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SECO Donates to Habitat for Humanity

SECO Energy is adding to the beauty of the urban forest and energizing the community by donating trees and shrubs to Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter. The collection of cypress trees, loropetalum bushes, bougainvillea and lily hybrids will be planted at various Habitat projects in Lake and Sumter counties.

 

SECO Energy is nationally recognized as a Tree Line USA utility by the National Arbor Day Foundation for nine years in a row. SECO achieved Tree Line USA by meeting five program standards. Utilities must follow industry standards for quality tree care; provide annual worker training in best tree-care practices; sponsor a tree-planting and public education program; maintain a tree-based energy conservation program; and participate in an Arbor Day celebration.

 

Ken Lacasse, Manager of System Reliability, explains that trees and utilities can co-exist in an urban landscape. “To get the most benefit from your trees, plant the right tree in the right place to save energy and keep it away from overhead lines. As a certified arborist, I recommend planting tall trees such as oaks and pines at least 70 feet away from overhead lines and low-growing trees such as azaleas and crape myrtles at least 15 feet from lines. Larger trees near the home will offer more shade, which will reduce cooling costs, and won’t interfere with power lines.”

 

SECO Energy Donates to Habitat for Humanity

 

SECO’s donation to Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter makes a difference in the communities it serves. Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter’s programs are designed to meet the needs of local communities. To learn more about Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter, visit www.habitatls.org.

 

To learn more about how trees can help consumers save energy, visit www.secoenergy.com. At SECO Energy’s website, consumers can find more information about planting the right tree in the right place and about SECO’s vegetation management program. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” SECO on Twitter for cooperative updates and news releases.

Free Trees – Earthfest at Arbor Day

SECO Energy is spreading the word about the City of Ocala’s Earthfest at Arbor Day on Saturday, April 23. Earthfest at Arbor Day is a family-friendly event featuring live entertainment, youth archery, crafts, demonstrations, food and fun.

 

As an Oak Tree Sponsor of Earthfest at Arbor Day, SECO Energy will have an array of giveaways, information and activities at its booth. Representatives from SECO Energy’s Vegetation Management team of Certified Arborists will be on hand to answer questions about trees native to Florida and offer tree planting advice. Visit SECO’s booth for face painting for the kids, tree giveaways and more!

 

Free Trees - Earth fest at Arbor Day

 

SECO Energy and its Vegetation Management team are committed to maintaining and improving the urban forests in its service area. For nine years running, the Arbor Day Foundation has recognized SECO as a Tree Line USA Utility. To be designated a Tree Line USA Utility, SECO follows five core standards: quality tree care, annual worker training, tree planting and public education, a tree-based energy conservation program and participating in an Arbor Day celebration.

 

Ken Lacasse, SECO Energy’s Manager of System Reliability believes that SECO’s successful vegetation management program has improved power reliability and power quality. “Over the last decade, SECO Energy has honed a comprehensive Vegetation Management program. SECO’s proactive response to vegetation near overhead power lines has consistently reduced tree-related service interruptions and maintained healthy trees along our rights-of-way.”

 

Free Trees - Earth fest at Arbor Day

 

In fact, SECO Energy was awarded the J. D. Power Award in 2015 for, “Highest in Customer Satisfaction among Midsize Utilities in the South”. The level of customer satisfaction with SECO is also reflected in its 2015 ACSI score of 88.

 

SECO Energy’s Vice President of Operations John LaSelva stated, “Concern for Community is one of the seven cooperative principles. As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO Energy is proud to show its commitment to the community through its Tree Line USA Utility distinction and its presence at community events such as Earthfest at Arbor Day.”

 

Earthfest at Arbor takes place in beautiful downtown Ocala’s Tuscawilla Park located at 300 NE Sanchez Ave, the fun begins at 9:00 a.m. and ends at 3:00 p.m.