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Beat the Heat – Conserve Energy Warning

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Ways to reduce energy use:  

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

 

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

 

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

April 2022 Sunshine State Stats

The weather warmed up in Central Florida in April 2022. The average temperature for the month was 73 degrees, which was 3 degrees warmer than last month’s average. The average high was 83 degrees while the average low was 63 degrees.

 

Sunshine State Stats April 2022 temps

 

The highest daily recorded temperature in April was 90 degrees and the lowest was 45 – the highest recorded daily temperature in March 2022 was 89 degrees and the lowest recorded daily temperature was 36. April was a bit dryer than average with 2.26 inches of rainfall – or half an inch lower than the monthly average.

 

High temperatures reached into the 90s in April 2022. Twenty-four days in the month reached over 80 degrees – with summer approaching, expect daily highs in the 80s, 90s and above. Temperatures at night and early morning are warming up, too. Twenty-five days in the month the low temperature reached into the 60s and 70s.

 

Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1 and ends November 30. The last seven hurricane seasons have seen a tropical storm or hurricane form in May. Now is the time to begin planning for the upcoming hurricane season. Don’t wait until a storm is approaching our shores to prepare. Read our Hurricane Handbook to learn more about what to do before, during and after a tropical storm or hurricane.

 

May forecast:

 

Daily high temperatures will soar over 80 degrees and into the 90s for May 2022. The best chance for rain is early in the month. Members may notice an increase in their April energy usage if they used air conditioning to combat the daily high temperatures during the month.

 

The Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts a warm May with an average temperature of 76 degrees, which is average for our area. Rainfall is predicted to be above average in May.

 

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

 

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