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SECO Energy Completes Restoration from Hurricane Nicole Wind Damage

 

November 11, 2022 – Hurricane Nicole made landfall on Florida’s east coast as a category one storm early Thursday morning.  Wind and rain bands quickly began crossing SECO Energy service territory. The not-for-profit cooperative’s infrastructure experienced 369 total outages affecting 18,629 members throughout the day.  By 9 pm Thursday, SECO Energy had fully restored service to all members.

 

CEO Curtis Wynn complimented the not-for-profit cooperative’s employees on their efforts.  He stated “Our team was well-prepared for Hurricane Nicole’s path to cross our service territory despite numerous path projection changes in the days before landfall. Without question, SECO Energy is StormReady, brought in the appropriate number of outside contractors and approached restoration mode with its own team of employees applying precision and urgency with its emergency response plan.”

StormCenter is SECO Energy’s outage and communications platform for members to report outages, check the status of an existing outage and enroll in outage communications and alerts via email, text, voice or all three. Visit StormCenter today and bookmark on your smartphone or tablet to report outages quickly and easily. Members also use Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to stay up-to-date. 

 

SECO Energy’s Hurricane Handbook includes how to prepare for before, during and after a storm. “Like” SECO Energy on Facebook and follow @SECOEnergy on Twitter for prize drawings, news releases, and severe weather alerts affecting SECO Energy’s service territory. Manage your outage notification preferences at StormCenter. To see when SECO Energy crews/contractors are working in your area, visit our new System Improvement map. To learn more about SECO Energy as a not-for-profit cooperative, visit SECOEnergy.com > Your Co-op > About.

 

SECO Energy StormCenter

 

SECO Energy is a not-for-profit electric cooperative serving more than 220,000 homes and businesses across the Florida counties of Sumter, Citrus, Marion, Lake, Levy, Pasco and Hernando. SECO is the third-largest electric co-op in Florida and the seventh-largest in the nation. SECO’s wholesale power provider is Seminole Electric, one of the largest generation and transmission cooperatives in the nation, serving 1.9 million consumers in Florida. Seminole is owned by nine electric distribution cooperatives, and SECO is one of those nine member-owners. In addition to ranking highest in customer satisfaction in the 2015, 2016 and 2017 J.D. Power study, SECO’s 2021 ACSI rating is 91. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

 

“Like” SECO Energy on Facebook and follow @SECOEnergy on Twitter for prize drawings, news releases, and severe weather alerts affecting SECO Energy’s service territory. Manage your outage notification preferences at StormCenter. To see reliability and expansion projects in your area, visit our new System Improvement map. To learn more about SECO Energy as a not-for-profit cooperative, visit SECOEnergy.com > Your Co-op > About.

 

Hurricane Nicole Wind/Rain Bands Hit SECO Energy Territory

 

November 10, 2022 – Hurricane Nicole made landfall on Florida’s east coast as a category one storm overnight.  Wind and rain bands quickly began crossing SECO Energy service territory. The not-for-profit cooperative’s infrastructure currently has 1,476 members without power and a total of 120 individual outages.  Bands will circle throughout the day bringing continued wind and rain.

 

When winds reach 35 mph, line and tree crews must discontinue restoration efforts for safety reasons.  Since the wind and rain began overnight, SECO has only had to intermittently discontinue restoration efforts due to winds.  SECO crews and contractor line/tree crews will work round the clock until the last member has service restored. Members can use StormCenter, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to stay up-to-date.

 

CEO Curtis Wynn assured members that SECO Energy is well prepared for this late-season storm. Wynn stated, “We are StormReady and are responding to outages caused by Hurricane Nicole’s wind and rain bands. I urge our members to wait until after the bands pass to assess damage and to stay clear of any downed power lines. I also encourage members with smartphones and tablets to use StormCenter for their outage and restoration communication needs.”

 

StormCenter is SECO Energy’s outage and communications platform for members to report outages, check the status of an existing outage and enroll in outage communications and alerts via email, text, voice or all three. Visit StormCenter today and bookmark on your smartphone or tablet to report outages quickly and easily.

 

Major weather events can cause extended power outages. SECO Energy reminds members to follow safety protocols when using a generator during a power outage. Generators emit deadly carbon monoxide (CO) that is odorless and colorless. Thousands of people die each year from CO poisoning. Never operate a generator in an enclosed space, including a garage. Always place the generator at least 15 to 20 feet away from your home and never near open windows.

 

Before operating a generator, thoroughly read and review the owner’s manual. Never plug a generator directly into an electrical outlet. This current flow is deadly for utility personnel. Keep children away from an operating generator and store fuel in approved containers. Do not smoke while fueling a generator. Always operate a generator in a dry space. If it is raining, use a canopy or cover. SECO Energy’s Hurricane Handbook includes generator safety tips and how to prepare for before, during and after a storm.

 

SECO Energy’s outage map as of 9 AM Thursday, November 10, 2022.
SECO Energy’s outage map as of 9 AM Thursday, November 10, 2022.

 

“Like” SECO Energy on Facebook and follow @SECOEnergy on Twitter for prize drawings, news releases, and severe weather alerts affecting SECO Energy’s service territory. Manage your outage notification preferences at StormCenter. To see reliability and expansion projects in your area, visit our new System Improvement map. To learn more about SECO Energy as a not-for-profit cooperative, visit SECOEnergy.com > Your Co-op > About.

 

SECO Energy Tracking Tropical Storm Nicole

 

November 9, 2022 – SECO Energy is tracking Tropical Storm Nicole as it speeds up toward Florida’s east coast. Nicole is expected to strengthen into a Category 1 hurricane before making landfall overnight.  As the storm arrives in SECO’s service area, members will experience widespread rains and gusty winds that can cause downed trees and power outages.

 

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) forecast at 7 AM showed Nicole with 70 mph sustained winds and movement west-southwest at 13 mph.  Nicole is forecast to make landfall on the east coast overnight tonight as a Category 1 hurricane.

 

There are varying forecasts on the impact to SECO territory.  The actual path of Nicole across Florida will ultimately determine the impacts to SECO.  The worst-case scenario is 50 mph or higher sustained winds across SECO’s system. The best-case scenario is 25 mph winds.  Today, SECO will be strategically staging its Operations employees, preparing its existing contracted line/tree crews and seeking additional mutual aid from other organizations.

 

Current School Closure Announcements:

Lake County: Thursday and Friday

Marion County: Thursday

Sumter County: Thursday and Friday

Citrus County: None published at this time

 

CEO Curtis Wynn assured members that SECO Energy is prepared for Tropical Storm Nicole. Wynn stated, “SECO Energy is keeping an eye on Tropical Storm Nicole. We are StormReady and prepared to respond to outages caused by tropical storms and hurricanes. Late season storm activity reminds us to stay vigilant for the possibility that a hurricane or tropical storm will head our way. Models have continued to shift, so the ultimate track and landfall remain unknown. I urge you to be prepared for the storm’s effects in our service area.”

 

StormCenter is SECO Energy’s outage and communications platform for members to report outages, check the status of an existing outage and enroll in outage communications and alerts via email, text, voice or all three. Visit StormCenter today and bookmark on your smartphone or tablet to report outages quickly and easily.

 

Major weather events can cause extended power outages. SECO Energy reminds members to follow safety protocols when using a generator during a power outage. Generators emit deadly carbon monoxide (CO) that is odorless and colorless. Thousands of people die each year from CO poisoning. Never operate a generator in an enclosed space, including a garage. Always place the generator at least 15 to 20 feet away from your home and never near open windows.

 

Before operating a generator, thoroughly read and review the owner’s manual. Never plug a generator directly into an electrical outlet. This current flow is deadly for utility personnel. Keep children away from an operating generator and store fuel in approved containers. Do not smoke while fueling a generator. Always operate a generator in a dry space. If it is raining, use a canopy or cover. SECO Energy’s Hurricane Handbook includes generator safety tips and how to prepare for before, during and after a storm.

 

Tropical Storm Nicole’s current location on November 9, 2022. Graphic courtesy of the National Hurricane Center.

 

“Like” SECO Energy on Facebook and follow @SECOEnergy on Twitter for prize drawings, news releases, and severe weather alerts affecting SECO Energy’s service territory. Manage your outage notification preferences at StormCenter. To see reliability and expansion projects in your area, visit our new System Improvement map. To learn more about SECO Energy as a not-for-profit cooperative, visit SECOEnergy.com > Your Co-op > About.

 

SECO Energy Tracking Tropical Storm Nicole

SECO Energy is tracking Tropical Storm Nicole as it slowly nears Florida’s east coast. Tropical Storm Nicole is expected to strengthen into a Category 1 hurricane before potentially making landfall early Thursday morning.

 

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for much of Florida’s east coast and the Bahamas. TS Nicole is a large storm that is expected to bring storm surge, rain and wind. The storm is moving slowly west at 9 mph. The latest National Hurricane Center (NHC) forecast puts the storm east of the Bahamas and Florida.

 

SECO Energy’s service territory could begin to feel the effects of Tropical Storm Nicole early Wednesday morning. If the storm strengthens into a Category 1 hurricane, it will have maximum sustained winds of up to 95 mph. As the storm arrives in SECO’s service area, members will experience widespread heavy rains and gusty winds that can cause downed trees and power outages for members.

 

CEO Curtis Wynn assured members that SECO Energy is prepared for Tropical Storm Nicole. Wynn stated, “SECO Energy is keeping an eye on Tropical Storm Nicole. We are StormReady and prepared to respond to outages caused by tropical storms and hurricanes. Late season storm activity reminds us to stay vigilant for the possibility that a hurricane or tropical storm will head our way. Models have continued to shift, so the ultimate track and landfall are unknown. I urge you to be prepared for the storm’s effects in our service area.”

 

StormCenter is SECO Energy’s outage and communications platform for members to report outages, check the status of an existing outage and enroll in outage communications and alerts via email, text, voice or all three. Visit StormCenter today and bookmark on your smartphone or tablet to report outages quickly and easily.

 

Major weather events can cause extended power outages. SECO Energy reminds members to follow safety protocols when using a generator during a power outage. Generators emit deadly carbon monoxide (CO) that is odorless and colorless. Thousands of people die each year from CO poisoning. Never operate a generator in an enclosed space, including a garage. Always place the generator at least 15 to 20 feet away from your home and never near open windows.

 

Before operating a generator, thoroughly read and review the owner’s manual. Never plug a generator directly into an electrical outlet. This current flow is deadly for utility personnel. Keep children away from an operating generator and store fuel in approved containers. Do not smoke while fueling a generator. Always operate a generator in a dry space. If it is raining, use a canopy or cover. SECO Energy’s Hurricane Handbook includes generator safety tips and how to prepare for before, during and after a storm.

 

“Like” SECO Energy on Facebook and follow @SECOEnergy on Twitter for prize drawings, news releases, and severe weather alerts affecting SECO Energy’s service territory. Manage your outage notification preferences at StormCenter. To see reliability and expansion projects in your area, visit our new System Improvement map. To learn more about SECO Energy as a not-for-profit cooperative, visit SECOEnergy.com > Your Co-op > About.

 

SECO Energy Braces for Hurricane Ian

SECO Energy is bracing for the heavy rains and winds pummeling its service territory when Hurricane Ian crosses Central Florida later Wednesday and Thursday. Currently, Hurricane Ian is a major Category 4 hurricane with maximum wind speeds of 155 mph – just 2 mph shy of being a Category 5 hurricane.  

 

Hurricane Ian is situated in the Gulf of Mexico about 60 miles west of Naples. Based on the National Hurricane Center (NHC) forecast, the storm could lose strength before it makes landfall in the Charlotte Harbor area on the west coast of Florida Wednesday. As of 8 a.m. Wednesday, the hurricane is slowly moving north northeast at 10 mph.  

 

The latest track for Hurricane Ian has shifted slightly south. Residents along Florida’s west coast have been urged to evacuate the area. NHC forecasts heavy rains and flooding across Central and North Florida through Thursday. Hurricane Ian’s path is dangerously close to SECO Energy’s service area. Members will begin to experience gusty winds and large amounts of rain Wednesday afternoon as Ian closes in. Ian could potentially stall over Central Florida and dump rain through Friday. SECO members should prepare for extended power outages due to this major hurricane. SECO’s service territory will experience large amounts of rain, heavy winds, and the possibility of tornadoes and flash floods.   

 

CEO Curtis Wynn stresses caution during Hurricane Ian’s impact. Wynn stated, “Hurricane Ian is an extremely large, dangerous hurricane that may devastate SECO Energy’s service area. I urge members to be prepared for heavy rains and high wind speeds. Be cautious, don’t approach downed power lines, stay informed about Hurricane Ian’s track, and prepare to hunker down at home or at a local shelter if needed. The potential for tornadoes after a hurricane is high.” 

 

SECO Energy has closed its five Member Service Centers for the duration of Hurricane Ian so that all employees can focus on restoration efforts. 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, feeders that serve large commercial services and then individual electric services in less populated areas. 

 

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a State of Emergency for all 67 Florida counties on Sunday, September 25. County Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs) in Central Florida are monitoring Hurricane Ian’s impact. Schools have closed across Central Florida and shelters are opening. For a list of shelters including general, pet-friendly and special-needs visit FloridaDisaster.org. SECO members who require continuous electric service to power life-sustaining medical equipment should have a backup power source or relocate to a shelter. Once SECO Energy enacts its Emergency Response Plan and after Hurricane Ian passes through SECO’s area, members should visit the cooperative’s Daily Restoration Plan Map to identify if crews are working in their area that day.   

 

StormCenter is SECO Energy’s outage and communications platform for members to report outages, check the status of an existing outage and enroll in outage communications and alerts via email, text, voice or all three. Visit StormCenter today and bookmark on your smartphone or tablet to report outages quickly and easily. 

 

Major weather events can cause extended power outages. SECO Energy reminds members to follow safety protocols when using a generator during a power outage. Generators emit deadly carbon monoxide (CO) that is odorless and colorless. Thousands of people die each year from CO poisoning. Never operate a generator in an enclosed space, including a garage. Always place the generator at least 15 to 20 feet away from your home and never near open windows. 

  

Before operating a generator, thoroughly read and review the owner’s manual. Never plug a generator directly into an electrical outlet. This current flow is deadly for utility personnel. Keep children away from an operating generator and store fuel in approved containers. Do not smoke while fueling a generator. Always operate a generator in a dry space. If it is raining, use a canopy or cover. SECO Energy’s Hurricane Handbook includes generator safety tips and how to prepare for before, during and after a storm. 

 

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

 

 

Path of Hurricane Ian
Hurricane Ian’s current location on September 28, 2022. Graphic courtesy of the National Hurricane Center. 

 

 

 

SECO Energy Tracking Tropical Depression Nine

SECO Energy is tracking Tropical Depression Nine as it slowly moves on a westerly track toward the Florida Peninsula. Tropical Depression Nine (TD9) is expected to strengthen to a hurricane this weekend. The storm would be renamed Hurricane Hermine and could impact Central Florida as a Category 2 hurricane early next week.

 

TD9 was formerly known as Invest 98L. Meteorologists have watched the storm as it became more organized this week. TD9 is moving west-northwest at 13 mph with maximum sustained wind speeds of 35 mph. The latest National Hurricane Center (NHC) forecast puts the storm in the Gulf of Mexico and moving across Central Florida early next week. TD9 is still far away from Florida, and models will continue to shift this weekend.

 

SECO Energy’s service territory could begin to feel the effects of Tropical Depression Nine as it strengthens into a Category 2 hurricane as early as Tuesday of next week. Category 2 hurricanes have maximum sustained wind speeds between 96 and 110 mph. If the storm arrives in SECO’s service area, members will experience widespread heavy rains and gusty winds. A soggy August and early September storms have left standing water in some areas. Additional rain and high winds can cause downed trees and power outages for members.

 

CEO Curtis Wynn assured members that SECO Energy is StormReady and ready to respond to power outages caused by tropical storms and hurricanes. Wynn stated, “SECO Energy is tracking Tropical Depression Nine and the possible weather effects that this system could bring to SECO’s service area. We are StormReady and prepared to respond to outages caused by tropical storms and hurricanes. I am asking members to prepare for the possibility that Tropical Depression Nine will strengthen and move toward our service territory. Now is the time to gather essential hurricane supplies. While we are nearing the end of Atlantic hurricane season and Tropical Depression Nine’s ultimate track remains uncertain, this reminds us to stay vigilant for late season storms.”

 

StormCenter is SECO Energy’s outage and communications platform for members to report outages, check the status of an existing outage and enroll in outage communications and alerts via email, text, voice or all three. Visit StormCenter today and bookmark on your smartphone or tablet to report outages quickly and easily.

 

Major weather events can cause extended power outages. SECO Energy reminds members to follow safety protocols when using a generator during a power outage. Generators emit deadly carbon monoxide (CO) that is odorless and colorless. Thousands of people die each year from CO poisoning. Never operate a generator in an enclosed space, including a garage. Always place the generator at least 15 to 20 feet away from your home and never near open windows.

 

Before operating a generator, thoroughly read and review the owner’s manual. Never plug a generator directly into an electrical outlet. This current flow is deadly for utility personnel. Keep children away from an operating generator and store fuel in approved containers. Do not smoke while fueling a generator. Always operate a generator in a dry space. If it is raining, use a canopy or cover. SECO Energy’s Hurricane Handbook includes generator safety tips and how to prepare for before, during and after a storm.

 

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

 

SECO Energy Trustee Joyce Anderson Earns Director Gold Credential

SECO Energy congratulates Board of Trustees Secretary/Treasurer and District 2 Trustee Joyce Anderson on her successful completion of the National Rural Electric Cooperatives Association’s (NRECA) Director Gold Credential (DGC). The DGC offers a continuing education path for directors/trustees beyond the Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD) and Board Leadership Certificate (BLC).

 

According to the NRECA, the Director Gold Credential recognizes directors/trustees who desire a tangible credential that demonstrates their ongoing commitment to advancing their knowledge and performing their fiduciary duty to the best of their ability.

 

SECO Energy is a not-for-profit electric cooperative operated for and owned by its members. SECO’s nine-member Board of Trustees consists of members who live in SECO’s service area. Trustees are elected to oversee the governance of the cooperative. Each Trustee on SECO Energy’s Board is elected by the members who reside in his/her District. Collectively, the Trustees are responsible for establishing, reviewing and revising corporate policies to ensure that SECO continues to preserve reliable, affordable service for all members.

 

Trustee Anderson resides in Sumterville and was first elected to the SECO Energy Board of Trustees in February 2020. Ms. Anderson currently serves as the Board of Trustees Secretary/Treasurer and has been a SECO member since 2017.

 

Trustee Anderson stated, “Completing the Director Gold Credential from the NRECA is an educational accomplishment that I am proud to hold. The NRECA’s Director/Trustee coursework has helped me carry out my role on the SECO Energy Board of Trustees. I am thankful for the opportunity to serve my fellow SECO Energy members and my fellow District 2 members and the membership at large through my Board service.”

 

SECO Energy CEO Curtis Wynn congratulated Trustee Anderson on her educational achievement. Mr. Wynn stated, “Congratulations, Mrs. Anderson, on achieving an educational milestone in earning the Director Gold Credential from the NRECA. SECO Energy thanks you for your commitment to enhancing your energy industry knowledge and putting your skills to work on the Board of Trustees. You and your Board peers are an integral piece of the not-for-profit electric cooperative business model – thank you for your collective service to the SECO Energy membership.”

 

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

 

SECO Energy Tracking Hurricane Season Activity

SECO Energy is tracking tropical storm activity early in the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season. The remnants of the Pacific Tropical Storm Agatha reorganized in the Gulf of Mexico and the system is now referred to as Invest 91L which is currently a low-pressure system and is forecast to make landfall in Florida.

 

Currently, the tropical system remains highly disorganized and is located near the Yucatan Peninsula. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) forecast puts the storm near Florida’s west coast late Friday into Saturday. The spaghetti models are in close agreement that eventual landfall will be south of Bradenton.

 

SECO Energy’s service territory is on the outer edge of the projected rain and wind fields. Members will experience widespread rains and gusty winds in south Sumter and Lake Counties and in parts of Citrus County. There is already standing water in some areas and additional rain and high winds can cause downed trees and power outages for members.

 

CEO Curtis Wynn assured members that SECO Energy is StormReady. Wynn stated, “SECO Energy is tracking Invest 91L and the possible weather effects that this tropical system will bring to SECO’s service area. SECO is StormReady and prepared to respond to outages caused by 91L. I am asking members to prepare for not only Invest 91L but to proactively prepare for the possibility of tropical storms and hurricanes throughout the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season.”

 

StormCenter is SECO Energy’s outage and communications platform for members to report outages, check the status of an existing outage and enroll in outage communications and alerts via email, text, voice or all three. Visit StormCenter today and bookmark on your smartphone or tablet to report outages quickly and easily.

 

Major weather events can cause extended power outages. SECO Energy reminds members to follow safety protocols when using a generator during a power outage. Generators emit deadly carbon monoxide (CO) that is odorless and colorless. Thousands of people die each year from CO poisoning. Never operate a generator in an enclosed space including a garage. Always place the generator at least 15 to 20 feet away from your home and never in proximity to open windows.

 

Before operating a generator, thoroughly read and review the owner’s manual. Never plug a generator directly into an electrical outlet. This current flow is deadly for utility personnel. Keep children away from an operating generator and store fuel in approved containers. Do not smoke while fueling a generator. Always operate a generator in a dry space. If it is raining, use a canopy or cover. SECO Energy’s Hurricane Handbook includes generator safety tips and preparation for before, during and after a storm.

 

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

 

SECO Energy Trustee Richard Dennison Recognized for Service as Board President

During the May SECO Energy Board of Trustees meeting, SECO Energy Board President Gerald Anderson and CEO Curtis Wynn recognized District 4 Trustee Richard Dennison with a Certificate of Appreciation presented on behalf of the entire Board.

 

Mr. Dennison is a longstanding resident of Marion Oaks and has been a SECO Energy member since 1999. He has served on the SECO Energy Board of Trustees since 2015, served as Board President from March 2020 to March 2022 and also currently serves on the Seminole Electric Board of Directors.

 

President Anderson stated, “The SECO Energy Board of Trustees honored Mr. Dennison’s distinguished service as President of the SECO Energy Board of Trustees from March 2020 through March 2022. Mr. Dennison’s strong leadership during the pandemic maintained the continuity of our governance processes. During his tenure, the Board of Trustees was required to exercise flexibility and perseverance, and he led that charge with grace and dignity.”

 

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

 

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

 

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

SECO News October 2021

SECO Energy CEO, Jim DuncanWithout question, your electric service is supported by an extensive, robust and well-maintained infrastructure that distributes power generated by our wholesale power provider, Seminole Electric Cooperative. Like SECO Energy, Seminole is a not-for-profit cooperative owned collectively by nine Florida electric distribution cooperatives.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Sincerely,

 

Jim Duncan

Chief Executive Officer

 

SECO News October 2021 Advice From The Old Farmer's Almanac

ADVICE FROM THE OLD FARMER’S ALMANAC

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

 

SECO News October 2021 Surge Mitigator Helps American Cancer Society

SURGE MITIGATOR HELPS AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

 

SECO News October 2021 Area Light Out?

AREA LIGHT OUT?

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

 

SECO News February 2021 Winners' Circle

WINNERS’ CIRCLE

Engage with our virtual assistant Electra on the phone for a chance to win a $25 gift card. Winners who self-served using Electra are:

 

Donna Vail from Ocala

Jennifer Mears from Webster

Richard Reddy from Deland

Jane Lomont from Clermont

 

The latest winner of a SECO Energy Level 2 EV Charger is Harry Farrish from Minneola. To enter, text “EV” to (352) 320-4500 for a link to enter. Or click on the EV Charger Giveaway homepage banner. Visit our Electric Vehicles website section to learn more about the benefits of owning an EV.

 

Winners in our Go Green and Win: Paperless Billing and Bank Draft Incentive

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

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

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

 

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

 

Congratulations to our recent winners!

 

Read the full October 2021 SECO News online.