Toys for Tots

SECO Energy Spreads Holiday Cheer Through Toys for Tots Drive

SECO Energy is proud to continue its longstanding tradition of sponsoring the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. Each year, SECO Energy holds an annual donation drive in which employees and members of the cooperative contribute toys and gifts for the Toys for Tots donation boxes located at any one of SECO Energy’s five Member Service locations.

Founded over 85 years ago, SECO Energy was formed by members who banded together to bring electricity to rural areas of Central Florida, fulfilling a previously unmet need. Each year, the cooperative’s members and employees voluntarily donate gifts to support local communities across Central Florida, which serves as a reminder of this shared purpose.

“SECO employees are a charitable group, and they particularly enjoy making contributions that benefit the communities we serve. The generosity of SECO Energy’s employees and members ensures that local children will have toys to unwrap and smiles on their faces on Christmas morning,” stated Curtis Wynn, SECO Energy’s Chief Executive Officer.

The Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots’ purpose is to help bring the joy of Christmas and send a message of hope to children across the United States through the gift of a new toy. Since 2001, the Toys for Tots program has been ranked as one of the top-rated charities by “Philanthropy 400.”

This year’s Toys for Tots donation drive resulted in hundreds of toys donated through SECO Energy’s annual campaign. The toys remain within the community where they are collected, making a tangible difference for families in need. For some children, the gift of a toy from the program may be the only present they receive this holiday season.

Kathy Judkins, SECO Energy’s VP of Communications, Community and Member Experience, who oversees the cooperative’s Toys for Tots initiative, added, “I’m incredibly grateful to the hundreds of SECO employees and many members who joined us in spreading holiday cheer this year. The smallest acts of kindness—like donating a toy—can have a lasting impact and bring happiness to children throughout our service area.”

Toys for Toys Photo Collection:

“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. To learn more about SECO Energy as a not-for-profit cooperative, visit About SECO Energy.

SECO News November 2024

DEAR MEMBERS,

SECO Energy has been faithfully serving Central Florida members since 1938. In that time, we have experienced momentous growth. From energizing the fi rst 400 rural farmsteads over 85 years ago, SECO has grown into a robust regional utility that serves over 245,000 meters. The demand for affordable energy is increasing along with our population. We plan to ensure that the highly-ranked responsiveness and reliability that you deserve continue.

In 2022, our Executive Leadership Team extensively studied the functionality and operability of our aging office buildings, warehouses, and staging areas. We have more than outgrown our buildings – some date back to the 1930s and ‘40s. Yet, our dedicated team has remained committed to serving you – working in less-than-ideal conditions every day. Their resilience and dedication are truly commendable. Offices designed for one person are occupied by two or more employees, departments are isolated by outdated office layouts, and our fi eld service workers are mired in substandard working conditions. Moving vehicles around the property is inefficient and frustrating; it’s beyond expensive and highly unsafe.

A change is needed; our employees deserve better. SECO Energy is launching an Expansion and Improvement plan that includes new buildings to optimize working conditions in an environment that promotes safety, collaboration, and efficiency. This is exciting news. We want to continue to build the SECO culture that has fueled our success for all these years.

In early 2026, look for SECO to embark on our expansion plan to support our growth well into the future. The project features adequate workspaces designed to foster collaboration and teamwork. Staging, maintenance, and storage areas will be combined – not separated – to optimize workflows and efficiencies. Crews who work in extreme weather and temperatures will have updated washrooms and locker areas. Spaces for team meals and breaks will foster togetherness and a unified One SECO company culture.

Among the many goals that our Board has charged us with is to become the employer of choice in our region to attract and retain top talent. That aspiration is a major reason why we are so excited about this plan and confident it will propel us forward while creating more jobs, fueling our local economy, and creating more opportunities for everyone – all in the service of our growing membership.

SECO Energy is confident that this important and much-needed plan is the right step for our cooperative – promising our continued world-class reliability and dedication to serving you. Thank you for being a valued SECO Energy member. Happy Thanksgiving!

Sincerely,

CURTIS WYNN

Chief Executive Officer

AT SECO ENERGY, WE BELIEVE IN PUTTING OUR MEMBERS FIRST.

As a not-for profit cooperative, our primary goal is to serve you, not to generate profits. When we do have excess funds – what we call margins – we’re excited to return those to you through Capital Credits, also known as member equity. Keep an eye out for your Capital Credit refund on your November billing statement; it’s our way of saying thank you for the opportunity to serve your electric energy needs.

As a member, you’re not just a customer; you’re a part-owner of SECO Energy. This means that any money left over after we cover our operating expenses gets shared with you based on how much electricity you’ve used over the year. We’re thrilled to share that at our recent September Board Meeting, our Trustees approved the return of $1.65 million in member equity to both current and former members.

We also take pride in reinvesting the funds that aren’t yet retired back into our infrastructure. This ensures that we continue to improve reliability and keep pace with the tremendous growth we are seeing here in Central Florida. At the end of 2023, we reached a significant milestone with over $1.2 billion invested in our electric plant and assets, all aimed at enhancing the electric service we provide you with every day.

Capital Credits are more than just numbers on a statement; they represent our deep commitment to you and the communities we serve. This unique aspect of cooperatives reflects the cooperative difference—where your voice and your needs truly matter. Thank you for being an integral part of the SECO Energy family!

Join SECO Energy employees as they suit up to play Santa again this year for our annual Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots donation drive. Jingle all the way to one of our five Member Service Centers and donate a new unwrapped toy.

The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to help bring the joy of Christmas and send a message of hope through the gift of a new toy to thousands of children across the United States. Since 2001, Toys for Tots has been ranked as one of the top-rated charities by “Philanthropy 400.”

Retired Marines and other volunteers operate Toys for Tots. Toys donated by SECO employees and members are gifted to children within the local community. Members who want to register to receive toys donated through Toys for Tots can visit ToysforTots.org > Request a Toy.

Santa’s elves are collecting toys at our Member Service Centers in Eustis, Groveland, Inverness, Ocala, and Sumterville, serving as public drop-off locations between November 1 and December 6. Help SECO spread Christmas cheer, goodwill to men, and Peace on Earth during this holiday season by donating to Toys for Tots.

SECO is committed to improving the communities we serve, from supporting local schools to investing in renewable energy.
These principles aren’t just words; they’re the foundation of how SECO Energy operates, ensuring that we serve you, our members, with fairness, transparency, and care.

Read the full November SECO News.

SECO News December 2022

Dear Members,

‘Tis the season for giving and sharing the magic of the holidays. I commend our SECO Energy employees who generously support our corporate giving efforts and other worthy charitable causes.

One cause close to many SECO Energy employees’ hearts is our annual United Way Employee Giving Campaign. Many of our employees pledged a portion of their 2023 earnings to local United Ways. Next year, United Ways across our Central Florida counties will benefit from these generous pledges.

SECO Energy employees pledged $38,843 to local United Ways through the employee-led 2023 United Way Pledge Drive. Our employees have been actively supporting United Way for almost 20 years. During that time, employees have pledged over $1,083,287 to support local families through the United Way.

Most of our employees live in Citrus, Lake, Marion and Sumter Counties, receiving the highest dollar amounts in donations. The 400+ SECO Energy employees choose the county and the program their donated dollars will benefit.

UNITED WAY PLEDGES BY COUNTY:

Lake and Sumter Counties: $15,929
Marion County: $14,257
Citrus County: $4,182
Other Counties $4,476
The total pledge for 2023 is $38,843

Not only do our employees assist local communities through United Way, but they also help fill Santa’s sleigh with donations for our corporate Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots donation drive. Starting in November, employees brought new, unwrapped toys for the drive. All toys donated are dispersed in the local area where they were collected.

Many of our members joined in the effort by dropping off toys at our Member Service Centers. Thank you for your generosity. Retired Marines and other volunteers picked up donations in early December to distribute to children in need in time for the holidays. Members who want to register to receive toys donated through Toys for Tots can visit ToysforTots.org > Request a Toy.

From the SECO Energy family to yours, we wish you Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!

Sincerely,

Curtis Wynn

Chief Executive Officer

Electric Safety

Everyone who uses electricity should be aware of its risks and dangers. Over 51,000 American homes are damaged or destroyed by fire caused by electrical failures each year, and 500 lives are lost (Electrical Safety Foundation International).

Adults over 65 and young children are at the highest risk of injury or death from a home fire.

You should learn the basics of your home’s electrical system and how to prevent electrical fires. Outdated wiring is a common culprit of electrical fires. Flickering lights, tripped breakers, or a burning smell could indicate overloaded circuits. Hire an electrician to investigate. If the home’s wiring is outdated, the electrical outlets are as well. Outlets are as well. Outlets that are damaged, loose or warm to the touch must be repaired or replaced.

Home wiring and troubleshooting is a job best left to a professional. Contact a reputable electrician who is licensed, insured and adheres to local code requirements. Electricians can update breaker panels and add extra electrical outlets that will avoid circuit overload.

Electrical safety extends outside the home. Never touch utility equipment such as underground transformers or overhead power lines. Always consider power lines to be energized and dangerous. Stay away from downed lines and call 911 and SECO Energy to report immediately.

Teach children electrical safety as well. Never allow children to play on or near electrical equipment or climb a substation fence. Children should not climb trees near energized lines. Keep remote-control toys, hobby drones and kites away from overhead lines.

Learn more about electrical safety at SECOEnergy.com > Safety > Electrical Safety.

Winter HVAC Service – A Message from District 4 Trustee Richard Dennison

Your HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) unit is likely the largest energy user in your home. Before winter’s cold temperatures arrive, schedule an HVAC service call to ensure your unit is operating efficiently.

The Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts winter 2022 – 2023 will be cold with above-normal rainfall. The forecast calls for temperatures 1 to 4 degrees below average, with the coldest temperatures in January.

Preventative maintenance and routine filter changes extend the life of your HVAC unit. A qualified technician will thoroughly inspect the unit and recommend maintenance or repairs. A well-working HVAC unit operates more efficiently and uses less energy.

Set a calendar reminder to change your unit’s air filter monthly or follow the manufacturer’s suggested filter change schedule.

For more ways to reduce energy usage, visit SECOEnergy.com > Energy Solutions and complete the Home Energy Assessment and Energy Estimator. The Home Energy Assessment is an online energy audit that provides energy efficiency advice tailored to your home’s features. The Energy Estimator calculates the energy used and associated costs for your home’s electricity users. Submit your answers with your email address to receive immediate low-cost energy-saving advice.

12 Ways to Pay

SECO Energy offers members 12 Ways to Pay their monthly energy bills. Most payment options are available with no convenience fee.

PAY ONLINE – Our account manager SmartHub allows you to view and pay your bill, enroll in bank draft or eBill and compare energy usage by month or year.

BANK DRAFT – Draft your monthly amount from a bank account of your choice – the ultimate in convenience. Enroll in bank draft with SmartHub.

IN PERSON – Five Member Service Centers open in Eustis, Groveland, Sumterville, Ocala and Inverness with walk-in, drive-thru facilities and kiosks.

BY PHONE – 1 (877) 371-9382, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AMEX, debit card or electronic check.

PAY NOW – Instant payment using your account number and form of payment through SmartHub – no registration required.

BY MAIL – SECO Energy (Dept. 3035), P.O. Box 11407, Birmingham, AL 35246-1407

MYWAY PREPAY – Pay for energy before you use it. View daily usage and receive phone or text notifications.

FIDELITY EXPRESS – Locations accept cash, check or money orders. Not recommended for MyWay PrePay members. $1.50 processing fee.

MONEYGRAM – Available at many retail locations and for MyWay PrePay enrolled members. $1.50 processing fee.

WESTERN UNION – In-person payments received in real time. Max amount per transaction is $1,000. $1.50 processing fee.

BUDGET BILLING – Levels out bills by averaging most recent 12 months usage. Debit/credit balances accumulate based on seasonal usage.

VANILLADIRECT PAY – Pay with cash at thousands of locations. Barcode required via SmartHub. $1.50 processing fee.

Winners’ Circle – Generator

Congratulations to our three members who enrolled in SECO Energy’s Surge MitiGator Surge Protection program and won a generator!

SEPTEMBER – Jack Bonniwell from The Villages

OCTOBER – Barney Newbern from Leesburg

NOVEMBER – Kenneth Christensen from Clermont

The Surge MitiGator takes the bite out of damaging surges and spikes. Members can lease the protection for $5.95 per month plus tax and $25 installation fee or purchase for $349 to $399 plus tax and free installation. Learn more about the Surge MitiGator, visit SECOEnergy.com > Energy Solutions > Surge MitiGator and fill out our handy web form.

SECO Energy Foundation Enrollment Change – January 2023

SECO Energy’s Pennies from Heaven program transitions to the SECO Energy Foundation in January 2023.

The SECO Energy Foundation will expand community outreach and member bill payment assistance. The Foundation is funded by SECO Energy rounding enrolled members’ bills up to the nearest dollar and donating the pennies to the Foundation. The average donation per member whose bill is rounded up is $6 annually.

At year-end, all SECO members will be automatically enrolled in the SECO Energy Foundation unless they have proactively advised us over the last five months that they wish to unenroll. There are multiple ways (see below) to unenroll from the Foundation’s electric bill round-up program. Please update your SECO Energy Foundation enrollment status before December 31, 2022.

To update your SECO Energy Foundation enrollment status, visit SECOEnergy.com > Contact > SECO Energy Foundation. Send an email to CustomerService@SECOEnergy.com, call (352) 793-3801 or write to SECO Energy, Attn: Corp Comm, P.O. Box 301, Sumterville, FL 33585 by December 31, 2022.

Read the full December 2022 SECO News online.

SECO News November 2021

Just in time for the Christmas season, SECO Energy members are cashing in on Capital Credits. At the September Trustees’ Meeting, your Board approved another record-high Capital Credit retirement of $6.46 million to current and former members. Your Capital Credit retirement amount appears on your November billing statement.

SECO Energy was founded as Sumter Electric Cooperative, Inc. in 1938. Since then, the cooperative has regularly retired/returned a portion of the cooperative’s equity to current and former members. In our 83 years in business, we have retired almost $80 million to current and former members.

Capital Credits is a concept that is unique to not-for-profit, cooperatively structured businesses. I have often talked about the differences between being a customer of an investor-owned or a municipal utility versus a cooperative member. Capital Credits is one of those differences.

Your monthly energy purchases build patronage capital. You and your fellow 220,000+ cooperative members own a portion of SECO’s equity. Ownership is defined through the annual process of allocating each member’s share of the co-op’s margins from the prior year. Individual Capital Credit allocations represent the percentage of the yearly amount of electric service purchased by each member.

Capital Credits are the accumulation of all prior years’ revenues after the co-op’s operating costs and expenses are paid. These credits are allocated on a pro-rata basis to each SECO member’s account as Capital Credits. Annually, SECO examines the cooperative’s financial position and makes a recommendation to the Board of Trustees on the “retirement” of Capital Credits. This year’s $6.46 million retirement means SECO is returning a portion of the cooperative’s equity to current and former members.

Look for a line item labeled “Capital Credit Ret” on your November billing statement. Active commercial account members with retirements over $600 will receive a check. Former members who receive a retirement over $10 will receive a check. If you move out of SECO’s service area, keep your mailing address updated so we can mail future Capital Credit retirements to your new address.

In the latest figures from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), cooperatives power 56% of the nation’s landmass, including 2.7 million miles of electric distribution lines in 48 states. We are among over 900 electric distribution and generation and transmission cooperatives working together to maintain reliable, safe, affordable power to our local communities. That’s the cooperative difference.

SECO Energy members are more than just customers – they are owners as well. Thank you for your SECO Energy membership.

Sincerely,

Jim Duncan

Chief Executive Officer

ADVICE FROM THE OLD FARMER’S ALMANAC

Watch the 2021 – 2022 winter skies for amazing views of faraway planets. The Old Farmer’s Almanac recommends watching for Venus at its most brilliant in the early evening hours during December. Look for Venus, the Moon, Saturn and Jupiter coming together as a group during the month. Mercury will make its brightest appearance during the holidays. Catch glimpses of Mars in early January next to the crescent moon in the early morning hours. In February, Mars will be a dim orange below a twinkling Venus in the predawn hours. 2022 promises a year filled with eclipses bringing excitement to the morning and nighttime skies!

While you’re out stargazing in the evenings, be on the lookout for nocturnal animals. Read more about red foxes that are active, nocturnal animals on page 4.

SECO Energy employees are playing Santa Claus again this year with our annual corporate Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots drive. Members are invited to join us in spreading Christmas cheer by donating a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots. During November, our five Member Service Centers in Eustis, Groveland, Inverness, Ocala or Sumterville serve as public drop-off locations.

For many years, SECO employees have been incredibly generous in supporting Toys for Tots. Friendly competition has sprung up between offices and departments to collect the most bikes, trikes and toys. To bolster our corporate giving, SECO’s Pennies from Heaven program has pledged a $5,000 donation this year to complement our employees’ Toys for Tots donations.

SECO Energy’s Pennies from Heaven program rounds up members’ bills to the nearest dollar. The donated pennies help members who need bill payment assistance or donations for local charitable causes such as Toys for Tots. If you would like to join your fellow cooperative members in making a difference in our communities one penny at a time, visit SECOEnergy.com > Your Co-op > Pennies from Heaven to enroll in the program. Thank you in advance for your generosity.

Since 1947, Toys for Toys has been making a difference in the lives of families. Retired Marines and other volunteers operate Toys for Tots. Volunteers pick up donations and distribute the toys to children in need. All donated toys stay local and are distributed in the area they were donated.

Members who would like to register to receive toys donated through Toys for Tots can visit www.ToysforTots.org. Application dates vary by location.

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:

Leanna Hersey from Floral City

Linda Hodgson from Leesburg

Cherilyn Glass from Lady Lake

Conrad Penchion from Ocala

Phyllis Jones from Tavares

The latest winner of a SECO Energy Level 2 EV Charger is Ann White from Inverness. 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

Jer-Shang Lin from Clermont is the winner of a $200 SECO Energy bill credit.

Alexandra Betancourt from Mascotte is the winner of a NEST thermostat.

Rebecca McCorkle from Bushnell is the winner of an Amazon Echo Dot with Alexa.

Congratulations to William Heinmiller from Clermont and Mauricio Trinidad from The Villages are the two winners of our EV Virtual Video Showcase drawing! To view the video, visit SECOEnergy.com > Energy Solutions > EV Virtual Showcase. The winners’ names were drawn from the list of all members who entered.

Congratulations to our recent winners!

Our winner of the generator whose name was draw in September is Rosendo Orozco from Summerfield – drawn from the list of all members enrolled in SECO Energy’s Surge MitiGator surge protection program.

Read the full November 2021 SECO News online.

SECO News, January 2021

Duncan’s Digest – $36,000 Scholarship Program for 2021

HAPPY NEW YEAR! SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees has approved the 2021 SECO Scholarship Program. $36,000 is up for grabs to be split among 12 high school seniors interested in pursuing a career in the energy industry and living in a home served by SECO. If your high school senior could use $3,000 for tuition or books and might want a paid internship on holiday or summer breaks, now is the time to apply.

The energy industry is a growing field in Florida and across the nation. SECO and other energy companies are looking to hire a workforce with the technical skills and training required in this competitive field. According to the 2020 U.S. Energy and Employment Report (USEER), Florida currently has 124,954 traditional energy workers statewide – with a number of them gearing up toward retirement in the coming years. Of these energy workers, 54,283 are in electric power generation, 18,802 are in fuels, and 51,869 are in transmission, distribution and energy storage.

Growth in electric vehicles, renewables, energy storage and the need for increased cyber-physical security drives the need for skilled workers. Not-for-profit electric cooperatives prioritize community support, environmental stewardship, corporate citizenship and sustainability. SECO Energy offers competitive wages but we also offer a pension plan and healthy 401k match – which is a hard-to-find benefit in this day and age. In addition, SECO provides employees with high-quality, low-cost medical, dental and vision coverage. It’s a great place to work, and we are an essential employer that offers a healthy balance of work and personal life with a generous paid time off program, student loan reimbursement and more.

When you talk to your kids and grandkids about who they want to be when they grow up and if they want to raise their own families here locally, SECO Energy and the electric industry is a great place to plant local career roots. Our SECO Scholarship Program is a recruiting tool that introduces us to local students pursuing a career in the growing energy industry. We hope to attract local students who want to engage with SECO for internship opportunities or as a possible future employer.

To be eligible to apply, the student must be a high school senior who is graduating in May/June 2021. The student must live in a home served by SECO Energy, plan to pursue a career in the energy industry and attend an accredited Florida college, university or vocational/technical school and be enrolled full-time by the end of 2021. Qualifying degrees or certifications are in technology, engineering, math or business.

Applications are available online beginning January 4, 2021. You can also pick up a paper application at one of our five Member Service Centers. The application must be completed and returned to SECO by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 26, 2021.

If you have questions about SECO Energy’s 2021 Scholarship program, email SECO Energy’s Communications team.

I wish our applicants the best and look forward to reading about their career plans and accomplishments.

Sincerely,

Jim Duncan

Chief Executive Officer

Advice from The Old Farmer’s Almanac – Winter and Spring 2021 Weather

According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, winter and spring in Florida will be gorgeous! Expect normal precipitation and an average temperature of 58 – only 2 degrees below average in January. The average temperature is forecast at 4 degrees above average at 65 in February, with below-average rainfall expected. March is forecast to be warm with an average temperature of 69, which is 2 degrees above average, and rainfall is forecast to be slightly below average.

Keep It Clear – We Work Here

SECO Energy Services Specialists are auditing equipment to ensure a safe, clear work zone for our employees and contractors. Plants, fences, shrubbery, lawn ornaments and other obstructions placed too close to SECO’s equipment are hazardous and must be removed.

SECO personnel and contractors perform outage restoration and maintenance on energized equipment using an eight-foot hot stick. Often, multiple personnel work on the equipment as a team; therefore, a clear work zone is necessary to complete their work safely.

Safety is our top priority. We want our employees to return home to their families safely at the end of their shift. Keep the area surrounding electric equipment clear. This equipment includes padmount transformers, flush-mounted and small pedestal secondary enclosures, meters and poles.

Not only are obstructions a safety hazard to employees and contractors, they create longer restoration times. During an outage, if crews cannot access equipment safely or must perform landscaping tasks before restoration can begin, you and your neighbors will be out of service for an extended time.

Remove obstructions before auditors arrive in your neighborhood. Read our clearance requirements and view clearance diagrams online. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Toys for Tots

SECO Energy employees ended 2020 in a flurry of giving with our annual Marine Toys for Tots drive. Employees donated hundreds of bicycles, tricycles and other toys for the event. 2020 was a challenging year for some local families who relied on Toys for Tots to put presents under the Christmas tree.

SECO’s Pennies from Heaven program chipped in $5,000 to Toys for Tots organizations as donation matches in Citrus, Lake, Marion and Sumter Counties. Marine Toys for Tots is a top-rated charity. 96% of funds collected are used to supply children’s gifts. Since 1947, the program has collected over 584 million toys and delivered hope and gifts to 265 million children.

Members also dropped off toys at our five Member Service Center locations. Thank you, members, for supporting SECO Energy’s employee-led toy drive and our Pennies from Heaven program.

Your spare change can change lives in our local communities. Enroll in our Pennies from Heaven program to round up your monthly bill to the nearest dollar. The pennies donated support member bill payment assistance and local, worthy causes. Enroll in Pennies from Heaven online. SmartHub users can enroll on the desktop or app version, click Billing & Payment Pennies from Heaven.

EV Charger Winner!

Edwin Acosta from Clermont is the December winner of a SECO Energy branded JuiceBox Pro 40 EV Level 2 charger. We’re giving one charger away each month while supplies last. To enter, text “EV” to (352) 320-4500 for a link to enter. Or click on the EV Charger Giveaway homepage banner.

Learn more about the benefits of electric vehicle ownership on our EV website pages. You’ll find an EV savings calculator, information about CO2 reduction, an EV and PHEV model finder and a nationwide charger-finder map. Visit our Electric Vehicles page for more details.

Watch SECO News for next month’s charger winner.

January 2021 SECO News Word Search

Brighten your day with this month’s word search. Read the January 2021 SECO News articles and find the key words. Happy New Year!

Solar Spotlight – Is Solar Right for You?

Members often ask SECO Energy for assistance in determining if an investment in a solar system is the right choice for their home and family. Investing in a solar photovoltaic system can help you reduce your use of utility-supplied power. But is solar energy cost-effective for you?

First, consider the initial cost of the investment. Reducing your utility-supplied power will reduce your SECO bill, but it won’t eliminate it. Unless you go completely off the grid, your home will consume utility power when the sun isn’t shining – at night, on cloudy days and cold mornings before the sun comes up. Compare the purchase price, finance charges and utility-supplied power costs to your SECO usage and costs without a solar system.

Location, location, location – will your roof support a solar system? Are there trees blocking the panels from the sun? Also consider the orientation of the solar system. Panels facing south are the best, followed by east- and west-facing panels. SECO does not recommend north-facing panels because of production loss.

Next, consider the solar system size that will meet your needs. Before purchasing a solar system, you should review your historical kilowatt hour (kWh) usage. Compare the number of kWhs consumed by your home over the last 24 months to the amount of kWhs the system can produce. Remember that a salesperson’s production calculations are based on perfect conditions – panels facing due south, on a day with full sun, no clouds and no shade.

Here’s a mathematical breakdown of purchase price and production capability of a 5 kW system with panels facing south:

Finally, do your research before signing a contract and contact SECO’s trained Energy Specialists to help you run the numbers. Upon request, our team will conduct a solar assessment at your home or business. The Specialist will review your historical usage data and use a Solar Pathfinder tool to determine if your home is conducive to solar. SECO partners with members who choose to invest in solar. We won’t try to dissuade you; we will present you with facts and data that you can use to make a wise choice.

Learn more about solar power online. Read our solar FAQs, learn about the interconnection process, view a sample bill and complete the Solar Estimator for a quick kWh use and solar capacity comparison. Contact SECO Energy’s solar group or visit our Contact page.

Source: www.pvwatts.nrel.gov

System Improvement – Blitchton Substatioin Conversion

SECO Energy is your not-for-profit electric cooperative committed to providing safe, reliable and afford-able service. Recently, members served by our Blitchton substation in northwest Marion and parts of Levy County were notified of an upcoming system improvement project to increase the substation’s voltage from 7,200 to 14,400.

Unfortunately, both Hurricane Dorian in September 2019, and Tropical Storm Eta in November 2020, derailed the project’s schedule. The project is rescheduled for January 2021. If you are a member who is affected by the substation upgrade, you will have received a letter via USPS and electronic notification via email, text or voice. If you’ve lost the letter or are unsure if your home or business is affected, visit our Contact page and select the Blitchton Project Map. Search for your address to identify your outage date/timeframe.

The upgrade will improve members’ service reliability in the area. Members, we appreciate your patience and cooperation as we complete the Blitchton substation upgrade system improvement project.

Energy-Efficiency Extra – Resolve to Save With ENERGY STAR

Happy New Year! Make a New Year’s resolution to reduce your energy usage and save on your electric bill. Look for the ENERGY STAR label when buying or upgrading your home’s appliances, water heater, HVAC system, electronics and more. An ENERGY STAR-rated product’s initial purchase price may be higher, but its lower lifetime costs offset the upfront costs.

The bright yellow and black ENERGY STAR label compares the product’s estimated yearly electricity use in kWh to other models. Also, look for the estimated annual operating expense in U.S. dollars based on the national electricity cost. These numbers will help you determine the operating cost over the average lifespan of the product.

ENERGY STAR-rated products are among the most efficient available. Look for doors, skylights, windows, roofing materials, insulation, light bulbs and more products with the ENERGY STAR label.

Are you interested in seeing the math associated with your energy usage? Calculate the monthly or yearly cost of the common appliances and devices in your home with our online Energy Estimator. Submit your email address to receive no-cost and low-cost energy-savings suggestions via email.

Read the full January 2021 SECO News online.

SECO Energy and Touch of Class Corvette Club Keep Christmas Spirit Alive with Toys for Tots

SECO Energy Member Service Centers serve as Toys for Tots drop-off locations. The not-for-profit cooperative’s Inverness Member Service Center received nearly 100 toys from the Citrus County Touch of Class Corvette Club (TOCC). Along with SECO employees’ toy donations and TOCC delivered toys, the spirit of Christmas will remain alive for many children in the Citrus County area.

Through the ongoing efforts of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program’s mission and community partnerships, new, unwrapped toys are collected and distributed as Christmas gifts to local children in need. “Santa is still coming to town,” said Paul Purely, Toys for Tots Coordinator for Citrus County.

SECO Energy CEO Jim Duncan stated, “Under normal business circumstances or amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, SECO’s employees continue to express their kindness by giving to others. With the effort of our employees and organizations such as The Touch of Class Corvette Club, hundreds of children will receive a present on Christmas day.”

A few Touch of Class Corvette Club members, SECO Energy employees and a Toys for Tots Marine representative in his Dress Blues put on celebratory, protective masks and posed for the camera while displaying the toys gathered for children in need.

TOCC President George Lentowicz stated, “Our club believes that the display of our community’s concern and generosity through the Toys for Tots Program is vital in providing families and children with hope and encouragement through the Christmas season that lasts throughout the year.”

SECO Energy members who want to partner with SECO Energy to improve the quality of life in local communities can enroll in its Pennies from Heaven program that rounds up monthly bills to the nearest dollar. The small change donated through Pennies from Heaven supports financial assistance to local worthy causes in SECO’s service area. Requests for Angel Fund bill payment assistance are administered through several local agencies by calling 211 or visiting 211.org. Members who need bill payment assistance can also visit SECOEnergy.com and find a local social service agency using our interactive map.

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

SECO Energy Brings Holiday Joy with Toys for Tots Drive

As challenging as 2020 has been for many folks, it has not prevented SECO Energy employees and its members from spreading holiday joy this year by donating toys to Toys for Tots.

The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation depends on local community support to brighten a child’s Christmas with a toy. That is why SECO Energy joined this worthy cause. The toys donated through Toys for Tots remain in the community where they are donated. For many local children, a toy donated through SECO employees’ and members’ generosity will be the only present received for Christmas.

CEO Jim Duncan stated,“Even during 2020’s time of uncertainty, SECO employees remain committed to bringing a smile to children this Christmas. The donated toys will bring happiness and a sense of normalcy to children across our service area. That makes me smile. As a Marine myself, I am proud of our commitment to this organization and our employees’ and members’ generosity.”

Greg Merimee a Lake & Sumter Toys for Tots volunteer is thankful for SECO employee’s generosity. Merimee stated, “SECO Energy has been one of the best supporters to Toys for Tots every year. We must always bring a large truck just for SECO employees’ donations. They bountifully give so many beautiful bicycles and fantastic toys. On behalf of the Marine Corp League and Toys for Tots, we thank everyone at SECO.”

In addition to the hundreds of toys donated by employees, SECO’s Pennies from Heaven program matched toy donations with an additional $5,000 courtesy of the employees and members who participate in the program.

Senior Consultant for Civic, Charitable and Government Affairs Kathy Judkins manages the Toys for Tots donation drive for the cooperative. Judkins stated, “The toys collected will give children of many families a glimpse of hope this Christmas. We’re so grateful for the opportunity to continue to spread holiday cheer.”

SECO Energy members who want to partner with SECO Energy to improve the quality of life in local communities can enroll in the Pennies from Heaven program that rounds up monthly bills to the nearest dollar. The small change donated through Pennies from Heaven supports financial assistance to local worthy causes in SECO’s service area. Requests for Angel Fund bill payment assistance are administered through several local agencies by calling 211 or visiting 211.org. To find a social service agency, use SECO’s online interactive map. Members can simply input their address and search for an agency in their county of residence.

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

SECO News, November 2020

Duncan’s Digest – Capital Credits – Co-op Membership Pays $6.1 Million

Last month I announced a higher member-favorable Power Cost Adjustment (PCA) or “Hot Bucks” credit. This month, I have more good financial news. During the September Trustees’ Meeting, your Board approved a record-high Capital Credit retirement of $6.1 million to current and former members. Look for your Capital Credit retirement on your November bill.

The concept of Capital Credits is unique to not-for-profit, cooperatively structured businesses. You and your fellow 210,000+ cooperative members own a portion of SECO Energy’s equity. Your energy purchases build patronage capital. Ownership is defined through the annual process of allocating each member’s share of the co-op’s margins from the prior year. Individual Capital Credit allocations represent the percentage of the yearly amount of electric service purchased by each member.

Capital Credits are the accumulation of all prior years’ revenues after the co-op’s operating costs and expenses are paid. These credits are allocated on a pro-rata basis to each SECO member’s account as Capital Credits. Annually, SECO examines the cooperative’s financial position and makes a recommendation to the Board of Trustees on the “retirement” of Capital Credits. This year’s $6.1 million retirement means SECO is returning a portion of the cooperative’s equity to current and former members.

Current members will see the retirement amount on the November billing statement as a line item labeled “Capital Credit Ret.” All active commercial members with retirements over $600 will receive a check. Former members who receive a retirement over $10 will receive a check as long as they’ve kept SECO advised of an updated mailing address. If you move out of SECO’s service area, keep your mailing address updated so we can send future Capital Credit retirements your way.

For many, the COVID-19 pandemic and economic uncertainty of 2020 have been stressful. I am pleased that our members will receive a tangible benefit of the not-for-profit cooperative business model with a $6.1 million Capital Credit retirement this year. Since we energized the first few hundred members’ services in 1938 as Sumter Electric Cooperative, Inc. to now doing business as SECO Energy, we have retired $72.9 million to current and former members.

It is our privilege to be your electric provider.

Sincerely,

Jim Duncan

Chief Executive Officer

Duncan’s Digest Extra – Prepaid Meter Upgrade Serves as AMI Pilot Project

You’re hearing from me twice this month due to important news that will affect the 6,300 members currently enrolled in the SECO Energy MyWay PrePay program.

Currently, the prepaid program uses an electric meter with an older cellular data communications system to send automated daily meter readings back to SECO. Members enrolled in the prepaid program can log in to their online accounts/apps to view their daily energy use and to use a flexible “pay-as-you-go” approach to their energy use.

Unfortunately, the cellular communications infrastructure currently used in these meters is becoming outdated with the advent of LTE and 5G. The meters and backbone system must be updated to remain operational as a prepaid program before year-end 2020. At the same time, this equipment upgrade allows SECO to fulfill a secondary purpose as a pilot project for a potential future AMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure) system. Lastly, it allows SECO to offer a future time-of-use (TOU) rate to members with electric vehicles to save money by charging in lower-cost off-peak periods.

We have partnered with Honeywell to replace the existing and soon-to-be outdated prepaid meters with a device that offers more advanced utility-based capabilities. Recently, Honeywell joined forces with Verizon to bring AMI meters to utilities using 4G/5G Long Term Evolution (LTE) cellular data. The new AMI meters use two-way communication protocol between the utility database and the meter using the same data communications infrastructure used in your cell phones.

In November and December, SECO-contracted technicians will replace old prepaid meters with new Honeywell AMI meters that use Verizon cellular communications technology. Bringing an AMI program into our service area with its mix of rural, suburban and metropolitan areas will be a technical challenge. This pilot project using Honeywell’s meter and Verizon’s latest cellular technology may well prove to be the answer to our members’ needs.

Immediately upon installation at our prepaid account locations, the new Honeywell AMI meters will supply daily usage readings through two-way communication protocol. In the future when the Meter Data Management system is integrated with SECO’s online account platform, Smart Hub, members with the Honeywell meters will be able to see 15-minute interval usage data – to have an even closer look into their energy use habits.

AMI systems save significant labor dollars for many utilities. The new Honeywell meter also offers SECO the ability to detect outages, troubleshoot and reconnect/disconnect service remotely – which means improved efficiency for SECO and faster service for members who need to transfer service in a move, disconnect service or establish brand new service with SECO.

We have high hopes for the success of this pilot project and will review results with SECO’s Board of Trustees. If the system is successful, the Board may decide to move forward with systemwide AMI deployment in the future after evaluating a full business case. This will pave the way for all of our members to benefit from a more advanced look at their energy usage behavior and the ability to embrace energy efficiency measures if they so choose.

AMI FAQ

WHO WILL INSTALL THE AMI METER?

A SECO-contracted meter technician will install the new AMI meter and remove the old one. All SECO contractors carry company ID, and their trucks are clearly marked with a SECO Energy Authorized Contractor decal.

WILL MY SERVICE BE INTERRUPTED WHILE THE METER IS REPLACED?

Yes, but just briefly. You will experience a brief interruption of a few minutes while the meter is exchanged. Technicians will courtesy knock before performing the meter exchange and will leave a door hanger as well. You do not need to be home for the meter exchange.

WILL THE METER’S CELLULAR TRANSMISSION AFFECT OTHER DEVICES IN MY HOME?

No. The cellular data of other devices in your home will not be affected or interrupted.

IS THE HONEYWELL METER SAFE?

Yes. The Honeywell meter uses an industry standard cellular communications system, just like your cell phone. The components of the meter and communication module are UL (Underwriter Laboratories) certified.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE ENHANCED CAPABILITIES OF AMI METERS?

A fully-developed AMI system allows members to review their energy usage in almost real-time. SECO can transfer, reconnect/disconnect, and troubleshoot the service remotely. When an AMI system is deployed for all members, you can choose your billing date, set usage threshold alerts, have access to money-saving dynamic rates and much more.

I AM A MYWAY PREPAY MEMBER WHO WOULD LIKE TO OPT-OUT OF RECEIVING AN AMI METER. WHAT CAN I DO?

Without an AMI capable meter, the prepaid program cannot function properly. At this time, MyWay PrePay members can choose to unenroll from the prepaid program by requesting to change their account type to a postpaid, traditionally billed account if they would like to opt-out. Members can visit Contact Us, call or email Customer Service to opt out.

NOTE: Postpaid accounts are subject to a security deposit. SECO will complete an Equifax Utility Score Check upon request to change a prepaid account to a postpaid, traditionally billed account.

Toys for Tots

Once again, SECO Energy employees are spreading Christmas cheer by taking part in our annual corporate Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots drive. We’ve had friendly competition between employees and departments in years past to collect the most bicycles and other donated toys. SECO Energy’s Pennies from Heaven program has pledged $5,000 this year to complement employees’ Toys for Tots donations.

Retired Marines and other volunteers operate Toys for Tots. Volunteers pick up donations and distribute the toys to children in need. All donated toys stay local and are distributed in the area they were donated. We foresee a great need for children’s toys this year as many local families were affected by the COVID-19 shutdown.

Members can take part, as well. Join SECO in spreading Christmas joy by donating a new unwrapped toy for our annual Toys for Tots drive. Our five Member Service Centers in Eustis, Groveland, Inverness, Ocala or Sumterville serve as public drop-off locations from November 2 to December 7.

SECO Energy’s Pennies from Heaven program rounds up members’ bills to the nearest dollar and uses the extra pennies to help members who need bill payment assistance or donations for local charitable causes such as Toys for Tots. If you would like to join your fellow cooperative members in making a difference in our communities one penny at a time, visit Pennies from Heaven to enroll in the program. Thank you in advance for your generosity.

Members who would like to register to receive toys donated through Toys for Tots can Request a Toy on their website.

EV Charger Winner!

Justin Allender from Clermont is the October winner of a SECO Energy branded JuiceBox Pro 40 EV Level 2 charger. We’re giving one charger away each month while supplies last. To enter, text “EV” to (352) 320-4500 for a link to enter. Or click on the EV Charger Giveaway homepage banner.

Watch SECO News for next month’s charger winner.

Toys for Tots Word Search

Get into the holiday spirit by completing our Toys for Tots Word Search. Donate a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots at one of our Member Service Centers from November 2 to December 7.

Safety Corner Decorating Safely

Do you live in a neighborhood with area light posts/poles? Please refrain from using these to display your holiday decorations. For safety reasons, SECO does not allow members or homeowners’ associations to use our poles for decorating purposes. Light poles and posts are not made for or rated for the added weight of decorations, signs or banners.

We also prohibit members from adding decorations, signs, advertisements, banners or sports equipment to SECO poles. Nailing, stapling or tacking items to poles degrades their structural integrity. Sharp protrusions can also injure or puncture a SECO employee or contractor or damage their protective equipment such as gloves and sleeves. The pole’s ground wire can also be damaged. More important, we don’t want our members to be injured while hanging lights or decorations from a pole not meant to support the weight of the décor or ladder leaned against it.

Learn more about our Keep It Clear – We Work Here safe clearance requirements around poles, meters, transformers and secondary enclosures.

Advice from The Old Farmer’s Almanac & USDA Weather Stats

SECO Energy’s service territory falls into the Department of Agriculture’s “Zone 9” for plant hardiness. Zones are determined by the average annual extreme temperature over the last 30 years in the area. Zone 9’s extreme minimum temps range from 20-30 degrees Fahrenheit – which is quite warm compared to the rest of the nation. Visit the USDA.gov website to learn more about plant hardiness zones.

Plant bulbs this fall for beautiful blooms in the spring. For a winter flower garden, The Old Farmer’s Almanac recommends planting grape hyacinth or winter aconite. Create spring blooms by planting bluebells, daffodils, fritillary, bearded or Siberian iris, ornamental onion and spring starflowers. These bulb varieties like well-drained soil and full sun – perfect for Florida!

Energy-Efficiency Extra Scheduled an HVAC Tune-Up

Fall is officially here, and cooler temperatures have arrived in Central Florida. Before the winter chill sets in, schedule an HVAC tune-up with a licensed technician. HVAC units that receive regular service function more efficiently and use less energy to heat (or cool) your home.

Preventative maintenance will extend the life of your HVAC unit and help you avoid an unexpected, costly repair bill. Set a calendar reminder to change your unit’s air filter monthly or follow the manufacturer’s suggested filter change schedule.

For more energy-efficiency tools, visit our Energy Efficiency page. Our Home Energy Assessment is an online energy audit that provides energy-efficiency advice tailored to your home’s features and lifestyle. The Energy Estimator calculates the amount of energy used and associated costs for the electronics, appliances and just about anything that uses electricity in your home. Submit with an email address to receive low-cost energy-efficiency tips specific to your home.

Read the full November 2020 SECO News online.

SECO Energy Employee Donations Make a Difference at Christmas

SECO Energy’s generous employees are Making a Difference at Christmas by donating hundreds of toys for its annual Marine Toys for Tots donation drive. Members also joined in the gift-giving by adding toys to the donation boxes at SECO’s five Member Service Center locations.

SECO employees’ and members’ donations provide toys and smiles for local children on Christmas day. The toys donated through Toys for Tots remain in the community where they are donated. For many local children, a toy donated through the generosity of SECO employees and members will be the only present received for Christmas.

Among the hundreds of toys were 75 bicycles and tricycles donated by SECO employees. SECO’s Pennies from Heaven program chipped in this year to purchase bicycles and tricycles to match the number donated by SECO employees. In all, over 140 local children will receive a new bicycle or tricycle courtesy of SECO employees and members who participate in Pennies from Heaven.

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “SECO employees are a charitable group and they especially enjoy contributions that benefit the communities we serve. As a fellow marine, I’m proud of the Marine Toys for Tots organization whose volunteers work tirelessly to bring joy to children at Christmas. I am grateful to our generous employees and members who are willing to share their Christmas spirit with others.”

Senior Consultant for Civic, Charitable and Government Affairs Kathy Judkins manages the Toys for Tots donation drive companywide. Judkins stated, “I am so thankful for the hundreds of employees and many SECO members who chose to join SECO in supporting Toys for Tots this year. Making a Difference at Christmas brings happiness to children across our service area.”

Members who want to partner with SECO Energy to improve quality of life in local communities served by SECO can enroll in the Pennies from Heaven program that rounds up monthly bills to the nearest dollar. The small change donated through Pennies from Heaven supports financial assistance to local worthy causes in SECO’s service area. Requests for Angel Fund bill payment assistance are administered through several local agencies by calling 211 or visiting 211 online.

Watch a slide show of donated toys from SECO’s Toys for Tots toy drive photos on SECO’s YouTube channel. Learn more about SECO Energy’s community involvement online. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

SECO News, December 2019

Duncan’s Digest – 2020 Outlook – Rising Costs

The costs of virtually everything required to operate a modern electrical system are increasing rapidly. Our 2020 outlook is a mix of good and bad news. The good news is wholesale power costs are stable, so we’re able to apply a higher, member-favorable Power Cost Adjustment (PCA aka Hot Bucks) credit to your bills starting January 1. The bad news is the customer charge component for both residential and certain commercial members is increasing. The residential increase is 17 cents a day and the commercial customer and demand charge increases vary by rate type.

SECO’s mission is to construct, maintain and restore the electric system. We construct new facilities to meet growth demands. We upgrade and maintain the electric system to prevent outages. When an outage occurs, we restore as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, the costs associated with our three mission-critical focuses are rising at an alarming rate.

The 2020 construction work plan tops $55 million to construct new and upgrade existing infrastructure. Tree trimming, storm hardening and system maintenance work is performed largely by contract labor.

Construction and maintenance costs are rising by a whopping 25 percent in 2020. The job market is tight and contractors who perform system reliability maintenance are paying higher wages to keep workers on their payroll. This isn’t just a Florida utility phenomenon – it’s happening nationwide and was spurred when California utility PG&E was court ordered to significantly beef up their tree trimming and system maintenance programs to reduce fire risk. Florida lost a significant amount of its utility-related contract labor workforce to California and we are paying the price despite a booming economy.

SECO Energy is experiencing systemwide growth. Every part of our service territory requires infrastructure additions, system upgrades, storm hardening, tree trimming or communications improvements whether you live north, south, east or west of our headquarters.

You may be wondering why the financial benefit of customer growth isn’t covering rising costs, and it’s a valid question. The answer lies in the low average residential member’s energy consumption. In our service area, the average kilowatt hour (kWh) monthly consumption today is 1,037. This average consumption is much lower than our cooperative peers due to the growing Central Florida trend of energy efficient homes and businesses, use of natural gas appliances, and a strong increase in solar installations. Low energy consumption equals a lower monthly bill – that is good for our members. Less energy consumption and use of solar are also good for the environment. So, what’s the downside?

There are significant financial challenges to low kWh sales, even for a not-for-profit electric provider in a growth environment. We must adjust the monthly customer charge that is collected to cover the costs associated with the delivery of power and system reliability maintenance.

A recent cost of service study indicates that the cost of delivering power and maintaining infrastructure in the residential sector is nearly $35 a month. Currently, we apply an average residential customer charge of $25 a month (83 cents a day). We are bridging that gap by increasing this customer charge by 17 cents a day. Commercial account customer and demand charge increases vary based on the cost of service study. Those adjustments are detailed in our rate tariff online. These collective increases will raise total revenue by about 3.5 percent.

We have tightened our corporate belts to carefully monitor controllable expenses while striving to maintain system reliability, but as I mentioned previously and as you can see on the 2020 Project Map, new construction, upgrades and maintenance are required across our entire service territory.

In response to growth and to preserve reliability, we must build new substations, add power transformers at existing substations, upgrade voltage and conductor and convert critical overhead facilities to underground. The work plan includes building new communication towers, upgrading our radio system and installing fiber-optic cable and microwave backhaul for automated communications that facilitate faster outage restoration. To storm harden, we must support an aggressive pole replacement and vegetation management program systemwide. All of these components play critical roles in the delivery of reliable power and speedy restoration in the event of an outage.

The bottom line is that none of us like having to increase the customer charge, but it is quite necessary to ensure continued service reliability. At the same time, we are pleased that stable fuel costs are allowing a larger Hot Bucks Credit (PCA) that will offset most or all of the increase depending on your respective usage level. These changes reflect the difficult balance between affordability and reliability.

Sincerely,

Jim Duncan

Chief Executive Officer

Each year, SECO Energy employees participate in an employee-funded United Way Pledge Drive. Our employees understand that local community support is needed year-round and not only during the Christmas season.

The 2020 United Way Pledge Drive was an amazing success. SECO employees pledged $70,316 to United Way agencies in ten local counties. This total increased almost seven percent over 2019.

Citrus, Lake, Marion and Sumter Counties are where the bulk of our employees live and received the highest dollar amounts in donations. The breakdown by county is:

Citrus: $7,799
Lake: $14,316
Marion: $23,002
Sumter: $21,559
Other Counties (Hernando, Levy, Orange, Pasco, Polk, Volusia): $3,640

Join us in United Way’s mission to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities to advance the common good. To donate or volunteer, visit United Way online.

December 2019 SECO News Champion Kathy Judkins

Kathy Judkins – Senior Consultant for Civic, Charitable & Government Relations

Length of Service: 12 Years

“SECO IS COMMUNITY FOCUSED.” Kathy Judkins, Sr. Consultant for Civic, Charitable & Government Relations is a fourth-generation Floridian residing in Marion County. Her role with SECO Energy focuses on the cooperative principle of Concern for Community. Kathy manages annual SECO employee-giving campaigns and is excited that SECO is nearing the $1 million United Way contribution mark in the coming year. Kathy is honored to give hope to members in our service territory through SECO employee contributions to United Way. She also manages the Toys for Tots campaign companywide and is proud of SECO employees’ efforts to bring joy to children in our service territory on Christmas. Kathy also develops relationships with State Legislators and U.S. Congress members in Washington, D.C., to engage on issues related to the energy industry that could affect SECO’s ability to provide affordable, reliable service to our members.

December 2019 SECO News Relay For Life

SECO Energy and our employees are long-time sponsors of Relay For Life events that support the American Cancer Society. Our superhero employees participated in the Sumter County Relay For Life event on Saturday, November 2. The SECO team’s theme was “Superheroes Finish The Fight.”

In 2019, SECO raised $25,655 for the American Cancer Society to support cancer research, patients and caregivers and to fight for a cure.

Learn more about Relay For Life or donate to the American Cancer Society online.

December 2019 SECO News Toys for Tots drive

SECO Energy and our employees are Making A Difference at Christmas by donating toys for local children through our Annual Marine Toys for Tots collection drive. Members also joined in the gift-giving by adding new, unwrapped toys in the donation boxes at our five Member Service Centers.

Toys donated through Toys for Tots are delivered to local children. The donated toys remain in our local communities. For many children, toys donated by our generous employees and members will be the only gifts under the Christmas tree.

SECO employees rallied to pack Santa’s sleigh by donating over 60 bicycles and tricycles for local children, along with hundreds of other gifts. New this year, SECO’s member-funded Pennies from Heaven program matched this number with additional bike purchases. It’s clear that our employees enjoy playing Santa for local children through
Toys for Tots.

Thank you to our generous employees and members who are willing to share their Christmas joy and spirit with others. Making A Difference at Christmas brings happiness to children across our area.

December 2019 SECO News Pennies from Heaven

December is the month of giving, goodwill and cheer. Keep the Christmas spirit alive in the new year by joining SECO Energy’s Pennies from Heaven program. By joining Pennies from Heaven, SECO rounds up your bill to the nearest dollar and donates those pennies to charitable causes in the communities we serve.

The small change donated through Pennies from Heaven supports financial assistance to worthy causes in our service area. Requests for Angel Fund bill payment assistance are administered through several area agencies by calling 211 or visiting 211 online.

This year, we are excited to announce that Pennies from Heaven will purchase bicycles and tricycles to match the number donated by SECO employees! Thus far, employees donated over 60 bikes and trikes and SECO will double the amount. This means hundreds of local children will get their Christmas wish of a new bike courtesy of SECO employees and SECO members who donate to Pennies from Heaven.

Enroll in Pennies from Heaven to put your extra pennies to good use in charitable causes in our communities. Just a few cents every month can change lives. Learn more about the program or enroll online.

Thank you and Merry Christmas!

Read the full December 2019 SECO News online.

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Archive

Toys for Toys Photo Collection:

Electric Safety

Winter HVAC Service – A Message from District 4 Trustee Richard Dennison

12 Ways to Pay

Winners’ Circle – Generator

SECO Energy Foundation Enrollment Change – January 2023

ADVICE FROM THE OLD FARMER’S ALMANAC

TOYS FOR TOTS

WINNERS CIRCLE

Duncan’s Digest – $36,000 Scholarship Program for 2021

Advice from The Old Farmer’s Almanac – Winter and Spring 2021 Weather

Keep It Clear – We Work Here

Toys for Tots

EV Charger Winner!

January 2021 SECO News Word Search

Solar Spotlight – Is Solar Right for You?

System Improvement – Blitchton Substatioin Conversion

Energy-Efficiency Extra – Resolve to Save With ENERGY STAR

Duncan’s Digest – Capital Credits – Co-op Membership Pays $6.1 Million

Duncan’s Digest Extra – Prepaid Meter Upgrade Serves as AMI Pilot Project

AMI FAQ

Toys for Tots

EV Charger Winner!

Toys for Tots Word Search

Safety Corner Decorating Safely

Advice from The Old Farmer’s Almanac & USDA Weather Stats

Energy-Efficiency Extra Scheduled an HVAC Tune-Up

Duncan’s Digest – 2020 Outlook – Rising Costs

Kathy Judkins – Senior Consultant for Civic, Charitable & Government Relations

NEED HELP? CALL (352) 793 -3801

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NEED HELP? CALL (352) 793 -3801

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