November 2025 SECO News

N OVE M BE R 2025

INSIDE THIS ISSUE • Trustee Insight • Energy Savings

Community & Cooperative Spirit

• Member Q&A • Toys for Tots

DEAR MEMBERS, As we move into November, I'm excited to share a season of new beginnings and heartfelt gratitude with our members. In October, we launched the cooperative's very f irst podcast, Power Chat In the Electric Lounge, which drops every second Thursday of the month. Episode 1, "Welcome, Introduction – Who We Are & Why We Serve," highlights the values that guide us each day.

Episode 2, "CEO Journey in the Industry; Careers," shares my path in the electric cooperative world and introduces career opportunities at SECO Energy. I invite you to connect with us.

November is also a season of thanks. On behalf of our employees and Board of Trustees, I extend my sincere gratitude to you, our members, for the trust you place in us. Your cooperative exists to serve you – and every decision we make keeps members at the center.

As the holidays approach, I encourage you to keep both safety and savings in mind.

Even in Florida, some members use space heaters on chilly mornings and nights, so please review our safety tips. And remember, hurricane season isn't officially over until November 30. Please stay prepared and know that we're always ready to respond if severe weather impacts our area.

This month, I also pause to honor my fellow veterans in our community, as well as the many veterans among our 495 employees and our Board of Trustees. We are deeply grateful for their service and sacrifice.

Finally, I invite you to join us in giving back this holiday season. Throughout the month of November, we'll be collecting toys for "Toys for Tots" at our Member Service Center locations. And don't forget to support your neighbors by shopping locally on November 29, Small Business Saturday. In addition, your co-op will be returning Capital Credits – another Trustee-directed benefit unique to cooperative membership and another way your co-op gives back to you and the communities we serve.

Thank you for being part of our cooperative family.

With gratitude,

CURTIS WYNN

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

560303 741903 180203

170010 043305 270401 OCTOBER 2025 | SECO NEWS

1

TRUSTEE INSIGHT GIVING BACK IS THE SECO WAY

PRESIDENT & DISTRICT 3 TRUSTEE, GERALD ANDERSON

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO Energy's focus is on serving you, not generating profits. When the cooperative has excess funds, or margins from earning more than it spends, those funds are returned to members in the form of Capital Credits.

At the recent September Board of Trustees Meeting, your fellow Trustees and I voted to approve the return of $4.04 million in member equity to both current and former members, reinforcing our commitment to member satisfaction. Credits are allocated based on your home's electricity usage, so be sure to check your November billing statement for your Capital Credit refund.

In addition to returning funds, we also reinvest unretired funds into improving our infrastructure. This helps enhance service reliability and meet the demands of Central Florida's rapid growth. At the end of 2024, we reached another significant milestone with over $1.4 billion invested in our electric plant and assets, ensuring we can serve you better every day.

Capital Credits are more than just a line on your statement; they're a tangible reflection of the cooperative difference.

Member Q & A:

Space Heater Safety & Smart Devices •

A smart thermostat can learn your schedule and adjust the temperatures when you're away or asleep, keeping your home cozy without wasting energy.

•

Smart plugs can also cut power to devices – like space heaters – when they're not in use.

QUESTION FROM MEMBER:

As the cold sets in, space heaters are a convenient way to stay warm, but they can also increase your energy bill. How can members who use space heaters save energy?

YOU ASK; WE ANSWER:

To stay cozy without driving up your energy costs, use space heaters safely and properly.

•

Place heaters on a flat, nonflammable surface and always turn them off when leaving the room.

•

Choose models with automatic shut-off features for added safety and peace of mind.

Smart devices can help you stay comfortable and save money with minimal effort.

Use SmartHub to create a home energy profile and track how much electricity each appliance consumes and how that translates into dollars spent. Additionally, SECO's Smart Connect program offers even more savings.

Residential members can earn rewards for reducing energy use during peak demand times. When enrolled in Smart Connect, your smart thermostat, EV charging, and battery backup systems can all help you earn incentives while keeping your home energy efficient.

Cooking Up Energy Savings The holiday season often means extra cooking for festive parties and family gatherings, which can spike energy use. Fortunately, you don't have to sacrifice holiday feasts to save on energy.

When cooking, utilize smaller countertop appliances rather than relying solely on the stovetop or oven. Slow cookers, toaster ovens, air fryers, and Instant Pots consume significantly less energy than traditional ovens, keeping your kitchen cooler.

When using the stove, match your cookware to the size of the burner. Using pots and pans that are the wrong size can waste energy and increase cooking time. Cooking with a lid on your pots and pans traps heat and moisture, which speeds up cooking and reduces energy consumption. Plus, it helps preserve nutrients and flavors!

Finally, don't forget to keep your stove clean for even heat distribution. Your dishes will cook faster, and you'll use less energy.

By making a few simple adjustments in the kitchen, you can enjoy your holiday meals without the extra energy costs.

Source: energy.gov

OCTOBER 2025 | SECO NEWS

3

BRING JOY TO LOCAL CHILDREN

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

SECO Energy is excited to announce that we are continuing our longstanding tradition of supporting the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program.

From November 3 – December 5, we invite all SECO Energy employees and community members to donate new, unwrapped toys at one of our f ive Member Service Centers in Eustis, Groveland, Inverness, Ocala, or Sumterville. Donations are accepted Monday through Friday, and every toy makes a meaningful difference.

Retired Marines and dedicated volunteers collect donations in early December, ensuring they are distributed in time for the holidays. Every toy donated through SECO Energy's drive stays right here in our community, giving local children gifts to unwrap on Christmas morning. For some, it may be the only gift they receive, making your contribution even more meaningful.

This holiday season, let's come together and make it one to remember. Every toy you donate spreads peace, joy, and goodwill to children in our community.

If your family is in need of toys this holiday season, visit ToysforTots.org/request-a-toy/ to request a donation.

Need help deciding on a gift to donate? Visit SECO Energy's Toys for Tots wish list on Amazon by scanning the QR code.

The Board of Trustees will meet on Monday, November 17, 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, December 15, 2025.

4

SECO Energy earns this award based on data modeled by the ACSI® in 2025. Award criteria are determined by the ACSI based on customers rating their satisfaction with SECO Energy in a survey independent of the syndicated ACSI Energy Utility Study. For more about the ACSI, visit www.theacsi.org/badges. ACSI and its logo are registered trademarks of the American Customer Satisfaction Index LLC.

OCTOBER | SECO SECO2025 Energy is anNEWS equal opportunitySECO provider Energy.com and employer.