M AY
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2021
SECONEWS We celebrated our 2021 “Just Business” 83rd Annual Meeting on Thursday, March 25. We opted to hold the event virtually to avoid the large crowd that traditionally gathers for our onsite Annual Meetings. If you couldn’t watch live, you can watch the full video at SECOEnergy. com > Your Co-op > Annual Member Meeting.
and by-mail voting on Annual Meeting business to achieve a quorum. Almost 5,000 members voted this year to approve a Bylaws Revision and the 2020 Annual Meeting Minutes. All members who voted were eligible to win 1 of 100 prizes.
My state of the company address reported on the excellent financial health of the cooperative. At year-end 2020, our meter count had grown to 216,477 ranking SECO as the third-largest cooperative in Florida and seventh-largest in the nation. Last year, you and your fellow members consumed 3.64 billion kilowatt hours which is an increase of TWO YEARS AGO, A about 1.7 million over 2019.
The Meeting was live streamed through webcast, Facebook Live and YouTube. Members tuned in BYLAWS REVISION WAS to watch our Board President and 283703 APPROVED THAT ALLOWS SECO’s investment in its District 4 Trustee Richard Dennison ELECTRONIC, IN-PERSON electric system is approaching call the Meeting to order and close the $1 billion mark at a current the voting platform at 4:30 p.m. AND BY-MAIL VOTING valuation of $955.9 million to Our Vice President of Corporate ON ANNUAL MEETING support the increased demand Communications and Energy BUSINESS TO ACHIEVE A for affordable energy in our Services Kathryn Gloria gave the QUORUM. area. Our TIER rating is 2.87 and invocation and led the Pledge of member equity equals 33.64%. Allegiance and National Anthem which was prerecorded by SECO Energy’s Manager In the customer satisfaction arena, our 2020 ACSI score is an impressive 91. These are all very healthy Consumer Billing & Accounting Tim Wallace. ratios in the cooperative utility world. During Board introductions, we welcomed new Trustee Morgan Hatfield to the Board. Ms. Hatfield was elected in early February to represent District Continued on page 2 9 and began her duties on March 29. Mr. Dennison’s President’s Report provided an overview of the quorum and Annual Meeting requirements Florida cooperatives adhere to under Florida Statute. Two years ago, a Bylaws revision was approved that allows electronic, in-person
INSIDE THIS ISSUE • Surgeo Loves Pets... • Generator Safety • Winners’ Circle Hurricane Handbook • Florida Fauna & Flora MAY 2021 | SECO NEWS
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If you’re interested in learning more about our fiscal health, the “Just Business” 2020 Annual Report is available at SECOEnergy.com > Newsroom > Annual Reports. Our Independent Auditor’s Report is included with the cooperative’s 2020 and 2019 financial statements. During the “Just Business” Annual Meeting, we held the traditional military branches tribute and recognized the efforts of the 400+ SECO employees, Board of Trustees and local first responders. I also announced my plan to retire as CEO in January 2022, making this my last Annual Meeting as CEO. Admittedly, I wanted my final Annual Meeting address to be live with a large audience in attendance. Unfortunately, large gatherings are currently not in the best interest of our members and employees. Thank you to all who tuned in to watch the Annual Meeting live. If you could not tune in, you can view the full video at SECOEnergy.com > Your Co-op > Annual Member Meeting. Sincerely,
157101 Jim Duncan Chief Executive Officer
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 gift card.
ADVICE FROM THE
A new friend with fur, feathers or scales may help you reduce stress and offer valuable companionship. The Old Farmer’s Almanac has advice on which pet may be the best fit for your home and family. Almost 60% of U.S. households include at least one pet. Dogs rule the home because they are loving and affectionate but require a hefty time commitment. Cats may be less affectionate and more independent than dogs, but they usually involve less work. Fish are beautiful and colorful but need a clean and well-maintained tank to live. Birds are fun to watch and may add a lively tune or funny voices to your home – but can be messy. Want to spread the love for pets and wildlife? Purchase or lease the Surge MitiGator and SECO will donate $5 to a pet or animal rescue or shelter of your choice. Read page 3 for more details. 2 MAY 2021 | SECO NEWS
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THROUGH JUNE 15 In February SECO News, Surgeo asked for members’ help in supporting domestic and wildlife shelters and rescues by enrolling in SECO Energy’s Surge MitiGator™. For every new MitiGator enrollment, SECO donates $5 to a local pet shelter in Citrus, Lake, Marion or Sumter Counties. February through March, 1,120 members completed a new Surge MitiGator enrollment, which equaled a $5,600 donation divided among local pet and wildlife rescues. Take the bite out of damaging surges and spikes with the Surge MitiGator. Surges are caused by lightning, vehicle accidents involving SECO facilities, small animals, birds or fallen trees. Power surges can damage or destroy household appliances and sensitive electronics such as televisions,
computers, stereo equipment and more. SECO’s meter-based surge arrester helps prevent unnecessary financial loss by reducing surges BEFORE they enter your home through the meter. The Surge MitiGator has a beastly 15-year warranty and is designed to protect your home’s large-motor appliances. You can lease the MitiGator for only $5.95 plus tax per month plus a $25 installation fee. The purchase price ranges from $349 to $399, with installation included. Enroll in SECO’s Surge MitiGator™ to donate $5 to the shelter or rescue of your choice. Visit SECOEnergy. com > Energy Solutions > Surge MitiGator and click on the enroll icon to fill out the webform and choose which pet shelter will receive a $5 donation on your behalf from SECO. The promotion ends June 15.
Kathy Ziegler from Ocala is the April winner of a SECO Energy branded JuiceBox Pro 40 EV Level 2 charger. We’re giving one charger away each month while supplies last. To enter, text “EV” to (352) 320-4500 for a link to enter. Or click on the EV Charger Giveaway homepage banner at SECOEnergy.com. Learn more about the benefits of electric vehicle ownership on our EV website pages. You’ll find an EV savings calculator, information about CO2 reduction, an EV and PHEV model finder and a nationwide charger-finder map. Visit our Electric Vehicles website section for more details. 067803 Watch SECO News for next month’s charger winner. MAY 2021 | SECO NEWS
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SAFETY CORNER
GENERATOR SAFETY •
Never run a generator inside a building – even in a garage – it is a hazard and violates safety codes because it generates deadly (and odorless) carbon monoxide (CO).
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Be sure the area where a generator is operating is adequately ventilated, has sufficient airflow and is away from open windows.
To protect yourself, your family, your property and SECO employees and contractors, read and follow the generator owner’s manual and pay close attention to the safety instructions.
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Store gasoline and diesel in approved containers out of the reach of children. Never fuel the generator while it is running.
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Extinguish all flames and cigarettes when handling fuel.
A qualified electrical contractor must install a permanent generator with a disconnect and transfer switch. This is NOT a DIY job.
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Stage a fully charged, approved fire extinguisher near the generator.
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Use extension cords free of exposed wires and frayed shielding.
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Never remove or tamper with a generator’s safety devices.
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Do not attempt to repair a generator. A qualified technician should perform repairs and service as needed.
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Generator engine parts are very hot during operation. Severe burns may result. Always keep children away.
Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1. If you plan on using a portable or permanent generator as a source of back-up power during a power outage, learn to operate your generator correctly and safely before a storm impacts our service area. Follow the safety warnings below to operate a generator. •
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A qualified electrician is required to connect a generator to an electrical panel. An incorrect connection could electrocute the user or endanger our employees and contractors. Follow local, state and national fire and electric codes. A permit is required to install a permanent generator. Before starting your generator – always disconnect from your metered electric utility service.
MAY 2021 | SECO NEWS
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Improper use or installation of an electric generator can cause property damage, severe injury or even death. Members who use a generator to operate life-saving equipment should verify the generator’s compatibility. Learn more about proper generator use and safety tips; view our generator safety video on our website at SECOEnergy.com > Safety > Generator Safety.
GENERATOR SAFETY
Puzzlemaker is a puz and print customized own word lists.
A generator may come in handy during storm season. Make a commitment to safety while running a generator to protect you, your family and SECO employees and contractors.
This is your Word Search!
Carbon Carbon Children Deadly Danger
Fire Deadly
Gas Electrician
Children Electrocution Generator Fire Instructions Electrician Flame Manual Flame Owner Fuel Generator Gas Safety
Manual
Owner
15 of 15 words placed.
MAY 2021 | SECO NEWS
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THE COMMODITIES MARKET IS CHANGING, AND NATURAL GAS PRICES ARE RISING. This affects fuel costs associated with producing power at Seminole Electric Cooperative’s natural gas plants. In turn, those costs are passed along to SECO members with the Power Cost Adjustment (PCA) factor line item on the monthly electric bill. On May 1, the SECO Energy PCA changed to keep pace with the market and wholesale power costs. The result is the cost of 1,000 kilowatt hours increased from $116.90 to $121.00. NEED HELP PAYING YOUR BILL? Visit SECOEnergy.com > Your Co-op > Find Bill Payment Assistance.
Have you engaged with our virtual assistant Electra who can answer thousands of calls without missing a beat? Ask Electra for assistance instead of waiting to speak with a representative. Each week, we’ll draw one winner who will receive a $25 gift card. Winners are drawn from all members who called and successfully took care of business with Electra. WINNERS ARE: Jeffrey Moody from Umatilla Dona Macomber from Webster Peter Cockcroft from Bushnell Francis Campbell from Clermont
Winners in our Go Green and Win: Paperless Billing and Bank Draft incentive. Josh McIntyre from Lake Panasoffkee is the winner of a $200 SECO Energy bill credit. Thomas Binkley from Clermont is the winner of a NEST thermostat. Jacob Dickman from Ocala is the winner of an Amazon Echo Dot with Alexa. 603414
Read Winners’ Circle next month for more winners. MAY 2021 | SECO NEWS
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FLORIDA MANATEE
Before the Atlantic hurricane season begins on June 1, enroll in StormCenter outage notifications via email, text, voice messages or all three.
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StormCenter identifies the service
O
ne animal that is uniquely Floridian is the
locations affected by an outage and
manatee. Florida manatees are native to
proactively sends a notification with the
Florida and are a sub-species of the West Indian
estimated restoration time, crew status
manatee. These gentle giants grow to 9 – 10 feet long and weigh in at about 1,000 pounds. This gray
and more. Once service is restored,
aquatic mammal has two fore-limb flippers and
you’ll receive a message that includes
a paddle-shaped tail that help it steer and propel
the outage cause if known. You can
through the water. Manatees can hold their breath
set do not disturb times if you don’t
for up to 20 minutes. When active, they rise up to
want to be called in the middle of the
breathe every 3 to 5 minutes.
night about an outage or restoration.
Manatees are herbivores who spend up to 8 hours
To choose notification preferences,
a day grazing on aquatic plants and seagrass, and
visit StormCenter on the website and
eating about 10% of their body weight daily. They
click on the Manage Notifications tab.
have no front teeth – only molars in the back of their mouth that are replaced when a tooth is lost.
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Reporting a new outage or checking
Scientists are concerned about the number of
the status of an existing outage with
observed manatee deaths this year. In 2021, there
your smartphone or tablet is easy. Click
are 539 recorded deaths from January 1 through March 19, compared to 637 total deaths for 2020.
“Report Outage” and enter the account
This is an alarming trend that is on the rise. Manatee
holder’s last name and house number
deaths can be attributed to a decline in seagrass and
(or the account or phone number).
added pollution.
Find the status of an existing outage on the Check Status tab. Manatees have been a PROTECTED SPECIES in Florida since 1893. They feed and rest in shallow waters which makes them an easy target for boats.
Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission
MAY 2021 | SECO NEWS
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MORGAN HATFIELD DISTRICT 9 TRUSTEE SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees _____
elected District 4 Trustee Richard Dennison as Board President for a second term. District 3 Trustee Gerald Anderson was elected as Vice President and District 2 Trustee Joyce Anderson was elected Secretary/Treasurer.
CONGRATULATIONS!
GERALD ANDERSON
JOYCE ANDERSON
PRESIDENT
VICE PRESIDENT
SECRETARY/TREASURER
District 4 Trustee Member since 1999 Resides in Ocala
District 3 Trustee Member since 2013 Resides in The Villages
District 2 Trustee Member since 2017 Resides in Sumterville
JOYCE ANDERSON
RAY VICK
MIKE MUFFETT
District 1 Trustee Member since 2004 Resides in Clermont
District 5 Trustee Member since 1974 Resides in Inverness
District 6 Trustee Member since 1984 Resides in Summerfield
JOSEPH KUSIAK
WILLIAM JAMES
MORGAN HATFIELD
District 7 Trustee Member since 2002 Resides in Dunnellon
District 8 Trustee Member since 2002 Resides in Leesburg
District 9 Trustee Member since 2019 Resides in Paisley
RICHARD DENNISON
The Board of Trustees will meet on Monday, May 24, 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, June 28, 2021.
8 SECO Energy.com MAY 2021 | SECO NEWS SECO Energy is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Report an Outage: stormcenter.secoenergy.com 24/7 Job Hotline: secoenergyjobs.com