Complaints

This profile includes complaints for Sumter Electric Cooperative, Inc.'s headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see Find Local Branches.

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• 

  Sumter Electric Cooperative, Inc.

  PO Box 301 Sumterville, FL 33585-0301

• 

  Sumter Electric Cooperative, Inc.

  293 S US 301 Sumterville, FL 33585-4901

• 

  Sumter Electric Cooperative, Inc.

  50 W Ardice Ave Eustis, FL 32726-6243

• 

  Sumter Electric Cooperative, Inc.

  610 S US Highway 41 Inverness, FL 34450-6030

• 

  Sumter Electric Cooperative, Inc.

  330 S US 301 Sumterville, FL 33585-4903

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:02/26/2025

  Type:Customer Service Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  My complaint has to do with my usage of my electricity. They do a tentative showing of electricity used for certain items. I've asked them to show me a little more clarification because I don't have a washer or dryer. Then I have not turned my AC or my heat on since I've lived in this home but my bill constantly rises. So I'm trying to figure out how I'm using so much power but no one will get back to me they have not respond to any of my emails and if you call you get the runaround. And my bill just continues to increase saying this is being used I haven't even had to change out my air filter because it's still clean the first one. I know I'm not using anything I'm barely home I work all the time I don't have cable I unplugged my TV which that has just been plugged in and it's not used and I barely use my oven I use a Crock-Pot so I'm trying to figure out how my electricity keeps increasing when I use less. Also I have turned the breakers off for my heat and washer and dryer and it's still saying oh you've been shown to use a washer and dryer. Also I don't even use the dishwasher that's connected to the house. I feel like there's some fraudulent usage going on I have no idea because no one will tell me anything. Also I have paid extra and I do not see accredited balance on my account. I want my billing adjusted but I also want them to explain how they're coming up with energy usage when I keep everything unplugged as well as power breakers off and it's still increases it doesn't make any sense to me.

  Business Response

  Date: 03/11/2025

  SECO Energys trained Energy Services team has contacted the member to review the energy usage data at her location. Members have access to SECO Energys online account management portal, ********, to build a home profile that specifies the appliances and electronics in the home. With ********, members can view their usage data in real time and compare their daily usage to temperature fluctuations. Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention.
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:02/10/2025

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  SECO Energy did not process my umbrella insurance on time after properly emailing the required information, and they did not credit the solar energy generated that they used to my account. Emailed them the correct documentation to prove that the information was sent on time to the given email address, and they still refuse to process the credit even though it was their processing mistake.

  Business Response

  Date: 02/21/2025

  Our department never received emails from this member with his proof of insurance. Our process is to notify the members advising we need their updated insurance policy due to having a tier 2 size solar system.We notified this member October 21, 2024, allowing 30 days to supply proof of insurance, again November 21, 2024, allowing 15 additional days and a final notice on December 10, 2024, advising we removed his solar credits. Once proof of insurance was received on January 10, 2025, we added the credits back as of the date received.
  
  The member contacted our department February 10, 2025. He advised him to forward us the emails he sent on 12/2/2024 for our review. After receiving them, we refunded him all back credits on the service order.The credits were for a total of $131.19 leaving the balance at $248.48, which the member paid the same day.

  We believe this matter to be resolved.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/07/2024

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  UnresolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  Trinity ******ed,along with my license.I had a 25 year old bill of 300$ wich I immediatly paid in cash. Then I was informed the prior tenant had a outstanding balance and a charge of meter tampering the bill was around 3000$!!! I was told that a determination would be made in a few days.On 3/6/2024 I sent another email stating that I should not be held responsible for the prior occupants bill,also told them that the name of the owner and there phone number was on the lease. I believe if nothing else the owner should be held accountable not me the new tenant.On 3/6/2024 there email stated that in order for service to be restored all fees have to be paid and a inspection needed to be done. I almost feel as if they want me to go after the home owner for the bill. Im wondering if my problem fits under the ******* Statute ******* :to refuse to provide or to discontinue utility services to the owners, tenants or prospective tenants of rental property, based upon the nonpayment for services by a previous tenant.

  Business Response

  Date: 03/08/2024

  SECO Energys response to complaint #******** categorized as follows:
  
  Category 1: ******************** located at ********************************************** is currently under a Fraud alert with SECO Energy. SECO Energy utilizes proprietary investigative techniques to determine those responsible. Mr. or **************** should understand that anyone attempting to apply for service at this address will go through a diligent fraud search.
  
  Category 2: ********************************* located at ********************************************** has an open case that involves a violation of ************* Statute ******, which includes meter tampering and current diversion.
  
  Category 3:  Resolve
  Mr. or **************** can apply for service with SECO Energy at any time.  Mr. or **************** should be advised that due to the above circumstances, a diligent search will be conducted to make sure that he or she is not associated with any of the above categories. If a favorable outcome is determined, Mr. or **************** would proceed with the customary application process and is then subject to applicable fees and deposit. Additionally, a permit and an inspection is from the building and zoning authority in his or her area are required before SECO will energize the service.

  If the diligent search determines that Mr. or **************** is associated with any of the above categories, an itemized list of fees will be presented to him or her for payment. Once the fees are paid, and an inspection has been received, the power will be restored.
  
  Thank you,
  *******************
  Security and Asset Protection Manager 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 03/29/2024

  On the 13 of March I received a email stating that all I needed was to have a inspection of the meter can . On March 28 2024 Seco was sent confirmation of the inspection  I then emailed and asked what needed to be done next . I then received a phone call and they told me that the previous bill had to be paid. I was told no matter who it is whoever tries to get power there has to pay 3300.00$ before they will turn on the power. I feel as I'm right back at the beginning when I first came to you then wanting me to pay the prior tenants bill

   

  Customer Answer

  Date: 04/01/2024

  On the 13 of March I received a email stating that all I needed was to have a inspection of the meter can . On March 28 2024 Seco was sent confirmation of the inspection  I then emailed and asked what needed to be done next . I then received a phone call and they told me that the previous bill had to be paid. I was told no matter who it is whoever tries to get power there has to pay 3300.00$ before they will turn on the power. I feel as I'm right back at the beginning when I first came to you then wanting me to pay the prior tenants bill

  Business Response

  Date: 04/11/2024

  SECO Energys response to complaint #******** categorized as follows:
  Category 1: ******************** located at ********************************************** is currently under a Fraud alert with SECO Energy. SECO
  Energy utilizes proprietary investigative techniques to determine those responsible. Mr. or **************** should
  understand that anyone attempting to apply for service at this address will go through a diligent fraud search.
  Category 2: ********************************* located at ********************************************** has an open case that involves a violation of *************
  Statute ******, which includes meter tampering and current diversion.
  Category 3: Resolve
  Mr. or **************** can apply for service with SECO Energy at any time. Mr. or **************** should be advised that
  due to the above circumstances, a diligent search will be conducted to make sure that he or she is not
  associated with any of the above categories. If a favorable outcome is determined, Mr. or **************** would
  proceed with the customary application process and is then subject to applicable fees and deposit. Additionally,
  a permit and an inspection is from the building and zoning authority in his or her area are required before SECO
  will energize the service.
  If the diligent search determines that Mr. or **************** is associated with any of the above categories, an
  itemized list of fees will be presented to him or her for payment. Once the fees are paid, and an inspection has
  been received, the power will be restored.

  After conducting a thorough review of the account, our findings remain unchanged: **************** is accountable for all fees associated with reconnecting the service.

  
  Thank you,
  *******************
  Security and Asset Protection Manager

• Initial Complaint

  Date:12/07/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *****************

  Business Response

  Date: 12/08/2023

  SECO Energy's Surge team reached out to ********** today by phone. The complainant and SECO have agreed on a reasonable solution. We appreciate ************** outreach and feedback.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 12/08/2023

  I just received a message from SECO that they have decided to remove the Device today and that i will not be charged for the monthly fee for the remaining 10 months. Not sure if they will refund the The Device fee of $25/- or so ??

  *****************

  ************

   

• Initial Complaint

  Date:08/18/2023

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I have seco electric. I am disabled. My power has been shut off. In March 2023 my mother passed away and I moved into her house in April 2023. The electric was turned on in my name but my mother had a $483 balance. They transferred her balance to my new account against my wishes and made me pay a 700$ deposit on top of it. They refuse to take her bill off of my account. Now my power is cut off. They refuse to turn it back on unless I pay $474. I just made a payment to them on July 31,2023 for $300. I am disabled and on oxygen. Also my latest bill for only 8 days of service says that my electric charge for only 8 days is $374. The kwh used isn’t even calculated correctly and they have been discriminating against me since I opened my account. Overcharging me and taking advantage of my disability.

  Business Response

  Date: 08/24/2023

  Mr. ***** contacted SECO Energy directly. His service has been reconnected and there is no further action required.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/22/2023

  Type:Customer Service Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  My mother passed away and I was trying to settle her estate. I am trying to get my mother Membership fee Release. I have sent two different forms but now they tell me that they want all my siblings name, Address, S.S numbers and since my one brother pasted away they want my brothers long form death certificate so they came send them the forms to file out. They said that if one of the sibling didn't fill the form out then no one will get any money. They are just refusing to refund my mothers money. They stated that if will be 4-6 Months to get any money only if all sibling sends in the forms. My mother's Account # ******* ******* ***** ** *** ** ****** ** ***** ******** *** **********

  Business Response

  Date: 06/28/2023

  In response
  to BBB complaint from Ms. *********, I spoke with her regarding the capital
  credit claim for her mother’s estate. We are willing to pay out the claim,
  however we do need legal documentation showing she is the executor of the
  estate. If she cannot provide that documentation, we will need additional paperwork
  filled out by all the heirs.
  Our
  legal team is reviewing the paperwork she has provided to see if we need
  additional documents, or we can process the claim.  I will contact her once I get an answer.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/27/2023

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Since 12/2022 our electric bill has been inaccurate due to the electric company billing us wrongfully. First (in December) we were not charged a bill. I called to see what was wrong and was told they would work on it. After a month goes by we are then charged with two light bills in one. Which was fine, we paid it. We were told that the issue was resolved and we would no longer have this problem. Now, this time the electric company has only charged us a portion of our bill for the past 2 months. Again this is the electric company’s fault. So we are again hit with an outrageous bill. I contacted them to figure out what was going on and they agreed it was their wrong doing and set up a payment plan. Which we were fine with. $200 by 3/30 , $105 by 4/20 (plus electric bill for March) , $105 for 5/20 (plus electric bill for April). However; our March bill is $371 with $105 added would be $476!!. We have lived here for a year and a half and our bill have never been over $250. So I called again, and was told we are being charged extra fees due to the billing being inaccurate since December (which is not our fault- it’s the electric compaines) When I was told the first time on 12/2022 everything was taken care of and back on track. This is not okay. We now have a $782 bill on our account because of the electric company not doing their job correctly or not charging us the correct bill when it’s due. We should not be forced to pay this on short notice in fear of our lights being shut off due to the electric companies mistake.

  Business Response

  Date: 03/31/2023

  In response to the BBB
  complaint received by ******** ***** after further account research, additional
  adjustments were necessary and made. The members balance as of today is $388.42.  We’ve made a few attempts to reach Ms. *****
  by phone but have been unsuccessful. We would prefer for Ms. ***** to meet with
  a supervisor in the Ocala office to review the account in detail.  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:02/15/2023

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  
  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  
  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  
  
  ****** ****

  Business Response

  Date: 02/17/2023

  **** ******’s response to
  complaint #******** categorized as follows:
  
  Category
  1: Fraud
  The service located at
  **** *** **** *** ********* ******* is currently under a Fraud alert with ****
  Energy. **** ****** utilizes proprietary investigative techniques to determine
  those responsible. Anyone attempting to apply for service at this address will be
  subject to a diligent fraud search.
  
  Category
  2: Revenue Protection
  The service located at
  **** *** **** *** ********* ******* has an open case that involves a violation
  of Florida State Statute 812.14, which includes meter tampering and current diversion.
  
  Category
  3:  Threats
  The service located at **** *** **** *** ********* ******* was involved in a threat of bodily harm to ****
  personnel, whereby a dog was released in the presence of **** personnel to
  prevent disconnection of power.
  
  Category
  4:  Resolve
  Ms. ****** **** may apply
  for service at any **** ****** location with valid state identification.  Ms. **** should be advised that due to the above
  circumstances, a diligent search will be conducted to make sure that she is not
  associated with any of the above categories. If a favorable outcome is
  determined, Ms. **** would proceed with the customary application process and
  then be subject to applicable fees and deposit. Additionally, an inspection is
  required by a licensed electrician to ensure that the location is safe to
  energize.
  If the diligent search determines
  that Ms. **** is associated with any of the above categories, an itemized list
  of fees will be presented to her for payment. Once the fees are paid, and an inspection
  has been received, the power will be restored.
  
  

  Business Response

  Date: 02/17/2023

  SECO Energy’s response to
  complaint #******** categorized as follows:
  
  Category
  1: Fraud
  The service located at
  **** *** **** *** ********* ******* is currently under a Fraud alert with SECO
  Energy. SECO Energy utilizes proprietary investigative techniques to determine
  those responsible. Anyone attempting to apply for service at this address will be
  subject to a diligent fraud search.
  
  Category
  2: Revenue Protection
  The service located at
  **** *** **** *** ********* ******* has an open case that involves a violation
  of Florida State Statute 812.14, which includes meter tampering and current diversion.
  
  Category
  3:  Threats
  The service located at **** *** **** *** ********* ******* was involved in a threat of bodily harm to SECO
  personnel, whereby a dog was released in the presence of SECO personnel to
  prevent disconnection of power.
  
  Category
  4:  Resolve
  Ms. ****** **** may apply
  for service at any SECO Energy location with valid state identification.  Ms. **** should be advised that due to the above
  circumstances, a diligent search will be conducted to make sure that she is not
  associated with any of the above categories. If a favorable outcome is
  determined, Ms. **** would proceed with the customary application process and
  then be subject to applicable fees and deposit. Additionally, an inspection is
  required by a licensed electrician to ensure that the location is safe to
  energize.
  If the diligent search determines
  that Ms. **** is associated with any of the above categories, an itemized list
  of fees will be presented to her for payment. Once the fees are paid, and an inspection
  has been received, the power will be restored.
  
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 02/17/2023

  
  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  
  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  
  
  ****** ****

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/30/2023

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Seco Energy has added .52 cent to my bill account number ********** . The money going to ******* ********** a charity which I do approve of. I did not give them permission to do this and want the money returned to me, a credit will be fine. Furthermore, if they have done this on other bills i want that money credited to my account.
  Sincerely,
  Mr. ******* *******

  Business Response

  Date: 01/30/2023

  Thank you, Mr. ******** for your outreach regarding SECO Energy’s decision to change our mode of enrollment in our electric bill round-up program in January 2023 and to establish a 501c3 Foundation in transition from our existing Pennies from Heaven program. SECO Energy has communicated about this change in?every edition?of?SECO News?and every month on the website since?August?of last year.??Members have been provided with a variety of convenient ways to inform SECO Energy if they do not want to participate in supporting the Foundation.  The communications were by no means hidden and the methods of indicating intention to not participate were accessible with one click from the banner on the homepage of the website.
  
  This was a decision that was made with much forethought, research and more than anything, with strong consideration for improving quality of life in the communities we serve.  Like Pennies from Heaven, the Foundation will be funded largely through SECO’s electric bill round-up program but as a 501c3 can also be supplemented by grants the Foundation applies for through other local, state and federal funding programs that align with SECO Energy’s and the Foundation’s goals. Helping people in need and reducing costs are critical in today’s economic environment. 
  
  An adjustment has been written to refund the $.52 to your account per your request. We are sorry if the change was perceived negatively, as a not-for-profit, cooperatively structured utility, SECO follows the cooperative principles to guide our day-to-day business operations.?Concern for community is a key co-op principle and keeping costs low for all members remains a high priority.??Surveys tell us that members want to be part of an organization that does more for their consumers and communities than profit from the goods/services it sells. Thank you for allowing us the chance to explain.
  
  Sincerely,
  SECO Energy