February 2019 SECO News

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SECONEWS DUNCAN’S DIGEST Jim Duncan, CEO SECO Energy is an advocate for members who choose to reduce their utility-supplied power by purchasing their own systems. In fact, as of mid-January, 1,050 SECO members have interconnected with SECO’s facilities by installing a memberowned solar array.

When visiting the website, carefully read through “Selecting Your System.” This section explains how to determine system size and the math behind member generation. You’ll find advantages and disadvantages of different panel and inverter types. Keep reading to find insurance requirements (Florida Administrative Code requires insurance for systems over 10 KW).

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BEFORE YOU TAKE ANOTHER Most important, the STEP TOWARD interconnection process SOLAR, and agreement is enhanced CONTACT with an online application. and contractors will SECO FOR A Members now establish login credentials FREE AUDIT. and register to begin the

SECO members considering a solar investment are often frustrated by the confusion about return on investment, less-thanreputable contractors and dishonest business practices.

To help inform and protect our members, SECO has completed an enhancement and redesign of the Solar Power section of our website.

Valuable information from a trusted source is now just a click away.

425012 Our new online tools like the Solar Estimator can help you determine the reduction in utility-supplied power for a specific system size/orientation. The 10-step process and timeline to interconnect with SECO’s system is outlined. We provide answers to frequently asked questions, an explanation of net metering, a sample bill and other resources.

We’ve published a comprehensive checklist and list of resources for vetting and selecting a contractor.

process online. Contractors can register and help manage the interconnection process and agreement on behalf of their client.

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE • SECO Champion • Move Over for Safety • Right Tree - Right Place • Florida Fauna & Flora FEBRUARY 2019 | SECO NEWS

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400010 Tony Shaw – an example of our 400+ SECO Meet SECO Champion Champion employees. Tony is dedicated to providing exceptional service to members, co-workers and communities.

TONY SHAW ENERGY SERVICES SPECIALIST

“I MAKE A DIFFERENCE.” SECO Champion Tony Shaw is

LENGTH OF SERVICE: 19 YEARS

an Energy Services Specialist who is a subject matter expert on member-owned solar systems and energy-efficiency measures. As a Citrus County resident, he is often the SECO contact stationed in the Citrus County Emergency Operations Center during emergencies such as Hurricanes Irma and Matthew. Tony’s family has called Central Florida home for generations. He and his family enjoy fishing and golf, and he loves to spend time with his young grandson. Tony is proud that he helps members save money and reduce energy usage by conducting energy and solar audits. Tony is often out and about in the community offering energy-efficiency tips, providing money-saving ideas and sharing his knowledge of solar generation. Tony states, “People really trust and believe in SECO Energy as a company.”

The Florida Division of Emergency Management has developed the Florida Special Needs Registry to allow residents with special needs to register with their local emergency management agency to receive assistance during a disaster. The statewide registry provides first responders with valuable information to prepare for disasters or other emergencies. The Special Needs Registry may help save your life. Visit FloridaDisaster.org to locate your county and register.

SECO IS TOPS

Thank you, SECO Members, for rating your not-for-profit electric cooperative top in customer satisfaction. SECO received an outstanding ACSI score 0f 89 in 2018! When comparing SECO to average ACSI scores in the energy industry – SECO is a clear Florida and national frontrunner. Nationally, cooperative utilities averaged 77 in 2018.

Scores for municipal and investor-owned utilities both averaged slightly lower at 75.

FLORIDA SPECIAL

NEEDS REGISTRY 079704

Continued from page 1 At every step of the process toward interconnection with SECO’s facilities, members and contractors will be notified via email to provide updates. We’re leaping into 21st Century technology by incorporating electronic signatures and communications into our new system.

But wait! Before you take another step toward solar, contact SECO for a free solar

audit. Our Energy Services Specialists will visit your home and use the Solar Pathfinder to determine the amount of sun your home receives. Our expert will assess your roof, note home orientation and measure obstructions that may block solar power production.

Before signing a contract with an installer, do your homework. Let SECO help you research any potential return on investment.

The calculation must include the system investment, maintenance and the cost of utility-supplied power used at night, chilly early mornings or cloudy days.

694602 Attend SECO’s 81st Annual Meeting of the Membership on Saturday, March 23 for a live demonstration at our Solar Square. Gates open at 8 a.m. – join us for breakfast, snacks, live entertainment, gifts, the potential to win door prizes and top-notch hospitality of our local employees.

JIM DUNCAN, Chief Executive Officer

“HIDDEN” ACCOUNT NUMBERS Don’t forget to look for the last six digits of your account number in this month’s SECO News. You can email us at customerservice@secoenergy. com or call if your number appears. Six winners will be drawn at random from all submissions. Winners receive a $25 restaurant gift card.

MOVE OVER FOR SAFETY

Did you know that Florida law requires drivers to Move Over a lane – safely – for law enforcement, emergency, sanitation, utility vehicles, tow trucks and wreckers that are stopped on the roadside? Heed the law or pay a hefty fine – $100 to $500 (dependent on the county where cited) – and three points on your driving record.

If you can’t safely move over a lane – Slow Down to a speed that is 20 mph less than the posted speed limit.

In 2017, over 17,000 Move Over citations were issued in Florida– this includes 1,756 logged in SECO’s service area. There were 212 Move Over crashes in the state

and 16 Move Over crashes in our area.

The fine will lighten your wallet and the points will damage your driving record. But the law is designed to protect defenseless roadside workers including SECO‘s line technicians. Let’s all Move Over and allow these folks to return home safely to their loved ones after a hard day’s work.

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SPANISH MOSS

RIGHT TREE RIGHT PLACE

fauna & flora

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hen imagining “the old south,” you may have a mental image of large live oaks elegantly draped with Spanish moss.

Spanish moss, also known as Spanish beard, French hair, Graybeard and tree hair, is not actually part of the moss family. It is a bromeliad that clings to itself and dangles from tree limbs. It does not have roots and prefers warm climates with high humidity for absorption of nutrients from the air.

Spanish moss plays an important role in nature.

Birds, insects, bats, frogs, lizards and snakes use Spanish moss to build nests. Trees are not harmed by dangling moss.

You may see Spanish moss hanging from communication and power lines. Small bits are usually harmless and no cause for concern. Large clumps can cause a power outage if moss touches more than one phase. If a large bundle of moss is engulfing poles or lines, email customerservice@ secoenergy.com or give us a call.

Spring is just around the corner and many of us are looking forward to planting a new landscape. For energy efficiency and safety, plant the right tree in the right place and always call 811 Sunshine One-call (it’s free!) before you dig. 811 will arrange for the free service of locating and marking underground utilities.

Did you know the right landscape plan can greatly reduce your annual energy costs?

Deciduous trees planted to the south, southwest or west side of buildings can provide shade that helps reduce cooling costs. Evergreen trees planted on the north and west sides help to block winter winds and reduce heating costs.

330015 When planning, consider the tree’s height when fully grown. Trees growing too close to lines are a safety hazard to SECO field employees and the public. Trees touching lines can cause sparks, fires, power outages and shock hazards. Never plant tall oak, pine, sycamore or palm trees near power lines.

Planning the right landscape today can avoid problems in the future, especially where power lines are concerned.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES & T RU ST E E ME E T ING DAT E S

Jerry D. Hatfield

The Board of Trustees will meet on Monday, February 25, 2019, at 2:30 p.m. in the Corporate Offices at 330 South US HWY 301 in Sumterville.

A Trustees’ meeting will also be held on Monday, March 25, 2019.

24/7 Job Hotline: (855) 483-2673 secoenergyjobs.com Report an Outage: (800) 732-6141 stormcenter.secoenergy.com

President District 9

Richard J. Belles District 3

Richard Dennison

Ray Vick

Vice President District 4

District 5

Bill James Secretary-Treasurer District 8

Scott D. Boyatt District 1

Dillard B. Boyatt District 2

SECO Energy.com SECO Energy is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Earl Muffett District 6

Joseph Kusiak District 7