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

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WINNERS’ CIRCLE

Duncan’s Digest – SECO Energy’s 82nd Annual Meeting

DUNCAN’S DIGEST

SECO CHAMPIONS – 400+ SECO EMPLOYEES

ANNUAL MEETING 2019 DOOR PRIZES

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