SECO News, November 2019

Money doesn’t grow on trees and pigs don’t fly, but you can take your Capital Credits return to the bank. This month, SECO Energy is making you and your wallet a little happier. During its October meeting, SECO’s Board of Trustees approved a Capital Credits return (retirement) of $3.5 million to current and former members. Look for your 2019 Capital Credits retirement on your November bill just in time for the holiday season.

As a member of a not-for-profit electric utility, you along with your fellow 200,000+ SECO members own a portion of the cooperative’s equity. Your membership brings home the bacon through energy purchases that 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. The annual amounts for each member who purchases electric service during the year are referred to as Capital Credit allocations.

Capital Credits are the accumulation of all prior year’s revenue after the co-op’s operating costs and expenses are paid. These credits are allocated on a pro-rata basis to each SECO Energy member’s account as Capital Credits. Annually, SECO examines the financial position of the cooperative and makes a recommendation to the Board of Trustees on the “retirement” of Capital Credits. This year’s $3.5 million retirement means that a portion of the cooperative’s equity is being returned to current and former members. That number is a lower retirement than in years past, as the cost of delivering power to new members and maintaining our existing infrastructure is rising faster than our revenue.

Each current member who receives a 2019 Capital Credits retirement will see the retirement amount on the November billing statement listed as a line item labeled “Capital Credits Ret.” Commercial members with retirements over $1,000 will receive a check. If you move out of SECO’s service area, keep your mailing address updated so we can send future Capital Credit retirements your way.

SECO Energy was founded as Sumter Electric Cooperative, Inc. in 1938 and has retired more than $66.8 million to current and former members as a tangible benefit of the cooperative business model.

Sincerely,

Jim Duncan

Chief Executive Officer

SECO Energy and its ever-generous employees support the Marine Toys for Tots drives in the communities we serve. SECO’s five Member Service Centers in Eustis, Groveland, Inverness, Ocala and Sumterville are available as public drop-off locations for Toys for Tots.

This year, members can partner with SECO Energy to bring a smile to a child on Christmas day. Visit a Member Service Center to drop off new, unwrapped toys for the Toys for Tots donation box. Toys are collected by local Toys for Tots volunteers in each county and donated locally.

Toys for Tots is a top-rated charity. Since 1947, its mission is to deliver toys, books and other gifts to less fortunate children. Over 97% of cash donations directly support that mission. The remaining 3% is spent on fundraising expenses. No donation dollars are spent on salaries or other manpower. Toys for Tots volunteers collect and deliver the donations received. You can donate to Toys for Tots with confidence that your donation will go straight into the hands of a local child.

In 2018, SECO employees donated more than a hundred bicycles and tricycles, as well as hundreds of toys to make a difference in the lives of local children who live in the communities we serve.

Learn more about the Marine Toys for Tots Program online. Find a SECO Energy Member Service Center.

Protect your home from power surges by investing in SECO Energy’s Surge MitiGator™. Power surges are sudden, powerful increases in voltage that can damage or destroy your household appliances and electronics. Surges are caused by lightning, trees, small animals, birds and vehicle accidents involving energized facilities.

SECO’s Surge MitiGator™ is “Made in the USA” and is built to chomp down on surges and spikes. The MitiGator™ is available for just a few cents per day at a lease rate of $5.95 per month, plus tax, conveniently added to your monthly bill. Installation for standard residential 200-amp service is $25. For residential services greater than 200-amps installation is $100.

You can opt to purchase the product for $349 to $399 plus tax. The installation fee is waived when purchasing the MitiGator™.

The Surge MitiGator™ is an arrestor that is installed behind the meter. Your protection against surges and spikes begins at the meter but SECO encourages members to plug all sensitive electronics into point-of-use surge protection devices. Point-of-use devices can be purchased at your local hardware or big-box store.

Visit our Surge MitiGator™ page today to enroll and to learn more about how you can protect your home’s appliances from surges.

Fall for Energy Efficiency November 2019 SECO News

According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, November and December temperatures will average in the mid-60s. Winter is forecast to be mild with the coldest temperatures arriving in February. A well-functioning HVAC runs more efficiently and helps you lower your energy use when cooling or heating your home.

Inspecting your HVAC system is not a do-it-yourself job. Hire an experienced, licensed HVAC technician to test the unit’s voltage and electrical components. The tech should also lubricate moving parts, check the filter, measure refrigerant pressure, check electrical connections and test the safety controls. Ensure the tech inspects the drain system, tests the thermostat settings, airflow and more if your unit is problematic. Buyer beware – do your homework, obtain three quotes for the inspection service, read Google reviews and Better Business Bureau reviews. Most important if the price sounds too good to be true it probably is.

Change your air filter according to the HVAC manufacturer’s schedule or once a month. A clean air filter is the first step in helping your HVAC run efficiently.

Don’t leave energy efficiency out in the cold. Schedule an HVAC inspection with a qualified technician before the temperature drops. Preventative maintenance on your system will allow you to enjoy the winter weather from the comfort of your home and save you from the shock of a high repair bill.

Read the full November 2019 SECO News online.

SECO News, July 2019

DUNCAN’S DIGEST

The dog days of summer have arrived. With warmer temperatures and increased humidity, your home’s HVAC works overtime to keep you cool. Pool pumps run for extended hours to prevent algae growth. These factors add up to increased kilowatt-hour use and higher electric bills.

SECO is your local not-for-profit electric cooperative committed to serving as your energy-efficiency partner. To help members reduce energy use, we’ve created energy-efficiency tools on our Energy Solutions menu.

Visit Energy Solutions today and complete our Home Energy Assessment. SECO designed this tool as an online audit that provides specialized energy-efficiency advice tailored to your home and lifestyle. The Home Energy Assessment is available to members 24/7. No need to wait for an appointment for an in-home audit.

To get started, input the characteristics of your home including age, construction, insulation and roof type. Include details about occupancy, type and number of windows, and exterior doors. The Home Energy Assessment will also query about completed energy-efficiency upgrades such as additional insulation, window tint, weather stripping and caulking.

After entering your home’s details, provide your email address to receive your energy-efficiency report based on your home’s specifics. It will provide low-cost ways to decrease your energy usage and your bill.

Win a prize! 1) Nest Wi-Fi Thermostat 2) Honeywell Wi-Fi Thermostat or 3) Ecobee Wi-Fi Thermostat. Members who complete the Home Energy Assessment will be entered in a drawing for the high-tech programmable thermostats listed above. Three winners will be drawn August 15.

ENERGY STAR recommends using your programmable thermostat’s energy-efficiency settings to save as much as $180 per year.

Browse the Energy Solutions tab for other energy-efficiency tools. Our Energy Estimator calculates the amount of energy and cost for electronics and appliances.

It’s pretty handy if you’re thinking of adding a pool, charging a golf cart or installing a refrigerator in the garage or lanai.

SECO is proud to serve as your energy-efficiency partner.

Sincerely,

Jim Duncan

Chief Executive Officer

SECO Energy is a strong corporate citizen. Our cooperative supports programs based on commitment to the key cooperative principle “Concern for Community.” SECO Energy is also a not-for-profit utility. We do not have the deep pockets of investor-owned, for-profit organizations. Thus, we partner with organizations whose culture and programs align with our core values and purpose.

Annually, we ally with United Way chapters to facilitate employee pledging. Over the years, employees have donated $860,000. In addition, SECO provides quarterly allocations from our Pennies from Heaven program to fund local agencies for bill payment assistance for members in need.

Over the holidays, we sponsor a Toys for Tots drive, and our Member Service Centers are designated drop off locations. Our employees are annual, generous supporters of the program, donating hundreds of bikes, trikes and toys over the years.

SECO is also a strong corporate participant in the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life events raising $132,000 over the last decade. Based on our headquarters’ location, we belong to the Sumter County Relay program but we also provide funding to other counties’ Relay programs on a pro-rata basis.

To request that SECO sponsor or donate to your organization, please use our new Contact Us form. Submissions based on these focuses will be considered:

Educational STEM Projects
Environmental Projects
Energy-Related Projects
Veterans Initiatives
Public Safety Programs
Health/Human Services

Please note SECO does not sponsor individual sports teams or booster club initiatives, as there are thousands across our service territory. SECO participates in golf tournaments selectively if we can set up a booth to engage with members. We fund initiatives in our seven-county footprint of Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Levy, Marion, Pasco and Sumter.

Individual bill payment, basic need or job training assistance is offered by Florida 211 and funded by our Pennies from Heaven program. Members can call or text 211 to request assistance.

Take the bite out of damaging power surges and spikes with SECO Energy’s “Made in the USA” Surge MitiGator. Power surges are sudden, powerful increases in voltage which can damage or destroy household appliances and electronic devices. The most obvious cause of surges is lightning, but birds, small animals, trees or vehicles crashing into power poles are culprits as well.

Protect your home’s large appliances by leasing or purchasing SECO’s Surge MitiGator. Enroll online through August 30th and installation (a $25 value) is free. Lease the Surge MitiGator for $5.95 per month or purchase for $349 (standard 200-amp service). For residential services greater than 200 amps, the purchase price is $399 with $75 installation. Studies indicate that more than half of all surges actually originate from inside the home so be sure to also purchase point-of-use devices at your local hardware or big box store to protect your electronics.

Learn more about SECO Energy’s Surge MitiGator online. Protect your home’s appliances from surges – lease or purchase the Surge MitiGator today.

DUSTIN MERRITT – SURGE PROGRAM SUPERVISOR

LENGTH OF SERVICE – 15 YEARS

“SECO HELPS MEMBERS.” A Central Florida native raising four children in Webster with his wife Kimberly, Dustin has worked for SECO for 15 years. His SECO career began as a meter reader, and he eventually worked his way into Energy Services. Dustin was promoted to Supervisor of the Surge Protection Program in 2018. He is responsible for oversight of his team and SECO’s surge protection contractor. Dustin enjoys the opportunity to help and educate members. He and his team advocate the Surge MitiGator™ as protection against surges that may enter a home through power lines. Surges may occur due to downed lines, car accidents, animal contact or lightning strikes, and our surge protection ring installed at the meter base provides a layer of protection for large motor driven appliances in the home. Visit with Dustin or one of his team members by emailing Surge.

Congratulations to Norma Jean Bottoms from Paisley who is the winner of the Microsoft Surface Go! Ms. Bottoms registered to join America’s electric cooperatives’ advocacy hub the Cooperative Action Network. You too can become a key voice for electric co-ops to protect affordable, reliable energy in Florida. Visit www.action.coop to learn more.

Hundreds of members played 2018 Annual Report trivia with SECO on our Facebook page. Our three winners are: Jonathan Dove from Clermont won the Apple iPad; the $200 bill credit went to Rosalie Wilke from Ocala; and Carolyn Wheelis from Sorrento won the Honeywell Wi-Fi thermostat. Congratulations, winners!

Read the full July 2019 SECO News online.

SECO News, December 2018

DUNCAN’S DIGEST

MOVE OVER SANTA CLAUS

SECO Energy employees are here to fill the sleigh with toys collected for the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program. As a Marine myself, Toys for Tots is particularly special to me. Our employees have also embraced Toys for Tots because they know the organization is delivering Christmas morning happiness to children in our local communities.

Toys for Tots plays Santa for thousands of less-fortunate children. Toy donation boxes were made available in all Member Service Centers through early December for employees and members alike to donate new, unwrapped toys to this worthy cause.

The collected toys remain right here in our local communities to be distributed to local children. Hundreds of employees and members displayed their Christmas spirit by dropping a toy or two into the Toys for Tots collection box. The number of new bikes donated by our employees this year is definitely a record-setter. For thousands of children, the donated toys are the only gifts waiting for them under the Christmas tree.

I believe Charles Schulz of Peanuts fame said it best, “Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone.” Many of our employees and members do a little extra for others by contributing to Toys for Tots every year. I thank you all for your generosity and willingness to give.

From the SECO family to yours, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Sincerely,

Jim Duncan

Chief Executive Officer

Meet SECO Champions Kathy and Kurt – two examples of our 400+ SECO Champion employees. Kathy and Kurt are dedicated to providing exceptional service to members, co-workers and communities.

KATHY POSSO – MEMBER SERVICES SUPERVISOR

LENGTH OF SERVICE – 4 YEARS

“We’re here for members.”

Member Services Supervisor Kathy Posso is a SECO Champion who is a friendly face assisting members in our Sumterville Member Service Center. In 2005, Kathy’s family moved to Central Florida, and she joined the SECO team in 2014. In 2017 during Hurricane Irma restoration, Kathy was especially humbled by members’ stories of devastation after the storm. Kathy’s passion is helping members. She recalls a time when a member who recently lost a spouse was grateful when she took extra time to help him read and understand the bill and complete a payment. Kathy and her husband are leaders at their church. Kathy’s family is proud that she works for SECO Energy, a cooperative that believes in putting members first and also appreciates and recognizes its employees.

KURT CAMPBELL – R&D TECHNICIAN

LENGTH OF SERVICE – 14 YEARS

“My family is proud.”

SECO Champion Kurt Campbell is an R&D Technician working throughout Sumter, Lake and Citrus Counties performing meter work to ensure accurate account billing. During Hurricane Irma restoration in 2017, Kurt worked with the warehouse team transporting supplies to crews restoring power in the field. Kurt interacts with members every day and is grateful that he was on-hand during several emergency situations. While waiting for emergency personnel, Kurt comforted a member whose husband suffered a stroke. He has also helped members with vehicle trouble. Kurt was born and raised in Sumter County and lives with his family in Coleman. Kurt says his family is glad to know that he is part of the effort to restore power to SECO members after a hurricane or major storm.

UNITED WAY

SECO Energy employees are truly blessed with a giving spirit. Our 2019 United Way Pledge Drive was an overwhelming success. Employees pledged over $66,000 to United Way – a $13,000 or 25 percent increase from last year.

The pledges will make a big difference in the lives of those in need in our service territory. SECO’s 400+ employees live in or near the counties we serve, and employees are able to choose the county where their donated dollars will benefit.

Citrus, Lake, Marion and Sumter Counties are the four counties in our service area with the highest member count. The majority of our employees live and work in these four counties as well.

United Way’s mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities around the world to advance the common good. Education, income and health are the United Way’s key focuses. Visit United Way online to find a local branch, register to volunteer or to donate.

Donate your extra pennies to help your fellow SECO Energy members in need or to support worthy causes right here in our service territory. Enroll in Pennies from Heaven to have your monthly bill automatically rounded up to the nearest dollar. The donated pennies provide financial assistance through the Angel Fund.

Angel Funds are used to provide bill payment assistance to members, help those in dire and unique circumstances or support other worthy causes in the counties we serve. Requests for Angel Fund assistance are administered through several local agencies by calling 2-1-1.

LENDING A HAND IN NORTH FLORIDA

On October 10, 2018, Category 4 Hurricane Michael blazed a deadly path through North Florida, Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina. Destructive and deadly, Michael left 400,000 Floridians without power for weeks.

The day after Hurricane Michael, a team of SECO employees voluntarily packed their bags, leaving their families to help our cooperative neighbors’ restoration efforts.

Initially, the module traveled to Tri-County Electric in Madison before trekking to Talquin Electric Cooperative near Tallahassee. Additional line techs and warehouse personnel joined the module, and some returned home while additional employees accompanied the group as it traveled to assist Gulf Coast Electric in Wewahitchka.

SECO is very proud of our employees’ willingness to assist our cooperative neighbors. 53 SECO employees (named below) worked an almost four-week restoration effort assisting three cooperatives restoring power to thousands.

YOU ARE HEROES!

Read the full December 2018 SECO News online.

SECO Energy Employees Gather Donations for Toys for Tots

SECO Energy employees helped to fill Santa’s sleigh with toys collected for the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program. SECO’s five Member Service Center locations are available as public drop off locations.

Toys for Tots plays Santa for thousands of less-fortunate children. Toys for Tots is a world-wide organization, but the toys collected locally are distributed to children within the area. Hundreds of local children will benefit from the generosity of SECO employees and members alike when they wake up to toys under the Christmas tree donated through Toys for Tots.

This year, SECO employees donated an unprecedented number of new bikes for local children. SECO members have also added to the donations by dropping off toys at their local SECO Member Service Center. SECO has Toys for Tots donation boxes available in its Eustis, Groveland, Inverness, Ocala and Sumterville locations.

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “The Marine Corps Toys for Tots program is a worthwhile organization in our community. As a Marine myself, Toys for Tots is particularly special to me. SECO employees have also embraced Toys for Tots because they know the organization is delivering Christmas morning happiness to children in our local communities.”

Duncan added, “Stop by a local SECO office and donate a new, unwrapped toy or two to Toys for Tots. The donated toys remain local. This Christmas season, join the SECO family in supporting Toys for Tots.”

Toys for Tots donation boxes are available at SECO Member Service Centers through early December. Find a SECO location in Eustis, Groveland, Inverness, Ocala or Sumterville online.

SECO Energy Employees Gather Donations for Toys for Tots

“Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates. Visit our Community page online to learn more about SECO’s corporate citizenship and other community outreach initiatives.

SECO News, November 2018

DUNCAN’S DIGEST

CAPITAL CREDITS

They say money doesn’t grow on trees, but as a member, your 2018 Capital Credits retirement has sprouted and arrives in your November bill.

You, along with 200,000+ residents are members of a not-for-profit cooperative founded in 1938 as Sumter Electric Cooperative with just 500 members. Things have changed over the years. Those meager roots planted 80 years ago have thrived.

Your membership branches into ownership through energy purchases – the proverbial fertilizer of 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. The annual amounts for each member who purchases electric service during the year are referred to as Capital Credit allocations.

During its October meeting, SECO’s Board of Trustees approved a record $5.5 million to be returned (retired) to members. Since SECO’s inception, the co-op has retired more than $63.3 million to current and former members. This year’s Capital Credits return is rooted in sound financial stewardship by SECO’s Board, the leadership team and our dedicated employees.

Each member receiving a 2018 Capital Credits retirement will see the amount on their spruced-up November billing statement listed as a line item labeled “Capital Credits Ret.” Business members with retirements over $1,000 will receive a check. If you move out of SECO territory, keep your mailing address updated so we can send future Capital Credit retirements.

Sincerely,

Jim Duncan

Chief Executive Officer

Meet two SECO Champions – Melissa and Matthew – two examples of our 400+ SECO Champion employees. Melissa and Matthew are dedicated to providing exceptional service to members, co-workers and communities.

MELISSA LACASSE – SYSTEM CONTROL COORDINATOR

LENGTH OF SERVICE – 25 YEARS

“My job is awesome.”

SECO Champion Melissa Lacasse is a System Control Coordinator at our SECO Headquarters who is responsible for monitoring the power delivery to SECO’s over 200,000 members. SECO’s System Control Coordinators work shifts around-the-clock, 365 days a year directing line technicians to service calls throughout our 2,100-square mile territory. Melissa and her family (her husband Ken is also a SECO employee) are long-time residents of Marion County. They enjoy football, boating and spearfishing. During Melissa’s 25-year SECO career, she has worked as a Member Services Representative, Meter Reader, Line Technician and a System Control Coordinator. “At SECO, we are a tight-knit group, whether at work or in the communities we serve. My family was thrilled when SECO hired me, and it is a blessing to work at SECO.”

MATTHEW DIXON – SERVICE TECHNICIAN

LENGTH OF SERVICE – 12 YEARS

“I enjoy helping people.”

SECO Champion Matthew Dixon is a Service Technician who responds to service calls and works to restore members’ power safely. Matthew’s work area covers Bushnell, Inverness, Lady Lake, The Villages and Webster. Originally from Dallas (yes, he’s a Cowboys fan), he moved to Central Florida in 1991 and joined the SECO team in 2006. Matthew, his wife, five children and 15 grandchildren attend church together where he plays bass guitar. Matthew credits his enjoyment of helping people as the reason he became a SECO Line Technician. He is prepared to respond to outage calls day or night and the appreciation he receives from members keeps him going. Watch Matthew’s video on our YouTube Channel to learn how he got the nickname “Hollywood.”

SAFE DECORATING

‘TIS THE SEASON to spread goodwill and cheer while impressing your neighbors with your Christmas creativity.

For your safety, SECO prohibits Christmas décor or other attachments on its poles or decorative lights. Never place a ladder against a SECO area light or pole – you can damage the pole or suffer an electric shock.

Please share your Christmas joy with your neighbors, but refrain from including SECO facilities in your festive design. Decorate safely this season – Merry Christmas!

HOLIDAY ENERGY EFFICIENCY

The holidays are just around the corner which means extra baking and cooking, along with holiday decorations. Don’t forget about energy efficiency while you are celebrating your families’ holiday traditions.

When baking, resist opening the oven door. Each time the door opens, the oven’s temperature can drop as much as 25 degrees which can add cooking time. Another tip – if a recipe calls for baking time over one hour – don’t waste the time and energy it takes to preheat the oven.

Most of us love bright, twinkling holiday lights – be sure to choose LEDs. These are more efficient, last longer and are safer than older incandescent lights. LEDs use less energy and produce less heat than standard incandescent lights.

Here’s to a happy, healthy, energy-efficient holiday season!

TOYS FOR TOTS

Would you like a chance to play Santa for local children in need of Christmas gifts? SECO Energy’s five Member Service Centers are available to the public as U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program drop-off locations.

Join the SECO crew in donating a new, unwrapped toy or two for Toys for Tots at a Member Service Center in Eustis, Groveland, Inverness, Ocala or Sumterville. SECO will gather toys through the first week of December.

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO is dedicated to the communities it serves. Our employees are ever-so-generous in their support of Toys for Tots and other community endeavors for which they volunteer their personal time. Thousands of children will wake up to presents under the tree on Christmas morning thanks to our employees’ and members’ giving spirit.

Read the full November 2018 SECO News online.

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.

SECO Delivers for Yearly Toys for Tots Drive

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.

SECO News, December 2017

Duncan’s Digest

United We Live & Give

It’s time to bid farewell to 2017 and welcome 2018 as the Christmas and New Year’s holidays approach. Dreaming of a white Christmas in Florida is probably a long-shot, but with the help of our charitable SECO employees, dreaming of a giving Christmas is a reality. SECO employees, myself included, renewed their commitment to local communities through their generous pledges to United Way in the new year.

SECO employees pledged $52,214 for United Way’s 2018 Live United campaign. Every dollar contributed by SECO employees is used to endow service programs that benefit the residents in the counties we serve and in our footprint. Much of the funding is locally designated by each employee to the agency of their choice and administered through United Way. Yearly, 61 million people across the world benefit from the programs and services funded by the United Way.

Every penny makes a difference. Would you like your small change to make a difference in your community? Enroll in SECO’s Pennies from Heaven program and round up your monthly bill to the nearest dollar. Every penny collected through Pennies from Heaven is distributed locally to directly benefit SECO members. The donated funds may be used to purchase emergency medical supplies, support charitable organizations or provide bill payment assistance to your fellow members experiencing dire and unique circumstances. Enroll online or give us a call.

To learn more about United Way, find a volunteer opportunity or to be connected with a local agency, visit www.UnitedWay.org.

I couldn’t be prouder of our employees’ goodwill toward others, and I am grateful to work with employees who care about our members and our communities. I applaud our employees’ generous spirit with their promise of $52,214 to support United Way’s 2018 campaign. This giving spirit reflects the very essence of our not-for-profit electric cooperative business model.

May peace, love and prosperity follow you all through the year. From our SECO family to yours, I wish you a Merry Christmas and all the best in the new year.

Jim Duncan
Chief Executive Officer

Toys for Tots — “SECO Claus Delivers”

In early November, it began to feel a lot like Christmas as hundreds of SECO employees performed the role of Santa Claus for SECO’s yearly toy drive. SECO chooses to support the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program which collects new, unwrapped toys and distributes them as Christmas gifts to local children in need who live in the communities we serve.

The halls were decked, and Christmas joy and cheer were present at all SECO locations. Our perpetually generous employees donated hundreds of toys for needy children in Sumter, Lake, Marion and Citrus Counties. Each of our five Member Service Centers were open to the public as local Toys for Tots drop-off locations, and many charitable SECO members donated toys as well.

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO adheres to the seven key cooperative principles – one of which is Concern for Community. SECO employees personally demonstrate their Concern for Community by volunteering their time and supporting community involvement projects in their areas. Our employees give generously during the Christmas season to the Toys for Tots toy drive and the United Way as referenced on the front page.

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.

Merry Christmas!

Read the full December 2017 SECO News here.

SECO Donates Trees to Marion County Women’s Shelter

SECO Energy enriches its commitment to local communities by donating trees and shrubs to The Shepherd’s LightHouse, Inc., a women’s shelter in Belleview dedicated to assisting single mothers and their children. The shelter is currently renovating and the trees and shrubs will be planted to beautify the grounds and create a homey atmosphere for the residents.

The Shepherd’s LightHouse is dedicated to helping people in need by providing transitional housing to single mothers and their children. The shelter provides a safe place for the residents to live while offering basic life skill classes tailored to the client’s needs, life coaching to help residents set future goals, transportation assistance to work or day care and computer access to help job-seekers connect with potential employers.

The Shepherd’s LightHouse is also a community resource center offering residents valuable, hands-on work experience by volunteering at the Shepherd’s LightHouse Thrift Store. The thrift store also offers volunteer opportunities, and accepts donations from the community to provide an income stream to the shelter. In addition, the LightHouse manages six reduced-rent apartments for struggling families. Last year, Shepherd’s LightHouse assisted 77 south Marion County families in various capacities.

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, serving members in Marion County for almost 80 years, SECO Energy is a long-time supporter of local communities. SECO employees support local causes by volunteering their time and monetary support. Each year, SECO employees donate toys in our Christmas-time Toys for Tots drive and make generous contributions to United Way. Last year, SECO employees raised over $50,000 for United Way with over $13,000 slated for Marion County.”

Shepherd’s LightHouse Case Manager Theresa Chambers stated, “The Shepherd’s LightHouse is a direct service program structured to help mothers overcome negative life cycles and the barriers that keep her and her children from moving into an independent lifestyle. We are very grateful to SECO Energy for supporting the needs of mothers in south Marion County and thank them for the trees and shrubs. We are currently in the process of completing a renovation beautification project, and the trees and shrubs will enable us to add finishing touches to the project.”

Learn more about SECO Energy’s commitment to community online. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

SECO News, January 2017

Duncan’s Digest: Toys for Tots and United Way

The Christmas spirit was upon us all as we participated in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. SECO’s employees helped me load hundreds of toys, donated by employees and members, for local children.

Toys for Tots collects new, unwrapped toys and distributes as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community. As a Marine myself before my hair turned gray, I know thatToys forTots is a special program for children in need. Hundreds of children will wake up to Christmas presents under the tree, thanks to the generosity of our employees and members.

During SECO’s 2017 United Way campaign, employees opened their checkbooks and donated generously. SECO employees pledged $50,171 for United Way’s campaign for local communities.

United Way improves the quality of life for millions of people. I am grateful to work with employees who have the power and goodwill to improve the communities we serve. SECO employees are a generous bunch of folks, and their efforts are applauded.

From my family to yours, I wish you a healthy, Happy New Year!

New Year, New Efficiency Tool

Happy New Year! What are your resolutions this year? Start off on the right foot with SECO’s new online Energy Estimator tool.

The estimator helps members understand the amount and cost of the energy that appliances, lighting, and other electronics use in their home. It calculates your monthly refrigeration costs, the price for each load of laundry, the annual amount of energy your oven uses and more. Submit your results and within minutes you will receive an email comparing your usage to the average Central Florida household and tips to save energy and money.

SECO has three great prizes up for grabs for members who explore the Energy Estimator and increase their energy efficiency IQ. After completing the Energy Estimator and emailing your results, your name will be entered into a random drawing to win a $300 bill credit, a package of energy efficiency tools that includes a $100 Lowe’s gift card, and a programmable Wi-Fi thermostat. Winners will be notified via email on February 16.

Make a resolution to reduce your energy usage and lower your energy bill. Here’s to an Energy Efficient New Year!

Protection Begins at the Meter

Today’s appliances are sensitive to power surges caused by lightning, accidents, animals and more. Surges can cause catastrophic damage or degrade appliance circuitry over time.

Protection begins at the meter. SECO’s meter base surge arrester reduces most surges to a safe level before they enter your home. The arrestor helps protect large motor appliances like the air conditioner, washer and dryer, refrigerator, stove and dishwasher.

Beat the upcoming storm season rush and subscribe to SECO’s meter-based surge protection by February 15 for a chance to win a $100 Lowe’s gift card. All SECO members currently enrolled in SECO’s surge protection are also eligible to win.

Enroll online or call us at (800) 732-6141. A random winner will be chosen February 15.

Does a Fireplace Save Energy?

Wood burning fireplaces provide a soothing ambience and warmth, but can actually increase your energy usage. Fireplaces pull oxygen and heat from other areas within the home. Approximately 30% of heat goes up the chimney, creating a drop in temperature, prompting your central heating unit to cycle more frequently.

Installing glass doors or a fireback can increase your fireplace’s efficiency. Glass doors act as a barrier to reduce the amount of indoor air escaping through the chimney. In the summer, glass doors help prevent warm air from entering into your home. Firebacks are decorative, cast iron plates that when placed at the back of the fireplace absorb heat and radiate it back into the room.

Although glass doors and firebacks may improve a fireplace’s efficiency, your best course of action is to use your fireplace when it’s just a little chilly and forgo operating your central heating unit during that time. Learn more about SECO’s products and services and energy savings online.

SECO Scholars

For over 20 years, SECO Energy has awarded more than $500,000 in scholarships – launching young scholars on their path to a college education. Once again, SECO’s Board of Trustees has approved up to $36,000 in scholarships for twelve deserving high school seniors.

To be eligible, the student must:

Reside in a home served by SECO.
Graduate high school by the end of the current school year.
Provide proof of acceptance to an accredited college, university or vocational/technical school by the end of 2017.
Plan to be enrolled as a full-time college student.

Applications are available beginning January 4, at SECO’s five Member Service Centers in Lake, Sumter, Marion and Citrus counties, area high school guidance offices, at the SECO corporate offices in Sumterville and online.

To be considered, completed applications must be received no later than 5 p.m. on March 31. Applications may be dropped off at any SECO Member Service Center or mailed to:

SECO Energy<br\>Attn: Youth Scholarship<br\>330 South U.S. Highway 301<br\>Sumterville,FL 33585-0301

Winners will be notified by phone or mail on or about April 28. Learn more about SECO’s scholarship program online or call (352) 569-9561.

Read the full January 2017 SECO News here.

SECO Employees Embrace Local Charities

During this Christmas season of giving, SECO Energy employees embraced local charities by donating generously to United Way and Toys for Tots. Concern for Community is a key cooperative principle that SECO employees embody when they enrich the lives of thousands in local communities through donations.

A program that improves the quality of life of millions of people all over the world is United Way. During SECO’s 2017 United Way campaign, employees opened their checkbooks and donated generously. SECO employees pledged $50,171 for local communities aided by United Way.

The pledge amounts per county are:

Lake and Sumter Counties – $27,132
Marion County – $13,055
Citrus County – $5,876
Other counties – $4,108

SECO found the holiday spirit early by participating in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. The Toys for Tots mission is to collect new, unwrapped toys and distribute the toys collected as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community in which the campaign is located.

As a Toys for Tots drop-off location, SECO employees collected hundreds of toys to make local children’s holiday special this year. Many SECO members also stopped by and dropped off gifts for this worthy cause.

Jim Duncan, CEO, stated, “As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO believes in supporting local charities such as United Way and Toys for Tots. Generating pledges of over $50,000 for local communities is a testament to the generosity of the employees here at SECO. And hundreds of children will wake up to Christmas presents under the tree, thanks to our employees and members.”

SECO’s United Way and Toys for Tots emcee, Kathy Judkins, Deputy Director of Civic, Charitable and Government Affairs, is delighted by the generosity of SECO employees. Judkins stated, “The donated toys will bring smiles to many local children in need this holiday season. A big thank you to the entire SECO team for their generosity during our season of giving.”

Learn more about United Way and its impact on local communities. Visit Toys for Tots online to learn more about helping local children. More information about SECO’s community outreach programs is available online.

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

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DUNCAN’S DIGEST

DUNCAN’S DIGEST

UNITED WAY

LENDING A HAND IN NORTH FLORIDA

DUNCAN’S DIGEST

SAFE DECORATING

HOLIDAY ENERGY EFFICIENCY

TOYS FOR TOTS

Duncan’s Digest

United We Live & Give

Toys for Tots — “SECO Claus Delivers”

Duncan’s Digest: Toys for Tots and United Way

New Year, New Efficiency Tool

Protection Begins at the Meter

Does a Fireplace Save Energy?

SECO Scholars

Read the full January 2017 SECO News here.

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NEED HELP? CALL (352) 793 -3801

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