At SECO Energy, we’re proud to serve over 250,000 homes and businesses across Central Florida with reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity. But did you know that the electricity flowing through SECO’s lines begins its journey at a partner cooperative that we help govern and support?
That partner is Seminole Electric Cooperative, one of the nation’s largest generation and transmission (G&T) cooperatives. SECO Energy is one of nine member-owner cooperatives of Seminole. This means we don’t just buy power from Seminole – we’re part owners. We help guide their strategy, invest in their future, and work together to ensure our members receive safe, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible energy.
How does it all work? Seminole generates electricity using diverse resources, including natural gas, coal, renewable energy, and purchased power. From its state-of-the-art Seminole Generating Station in Palatka to renewable solar partnerships across the state, Seminole plays a critical role in balancing reliability with environmental stewardship. Once that power is generated, Seminole ensures that it is transmitted to SECO’s substations, where we take over and deliver it directly to your home or business.
This partnership is more than a business arrangement – it’s a cooperative bond built on shared values and a common mission to serve our members. Having a strong, transparent relationship with Seminole Electric Cooperative ensures that SECO has a voice in major energy decisions, access to long-
term, affordable power supply contracts, and the ability to plan effectively for the future as energy technologies and consumer needs continue to evolve.
Thanks in part to this reliable supply of power and the strength of our local distribution system, SECO Energy has earned industry-leading reliability scores year after year. We consistently outperform national benchmarks in key reliability metrics like System Average Interruption Frequency Index (SAIFI), System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI) – meaning SECO members experience fewer outages and shorter durations when outages occur. And when the lights go out, our crews respond with unmatched speed and professionalism to restore power quickly and safely.
Thank you for trusting SECO Energy to power your homes, businesses, and lives. We don’t take your trust for granted, and we will continue to work with great partners like Seminole Electric Cooperative to keep the power flowing, the lights on, and our service strong.
Sincerely,
CURTIS WYNN CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Seminole Electric Cooperative's Combined Cycle Facility in Putman County.
NATIONAL ELECTRICAL SAFETY MONTH
May is National Electrical Safety Month. Safety is SECO’s top core value, and members and communities are encouraged to work and play safely around electricity. Seniors and children are at greatest risk of suffering injury or death from a home electrical fire, making awareness and prevention especially important.
Electrical energy is inherently dangerous. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (EFSI), over 51,000 homes are damaged or destroyed due to electrical fires each year and cause over 500 deaths and 1,400 injuries, along with $1.3 billion in property damage.
Knowing the basics of your home’s electrical system is one of the best ways to prevent electrical fires. Outdated wiring and overloaded circuits – especially common in older homes – are among the leading causes of electrical fires. Warning signs may include flickering lights, frequently tripped breakers, and a burning smell near outlets or switches. These could indicate that your home’s electrical wiring and outlets may need to be updated.
If you suspect your home’s wiring needs an update, hire a licensed and insured electrician. Electrical repairs are not a DIY project. A professional can safely inspect your system and, if needed, add outlets or upgrade your electrical panel to reduce the risk of overloaded circuits.
Stay safe around utility equipment. Never touch or play around utility equipment such as padmount transformers (big green electric boxes) or overhead power lines. If you see a power line on the ground, stay away; it may still be energized and dangerous. Touching power lines can kill you. After a storm, be alert for fallen wires – call 911 to report these immediately.
Vehicle crashes involving power poles can result in energized lines near the accident. If it’s safe, remain in the vehicle until first responders confirm it’s clear to exit.
RATE TARIFF UPDATE:
A recent comprehensive cost-of-service study – which included a routine analysis of plant facilities, expenses, financial forecast, and revenue requirement – found that the current rate structure needs to be updated to align with SECO’s growing membership and rising operational expenses. As a result, effective May 1, residential kilowatt hour (kWh) rates will increase by an average of 9.17%.
On October 1, the second phase of the area light pole rental fee adjustment will take effect. This will impact members affiliated with a homeowners’ association (HOA) or property owners’ association (POA), developers, and city and county governments. The second phase of the pole rental fee increase has been reduced following an updated cost analysis and operational changes. For details, visit SECOEnergy.com/Newsroom.
2025 YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
Congratulations to the graduating class of 2025! SECO Energy is funding $36,000 in scholarships to 12 local high school seniors to help them begin their journey as they pursue higher education.
Cayman Azis, Celebration High School – Marine Biology and Ecology
Abigail Colon, West Port High School – Animal Science
Cedrick Gener, Citrus High School – Electrical Engineering
Maria Leon-Salazar, Real Life Christian Academy – Mechanical Engineering
Suhani Nihalani, Vanguard High School – Biomedical Engineering
Isabella Raistrick, West Port High School – Nursing
Charles Randall, Foundation Academy – Nuclear Engineering
Peyton Ressler, The Villages Charter High School – Political Science
Jonathan Rodriguez, Lake County Home School – Mechanical Engineering
Mittie Thomas-O’Brien, Umatilla High School – Health Services Administration
Zachary Townsend, Belleview High School – Constructional Engineering
Leslie Zavala-Guillen, South Sumter High School – Medicine
SECO Energy proudly recognizes these student scholars for their determination, hard work, and scholasticandpersonalachievements.Congratulations,students,youareonyourwaytomeeting your education and career goals!
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and Board Secretary/Treasurer Morgan Hatfield was elected to serve her first term as Board Vice President. District 2 Trustee Joyce Anderson was elected to serve as the Secretary/Treasurer – a role she previously held between 2022 and 2023.
SECO Energy’s Trustees serve as the governing body of your cooperative. One of the Seven Cooperative Principles, Democratic Member Control, is at the heart of how SECO and other cooperatively structured organizations operate. Trustees are democratically elected by the members who reside in each of SECO’s nine geographic Districts, ensuring fair representation across our service area.
The Board of Trustees plays a vital role in providing oversight and shaping policy decisions. The Board works closely with SECO’s Executive Leadership Team to guide the cooperative toward fulfilling its Mission. As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO Energy is committed to delivering reliable and innovative energy services to its members and the communities it serves.
To find your District and read a short Trustee bio, visit secoenergy.com/board-of-trustees-2/.
The Board of Trustees will meet on Thursday, May 22, 2025, 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 30, 2025.
Summer is almost here – schedule an HVAC tune-up with a qualified technician before temperatures climb into triple digits. Our Energy Services Specialists recommend setting your thermostat to 78 degrees during the summer months for optimal energy savings and comfort. Use ceiling fans to help keep you cooler – but remember to turn them off when you leave the room.
Source: energy.gov
Left to right: Board Secretary/Treasurer Joyce Anderson, Board Vice President Morgan Hatfield, Board President Gerald Anderson, and SECO Energy CEO Curtis Wynn
