May 24, 2022 – SECO Energy has been recognized as a Tree Line USA Utility for 2022 by the Arbor Day
Foundation. Tree Line USA recognizes public and private utilities who take part in activities that protect
and enhance America’s urban forests. This is the fifteenth year SECO Energy has earned the Tree Line
USA distinction.
Tree Line USA is a national program recognizing public and private utilities for best practices that protect
and preserve America’s urban forests. This program is possible through a partnership with the Arbor Day
Foundation and the National Association of State Foresters. Tree Line USA promotes the coexistence of
delivering safe and reliable electricity while maintaining healthy community trees.
SECO Energy achieved five program standards to be recognized as a Tree Line USA utility. Utilities must
follow industry standards for quality tree care; provide annual worker training in best tree care practices;
sponsor a tree planting and education program; maintain a tree-based energy conservation program;
and participate in an Arbor Day celebration.
2022 is the 150th Anniversary of Arbor Day which is celebrated the last Friday of April. The Arbor Day
Foundation is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year. Since the Foundation’s beginnings, it has helped
to plant and distribute almost 500 million trees in over 50 countries worldwide. Learn more about Arbor
Day and its mission at arborday.org.
“Trees are essential to creating more urban green spaces in communities across the United States,” said
Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “In addition, they provide important benefits
to residents, including clean air, clean water, and vital tree shade. Service providers like SECO Energy
demonstrate how easily trees and utilities can co-exist for the benefit of communities and residents.”
CEO Curtis Wynn congratulates SECO Energy’s team for their continued Tree Line USA recognition. Wynn
stated, “Congratulations to the Vegetation Management team for upholding the Arbor Day Foundation’s
Tree Line USA standards for 15 years. This is quite an accomplishment, and we are very proud of your
dedication to quality tree care. SECO Energy invests heavily in its vegetation management program and
follows best practices to safely maintain our existing rights of way and reduce power outages.
Wynn continued, “SECO Energy strives to be a good environmental steward. Properly maintained,
healthy trees, that are planted in the right place, can help SECO members reduce their yearly energy
costs.”
Visit SECOEnergy.com>Reliability>Right Tree Right Place for tips on planting trees away from power lines
and how trees can help reduce yearly energy costs. SECO Energy has also developed online energy
efficiency tools to help members reduce energy use and costs. The Home Energy Assessment is an online
energy audit tailored to the individual member’s home and lifestyle. Members input their home details
and submit their email address to receive no-cost and low-cost tips to increase energy efficiency and
lower their electric bills. The Energy Estimator calculates the cost of common household electronics
found in most homes. Members who submit their data receive energy-efficiency suggestions and more
ways to save.