MAJOR fee increases on the horizon

[skippy05]

SECO is increasing the pole rental fees which will drive higher fees to live in The Villages

[vintageogauge]

Not a big deal, everything has gone up over the last 3 years.

[Happydaz]

not a big deal, everything has gone up over the last 3 years.

600%?

[golfing eagles]

Not a big deal, everything has gone up over the last 3 years.

Plus utilities are regulated regarding their fees

[Keefelane66]

Just a question are these fees for lamp poles and or for utility power poles for transmission of electricity. Are we paying for lighting in squares commercial properties/parking lots? Tunnel, Village area signs such as courtyard villas are provided by solar, maybe it's times for conversion. Each home is required to have a lamp post (why) I already converted mine to solar.

[Two Bills]

Just a question are these fees for lamp poles and or for utility power poles for transmission of electricity. Are we paying for lighting in squares commercial properties/parking lots? Tunnel, Village area signs such as courtyard villas are provided by solar, maybe it's times for conversion. Each home is required to have a lamp post (why) I already converted mine to solar.

Fee increase is for pylon (transmission tower in US?) rental.

[Bill14564]

Fee increase is for pylon (transmission tower in US?) rental.

I saw light poles. Where did you see different?

Does SECO even own any transmission towers?

[tophcfa]

So, I guess our electric utility rates in the Villages will only be about 3/4 of what we pay in Massachusetts, instead of about half as much. Still a dam good deal on a relative basis.

[Normal]

So, I guess our electric utility rates in the Villages will only be about 3/4 of what we pay in Massachusetts, instead of about half as much. Still a dam good deal on a relative basis.

Agreed. What is a problem is all of the hidden taxes. Things not even called taxes that amortize a budget to nothing. Record home insurance bills, bonds that exceed in some cases 50 k dollars. The payments aren’t labeled taxes, but many pay them.

[vintageogauge]

Why does this apply to only 62,000 households in TV?

[cjrjck]

SECO is much more affordable than Duke Power. I am not sure how they determine utility boundaries but I am in unincorporated Sumter county and am in the Duke service area. I see SECO trucks working two blocks over. Anyone want to trade?

[Altavia]

SECO is increasing the pole rental fees which will drive higher fees to live in The Villages

Source?

[Bill14564]

Source?

Newspaper that cannot be named plus conversation in one of the District or Committee meetings (can’t remember which one).

Doesn’t automatically equate to maintenance fee increase but will have to be built into the budget somehow.

[Topspinmo]

So, I guess our electric utility rates in the Villages will only be about 3/4 of what we pay in Massachusetts, instead of about half as much. Still a dam good deal on a relative basis.

Don’t want Florida to become the state you left???:shrug: I’m sure you don’t but some do:beer3:

[Topspinmo]

SECO is much more affordable than Duke Power. I am not sure how they determine utility boundaries but I am in unincorporated Sumter county and am in the Duke service area. I see SECO trucks working two blocks over. Anyone want to trade?

Wait till after I get bill for pole rental increase.

What deal get utility to install poles and pay rent for couple years then dump it on residents when the paid bond for infrastructure. :boom:

[Altavia]

Newspaper that cannot be named plus conversation in one of the District or Committee meetings (can’t remember which one).

Doesn’t automatically equate to maintenance fee increase but will have to be built into the budget somehow.

Trying to understand what MAJOR means.

The Lord Voldemort news article doesn't make sense?

Looks like it's for the light poles @ less than $1/day/pole (?)

We have about 10/100 homes around me.

A $2 million increase over 240,000 homes is $8/home?

SECO Energy Announces Increase in Lighting Rates – SECO Energy (https://secoenergy.com/seco-energy-announces-increase-in-lighting-rates/)

https://secoenergy.com/wp-content/uploads/SECO_Energy_Rate_Tariff_Current.pdf

No idea if/what we're paying now?

And I'm probably way off base...

[Two Bills]

I saw light poles. Where did you see different?

Does SECO even own any transmission towers?

My bad. Poles not pylons.
Below from 'other place.'


Community Development Districts in The Villages will be burning through reserves to pay for huge SECO Energy increases.

The SECO Energy pole rental cost in Community Development District 5 will climb from $60,249 to $435,423 as of Oct. 1 – a 623 percent increase.

“How can SECO Energy have the unmitigated nerve to propose such a ridiculous increase?” asked CDD 5 Board of Supervisors Chairman Gary Kadow. “They look at The Villages like a cash cow. They think they can charge anything and we will just pay it.”

Other CDDs are feeling the pain, with the more than $2 million SECO increase to be absorbed over a large swath of The Villages.

“We really need to get after these folks,” said Community Development District 8 Supervisor Duane Johnson.

CDD 8 will see its SECO costs increase from $54,108 to $329,569.

CDD supervisors from The Villages have been invited to a special meeting with SECO representatives on Tuesday at SECO headquarters in Sumterville. The meeting is not open to the public and supervisors who plan to attend the meeting must RSVP to guarantee entry.

SECO representatives had been invited to attend CDD meetings this week in The Villages, but did not attend.

The Villages District Manager Kenny Blocker will hold a closed door meeting Monday with SECO executives.

The CDDs are already deep into planning for the 2024-2025 fiscal budgets. All have agreed they will have to reach into their reserve funding to pay for the SECO increases.

CDD 6 Supervisor Peter Moeller noted that while CDDs can avoid a maintenance assessment hike this time around, residents should not shrug off the pain of the sudden SECO increase. He said there is “shadow” lurking over the financial future of the CDDs.
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[Topspinmo]

My bad. Poles not pylons.
Below from 'other place.'


Community Development Districts in The Villages will be burning through reserves to pay for huge SECO Energy increases.

The SECO Energy pole rental cost in Community Development District 5 will climb from $60,249 to $435,423 as of Oct. 1 – a 623 percent increase.

“How can SECO Energy have the unmitigated nerve to propose such a ridiculous increase?” asked CDD 5 Board of Supervisors Chairman Gary Kadow. “They look at The Villages like a cash cow. They think they can charge anything and we will just pay it.”

Other CDDs are feeling the pain, with the more than $2 million SECO increase to be absorbed over a large swath of The Villages.

“We really need to get after these folks,” said Community Development District 8 Supervisor Duane Johnson.

CDD 8 will see its SECO costs increase from $54,108 to $329,569.

CDD supervisors from The Villages have been invited to a special meeting with SECO representatives on Tuesday at SECO headquarters in Sumterville. The meeting is not open to the public and supervisors who plan to attend the meeting must RSVP to guarantee entry.

SECO representatives had been invited to attend CDD meetings this week in The Villages, but did not attend.

The Villages District Manager Kenny Blocker will hold a closed door meeting Monday with SECO executives.

The CDDs are already deep into planning for the 2024-2025 fiscal budgets. All have agreed they will have to reach into their reserve funding to pay for the SECO increases.

CDD 6 Supervisor Peter Moeller noted that while CDDs can avoid a maintenance assessment hike this time around, residents should not shrug off the pain of the sudden SECO increase. He said there is “shadow” lurking over the financial future of the CDDs.
Want all the latest news from The Villages delivered directly to your email inbox? Click here to subscribe! Hurry and lock in your price now before rates increase in 2024


I’d just drop rental, tell them to remove polls! Why we have yard lights, flashlights, and headlights. Bet they would reconsider?

[Altavia]

My bad. Poles not pylons.
Below from 'other place.'


Community Development Districts in The Villages will be burning through reserves to pay for huge SECO Energy increases.

The SECO Energy pole rental cost in Community Development District 5 will climb from $60,249 to $435,423 as of Oct. 1 – a 623 percent increase.

“

Ok, $375,074 spread scross 240,000 homes is a MAJOR increase of $1.56 per home.

[Two Bills]

Ok, $375,074 spread scross 240,000 homes is a MAJOR increase of $1.56 per home.

I have no dog in the fight. Poster asked for conformation, so I responded.

"Other CCDs are feeling the pain, with the more than $2 million SECO increase to be absorbed over a large swath of The Villages."

[Bogie Shooter]

Wait till after I get bill for pole rental increase.

What deal get utility to install poles and pay rent for couple years then dump it on residents when the paid bond for infrastructure. :boom:

Doubt if the poles were part of Infrastructure bond.

[Bill14564]

Ok, $375,074 spread scross 240,000 homes is a MAJOR increase of $1.56 per home.

CDD 10 is large with 6,600 homes. If CDD5 had 6,000 then the cost per home would be what, about $63? Not a lot overall but a large jump in the maintenance fee.

[LuvtheVillages]

Ok, $375,074 spread scross 240,000 homes is a MAJOR increase of $1.56 per home.

Your math is off.

The $375,000 increase is for CDD 5 only. Other districts will also see similar increases.

There are 6,399 homes in CDD 5. So that works out to $58.61 per house added to the annual maintenance fee that is on your tax bill.

This alone is annoying, but not hurtful. However, what other increases will we also see in the maintenance budget?

[Mrprez]

What does the rental fee include? Is the electricity included? If a pole gets knocked down does SECO replace it? Do they service the bulbs or LEDs? Never heard of street pole rental.

[Altavia]

Your math is off.

The $375,000 increase is for CDD 5 only. Other districts will also see similar increases.

There are 6,399 homes in CDD 5. So that works out to $58.61 per house added to the annual maintenance fee that is on your tax bill.

This alone is annoying, but not hurtful. However, what other increases will we also see in the maintenance budget?

Thanks for the clarification.

Seems like a lot of drama over a buck per week per household.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

First off, there aren't 240,000 homes in The Villages. So either that number is off, or the entire customer base in AND outside The Villages are all sharing the cost.

Second, it's not all residents of The Villages. People living on my side of the pond have Duke Energy, and our costs are unaffected. Seco doesn't service this side at all.

Third, yes investor-owned utilities are regulated. But SECO is a co-op. The FPSC does not fully regulate co-ops or municipal energy companies.

[LuvtheVillages]

First off, there aren't 240,000 homes in The Villages. So either that number is off, or the entire customer base in AND outside The Villages are all sharing the cost.

Second, it's not all residents of The Villages. People living on my side of the pond have Duke Energy, and our costs are unaffected. Seco doesn't service this side at all.

Third, yes investor-owned utilities are regulated. But SECO is a co-op. The FPSC does not fully regulate co-ops or municipal energy companies.

Yes, you have Duke Energy in your home, not SECO.

But we are not talking about the power in your home. We are talking about the light poles in the streets and parking lots.

I don't know if SECO owns the poles throughout the Villages, or if some other entity owns in some sections. Since all the CDD's seem to be involved, it suggests that SECO has the contract for all the light poles.

I know that SECO replaces any burned out lights on the poles. I think they also maintain any damaged poles as part of the rental contract.

[Mrprez]

Yes, you have Duke Energy in your home, not SECO.

But we are not talking about the power in your home. We are talking about the light poles in the streets and parking lots.

I don't know if SECO owns the poles throughout the Villages, or if some other entity owns in some sections. Since all the CDD's seem to be involved, it suggests that SECO has the contract for all the light poles.

I know that SECO replaces any burned out lights on the poles. I think they also maintain any damaged poles as part of the rental contract.

Who pays the electric bill? Is that included?

[kansasr]

Ok, $375,074 spread scross 240,000 homes is a MAJOR increase of $1.56 per home.

There are only 6,408 lots in District 5

[Altavia]

First off, there aren't 240,000 homes in The Villages. So either that number is off, or the entire customer base in AND outside The Villages are all sharing the cost.

Second, it's not all residents of The Villages. People living on my side of the pond have Duke Energy, and our costs are unaffected. Seco doesn't service this side at all.

Third, yes investor-owned utilities are regulated. But SECO is a co-op. The FPSC does not fully regulate co-ops or municipal energy companies.

Thanks for the info.

I read the 240K as all customers but am probably very confused...

[Altavia]

...

I know that SECO replaces any burned out lights on the poles. I think they also maintain any damaged poles as part of the rental contract.

I think I read in the rate sheet they will also start billing for repairs?

[Rwirish]

Not true as they are a Cooperative.

[Sandy and Ed]

I think I read in the rate sheet they will also start billing for repairs?
If that is true than this makes no sense at all. If rental includes maintenance ( repair as well ) than I would have no beef given how costs of materials and labor have risen. But to have such a high percentage increase without including maintenance (??), why that’s highway robbery. Some justification would be needed

[FredMitchell]

Getting factual information is useful
SECO Announcement (https://secoenergy.com/seco-energy-announces-increase-in-lighting-rates/) - what the poles are and why the increase and comparison to other communities
Report of meeting (https://www.**************.com/2024/06/14/seco-board-holds-special-meeting-after-pole-rental-uproar-in-the-villages/) Reaction in TV - (abbreviated to avoid the silly little magnifying glasses that otherwise are magically added to posts)
Reaction reported on CDD7 (https://www.**************.com/2024/06/06/official-calls-for-removal-of-seco-trustees-over-outrageous-increases/)

Please feel free to reply to this with other factual resources to make it easy for people to read all the facts before making comments or supplying false information without factual knowledge.

Doing division is useful, if and only if the both the numerator and denominator are correct. Otherwise it is just 4th grade (?) arithmetic.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

ALL Utility companies are guarantied about a fixed return on ASSETS by federal statute.

If the utility company adds assets to benefit the customer, as required by the regulator, the rates will go up.
If the cost of maintenance goes up, the rates will go up.
All interruptions in service are recorded and timed from outage to restoration. Depending upon the storm level, excess times are fined.
All customer inbound service telephone calls are time recorded, there are requirements to answer and provide solutions. depending upon the issues, the company can be fined for poor customer service.
The cost of storm damage is recorded and collected separately and billed recovery over a future time period, not all at once.
The cost of repairing a car damaged telephone pole is recorded and the damaged asset removed and the new pole cost added to the assets for rate recovery. .


If the regulator denies the increase in rates, the utility will sue in federal court and win per the statute.

Each state has different rate setting rules, ie:
NY State allows rate increases to prepay for the investment in assets
MA State only gives rate increases AFTER the asset is in service (the utility has to borrow to make the investment, thereby increasing the cost of the investment)

There is a formula for rates which includes the cost of maintenance.

Utility ratemaking - Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utility_ratemaking#:~:text=The%20traditional%20rat e%20formula%20is,revenue%20requirement%20or%20rate %20level).

Revenue Requirement formula
The traditional rate formula is intended to produce a utility's revenue requirement:

R = O + (V − D)r
The elements of the traditional rate formula are defined as:

R is the utility's total revenue requirement or rate level. This is the total amount of money a regulator allows a utility to collect from customers.
O is the utility's operating expenses, which are passed through to customers at cost with no mark-up. Examples include labor (for everything from field repair and maintenance crews to customer service and accounting personnel); bad debt expense; interest on debt; depreciation on assets; and federal (and sometimes state) taxes on income. A large operating expense is often the cost of the commodity itself (electricity, or natural gas, or water) purchased by a utility for its customers' use.
V is the gross value of the utility's tangible and intangible property.
D is the utility's accrued depreciation. Combined (V − D) constitute the utility's rate base, also known as its capital investment. Examples include wires, pipes, poles, substations, pumping stations, generating stations, computer software, computer hardware, office furniture, office buildings, etc.
r is the rate of return a for-profit utility is allowed to earn on its capital investment or on its rate base. Non-profit utilities, such as those owned by states or municipalities, or those owned by customers in rural areas (common in the United States) do not add an "r" in the Revenue Requirement formula, nor do they incur income tax expenses.


Progress and population expansion is not free, never has been never will be.
We are living in a developing area, unlike the old parts of the country, where there is no land left.

now enough with the rate increase hysterics. . .

[dewilson58]

ALL Utility companies are guarantied about a fixed return on ASSETS by federal statute. .

& this is why these are great stock investments, which i include in my "bond investment" category.

:mornincoffee:

[Altavia]

Getting factual information is useful
SECO Announcement (https://secoenergy.com/seco-energy-announces-increase-in-lighting-rates/) - what the poles are and why the increase and comparison to other communities
Report of meeting (https://www.**************.com/2024/06/14/seco-board-holds-special-meeting-after-pole-rental-uproar-in-the-villages/) Reaction in TV - (abbreviated to avoid the silly little magnifying glasses that otherwise are magically added to posts)
Reaction reported on CDD7 (https://www.**************.com/2024/06/06/official-calls-for-removal-of-seco-trustees-over-outrageous-increases/)

Please feel free to reply to this with other factual resources to make it easy for people to read all the facts before making comments or supplying false information without factual knowledge.

Doing division is useful, if and only if the both the numerator and denominator are correct. Otherwise it is just 4th grade (?) arithmetic.

Links don't work on this end?

If you can find the correct numbers to put in the numerator and denominator to calculate the increase per rooftop, go for it.

[Zenmama18]

ALL Utility companies are guarantied about a fixed return on ASSETS by federal statute.

If the utility company adds assets to benefit the customer, as required by the regulator, the rates will go up.
If the cost of maintenance goes up, the rates will go up.
All interruptions in service are recorded and timed from outage to restoration. Depending upon the storm level, excess times are fined.
All customer inbound service telephone calls are time recorded, there are requirements to answer and provide solutions. depending upon the issues, the company can be fined for poor customer service.
The cost of storm damage is recorded and collected separately and billed recovery over a future time period, not all at once.
The cost of repairing a car damaged telephone pole is recorded and the damaged asset removed and the new pole cost added to the assets for rate recovery. .


If the regulator denies the increase in rates, the utility will sue in federal court and win per the statute.

Each state has different rate setting rules, ie:
NY State allows rate increases to prepay for the investment in assets
MA State only gives rate increases AFTER the asset is in service (the utility has to borrow to make the investment, thereby increasing the cost of the investment)

There is a formula for rates which includes the cost of maintenance.

Utility ratemaking - Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utility_ratemaking#:~:text=The%20traditional%20rat e%20formula%20is,revenue%20requirement%20or%20rate %20level).

Revenue Requirement formula
The traditional rate formula is intended to produce a utility's revenue requirement:

R = O + (V − D)r
The elements of the traditional rate formula are defined as:

R is the utility's total revenue requirement or rate level. This is the total amount of money a regulator allows a utility to collect from customers.
O is the utility's operating expenses, which are passed through to customers at cost with no mark-up. Examples include labor (for everything from field repair and maintenance crews to customer service and accounting personnel); bad debt expense; interest on debt; depreciation on assets; and federal (and sometimes state) taxes on income. A large operating expense is often the cost of the commodity itself (electricity, or natural gas, or water) purchased by a utility for its customers' use.
V is the gross value of the utility's tangible and intangible property.
D is the utility's accrued depreciation. Combined (V − D) constitute the utility's rate base, also known as its capital investment. Examples include wires, pipes, poles, substations, pumping stations, generating stations, computer software, computer hardware, office furniture, office buildings, etc.
r is the rate of return a for-profit utility is allowed to earn on its capital investment or on its rate base. Non-profit utilities, such as those owned by states or municipalities, or those owned by customers in rural areas (common in the United States) do not add an "r" in the Revenue Requirement formula, nor do they incur income tax expenses.


Progress and population expansion is not free, never has been never will be.
We are living in a developing area, unlike the old parts of the country, where there is no land left.

now enough with the rate increase hysterics. . .

Thank you for explaining this so clearly and factually!

[Bill14564]

ALL Utility companies are guarantied about a fixed return on ASSETS by federal statute.

If the utility company adds assets to benefit the customer, as required by the regulator, the rates will go up.
...


Progress and population expansion is not free, never has been never will be.
We are living in a developing area, unlike the old parts of the country, where there is no land left.

now enough with the rate increase hysterics. . .

SECO is not a regulated utility (2nd paragraph (https://secoenergy.com/purpa-public-utility-regulatory-policies-act-of-1978/))

There is no development occurring in CDD5, CDD7, or CDD10. Costs for maintenance and improvement make sense, 600% increases do not.

When Xfinity replaces your modem and increases your $50 internet over $300 you will want to know why and I am willing to be that "supply chain issues" will not be an acceptable answer.

It is not unreasonable to ask how such a large increase was necessary and to demand that the answer be backed up by numbers. Hopefully, our CDD supervisors were provided that information in the closed-door meeting. I am looking forward to that information being published or discussed in an upcoming CDD meeting.

[Bill14564]

Getting factual information is useful
SECO Announcement (https://secoenergy.com/seco-energy-announces-increase-in-lighting-rates/) - what the poles are and why the increase and comparison to other communities
Report of meeting (https://www.**************.com/2024/06/14/seco-board-holds-special-meeting-after-pole-rental-uproar-in-the-villages/) Reaction in TV - (abbreviated to avoid the silly little magnifying glasses that otherwise are magically added to posts)
Reaction reported on CDD7 (https://www.**************.com/2024/06/06/official-calls-for-removal-of-seco-trustees-over-outrageous-increases/)

Please feel free to reply to this with other factual resources to make it easy for people to read all the facts before making comments or supplying false information without factual knowledge.

Doing division is useful, if and only if the both the numerator and denominator are correct. Otherwise it is just 4th grade (?) arithmetic.

Not many facts in that announcement, only a mention of a substantial increase. No good reason why (supply chain issues) and no idea of the magnitude (substantial), just a statement that we (SECO) are really good guys and we're about to start charging you more.


(NOTE: This forum does not allow you to link to the online paper that shall not be named)

[jimmy o]

You’re mistaken, the 600 % increase is indeed for the lamp poles. I say take them out of the residential streets. Every house, EVERY house has a light post in front. We do not need the leased light poles on the residential streets. They’re redundant, and the increase is for them.

[Normal]

Things could be worse, residents could be paying local taxes like Wildwood, Leesburg and Fruitland Park residents.

[Wondering]

Not a big deal, everything has gone up over the last 3 years.
Everything has gone up over our entire lifetime, not just the last three years. It's a normal reality. In the 60's gas was 25 cents a gallon!

[CybrSage]

Ok, $375,074 spread scross 240,000 homes is a MAJOR increase of $1.56 per home.

I live in a Duke area, my costs are not changing. Why would you include my home in a price increase for an electric company I do not have?

[Wondering]

SECO is increasing the pole rental fees which will drive higher fees to live in The Villages
SECO is a cooperative with reasonable rates. They give us HOTBUCKS which are a rebate discount off our monthly bill. Go to northern or western states and see what their rates are currently.

[dtennent]

Getting factual information is useful
SECO Announcement (https://secoenergy.com/seco-energy-announces-increase-in-lighting-rates/) - what the poles are and why the increase and comparison to other communities
Report of meeting (https://www.**************.com/2024/06/14/seco-board-holds-special-meeting-after-pole-rental-uproar-in-the-villages/) Reaction in TV - (abbreviated to avoid the silly little magnifying glasses that otherwise are magically added to posts)
Reaction reported on CDD7 (https://www.**************.com/2024/06/06/official-calls-for-removal-of-seco-trustees-over-outrageous-increases/)

Please feel free to reply to this with other factual resources to make it easy for people to read all the facts before making comments or supplying false information without factual knowledge.

Doing division is useful, if and only if the both the numerator and denominator are correct. Otherwise it is just 4th grade (?) arithmetic.

As I read the SECO announcement, this increase is to convert light poles to be LEDs. Given that this will result in lower power consumption, longer unit lifetime, and hence lower maintenance costs, how many years will it take to complete this conversion? Will SECO then decrease the rental fees after the conversion is done?

[ohiosbestus]

Get rid of them.....Use Solar powered lighting instead. Price Gouging should be punished by jail time. I bet it would quit if the law was enforced.

[Altavia]

Framing this as a HUGE 400% increase is highly deceptive.

If the increase is $5/mo a rooftop, that is more like a 10% adjustment to the Maintenance fee.

[Altavia]

I live in a Duke area, my costs are not changing. Why would you include my home in a price increase for an electric company I do not have?

So what's the correct number to use?

[Daddymac]

Not a big deal, everything has gone up over the last 3 years.

Ok, We see you know nothing about this!:ohdear::ohdear::ohdear:

[Daddymac]

Plus utilities are regulated regarding their fees

:rant-rave: Dear Lord, How do dumb people live this long !!

[Bill14564]

Framing this as a HUGE 400% increase is highly deceptive.

If the increase is $5/mo a rooftop, that is more like a 2.6% adjustment to the Amenity fee.

In the real world, a manager would be expected to find something else to reduce to absorb charges for a critical resource.

I guess that depends on how you look at it.

$5/month is 10% of my maintenance fee. So either I accept a 10% increase or the CDD has to find a way to trim 10% of their budget for this additional cost.

10% of the budget doesn't sound too bad until you consider fixed costs. For my CDD, 67% of the budget is obligated for PWAC. This number seems to be non-negotiable. So the increase does not come out of the full budget, it comes out of the 33% that is left over. Another 10% of the budget goes to other fixed items such as salaries, legal fees, and management fees to the VCCDD.

All in all, this leaves about 25% of the yearly budget to cover an increase equivalent to 10% of the yearly budget. In other words, the $5/month per rooftop works out to be about 50% of the spending the CDD controls. Half of what gets done that is not accomplished through the PWAC will need to be cut to cover this increase. To me, that is quite significant.

[Papa_lecki]

Get rid of them.....Use Solar powered lighting instead. Price Gouging should be punished by jail time. I bet it would quit if the law was enforced.

That solution will work well during a 2 day storm, when, you know, there is no sunlight to charge the lights.

[roadrnnr]

J I already converted mine to solar.

How?

[Robojo]

600%?

Welcome to a world driven by.....we ain't allowed to say it here but you know.

[vintageogauge]

Ok, We see you know nothing about this!:ohdear::ohdear::ohdear:

I do know all about it and you are making a big deal out of a few dollars a month, what do you expect in this inflationary environment? It proves that you know nothing about this. Oh My, Oh My, Oh My, if you can't afford it they are hiring at McDonalds, can Daddymac make a Big Mac.

[Bogie Shooter]

Framing this as a HUGE 400% increase is highly deceptive.

If the increase is $5/mo a rooftop, that is more like a 2.6% adjustment to the Amenity fee.

In the real world, a manager would be expected to find something else to reduce to absorb charges for a critical resource.

Nothing to do with amenity fees.

[Glowing Horizon]

So, I guess our electric utility rates in the Villages will only be about 3/4 of what we pay in Massachusetts, instead of about half as much. Still a dam good deal on a relative basis.
Recent electricity bill ratesin IL went up 3x from last summer with lots new wind farms & added solar arrays, shut down nat gas & constantly attacking existing nuclear plants. Green costs a lot of green but produces a lot less usable power.

[Altavia]

///

[Altavia]

I guess that depends on how you look at it.

$5/month is 10% of my maintenance fee. So either I accept a 10% increase or the CDD has to find a way to trim 10% of their budget for this additional cost.

10% of the budget doesn't sound too bad until you consider fixed costs. For my CDD, 67% of the budget is obligated for PWAC. This number seems to be non-negotiable. So the increase does not come out of the full budget, it comes out of the 33% that is left over. Another 10% of the budget goes to other fixed items such as salaries, legal fees, and management fees to the VCCDD.

All in all, this leaves about 25% of the yearly budget to cover an increase equivalent to 10% of the yearly budget. In other words, the $5/month per rooftop works out to be about 50% of the spending the CDD controls. Half of what gets done that is not accomplished through the PWAC will need to be cut to cover this increase. To me, that is quite significant.

Very interesting, appreciate the details.

[joshgun]

I’m confused. If SECO is increasing their pole rental fees, that usually means they are going to receive more revenue from other utilities that use their poles. It would seem like ultimately this would benefit SECO rate payers.

[FredMitchell]

(NOTE: This forum does not allow you to link to the online paper that shall not be named)[/QUOTE]
TIL. sorry.

[Arctic Fox]

Each home is required to have a lamp post (why) I already converted mine to solar.

I checked with ARC and, while we must have a lamp post, we don't need to have a bulb in it. Our front garden has been dark and wildlife-friendly for two years. Alarmists may tell you that the emergency services will be delayed getting to your home, but GPS means that they know exactly where they're going, without a beacon in your front garden.

Anyway, back to the main thread: people in the UK pay 60p (75c) per day standing charge, whereas those in Bermuda (notoriously expensive) pay 76c. In The Villages, SECO charges me $1.15 per day. That's a 50% uplift on the UK and Bermuda. Hmmm?

[golfing eagles]

I checked with ARC and, while we must have a lamp post, we don't need to have a bulb in it. Our front garden has been dark and wildlife-friendly for two years. Alarmists may tell you that the emergency services will be delayed getting to your home, but GPS means that they know exactly where they're going, without a beacon in your front garden.

Anyway, back to the main thread: people in the UK pay 60p (75c) per day standing charge, whereas those in Bermuda (notoriously expensive) pay 76c. In The Villages, SECO charges me $1.15 per day. That's a 50% uplift on the UK and Bermuda. Hmmm?

Means nothing unless we also know the number of poles in each location

[Dantes]

Only the rich elites can that so easily

[jimmy o]

Ok, $375,074 spread scross 240,000 homes is a MAJOR increase of $1.56 per home.
It’s spread across 67,000 homes. Most homes here have Duke as their supplier.

[Topgun 1776]

You could always sell your home and move to some Utopia where utility prices never go up. Let us know when you find it!

[cliff02]

Pole rental fees are for companies that rent space on the poles for private equipment; ie cell phone equipment, cable tv lines and phone lines. Not for the general public.

[NachoMama]

If that is true than this makes no sense at all. If rental includes maintenance ( repair as well ) than I would have no beef given how costs of materials and labor have risen. But to have such a high percentage increase without including maintenance (??), why that’s highway robbery. Some justification would be needed

It includes pole, lights, electricity, maintenance and repair.

[NachoMama]

I checked with ARC and, while we must have a lamp post, we don't need to have a bulb in it. Our front garden has been dark and wildlife-friendly for two years. Alarmists may tell you that the emergency services will be delayed getting to your home, but GPS means that they know exactly where they're going, without a beacon in your front garden.

Anyway, back to the main thread: people in the UK pay 60p (75c) per day standing charge, whereas those in Bermuda (notoriously expensive) pay 76c. In The Villages, SECO charges me $1.15 per day. That's a 50% uplift on the UK and Bermuda. Hmmm?

This has nothing to do with the lamp post in your yard.

[NachoMama]

Pole rental fees are for companies that rent space on the poles for private equipment; ie cell phone equipment, cable tv lines and phone lines. Not for the general public.

This is about street lamps, and has nothing to do with renting pole space to other companies.

[OhioBuckeye]

Yes & personally if they get everyone on EV auto’s our grids won’t handle millions of EV’s, plus power outages!

[PugMom]

Not a big deal, everything has gone up over the last 3 years.

ikr. up north we had bills of near $300 a month, so it's looking mighty fine down here

[NachoMama]

This increase in the tariff only applies to areas serviced by SECO. SECO is an Electric co-op, meaning that the cost of providing service is paid for by the people served, which is why it only applies to 62,000 households. And, when the cost of supplying a service goes up, it must be born by the members who benefit, and not subsidized by members who don’t.

Despite any speculation, rumor, or conjecture to the contrary, this is for street lights. It is NOT your yard light, not for pylons, nor for transmission, and not for cable or any other utility. It pays for the poles, lights, electricity, maintenance and repair.

Here is the press release from SECO:

SECO Energy Announces Increase in Lighting Rates – SECO Energy (https://secoenergy.com/seco-energy-announces-increase-in-lighting-rates/)

p.s. As a co-op, SECO offers us much lower rates than those enjoyed by our neighbors who are are not SECO members.

[NachoMama]

I’m confused. If SECO is increasing their pole rental fees, that usually means they are going to receive more revenue from other utilities that use their poles. It would seem like ultimately this would benefit SECO rate payers.

This has nothing at all to do with other utilities.

[Northbrookrick]

At this time where everything is going up in price is it really necessary to raise those prices by that much?? Give us a break. Our social security certainly isn't increasing very much.

[Jerseybob]

Plus utilities are regulated regarding their fees

They are not regulated.

DIRECT FROM THE SECO WEBSITE:

About Us – SECO Energy (https://secoenergy.com/about/)

"One of the most important distinctions between other types of utilities and SECO is that we are member owned."

"Our members have a voice in the co-op’s decision-making process. They elect a nine-member Board of Trustees, who meet monthly to monitor the financial status of the Cooperative and make policy decisions in the best interest of the membership."

"MISSION
As a not-for-profit cooperative, SECO Energy provides reliable and innovative energy services to our members and communities".

THE FOLLOWING IS AN EXCERPT FROM THE VILLAGES - NEWS 6/15/2024
TO READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE, HERE IS THE LINK :

SECO board holds emergency meeting after pole rental uproar in The Villages - **************.com (https://tinyurl.com/3vjh3ba8)

SECO held a closed-door meeting Tuesday with elected supervisors from The Villages at the cooperative’s headquarters in Sumterville to discuss the huge increases.

****** ""As a result of pressure from officials in The Villages, SECO trustees met on Thursday and announced they had agreed to “a two-year phased approach to incorporate the pole rental rate increase.”
This means 50 percent of the increase will take place Oct. 1 and the second half of the increase on Oct. 1, 2025."

[golfing eagles]

They are not regulated.

DIRECT FROM THE SECO WEBSITE:

About Us – SECO Energy (https://secoenergy.com/about/)

"One of the most important distinctions between other types of utilities and SECO is that we are member owned."

"Our members have a voice in the co-op’s decision-making process. They elect a nine-member Board of Trustees, who meet monthly to monitor the financial status of the Cooperative and make policy decisions in the best interest of the membership."

"MISSION
As a not-for-profit cooperative, SECO Energy provides reliable and innovative energy services to our members and communities".

THE FOLLOWING IS AN EXCERPT FROM THE VILLAGES - NEWS 6/15/2024
TO READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE, HERE IS THE LINK :

SECO board holds emergency meeting after pole rental uproar in The Villages - **************.com (https://tinyurl.com/3vjh3ba8)

SECO held a closed-door meeting Tuesday with elected supervisors from The Villages at the cooperative’s headquarters in Sumterville to discuss the huge increases.

****** ""As a result of pressure from officials in The Villages, SECO trustees met on Thursday and announced they had agreed to “a two-year phased approach to incorporate the pole rental rate increase.”
This means 50 percent of the increase will take place Oct. 1 and the second half of the increase on Oct. 1, 2025."

Thanks. I didn't realize Co-ops have different rules.

[HJBeck]

How many electric utility poles do you see in TV? Not many! Pole attach.ent fees are only a couple of $ per year. If you see a couple of $ per year increase in your rates I would be very surprised. Don't sweat about it.

[Bill14564]

How many electric utility poles do you see in TV? Not many! Pole attach.ent fees are only a couple of $ per year. If you see a couple of $ per year increase in your rates I would be very surprised. Don't sweat about it.

Please read some of the provided links.

The increase is not for utility poles. The increase is not for rent of space on the poles. The increase is not for your lamp post in your shrub bed.

The increase is for the CDD to rent the aluminum street-light poles.

The increase will be in the neighborhood of 600% (something like $63K/year -> $420K/year). Looking at one set of numbers provided in the linked articles, the increase will amount to about 10% of your yearly maintenance fee (depends on which CDD you are in). Either SECO lowers the rates, the CDD cuts something from the budget, or I will see my maintenance fee increase by about $60.

I like the idea of removing the poles and not having as much street lighting to save money and reduce light pollution. However, the County or State might require the lighting and I just read an article about a neighborhood arguing for more lights so it looks like removal is not an option.

[Altavia]

Please read some of the provided links.

The increase is not for utility poles. The increase is not for rent of space on the poles. The increase is not for your lamp post in your shrub bed.

The increase is for the CDD to rent the aluminum street-light poles.

The increase will be in the neighborhood of 600% (something like $63K/year -> $420K/year). Looking at one set of numbers provided in the linked articles, the increase will amount to about 10% of your yearly maintenance fee (depends on which CDD you are in). Either SECO lowers the rates, the CDD cuts something from the budget, or I will see my maintenance fee increase by about $60.

I like the idea of removing the poles and not having as much street lighting to save money and reduce light pollution. However, the County or State might require the lighting and I just read an article about a neighborhood arguing for more lights so it looks like removal is not an option.

Nice summary - thanks!

Adding it appears the cost previously spread across the entire membership base.

They don't say who will see a cost reduction as a result.

SECO Energy Announces Increase in Lighting Rates – SECO Energy (https://secoenergy.com/seco-energy-announces-increase-in-lighting-rates/)


SECO Energy is a not-for-profit entity. Energy rates, lighting service costs, and additional services are structured not to turn a profit but to reflect the costs of providing power and other related services.

We continually review rates through cost-of-service studies which are comprehensive evaluations of the costs associated with providing service to different customer groups, to ensure fairness and equity among ratepayers and that the cost of additional services is not subsidized by the entire membership base.

The full rate tariff is available online at SECOEnergy.com.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

Thanks. I didn't realize Co-ops have different rules.

Neither did I. . . interestingly, I learn something every day from the "discussions" on here, even if I am wrong.

SECO CO-op is an electrical distribution Co-op, which owns an electrical generation/transmission Co-op. . . called Seminole Electric Cooperative.

In 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt created the Rural Electrification Administration (REA) by executive order to bring electricity to rural communities through the formation of electric cooperatives. In 1937, the REA drafted the Electric Cooperative Corporation Act, a law permitting states to create and operate not-for-profit, member-owned distribution electric cooperatives. The same year, Florida’s first distribution electric cooperatives were formed.

History – Seminole Electric Cooperative (https://www.seminole-electric.com/about/history/)

The FLORIDA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION regulates the non cooperative electrical distribution and transmission companies. . .
Florida PSC (https://www.psc.state.fl.us)

The FPSC regulates the following electric distribution companies:
Florida Power & Light
Duke Energy
Tampa Electric
Florida Public Utilities

The funny part is that SECO and seminole co-ops were created for rural FL, and it won't change its rural status unless someone buys out the co-operatives. The key difference is the organization under those regulations and are a member owned non profit organization. Big advantage over Duke Energy. .

HOWEVER, non profit does not non profit literally, as in the binary opposite = MONEY LOSING. . . even the cooperative needs to recover its costs, therefore if costs increases, rates will increase. .

[Bogie Shooter]

Only the rich elites can that so easily

:what:

[Maker]

Just remember "Not for Profit" does not mean they operate in the most cost efficient manner possible. Wasteful or stupid spending still gets passed to the customers. People still get paid, and excess cash is used for buying things and spending sprees.

The NFL is "Not for Profit"

[CoachKandSportsguy]

Just remember "Not for Profit" does not mean they operate in the most cost efficient manner possible. Wasteful or stupid spending still gets passed to the customers. People still get paid, and excess cash is used for buying things and spending sprees.

The NFL is "Not for Profit"

True, and the pay back of certain investments is based upon someone's financial model and assumptions about the future behavior of humans, which is always wrong, but some are wronger than others.

However, if the rates (tariffs in legal terms) are lower than DUKE and the other regulated utilities, we the members and customers are ahead of the game. . . the added advantage is that the generation plants are also co-op owned and are non profit. . .

[OhioBuckeye]

It may not but as soon as they get 80 to 90% on electric, you’ll be trapped then you see everything that operates off of electric will be expensive, then there won’t be nothing we can do. Also what will you do when we have power failure’s & out for several days? Then what, the power companies will lower your electric bill. It’s a trap! You know they’re trying to get America on electric stoves info natural gas stoves. Think about it, why are they trying to get everything on electric. What do you think EV chargers are ran on electric?

[twoplanekid]

I received this yesterday from Village district staff about the SECO rate increase as viewed by district staff.

"Good Afternoon,

With all of the recent discussions regarding the SECO Rate Increase, I asked District Staff to compile a one-page “fact sheet” to summarize the issue, actions taken and results from our engagement with the SECO Board (attached). We will include this document for residents to read on the “Get the Facts” section of our website. The link to Get the Facts is on the left-hand side of our homepage.

This document should serve as a valuable tool when discussing/explaining this topic with your constituents.

Thank you,

Kenny"

[Jim 9922]

[QUOTE=Jerseybob;2341817][B]

DIRECT FROM THE SECO WEBSITE:

"Our members have a voice in the co-op’s decision-making process. They elect a nine-member Board of Trustees, who meet monthly to monitor the financial status of the Cooperative and make policy decisions in the best interest of the membership."


It is interesting that consideration of such a big "Policy Decision" was not made public prior the reelection of several of the "trustees" at the annual meeting this past late winter. Given its magnitude, I would have thought the potential of the light pole rate increases has been on the trustee's agendas for discussion for many months prior to the announcement in June. If the pending rate increase had been leaked, just think how controversial the reelection might have been. Apparently, all was not honey and roses behind the scenes as it seemed to be in the pre-election benign propaganda mailed to all of us members.

[Rainger99]

I received this yesterday from Village district staff about the SECO rate increase as viewed by district staff.

"Good Afternoon,

With all of the recent discussions regarding the SECO Rate Increase, I asked District Staff to compile a one-page “fact sheet” to summarize the issue, actions taken and results from our engagement with the SECO Board (attached). We will include this document for residents to read on the “Get the Facts” section of our website. The link to Get the Facts is on the left-hand side of our homepage.

This document should serve as a valuable tool when discussing/explaining this topic with your constituents.

Thank you,

Kenny"

A little vague on the reason prices are going up so drastically.

[Altavia]

A little vague on the reason prices are going up so drastically.

Very poorly communicated.

If I understand correctly, street lighting was previously funded by the general budget.

The change "reallocates" those costs to the areas that have street lighting.

It seems this should result in a corresponding rate decrease for all?

[LuvtheVillages]

Very poorly communicated.

If I understand correctly, street lighting was previously funded by the general budget.

The change "reallocates" those costs to the areas that have street lighting.

It seems this should result in a corresponding rate decrease for all?

You misunderstand.

The street lighting and parking lot lighting have always been in the maintenance budget, which you pay with your property taxes at the end of the year.

What's new is that the rate is increasing substantially.

[Altavia]

You misunderstand.

The street lighting and parking lot lighting have always been in the maintenance budget, which you pay with your property taxes at the end of the year.

What's new is that the rate is increasing substantially.

SECO Energy Announces Increase in Lighting Rates – SECO Energy (https://secoenergy.com/seco-energy-announces-increase-in-lighting-rates/)

What is happening?

– We need to adjust the way we pay for and maintain area light poles in the communities we serve in order to be more accurate and fair to all our members. As a result, you may see an increase in your HOA dues or maintenance assessment in your municipal tax bill.

Why is this increase happening now?

– During the course of a recent cost of services study, we discovered an imbalance in the costs borne by area lighting customers. SECO members in certain parts of our service area weren’t paying their fair share of the costs associated with area lighting.
– Our team alerted the members affected about these needed changes in May.

How will I be affected?

– You will likely see a change in your community maintenance fee. For the average homeowners this could amount to about $5 per month.

Why can’t it stay the way it is?

– SECO is a member-owned, not-for-profit utility. This means that our customers are all members of the co-op. We have a responsibility to all members to operate the utility as efficiently and fairly as possible.
– It just isn’t fair to all of our members if some communities are effectively subsidized by others, and it’s not good accounting. The new approach means that everybody pays their fair share.

[Bill14564]

SECO Energy Announces Increase in Lighting Rates – SECO Energy (https://secoenergy.com/seco-energy-announces-increase-in-lighting-rates/)

What is happening?

– We need to adjust the way we pay for and maintain area light poles in the communities we serve in order to be more accurate and fair to all our members. As a result, you may see an increase in your HOA dues or maintenance assessment in your municipal tax bill.

Why is this increase happening now?

– During the course of a recent cost of services study, we discovered an imbalance in the costs borne by area lighting customers. SECO members in certain parts of our service area weren’t paying their fair share of the costs associated with area lighting.
– Our team alerted the members affected about these needed changes in May.

How will I be affected?

– You will likely see a change in your community maintenance fee. For the average homeowners this could amount to about $5 per month.

Why can’t it stay the way it is?

– SECO is a member-owned, not-for-profit utility. This means that our customers are all members of the co-op. We have a responsibility to all members to operate the utility as efficiently and fairly as possible.
– It just isn’t fair to all of our members if some communities are effectively subsidized by others, and it’s not good accounting. The new approach means that everybody pays their fair share.

Keeping your highlights, this just has a bad smell to it.

The current rates seem to have been in place since at least 2020 which is the oldest rate tariff document I can find. How could it have taken over four years to find a $15M imbalance? How could t have taken over four years to notice they were charging $0.18 per day for a pole when the right number was actually $1.31, an error of over 625%?

If it isn't fair to cover the costs with residential customers subsidizing public customers (the CDDs in our case) then in October when the costs are shifted the residential customers should see some savings. $15M/240,000 customers would be about $5/month; not much but something. I will be interested in seeing whether that actually happens.

Instead, what I suspect we will see is no savings at all. My cynicism has me expecting to hear that while the costs were shifted to the CDDs, other costs have increase and my rates will remain the same. This happens all too often.

Since it looks like my CDD maintenance budget will have to increase by the same amount as my savings from shifting the cost, this *could* work out to have zero impact on me. On the other hand, if shifting the cost does *not* result in a savings from SECO but the CDD *does* need to increase the maintenance fee then residential customers in my area will be paying an additional $60 when SECO makes things "fair" for us.

[Pairadocs]

SECO is increasing the pole rental fees which will drive higher fees to live in The Villages

So ? Not sure how many basic expenses are not rising ? Not sure what "we the people" can do about it ? Don't think there will be a boycott, that a high percentage of residents in the villages will STOP using electricity to force reductions in charges ? Certainly not worth the true cost of moving, and chances of even finding a state or area where energy costs are DECREASING are close to zero. Not trying to say "just suck it up", but don't have an answer to such circumstances ! Next we'll be hearing insurance rates are going to be driven higher ?

[Pairadocs]

I checked with ARC and, while we must have a lamp post, we don't need to have a bulb in it. Our front garden has been dark and wildlife-friendly for two years. Alarmists may tell you that the emergency services will be delayed getting to your home, but GPS means that they know exactly where they're going, without a beacon in your front garden.

Anyway, back to the main thread: people in the UK pay 60p (75c) per day standing charge, whereas those in Bermuda (notoriously expensive) pay 76c. In The Villages, SECO charges me $1.15 per day. That's a 50% uplift on the UK and Bermuda. Hmmm?

Don't want to drift too far off topic, but "mandatory" lamp posts ? "mandatory" automatic sprinkling systems, etc. ? Prices of UK and Bermuda, interesting, but then doesn't add much when you don't know ALL the other circumstances of life there.... taxes, insurance, food, fuel (gasoline we noticed was much higher in Bermuda, a place we like to spend vacation time), so just saying, not rejecting. We also stopped using electricity for the lamp post, changed to solar, but perhaps (?) it would be logical for ALL developers to just make such things solar from the get go ? Most developers are now advertising "green homes", "energy SAVING homes", etc. Also underground water storage tanks for doing garden and lawn watering "might" be a better idea than a "mandatory" automatic watering system which people must buy but may not even want ? Always questions of individual "rights" .... complicated situations.

[Pairadocs]

Welcome to a world driven by.....we ain't allowed to say it here but you know.

Most revealing part of your post: we're NOT ALLOWED to say it here, but you know".
Seems the very same thing as during the great illness, NOT allowed to even state an opinion that differed from the narrative being pushed. Look where that got us. How many of you, like me, wonder what have I done to my own body/health now that the truth has been revealed. Same applies to many situations. There is the accepted narrative and even expressing doubt, or questioning, seems to be rejected. Not healthy for a society to be encouraged to not express thought provoking opinions, that do not expand analytical thinking. We also seem to be moving toward a society that does not permit evolution of thought and changing one's view. More and more it seems those who take in and process information over a period of time, and change their views or judgments, are labeled "traitors", "turncoats", "chameleons", etc. ! An old phrase goes: damned if you do, damned if you don't" ! !