The Villages Democratic Club donates $3,000 to SECO Energy’s Pennies from Heaven Fund
The Villages Democratic Club has donated $3,000 to SECO Energy’s Pennies from Heaven program. These funds will help SECO members affected by the COVID-19 economic shutdown with electric bill payment assistance.
Like most electric service providers in the state, SECO Energy responded in March to the COVID-19 shutdown with understanding and flexibility by waiving late fees and extending payment arrangement timeframes for members. Since early March, no SECO member has been disconnected, charged a late fee nor denied a payment extension. However, SECO is currently formulating a plan that requires members with high accrued balances to render payment, enter into a repayment agreement or seek bill payment assistance from a social service agency.
CEO Jim Duncan stated, “We are grateful for The Villages Democratic Club’s generous donation to our Pennies from Heaven program. Donations such as this remain local to assist the thousands of members who are seeking bill payment assistance as our cooperative begins the return to normal business practices. Assisting members during this time is important to us, and we urge members who need bill payment assistance to visit SECOEnergy.com and find a local social service agency using our interactive map. Requests for assistance can also be initiated by calling 2-1-1 or visiting 211.org.”
SECO members who have enrolled in the Pennies from Heaven program agree to round up their monthly bills to the next dollar. The extra change funds the Pennies from Heaven program. The donated pennies can be used to fund local, worthy causes and to provide bill payment assistance to fellow members. The funds are used locally within SECO’s service area. SECO employees also support the Pennies from Heaven program through internal fundraising efforts and personal donations.
Duncan urged members who are not already donating to consider Pennies from Heaven enrollment or a one-time donation. He continued, “I support Pennies from Heaven myself as a member as do many of our employees. The average per member donation is about $6 annually if the member is enrolled in the bill round up program. Pennies from Heaven is a great way to make a big difference with your small change – one penny at a time.”
If you’d prefer to write a check, please send it to SECO Energy at 330 S U.S. Highway 301, Sumterville, FL 33585.
The Pennies from Heaven program also provides dollars every quarter to local United Way organizations and social service agencies for bill payment assistance for members.
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