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The Light Post, Escambia River Electric Cooperative, March 2026

Page 1


ISSUE 06 | MAR 2026

JAY OFFICE

3425 Highway 4

P O Box 428 (mail) Jay, FL 32565

850-675-4521 or 800-235-3848

WALNUT HILL OFFICE

4950 Highway 99A Walnut Hill, FL 32568

850-327-4122

NEW OFFICE HOURS AS OF JAN 2

7:00 a m to 4:30 p m Monday - Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. every other Friday

Closed on alternating Fridays Walnut Hill is closed from 12 :00 - 1:00 p m

STAFF

Ryan C. Campbell, P.E., CEO

Sonya Dooley, Director of Finance and Administration

Lanie Sells, Director of Engineering

SERVING BEYOND OUR LINES

Ryan Campbell, P.E.

In the wake of Ice Storm Fern, I want to extend a sincere and heartfelt thank you to our linemen and their families. When our sister cooperatives in South Carolina and Mississippi needed help, our crews stepped up without hesitation. Many communities were without power for several days, and our linemen, alongside other cooperative crews, worked long, exhausting hours in difficult conditions to restore service. Their dedication, teamwork, and commitment to the cooperative spirit truly make a difference, and we are incredibly proud of the work they do every day

April is always a big month for us as we prepare for our 87th Annual Meeting, which will be held on April 25 at Ernest Ward Middle School This time of year allows us to reflect on the past year and connect with the members we proudly serve If you are unable to attend in person, absentee voting will be available beginning April 1 We are also excited to host our 3rd Lineman Camp for high school juniors and seniors, offering students a hands-on opportunity to learn more about careers in the electric cooperative industry. Keep your eyes open for more details to come. www.erec.com

Glenn White, Director of Operations

Cortney Owens, Manager of Marketing Communications

Derek Bridwell, Manager of Information Technology

Crystal George, Manager of Accounting

TRUSTEES

Escambia County

Brian Davis

James E. Hall

Ernie Hester

Sam Walker (Vice President)

Gary Wiggins

Santa Rosa County

Mickey Diamond

Rick Hunsucker (President)

Philip Marshall

Wesley Scott

Dale Westmoreland (Secretary/Treasurer)

The board of directors meets at 5 p m the third Monday of each month at the cooperative’s Jay office.

FOR POWER OUTAGES

Call 877-OUT-EREC or 877-688-3732

For emergency conditions, call 911.

Contact Cortney Owens (cowens@erec com) regarding this monthly publication

ERECStudentRepresentatives visittheSenate and participate in a mockdebate.

Rep.Salzmanwelcomes studentstoask questions.

EREC recently nt 14 area dents, our gest Youth ur group to e, to lahassee to rticipate in the orida Youth Tour. he students joined 127 other Florida students r two packed days exploring state government, cluding visits to the Florida House and Senate hambers, the Historic Capitol, and meetings with legislative staff.

Along with learning about leadership and civic engagement, students also enjoyed a night of fun with bowling, laser tag, and arcade games, making the trip both educational and unforgettable. Two of these local students will represent EREC on the Washington trip later this year. This was another successful Youth Tour!

LINEMAN CAMP RETURNS

Escambia River Electric Cooperative will host its Third Annual Power Up Lineman Camp on April 9, with a rain date scheduled for April 16 The camp is open to high school juniors and seniors interested in exploring careers in the electrical utility industry Applications are now open, and participants are limited, so early submission is encouraged.

Studentshavefun atDistrict850.

COOPERATIVE VOICES BEING HEARD

The one day camp provides hands on training and an inside look at the skills required to become a lineman. Participants will rotate through instructional stations covering safety practices, underground and above ground electrical systems, transformers, and power pole climbing, along with demonstrations using bucket trucks.

The camp is designed to give students practical experience while introducing them to the responsibilities and opportunities within the electric cooperative industry Scan QR code to register or go online to erec com

The Florida Electric Cooperatives Association (FECA) hosts an annual Legislative Cookout in Tallahassee, bringing together electric cooperative leaders, state lawmakers, and staff to discuss communityfocused energy issues and rural advocacy.

Pictured above are electric cooperative CEOs, including EREC CEO Ryan Campbell, with Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson. These conversations help ensure rural voices are heard and that cooperative values remain represented at the state level.

If the account number below matches yours, call us at (850) 675-4521 to claim a $10 credit on your next electric bill!

LUCK OF THE GREEN!

Ingredients

What uses more power: your refrigerator or your TV?

The refrigerator - it runs 24/7. AnnualMeeting

SPRING PEA SOUP WITH MINT

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for garnishing

3 leeks, thinly sliced

2 celery stalks, thinly sliced

2 garlic cloves, minced

6 cups shelled fresh peas

4 cups chicken or vegetable broth (storebought or homemade)

OFTHEMEMBERS

¼ cup parsley leaves, plus more for garnishing

¼ cup mint leaves, plus more for garnishing

¼ cup chopped chives, plus more for garnishing

¼ cup dill sprigs, plus more for garnishing

¼ cup heavy cream

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

87th April25

ErnestWard MiddleSchool

1.In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the leek and celery; sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute more

2.Stir in the peas and mix well to combine. Add the broth and bring the soup to a simmer over medium-low heat Cover and simmer for 20 minutes

3.Add the parsley, mint, chives and dill to the soup, then remove the mixture from the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes

4 Transfer the soup to the bowl of a food processor or blender and blend until smooth. Stir in the heavy cream; season with salt and pepper

5 To serve, ladle the soup into bowls, drizzle with olive oil and garnish with parsley, mint, dill and chives

SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS

mall business and your onehains and ide variety of , safety sets with ens, and cover everything mes to classy, gifts, special e These items s for teams, . Whether you’re meone else, yone at The Lil

Santa Rosa Count

The Daily Sip 5270 Commerce St. Jay, FL (850) 607-5006

Check them out on facebook

The Daily Sip is located in the heart of Jay on Commerce Street and is the perfect stop when it’s cold outside and you’re craving something warm and comforting Known for its friendly faces and welcoming atmosphere, The Daily Sip offers a variety of special teas and shakes for every taste. Be sure to follow their Facebook page to stay updated on Saturday pop-ups and special offerings. Tea kits are also available, making it easy to enjoy your favorite blends at home or share them as a thoughtful gift.

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