Powering Through the Heat Together

DEAR MEMBERS,

As we move through August – the hottest stretch of the year – many of you are feeling the effects of this intense summer. High temperatures often lead to higher electric bills. With the added pressures of rising costs across the board, we understand this season can be challenging for families and businesses alike.

At SECO Energy, we want you to know we’re right there with you. We live and work in the communities we serve. We’re feeling the heat – and the bills just like you. That local connection is at the heart of the cooperative difference. We don’t exist to generate profits – we’re here to provide reliable, affordable power and for the well-being of the people we serve. Despite the challenges of higher supply costs and increased energy demand, we’re proud to continue offering our Power Cost Adjustment (PCA), also known as “Hot Bucks,” due to stabilized natural gas prices; and to maintain some of the lowest electric rates in the state.

Our crews are working to maintain and strengthen the system to meet increased demand. We’ve invested in technology and equipment upgrades to reduce outages and keep your power flowing – even on the hottest days. We monitor usage trends so we can respond quickly and efficiently when the load is high.

To help you control your energy use, explore SmartHub, our free online and mobile tool. With SmartHub’s energy profile feature, you can track your daily and hourly usage, set alerts, and better understand when and how you’re using electricity – giving you more control over your bill. We know that some members may need assistance paying their monthly energy bill from time to time. To locate a social service agency, use our interactive map on SECOEnergy.com; click on Your Co-op and choose Find Bill Payment Assistance.

Even small changes, such as setting your thermostat to 78°F, using ceiling fans, and avoiding peak usage hours – can make a big difference. Visit our website for more energy-saving tips.

In this edition, we’re excited to announce the GenerLink pre-sale is here – offering members with generators a safe and convenient way to connect backup power during outages.

We’ll continue doing everything we can to keep your power reliable and your costs manageable. Thank you for being part of the SECO community. We’re proud to serve you – and even more proud to call this community home.

Sincerely,

CURTIS WYNN

Chief Executive Officer

Utility scams are on the rise, targeting both homes and businesses with increasingly sophisticated tactics. Scammers often impersonate utility employees to trick people into making immediate payments or sharing personal information.

TO STAY SAFE, BE AWARE OF THE MOST COMMON TYPES OF UTILITY SCAMS AND RECOGNIZE RED FLAGS.

1. DISCONNECTION THREATS & OVERPAYMENT REFUND SCAMS

Scammers may claim your power will be shut off due to a missed payment and demand immediate payment through prepaid cards, wire transfers, or digital apps. Others may say you overpaid and request your banking details for a refund.

RED FLAG: SECO Energy will never demand instant payment or request nontraditional methods, such as gift cards or wire transfers. Refunds are issued as bill credits or checks – never by phone or email.

2. FAKE SOLAR PARTNERSHIPS, METER UPGRADES OR INSPECTIONS

Impostors may show up in person, claiming to be a utility partner or a utility worker, and attempt to sell products, pretend to upgrade the meter, check wiring, or inspect service lines. They may ask to enter your property or request payment for services.

RED FLAG: SECO Energy does not send employees door-to-door selling solar or partner with any solar companies. Employees and contractors always carry identification and typically schedule service visits in advance.

Exercise caution and contact local law enforcement immediately if you encounter suspicious activity or feel threatened.

3. PHISHING EMAILS AND TEXTS

These messages look similar to official communication, prompting you to click a link to pay a bill or verify personal information. These links often lead to fake websites designed to steal your data.

RED FLAG: Be cautious with unsolicited emails or texts – especially those with spelling errors, urgent language, or unfamiliar sender addresses. Contact SECO Energy at (352) 793-3801 to confirm the legitimacy of a communication when in doubt.

STAY ALERT, STAY INFORMED, AND HELP OTHERS DO THE SAME. Report suspected scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and the Florida Attorney General’s Office at MyFloridaLegal.com or by calling 1-866-9-NO-SCAM.

Lilly Brogan (District 3) and Jayley Lewis (District 5), both South Sumter High School students, represented SECO Energy at this year’s Electric Cooperative Youth Tour in Washington, D.C. Nearly 100,000 student delegates nationwide come together annually to represent their local electric cooperative community, and state, to explore our nation’s capital, learn about the cooperative business model, and gain leadership experience.

Selected for their academic excellence, community involvement, and leadership potential, Jayley and Lilly stood out in a competitive video essay contest after attending the Tallahassee Youth Tour earlier this year. Along with their fellow Youth Tour delegates, they toured iconic landmarks and engaged with lawmakers, including representatives from Senator Rick Scott’s office. These meetings offered firsthand insight into how cooperatives advocate for their members at the federal level.

Improving your home’s energy efficiency doesn’t have to be costly. The simple no- and low-cost changes listed below can help you reduce energy use and lower your bill.

NO COST TIPS:

• Wash clothes in cold water

• Air-dry dishes and laundry

• Use natural light

• Turn off lights, fans, and electronics when not in use

• Avoid oven use in the summer – grill outside or use small appliances

LOW COST TIPS:

• Switch to LED bulbs

• Replace filters regularly

• Seal window and door leaks

• Use blinds, window fi lm, and shade trees to control summer heat

• Install timers or photocells on outdoor lights

If you are considering making significant upgrades to ENERGY STAR® appliances or a new HVAC system, give us a call at (352) 793-3801 and ask to speak to the Energy Services team for advice on energy-efficiency upgrades. We are your partner in energy savings.

SECO Energy Foundation Update

SECO Energy established the SECO Energy Foundation to improve the quality of life in the communities we serve. Through strategic grants and partnerships, the Foundation provides support to nonprofit organizations in Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Levy, Marion, Pasco, and Sumter Counties.

In the first half of 2025, the Foundation has awarded 38 grants totaling $524,581, allocated as follows:

• Education & STEM Projects – $103,160

• Energy Efficiency Projects – $9,780

• Environmental Projects – $10,000

• Health & Human Services – $316,841

• Veterans Initiatives – $84,800

The Foundation is extremely thankful for the support of hundreds of thousands of SECO members who round up their monthly bills to contribute to this effort. Your small change adds up to make a big difference in our communities. With an average donation of only $6 per year, it’s a powerful reminder that there is strength in numbers. To learn more about the Foundation, view awarded grants, and explore funding guidelines, visit SECOFoundation.org.

When hurricanes or severe storms hit, power outages can leave you in the dark. If you have a portable generator, GenerLink™ can help you stay safely connected. GenerLink is a UL-listed transfer switch that is installed behind the electric meter – no rewiring or complicated setup is required. Purchase GenerLink early to be first on the list for installation. Learn more and sign up at SECOEnergy.com/Energy Solutions/GenerLink.

Purchase price is $1,200 (plus tax/installation included). Purchase must be completed before installation, which are estimated to begin in mid-August 2025 and installed by SECO’s authorized contractor.

Read the full August SECO News.