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March 2023 Sunshine State Stats

Spring arrived in March 2023. While daily high temperatures increased during the month, cold temperatures continued as well. High daily temperatures ranged between the mid 60s and low 90s. Low daily temperatures dipped into the 40s.

 

March 2023 Sunshine State Stats temps

 

The average temperature for March 2023 was 72 degrees, which was 2 degrees higher than last month’s average. The average high was 84 degrees while the average low was 60 degrees. With the shifting temperatures from cool to hot during the month, members may notice increased kilowatt hour (kWh) usage as they used both heating and cooling in their homes. HVAC is the largest energy-user in Central Florida homes – accounting for 35 to 40% of kWh usage on average.

 

The highest daily recorded temperature (data from the Leesburg KLEE weather station) in March was 92 degrees and the lowest 44 – the highest daily recorded temperature in February was 88 degrees and the lowest 46. March 2023 lacked rainfall – only .16 inches – which is drastically lower than the March average of 4.03 inches.

 

April forecast:

 

Daily highs in the 90s will continue through April with lows in the mid to high 60s. The best chance of rain comes early in the month, but dry conditions are predicted to continue.

 

To check historical usage, log into SmartHub to view past bills and consumption charts. If your usage is high, SECO offers several energy-efficiency tools to help you identify energy wasters. Take the Home Energy Assessment to receive a detailed email tailored to your home’s features and lifestyle. The energy-saving advice will provide low-cost ways to decrease your usage – and your electric bill.

 

To easily calculate how much energy your appliances, lighting, electronic devices, and other energy-using items in your home consume, use the Energy Estimator.

 

January 2023 Sunshine State Stats

January 2023 temperatures ranged between the 20s and 80s in the same month. Temperatures dropped to as low as 26 degrees on January 15 (data from the Ocala KOCF weather station) in SECO Energy’s service area and highs climbed to 85.

 

January 2023 Sunshine State Stats temps

 

The average temperature for January 2023 was 63 degrees, which was 1 degree lower than last month’s average. The average high was 74 degrees while the average low was 52 degrees. With the shifting temperatures from very cold to hot during the month, members may notice increased kilowatt hour (kWh) usage as they used both heating and cooling in their homes. The HVAC is the largest energy-user in Central Florida homes – accounting for 35 to 40% of kWh usage on average.

 

The highest daily recorded temperature (data from the Leesburg KLEE weather station) in January was 85 degrees and the lowest 35 – the highest daily recorded temperature in December was 83 degrees and the lowest 29. Rainfall in January 2023 was well below the average of 3.32 inches to measure only 1.22 inches.

 

February forecast:

 

Expect daily highs to reach the low 80s with lows in the mid-50s in February 2023. The Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts winter temperatures will be between 1 to 4 degrees below average, which has held true for the Winter 2023 season.

 

To check historical usage, log into SmartHub to view past bills and consumption charts. If your usage is high, SECO offers several energy-efficiency tools to help you identify energy wasters. Take the Home Energy Assessment to receive a detailed email tailored to your home’s features and lifestyle. The energy-saving advice will provide low-cost ways to decrease your usage – and your electric bill.

 

To easily calculate how much energy your appliances, lighting, electronic devices, and other energy-using items in your home consume, use the Energy Estimator.

 

September 2022 Sunshine State Stats

Hurricane Ian blazed through Central Florida between Wednesday, September 28, and Thursday, September 29, bringing large amounts of rainfall, high winds and fall temperatures. The average temperature for the month was 81 degrees, which was 3 degrees lower than last month’s average. The average high was 88 degrees while the average low was 73 degrees.

 

September 2022 Sunshine State Stats temps

 

The highest daily recorded temperature (data from the Leesburg KLEE weather station) in September was 95 degrees and the lowest 63 – the highest daily recorded temperature in August 2022 was 96 degrees and the lowest was 72. Rainfall was above average in September. The total precipitation for the month was 7.25 inches, well above the September average rainfall of 5.76 inches.

 

Daily high temperatures soared over 90 degrees 16 days in September. Hurricane Ian brought a slight cooldown to daily temperatures toward the end of the month. Expect daily highs to reach near 90 degrees into October.

 

Before September, the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season was mostly inactive. Hurricane Ian made landfall as a strong Category 4 hurricane on Florida’s west coast. It traveled slowly through southwest and central Florida before exiting into the Atlantic and making another landfall in South Carolina. Hurricane Ian was deadly and caused power outages for millions in the southeast United States. At its peak, SECO Energy had just over 11,000 accounts without electric service overnight on the 28th and 29th. All accounts were restored by late on Friday, September 30. It only takes one powerful storm to damage electric transmission and distribution infrastructure causing widespread power outages.

 

Have a plan in place for hurricane season. Don’t wait until a storm is approaching to prepare. Essential supplies such as water, gasoline, bread and other non-perishable food sell out quickly. Read our Hurricane Handbook to learn more about what to do before, during and after a tropical storm or hurricane.

 

October forecast:

 

Expect daily high temperatures to reach into the high to mid 80s during October 2022. Be alert for late-season tropical storm and hurricane activity heading toward Central Florida. Central Florida’s rainy season is winding down, expect less rain and thunderstorms during the month.

 

HVAC use may be starting to decrease with cooler daily and evening temperatures. 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. Before winter temperatures set in, schedule an HVAC tune up with a qualified technician.

 

To check historical usage, log into SmartHub to view past bills and consumption charts. If your usage is high, SECO offers several energy-efficiency tools to help you identify energy wasters. Take the Home Energy Assessment to receive a detailed email tailored to your home’s features and lifestyle. The energy-saving advice will provide low-cost ways to decrease your usage – and your electric bill.

 

To easily calculate how much energy your appliances, lighting, electronic devices, and other energy-using items in your home consume, use the Energy Estimator.

 

July 2022 Sunshine State Stats

July 2022 in Central Florida was extremely hot and especially soggy. The average temperature for the month was 84 degrees, which was 1 degree warmer than last month’s average. The average high was 93 degrees while the average low was 76 degrees.

 

July 20222 SECO Energy Sunshine State Stats temps

 

The highest daily recorded temperature (data from the Leesburg KLEE weather station) in July was 96 degrees and the lowest 71 – the highest daily recorded temperature in June 2022 was 98 degrees and the lowest was 69. Rainfall was above average in July. The total precipitation for the month was 12.31 inches, well above the July average rainfall of 5.67 inches.

 

Daily high temperatures soared over 90 degrees most days in July – 29 days of the month the daily high temp reached 90 or higher. Expect daily highs to reach into the 90s for the rest of the summer and usually into October.

 

Atlantic hurricane season lasts through November 30. While the Colorado State University (CSU) Tropical Meteorology Project team updated its 2022 Atlantic hurricane season forecast predicting well-above-average tropical storm and hurricane activity, the tropics have remained mostly clear early in the season. September is generally the most active month for hurricane and tropical storm activity. Have a plan in place for hurricane season. Don’t wait until a storm is approaching to prepare. Read our Hurricane Handbook to learn more about what to do before, during and after a tropical storm or hurricane.

 

August forecast:

 

Daily high temperatures will reach into the 90s for most if not all of August 2022. Daily thunderstorms are forecast throughout the month.

 

With increased daily temperatures, HVAC use increases as well as energy consumption. 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. Set your thermostat at 78 degrees or higher in the summer – every degree lower than 78 will increase your monthly bill by 6 to 8%.

 

To check historical usage, log into SmartHub to view past bills and consumption charts. If your usage is high, SECO offers several energy-efficiency tools to help you identify energy wasters. Take the Home Energy Assessment to receive a detailed email tailored to your home’s features and lifestyle. The energy-saving advice will provide low-cost ways to decrease your usage – and your electric bill.

 

To easily calculate how much energy your appliances, lighting, electronic devices, and other energy-using items in your home consume, use the Energy Estimator.

 

June 2022 Sunshine State Stats

June 2022 was hot, hot, HOT! The average temperature for the month was 83 degrees, which was 4 degrees warmer than last month’s average. The average high was 92 degrees while the average low was 73 degrees.

 

June 2022 Sunshine State Stats temps

 

The highest daily recorded temperature (data from the Leesburg KLEE weather station) in June was 98 degrees and the lowest was 69 – the highest recorded daily temperature in May 2022 was 92 degrees and the lowest recorded daily temperature was 59. Parts of SECO Energy’s service area experienced heavy rain and winds in June while others stayed relatively dry. Rainfall measured 3.2 inches in June 2022, which is almost 3 inches below average.

 

Daily temperatures over 90 degrees were the norm for June – 26 days of the month the daily high temp reached 90 or higher. Summer temperatures are here to stay in Central Florida. Through September and into October, expect daily highs to reach into the 90s with lows in the 60s and 70s.

 

Atlantic hurricane season lasts through November 30. The Colorado State University (CSU) Tropical Meteorology Project team updated its 2022 Atlantic hurricane season forecast. According to these experts, expect well-above-average tropical storm and hurricane activity this season. For 2022, 20 named storms are predicted compared to the average of 14.4 named storms between 1991 and 2020. Now is the time to have a plan in place for hurricane season. Don’t wait until a storm is approaching to prepare. Read our Hurricane Handbook to learn more about what to do before, during and after a tropical storm or hurricane.

 

July forecast:

 

Daily high temperatures will reach into the 90s for July 2022. Expect almost daily thunderstorms during the first half of the month. Energy consumption increases in the summer months.

 

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. Set your thermostat at 78 degrees or higher in the summer – every degree lower than 78 will increase your monthly bill by 6 to 8%.

 

To check historical usage, log into SmartHub to view past bills and consumption charts. If your usage is high, SECO offers several energy-efficiency tools to help you identify energy wasters. Take the Home Energy Assessment to receive a detailed email tailored to your home’s features and lifestyle. The energy-saving advice will provide low-cost ways to decrease your usage – and your electric bill.

 

To easily calculate how much energy your appliances, lighting, electronic devices, and other energy-using items in your home consume, use the Energy Estimator.

 

May 2022 Sunshine State Stats

Summer-like heat and heavy rainfall arrived in Central Florida in May 2022. The average temperature for the month was 79 degrees, which was 6 degrees warmer than last month’s average. The average high was 88 degrees while the average low was 69 degrees.

 

May 2022 Sunshine State Stats temperatures

 

The highest daily recorded temperature in May was 92 degrees and the lowest was 59 – the highest recorded daily temperature in April 2022 was 90 degrees and the lowest recorded daily temperature was 45. May was soggy with higher-than-average rainfall that totaled 8.29 inches, which was over 4 inches above average.

 

High daily temperatures remained near 90 degrees for most of the month. Every day this month reached over 80 degrees – with 11 days over 90 degrees. Summer temperatures are starting to be in full swing, expect daily highs in the 80s, 90s and above. Temperatures at night and early morning are warming up, too. Thirty days in the month the low temperature reached into the 60s and 70s.

 

Atlantic hurricane season began June 1 with potential tropical storm activity In the Gulf of Mexico. Now is the time to have a plan in place for hurricane season. Don’t wait until a storm is approaching our shores to prepare. Read our Hurricane Handbook to learn more about what to do before, during and after a tropical storm or hurricane.

 

June forecast:

 

Daily high temperatures will soar over 80 degrees and into the 90s for June 2022. The best chance for rain is early to mid-month. Members may notice an increase in their monthly energy usage during the summer months. HVAC use is the highest percentage of energy use in Central Florida homes. Set your thermostat at 78 degrees or higher in the summer – every degree lower than 78 will increase your monthly bill by 6 to 8%.

 

The Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts a hot and dry June with an average temperature of 82 degrees, which is above average. Rainfall is predicted to be below average.

 

To check historical usage, log into SmartHub to view past bills and consumption charts. If your usage is high, SECO offers several energy-efficiency tools to help you identify energy wasters. Take the Home Energy Assessment to receive a detailed email tailored to your home’s features and lifestyle. The energy-saving advice will provide low-cost ways to decrease your usage – and your electric bill.

 

To easily calculate how much energy your appliances, lighting, electronic devices, and other energy-using items in your home consume, use the Energy Estimator.

 

March 2022 Sunshine State Stats

Spring, sunshine and warmer days arrived in March 2022 after a winter with temperatures that measured below average. The average temperature for the month was 70 degrees, which was 6 degrees warmer than last month’s average. The average high was 81 degrees while the average low was 59 degrees.

 

Sunshine State Stats temps March 2022

 

The highest daily recorded temperature in March was 89 degrees and the lowest was 36 – the highest recorded daily temperature in February 2022 was 88 degrees and the lowest recorded daily temperature was 39. March was soggy with 6.36 inches of rainfall – over 2 inches above the month average.

 

March’s daily temperature fluctuations were extreme. The monthly difference from the average high to the average low was 22 degrees. The highest daily temperature fluctuation was 32 degrees. Nineteen days in the month reached over 80 degrees for the high daily temperature, while low temperatures dropped into the 40s and 50s.

 

Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1 and ends November 30. The last seven hurricane seasons have seen a tropical storm or hurricane form in May. Now is the time to begin planning for the upcoming hurricane season. Don’t wait until a storm is approaching our shores to prepare.

 

April forecast:

 

Daily temperatures are warming up, members should expect temperatures to reach into the 80s and possibly low 90s throughout the month. Members may notice an increase in their March energy usage if they used air conditioning to combat the daily high temperatures during the month.

 

The Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts a warm April with an average temperature of 71 degrees, which is average. Rainfall will be less than average at 4 inches.

 

To check historical usage, log into SmartHub to view past bills and consumption charts. If your usage is high, SECO offers several energy-efficiency tools to help you identify energy wasters. Take the Home Energy Assessment to receive a detailed email tailored to your home’s features and lifestyle. The energy-saving advice will provide low-cost ways to decrease your usage – and your electric bill.

 

To easily calculate how much energy your appliances, lighting, electronic devices, and other energy-using items in your home consume, use the Energy Estimator.

 

February 2022 Sunshine State Stats

Warmer temperatures appeared in February 2022 after January’s below-freezing cold snap. The average temperature for the month was 64 degrees, which was 2 degrees cooler than last month’s average. The average high was 75 degrees while the average low was 53 degrees.

 

Sunshine State Stats February 2022 temps

 

The highest daily recorded temperature in February was 88 degrees and the lowest was 39 – the highest recorded temperature was 85 in January 2022, while the lowest recorded temperature was 32. February saw little rainfall, only 0.7 inches while the average rainfall in February is 2.87 inches.

 

February’s daily temperature fluctuations were extreme. The monthly difference from the average high to the average low was 22 degrees. The highest daily temperature fluctuation was 32 degrees. Twelve days in the month reached over 80 degrees, while the low temperature dropped into the 30s and 40s during ten days in February.

 

January 2022 temperatures were unseasonably cold in Central Florida. Nighttime temperatures in February 2022 were cold and daytime temperatures were very warm. Members may notice an increase in their February energy usage if they used both air conditioning and heating during the month.

 

March forecast:

 

The Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts a warm March with an average temperature of 71 degrees, which is 4 degrees warmer than average. Rainfall will be scarce – only 1 inch, which is 2 inches below average for the month. Expect daily high temps of 80 degrees or more with lows in the 50s.

 

Now’s the time to schedule an HVAC service check before summer heats up. A well-maintained HVAC system runs more efficiently and helps you avoid unexpected downtime and repair costs. Read December 2021 SECO News to learn more about scheduling an HVAC service.

 

 

To check historical usage, log into SmartHub to view past bills and consumption charts. If your usage is high, SECO offers several energy-efficiency tools to help you identify energy wasters. Take the Home Energy Assessment to receive a detailed email tailored to your home’s features and lifestyle. The energy-saving advice will provide low-cost ways to decrease your usage – and your electric bill.

 

To easily calculate how much energy your appliances, lighting, electronic devices, and other energy-using items in your home consume, use the Energy Estimator.

 

July 2021 Sunshine State Stats

Mother Nature increased both the daily temperatures and precipitation in July 2021. The highest daily temperature measured in at 98 degrees, and the lowest temperature came in at 72 degrees. Tropical Storm Elsa brought heavy rain, winds, tornado warnings and watches to our area on July 6th and 7th for our first test of the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season.

 

July 2021 Sunshine State Stats temps

 

July was seasonably hot with afternoon thunderstorms occurring almost daily. During July’s 31 days, 24 of those reached a high temp of over 90 degrees. Because of the increased temperatures, members will likely notice an increase in their July electric usage.

 

For July 2021 the average temperature was 83 degrees, which was the same as the average temperature in July 2020. The average high temperature in July 2021 was 91 degrees, and the average low temperature was 75. Total precipitation this month measured 8.4 inches compared to 4.6 inches in July last year.

 

Both the average monthly temperature and average low and high temperatures have increased from June 2021. Again, members will likely see an increase in their energy usage for July 2021. Hotter temperatures and increased humidity mean HVACs will run for longer periods of time and more frequently to keep the temperatures cool inside. Daily temperature fluctuations also increase HVAC usage.

 

August forecast:

 

The threat of tropical storms and hurricanes increases as we enter August, and the threat peaks in September. Expect rain – our rainy season continues through September with daily thunderstorms that bring rain, lightning and wind. Daily highs will reach 90 degrees and above with lows in the 70s.

 

Take the bite out of damaging surges and spikes with SECO Energy’s Surge MitiGator surge protection. Our meter-based surge arrester protects large appliances by reducing surges BEFORE they enter the meter. Learn more about the Surge MitiGator. In August and September, members enrolled in surge protection are entered in a drawing to win a portable generator each month. Enroll today for the chance to win!

 

To check historical usage, log into SmartHub to view past bills and consumption charts. If your usage is high, SECO offers several energy-efficiency tools to help you identify energy wasters. Take the Home Energy Assessment to receive a detailed email tailored to your home’s features and lifestyle. The energy-saving advice will provide low-cost ways to decrease your usage – and your electric bill.

 

To easily calculate how much energy your appliances, lighting, electronic devices, and other energy-using items in your home consume, use the Energy Estimator.

March 2021 Sunshine State Stats

Spring officially arrived in Central Florida in March 2021. Temperatures fluctuated from the high 80s to the low to mid-40s. The month ended with an eight-day streak of high temperatures that reached into the 80s. In total, 18 days in the month reached above 80 degrees. Members may notice an increase in their March electric usage due to heating and cooling needs during the month.

 

March 2021 Sunshine State Stats temperatures

 

For March 2021 the average temperature was a comfortable 69 degrees, which is 5 degrees lower than the average temperature in March 2020. The highest recorded temperature was 89 degrees and the lowest recorded was 44 degrees. The average high temperature was 79 degrees, and the average low temperature was 59.

 

Rainfall for March 2021 was below the average of 4.03 inches with only 1.42 inches for the month. Precipitation in March 2021 is higher than last year’s total of only .23 inches.

 

Again, members may see an increase in their energy usage for March 2021. Central Florida is experiencing more days that reached highs of over 80 degrees. Daily temperature fluctuations mean members used their HVACs to cool their homes during the day and for heat after the sun went down. The highest daily temperature fluctuation was 26 degrees.

 

April forecast:

 

Expect sunny days in April 2021 with little chance of rain. The weather forecast calls for highs in the 80s and low 90s with lows in the 50s and 60s.

 

To check historical usage, log into SmartHub to view past bills and consumption charts. If your usage is high, SECO offers several energy-efficiency tools to help you identify energy wasters. Take the Home Energy Assessment to receive a detailed email tailored to your home’s features and lifestyle. The energy-saving advice will provide low-cost ways to decrease your usage – and your electric bill.

 

To easily calculate how much energy your appliances, lighting, electronic devices, and other energy-using items in your home consume, use the Energy Estimator.