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Strong Thunderstorms Cause Widespread Power Outages

SECO Energy was “Storm Ready” this weekend and has restored power to all members affected by lines of strong thunderstorms that passed through its seven Central Florida counties on Sunday. Tornado warnings and watches were in effect throughout the day Sunday.

 

SECO took steps before the weekend began, to prepare for the possibility of the thunderstorms and high winds creating power outages. Field crews, tree trimming contractors, warehouse and customer support employees worked overnight replacing broken poles, removing fallen trees and communicating with members.

 

The storm came in from the west and first reached northern Marion and Levy Counties just before 2:00 p.m. on Sunday. The high winds brought down a large oak tree near the Ocala Park area that destroyed three spans of lines and other equipment. That large outage began a series of wind and tree-related service disruptions that continued into the evening.

 

An additional line of storms brought the possibility of tornados and hail as it blew through Citrus, Marion and Northern Lake Counties before impacting Sumter and south Lake Counties around 9:00 p.m. Sunday. High wind speeds and heavy rain accompanied this second line of storms along with unconfirmed reports of tornados in the area.

 

The total outages during the storms per county were:

 

Marion and Levy: 5,342
Citrus: 2,239
Lake: 977
Sumter: 938

 

Kathryn Gloria, Vice President of Corporate Communications and Energy Services stated, “SECO’s system held up very well when the storms brought high wind and rains yesterday. Less than 9,500 members experienced an outage during the storms last night and early this morning. Field crews and tree trimming contractors are out in full force today inspecting the system for damage along with identifying and removing damaged trees that have the potential to cause outages in the future.”

 

Gloria added, “We are thankful that our employees returned home to their families safely after working in adverse conditions over the weekend. We appreciate our members’ patience and support during the disruptions, and we’re grateful that the storm caused only minimal damage in our service area.”

 

SECO Energy is Storm Ready. Visit our Reliability page to learn how to build an emergency kit and take steps to keep your family safe when storms blow through SECO’s territory.

 

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

SECO News, November 2016

SECO News, Duncans Digest, November 2016

 

Duncan’s Digest

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

 

Here’s how it works: Your membership in SECO Energy builds ownership through your energy purchases. That ownership is defined through the annual process of allocating each member’s share of the co-op’s operating margins from the prior year. The annual amounts for each member who purchased electric service from SECO Energy during that year are referred to as Capital Credit allocations.

 

Capital Credits are the accumulation of all prior year’s revenue after the co-op’s operating costs and expenses have been paid. These credits are allocated on a pro-rata basis to each SECO Energy member’s account as “Capital Credits” and represent a portion of the member’s patronage with the cooperative in the prior fiscal year.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

SECO Energy, SECO News November 2016 - 2016 Hurricane Recap

 

2016 Hurricane Recap

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

SECO Energy, SECO News November 2016 - 2016 Hurricane Recap

 

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

 

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

 

SECO Energy, SECO News November 2016 - Power Outage Safety

 

Power Outage Safety

 

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

 

Don’t Use Candles

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

 

Protect Your Appliances

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

 

Flood Dangers

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

 

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

 

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

 

Holiday Energy Savings

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Area Light Out?

 

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

 

SECO Energy, Expressions

 

Expressions

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Read the full November 2016 SECO News here.

SECO Crews Worked Overnight Restoring Power

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

 

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

 

SECO Energy Crews Worked Overnight Restoring Power

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

Hurricane Matthew Forecast to Hit Florida as Cat 4

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

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

SECO Gears up for Hurricane Matthew

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

SECO News, September 2016

SECO News, Duncan's Digest, February 2016

Conduct a Home Energy Assessment Online

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

SECO Stands Storm Ready

 

Storm Ready

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

Bill Enhancement

 

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

 

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

 

SECO Energy, SECO News September 2016, Bill Enhancement

 

 

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

 

Safety Corner: Top 10 Kids’ Safety Tips

 

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

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

 

 

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

 

Facebook Trivia Winners

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

SECO Energy, Expressions

 

Expressions

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

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

 

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

Thank you,
Cayley Buckner
Ocala, FL

 

Read the full September 2016 SECO News here.

 

Tropical Storm Colin Update

Governor Scott has declared a state of emergency for SECO Energy’s service area as Tropical Storm Colin moves into the Central Florida area. A tropical storm warning has been issued for SECO’s entire service territory.

 

The National Hurricane Center forecast is showing Colin making landfall this evening near the Big Bend and Panhandle area. The impact may cause storm force winds of 39 mph up to 57 mph with possible tornadoes through early Tuesday morning.

 

Tropical Storm Colin poses a severe threat to the State of Florida and requires timely precautions. SECO members could see heavy rain and gusting winds as Colin move through the state. SECO members should visit www.secoenergy.com to receive updates and report outages.

 

Kathryn Gloria, Vice President of Corporate Communications and Energy Services is reminding members that SECO is Storm Ready for its members. “SECO is prepared for the almost daily afternoon storms that affect our service area and we are prepared for stronger storms as well. As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, we are dedicated to being our members’ first source for accurate storm information. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” us on Twitter to stay updated about storms affecting our members.”

 

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

Tropical Storm Colin – Sunday evening update

The National Hurricane Center has upgraded the tropical depression to Tropical Storm Colin. The TS is now moving north at approximately 8 mph and is projected to make landfall in the Big Bend area of Florida. All models continue to focus on that area – see attached. This storm is lopsided with all the severe weather on the east side of the storm system and nothing on the west side. This means the worst rain and wind is on the side of the storm that will pass by or on top of SECO Energy.

The current track of TS Colin means that Citrus, Marion and Sumter Counties can expect the worst impact from the storm. Lake County will still see periods of rain and rain bands from TS Colin – just not as severe as the other SECO Energy counties. Since TS Colin is moving slow, it may be late on Monday before SECO sees the worst. The rain bands extend many miles to the east and north. The wind forecast for our area remains unchanged – sustained winds around 20 mph with stronger gusts in thunderstorms. SECO is STORM READY. Please be sure your phone is charged and that you bookmark our Storm Center link to report outages online.

Kathryn Gloria, Vice President of Corporate Communications and Energy Services is reminding members that SECO is Storm Ready for its members. “SECO is prepared for the almost daily afternoon storms that affect our service area and we are prepared for stronger storms as well. As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, we are dedicated to being our members’ first source for accurate storm information. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” us on Twitter to stay updated about storms affecting our members.”

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

SECO News, June 2016

SECO News, Duncan's Digest, February 2016

 

If the warmer than normal Spring is any indication, it looks like another hot Florida summer is just around the corner. As Floridians know, hurricane season started on June 1st. I want to assure you, our members, that SECO Energy and its employees are “Storm Ready.”

 

From the members’ perspective, what does that mean? Storm Ready doesn’t begin with storm season; Storm Ready is designing, building and maintaining a reliable system that delivers power to SECO members rain or shine. Supported by a number of behind-the-scenes departments, the employees from our Operations department – the good guys in the white hats – are the cavalcade of employees and their trucks that members look for during a service interruption. These employees work diligently to restore power quickly and safely. In the meantime, our member service employees stand ready to take your calls, and our Corporate Communications folks update website and social media communications to provide the latest information on outage statuses.

 

SECO Energy, SECO News June 2016

 

Restoring power quickly during storm season is only a small portion of SECO’s reliability focus. Our employees and contractor partners continually inspect, maintain and upgrade existing facilities. In 2015, we inspected 19,923 distribution poles and replaced 3,208 of them. To improve data communication between substation equipment and our System Operations Center, SECO upgraded to fiber optic communications for data transfer. The System Operations Center is manned 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and stands ready to assist members outside of normal business hours.

 

To maximize outage prevention efforts, we must first identify the most frequent causes. Tree-related outages are the number one reason why members lose power (small animal incidents take a close second). In the last decade, SECO has focused on creating a comprehensive vegetation management program and has dramatically reduced power outages related to trees. For nine years running, SECO has been nationally recognized as a Tree Line USA Utility by the National Arbor Day Foundation.

 

This is only a small overview of the accomplishments and responsibilities related to outage prevention and restoration. Daily afternoon storms are coming soon, so get to know SECO’s Storm Center by visiting SECOEnergy.com where members can report power outages and watch for updates on restoration efforts in your area. “Like” SECO’s page on Facebook and follow SECO on Twitter for instant updates and news releases. Lastly, visit secoenergy.com to review our Emergency Checklist to ensure you and your family are Storm Ready too.

 

 

SECO Energy, SECO News June 2016 - Commitment to community

 

Commitment to Community

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO Energy supports its members and the communities it serves by engaging in charitable projects. SECO employees also embrace their communities by volunteering hundreds of hours of their personal time on charitable projects they choose to support. Whether it’s coaching youth sports, running 5K races or volunteering for (and pledging to) United Way, members can find our SECO employee volunteers out and about building stronger communities.

 

This spring, SECO and its employees participated in events that showcased our beautiful outdoor spaces, contributed to the fight against cancer and awarded financial assistance to young scholars beginning their college careers.

 

SECO Energy, SECO News June 2016 - Commitment to community - Earth Fest and Arbor Day

 

Earthfest at Arbor Day

In April, SECO Energy’s Vegetation Management team celebrated the great outdoors at the Earthfest at Arbor Day event in downtown Ocala’s Tuscawilla Park. Families enjoyed the lovely spring weather, food, crafts, demonstrations and live entertainment. The SECO team gave away several hundred trees and children loved the face painting, coloring books and additional giveaways.

 

SECO Energy, SECO News June 2016 - Commitment to community - Arbor Day

 

Visitors took the opportunity to ask our Certified Arborists for tree-care tips and for planting advice for the trees they took home. Supported by our partners, ACRT and Nelson Tree, SECO has been a proud recipient of the Tree Line USA distinction by the National Arbor Day Foundation for nine years.

 

Sumter County’s Relay for Life

In late April, the SECO Relay for Life team participated in the American Cancer Society’s fundraiser. Relay for Life is the American Cancer Society’s signature event. It raises donations for cancer research as well as support for cancer patients and their caregivers.

 

SECO Energy, SECO News June 2016 - Commitment to community - Relay for life

 

This year’s theme was “Stopping Cancer in its Tracks,” inspired by the iconic television show Soul Train. SECO team members and other volunteers boogied through the night and into the morning to represent their commitment to continue the fight against cancer. Our SECO team’s fundraising efforts paid off, raising over $12,000 for the American Cancer Society.

 

Scholarship Program

Now in its 20th year, the SECO Board of Trustees approved $36,000 for deserving high school seniors. The 12 students from our service area were each awarded a $3,000 scholarship.

 

SECO Energy, 2016 Scholarship Awardees

 

This year the seniors and their families were honored with a reception at SECO’s headquarters on May 23rd. Visit SECOEnergy.com to see their names and photos. Since beginning the program, SECO has awarded 257 scholarships totaling over $500,000 to young people whose families’ energy needs are served by SECO.

 

As a member, how can you help your community and fellow members in need? Enroll in SECO Energy’s Pennies from Heaven program. Pennies from Heaven automatically rounds up your bill to the nearest dollar amount. The extra pennies (which average about $6 annually) are donated to the Pennies from Heaven program. Every cent collected is distributed here in our local communities and to our members for bill payment assistance.

 

Enroll online at SECOEnergy.com under Your Co-op > Community > Pennies from Heaven. Or you can call us at (352) 793-3801 or email customerservice@secoenergy.com to enroll.

 

 

SECO Energy, SECO News June 2016 - energy saving tip

 

Energy Saving Tip

The heat leading up to the 2016 Florida summer is here, and The Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts that June will be a little hotter than normal. Now is a perfect time to have your HVAC unit serviced to ensure your unit is running efficiently before summer gets into full swing. Change your filter regularly too. Order discounted filters (free shipping) from filterchange.coop.

 

Programmable thermostats offer preprogramed settings to regulate the temperature in your home. Installing a programmable thermostat can help homeowners reduce their energy usage and save on electric bills.

 

A programmable thermostat will adjust the times that the air conditioning or heating system operates. Most new programmable thermostats adjust while you are away during the day, while you are sleeping, have vacation mode and include an app that allows you to adjust on the fly.

 

SECO Energy, SECO News June 2016 - energy saving tip

 

The energy.gov website reports consumers can save between 5 and 15 percent on electric bills by using a programmable thermostat. For the most savings, set the thermostat to adjust the temperature in portions of time at least four hours in length.

 

If you have additional questions about installing a programmable thermostat, you should contact a certified HVAC contractor for assistance. [237021] As a member of SECO Energy, your Co-op Connections card offers discounts to many local businesses. Look for a local HVAC contractor that offers members a discount by visiting www.connections.coop.

 

Looking for more ways to save energy and reduce your electric bill? Please contact us at (352) 793-3801 or email energyservices@secoenergy.com to learn more ways to save energy and reduce your electric bill.

 

 

SECO Energy, Expressions

 

Expressions

Recently we had the honor and privilege to participate at the Annual Meeting of SECO Energy. We sincerely hope that we provided what was expected and in a manner that dignified the occasion. The donation was extremely appreciated and will be used to aid needy veterans. Should we be of any future service, please contact us.
Sincerely,
Donald Saylor
Commander – Honor Guard, VFW Post #4337
Inverness, FL

 
 

Want you to know how much I appreciate SECO. Your company goes far beyond what is expected. Thank you for fighting to keep our cost down. I am on Social Security; it is a blessing to see a low electric bill.
Thank you again & God Bless,
Mrs. Barbara Marsh
Ocala, FL

 

 

SECO Energy, Call 811 before you dig

 

Read the full June 2016 SECO News here.

 

SECO Stands Storm Ready

With hurricane season beginning on June 1, 2016, and afternoon thunderstorms on the horizon, SECO Energy is assuring members that the cooperative and its employees are “Storm Ready.”

 

SECO remains Storm Ready by focusing on preventing outages throughout the year, not only during storm and hurricane season. Storm Ready is designing, building and maintaining a reliable system that delivers power to SECO members rain or shine. In 2015, SECO maximized its outage prevention efforts by inspecting almost 20,000 pieces of equipment, upgrading fiber optic lines to improve data communication and trimming or removing trees that could endanger overhead power lines.

 

When thunderstorms are approaching, SECO’s member services employees are ready to answer calls and assist members. SECO’s Corporate Communications department delivers updated storm and outage information to members via the website and social media channels.

 

SECO Stands Storm Ready

 

SECO’s System Operations Center is manned 24 hours a day, seven days a week and uses advanced weather tracking to predict weather patterns affecting the area. They are ready to assist members outside of normal business hours and dispatch a cavalcade of employees and trucks to restore members’ power. SECO Operations employees work diligently to restore power quickly and safely – they are the good guys in the white hats.

 

Kathryn Gloria, Vice President of Corporate Communications and Energy Services encourages members to be Storm Ready as well. “As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, we are dedicated to helping our members’ prepare for storm season. Now is the time to assemble your emergency supply kit and update your contact information with SECO. SECO is committed to being our members’ first source for accurate storm communications and updates.”

 

To review a comprehensive emergency checklist, visit www.secoenergy.com. Bookmark SECO’s website in your desktop or smartphone browser to quickly report an outage through SECO’s Storm Center. Members who “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” us on Twitter have instant access to updates on storm activity, news releases and restoration efforts.