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Energy Insider – 3rd Quarter

What are Capital Credits SECO Insider 3rd Quarter 2018

 

What Are Capital Credits?

 

As the last quarter of the year approaches, we in the cooperative world begin to address Capital Credits. Most members, both residential and businesses, will ask “what are capital credits?” As a not-for-profit electric utility and like most businesses, SECO Energy sets an annual budget to pay operating costs, make payments on loans and ensure a reserve for emergencies. At the end of the year, expenses are subtracted from collected revenue and the remaining balance is referred to as margins. Based on the financial strength of the cooperative and member equity, SECO’s Board of Trustees annually makes a determination to refund a portion of these margins also known as Capital Credits. These Capital Credits represent the member’s share of ownership or “member equity” in SECO Energy.

 

Through 2017, SECO Energy has returned $57.8 million in Capital Credits to our membership. These distributions, returned to the members, are expressed as general retirements and are typically paid out each November. Current members receive a credit on their electric bill and former members receive a check if the amount exceeds $10.00. Capital Credits are issued to businesses in the same manner as individuals. Therefore, it is important to notify SECO Energy if your account status changes. Having updated contact information on file, especially a valid mailing address, will ensure Capital Credits accumulated in your name continue to make their way to you in the future. Don’t be like others who have moved away and didn’t update their information resulting in unclaimed Capital Credits on our books. For a complete list of unclaimed Capital Credits accounts, both residential and commercial, visit our Unclaimed Capital Credits page.

 

 

Team Building at Blackjack Sporting Clays SECO Insider 3rd Quarter 2018

 

Team Building At Blackjack Sporting Clays

 

Team building exercises boost morale, improve communication, motivate employees to be more productive and to get to know each other better. If you think team building activities must meet strict criteria to produce benefits, then think again. Sometimes, just an offsite activity that allows your employees to interact away from the workplace is all you need. Maybe, a visit to Blackjack Sporting Clays in Sumterville is in order.

 

Blackjack Sporting Clays is a beautiful facility nestled among thousands of acres of pristine Florida landscape. Dale Walker, owner/operator, describes his venue as a “country club” for folks that want to shoot with some of the finest equipment in the business. He offers something for everyone at all levels of the shooting sport spectrum. A beautifully decorated clubhouse with TVs and a billiard table are available for non-shooters or those waiting to shoot.

 

Each course at Blackjack Sporting Clays is laid out along a paved path that meanders through “old Florida” type landscape. There are two separate 16 station courses, and an additional six station Sub-Gauge Course. Along with these courses, there is also a standard five stand range as well. The shooting stations are fully covered with drinking water and restroom facilities throughout each course. Golf cart and gun rentals are available. There is even a large pavilion with seating for 300+ available for public and private use.

 

To find out more about this “country club for folks that want to shoot,” visit Blackjack Sporting Clays online or stop by and check out their beautiful facility at 3372 County Road 526 in Sumterville, Florida.

 

 
SECO Insider NuRF 3rd Quarter 2018
 

Lake County Water Authority’s NuRF Facility

 

The Lake County Water Authority (LCWA) is committed to conserving and protecting freshwater resources. In 2007, they invested in a state-of-the-art facility designed to remove 67% of pollutants from water, specifically from the Harris Chain of Lakes. “The facility, known as the Lake County Nutrient Reduction Facility (NuRF), is the largest of its design in the world and is very unique in operation” according to Ron Hart, Chief Scientist with LCWA. The results of the facility are clear and so is the positive impact it is having on our environment.

 

Served by SECO Energy, NuRF is located at the headend of the Chain of Lakes, west of Astatula, on County Road 48. The plant takes in water from Lake Apopka, the “single largest controllable source of water pollution in Lake County,” according to LCWA. The water is cleaned by a process of injecting liquid alum which binds with the pollutants to create snowflake-like particles. The particles, referred to as floc, fall like snowflakes from the water to the bottom of two 9-acre holding ponds. Once the floc or pollutants have settled on the bottom of the pond they are dredged and pumped to a centrifuge. Like a washer, wringing water from clothes, the centrifuge separates the water from the floc – a process known as dewatering. The clean water is then pumped back into the canal feeding the Harris Chain of Lakes. The floc is allowed to dry and used in several beneficial applications such as landfill cover.

 

Lakes Beauclair, Dora, Eustis and Griffin are the biggest benefactors of the Nutrient Reduction Facility. The process of removing the targeted algae-feeding nutrients results in increased water clarity allowing for beneficial plant growth and better fish habitat.

 

In a day and age where water quality is becoming more and more of a hot topic, our hats are off to LCWA for pro-actively taking steps to enhance water quality in Central Florida. Visit the LWCA website to learn more about the NuRF Facility.

 

 

BARBIE SHAW

Manager of Key Accounts & Energy Services
OFFICE: (352) 569-9787
CELL: (352) 303-3567
barbie.shaw@secoenergy.com

Hank Bolduc, SECO Energy Key Accounts Consultant

HANK BOLDUC

Key Accounts Consultant
OFFICE: (352) 569-9789
CELL: (352) 303-3546
hank.bolduc@secoenergy.com

Ryon Meyers, SECO Energy Key Accounts Consultant

RYON MEYERS

Key Accounts Consultant
OFFICE: (352) 569-9781
CELL: (352) 636-9593
ryon.meyers@secoenergy.com

Jeff Light, SECO Energy Key Accounts Consultant

JEFF LIGHT

Key Accounts Consultant
OFFICE: (352) 569-9790
CELL: (352) 303-3183
jeff.light@secoenergy.com

 

 

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.

 

May 2018 SECO News Duncan's Digest

 

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 September 2018 SECO News

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 September 2018 SECO News

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 Energy Donates Bucket Truck to Lake-Sumter State College

SECO Energy is a Central Florida not-for-profit cooperative that is one of the top ten employers in Sumter County, offering competitive wages, generous benefits, a defined-benefit pension and a robust paid-time-off program. As a co-op, SECO Energy is also focused on community involvement and partnerships.

 

“Over a decade ago, SECO Energy recognized a private/public partnership potential with Lake-Sumter State College to train an important part of our workforce. SECO helped finance the inception of the college’s electric utility lineworker program, from which a number of our employees graduated,” said Jim Duncan, CEO.

 

The donation effort was led by SECO’s Manager of Safety & Risk Management Steve Balius. As the Chairman for Lake-Sumter State College’s (LSSC) Engineering Technology Advisory Committee and committee member for the Electrical Distribution Technology program, Balius knew the college’s aging bucket truck wouldn’t continue to prepare students for the world-of-work much longer. When he learned SECO was retiring a bucket truck from its fleet, he went to work connecting the dots. Balius is excited for the donation opportunity and stated, “I am thankful for the generosity of SECO’s Board of Trustees in approving the donation.”

 

Duncan stated, “Today, it is our pleasure to contribute again to the Lake-Sumter State College’s program by donating this bucket truck. It will provide hands-on, real-life experience to students earning their Associates of Science in Electrical Distribution Technology. This program helps SECO too. Line techs who have been with the company for 30 plus years are starting to retire. We want to replace them with local students who want to stay in the area, work for a competitive growing company and raise their families here. For that reason, we felt that breathing new life into our partnership with Lake-Sumter State College with the truck donation was a sound investment.”

 

“We are excited to receive this bucket truck donation from SECO,” said LSSC President Dr. Stan Sidor. “SECO is a strong local partner and this partnership allows us to enhance our EDT program’s ability to train and prepare our students and ultimately support the workforce and our community.”

 

Learn more about SECO Energy and its Concern for Community on our Community page. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

Energy Insider – 1st Quarter

SECO Insider Derby Gold First Quarter 2018

 

Premium Flakes

 

SECO member Derby Gold Pine Shavings, located in rural Williston, is Florida’s longest operating shavings and packing facility. Founded by the Hodge brothers Eddie, Johnny and Billy, Derby Gold was established in 1999 and opened their Central Florida mill in 2000. Derby Gold manufactures and ships the finest equine bedding in the industry. The family has more than 30 years of experience in the timber and forest industries in Florida.

 

Derby Gold shavings and pellets are all 100% pure premium pine harvested from plantations in Florida, managed by Williston Timber Company; another Hodge family business to assure the best in quality pine. The timber is shaved into soft curls and goes into a triple-pass kiln dryer which removes the moisture to 12%. This process eliminates harmful bacteria while maintaining a soft and absorbent bedding material.

 

The next phase in the multi-screen manufacturing process sorts the flakes by size for the three blends of flakes and pellets. This process renders the product almost dust free. All dust and excess material is sent back to fire the kiln assuring no product is wasted. The loose flakes are compressed from 11 cubic feet into a 2.8 cubic feet UVI-treated poly 100% recyclable bag. The bagged product weighs about 20 pounds and when opened expands to approximately 80 cubic feet.

 

Derby Gold produces Derby Gold Premium Flakes, Derby Gold Blended Bedding and Derby Gold Fine Bedding. All are 100% biodegradable, ultra-absorbent, hygienic with low dust. Derby Gold offers the best equine bedding on the market today with the strictest quality control methods available. This is why Derby Gold bedding is used by the University Of Florida College Of Veterinary Medicine.

 

Derby owner Eddie Hodge believes “that if you’re not growing you’re dying.” His goal is to maintain a complete product inventory at the mill, available for rapid delivery, in bulk and by the bag, to points in Central Florida and around the globe. Learn more at Derby Gold Shavings or 1-877-528-9044 (toll-free).

 

 

Robbins SECO Insider First Quarter 2018

 

Member Spotlight: Robbins Manufacturing

 

Robbins Manufacturing was formed in 1938 by Bruce Robbins, Sr. in Tampa. The company began operations initially as a lumber sawmill for export and use around the Tampa Bay area.

 

“Interestingly, Florida Southern Pine wood was at the time known for ‘groaning’ before it broke. This made the wood extremely popular with the diamond mining industry in Africa,” states Jay Robbins, grandson of the founder. “This feature opened up a new export market overseas for the company, allowing us to grow as a supplier of lumber for the mining and industrial sectors.” The “groaning” wood provided a much-needed warning system for those working in the mines.

 

Besides the mining and industrial market, back in the early days, Robbins Manufacturing supplied lumber to three US Military Bases in the Tampa Bay area during World War II. In the 1950s, Robbins began pressure-treating lumber for use in the Central Florida building industry suppling pressure-treated dimensional lumber and other building products for construction. The company expanded to many locations throughout the Southeast during this period.

 

The current consolidated company, served by SECO Energy, is now located in Tarrytown, Florida. This Sumter County sawmill opened in 1964. Past production at this location included dimensional building lumber and picket boards for privacy fences. Posts and poles were also produced and shipped to Tampa for treatment.

 

In 2012, Robbins Manufacturing commissioned a new chromated copper arsenate (CCA) treatment process at the Tarrytown plant. CCA is an impregnation treatment meant to protect the wood from biological deterioration from insects, fungus, soil and/or water. This new process was more economical than shipping lumber to Tampa for treatment.

 

Currently Robbins’ focus is marine, agriculture and industrial applications. They produce posts, pilings and utility poles. Robbins’ sell and distribute marine-treated piling and pressure-treated dimensional lumber, pressure-treated fence posts for the ag industry and poles for the electric utility industry. Their products are available throughout Florida, along the East Coast into Virginia and Ohio. Learn more online.

 

 

SECO Insider Time-of-Use First Quarter 2018

 

SECO Energy’s Time-of-Use and Interruptible Rate options

 

Have you given thought to peak shaving/demand management?

 

Are you in need of backup power for production when utility power is not available?

 

If you answered yes to either of these questions you may want to consider distributed generation (DG) at your facility.
Distributed generation is any electricity generating technology, such as generator, installed to power your facilities. DG gives commercial and industrial members the advantage of flexibility, the power of security and for some, it can equate to savings.

 

With most utilities, commercial and industrial (C & I) members are billed kilowatt-hour usage and kW demand each month. The demand component of the bill is based on the single-highest amount of electricity used in a 15-minute interval during the billing period. This is known as peak demand. One advantage of having distributed generation installed at your facility is being able to operate it for shaving load during peak demand periods. This flexibility can provide an opportunity to lower costs without impacting productivity. Savings achieved varies depending on the amount of peak shaving, your utility’s rate tariff and the cost to engage your distributed generation.

 

Although utility grids are very reliable, occasionally there are disruptions and instability because of bad weather or other factors beyond your utility’s control. Due to distances involved in conventional power grids, an issue in one area can completely shut down operations in another. Having distributed generation at your location provides the power of security allowing continued operations when there are problems elsewhere and despite world or weather related occurrences.

 

So if you’re in the market for 100% reliability at your facility and possible savings, distributed generation may be an option to consider. To learn how your business can benefit, contact your account representative. To view SECO Energy’s time-of-use or interruptible rate options, take a look at our Index of Rate Schedules.

 

 

 

BARBIE SHAW

Manager of Key Accounts & Energy Services
OFFICE: (352) 569-9787
CELL: (352) 303-3567
barbie.shaw@secoenergy.com

Hank Bolduc, SECO Energy Key Accounts Consultant

HANK BOLDUC

Key Accounts Consultant
OFFICE: (352) 569-9789
CELL: (352) 303-3546
hank.bolduc@secoenergy.com

Ryon Meyers, SECO Energy Key Accounts Consultant

RYON MEYERS

Key Accounts Consultant
OFFICE: (352) 569-9781
CELL: (352) 636-9593
ryon.meyers@secoenergy.com

J.D. Simmons, SECO Energy Key Accounts Consultant

J.D. SIMMONS

Key Accounts Consultant
OFFICE: (352) 569-9790
CELL: (352) 303-3183
jd.simmons@secoenergy.com

 

 

SECO Energy Awarded Outstanding Large Business

The Sumter County Chamber of Commerce awarded SECO Energy the 2017 Outstanding Large Business of the Year at its Celebrate Sumter Annual Dinner and Awards Gala on January 19, 2018, at the Savannah Center in The Villages.

 

The Annual Awards Gala celebrates businesses, large and small, in Sumter County. Members of Sumter County’s business community stood to recite the Pledge of Allegiance, and received a greeting from County Commissioner Doug Gilpin. The Honorable Judge Militello took the stage to swear in the Chamber’s 2018 Board Members including SECO’s Hank Bolduc, Key Accounts Consultant. Before dinner began, Sumter County Sheriff, William Farmer, delivered the night’s invocation. The group enjoyed dinner and live entertainment, followed by live and silent auctions.

 

During the awards presentation, SECO Energy’s Vice President of Corporate Communications and Energy Services Kathryn Gloria accepted the award naming SECO as Sumter County’s Outstanding Large Business of the Year. Gloria stated, “On behalf of SECO Energy’s CEO Jim Duncan and the Board of Trustees, I am honored to accept the award for Outstanding Large Business. Since our founding in 1938, SECO’s roots have been firmly planted in Sumter County which is home to our headquarters and many SECO employees as well. These employees are local residents who come running to restore power and answer the phones during storms. They are often your friends, neighbors and sometimes even your family members. I am delighted to share this honor with the employees of SECO Energy.”

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “It is an honor to be recognized as Sumter County’s Outstanding Large Business of the Year. This accolade is a credit to SECO’s Board of Trustees’ governance, the executive team’s leadership and our employees’ dedication and hard work. Thank you, Sumter County Chamber of Commerce, for this award and for your long-time support of local business and communities.”

 

The 2017 awardees recognized by the Sumter County Chamber of Commerce include: Dawn Hodges – Outstanding Chamber Volunteer; House of Hope – Outstanding Non-Profit; La Hacienda Catering – Outstanding Small Business; SECO Energy – Outstanding Large Business; Connie Mahan – Business Woman of the Year; and Matt Hatcher – Business Man of the Year.

 

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

SECO Delivers for Yearly Toys for Tots Drive

SECO Energy employees performed the role of Santa Claus for SECO’s annual Toys for Tots toy drive. The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program collects new, unwrapped toys and distributes them as Christmas gifts to local children in need.

 

SECO employees were especially generous this year as they shopped for and donated hundreds of toys for the Toys for Tots Program. Each of SECO’s five Member Service Centers were open to the public as local drop-off locations for Toys for Tots, and charitable SECO members contributed toys as well. Toys collected at our Member Service Centers and Operations Centers will be dispersed to children in Sumter, Lake, Marion and Citrus Counties.

 

 

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO adheres to the seven key cooperative principles – one of which is Concern for Community. SECO employees reflect this principle by remembering the youngest community members through their Toys for Tots donations.

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “During the Christmas Season and beyond, SECO employees are a perpetually generous group. Our employees donate toys to support SECO’s Toys for Tots drive and willingly pledge a portion of their yearly salary to endow service programs in nearby communities through United Way.”

 

Employees donned their Santa hats and smiled for the camera while displaying the toys gathered across the cooperative. The toys collected through Toys for Tots will bring joy to thousands of local children who will wake up to presents under the tree on Christmas morning.

 

Duncan added, “I am extremely fortunate to work with employees who actively share their good fortune with those in need and aspire to make a difference in our area.”

 

Learn more about SECO’s community involvement here. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” the company on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

Energy Insider – 3rd Quarter

SECO Energy Insider – 3rd Quarter 2017, Expansions to Provide More Services for Central Floridians

Expansions to Provide More Services for Central Floridians

 

Significant growth in SECO Energy’s service territory requires expansion of medical services to accommodate the increased population. Currently there are several major projects expanding the availability of medical care.

 

Construction of Orlando Health’s South Lake Hospital Health Pavilion at Blue Cedar is underway. The new 20,000 square foot health pavilion, located on US 27 at the Turnpike, will include a free-standing emergency department, outpatient imaging, laboratory and rehabilitation services, as well as space for physician offices. The new facility has been designed to accommodate more advanced services as the need in South Lake County grows. “We’re expanding our services so that patients in all areas of South Lake County have improved access points to healthcare,” said South Lake Hospital President John Moore. 

 

Another project underway in Lake County is at Florida Hospital Waterman. The Tavares facility has plans to double the size of the emergency department to fifty-eight beds. The addition will include a four-story patient tower dedicated to women’s services, pediatrics and future growth. Twenty-four beds for the women and children’s unit will be on the second floor. Floors three and four of the tower will be reserved for future growth. This project will add more than 111,000 square feet of patient care to the existing hospital.

 

In Marion County, West Marion Community Hospital has plans to add nearly 42,000 square feet to meet a growing need for acute care services for residents west of I-75. This expansion will nearly double the facility’s acute care bed count to 48. The project will include three key areas of the hospital: The Emergency Department, operating rooms, and patient rooms. The Emergency Department will increase in size with an additional nine exam rooms, bringing the total number to 31. The Surgical Department will expand from four to six operating rooms with space to add two operating rooms in the future. The plan includes additional pre-operative unit bays and post anesthesia care unit bays as well. The facility will add a fourth floor with 36 medical/surgical patient beds and eight intensive care unit beds. The total hospital bed count will increase to 138.

 

In addition to the major hospital expansions, there are a multitude of other projects including new doctor offices, rehab and assisted living facilities in the works throughout SECO Energy’s service territory.

 

 

SECO Energy Insider – 3rd Quarter 2017, Grand Oaks and Great Food, The Fenney Grill

Grand Oaks and Great Food

 

Fenney Grill is where great food meets the great outdoors. The Grill is located in the new Village of Fenney which locals refer to as Adamsville. The restaurant is nestled among native landscape and majestic grand oaks to deliver a warm old Florida feel. The rustic-themed bar and grill has indoor and outdoor seating for 130 guests. The restaurant is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with daily happy hour specials offering 50% off drinks from 3 to 5 p.m.

 

Each day at the Fenneyy Grill starts out with classics from waffles to omelets and ends up with signature salads and sandwiches followed by Mike’s Famous Key Lime Pie. “Everything is as fresh as it can be; fresh produce, fresh fruit,” said restaurant manager Chad Prilliman. “We roast our meats in-house and most of the breads are baked right here.” If you’re in the mood for casual dining, this is the place to be.

 

Another food option is right next door at the Orange Blossom Café located in the Fenney Recreation Center. The café is open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is a great place to relax. Enjoy fresh baked cookies, pastries, muffins, specialty sandwiches or small salads. Wash them down with freshly brewed coffee or tea as well as juices. For directions and a full menu visit Fenney Grill’s website.

 

 

SECO Energy Insider – 3rd Quarter 2017, Keep your Share of the Marketplace

Keep your Share of the Marketplace

 

Advancements in technology are rapidly shaping the way we live. Not so very long ago, music was delivered via record player and phones only worked through a wired connection. Now these devices, and a number of others, have, for the most part, become obsolete. Technological advances, in many ways, are changing our world for the better and have allowed some businesses to thrive. Other businesses have had to reinvent themselves and are fighting to stay alive.

 

As the trend continues, one of the biggest changes taking place are brick and mortar stores fighting with e-commerce for sales as more shoppers prefer to make purchases from the convenience of their home. Online shopping and overnight shipping are becoming increasingly more popular especially among the younger generation. So, could the end of traditional shopping be in sight? Maybe not! The convenience of buying online to some does not compare to the instant gratification of walking out of the store with your items in hand. To others, the idea of having to wait for an item, track and sometimes pay for shipping is not convenient.

 

SECO Energy Insider – 3rd Quarter 2017, Keep your Share of the Marketplace

 

In today’s world, to keep their share of the marketplace, site retailers need to focus on the customer and enhance the in-store experience to make the trip away from the computer worth it. Physical presence and meaningful interactions with customers is an experience the internet is unable to offer. Maya Angelou once said “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

 

Customer service never goes out of style. Customer service and convenience of shopping is the key to repeat customers along with knowledgeable, professional and courteous employees. This coupled with a pleasant store environment that is inviting and soothing to customers’ senses makes for a win-win situation. Warranties, guarantees and the ease of returns are a plus.

 

To survive in today’s economy, anyone in business needs to continually reinvent themselves. Just because you have always done things a particular way doesn’t mean it’s the right approach. Sometimes taking a step back, observing and reformulating a plan is crucial to survival, although excellent customer service should always be your top priority.

 

 

SECO Energy Insider – 3rd Quarter 2017, Member Spotlight: The Florida Bass Conservation Center

Member Spotlight: The Florida Bass Conservation Center

 

Parents and teachers looking to introduce their children to a unique experience in south Sumter County might consider visiting the Florida Bass Conservation Center (FBCC). The Center is dedicated to managing fish and wildlife resources for long-term well-being of the native species and for the benefit of Floridians. At the FBCC, and through the Florida Wildlife Commission, a number of initiatives, for both fresh and saltwater, have been put in place to enhance fish and wildlife conversation including opportunities for much-needed public involvement.

 

Known to some as the old Richloam Fish Hatchery, the FBCC raises nearly 6.75 million freshwater fish (6”-10” fingerlings) including largemouth, sunshine and striped bass, crappie and catfish. This is done by using a raceway system between ponds. A raceway system is where continuous water is made to flow from pond to pond through man-made channels. This saves water and energy, helps to prevent diseases and parasites, and improves feed conversion by producing more fish per gallon of water.

 

SECO Energy Insider – 3rd Quarter 2017, Member Spotlight: The Florida Bass Conservation Center Flicker pictures. Click here to see the Flicker album of pictures

 

Currently the FBCC consists of 63 ponds that vary from 1/4 acre to 1½ acres in size making up a total of 48 acres of water. The FBCC is the largest freshwater fish production hatchery in The State. It is open to the public and includes a visitor’s center and research facility with something of interest for all ages.

 

The Florida Bass Conservation Center is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. It is located at 3583 CR 788 in Webster. Field trips and large groups should preschedule their visit by calling (252) 732-1225. For more information visit the Florida Bass Conservation Center’s website or watch this video that takes you on a walk through the hatchery.

 

 

SECO Energy Insider – 3rd Quarter 2017, Resources for Recovery After Irma

Resources for Recovery After Irma

 

State business and industry representatives (ESF18) are manning a private sector hotline at (850) 815-4925 to respond to calls from businesses and private sector support organizations.

 

Small Business Recovery Guide

 

State Assistance

Governor Scott activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program to provide short-term, interest-free loans to businesses damaged by the storm.

 

Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program

 

Small businesses in all 67 Florida counties with two to 100 employees may apply for short-term, interest-free loans for $1,000 to $25,000 for 90 or 180-day terms. To be eligible, a business must have been established prior to September 4, 2017, and demonstrate economic injury or physical damage as a result of Hurricane Irma. Visit www.floridadisasterloan.org for more information and to apply for the Florida Emergency Bridge Loan program. The deadline to apply is October 31, 2017.

 

Business Damage Assessment Survey

 

Small businesses that have incurred losses due to Hurricane Irma are asked to complete a Business Damage Assessment Survey. The survey will help the State Emergency Response Team determine the needs and level of assistance for impacted businesses. To take the survey, visit www.flvbeoc.org.

 

SECO Energy Insider – 3rd Quarter 2017, Resources for Recovery After Irma, Click here for Federal Assistance or to apply for low-interest loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

 

Federal Assistance

 

Following President Trump’s major disaster declaration, impacted businesses may now apply for low-interest loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

 

Through the declaration, businesses and nonprofits in Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Desoto, Duval, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Saint Johns, Saint Lucie, Seminole, Sumter and Volusia counties in Florida are eligible for both Physical and Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the SBA.

 

Business Physical Disaster Loan Program

 

Business Physical Disaster Loans are intended to help repair or replace disaster-damaged property. Businesses and nonprofit organizations may apply for up to $2 million to repair or replace property, including real estate, equipment, inventory, machinery, and other business assets.

 

Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program

 

Businesses in qualifying adjacent counties may apply for up to $2 million for working capital through the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan program. The Economic Injury Disaster Loan program provides working capital loans to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private, nonprofit organizations meet financial obligations and operating expenses through the disaster recovery period. Applicants may also be eligible for a loan amount increase up to 20 percent of their physical damages to protect property from future damage, including adding a safe room or storm shelter.

 

To Apply for Physical and Economic Injury Loans

 

Businesses must first register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), or by mobile device at m.fema.gov or call the toll-free helpline at 800-621-3362. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services should call 800-621-3362 (800-462-7585 TTY). Upon registration with FEMA, businesses may apply for a disaster loan a number of ways as follows:
• Submit an online application at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela
Download an application from www.sba.gov/disaster and submit to a SBA disaster recovery center or mail to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155;
• Visit a SBA recovery center for one-on-one assistance; or
• Visit the Florida SBDC at UCF or its satellite service centers for assistance.

The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is November 9, 2017. The deadline to return economic injury applications is June 11, 2018.

 

SECO Energy Insider – 3rd Quarter 2017, Resources for Recovery After Irma, Click here of individual assistance or for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)

 

Individual Assistance

 

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is available to Florida businesses and residents whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a result of Hurricane Irma.

 

Disaster Unemployment Assistance is available from weeks of unemployment beginning September 10, 2017 until March 17, 2018, as long as the individual’s unemployment continues to be a result of the disaster. To file a DUA claim go to www.floridajobs.org or call 1-800-385-3920.

 

Residents with losses due to Hurricane Irma may now register for disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, according to state and federal officials. Individuals can register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.

 

You may also register by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 AM to 11 PM, seven days a week until further notice.

 

Applicants will need the following to apply:

  • Social Security Number
  • Daytime telephone number
  • Current mailing address and zip code of the damaged property
  • Private insurance information, if available

 

Interested in learning more about SECO Energy’s emergency restoration plan related to Hurricane Irma? Read October’s Duncan’s Digest in SECO News to learn more.

 

 

 

 

BARBIE SHAW

Manager of Key Accounts & Energy Services
OFFICE: (352) 569-9787
CELL: (352) 303-3567
barbie.shaw@secoenergy.com

Hank Bolduc, SECO Energy Key Accounts Consultant

HANK BOLDUC

Key Accounts Consultant
OFFICE: (352) 569-9789
CELL: (352) 303-3546
hank.bolduc@secoenergy.com

Ryon Meyers, SECO Energy Key Accounts Consultant

RYON MEYERS

Key Accounts Consultant
OFFICE: (352) 569-9781
CELL: (352) 636-9593
ryon.meyers@secoenergy.com

J.D. Simmons, SECO Energy Key Accounts Consultant

J.D. SIMMONS

Key Accounts Consultant
OFFICE: (352) 569-9790
CELL: (352) 303-3183
jd.simmons@secoenergy.com

 

 

SECO News, October 2017

 

Duncan’s Digest

HURRICANE IRMA HITS HARD

 

Hurricane Irma is indeed the biggest, baddest, meanest named storm we’ve seen in a long time. Irma’s damage to our system was more significant than we experienced in the infamous 2004 hurricane season.

 

Hurricane Irma – the aptly named “war goddess” – arrived with an arsenal of hurricane-force winds. She wreaked havoc as she traveled directly through SECO’s service territory as a Category 1 to a Category 3 hurricane, per data from the National Hurricane Center. Power outages began late Sunday evening September 10, and members continued to lose power through Monday morning.

 

SECO News, October 2017 - Duncan's Digest , Hurricane Irma Hits Hard

 

From Irma’s onset until winds subsided Monday mid-day, approximately 139,000 outages were reported by members and captured by our outage management system. Over half of our system was damaged by the hurricane-force winds with lines, transformers and poles on the ground covered by trees and debris.

 

Executing an emergency action plan before, during and after a named storm is a standard practice for a Florida utility like SECO Energy. Storm hardening and emergency response are key investments for a not-for-profit electric cooperative. To successfully react to a weather crisis, we rely heavily on our tried and true emergency response plan and advanced preparation.

 

Members always want to know how SECO decides who is first in line for restoration. Florida requires substations and feeders serving hospitals, shelters, schools and government agencies to be restored as the highest priority. The next priority is restoring power to large groups of members, and then to less populated areas with individual electric services.

 

SECO News, October 2017 - Hurricane Irma Hits Hard, downed power lines, linemen working, damaged poles

 

Due to SECO’s demographic, we serve a large number of nursing homes and assisted living facilities. During Hurricane Irma, these facilities became a priority as well as they began to run out of generator fuel. The same held true for communication towers a few days into the recovery. Water treatment facilities and lift stations were also a strong consideration.

 

The bottom line is every member wants power turned back on – now. SECO is sensitive to that, and we understand the discomfort and inconvenience members experience. Personally, I slept on a cot in my office for four nights because my home was without power. I’m sharing that not for sympathy but to emphasize that SECO follows the plan and does not give special treatment or favors.

 

Once an emergency begins, logistics like fuel, food, lodging, manpower and a solid work plan are all critical to a timely restoration. Securing line and tree trimming contractor support from neighboring areas was difficult because Irma had such far-reaching effects. We searched far and wide and brought in contractors from Alabama, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas and other parts of Florida.

 

SECO News, October 2017 - Hurricane Irma Hits Hard, SECO brought in contractors from Alabama, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas and other parts of Florida.

 

Fuel, ice, food and hotel rooms for these folks became a logistical challenge as the state seemingly shut down before, during and after Irma. From the beginning of the restoration effort on Monday, fuel availability for our trucks was limited. Traffic on I-75 southbound delayed the out-of-state contractors’ arrivals. Evacuees understandably fled from coastal areas to central Florida, reducing the availability of hotels to lodge our restoration teams from out of state.

 

Contract line and tree crews arrived and suited up alongside our SECO home team after winds died down around noon that Monday. These professionals were in it to win it. SECO made significant progress, restoring power to over 90,000 members during the first three days of restoration – 49,000 members remained without power.

 

To better communicate with members, SECO developed an interactive restoration plan map that was launched Tuesday evening. The map was updated nightly to reflect the next day’s restoration plan.

 

SECO News, October 2017 - Hurricane Irma Hits Hard, To better communicate with members, SECO developed an interactive restoration plan map

 

This resource became a useful communication tool for members seeking information on the timing of their particular area’s restoration. Social media was a blessing throughout the hurricane and restoration, and helped members keep in touch when CenturyLink went down.

 

When Thursday dawned, progress slowed as SECO fought through new challenges and obstacles. High waters across roads and in homes prevented restoration in south Sumter County. Areas with significant damage took longer than planned. Stolen wire delayed restoration in Webster, Croom-A-Coochee and Lake Panasoffkee. Crews were redirected to allow restoration to continue in areas where we could restore larger numbers quickly.

 

SECO News, October 2017 - Hurricane Irma Hits Hard, Areas of south Sumter County were engulfed by rising water

 

The weather threatened to hinder progress on Friday and Saturday, as the presence of lightning would bring restoration to a stop. We put the word out for farmers to stop cutting hay and for residents to not wash their cars. We prayed and crossed our fingers.

 

Prayers were answered, and on Saturday at noon, less than 10,000 members were without power. We were determined to have full restoration complete by the end of the day Sunday, September 17. More than 1,200 SECO crews, along with line and tree contractors converged for the last time on our territory to finish rebuilding the remaining lines, clear trees, replace poles, avoid alligators and respond to the remaining small pockets of outages.

 

Though it was admittedly a rough week for those who lost power, I am proud to say that by Sunday night, 99.9% of SECO members had power restored. Only about 70 accounts in south Sumter County were unable to receive electric service due to high water conditions.

 

Many of our employees worked 20-hour days, didn’t have power at home and could have auditioned for a role on The Walking Dead. I am grateful for the hard work and dedication of the entire SECO team. I’m also grateful for the thousands of line and tree contractors who traveled thousands of miles to Florida, leaving their families to aid ours during Hurricane Irma restoration. They have my respect and appreciation.

 

In each major restoration event, there are lessons learned. Sometimes Murphy’s Law prevailed and other times, thankfully, we had favor and won the day. As a team, we celebrated the highs and worried through the lows.

 

Nature’s Reflections will be back next month. Clearly, Mother Nature made her presence known through Hurricane Irma as these photos show.

 

I believe in preparing for the worst and praying for the best. Hurricane Irma may be as close to the worst we will ever see. Today, let’s count our blessings and be thankful.

 

Sincerely,

 

Jim Duncan

Chief Executive Officer

 

Read the full October 2017 SECO News here.

 

Copper Crooks Slow Power Restoration

During the recent Hurricane Irma power restoration effort, SECO Energy fell victim to thieves who stole copper feeder line from three local substations. The thefts occurred in Sumter County in the communities of Webster, Lake Panasoffkee and Croom-A-Coochee/Clay Sink. The thieves slowed power restoration to local residents.

 

SECO approximates the theft occurred sometime between Thursday, September 14, and Saturday, September 16. In Webster, thieves took off with 464-feet of line from 516 NW 3rd Street. In Lake Panasoffkee, 1,006-feet of line disappeared from 3417 CR 421. The largest amount of line was stolen from the Croom-A-Coochee/Clay Sink area, 4,726-feet was taken from Porter Gap Road.

 

Thieves steal copper wire to sell the copper for scrap value, the value of which can add up quickly. It is always dangerous to touch any electric line, and if the thieves had encountered an energized line, they could have been seriously injured or killed. If you see a down line, always assume it is live and stay away, never try to pick it up yourself, call for help. SECO has notified the proper authorities, and asks citizens for their help. Please report any suspicious activity to the Sumter County Sheriff and to SECO.

 

CEO Jim Duncan states, “This act is criminal in more ways than one. I was saddened to learn that because of these crooks, residents in Webster, Lake Pan and Croom waited longer for power restoration. These members were already suffering without power after Hurricane Irma and these copper crooks created additional hardships. My heart goes out to these communities, and I sincerely hope the thieves are apprehended, charged and convicted.”

 

In addition to theft, SECO advises members to be cautious of any person or company claiming to be from SECO. SECO employees and contractors carry company identification and trucks are clearly marked. SECO will never call and harass members for payment, if you receive a questionable phone call, hang up and call SECO directly.

 

Learn more about SECO Energy’s commitment to community at SECOEnergy.com > Your Co-op > Community. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” the company on Twitter to stay updated about storms affecting our area.

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.