‘Tis the season for giving and sharing the magic of the holidays. I commend our SECO Energy employees who generously support our corporate giving efforts and other worthy charitable causes.
One cause close to many SECO Energy employees’ hearts is our annual United Way Employee Giving Campaign. Many of our employees pledged a portion of their 2023 earnings to local United Ways. Next year, United Ways across our Central Florida counties will benefit from these generous pledges.
SECO Energy employees pledged $38,843 to local United Ways through the employee-led 2023 United Way Pledge Drive. Our employees have been actively supporting United Way for almost 20 years. During that time, employees have pledged over $1,083,287 to support local families through the United Way.
Most of our employees live in Citrus, Lake, Marion and Sumter Counties, receiving the highest dollar amounts in donations. The 400+ SECO Energy employees choose the county and the program their donated dollars will benefit.
Lake and Sumter Counties: $15,929 Marion County: $14,257 Citrus County: $4,182 Other Counties $4,476 The total pledge for 2023 is $38,843
Not only do our employees assist local communities through United Way, but they also help fill Santa’s sleigh with donations for our corporate Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots donation drive. Starting in November, employees brought new, unwrapped toys for the drive. All toys donated are dispersed in the local area where they were collected.
Many of our members joined in the effort by dropping off toys at our Member Service Centers. Thank you for your generosity. Retired Marines and other volunteers picked up donations in early December to distribute to children in need in time for the holidays. Members who want to register to receive toys donated through Toys for Tots can visit ToysforTots.org > Request a Toy.
From the SECO Energy family to yours, we wish you Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!
Everyone who uses electricity should be aware of its risks and dangers. Over 51,000 American homes are damaged or destroyed by fire caused by electrical failures each year, and 500 lives are lost (Electrical Safety Foundation International).
Adults over 65 and young children are at the highest risk of injury or death from a home fire.
You should learn the basics of your home’s electrical system and how to prevent electrical fires. Outdated wiring is a common culprit of electrical fires. Flickering lights, tripped breakers, or a burning smell could indicate overloaded circuits. Hire an electrician to investigate. If the home’s wiring is outdated, the electrical outlets are as well. Outlets are as well. Outlets that are damaged, loose or warm to the touch must be repaired or replaced.
Home wiring and troubleshooting is a job best left to a professional. Contact a reputable electrician who is licensed, insured and adheres to local code requirements. Electricians can update breaker panels and add extra electrical outlets that will avoid circuit overload.
Electrical safety extends outside the home. Never touch utility equipment such as underground transformers or overhead power lines. Always consider power lines to be energized and dangerous. Stay away from downed lines and call 911 and SECO Energy to report immediately.
Teach children electrical safety as well. Never allow children to play on or near electrical equipment or climb a substation fence. Children should not climb trees near energized lines. Keep remote-control toys, hobby drones and kites away from overhead lines.
Are you tired of stressing about how to pay your SECO Energy bill? I’ve been there too! As a SECO Energy customer for years, I’ve tried pretty much all their payment methods and want to share what I’ve learned about the various ways you can settle your monthly electric bill.
SECO Energy, serving communities in Central Florida, offers not just one or two, but a whopping 12 different ways to pay your electric bill! Most of these options come with no convenience fees, making it easier to choose what works best for your lifestyle.
Top 5 Most Popular SECO Energy Payment Methods
According to SECO Energy’s website these are the five most popular ways members choose to pay their bills
1. SmartHub Online Portal and Mobile App
SmartHub is SECO Energy’s official online bill payment system. Through this platform, you can:
- Pay your bill instantly
- View your account history
- Set up hassle-free recurring payments
- Enroll in eBill to reduce paper clutter
- Monitor your home’s energy usage patterns
What I really like about SmartHub is that you don’t even need to register an account to make a payment – you can make instant payments without registration if you’re in a hurry!
2. Bank Draft (Automatic Payments)
This is my personal favorite! With bank draft, you can:
- Have your monthly SECO Energy bill automatically drafted from your chosen bank account
- Avoid convenience fees completely
- Save money on stamps
- Never worry about late payments
Bank draft is considered the most secure and convenient payment option offered by SECO Energy.
3. Pay By Phone
Need to make a quick payment over the phone? SECO Energy’s Pay By Phone service is available 24/7:
- Call 1 (877) 371-9382 to pay using a card or electronic check
- Important Update: Starting January 27, 2025, the Pay By Phone number will change to 1 (855) 938-3432
4. Pay In Person
Sometimes I just prefer the human touch! SECO Energy offers in-person payment options at their Member Service Centers:
- Visit locations in Eustis, Groveland, Inverness, Ocala, or Sumterville
- Use their convenient drive-thru service
- Access payment kiosks at these locations
5. Pay By Mail
The traditional way still works! You can send your payments to:
SECO EnergyP.O. Box 70997Charlotte, NC 28272-0997Warning About Third-Party Payment Services
I almost made this mistake once! SECO Energy warns that SmartHub is their ONLY authorized online bill payment system. Using unauthorized third-party payment services could result in:
- Payment delays
- Extra fees
- Potential service disruption
If you’re ever unsure about a payment service claiming to process SECO Energy payments, contact SECO directly at (352) 793-3801.
Benefits of Using SmartHub for Bill Payments
SmartHub isn’t just for paying bills – it’s a complete account management tool. Here’s why I’ve found it super useful:
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All-in-One Account Management: Access account history, payment options, and usage data in one place.
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Flexibility: Make one-time payments or set up recurring payments.
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Paperless Option: Enroll in eBill to reduce paper waste and clutter.
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Energy Monitoring: Track your electricity usage to find ways to save.
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Security: SmartHub provides a secure payment environment.
Setting Up Auto-Pay with Bank Draft
Setting up auto-pay thru bank draft has saved me so much time! Here’s how it works:
- Your monthly SECO Energy bill is automatically drafted from your chosen bank account
- There are no fees for this service
- You don’t have to remember payment dates
- It’s secure and reliable
This has been my go-to payment method for years – I never have to worry about missing a payment!
SECO Energy’s Commitment to Payment Options
What I appreciate about SECO Energy is their commitment to providing multiple payment options to meet diverse member needs. As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, they understand that different members have different preferences when it comes to handling their bills.
Whether you’re tech-savvy and prefer online options or prefer traditional methods like mailing a check, SECO Energy has you covered.
Important Update for 2025
If you regularly use the Pay By Phone service, make note of this change:
- Effective January 27, 2025
- New Pay By Phone number: 1 (855) 938-3432
- The former number will no longer accept payments after this date
Tips for Avoiding Late Payments
Nobody wants late fees! Here are some tips I’ve learned to keep my SECO Energy payments on time:
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Set up auto-pay: The easiest way to never miss a payment.
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Use calendar reminders: If you prefer manual payments, set up reminders on your phone or computer.
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Budget billing: Ask SECO about budget billing options that can make payments more predictable.
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Pay ahead: When possible, I sometimes make payments ahead of schedule during months when my budget allows.
Finding Help With Your Bill
If you’re struggling to pay your electric bill, SECO Energy offers resources to help. Their website has a “Find Bill Payment Help” section where you can explore assistance programs.
My Experience with SmartHub
I switched to using SmartHub about two years ago, and honestly, it’s been a game-changer for managing my SECO Energy account. The ability to quickly check my usage patterns helped me identify that my old water heater was drawing way too much power – replacing it saved me about $30 a month!
The mobile app is especially convenient. Last summer when I was traveling, I got a notification that my bill was higher than normal. I was able to call a neighbor to check on my house and discovered I’d accidentally left my A/C set too low before leaving. Crisis averted!
Summary of SECO Energy Payment Options
To recap, here are all the ways you can pay your SECO Energy bill:
- SmartHub online portal and mobile app
- Bank draft (automatic payments)
- Pay By Phone
- In-person at Member Service Centers
- By mail
- And several other options mentioned on their website
Final Thoughts
SECO Energy clearly understands that their members have different needs when it comes to paying bills. Whether you’re tech-savvy or prefer traditional methods, there’s a payment option that will work for you.
Personally, I’ve found that setting up automatic payments through bank draft gives me the most peace of mind, but I appreciate having the SmartHub app for monitoring my usage and account details.
What’s your preferred way to pay your SECO Energy bill? Have you tried SmartHub yet? It might just make your life a little easier!
Remember that SECO Energy’s official website and SmartHub portal are your best resources for the most up-to-date information on bill payment options. And if you ever have questions, their customer service team at (352) 793-3801 is always ready to help.
Stay energized!
Winter HVAC Service – A Message from District 4 Trustee Richard Dennison
Your HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) unit is likely the largest energy user in your home. Before winter’s cold temperatures arrive, schedule an HVAC service call to ensure your unit is operating efficiently.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts winter 2022 – 2023 will be cold with above-normal rainfall. The forecast calls for temperatures 1 to 4 degrees below average, with the coldest temperatures in January.
Preventative maintenance and routine filter changes extend the life of your HVAC unit. A qualified technician will thoroughly inspect the unit and recommend maintenance or repairs. A well-working HVAC unit operates more efficiently and uses less energy.
Set a calendar reminder to change your unit’s air filter monthly or follow the manufacturer’s suggested filter change schedule.
For more ways to reduce energy usage, visit SECOEnergy.com > Energy Solutions and complete the Home Energy Assessment and Energy Estimator. The Home Energy Assessment is an online energy audit that provides energy efficiency advice tailored to your home’s features. The Energy Estimator calculates the energy used and associated costs for your home’s electricity users. Submit your answers with your email address to receive immediate low-cost energy-saving advice.
12 Ways to Pay
SECO Energy offers members 12 Ways to Pay their monthly energy bills. Most payment options are available with no convenience fee.
PAY ONLINE – Our account manager SmartHub allows you to view and pay your bill, enroll in bank draft or eBill and compare energy usage by month or year.
BANK DRAFT – Draft your monthly amount from a bank account of your choice – the ultimate in convenience. Enroll in bank draft with SmartHub.
IN PERSON – Five Member Service Centers open in Eustis, Groveland, Sumterville, Ocala and Inverness with walk-in, drive-thru facilities and kiosks.
BY PHONE – 1 (855) 938-3432, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AMEX, debit card or electronic check.
PAY NOW – Instant payment using your account number and form of payment through SmartHub – no registration required.
BY MAIL – SECO Energy (Dept. 3035), P.O. Box 11407, Birmingham, AL 35246-1407
MYWAY PREPAY – Pay for energy before you use it. View daily usage and receive phone or text notifications.
FIDELITY EXPRESS – Locations accept cash, check or money orders. Not recommended for MyWay PrePay members. $1.50 processing fee.
MONEYGRAM – Available at many retail locations and for MyWay PrePay enrolled members. $1.50 processing fee.
WESTERN UNION – In-person payments received in real time. Max amount per transaction is $1,000. $1.50 processing fee.
BUDGET BILLING – Levels out bills by averaging most recent 12 months usage. Debit/credit balances accumulate based on seasonal usage.
VANILLADIRECT PAY – Pay with cash at thousands of locations. Barcode required via SmartHub. $1.50 processing fee.
SECO Energy – Utilities (Payment Arrangement)
FAQ
Is Seco energy affiliated with other online payment services?
SECO Energy is not affiliated with any other online payment service. When using unaffiliated services, there’s no guarantee when your payment will be processed. This uncertainty could lead to late fees or a disruption in your electric service if SECO Energy receives your payment after its due date.
How do I pay my Seco energy bill?
SECO offers 12 different payment methods including online phone, mail, in person and more. In this article, we’ll explore the various ways SECO Energy allows you to pay your power bill. Discover which payment method best fits your needs and lifestyle. The easiest way to pay your SECO Energy bill is through their online SmartHub portal.
How do I make a Seco payment?
Bring your paper bill or know your 10-digit SECO account number. Insert cash into the kiosk and enter your account details. Get a receipt confirming your payment. Kiosk payments post to your account within an hour. SECO allows cash, check, or debit/credit card bill payments at local authorized payment agents.
What is the phone number for Seco energy?
SECO Energy’s customer service phone number is (352) 793 -3801 How much is the average bundled bill for SECO Energy customers each month? The average monthly bundled electric bill for customers of SECO Energy is $135.25.
How much is a bundled bill for Seco energy?
SECO Energy’s customer service phone number is (352) 793 -3801 How much is the average bundled bill for SECO Energy customers each month? The average monthly bundled electric bill for customers of SECO Energy is $135.25. The Florida average bundled bill is $158.15 and the national average is $158.15.
Is Seco energy a good company?
SECO Energy has received a rank of 752nd best out of 3530 companies who report energy loss in the US and 22nd best out of 51 in Florida. SECO Energy residential electric rates are highest in September and the highest average bill is in July. Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
