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SECO Energy Corporate Communications Wins National Spotlight on Excellence Award

SECO Energy Multimedia Supervisor Bryan Wooley, Director of Corporate Communications Amanda Richardson and CEO Curtis Wynn

SECO Energy is proud to announce that its corporate communications team has earned national recognition by winning Gold in the Best Social Media Post – Classification 3 (for distribution cooperatives with more than 65,000 meters) category at the 2025 Spotlight on Excellence Awards. Presented by the Council of Rural Electric Communicators and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, this prestigious award celebrates top-tier communication excellence among electric cooperatives nationwide. 

 

The award-winning social media post featured a powerful video message from SECO Energy Chief Executive Officer Curtis Wynn. Released in the critical hours ahead of Hurricane Milton’s landfall, the message urged members to prepare for the storm and highlighted SECO’s comprehensive readiness efforts. The video project, led by Director of Corporate Communications Amanda Richardson and Multimedia Supervisor Bryan Wooley, received praise for its clarity, urgency, and strong commitment to member safety. 

 

“We are honored to be recognized for work that directly supports and protects our members,” said Wynn, SECO Energy CEO. “Communication is just as vital as power restoration during a potential crisis, and this award validates our team’s dedication to excellence.” 

 

Hurricane Milton struck SECO’s 2,100-square-mile service area as a powerful Category 3 storm, leaving over 100,000 members without power. Throughout the storm and the restoration process, SECO’s communications team kept members informed with timely updates through StormCenter, social media, and SECOEnergy.com. Restoration efforts were nearly complete within days, with power safely and swiftly restored to more than 99% of affected members – even in hazardous conditions. 

 

The Spotlight on Excellence Awards honors the innovation and impact of cooperative communicators. Winners, like SECO Energy, exemplify best-in-class strategies across platforms and reinforce the value of effective communication, especially during emergencies.

 

“Like” SECO Energy on Facebook and follow @SECOEnergy on X (formerly Twitter) for prize drawings, news releases, and severe weather alerts affecting SECO Energy’s service territory. Manage your outage notification preferences at StormCenter. To see when SECO Energy crews/contractors are working in your area, visit our System Improvement Map. To learn more about SECO Energy as a not-for-profit cooperative, visit About SECO Energy.  

SECO Energy CEO Inspires LSSC Graduates with Powerful Commencement Speech

 

LSSC’s Interim President Dr. Laura Byrd presents SECO Energy CEO Curtis Wynn with the prestigious Lakehawk Award following his 2025 commencement address.

SECO Energy Chief Executive Officer Curtis Wynn delivered a powerful message of perseverance and purpose to the graduating class of 2025 at Lake-Sumter State College (LSSC) on Friday, May 9. In his heartfelt commencement speech, Wynn urged the graduates to embrace challenges, lead with intention, and not be afraid to take that first courageous step toward their future. Following the address, Wynn was honored with the 2025 LSSC Lakehawk Award in recognition of his impactful speech.

 

In his keynote, Wynn shared his journey from humble beginnings in Graceville, Florida, to becoming the first African American CEO of an electric cooperative in the United States and a nationally recognized leader in rural innovation and energy equity.

 

Speaking to an audience of faculty, families, and graduates, Wynn reminisced on his upbringing in a home that lacked modern conveniences. He spoke of the grit of his parents, and the resilience that propelled him from washing trucks at a rural electric cooperative to testifying before Congress.

 

“You are not just graduating, you’re breaking barriers, changing legacies and opening doors that others in your family may never have imagined,” Wynn said, connecting his own path to that of the many first-generation college graduates in the audience.

 

Wynn stressed the importance of seizing opportunities, sharing his own rise from truck washer to CEO, and emphasized the critical need for a new generation to enter the energy sector workforce. He specifically pointed to the college’s lineworker training program as an example of shaping a strong, skilled future workforce.

 

Curtis Wynn, Chief Executive Officer of SECO Energy, delivers the 2025 commencement address at Lake-Sumter State College’s Leesburg campus graduation ceremony.

SECO Energy is proud to partner with Lake-Sumter State College to power possibilities — for our students, for our communities, and for our future workforce,” said Wynn. “There are thousands of high-paying, purpose-driven careers in the energy industry waiting for graduates just like you.”

 

In his closing message to the class of 2025, Wynn urged them to lead with purpose. “Your background does not define your future — your perseverance does.” The speech was met with enthusiastic applause, confirming SECO Energy’s commitment to community, education, and economic opportunity across Central Florida.

 

As SECO Energy continues to invest in workforce development, SECO Energy encourages local students to consider careers in the energy industry. To learn more about career opportunities, visit SECOEnergy.com> Your Co-Op > Careers.

SECO Energy Celebrates 2025 Scholarship Awardees

The future is bright for SECO Energy’s 2025 Scholarship awardees. SECO’s Board of Trustees approved $36,000 in scholarships to high school seniors graduating this year who reside in homes served by SECO. These 12 outstanding local students exemplify academic excellence and leadership within their communities.  

 

On Monday, April 21, the SECO Youth Programs Committee hosted a special recognition event to honor this year’s 12 Youth Scholarship awardees. Each student was awarded a $3,000 scholarship to support their educational journey. 

 

SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees President and District 3 Trustee Gerald Anderson congratulated the 2025 Youth Scholarship awardees. President Anderson stated, “Congratulations to this year’s exceptional student awardees and their families that have supported their education goals. Learning about their accomplishments, fields of study, and the accolades earned by these young men and women in our communities is truly impressive. SECO and other electric cooperatives are constantly seeking new talent, and I believe we can find that talent right here in our hometowns. I encourage these students to consider bringing their talents, skills, and abilities to SECO Energy when the time comes to begin their careers.” 

SECO Energy’s 2025 Scholarship Awardees are:  

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 CEO Curtis Wynn shared similar sentiments. Wynn said, “As I reviewed the scholarship awardees selected by the Youth Programs Committee, I was inspired by their stories and achievements. Congratulations, students – you are on the path of success because of your hard work, dedication and commitment to excellence. As President Anderson mentioned, SECO and the energy industry as a whole are in need of young driven talent as we embrace emerging new technologies and navigate new industry challenges.” 

SECO Energy CEO Curtis Wynn (left) and Board President Gerald Anderson (right) gather with the 2025 SECO Energy Youth Scholarship awardees.

 

“Like” SECO Energy on Facebook and follow @SECOEnergy on Twitter for prize drawings, news releases, and severe weather alerts affecting SECO Energy’s service territory. Manage your outage notification preferences at StormCenter. To see when SECO Energy crews/contractors are working in your area, visit our new System Improvement Map. To learn more about SECO Energy as a not-for-profit cooperative, visit About SECO Energy. 

 

SECO Energy Board of Trustees Elects 2025 Officers

At its March 31 meeting, the SECO Energy Board of Trustees elected its Officers for 2025. Board President and District 3 Trustee, Gerald Anderson, was re-elected to serve a fourth consecutive term as Board President. District 9 Trustee 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 is a not-for-profit electric cooperative that is operated for and owned by the members it serves. SECO Energy’s 2,100-square-mile service area is divided into nine geographic Districts. Trustees are democratically elected by the members who reside in each District. As SECO Energy’s governing body, the Board of Trustees provides oversight and plays an essential role in policy-making decisions.

 

President Anderson expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to continue serving as a SECO Trustee. “SECO Energy is a well-run cooperative that puts the needs of its members first,” said Anderson. “As Board members, we work closely with SECO’s Executive Leadership Team to guide the cooperative toward fulfilling its Mission. In my six years of service on the SECO Board, we have approved new technologies and innovations that help our members understand and manage their monthly energy use – putting them in control of their budget.”

 

SECO Energy’s Mission, as a not-for-profit electric cooperative, is to provide reliable and innovative energy services to its members and communities.

 

SECO Energy CEO Curtis Wynn is grateful for the dedication of the SECO Board of Trustees. “Our nine-member Board of Trustees dedicates countless working hours in service to the membership,” said Wynn. “Trustee governance is integral to a cooperative’s success. This group understands that members’ needs are evolving, and that SECO needs to evolve as well.”

 

Wynn continued, “I am very grateful for the foresight of our Trustees. They understand our values, our goals, and our strategic vision. Together, we continue to explore new technologies and programs that enhance reliability and safety, while maintaining affordable electric service.”

 

“Like” SECO Energy on Facebook and follow @SECOEnergy on Twitter for prize drawings, news releases, and severe weather alerts affecting SECO Energy’s service territory. Manage your outage notification preferences at StormCenter. To see when SECO Energy crews/contractors are working in your area, visit our new System Improvement Map. To learn more about SECO Energy as a not-for-profit cooperative, visit About SECO Energy.

SECO Energy Announces Adjustments to Pole Charges, Reducing Previously Planned Increases

SECO Energy has announced adjustments to the planned pole charge increases, reducing the second phase of the previously scheduled rate adjustment. This decision follows a comprehensive review of operational efficiencies and direct feedback from our members.

 

These changes will directly impact SECO Energy members who are affiliated with homeowner associations (HOAs), property owner associations (POAs), developers, and city and county government organizations—many of whom manage lighting infrastructure within their communities.

 

After announcing the original increase in spring 2024, the Board and staff implemented a phased approach, applying half of the projected increase in October 2024 and planning the remaining adjustment for October 2025. However, through an updated cost analysis and key operational modifications, the second half of the increase has been significantly reduced.

 

Key Operational Modifications include:

  • Outage Response: Adjusted from a very aggressive 24-hour response time to a 7– 30-day timeframe, which is more in line with industry standards.
  • Outage Identification: Members and residents will now be responsible for reporting outages, replacing the previous practice of multiple annual system patrols performed by SECO personnel, sometimes resulting in overtime costs.
  • Fiberglass Pole Replacements: Reducing capital outlay by transitioning from systemwide changeouts to an ‘as-needed’ replacement approach.
  • Fixture Offerings: Reducing inventory carrying costs by shifting from a broad range of fixture offerings for new requests to a limited selection.

 

As a result of these changes, the originally anticipated increase for October 2025 has been significantly reduced. More specifically, wood pole rates will remain the same, aluminum pole rates will be reduced by 12%, concrete and fiberglass poles will increase by 19%, rather than the original 77% increase prior to the operational modifications.

 

The precise impact of these changes will vary by community based on the mix of pole types in place. More detailed breakdowns of anticipated billing impacts will be provided to members in the coming weeks to assist with budgeting and planning.

 

“We appreciate the feedback and patience of our members as we work to balance cost management with maintaining the high level of reliability and service our community expects,” said Curtis Wynn, CEO of SECO Energy.

SECO Energy Announces 2025 Virtual Annual Business Meeting

SECO Energy will host its 2025 Annual Business Meeting virtually on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at 6 p.m. Members can join the webcast by visiting SECOEnergy.com and clicking the virtual Annual Meeting banner at the top of the homepage. Links to the broadcast will also be published on SECO Energy’s Facebook, X, and Instagram pages.

 

Members who tune into the Virtual Annual Meeting will be introduced to SECO Energy’s nine-member Board of Trustees, Board President Gerald Anderson will deliver the President’s Report, and CEO Curtis Wynn will provide a cooperative update.

 

SECO Energy CEO Curtis Wynn encourages members to take part in the upcoming Annual Meeting and make their voices heard.  “Members, we need your vote on Annual Meeting business,” said Wynn.

 

SECO is giving away 100 Annual Meeting prizes including five $1,000 cash prizes, SECO bill credits of up to $500, and randomly selecting 15 members during the live broadcast to win a $50 bill credit. To be entered into the prize drawing chance to win, submit voting ballots online at SECOEnergy.com, complete the ballot included with the Annual Meeting Notice, or call (352) 793-3801.

 

On the evening of the Annual Meeting, a live Member Engagement Panel will open for questions and comments starting at 5 p.m. Members may participate by emailing SECO2025AM@secoenergy.com or by calling (352) 329-MEET. Selected questions and comments appealing to the broader SECO Energy membership may be addressed live during the panel.

 

Member votes will be tallied, and prize winners will be announced at the end of the Annual Meeting broadcast on March 27. The list of prize winners will be available at SECOEnergy.com after the Meeting’s conclusion. Cash prize winners will be contacted to arrange delivery. Bill credit prizes will appear on the winners’ next billing statements.

 

SECO Energy is a not-for-profit, cooperatively structured utility that believes in fostering member engagement and offering innovative energy services. As SECO Energy’s membership continues to grow, the shift to a Virtual Annual Meeting format has been proven to reduce costs while increasing member participation in Annual Meeting voting and business matters.

 

Visit SECOEnergy.com to read the 2024 Annual Meeting Minutes and vote to approve. Members without internet access may pick up a copy of the 2024 Annual Meeting Minutes at one of SECO Energy’s five Member Service Centers located in Eustis, Groveland, Inverness, Ocala, and Sumterville.

SECO Energy District 3 Members Re-elect Trustee Gerald Anderson

SECO Energy members who reside in District 3 re-elected current Board of Trustees President Gerald Anderson to represent them on SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees for another three years. The meeting was held on February 5 at Savannah Center of The Villages, located within the District.  

 

SECO Energy is a not-for-profit electric cooperative operated for and owned by its members. Its service area is geographically divided into nine Districts, with one Trustee elected from each district to represent their fellow members on SECO’s nine-member Board of Trustees. Collectively, the Board represents the SECO membership, meeting monthly to provide governance oversight and participate in policy decisions that serve the best interests of the membership at large.

 

President Anderson and Roger Weakley both submitted a letter of intent to run for the District 3 Trustee position. SECO’s Bylaws currently require that the cooperative hold District Meetings, and the Florida Statute mandates in-person elections. To encourage participation and enhance convenience, a drive-thru voting option was available for members.

 

A SECO member since 2013, President Anderson was first elected to SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees in 2019. In 2021, he earned the Director Gold Credential from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), the highest Trustee accreditation from the NRECA. He formerely served as both Board Secretary-Treasurer and Vice President before being elected as SECO Energy Board President in 2022. Mr. Anderson lives in The Villages. 

 

Trustee Anderson thanked his District 3 constituents for their attendance at the District Meeting and their vote of confidence. “I’m honored to be re-elected to the SECO Board,” he stated. “We’re entering a period of significant growth and development, and I’m committed to ensuring we navigate these opportunities effectively. I value the trust placed in me by the District 3 members and am enthusiastic about the work ahead.” 

 

CEO Curtis Wynn expressed his gratitude to the District 3 members for their impressive turnout at the meeting. He also acknowledged the two candidates who demonstrated a commitment to serving their community through SECO Energy Board service. “The Executive Leadership Team and I value Mr. Anderson’s contributions as District 3 Trustee and as Board President since 2022. I have worked with, or for, hundreds of Board members, President Anderson is one of the most hardworking board members I have had the pleasure to serve with. Congratulations, President Anderson on your re-election,” Wynn stated. “We look forward to continued collaboration with him and the Board to ensure SECO Energy’s ongoing success.” 

 

“Like” SECO Energy on Facebook and follow @SECOEnergy on Twitter for prize drawings, news releases, and severe weather alerts affecting SECO Energy’s service territory. Manage your outage notification preferences at StormCenter. To see when SECO Energy crews/contractors are working in your area, visit our new System Improvement Map. To learn more about SECO Energy as a not-for-profit cooperative, visit About SECO Energy.

SECO Energy Achieves Impressive ACSI® Score of 91 for 2024

SECO Energy proudly announces the successful completion of its annual member-wide customer satisfaction survey, underscoring its commitment to excellence in service delivery. The not-for-profit cooperative, which provides electric service to over 248,000 homes and businesses across seven Central Florida counties, received invaluable feedback from more than 1,200 members, reinforcing SECO Energy’s position as a leader in customer satisfaction within the utility sector.

 

The member responses were evaluated by the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI®), a well-respected organization that measures customer satisfaction across diverse industries in the United States and publishes the results of its syndicated studies nationally. SECO Energy conducts its member satisfaction survey in a separate study. For 2024, SECO Energy achieved an impressive ACSI score of 91 on a 100-point scale [1], reflecting the unwavering dedication of its employees to deliver exceptional service.

 

SECO Energy Chief Executive Officer Curtis Wynn expressed immense pride in the cooperative’s achievement, stating, “Our members are more than just customers—they’re our neighbors, our friends, and our community. This recent ACSI score of 91 is a testament to the passion and commitment our team puts into providing reliable, innovative energy services. It’s a reflection of the care and enthusiasm our employees bring to every interaction, always striving to exceed expectations. Surpassing the scores earned by investor-owned utilities and municipalities reported in the 2024 ACSI Energy Utilities Study is more than just an achievement – it shows how deeply we value our members and the impact we strive to make in their lives every day.”

 

SECO Energy’s score is higher when compared to publicly measured investor-owned utility scores and municipal utility scores reported in the syndicated 2024 ACSI Energy Utility Study and places SECO Energy 17 points higher than the average investor-owned utility score of 74, as well as 16 points higher than the average municipal utility score of 75, per the industry ratings. For more information, please visit https://theacsi.org/industries/energy-utilities/.

 

The American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI®) is the only national cross‐industry measure of customer satisfaction in the United States. Each year, the ACSI uses data from interviews with roughly 200,000 customers as inputs to an econometric model for analyzing customer satisfaction with approximately 400 companies in about 40 industries and 10 economic sectors. ACSI data have proven to be strongly related to several essential indicators of micro and macroeconomic performance. To learn more about the American Customer Satisfaction Index, visit www.theacsi.org.

 

“We are truly humbled and grateful for your trust and recognition. Thank you for allowing us the privilege of serving you,” Wynn stated, expressing his gratitude to SECO Energy members.

 

“Every single one of our 400+ employees is not only dedicated to meeting your needs but also to ensuring you receive the highest level of service. Your satisfaction is paramount to us, and it’s your feedback and support that empower us to achieve our mission of providing reliable, innovative energy services.”

 

[1] Compared to publicly measured energy utilities in the ACSI® survey of customers rating their own energy utility. Results based on data provided by SECO Energy, collected between December 2 and 9, 2024. ACSI did not regulate the survey administration or sample size. ACSI and its logo are registered trademarks of the American Customer Satisfaction Index LLC. For more about the ACSI, visit www.theacsi.org.

 

SECO Energy Announces 2025 Youth Scholarship Program

SECO Energy is proud to continue its commitment to education and community development through its 2025 Youth Scholarship Program. This year, SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees has approved $36,000 in scholarships for up to twelve outstanding high school seniors residing in SECO’s service area. Each scholarship winner will be awarded $3,000 to support their educational journey.

 

Recognizing the significant labor shortage in the energy sector, SECO understands that investing in education is vital for developing a workforce capable of meeting future challenges. The cooperative is committed to delivering reliable, safe, and affordable electric service to communities. By fostering talent through the scholarship program, SECO is not only preparing students for careers in the energy industry but also cultivating a skilled workforce that can contribute meaningfully to their communities.

 

SECO Energy’s CEO Curtis Wynn emphasizes the importance of nurturing a future workforce. “As the energy industry evolves, SECO Energy and other utilities are committed to attracting and developing individuals who can thrive in a dynamic environment,” Wynn stated. “SECO Energy’s Vision is to become the employer of choice in our region. The Youth Scholarship Program is a direct investment in local students’ education, equipping them for successful careers in the energy sector. Our local communities are rich with talented students who will be essential assets to future employers and the region as a whole.”

 

The 2025 SECO Energy Youth Scholarship Program application is available online at SECOEnergy.com > Your Co-op > Youth Scholarship Program and must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 28, 2025.

 

Through these efforts, SECO Energy is not only supporting education but also empowering the next generation to succeed and lead in the energy industry.

 

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must graduate from high school by the end of the 2024-2025 academic year (May/June) and enroll in a Florida-based college, university, or technical school by the conclusion of the same year.

 

Special emphasis will be given to those aspiring to attain degrees in technology, business, engineering, or mathematics, especially those related to the energy sector. Relevant majors include computer science, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, chemical, nuclear, environmental, civil, agricultural/biological, industrial, materials science, and various branches of mathematics.

 

Applicants must reside in a household within SECO Energy’s service area or live with a parent or legal guardian who is an active SECO Energy member.

 

Evaluation Process

When evaluating applicants, SECO Energy will weigh factors such as financial need, academic accomplishments, community engagement, personal statement or essay quality, and the relevance of the applicant’s major in preparation for a STEM-related or energy sector career. Please note that the evaluation process is final, and no appeals or feedback regarding the scoring will be provided.

 

Application Details 

The 2025 SECO Energy Youth Scholarship Program application is available online at SECOEnergy.com > Your Co-op > Youth Scholarship Program. Completed applications must be submitted to SECO Energy by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 28, 2025. For inquiries regarding SECO Energy’s 2025 Scholarship Program, please contact YouthPrograms@SECOEnergy.com.

 

“Like” SECO Energy on Facebook and follow @SECOEnergy on Twitter for prize drawings, news releases, and severe weather alerts affecting SECO Energy’s service territory. Manage your outage notification preferences at StormCenter. To see when SECO Energy crews/contractors are working in your area, visit our new System Improvement Map. To learn more about SECO Energy as a not-for-profit cooperative, visit About SECO Energy.

SECO Energy Spreads Holiday Cheer Through Toys for Tots Drive

SECO Energy is proud to continue its longstanding tradition of sponsoring the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. Each year, SECO Energy holds an annual donation drive in which employees and members of the cooperative contribute toys and gifts for the Toys for Tots donation boxes located at any one of SECO Energy’s five Member Service locations. 

 

Founded over 85 years ago, SECO Energy was formed by members who banded together to bring electricity to rural areas of Central Florida, fulfilling a previously unmet need. Each year, the cooperative’s members and employees voluntarily donate gifts to support local communities across Central Florida, which serves as a reminder of this shared purpose. 

 

“SECO employees are a charitable group, and they particularly enjoy making contributions that benefit the communities we serve. The generosity of SECO Energy’s employees and members ensures that local children will have toys to unwrap and smiles on their faces on Christmas morning,” stated Curtis Wynn, SECO Energy’s Chief Executive Officer. 

 

The Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots’ purpose is to help bring the joy of Christmas and send a message of hope to children across the United States through the gift of a new toy. Since 2001, the Toys for Tots program has been ranked as one of the top-rated charities by “Philanthropy 400.”  

 

This year’s Toys for Tots donation drive resulted in hundreds of toys donated through SECO Energy’s annual campaign. The toys remain within the community where they are collected, making a tangible difference for families in need. For some children, the gift of a toy from the program may be the only present they receive this holiday season. 

   

Kathy Judkins, SECO Energy’s VP of Communications, Community and Member Experience, who oversees the cooperative’s Toys for Tots initiative, added, “I’m incredibly grateful to the hundreds of SECO employees and many members who joined us in spreading holiday cheer this year. The smallest acts of kindness—like donating a toy—can have a lasting impact and bring happiness to children throughout our service area.” 

 

Toys for Toys Photo Collection:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Like” SECO Energy on Facebook and follow @SECOEnergy on Twitter for prize drawings, news releases, and severe weather alerts affecting SECO Energy’s service territory. To learn more about SECO Energy as a not-for-profit cooperative, visit About SECO Energy.