SECO News September 2025

Always Storm-Ready, Here for You

DEAR MEMBERS,

As we find ourselves in September, we enter the peak of hurricane season, which officially lasts until November 30. While we have been fortunate so far and have avoided the brunt of severe weather, we know from experience that circumstances can shift rapidly. That’s why it’s crucial to stay alert and prepare for the unexpected.

At SECO Energy, we understand that the prospect of severe storms can bring a sense of anxiety. I want to reassure you that we are here for you. Our employees are your neighbors, and we take pride in serving and protecting the communities we call home.

Preparation is key. We maintain a state of readiness all year. Readiness ensures that our crews are in place, we have a surplus of equipment on hand, and our electrical system is storm-ready to the greatest extent possible. While no utility can prevent outages during a hurricane or major storm, we are committed to restoring power as safely and efficiently as possible, following a structured restoration plan that prioritizes the most critical needs first.

If widespread damage occurs, our emergency response begins with restoring the infrastructure that powers essential services such as shelters, hospitals, schools, and emergency responders. Once we have addressed these critical areas, we turn our attention to restoring substations and main distribution lines to get power back on to the largest number of members. Following this, our crews work diligently to repair localized outages and individual services as quickly and safely as possible.

While forecasts for hurricane season can change, current trends suggest that storms may become more unpredictable, leading to sudden intensifications or unexpected shifts in path. This uncertainty underscores the importance of having a comprehensive emergency plan in place for you and your family.

Experts from Colorado State University’s Tropical Cyclones, Radar, Atmospheric Modeling, and Software Team (TC-RAMS) forecast an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season. The latest outlook includes 16 named storms with eight expected to become hurricanes — three of which may strengthen to Category 3 or higher.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) echoes this outlook, projecting a 65% chance of an above-normal season with 17 to 25 named storms. While increased wind shear in the Caribbean could reduce some activity, warm Atlantic waters and neutral El Niño/La Niña conditions are fueling the potential for more intense storms.

For helpful resources, including preparation checklists, safety tips, and post-storm guidance, please download our Hurricane Handbook at SECOEnergy.com > Safety > Hurricane Handbook or you can pick up a printed copy at any of our five Member Service Centers. And if you’ve had any changes to your contact information, please reach out to us. Staying connected with you during this hurricane season is our priority.

Thank you for being a valued member of our community. Together, we can weather any storm that comes our way.

Sincerely,

CURTIS WYNN

Chief Executive Officer

As hurricane season peaks in September, the threat of severe storms and power outages increases for Central Florida residents. At SECO Energy, we are committed to helping you stay safe, comfortable, and connected during weather emergencies. That’s why we’re excited to offer GenerLink™ — a UL-listed transfer switch available for $1,200 plus tax, including professional installation by a SECO Energy-certified technician.

GenerLink™ allows you to safely connect a portable generator to your home during a power outage — no rewiring, no hassle.

WHY CHOOSE GENERLINK?

Safe & Reliable – Helps prevent dangerous backfeed, protecting utility crews and your home.
Hassle-Free – No internal rewiring needed. Simply plug in your generator and go.
SECO-Certified Professional Installation Only – Installed behind the meter by a qualified SECO Energy certified technician.
Built to Last – Backed by a 7-year product warranty and a 15-year surge protection warranty.

*Installation is typically completed within two to four weeks of payment. No appointment or homeowner presence is required—just ensure clear access to the meter at your location.

Important Notice: SECO Meters and Unauthorized Equipment

GenerLink™ is the only generator transfer switch approved by SECO Energy for installation behind the meter. Only SECO-certified technicians are authorized to perform this installation.

No other product – including unapproved versions of GenerLink or similar devices – may be installed on or around SECO’s meter. Unauthorized equipment that attempts to replace or interfere with SECO’s metering system is strictly prohibited and poses serious safety and liability risk.

Order Today – Beat the Storm Rush

Don’t wait until the next storm is on the radar. Order now to avoid delays during peak storm season.

Generator Safety Starts with You

Never plug a generator directly into a wall outlet. This can cause the electricity to backfeed, endangering lineworkers and damaging your home’s electrical system.
Always operate generators outside, far from doors, windows and vents, to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Let your generators cool before refueling, and store fuel only in approved containers.

Visit SECOEnergy.com > Safety > Generator Tips for more generator safety information.

Severe weather can cause widespread damage, including fallen trees and downed power lines. When this happens, knowing how to stay safe and where to turn for local resources is essential.

One of the most serious storm-related hazards is a downed power line. High winds or falling debris can bring lines to the ground. Even if they appear harmless, always assume the line is energized – it can pose a serious and potentially fatal risk.

HERE’S WHAT TO DO IF YOU SEE A DOWNED LINE:

Stay back — Keep at least 30 feet away and always assume the line is energized.
Warn others — Make sure children, pets, and neighbors stay clear.
Report it — Contact SECO Energy at (352) 793-3801 or call 911.
Never drive over it — A downed line can energize your vehicle or the surrounding ground.
Avoid touching anything near the line — Items like fences, puddles, tree limbs, and even wet grass may conduct electricity.

KNOW YOUR COUNTY’S EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER

Each Florida county has its own Emergency Operations Center (EOC), which activates during major weather events. Your EOC coordinates local emergency response efforts, including:

Shelter openings
Evacuation routes
Road closures
Disaster recovery resources

Question From Member:

If my account is marked as medically necessary, does that make me a priority for power restoration during outages, and will I be exempt from paying my electric bill?

You Asked, We Answer:

We understand how vital electricity is for members who depend on life-sustaining medical equipment. Marking your account as “medically necessary” alerts our team to your specific needs during outages, helping us respond with care.

However, this designation does not guarantee priority restoration. In widespread outage events – particularly during hurricanes or any other natural disaster – SECO Energy follows a structured restoration plan. Our first priority is restoring power to essential services like hospitals, emergency shelters, and Emergency Operations Centers.

It’s also important to note that having a medically necessary designation does not exempt members from paying their electric bills.

We strongly encourage members who require electricity for medically necessary equipment to plan ahead for extended outages by securing a backup power source, such as a generator, or arranging for temporary relocation if necessary.

Whether you’re reporting an outage, checking the status of an existing outage, or reporting a malfunctioning street or area light, SECO’s StormCenter is your go-to resource for staying informed during outages. With StormCenter, you can enroll to receive outage and restoration alerts via email, text, voice, or a combination that works best for you. Setup is quick and easy, and it only takes a minute to get started!

HERE’S HOW TO ENROLL:

Visit SECOEnergy.com/StormCenter from your desktop, tablet, or mobile device.
Select “Manage Notifications” to customize how you’ll receive alerts.
Verify or update your contact information to ensure you stay connected.

Take a moment today to enroll, update any contact information, and personalize your alert preferences so SECO can send you timely updates when it matters most. While you’re there, don’t forget to bookmark StormCenter on your device for quick access. You can also explore the interactive outage map for real-time updates and use LightFinder to report street or area light issues within SECO’s service area.

Read the full September SECO News

SECO News, October 2018

DUNCAN’S DIGEST

SECO CHAMPIONS

SECO Energy is a company of Champions. Our employees are local people who work hard and raise families in the communities SECO serves. When you call, email or visit a SECO location with a question or a service need, the employees who respond are right here in Central Florida.

The Operations employees who come running – braving the wind, rain and lightning to restore power – are viewed as everyday superheroes when storms blow through or equipment fails. Our Champions live and work all across our service area for the quickest response time. Nights, weekends and holidays are regular business hours for these Champions who are committed to the highest quality, most reliable electric service possible.

Serving your energy needs is personal for us, so we want you to get to know our employees. Whether you run into them in the grocery store, at a ball game or restoring service after an outage, I can assure you that SECO is a company of dedicated employees and upstanding citizens committed to the members we serve.

Meet our first two SECO Energy Champions – Paul Byrd and Aaron Vaughn. Paul is a Service Technician who works in the central part of our service territory. Aaron is a Crew Supervisor who works the second shift and covers all areas of SECO’s service territory. Read more about these gentlemen on the next page, visit our website and click on the Champions banner to watch Paul and Aaron’s videos as our very first featured Champions.

Watch for next month’s SECO News, engage on our social media platforms or on SECO’s homepage as we unveil a few more SECO Energy Champions every month. Each and every SECO employee works to provide you with affordable, reliable electric service. Our employees are the brightest and best in our industry, and I hope you enjoy learning more about them.

Together, we are “StormReady.” It is our privilege to serve your family’s energy needs.

Sincerely,

Jim Duncan

Chief Executive Officer

Meet two SECO Champions – Aaron and Paul – two examples of our 400+ SECO Champion employees. Aaron and Paul are dedicated to providing exceptional service to our members, co-workers and communities.

AARON VAUGHN – TRANSMISSION & DISTRIBUTION SERVICE SUPERVISOR

LENGTH OF SERVICE – 6 YEARS

“I love my job.”

Aaron Vaughn is a SECO Champion who supervises SECO’s two-man rapid response line crews who are on-call and ready to dispatch 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Aaron and his family have lived in Central Florida for ten years, and during leisure time they enjoy local church events, fishing, gardening and raising animals in Citrus County. During storm season, SECO crews – led by supervisors like Aaron – are staged throughout our service territory so they can respond quickly when lightning takes out a transformer, a tree falls on a line or winds bring down a pole. Aaron wants members to rest assured that “SECO has crews available at all times to restore power outages whether it’s during a weekend, at midnight or a holiday – SECO is here for you.”

PAUL BYRD – SERVICE TECHNICIAN

LENGTH OF SERVICE – 14 YEARS

“It’s an adventure.”

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SECO Champion Paul Byrd is a Service Technician who is prepared to restore power any time – day or night. A lifelong resident of Lake County, Paul creates amazing works of art in his spare time, and he feels blessed to work for SECO while raising a wonderful family. In 2004, Hurricanes Charley, Frances and Jeanne blazed paths through Florida, and Paul remembers working 16-hour days for two weeks straight during each hurricane. He credits the challenge of three devastating storms as the reason he aspired to be a SECO Service Tech. Paul believes his commitment to keeping the lights on for SECO members has a positive impact on his own family and the community – recognizing teachers, firefighters and law enforcement officers who serve the needs of the community as a whole.

SECO CONTRIBUTES TO LOCAL PUBLIC EDUCATION FOUNDATIONS

SECO Energy’s 2018 back-to-school program has contributed $10,500 to local school districts in Citrus, Lake, Marion and Sumter Counties. These four counties are home to over 200,000 homes and businesses across the SECO Energy service territory.

CITRUS COUNTY

LAKE COUNTY

MARION COUNTY

SUMTER COUNTY

As your local not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO Energy believes in bolstering the communities we serve by contributing financial support to local schools, dedicated educators and students.

Read the full October 2018 SECO News online.

Generator Safety During Power Outages

The 2018 Atlantic hurricane season started strong with three named storms in the season’s initial six weeks. In early August, however, the outlook was revised to predict a “below-average” season. Still, a storm can hit at any time. To protect your family, property and for the safety of SECO employees, read and follow these safety tips before installing or operating a generator.

Before purchasing a generator, research options and discuss your home’s size and watt needs with a knowledgeable retailer. Read and follow the generator’s operating instructions and safety guidelines provided by the manufacturer.

Installing an emergency generator is not a do-it-yourself job. To avoid injury, only a certified electrician is qualified to install the generator, install the disconnect and transfer switch and connect the generator to the home’s electric panel. Always follow local, state and national fire and electric codes, a permit for installation may be required.

Electric generators require proper ventilation and airflow. Never operate a generator inside a building – even an enclosed garage. During operation, electric generators emit fumes that contain deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gas – which is odorless and invisible. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 400 Americans die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning and more than 4,000 are hospitalized.

Fuel safety is critical. Always store gasoline and diesel in approved containers out of the reach of children, and extinguish all flames and cigarettes when handling fuel. A fully charged fire extinguisher should be staged near the generator at all times.

Generator engine parts are very hot during operation – do not touch. Severe burns may result. Warn children to stay away from a generator in operation. Only use an extension cord free of exposed wires and frayed shielding. If the generator is faulty, contact a qualified repair technician for service. Similar to installing a generator, repairing a generator is a project best left to an expert.

To avoid injury to SECO employees, always disconnect from your metered electric utility service before starting the generator. Never remove or tamper with a generator’s safety devices.

Follow these safety tips to operate a generator safely during power outages. Visit SECO Energy’s website to learn more about generator safety.

“Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for the latest storm alerts and company news.

SECO News, September 2018

DUNCAN’S DIGEST

PEAK OF THE SEASON

During the Atlantic hurricane season, September is generally the month when hurricane and tropical storm activity peaks. SECO Energy is Storm Ready and prepared for the worst. As of early August, there were only four named storms in the Atlantic. But experience teaches us to remain vigilant.

SECO’s expertly designed and well-built infrastructure is able to withstand Florida’s daily summer thunderstorms. Our Operations crews are available round-the-clock 365 days of the year to come running when rare outages occur. But when a tropical storm or hurricane heads our way during storm season, we go into ALERT mode – activating our proven emergency response plan. It’s an all hands on deck scenario – our call center, communications team and other essential personnel also shift to a round-the-clock schedule to assist members and support our field employees/contractors.

We’re ready. Are you? Take steps to develop your family’s emergency plan well in advance. Supplies sell out quickly when storms are near, so don’t be the people in Walmart fighting over the last case of bottled water. If you need help getting started with your family’s hurricane and emergency preparation, our Storm Preparation checklist is available to view on our website.

Where can you find outage information? SECO’s all-new outage reporting and communications platform StormCenter is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

You can access StormCenter with your smartphone or tablet. Before an outage occurs, visit our website and enroll in outage notifications. StormCenter allows you to decide how you would like SECO to communicate outage notifications and restoration updates. You can choose to receive voice messages, text messages, emails or all three – and set “do not disturb” times for your selections. If a hurricane event causes widespread outages and restoration will take days, SECO also publishes a map devoted solely to the daily restoration plan. Visit the Daily Restoration Plan on our website.

The SECO communications team is active on social media as well. “Like” the SECO Energy Facebook page and “follow” us on Twitter for outage and local weather updates. Find outage information and photos, ask questions, play trivia or enter a drawing for a chance to win bill credits or other prizes.

Read on for more preparation ”Storm Ready” instructions about generators, shelters and county emergency operations centers. It could save your life.

Sincerely,

Jim Duncan

Chief Executive Officer

MEDICALLY NECESSARY SERVICE

SECO Energy strives to provide world-class reliability to the over 200,000 homes and businesses in its service territory. Unexpected outages due to weather, vehicle accidents, equipment upgrades, trees or animal contact with lines, etc. means that SECO cannot guarantee 100 percent uninterrupted power.

If you or a loved one who is a resident on your premises needs an uninterrupted supply of electricity, please contact SECO. SECO will code your account as “critical” alerting our line technicians of a medical need in outage situations. Documentation from a physician is required to support the medical need – the required forms are available online.

Members who require medically essential equipment should take extra precautions during storm season. Have a plan in place for the possibility of lengthy outages. Consider evacuating to an area outside a storm’s probable track, purchasing and installing a generator or relocating to a designated shelter in your county.

A list of our seven counties’ Emergency Operating Centers (EOC) websites are listed below. Visit your county EOC website to sign up for county specific emergency alerts and notifications. The county EOC websites offer shelter information, hurricane preparedness tips and more.

EMERGENCY OPERATING CENTER BY COUNTY

Your counties’ Emergency Operating Center is a good source of emergency information before, during and after a major storm event. Visit your county EOC website and sign up for emergency alerts today.

Create a plan today to keep you and your family safe in the event of an emergency.

Citrus County EOC Phone: (352) 527-2106 and (352) 746-5470

Hernando County EOC Phone: (352) 754-4083 and (352) 754-4111

Lake County EOC Phone: (352) 343-9420

Levy County EOC Phone (352) 486-5213

Marion County EOC Phone: (352) 369-8100

Pasco County EOC Phone: (727) 847-8137

Sumter County EOC Phone: (352) 689-4400

Read the full September SECO News online.

SECO News, May 2018

Duncan’s Digest

Founded in 1938, SECO Energy is a not-for-profit electric cooperative currently serving over 200,000 homes and businesses in Central Florida with affordable, reliable power. As a member, you depend on us during extreme heat, cold, inclement weather and especially during hurricane season.

Our newly produced “Rugged, Reliable and Ready” video on SECO’s YouTube channel highlights our gains in reliability and system improvements in the last ten years. SECO’s commitment to reliability is a key reason members have ranked SECO Energy a three-time J.D. Power award winner.

SECO is Storm Ready and prepared for the 2018 Atlantic hurricane season. Storm Ready isn’t just a catchy marketing slogan. Storm Ready begins with expertly designed and well-built infrastructure that is durable and able to withstand Florida’s daily summer thunderstorms along with the tropical storms and hurricanes that head our way.

Another component of storm readiness is our rigorous maintenance schedule. Our Operations folks investigate outages and perform infrared inspections to identify hotspots and potential equipment failures before they occur. Annually, SECO inspects thousands of poles and replaces poles that are weak or damaged, ensuring reliability and preventing outages.

After lightning, trees are the second leading cause of unexpected outages on SECO lines. To combat tree-related outages, SECO spends $10 million annually on a robust vegetation management program. Since 2008, our investment in vegetation management has reduced the number of tree-related outages by 50 percent.

Over the last decade, SECO’s Board of Trustees has approved significant investments in storm hardening and system improvement. This pays dividends for you, our member, reducing outage duration times and the frequency of power outages. Back in 2008, average power outages lasted more than two hours and were frequent occurrences. Today, outage durations are reduced to an average of 60 minutes and outage frequency has declined dramatically.

Storm Ready is also communicating with you when weather turns threatening, alerting you to system improvements in your area and keeping you apprised during planned and unexpected outages. Our Call Center and Member Service Centers are staffed with friendly, local representatives dedicated to customer satisfaction. You can report outages with the click of a mouse at SECOEnergy.com and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter to play trivia, enter bill credit drawings and find outage details.

With Atlantic hurricane season just around the corner, now is the time to prepare and win a prize. Watch the “Rugged, Reliable and Ready” video available on SECO’s YouTube channel or the link via Facebook. “Like” our Facebook page and leave a comment on the video post to share the unique steps your family takes to be Storm Ready. The top three Storm Ready ideas will win either a $300 electric bill credit, a Honeywell Wi-Fi thermostat or a NOAA weather radio.

Watch the video and share your Storm Ready ideas on our Facebook page before July 15. SECO is Storm Ready – are you?

Sincerely,

Jim Duncan

Chief Executive Officer

Storm Ready

Storm Season – June 1

SECO is launching a brand-new Storm Center platform this summer – just in time for hurricane season. The new Storm Center will feature an easy-to-use interactive outage map. Members can report outages online via their smartphones and tablets.

Along with the new interactive outage map, members can subscribe to receive proactive outage notifications. Members will be able to choose to receive notices via voice, text or email, can set “do not disturb” parameters and opt-out of notifications at any time.

Along with the new outage map and communications capabilities, members will have access to an area light outage reporting map that will help SECO stay on top of our commitment to repair lights within 48 hours.

These new Storm Center products are scheduled to launch for your use the first week of June – watch for more details.

Surge MitiGator ™

Do you want to take the bite out of surges that can come through power lines and into your home through the meter? Take Surgeo’s advice – enroll today in our Surge MitiGator™ program.

For a limited-time, members who enroll in SECO’s Surge MitiGator™ program online enjoy the benefit of free installation. If you’ve been contemplating surge protection, now is a great time to take advantage of this special offer and give yourself peace of mind knowing your large appliances are protected from damaging spikes and surges.

Our proven, cutting-edge technology, made in the USA, is designed to protect your major appliances including your washer, dryer, stove, refrigerator, freezer, garbage disposal and air conditioner. The Surge MitiGator™ has a great warranty and a beastly reputation of superior product performance.

The Surge MitiGator™ is available for less than 20 cents a day at a lease rate of $5.95 per month, plus tax, conveniently added to your electric bill. Purchase prices range from $349.00 – $399.00 depending on your service size.

Enroll in SECO’s Surge MitiGator™ program today. FREE* installation is available exclusively to members who enroll online for a LIMITED-TIME only. Valid through June 30, 2018.

*Free installation, a $25.00 value, is available to members with standard (200-amp) residential service for a limited-time only with online enrollment only. For SECO members with services greater than 200-amps a reduced installation fee of $75.00 will apply. Surge MitiGator™ FAQs and warranty information are available online.

Read the full May SECO News online.

Hurricane Force Winds Will Cause Extended Power Outages

SECO Energy, a not-for-profit electric cooperative, has enacted its emergency restoration plan and organized its employees and hundreds of line and tree trimming contractors who are waiting and ready for Hurricane Irma to impact SECO this afternoon through Monday. Hundreds of bucket trucks, front-end loaders, cranes, and other heavy equipment are already assembled at SECO.

Hurricane-force winds are expected throughout SECO’s service territory as Hurricane Irma veers north into Florida’s west coast. At noon Sunday, Hurricane Irma was clocked as a Category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph and moving north-northwest at 9 mph. Irma is a huge storm, with hurricane-force winds extending 70 miles from its center, and tropical-storm-force winds extending 205 miles from its center.

Irma is currently forecast to move along Florida’s west coast, making final landfall near Cedar Key mid-morning on Monday. Hurricane-force sustained wind speeds over 100 mph will begin to impact SECO’s territory late Sunday night and continue through Monday morning.

As this giant storm is moving closer to Florida, SECO is warning members to expect extended outages. SECO’s distribution system is built to withstand 100 mph winds, and the state’s transmission system is built to withstand 110 mph winds. Hurricane-force winds will put poles, lines and substation equipment on the ground. Thousands of SECO members will be without power – even those served by underground equipment as their service is fed by overhead transmission lines. Full restoration from Hurricane Irma may take days or even weeks.

Later Sunday afternoon when winds exceed 35 mph in SECO territory, restoration efforts must be stopped for safety. SECO won’t be able to conduct restoration activity until winds subside Monday afternoon. Once safe, SECO employees and hundreds of line and tree contractors will converge throughout the service territory to conduct restoration according to the emergency plan.

Essential services such as hospitals, shelters, schools and government agencies are the highest restoration priority. Line repairs that will restore power to large groups of members are next, and less populated areas with individual electric services are the final part of restoration.

Floridians can access www.floridadisaster.org/shelters for shelter information by county, including general population shelters, pet-friendly shelters and special needs shelters. Seek shelter if you or your loved ones need power to run life-saving medical devices.

Prepare to hunker down and wait for Hurricane Irma to exit the state. If you are using a portable or backup generator during outages, never let the generator run in enclosed spaces. Generators emit carbon monoxide gas that is a silent, odorless killer. Ensure these are connected correctly. Do not tamper with a meter to connect a generator as this requires a licensed electrician. Safety tips and storm preparation tips are available on SECO’s website.

Members with smartphones and tablets should bookmark SECO’s Storm Center for easy outage reporting and updates. To avoid scams and dangers, do not accept restoration or tree trimming assistance from someone who is asking for payment on the spot and is not a SECO employee or contractor. Under no circumstances would SECO ask for payment in the field during a restoration event. Do not attempt to reconnect services yourself.

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

Hurricane Irma Expected to Pound SECO’s Service Area

SECO Energy enacted its full emergency restoration plan late Friday afternoon in preparation for Hurricane Irma. The not-for-profit electric cooperative is preparing its members, employees and hundreds of line and tree trimming contractors for the hurricane to pound SECO’s service area.

Currently, Hurricane Irma remains a Category 5 hurricane with maximum sustained wind speeds of 160 miles per hour. Irma’s center is located about 275 miles south-southeast of Miami, and it’s moving west at 12 miles per hour. Hurricane-force winds extend outward 70 miles from the center, with tropical-storm force winds extending 185 miles outward from the center.

Irma will turn northwest later today through Sunday morning, and is expected to make landfall first in the middle to upper Keys very early Sunday morning and then make another landfall near Naples Sunday afternoon. The track is shifting slightly to the west and when it makes landfall Hurricane Irma will be a Category 5 or high-end Category 4. Hurricane Irma will trek north-northwest Sunday afternoon and evening along or near Florida’s west coast picking up speed and gradually weakening before entering Central Florida.

Because Hurricane Irma strengthened back to a Category 5 early this morning, it will take time for it to weaken below hurricane strength. In addition, the slight westward shift in track means Irma will be over water for a longer period of time. For those reasons, we are now forecasting hurricane-force winds (up to 80 mph) over SECO service territory beginning late Sunday night and lasting through early Monday morning. Winds will likely decrease late Monday morning to below tropical-storm force early Monday afternoon. SECO’s area will be inundated with rain before, during and after Irma’s approach. There is also a chance of tornadoes within Irma’s feeder bands on Sunday. Hurricane Irma’s track will probably make slight shifts until it reaches Florida and makes landfall.

SECO employees and hundreds of line and tree contractors from across the nation will focus on power restoration throughout the duration of the event. Hundreds of bucket trucks, front loaders, cranes, and other heavy equipment is being assembled at SECO locations. When winds exceed 35 mph, restoration efforts are curtailed due to safety. It is possible with the hurricane timing and intensity that SECO won’t be able to conduct restoration activity beginning Saturday night until winds subside on Monday. SECO members should expect power to be off for an extended period of time due to hurricane-force winds.

SECO’s employees are Storm Ready and waiting to respond to outages spawned by Hurricane Irma. SECO is prepared for inclement weather and reminds members that it is best to be informed and prepared.

Have your emergency supplies including food, water, batteries, a radio, etc. in a safe place. If you are using a portable or backup generator during outages, never let the generator run in enclosed spaces. Generators emit carbon monoxide gas that is a silent, odorless killer. Ensure these are connected correctly. Visit SECO’s website for storm preparation tips and view an emergency checklist.

Floridians can access www.floridadisaster.org/shelters for shelter information by county, including general population shelters, pet-friendly shelters and special needs shelters. Please seek shelter if you or your loved ones need power to run life-saving medical devices.

Members with smartphones and tablets should bookmark SECO’s Storm Center for easy outage reporting and updates. SECO’s emergency restoration plan determines the system’s restoration priority of each affected feeder. Essential services such as hospitals, shelters, 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. To avoid scams and dangers, do not accept restoration assistance from someone who is asking for payment on the spot and is not a SECO employee or contractor. Under no circumstances would SECO ask for payment in the field during a restoration event. Do not attempt to reconnect services yourself.

SECO Braces for CAT 2/3 Across Central Florida

SECO Energy is enacting its emergency restoration plan in full alert this afternoon well before Hurricane Irma barrels through the state. SECO employees and hundreds of line and tree contractors from across the nation will focus on power restoration throughout the duration of the event. Hundreds of bucket trucks, front loaders, cranes, and other heavy equipment is being assembled at SECO locations.

The current National Hurricane Center (NHC) forecast indicates Hurricane Irma continues to move west-northwest at a speed of 16 miles per hour. Irma is currently a Category 4 storm. The projection cone has shifted, putting Irma’s path directly through the state’s center. Hurricane Irma is 250 miles wide, and by the time it reaches Central Florida, Irma could be a Category 2 or Category 3 hurricane which is unprecedented for Central Florida.

Tropical storm winds will likely affect SECO’s area before the storm makes landfall in south Florida on Sunday. Bucket trucks cannot operate in high wind conditions. When winds exceed 35 mph, restoration efforts are curtailed due to safety. It is possible with the hurricane timing and intensity that SECO won’t be able to conduct restoration activity beginning Saturday night until winds subside on Monday. SECO members should expect power to be off for an extended period of time due to hurricane-force winds.

SECO’s employees are Storm Ready and waiting to respond to outages spawned by Hurricane Irma. SECO is prepared for inclement weather and reminds members that it is best to be informed and prepared.

Floridians can access www.floridadisaster.org/shelters for shelter information by county, including general population shelters, pet-friendly shelters and special needs shelters.

SECO & County EOCs Prepare for Hurricane Irma

SECO Energy serves almost 200,000 members in Sumter, Lake, Marion, Citrus and in small parts of Levy, Hernando and Pasco Counties in Central Florida. Currently, no mandatory evacuations are in effect for the counties SECO serves, but Emergency Operations Centers (EOC) activated and are open to assist the public throughout Central Florida.

Sumter County: EOC Citizens’ Hotline is 352-689-4400. Shelters will be opening and schools are releasing early on Friday.

Lake County: EOC Citizens’ Hotline is 352-253-9999. Nine shelters are now open and schools are releasing early Friday and are closed Monday.

Marion County: EOC Citizens’ Hotline is 352-369-7500. Shelters are open only for Marion County residents – no host shelters available. Schools are closed on Friday and Monday.

Citrus County: No Citizens’ Hotline open. No school closures or shelters have been determined at the time of this release.

Floridians can access www.floridadisaster.org/shelters for shelter information by county, including general population shelters, pet-friendly shelters and special needs shelters.

As of Thursday afternoon, Hurricane Irma is maintaining its Category 5 intensity and wind speeds of 175 miles per hour. Irma continues its west-northwestward path at 16 miles per hour. The National Hurricane Center predicts Irma will make landfall in south Florida early Sunday morning.

SECO members will likely feel Irma’s effects late this weekend and early next week. SECO’s service area will likely experience tropical storm force winds, torrential rains and the possibility of tornadoes spawned by Hurricane Irma. Members should be prepared for the possibility of lengthy power outages.

Gather your emergency supplies and if you plan on running a portable or backup generator, now is the time to test that it is working properly and you have an adequate supply of fuel. Never use a portable generator in an enclosed area. Generators emit carbon monoxide gas that is a silent, odorless killer. Visit SECO’s website for storm preparation tips and to view an emergency checklist.

Members with smartphones and tablets should bookmark SECO’s Storm Center for easy outage reporting and updates. SECO’s emergency restoration plan determines the system’s restoration priority of each affected feeder. Essential services such as hospitals, shelters, 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. To avoid scams and dangers, do not accept restoration assistance from someone who is asking for payment on the spot and is not a SECO employee or contractor. Under no circumstances would SECO ask for payment in the field during a storm restoration event. Do not attempt to reconnect services yourself.

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

SECO Bracing for Hurricane Irma

SECO Energy is keeping a close watch on Hurricane Irma as its track lands the giant Category 5 storm in Florida. The cooperative is enacting its emergency plan in full alert mode starting Friday at 4 pm through the duration of the restoration event.

Hurricane Irma continues to move on a west-northwestward track with an increased speed of 17 miles per hour, and maximum sustained winds of 180 miles per hour. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has shifted the impact cone to the east overnight, but that shift isn’t enough to send Irma away from Florida. The NHC predicts Irma will make landfall along the southern east coast of Florida or the storm will travel up the east coast.

Gather your emergency supplies and if you plan on running a portable or backup generator, now is the time to test that it is working properly and you have an adequate supply of fuel on hand. Never use a portable generator in an enclosed area. Generators emit carbon monoxide gas that is a silent, odorless killer. Visit SECO’s website for storm preparation tips and view an emergency checklist.

Floridians can access www.floridadisaster.org/shelters for shelter information by county, including general population shelters, pet-friendly shelters and special needs shelters.

Members with smartphones and tablets should bookmark SECO’s Storm Center for easy outage reporting and updates. SECO’s emergency restoration plan determines the system’s restoration priority of each affected feeder. Essential services such as hospitals, shelters, 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.To avoid scams and dangers, do not accept restoration assistance from someone who is asking for payment on the spot and is not a SECO employee or contractor. Under no circumstances would SECO ask for payment in the field during a restoration event. Do not attempt to reconnect services yourself.

SECO’s employees are Storm Ready and waiting to respond if outages occur. SECO is prepared for inclement weather and reminds members that it is best to be informed and prepared. All SECO members should continue to seek out supplies for their emergency kits, and be ready to wait out the storm.

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