As an Escambia River Electric Cooperative (EREC) member, you’ve likely heard our substations mentioned when we discuss infrastructure upgrades, high-speed internet availability, outage areas, or power restoration efforts after hurricanes.
Ever wonder which substation serves your home or how these vital facilities got their names? Let’s explore the stories behind the namesakes of these critical pieces of our electrical grid.
Santa Rosa County
Allentown Substation
- 974 meters
Located in the quiet, close-knit Allentown community, this substation provides a reliable electric service to area farms, homes and small businesses.
Completed just last month, this substation underwent the most dramatic upgrade in the region. Its original 5 megavoltamperes capacity was rebuilt to 20 MVA—a 300% increase. This substantial investment is key to preparing for anticipated population and energy demand growth in the area. Like other major upgrades, it includes the use of durable concrete poles and a new 115-kilovolt transmission line to enhance long-term reliability.
Jay Substation
- 2,576 meters
Serving the town of Jay and surrounding areas, this is 1 of the largest substations in Santa Rosa County. It supports residential, commercial, and agricultural needs, and plays a critical role in local economic development.
Munson Substation
- 1,213 meters
Tucked into the Blackwater River State Forest region, Munson Substation serves a mix of forested homesteads and outdoor recreation sites, ensuring dependable power deep in the pines.
Chumuckla Substation
- 1,189 meters
Named after the historic community it supports, Chumuckla Substation powers rural neighborhoods and agricultural lands that form the heart of central Santa Rosa County.
This substation was completely rebuilt and reenergized in July 2024. Its capacity rose from 12.5 MVA to 20 MVA—a 60% increase— adding enough power to serve about 2,000 additional homes. The project significantly improves service reliability and ensures the system is ready for future demand.
Wallace Substation
- 2,751 meters
Strategically located near the fast-growing Wallace area, this substation is 1 of the highest-capacity sites in EREC’s system. It supports a growing number of families and businesses moving into northern Santa Rosa County.
In September 2024, a partial rebuild and expansion began, boosting capacity from 14 MVA to 20 MVA—a 42% increase. The project, completed in December 2024, helped maintain consistent and reliable service during the area’s rapid development. It also includes the addition of 115-kV concrete pole transmission lines for improved efficiency and resilience.
Wye Substation
- 1,334 meters
Wye Substation is named for its original electrical setup, which was designed in a Wye configuration—a specific type of electrical connection used in substations and distribution networks. In this design, 3 power lines connect at a common neutral point, forming a “Y” shape. This substation serves the Berrydale, Whitfield, Fidelis, and Dixonville areas.
Escambia County
Bratt Substation
- 1,542 meters
Aptly named for its location, this substation serves members in the Bratt community. Surrounded by farmland and residential homes, Bratt Substation is a key power hub for this rural area of northern Escambia County.
Oak Grove Graham Substation
- 2,192 meters
Oak Grove Graham Substation was built in partnership with PowerSouth Energy Cooperative to replace an aging Oak Grove Substation. This facility was updated in 2012 to expand capacity from 9.375 MVA to 20 MVA to better serve the Oak Grove and surrounding communities. The “Graham” in the name honors the nearby Graham family farm and longstanding community ties.
How to Know Which Substation Serves You
Not sure which substation powers your home? Call our office. Our member service team will quickly look up your service location and tell you which substation you’re connected to.
Knowing your substation can help you stay informed about upgrades, restoration updates, and internet availability in your neighborhood.