SECO Energy is a not-for-profit electric cooperative, which means the members we serve – you – are also our owners. Every decision we make is driven by one simple question: How do we provide safe, reliable electricity at the lowest reasonable cost while preparing for the future? Unlike investor-owned utilities, we answer only to our members, not outside investors, and we’re governed by a Board of Trustees elected by and from the membership.
to members quickly and safely. Our employees understand they're not just managing a utility – they're managing a cooperative that belongs to their friends, family, and neighbors.
Technology plays an important role in controlling costs, improving service, and helping us operate our electric system more efficiently. Our online account management platform, SmartHub, gives you the information you need to make informed decisions about your energy use and monthly budget.
Programs like Smart Connect also help keep costs down for everyone. By reducing electricity demand during peak periods, members who participate in Smart Connect help lower wholesale power costs – our cooperative's largest expense – which benefits the entire membership.
Keeping rates affordable requires careful planning, sound financial management, and smart decisions every day. While weather, fuel prices, inflation, supply chain disruptions, and other market factors are beyond anyone's control, we focus on managing the things we can control to minimize their impact on our members whenever possible. Every dollar we save is a dollar we don't have to recover through rates. Our goal isn't simply to keep rates low today – it's to help keep them as affordable as possible for years to come.
We carefully evaluate purchases, negotiate contracts, and strategically plan investments to maximize value while minimizing the impact of rising costs. Every investment balances today's needs with the long-term reliability our members will depend on for decades to come.
Behind the scenes, our employees continually look for ways to improve processes, embrace new technology, and work more efficiently. Their member-first dedication helps reduce unnecessary costs while allowing us to respond
Being a good steward of our members' money isn't just a responsibility – it's a promise. Every decision we make is focused on delivering reliable service, maintaining affordable rates, and building a stronger cooperative for today's members and future generations. That's the cooperative difference, and it's our commitment to you.
Sincerely,
CURTIS WYNN CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
YOUTH TOUR WASHINGTON RECAP
SECO Energy’s student delegates participated in the 2026 Electric Cooperative Youth Tour in Washington, D.C., sponsored by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). Four student delegates who reside in our service area joined more than 2,000 students from across the country to represent SECO Energy on a fully sponsored, oncein-a-lifetime trip to tour our nation’s capital.
The week-long experience introduces students to the cooperative business model, public service, and the important role electric cooperatives play in strengthening communities and powering America's future.
Throughout the week, SECO's delegates met with elected officials, participated in leadership workshops, explored career opportunities in energy and public service, and gained a firsthand understanding of how government and electric cooperatives work together to serve communities. Along the way, they built lasting friendships with students from across the country while developing leadership, communication, and teamwork skills that will benefit them for years to come.
Students also experienced our nation's rich history through visits to many of Washington, D.C.'s most iconic landmarks, including the U.S. Capitol, Arlington National Cemetery, the National Mall, the Smithsonian museums, the Jefferson Memorial, George Washington's Mount Vernon, The People's House, Washington National Cathedral, and other historic sites.
By investing in Youth Tour, SECO Energy continues its commitment to empowering young leaders, fostering civic engagement, and preparing tomorrow's decision-makers to make a positive difference in their communities.
Congratulations to our 2026 National Youth Tour Student Delegates!
Fromlefttoright: Makenzie Rees(TheVillages High School, The Villages), Simmone Hymiller (East Ridge High School, Clermont), Valentina EscobarandHayleighTuro(ForestHighSchool, Ocala)
CELEBRATING THREE DECADES OF SURGE PROTECTION
SECO Energy is celebrating thirty years of surge protection! In honor of this milestone, enroll in our Surge MitiGator™ Surge Protection program throughout August and September 2026 for a chance to win one of 30 $100 bill credits! Lease and purchase options are available. Scan the QR code to learn more and enroll today.
Members who are currently enrolled in a lease or previously purchased a surge device, are automatically entered to win. Enroll Today!
Q & A
WHICH APPLIANCES USE THE MOST ENERGY?
Some household appliances use more electricity than others. Knowing which appliances use the most energy can help you make smarter choices that help lower your usage and reduce your monthly bill. Here is a breakdown of the home appliances that use the largest amounts of electricity, as well as some tips on how to manage the consumption and save each month:
HVAC Systems (Heating & Cooling): This is by far the largest energy consumer in your home, on average making up 40-50% of your monthly bill.
• Set your thermostat to 78°F in summer and 68°F or lower in winter for optimal efficiency.
• Set your ceiling fan to rotate clockwise at a low speed during colder months to gently push warm air downward, improving circulation and reducing strain on your HVAC system.
• Clean or replace air filters regularly to maintain efficiency.
Water Heater: Approximately 15% of your monthly energy use.
• Lower your water heater temperature to 120°F to reduce the strain of maintaining a higher temperature in your water tank.
• Consider adding a timer to allow the unit to run only two to four hours per day.
• Switch to a tankless water heater for on-demand heating when possible.
Refrigerator and Freezer: Approximately 10% of your monthly energy use.
• Keep your fridge temperature at 37-40°F and freezer at 0°F.
• Make sure the door seals are tight to prevent cold air from escaping and warm air from coming in.
• Avoid overcrowding or keeping the door open for too long.
Washer & Dryer: Approximately 10% of your monthly energy use.
• Wash clothes in cold water.
• Dry clothes at the lowest heat setting or air-dry with a clothesline when possible.
• Clean your dryer’s lint filter regularly for better efficiency. Lighting: Approximately 10% of your monthly energy use.
• Switch to LED bulbs, which use up to 90% less energy than incandescent bulbs.
• Turn off the lights each time you leave the room.
• Take advantage of natural daylight whenever possible by opening blinds and curtains.
TVs, Computers, and Entertainment Systems: Approximately 5% of your monthly energy use.
• Unplug devices or use a smart power strip to cut phantom energy use.
• Enable energy-saving mode on your TV and computer.
• Use a laptop instead of a desktop computer, which consumes up to 80% less energy.
Stove and Oven: Approximately 5% of your monthly energy use.
• Use a microwave, air fryer, slow cooker, or other small cooking appliances, which are more energy efficient than ovens.
• Avoid opening the oven door to keep heat from escaping while cooking.
• Match the pot size to the burner to avoid wasted heat and use lids to cook food faster.
TRUSTEE INSIGHT
SECO ENERGY FOUNDATION IS LIGHTING THE WAY TO A BRIGHTER COMMUNITY
A Message from Marty Proctor, District 8 Trustee
The SECO Energy Foundation continues to make a meaningful difference across the communities we serve by helping families in need, supporting students, honoring veterans, and enhancing the overall quality of life. These efforts reflect SECO Energy's commitment to the cooperative principle of Concern for Community and would not be possible without the generosity of our members. We sincerely thank everyone who participates in the Foundation's Round Up program. Your small monthly contributions make a big impact in the communities we call home.
So far this year, the SECO Energy Foundation's Board of Directors has approved 37 grants with awards totaling almost $600,000. These grants support programs that strengthen families, promote education, and help improve the communities we serve throughout Central Florida.
The SECO Energy Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to uplifting local communities. These funds support a diverse range of impactful initiatives across SECO Energy’s service area, advancing public safety, educational STEM, energy efficiency, environmental stewardship, veterans’ services, and health and human services.
Each awarded organization plays a vital role in strengthening our communities. For more information visit secofoundation.org.
First and Second Quarter 2026 Focus Areas:
$344,500 (21 grants) Health and Human Services
$125,000 (6 grants) STEM Educational Programs
For more information or to apply, visit secofoundation.org/.
$70,000 (6 grants) Veterans' Initiatives
$34,050 (3 grants) Public Safety
$20,000 (1 grant) Environmental Projects
A Trustees’ meeting will also be held on Monday, September 28, 2026, at 2:30 p.m.
The Board of Trustees will meet on Monday, August 31, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. in the Corporate Offices at 330 South US HWY 301 in Sumterville.
SECO Energy earns this award based on data modeled by the ACSI® in 2026. Award criteria are determined by the ACSI based
