Seco

[md5wl]

Effective January 2023 Seco is rounding up our bills and donating the change to a charity they chose.
The only way to stop this is to tell them to unsubscribe you and refund your change.

[MSchad]

Effective January 2023 Seco is rounding up our bills and donating the change to a charity they chose.
The only way to stop this is to tell them to unsubscribe you and refund your change.

Seco has had the Foundation for Pennies program for a long time. I have been having my bill rounded up to the dollar since day one. Small way to help. Strange that they are changing it from a voluntary opt in/out program though. I see I still have the option via their apt to opt out.

[kansasr]

Effective January 2023 Seco is rounding up our bills and donating the change to a charity they chose.
The only way to stop this is to tell them to unsubscribe you and refund your change.

I'm sure there is something in our membership agreement that allows them to do this, but it's a pretty shoddy business practice.

[Bill14564]

It looks like the announcement has been in the newsletter since August (I went back to check). There were instructions on how to opt-out though it wasn't clear, at least to me, that everyone would automatically be put into the program.

I was pretty put off when I saw I had been automatically enrolled and I spent the time to find the opt-out button. I decided to stay in the program - it seemed like it was for a good cause and I can afford the $11.88 per year maximum.

[retiredguy123]

I'm sure there is something in our membership agreement that allows them to do this, but it's a pretty shoddy business practice.
I agree. The opt-in program was fine, but changing it to an opt-out program is shoddy.

[dewilson58]

it seemed like it was for a good cause and I can afford the $11.88 per year maximum.

:bigbow:

[photo1902]

I agree. The opt-in program was fine, but changing it to an opt-out program is shoddy.

Very similar to Amazon’s (Ring) Sidewalk feature. It is enabled by default. I’m suppose they figure most people wouldn’t want to participate.

[Bogie Shooter]

Full program explanation….
SECO Energy Foundation – Pennies from Heaven Transition – SECO Energy (https://secoenergy.com/seco-energy-foundation-pennies-from-heaven-transition/)

[Golfer222]

Can we deduct this as a charitable contribution?

[dewilson58]

Can we deduct this as a charitable contribution?

Yes, all $9 of it.

(that's a rounding error on a normal tax return)

[Bogie Shooter]

Can we deduct this as a charitable contribution?

With a little effort your answer is in the link.

[Golfer222]

Compared to Jan 2022, kWh went down but bill increased- they can use that rate increase to donate if they wish if they are so benevolent- doubt they will

[Bogie Shooter]

Compared to Jan 2022, kWh went down but bill increased- they can use that rate increase to donate if they wish if they are so benevolent- doubt they will

Why do you doubt?

[JGibson]

It's not about the few dollars but about the principal that they can arbitrarily take your money and give it to their choosing.
Especially without a letter with instructions to opt-out. Not everyone uses a computer to manage their account.

Again, it's not the money it's the principle and arrogance of SECO.

What if all companies started doing this? It sets a bad precedent.

[Bill14564]

It's not about the few dollars but about the principal that they can arbitrarily take your money and give it to their choosing.
Especially without a letter with instructions to opt-out. Not everyone uses a computer to manage their account.

Again, it's not the money it's the principle and arrogance of SECO.

What if all companies started doing this? It sets a bad precedent.

It looks like the announcement has been in the newsletter since August (I went back to check). There were instructions on how to opt-out though it wasn't clear, at least to me, that everyone would automatically be put into the program.

It seems they did make the announcement and provide the steps to opt-out - even for those without a computer.

[Jerseygirl08]

:bigbow:

The point everyone is trying to make, I believe, is that SECO just did this, assuming they could decide for all customers. I doubt anyone would complain otherwise. It's about SECO making that decision for us!

[retiredguy123]

It's just plain wrong.

[JMintzer]

It seems they did make the announcement and provide the steps to opt-out - even for those without a computer.

While I really don't give a tinker's damn about the program, they really should have made it an "opt in" program, rather than making people "opt out"...

[retiredguy123]

According to SECO, the average donation per customer is 6 dollars per year, and they have about 200,000 customers. So, if no customers opt out, they would collect about $1.2 million dollars per year.

[blueash]

Here is what they will be using your round up money for:

The SECO Energy Foundation’s goal is to generate more funds for projects that align with SECO members’ needs and the company’s strategic initiatives. This alignment will include increased bill payment assistance for your fellow members, as well as projects focusing on energy-efficiency, education/STEM, environmental, veterans’ initiatives and public safety.


You can opt out by emailing them using
customerservice@secoenergy.com
By phone 352 793 3801

[villagetinker]

Can we deduct this as a charitable contribution?

I would doubt it, we are giving the money to SECO, and SECOP is making the donation, they get the deduction, IMHO.

[melpetezrinski]

$11.88/year max for charity--hope it's a good one. At least I hope it's better than the trillions that are spent on the government's "charities".

Congratulations! You just won the prize of interjecting politics into a seemingly non-political post the fastest. I'm sorry you are going through a tough time and yes, misery DOES love company but why are trying to rile everyone up on this post?

[JoMar]

While I really don't give a tinker's damn about the program, they really should have made it an "opt in" program, rather than making people "opt out"...

More companies will move to opt out rather than opt in......if the goal is to raise monies for charities then the goal should be to get more people in and put the burden on opting out on those that consider 10 bucks a year a big deal. We received the notice last year with instructions on how to opt out so we had plenty of time to decide. We all, deep down, know that for those that don't manage by computer, smartphones or other digital means will continue to be left behind. You might feel good about your position, but your frustrations will continue to grow.

[Bogie Shooter]

I would doubt it, we are giving the money to SECO, and SECOP is making the donation, they get the deduction, IMHO.

From the provided link……

The current Pennies from Heaven program is transitioning to the SECO Energy Foundation in January 2023. Contributions will be tax-deductible and allow the Foundation (as a nonprofit entity) to apply for grants from other local, state and federal sources. Grants may include investments in first responder equipment, energy-efficiency grants for low-income communities and senior/youth centers.

It seem some posters find it easier to just post false information rather than looking to find what are the facts.:shrug:

[JMintzer]

More companies will move to opt out rather than opt in......if the goal is to raise monies for charities then the goal should be to get more people in and put the burden on opting out on those that consider 10 bucks a year a big deal. We received the notice last year with instructions on how to opt out so we had plenty of time to decide. We all, deep down, know that for those that don't manage by computer, smartphones or other digital means will continue to be left behind. You might feel good about your position, but your frustrations will continue to grow.

"My frustrations"???

[retiredguy123]

From the provided link……

The current Pennies from Heaven program is transitioning to the SECO Energy Foundation in January 2023. Contributions will be tax-deductible and allow the Foundation (as a nonprofit entity) to apply for grants from other local, state and federal sources. Grants may include investments in first responder equipment, energy-efficiency grants for low-income communities and senior/youth centers.

It seem some posters find it easier to just post false information rather than looking to find what are the facts.:shrug:
I read that, but, to me, it wasn't clear who would get the tax deduction. The foundation is a 501c3 non-profit, but it sounded like SECO Energy would be making the donations to the foundation, a separate organization. So, SECO Energy could either take the tax deduction themselves or transfer it to the electricity customers who actually donated the money.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

Yes, all $9 of it.


However, the only way the contribution is now deductible is that the donation goes to the Foundation. If the deduction went to SECO Energy directy, technically SECO is corporation, and donations aren't deductible.

accounting guy

[photo1902]

Good grief. Login to your account and unenroll. So much drama over nothing.

[retiredguy123]

However, the only way the contribution is now deductible is that the donation goes to the Foundation. If the deduction went to SECO Energy directy, technically SECO is corporation, and donations aren't deductible.

accounting guy
But, where does the customer fit in? Are you saying that the money taken from the customers is just a non-deductible gift to the SECO corporation and the corporation gets the full benefit for the tax deductible donation when they give it to the foundation? Just asking.

[Bogie Shooter]

For those who may have a chance at a new career………..progressive commercial auditions are this weekend.:1rotfl::1rotfl:

[Bjeanj]

SECO should know that Best Practice dictates that this be opt-in, rather than opt-out. Yes, it may be easy to opt-out, but I shouldn’t have to take that extra step to do so. Same goes for opting in for emails from retailers if you order something online. That’s my main gripe.

[Tvflguy]

Here is what they will be using your round up money for:

The SECO Energy Foundation’s goal is to generate more funds for projects that align with SECO members’ needs and the company’s strategic initiatives. This alignment will include increased bill payment assistance for your fellow members, as well as projects focusing on energy-efficiency, education/STEM, environmental, veterans’ initiatives and public safety.


You can opt out by emailing them using
customerservice@secoenergy.com
By phone 352 793 3801

I would prefer that they would identify the Specific organizations that will get our money. Rather than a generalization …. “Projects”. Could be forwarded to places I would not want to fund… any idea what these may be???

[Rwirish]

SECO has bee been notifying customers of this for months. Notice has been on bills, the newsletter etc.

People need to learn to read.

[bowlingal]

$ 11.88 per year isn't the issue. It's the way it was done. Like adding an extra charge to your restaurant bill if you use a credit card without informing you that it is being done

[Bill14564]

$ 11.88 per year isn't the issue. It's the way it was done. Like adding an extra charge to your restaurant bill if you use a credit card without informing you that it is being done

You were informed. You may have chosen to not read the newsletter or you may have forgotten but you were informed. (Posts 4, 16, 24, 36 and now 38)

[Bridget Staunton]

I called & opted out they were very nice about it, now if it went to St Jude I would not have a problem. Like St Jude and the kids

[Wilharm]

It took me about 2 minutes to unenroll.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

But, where does the customer fit in? Are you saying that the money taken from the customers is just a non-deductible gift to the SECO corporation and the corporation gets the full benefit for the tax deductible donation when they give it to the foundation? Just asking.

RG, notice that the link says, starting January 2023, the money goes directly to the foundation. That makes the donation deductible to the customer, and since its opt in / opt out, its voluntary, the foundation is a legit type.

Prior to this year, SECO collected the money from the customer and made the donation in their name, and technically SECO got the tax deduction. .

Its just a minor accounting technicality, not really worth worrying about since the individual amount in the tax calculation is anywhere from $1 to $2 difference in the tax owed, if it even makes a difference. ..

now for the human behavior point of view, its a way for corporate executives to "do good" in appearance.. . to feel good to help out people.

NOTE: in New England, the utility state "regulators" expect the utilities to make donations, and when i created a spending vendor master for all expense vendors, i see the utility making donations to "MA Chiefs of Police", "Red Cross", etc. .

Remember that electrical utilities are legitimate monopolies, and thus, are regulated to prevent pricing abuse, and part of the "expectations" from the regulators is that they give back to the communities. The state government is in the business of collecting money and distributing it back for public good. The gov regulators make that same expectation of utilities as well, looking at them as extensions of the government.


That's from inside a utility from some "financial
analysis" i used to see on a regular basis. . .

[Chamo]

I don’t know how they can just automatically round up your bill without your permission. Then they say they’re going to contribute it to which ever organization they want. And at the end of the year they get the deduction for their tax write off. This is not right I understand it’s only pennies but they should have asked your permission. I wonder if they will ever round down your bill because they feel sorry for you.

[Singerlady]

Yes, they evidently notified us on our bill and /or via email. Don’t like the ‘this is automatic and you have to opt out’ kind of giving to charity plan. I can afford it, but choose to donate to my charities and not theirs. A little bit scammy in my opinion. I called and opted out and told the gal my feelings…not that it mattered to her. She was kind of snippy. All the more reason to opt out.

[Cybersprings]

SECO has bee been notifying customers of this for months. Notice has been on bills, the newsletter etc.

People need to learn to read.

I am quite capable of reading, thank you.
Do I have to spend the time reading every bit of correspondence that I receive to ensure that a third party does not decide on their own to take money out of my pocket and give it to something else? What if they chose to round up to the next $10, or $20? I will choose to donate to those charities I want. The responsibility should not fall on me to identify when an organization is going to steal from me to give to someone else.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

I am quite capable of reading, thank you.
Do I have to spend the time reading every bit of correspondence that I receive to ensure that a third party does not decide on their own to take money out of my pocket and give it to something else?

yes, you do in todays highly complex, legal world, so time to keep up with that capability.

Its no different than paying attention to SCAM emails, etc. etc, and its !@#$%^&*() exhausting as well. .

[JMintzer]

I don’t know how they can just automatically round up your bill without your permission. Then they say they’re going to contribute it to which ever organization they want. And at the end of the year they get the deduction for their tax write off. This is not right I understand it’s only pennies but they should have asked your permission. I wonder if they will ever round down your bill because they feel sorry for you.

1: They notified you that they were doing it, and you did not opt out. So... In essence, you gave them permission... (and yes, it should have been an "opt-in" program, but that point is moot right now...)

2: YOU get the tax deduction. At most, it will be $11.88 (for the year), which I'm sure will make a HUGE change in your tax status...

3: Even if they DID get the deduction, it would only be for monies collected thru the program, so it wouldn't effect their tax status one bit...

[Bill14564]

I don’t know how they can just automatically round up your bill without your permission. Then they say they’re going to contribute it to which ever organization they want. And at the end of the year they get the deduction for their tax write off. This is not right I understand it’s only pennies but they should have asked your permission. I wonder if they will ever round down your bill because they feel sorry for you.

You were informed. You may have chosen to not read the newsletter or you may have forgotten but you were informed. (Posts 4, 16, 24, 36 and now 38)

You gave your permission by not opting-out
That is how foundations work.
You get the deduction (don't spend the $1.50 all in one place)
They did ask your permission
I believe assistance for low-income customers was one of the purposes of the foundation.

[Bilyclub]

Here it is in Seco's words.

[ellenwelsh]

Many years ago I had them put my billing on the budget plan and every month it is the same even number. That way the bill doesn’t fluctuate month to month and it balances once a year.

[daniel200]

I lived many years in Europe. Its not uncommon in some cities for a 7 or 8 year old street urchin to pinch a dollar from your pocket. I do not understand why big corporations pinching a dollar from your pocket every month is any different. Its theft. Just because they tell you they are going to do it, does not make it right. Its not their dollar!

[JMintzer]

I lived many years in Europe. Its not uncommon in some cities for a 7 or 8 year old street urchin to pinch a dollar from your pocket. I do not understand why big corporations pinching a dollar from your pocket every month is any different. Its theft. Just because they tell you they are going to do it, does not make it right. Its not their dollar!

Do the "street urchins" tell you they're going to "pinch a dollar" and give you the option to "opt-out" of having said dollar pinched?

[forebubba]

Check your water bill
District rounds up the gallons used. Say you used 3600 irrigation gallons,
Your amount paid will be that of 4000 gallons.
0 to 7000 gallons is $2.38/1000
7001 to 14000 gallons is $3.99
14001 and up is $5.52/1000
If you use 15600 gallons you bill will be 16 x $5.52 = $88.32

[Vermilion Villager]

Yes, all $9 of it.

(that's a rounding error on a normal tax return)

Yes....but what you may or may not not realize is SECO also gets to deduct this amount on THEIR taxes. I know nine dollars for an individual account doesn't amount to a lot but just think how many hundreds of thousands of accounts SECO has, and are getting the tax benefit of all those charitable contributions. :$::$::$::$:

[Bill14564]

Check your water bill
District rounds up the gallons used. Say you used 3600 irrigation gallons,
Your amount paid will be that of 4000 gallons.
0 to 7000 gallons is $2.38/1000
7001 to 14000 gallons is $3.99
14001 and up is $5.52/1000
If you use 15600 gallons you bill will be 16 x $5.52 = $88.32

Not on my water bill. ( $15.90 / 6,570 ) * 1,000 = $2.42 per 1,000 gal, just as it says at the bottom of my bill.

Care to provide some actual numbers from your bill?

[Bill14564]

Yes....but what you may or may not not realize is SECO also gets to deduct this amount on THEIR taxes. I know nine dollars for an individual account doesn't amount to a lot but just think how many hundreds of thousands of accounts SECO has, and are getting the tax benefit of all those charitable contributions. :$::$::$::$:

I don't think the IRS works that way.

AND EVEN IF IT DID, WHAT DO I CARE as long as I get to deduct my charitable giving (all $6 of it) and I feel it was used for a good purpose?

[retiredguy123]

Check your water bill
District rounds up the gallons used. Say you used 3600 irrigation gallons,
Your amount paid will be that of 4000 gallons.
0 to 7000 gallons is $2.38/1000
7001 to 14000 gallons is $3.99
14001 and up is $5.52/1000
If you use 15600 gallons you bill will be 16 x $5.52 = $88.32
Not true on my bill.

[retiredguy123]

You gave your permission by not opting-out
That is how foundations work.
You get the deduction (don't spend the $1.50 all in one place)
They did ask your permission
I believe assistance for low-income customers was one of the purposes of the foundation.
I see it a little differently. "Opting in" would be you giving permission. But, in this case, SECO has decided to take your money without permission, and giving you the right to keep your money by "opting out". Apples and oranges.

[Stu from NYC]

I see it a little differently. "Opting in" would be you giving permission. But, in this case, SECO has decided to take your money without permission, and giving you the right to keep your money by "opting out". Apples and oranges.

If they asked if we wanted to opt in would say ok but do not like the fact that we had to take action to opt out. We direct charity as we see fit not as Seco sees fit.

[Keefelane66]

This is just about the same as a thread a while back regarding restaurants rounding your bill up and not providing change. Fortunately we have the ability to opt out with SECO.

[skyking]

OMG! This could be up to 99 cents in some months.

[Golfer222]

OMG! This could be up to 99 cents in some months.


Again for the umpteenth time, it is NOT about the amount of money

[JGibson]

My mother is 90 and blind so she can't read bills and just has the money taken out of the bank.
She can hear on the bank phone how much SECO took out just to make sure it's not some off the wall deduction.

So now SECO is discriminating against disabled people who can't see statements and yet another reason to make it opt in.

[Bill14564]

My mother is 90 and blind so she can't read bills and just has the money taken out of the bank.
She can hear on the bank phone how much SECO took out just to make sure it's not some off the wall deduction.

So now SECO is discriminating against disabled people who can't see statements and yet another reason to make it opt in.

The amount may not be off the wall but how does she know it is correct? How does she know there aren't additional charges or if she is receiving any refunds that she is owed?

It seems someone is doing her a disservice if they just allow her bills to automatically be paid without confirming the accuracy of the bill. Perhaps the person who should be checking the accuracy of her bills *before* they are paid should have alerted her to this as well.

[Stu from NYC]

OMG! This could be up to 99 cents in some months.

There is something called a principle.

[retiredguy123]

There is something called a principle.
Correct. Stealing is stealing, regardless of the amount.

[daniel200]

Do the "street urchins" tell you they're going to "pinch a dollar" and give you the option to "opt-out" of having said dollar pinched?

Actually, the worst place for these pickpockets is in St. Peters Square in Rome. And the local official have posted everywhere to beware of these young pickpockets … So yes, i was warned but went anyway, does that make it right? I could have opted out of the visit!

What SECO is doing is theft. They have no right to declare that they will keep MY money if I fail to respond to their notice.

What is to stop any person or business from sending you an email that they are going to take YOUR money for any amount unless you “opt out”?

[Bill14564]

Actually, the worst place for these pickpockets is in St. Peters Square in Rome. And the local official have posted everywhere to beware of these young pickpockets … So yes, i was warned but went anyway, does that make it right? I could have opted out of the visit!

What SECO is doing is theft. They have no right to declare that they will keep MY money if I fail to respond to their notice.

What is to stop any person or business from sending you an email that they are going to take YOUR money for any amount unless you “opt out”?

If you believe what SECO is doing is theft and that they have no right to do that, our legal system is there to help you. Please let us know how your lawsuit goes.

What is to stop any business from doing the same? Nothing, it happens all the time. Xfinity rates, credit card fees, software licenses.... All come with a disclaimer that the cost will increase unless you opt out by a certain time.

SECO is not getting any of your money, the 501(c)(3) is. The only reason they have any of your extra pennies is you accepted their terms and allowed them to. The only reason they will get any more pennies is because your time is spent here complaining about the donation rather than going through the simple steps to opt-out...the same steps you could have taken in the 120 days before Jan. 1, 2023.

[retiredguy123]

If you believe what SECO is doing is theft and that they have no right to do that, our legal system is there to help you. Please let us know how your lawsuit goes.

What is to stop any business from doing the same? Nothing, it happens all the time. Xfinity rates, credit card fees, software licenses.... All come with a disclaimer that the cost will increase unless you opt out by a certain time.

SECO is not getting any of your money, the 501(c)(3) is. The only reason they have any of your extra pennies is you accepted their terms and allowed them to. The only reason they will get any more pennies is because your time is spent here complaining about the donation rather than going through the simple steps to opt-out...the same steps you could have taken in the 120 days before Jan. 1, 2023.
Respectfully, I usually agree with your posts, but not in this case. What SECO is doing is theft. Plain and simple. It is not the same thing as companies warning customers of a future rate increase. We both know that suing SECO is not practical. Customers should not be required to do anything to prevent SECO from taking their money.

[Bill14564]

Respectfully, I usually agree with your posts, but not in this case. What SECO is doing is theft. Plain and simple. It is not the same thing as companies warning customers of a future rate increase. We both know that suing SECO is not practical. Customers should not be required to do anything to prevent SECO from taking their money.

To me, theft happens without knowledge, without warning, without recourse, and without benefit to the victims. None of those are true in this case. The program was announced well ahead of time, there was a way to opt-out then, there is a way to opt-out now, and there is a tax benefit to making the donation (yes, a tiny benefit, but proportional to the very small amount being donated).

Yes, we usually do agree but apparently not this time.... and that's okay.

[JoMar]

Respectfully, I usually agree with your posts, but not in this case. What SECO is doing is theft. Plain and simple. It is not the same thing as companies warning customers of a future rate increase. We both know that suing SECO is not practical. Customers should not be required to do anything to prevent SECO from taking their money.

Customers should be required to manage their accounts. And, there are those of us that like the opt out option and hate the opt in option. Just because some don't like one option doesn't mean it's wrong, only that there is a different opinion. Making up the definition of stealing or theft to fit one's opinion seems to me to be taking a superior position and knowledge over those that disagree.

[HappyGirl126]

I would want them to send change donated back and sent to your charity of your choice.

[retiredguy123]

Customers should be required to manage their accounts. And, there are those of us that like the opt out option and hate the opt in option. Just because some don't like one option doesn't mean it's wrong, only that there is a different opinion. Making up the definition of stealing or theft to fit one's opinion seems to me to be taking a superior position and knowledge over those that disagree.
Theft is taking someone's property without their permission. I didn't make up the definition. If I tell you that I am going to take your golf cart unless you send me a letter, is that okay with you? I think the police would call it theft.

[JMintzer]

Yes....but what you may or may not not realize is SECO also gets to deduct this amount on THEIR taxes. I know nine dollars for an individual account doesn't amount to a lot but just think how many hundreds of thousands of accounts SECO has, and are getting the tax benefit of all those charitable contributions. :$::$::$::$:

What benefit?

Let's say they collect $1,000,000 in those extra fees. That now counts as income, right?

So, if they give all that money to charity, it's like it never happened. Money in = Money out. A net "wash"...

But they let YOU deduct that charitable contribution, (per what was written on the announcement letters). So basically, they are nothing but a "pass thru" account for the charitable contributions...

[JMintzer]

If they asked if we wanted to opt in would say ok but do not like the fact that we had to take action to opt out. We direct charity as we see fit not as Seco sees fit.

While I agree with you on that point (you should opt-in rather than have to opt-out), those who are saying SECO benefits are just plain wrong...

[JMintzer]

So I guess this is now the "get your knickers in a twist" topic du jour?

[Toymeister]

I was just at SECO's district 2 (south of 466a) meeting.

The CEO was proud of the opt out program and called it a success.

[retiredguy123]

I was just at SECO's district 2 (south of 466a) meeting.

The CEO was proud of the opt out program and called it a success.
Of course it was a success, because if you need to opt out, you will get more participation than if you need to opt in. Stealing is profitable.

[JMintzer]

Of course it was a success, because if you need to opt out, you will get more participation than if you need to opt in. Stealing is profitable.

How are they "profiting" on this when the money is donated to cahrity?

[Annie66]

Effective January 2023 Seco is rounding up our bills and donating the change to a charity they chose.
The only way to stop this is to tell them to unsubscribe you and refund your change.

Please don't be such a grump. This may cost you less than $12 a year. If you cannot afford that, how are you leaving here in TVs?

[Aces4]

From the provided link……

The current Pennies from Heaven program is transitioning to the SECO Energy Foundation in January 2023. Contributions will be tax-deductible and allow the Foundation (as a nonprofit entity) to apply for grants from other local, state and federal sources. Grants may include investments in first responder equipment, energy-efficiency grants for low-income communities and senior/youth centers.

It seem some posters find it easier to just post false information rather than looking to find what are the facts.:shrug:

The thing is, Bogie, we all pay taxes already and make independent donations that subsidize these programs.

[Velvet]

I appreciate this act by Seco brought to our attention. I believe in charity, but not “sneaky” charity. I went over my notifications from Seco and could not find where I have been notified of their “rounding up” practices. I may have to take them off automatic billing and review in detail each bill if they come up with anything else.

[Walt6977]

SECO Energy is regulated by the Florida Public Services Commission (PSC), as a Public Utilities SECO inherently has more power over their customers than a regular Company and Florida Services Commission is supposed to keep SECO from abusing that power. SECO says they will contribute some of the funds they collect for their Pennies from Heaven Rounding Up Scheme, to assorted Charities but I would wager the lions share goes into SECO’s account to make up for business losses they suffer; from people who have not paid their Electric Bill. Legitimate Charities ask for Donations, they do not have the power to force contributions as SECO has assumed. SECO enrolls all their customers to contribute, and then offer a path to unenroll. I would bet 90% of their customers do not even relize they are contributing. Some of the worse frauds committed each year are related to Charities and Rounding Up schemes.
The Florida Public Services Commission should force SECO to return 100% of their ill-gotten funds to the Customers they took them from. Then and only then SECO might be permitted to ask their customers to contribute for their “Charity”, but they should have to give detailed accounting of where every penny the “Charity” takes in. If 90% of “Charity” Contributions are earmarked to go to SECO, they must inform their Customers.
SECO has abused the Public Utility position they enjoy. The Florida Public Services Commission has the power to fine SECO for their transgressions. A through investigation needs to be conducted to see where these ill-gotten funds went, and SECO should be forced to make restitution to all their customers. A good place to start the questioning is: Do any Politicians or regulators benefit from SECO’s “Charity”?

[Velvet]

I called them today, and they ARE returning the money. It wasn't much, but it is the principle! They have restored my faith in them. This “opt out” scheme is quite unpopular and other companies have tried - it comes across as sneaky and enforced. They are in no position to dictate where and how one plans to spend their charitable contributions. I’m sorry they tried - they lost a bit of their good name.

[retiredguy123]

I called them today, and they ARE returning the money. It wasn't much, but it is the principle! They have restored my faith in them. This “opt out” scheme is quite unpopular and other companies have tried - it comes across as sneaky and enforced. They are in no position to dictate where and how one plans to spend their charitable contributions. I’m sorry they tried - they lost a bit of their good name.
It comes off as sneaky because it is sneaky. They should cancel the whole program, the opt-ins and the opt-outs.

[Walt6977]

SECO Energy is regulated by the Florida Public Services Commission (PSC), as a Public Utilities SECO inherently has more power over their customers than a regular Company and Florida Services Commission is supposed to keep SECO from abusing that power. SECO says they will contribute some of the funds they collect for their Pennies from Heaven Rounding Up Scheme, to assorted Charities but I would wager the lions share goes into SECO’s account to make up for business losses they suffer; from people who have not paid their Electric Bill. Legitimate Charities ask for Donations, they do not have the power to force contributions as SECO has assumed. SECO enrolls all their customers to contribute, and then offer a path to unenroll. I would bet 90% of their customers do not even relize they are contributing. Some of the worse frauds committed each year are related to Charities and Rounding Up schemes.
The Florida Public Services Commission should force SECO to return 100% of their ill-gotten funds to the Customers they took them from. Then and only then SECO might be permitted to ask their customers to contribute for their “Charity”, but they should have to give detailed accounting of where every penny the “Charity” takes in. If 90% of “Charity” Contributions are earmarked to go to SECO, they must inform their Customers.
SECO has abused the Public Utility position they enjoy. The Florida Public Services Commission has the power to fine SECO for their transgressions. A through investigation needs to be conducted to see where these ill-gotten funds went, and SECO should be forced to make restitution to all their customers. A good place to start the questioning is: Do any Politicians or regulators benefit from SECO’s “Charity”?

[Bill14564]

I appreciate this act by Seco brought to our attention. I believe in charity, but not “sneaky” charity. I went over my notifications from Seco and could not find where I have been notified of their “rounding up” practices. I may have to take them off automatic billing and review in detail each bill if they come up with anything else.

Check your August and December bills and August through December newsletters.

[Velvet]

Check your August and December bills and August through December newsletters.

I did. Google sent them to trash so until I checked junk mail, I did not see it. Why would they not indicate it on the bill they are rounding up? (Which I can see.)

[Bill14564]

I did. Google sent them to trash so until I checked junk mail, I did not see it. Why would they not indicate it on the bill they are rounding up? (Which I can see.)

They told customers in five newsletters and two bills including the bill immediately before the change went into effect. What more could they have done to give customers notice?

Why no notification on the January bill? Probably because by that time, after the seven other notifications, after the change went into effect, it was old news.

[Bogie Shooter]

I did. Google sent them to trash so until I checked junk mail, I did not see it. Why would they not indicate it on the bill they are rounding up? (Which I can see.)

You better fix that Google.:police:

[Velvet]

They told customers in five newsletters and two bills including the bill immediately before the change went into effect. What more could they have done to give customers notice?

Why no notification on the January bill? Probably because by that time, after the seven other notifications, after the change went into effect, it was old news.

Well, it was my fault then. I let them go to automatic billing and by the way, was there was 6 cents on December bill last month and 17 on the other bill before that, so I don’t see when they started this rounding up. Just says to me, one must check every bill carefully and I’m not so sure about giving monthly access to my bank account.

[Velvet]

You better fix that Google.:police:

Yep, and now let’s see Seco fix this practice.

[retiredguy123]

Well, it was my fault then. I let them go to automatic billing and by the way, was there was 6 cents on December bill last month and 17 on the other bill before that, so I don’t see when they started this rounding up. Just says to me, one must check every bill carefully and I’m not so sure about giving monthly access to my bank account.
It seems like the name of the game today is for businesses to convince customers to allow automatic billing and hope they forget about it. I avoid autopay anytime I can. Dean's lost my potential business because they require autopay. Even Consumer Reports requires autopay, and they are supposed to be protecting consumers. I only signed up for Netflix when Xfinity allowed me to include it on my monthly bill. If you subscribe to Netflix directly, they require autopay. I tried to buy a one year subscription, and they refused my business.

[Bill14564]

Well, it was my fault then. I let them go to automatic billing and by the way, was there was 6 cents on December bill last month and 17 on the other bill before that, so I don’t see when they started this rounding up. Just says to me, one must check every bill carefully and I’m not so sure about giving monthly access to my bank account.

I'm confused. As they mentioned at least seven times, the rounding up started on January 1, 2023. The bill you just received, the bill everyone just received, the bill many people are now complaining about, is the first bill to have this rounding up.

You can see many (all?) your past bills by logging onto the SECO energy Smarthub (https://secoenergy.smarthub.coop/ui/). But you must already know that if you receive your bills via email.

It was a surprise to me to. It took me about two minutes to figure out what was happening and find the previous announcements. But instead of getting indignant and accusing SECO of bad practices, I kicked myself for not paying attention. Then I thought about what the foundation was doing and what it cost me to participate and decided it was a good idea to remain enrolled.

But hey, do whatever makes you feel comfortable. Un-enroll from e-billing so you can keep the paper copies to look back on. Un-enroll from automatic payments and instead write a check, stuff an envelope, and tear off another stamp. And by all means, opt-out of the roundup - you'll need that $6 to buy the checks, envelopes, and stamps.

[Velvet]

I'm confused. As they mentioned at least seven times, the rounding up started on January 1, 2023. The bill you just received, the bill everyone just received, the bill many people are now complaining about, is the first bill to have this rounding up.

You can see many (all?) your past bills by logging onto the SECO energy Smarthub (https://secoenergy.smarthub.coop/ui/). But you must already know that if you receive your bills via email.

It was a surprise to me to. It took me about two minutes to figure out what was happening and find the previous announcements. But instead of getting indignant and accusing SECO of bad practices, I kicked myself for not paying attention. Then I thought about what the foundation was doing and what it cost me to participate and decided it was a good idea to remain enrolled.

But hey, do whatever makes you feel comfortable. Un-enroll from e-billing so you can keep the paper copies to look back on. Un-enroll from automatic payments and instead write a check, stuff an envelope, and tear off another stamp. And by all means, opt-out of the roundup - you'll need that $6 to buy the checks, envelopes, and stamps.

Forgive me, I don’t agree. There should be no reason why an electric company can feel that they should decide which charity to support on behalf of their customers. And you can pay bills each month on line in your bank - no checks no envelopes. You can opt out - but why should you have to? That’s not what you signed up for in the first place.

[Aces4]

I'm confused. As they mentioned at least seven times, the rounding up started on January 1, 2023. The bill you just received, the bill everyone just received, the bill many people are now complaining about, is the first bill to have this rounding up.

You can see many (all?) your past bills by logging onto the SECO energy Smarthub (https://secoenergy.smarthub.coop/ui/). But you must already know that if you receive your bills via email.

It was a surprise to me to. It took me about two minutes to figure out what was happening and find the previous announcements. But instead of getting indignant and accusing SECO of bad practices, I kicked myself for not paying attention. Then I thought about what the foundation was doing and what it cost me to participate and decided it was a good idea to remain enrolled.

But hey, do whatever makes you feel comfortable. Un-enroll from e-billing so you can keep the paper copies to look back on. Un-enroll from automatic payments and instead write a check, stuff an envelope, and tear off another stamp. And by all means, opt-out of the roundup - you'll need that $6 to buy the checks, envelopes, and stamps.

You may need additional postal supplies but at least you will be able to donate to the causes and charities of your choice.

[Bill14564]

You may need additional postal supplies but at least you will be able to donate to the causes and charities of your choice.

I have always been able to do that; this program changes nothing.