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What’s happening at your Co-op? SECO Annual Meeting is Saturday, March 27 At this year’s Saturday morning meeting those attending will be treated to refreshments and entertainment featuring Margo Rochelle & Rodeo Drive. In SECO’s Technology and Conservation Tent, members will see a wide range of displays giving them the knowledge they need to make real inroads into conserving energy. Each registered member receives a free gift and is eligible for the big raffle at the end of the business meeting. Top prizes include a refurbished Dodge Dakota 4x4, club cab pick-up truck, one $1,000 and three $500 cash awards. There is also a host of other major prizes that will be given away during the drawing. Registration for the event begins at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday morning and continues until the business meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. SECO is a member-owned, not-for-profit utility serving 170,000 members and their families in parts of Marion, Lake, Citrus, Sumter, Pasco, Hernando, and Levy counties. Printable PDF February 26, 2010 January 12, 2010 Barry Bowman, SECO Director of Corporate Communications, said, “A statistically valid sample of members in Marion, Lake, Citrus and Sumter counties were surveyed. Overall, members continue to think very highly of their cooperative with a mean overall satisfaction rating of 8.92 on a 10-point scale with seven in ten members giving ratings of 9 or 10.” Bowman noted that the co-op scored very highly on having courteous and friendly employees, having accurate and understandable bills, supporting the local community, being environmentally sensitive, minimizing longer outages and restoring power quickly after an outage, keeping members informed, and delivering good value for the money to name a few of the categories. Another measurement which was contained within the survey was a series of questions that compare SECO to other types of companies who seek to rate themselves on the nationally recognized American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI). “Again,” said Bowman, “SECO’s ACSI score of 85 was one of the highest in the industry and ranked higher than the average for the nation’s Touchstone Energy co-ops, the ranked investor-owned electric utilities in Florida, and was 11 points above the electric industry average of 72. We also scored higher than PepsiCo, Target Corporation, Nike, Verizon, DirecTV and others who are not in the electric industry.” “We appreciate the input of our members. Their thoughts help us stay on top of what is important to them. For our part, we pledge to continue to provide them with the most reliable and lowest cost electricity possible while not losing sight of the high premium our members place on customer service,” he concluded. Printable PDF January 5, 2010 SECO Director of Corporate Communications Barry Bowman said, “The selection of those students who will receive scholarships will be based on each individual’s past and present activities in school and the community, financial need and scholastic record. All applicants will be evaluated by an independent panel of educators from around the SECO service territory.” He noted that to qualify, graduates must reside in a home being served by SECO and be enrolled in an accredited college, university or vocational/technical school by the end of 2010. Applications are now available at area high school guidance offices and at any of SECO’s customer service centers in Marion, Lake, Citrus, and Sumter counties. They must be returned to SECO no later than March 26, 2010. “The SECO scholarship program reaffirms the Co-op’s commitment to the future of our young people, and while the program has no impact on the cost of electricity, it is a significant benefit for those awardees struggling to fund their higher education,” concluded Bowman. SECO officials pointed out that other scholarship resources can be found on the Internet including the following sites: findtuition.com; syf.org; careersandcolleges.com; freecollegescholarships.net; etc. Printable PDF January 4, 2010 Bowman urged anyone using space heaters as supplemental heat sources to be very careful. He said that heaters should be kept well away from flammables, as well as pets and children. If an electric space heater is being used and the power does go off unexpectedly, it is advisable to turn the heater off to prevent it coming on when the homeowner is not present. That also helps reduce a surge in the power load demand across the SECO system when power is restored. SECO serves approximately 170,000 member/customers in Citrus, Marion, Lake, Sumter, Pasco, Levy and Hernando counties. Printable PDF
The check represents Citrus Public Schools’ share of capital credits distributed to all eligible SECO customers. (Pictured from right) SECO Key Accounts Consultant Brian Gibbs presents the check to Citrus County Schools Superintendent Sandra “Sam” Kimmel. Sharing of excess margins through capital credits is a program unique to not-for-profit electric cooperatives. Printable PDF
The check represents Sumter Public Schools’ share of capital credits distributed to all eligible SECO customers. (Pictured from left) SECO Key Accounts Consultant Brian Gibbs presents the check to Citrus County Schools Superintendent Rick Shirley. Sharing of excess margins through capital credits is a program unique to not-for-profit electric cooperatives. Printable PDF
December 10, 2009 The check represents Marion Public Schools’ shareof capital credits distributed to all eligible SECO customers. (Pictured from left) SECO Key Accounts Consultant Brian Gibbs presents the check to Marion County Schools Superintendent Jim Yancey. Mr. Yancey indicated the check was most welcome and would be put to good use. Printable PDF December 8, 2009 SECO CEO, Jim Duncan, said, “According to the American Heart Association, 50 percent of the 1,000 North Americans who die from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) every day have no prior knowledge that they had heart disease. And according to the Occupational Health & Safety Administration, 13 percent of all workplace fatalities result from sudden cardiac arrest. With our new AEDs, we’re sending a clear message to our community: We care about your heart safety and we’re doing something about it.” The only definitive treatment for SCA is a defibrillation shock — an electrical pulse through the heart — to restore a normal heart rhythm. The chance of an SCA victim's survival decreases by seven to ten percent for every minute that passes. Therefore, defibrillation must be administered within the first few minutes of SCA in order to be effective. Dave Marver, president and chief executive officer of Cardiac Science reiterated, “A shock from a readily accessible defibrillator is just about the only way to save an SCA victim. The Cardiac Science AED is really easy to use because it includes easy-to-follow voice instructions to guide rescuers through the process. We hope others are inspired to follow SECO’s lead by protecting people wherever they work, play, or pray.” SECO Director of Communications, Barry Bowman, said, “All of our employees have been trained in the use of these new AEDs and the devices have been placed at strategic locations in all of our buildings for ready use. I know our older customers, in particular, will feel comforted by this initiative because regardless of which office they are visiting there is effective help close at hand should they suffer sudden cardiac arrest.” The American Heart Association and National Center for Health Statistics note that with earlier defibrillation, 40,000 more lives could be saved each year. For more info on the Cardiac Science AEDs contact www.cardiacscience.com. Printable PDF November 13, 2009 “We are a not-for-profit, member-owned electric cooperative. That means our focus is on delivering the most reliable, lowest cost electricity possible and best customer service we can to our members. We hope the members will take the time to answer the survey being conducted by NRECA Market Research Services on our behalf,” he said. Bowman concluded by noting that the survey process is one of the numerous ways that SECO stays in close touch with its overall membership. He stated that, in a co-op, member thoughts and opinions are important and help guide co-op operations. Printable PDF October 19, 2009 While SECO faces many of the same economic challenges our members face, the Co-op does remain in stable financial condition. That being the case, the Board of Trustees has determined that SECO members will get $1.4 million in capital credits returned to them in November. Over the last fourteen years SECO has given back $16 million to its customers in Lake, Marion, Sumter, Citrus, Pasco, Levy, and Hernando counties. “As a member-owned utility, we continually strive to keep the focus on what is good for our members and the communities in which they live. Being able to share capital credits is unique to the cooperative business model,” he concluded. Printable PDF October 8, 2009 The response was outstanding. Over 2,000 members eagerly took the opportunity to have a one-on-one interaction with SECO energy specialists and gather a wealth of information on energy savings through free copies of the co-op’s energy management publications. When asked about the energy mini-expo one participant said, “It was very helpful; lots of tips and pointers.” Another member said, “I don’t know of any other utility that would do this for their customers.” Those reactions were universal amongst attendees. SECO Director of Corporate Communications Barry Bowman noted that the mobility of the trailer allows SECO to take its message on the road and right to the people as part of the ongoing effort to help customers save on their energy bills and help conserve resources. He also pointed out that the mobile unit serves an important second function. “It will allow us to have a mobile assistance center that we can move into an area hit hard by a tornado or hurricane. Working out of the trailer we’ll be able to render on-site help to those who have been severely impacted by a destructive weather event.” The mobile service center has a drop down stage with built-in sound system. It also features a member area where DVD’s can be viewed and conversations can be held. Over the next year SECO’s customer service trailer will be a common sight throughout the Co-op’s seven county territory. PPrintable PDF October 6, 2009 SECO employees choose where their individual donations go and the
“Our employees face many of the same economic challenges that our member/customers are facing. However, despite the current economic climate, they have certainly not abandoned their tradition of commitment to the communities we serve and the people who live within them,” said SECO CEO Jim Duncan. “I am very proud of them for their support of United Way, but it’s also important to mention that our employees are involved in a wide variety of humanitarian and community causes and events throughout the year. They do so by donating their time, talents and monetary support,” he concluded. The Co-op also has its own humanitarian programs such as the SECO Angel Fund and the SECO Gatekeeper Program. Both programs have lent support to literally thousands of people who were in need of help. Printable PDF September 16, 2009 Bowman noted that the new secure website is www.secosurge.info and it can also be accessed from the co-op’s corporate website at www.secoenergy.com. The goal is to give people an easy way to order additional interior surge devices beyond what is provided in the free interior kit members get when enrolled in the program. He explained that when members join the program they have two options. They can purchase the meter based exterior surge protector for $299 plus tax or they can lease the device for $5.95 per month with a one-time installation charge of $25. Either way, they also get a free assortment of interior surge devices for additional protection for things inside the home like televisions, computers, etc. Bowman said, “Sometimes people have a need for additional protectors for inside the home. Now they can go to the new website, see a wide variety of products and order them from their easy chair. SECO customers no longer have to go to one of SECO’s offices to pick up any additional items they may need.” He concluded by saying items can also be ordered by calling 1 (800) 638-3788 and that, whether it is a phone order or an internet order, the products are delivered right to customers’ doorsteps. Printable PDF September 16, 2009 As SECO CEO Jim Duncan pointed out, “Biomass is one of the truly practical renewable fuels we should be developing in Florida and Seminole is to be congratulated on this acquisition. It will have a positive impact on our environment.” Seminole’s chief executive, Tim Woodbury, says the new contract reflects the cooperative’s continued commitment to renewable resources and environmental stewardship. “Biomass is clean, efficient, reliable, and renewable,” Woodbury noted, “and it’s price-competitive with traditional energy sources, an important factor in holding down the retail cost of electricity.” Southeast’s chief executive, Aaron Pepper, said that SRF has taken a unique approach to Florida policy makers’ calls for development of advanced energy concepts. Instead of relying on unproven technology that hasn’t been scaled to production levels, SRF has modeled the facility after well-established processes successfully deployed in places such as Brazil. “We are very pleased to be working with Seminole Electric and thankful to the State of Florida, Governor Crist, Commissioner Bronson, and the Florida Energy and Climate Commission for assisting in developing the State’s first commercial Advanced Bio-Refinery,” he added. The new facility is also expected to help Seminole meet forecasted growth in the demand for electricity in Florida. Seminole said it continues to work with its members to slow that growth through energy efficiency and conservation initiatives. One megawatt of energy can meet the energy needs of about 600 average-size homes. In turn, this 25 megawatt biomass plant will meet the needs of approximately 15,000 homes. Printable PDF July 23, 2009 SECO Director of Corporate Communications, Barry Bowman, said, “Central Florida is the lightning capital of North America. The new vidcast is designed to let folks know that there are ways to protect the appliances and electronics that they have worked so hard to acquire. Having to replace expensive equipment, especially in this economic climate, is not something the average homeowner wants to be confronted with and surge protection can help.” Bowman noted that SECO offers its members an exceptionally high quality surge protection program that they can lease or buy. “We began to offer this program as a result of a member survey in which our customers asked for this service specifically,” he said. The vidcast format is an informal conversation between Bowman and SECO’s Marketing and Communications Coordinator John Adams. It is available on SECO’s corporate website www.secoenergy.com and on YouTube. SECO serves 170,000 customers in parts of Marion, Lake, Sumter, Citrus, Pasco, Levy and Hernando counties. The co-op’s service territory is 2,000 square miles in size and it delivers electricity to its member/customers over 11,350 miles of SECO owned power lines. Printable PDF June 1, 2009 The vidcast format is an informal conversation between SECO Director of Corporate Communications Barry Bowman and SECO Director of Reliability and Operations John LaSelva. SECO serves 170,000 customers in parts of Marion, Lake, Sumter, Citrus, Pasco, Levy and Hernando counties. The co-op’s service territory is 2,000 square miles in size and it delivers electricity to its member/customers over 11,350 miles of SECO owned power lines. Printable PDF June 16, 2009 SECO Director of Corporate Communications, Barry Bowman, said, “We have had SECO’s energy services specialists trained at the Florida Solar Energy Center to be able to offer builders a very valuable service. Our energy services group has passed the exams necessary to receive their Green Building Rater Certification. Now area builders can have SECO rate their new home construction as truly energy efficient and receive official certification through the Florida Green Building Coalition, Inc. (FGBC). “That’s a good thing because more energy efficient homes in Florida mean lower utility bills and help conserve energy resources. Not only that, a green certification will give builders an edge in marketing their new construction to potential buyers.” Bowman noted that SECO’s green team will work hand-in-hand with builders as construction progresses to ensure their building practices are meeting the standards for certification. He said SECO will use the recommended tiered rating system where scoring is awarded at different levels according to points achieved over the minimum point threshold. Builders can achieve a bronze, silver, gold or platinum level certification. “We are going to look at a wide variety of categories including energy and water use, site prep, construction materials and more. Each item evaluated has a point value associated with it. The more points achieved, the higher the rating. In addition to their official certification through FGBC, builders participating in the program will also receive a special certificate from SECO documenting their home ratings, which can be used for marketing purposes,” Bowman concluded. Area builders interested in finding out more about green building certifications are invited to call SECO at 352-793-3801, extension 1202. Printable PDF May 21, 2009
Standing from left to right: Skye Pepe (Citrus High School), Jordan Lewis (Williston High School), Nezla Jans (West Port High School), Elizabeth Wall (South Sumter High School), Katherine Fischer (The Villages High School), Cristina Tremante (Citrus High School), SECO CEO James Duncan, Julie Earles (South Sumter High School), Alison Brooks (South Sumter High School), Wendy Roth (Lake Weir High School), Lydia Greiner (Citrus High School), Christopher Boogar (Tavares High School), and Wren Murphy (Deland High School) was not available for the photo. Printable PDF April 24, 2009 Duncan said, “With today’s high cost of a college education, every dollar that can be dedicated to the pursuit of higher education is important. At SECO we’re very proud of the young people in our service territory and we hope that, following college, some of them will bring their new found skills and knowledge back to our area. We wish our scholars well as they pursue their academic endeavors.” This year a record 176 qualified applicants were evaluated based on their scholastic achievements, school and community service activities, and financial need. The 12 SECO Scholars for 2009 are:
These outstanding seniors were selected by SECO’s Scholarship Committee of independent educators from the application materials submitted by each student. The Committee members come from the Sumter, Lake, Marion, and Citrus county school systems. Scholarship recipients and their families will be honored at a special reception at SECO’s headquarters building in Sumterville at 3:30 p.m. on May 18, 2009. SECO's Jim Duncan warns of Carbon Tax As he did in his keynote address before 3,500 people at SECO’s annual meeting on March 28, he told the business leaders that comprise the Sumter Chamber that he believes the nation is “on a collision course that will result in rapidly escalating electric rates and diminishing electric system reliability.” In his speech before the Chamber he said, “The driving forces on this collision course are man-made climate-change proponents and a government that sees climate-change legislation as a huge revenue opportunity – a/k/a taxes.” According to Duncan, the most onerous of these federal proposals relates to what is being called “cap and trade”, but what is, in actuality, a carbon tax. Under a cap and trade system such as is being proposed by the President and many in Congress, Duncan says consumers of electricity in Florida will likely see a $50 increase in their monthly electric bill which means $600 more per year. He also noted that the $50 projection is a conservative estimate. It could be much higher. He pointed out that even President Obama recently acknowledged that a cap and trade program would indeed cause American consumers to see enormous increases in their electric bills. “Cap and trade,” said Duncan, “simply seeks to charge any manufacturer or any producer of electricity fees for the amount of CO2 emitted. It does not help the environment one iota as it does nothing to limit CO2 emissions. It is simply a revenue generator for the federal government to spend as it sees fit. In the end, the astronomical cost of cap and trade will be borne by the consumer.” SECO’s CEO urged attendees to become more engaged with their legislators and to demand answers to questions about the affordability of what Congress is proposing. He noted that people can ask those questions by going to www.ourfloridaenergy.com or going to SECO’s website www.secoenergy.com and clicking on the Our Energy, Our Future icon. (printable PDF) Arbor Day Foundation honors SECO Energy John Rosenow, chief executive of the foundation, noted that trees are extremely beneficial in helping to clean the air and water. They also help conserve water and increase property values. He pointed out that Tree Line USA utilities bring their communities many environmental and economic benefits. SECO CEO Jim Duncan said, “We are honored to have been designated a Tree Line USA utility. Proper tree care enhances our ability to deliver reliable electric power and insures that more beautiful trees will live on into the future. We are very proud of our tree program here at SECO and it is yet another example of this co-op’s concern for our environment and the creatures that share it with us.” For additional data on SECO’s tree program interested persons can go to www.secoenergy.com and go to the drop down menu under the heading “environment” where there is a wealth of information for public consumption. SECO serves 170,000 members and their families in Marion, Lake, Citrus, Sumter, Levy, Pasco and Hernando counties. Printable PDF Top five ways to save energy in the home 1. THERMOSTAT SETTINGS
2. HVAC SYSTEM
3. DUCT LEAKS
4. INTERIOR DOOR CLOSURE
5. INFILTRATION
Want more energy-saving advice? Visit www.secoenergy.com/energy.html for a host of additional tips, on-line energy audits, and more. SECO serves 170,000 accounts in Lake, Marion, Sumter, Citrus, Pasco, Levy, and Hernando counties. Printable PDF SECO’s Jim Duncan honored as outstanding communicator SECO testing hybrid technology Page last updated: Friday, March 5, 2010 |
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