ERECutility
Your Monthly Newsletter
ISSUE 11 | AUG 2026 www.erec.com 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 850-675-4521 or 800-235-3848 OFFICE HOURS 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 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 (President) James E. Hall Ernie Hester Sam Walker Gary Wiggins Santa Rosa County Mickey Diamond (Vice President) Rick Hunsucker 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.
escambiariverelectric
A NEW CHAPTER FOR POWERSOUTH Ryan Campbell, P.E. Leadership is about more than experience. it's about serving people and communities with integrity and purpose. Those are qualities Damon Morgan has demonstrated throughout his 43-year career with PowerSouth Energy Cooperative, and they will continue to guide him as he steps into his new role as president and CEO. On June 1, Damon succeeded longtime CEO Gary Smith, whose 36 years of service, including 26 years as CEO, helped shape PowerSouth into the trusted generation and transmission cooperative it is today. Raised in a home powered by EREC in northern Escambia County, Florida, Damon understands the values that define rural communities. After earning his electrical engineering degree from Auburn University, he joined PowerSouth in 1982 as a distribution engineer and has spent more than four decades serving the cooperative and its member systems. Along the way, he has remained committed to the people behind the power, believing that reliable electricity is essential to helping rural communities grow and thrive.
This area of the country defines me, and I owe my upbringing and life lessons to the people, the soil, and the soul within it. As the electric industry faces rising costs, increasing demand, and an evolving energy landscape, Damon is focused on keeping PowerSouth's mission at the forefront, providing safe, reliable, and affordable electricity while making thoughtful investments for the future. At Escambia River Electric Cooperative, we value our partnership with PowerSouth and look forward to working alongside Damon as he leads the cooperative into its next chapter. His dedication to cooperative values and the communities we serve gives us confidence that the future remains bright for our members.
A TRIP TO REMEMBER
We couldn't have asked for better Washington Youth Tour representatives! Bailey and Clayton had an unforgettable experience during the June trip to Washington, D.C., where they met students from across the country, visited historic memorials, and gained a deeper understanding of the important role electric cooperatives play in serving their communities. They even experienced flying for the first time! Reflecting on the trip, Clayton shared, “Thank you so much for giving me the chance to represent EREC at our nation's capital. I am so grateful.” Congratulations to Bailey and Clayton for representing EREC so well!
UNDERSTANDING YOUR ELECTRIC BILL August's hot temperatures often mean higher electric bills as air conditioners work harder to keep homes cool. At EREC, we believe understanding your bill helps you make informed energy decisions. The biggest factor affecting your bill is the amount of electricity you use, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). During the summer, air conditioning is typically the largest contributor to increased energy use. Your bill also reflects the cost of purchasing power, which EREC receives from PowerSouth. These costs can fluctuate based on fuel prices and the overall demand for electricity. In addition, electricity must travel across high-voltage transmission lines before reaching EREC's local distribution system, all of which requires ongoing maintenance and investment to ensure reliable service. Another part of your bill is the monthly service charge. This fixed fee helps cover the cost of maintaining poles, power lines, transformers, substations, and other equipment, while ensuring crews and resources are available 24/7 to safely deliver electricity to every member. There are several ways to help reduce your energy use and lower your bill. Raising your thermostat a few degrees when you're away, replacing HVAC filters regularly, using ceiling fans, sealing air leaks, and limiting the use of major appliances during the hottest part of the day can all improve efficiency. EREC is committed to providing safe, reliable, and affordable electricity while being transparent about the factors that influence energy costs. If you have questions about your electric bill or would like tips on saving energy, we're always here to help.
Has Anything Changed? HELP US KEEP YOUR INFORMATION UP TO DATE HAS ANYTHING CHANGED? Do we have your correct phone number for text updates? Do we have your correct email address? Do you need to add or delete names on account?
LET US KNOW!
A quick update ensures we can contact you when it matters most about your power.
TASTE THE PASTABILITIES! CUCUMBER & DILL PASTA SALAD Ingredients
Recipe by Gertrude Treadaway ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY MICROTECH
1 pound small pasta shells 2 cups cucumber, sliced 1/4 cup green onion, chopped 1 cup sour cream 1/2 cup milk 1 tablespoon chopped, fresh dill weed 1 tablespoon white vinegar 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic 1/2 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon salt Squeeze of fresh lemon juice
Cook pasta in boiling, salted water until al dente. Drain, and rinse in cold water. Transfer pasta to a large bowl. In a separate bowl, mix sour cream, milk, dill, vinegar, garlic, salt and pepper. Set dressing aside. Mix cucumbers and onions into the pasta. Pour in dressing, and mix thoroughly. Sprinkle with lemon juice. Cover, and refrigerate at least 1 hour. Stir just before serving.
SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS Escambia County
You? Is this
You could win a $10 Bill Credit!
If the account number below matches yours, call us at (850) 675-4521 to claim a $10 credit on your next electric bill!
316396-001
KOTA Ranch Walnut Hill, FL kotaranchfl@gmail.com www.kotaranch.com Check them out on facebook or the web! KOTA Ranch is a veteran-owned, familyoperated farm in Florida dedicated to sustainable agriculture, quality animal care, and handcrafted farm goods. The ranch offers fresh produce, pasture and stable leasing, and authentic farm experiences that connect visitors with nature and the local farming community. With a commitment to hard work, stewardship, and simple living, KOTA Ranch provides high-quality products and a welcoming environment for families, animal lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Santa Rosa County
Love, Lincoln 6520 D E Lovett Road Milton, FL Check them out on facebook. Love, Lincoln is a family-owned and operated seasonal U-pick flower farm, offering a beautiful destination for flower lovers and photographers alike. Guests can stroll through vibrant blooms, including sunflowers, cosmos, dahlias, and zinnias, or explore the property's scenic wooded areas for a more rustic, moody backdrop. Photographers can reserve the entire property for full-day sessions, making this venue a charming setting for portraits, special occasions, and unforgettable outdoor experiences.