Escambia River Electric Cooperative > Starting Service

Starting Service

Welcome to Escambia River Electric Cooperative, Inc.  We are a not-for-profit Touchstone Energy® Cooperative, established to provide affordable and dependable electric and water service to our members in North Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.  Whether you are building a new home or initiating service to an existing location, EREC is here to assist you with the process.

>> Online Membership Application

New Location

Here’s what you need to get started:

  1. Your account number if you have service with us now.
  2. A completed and signed membership application.
  3. Identification such as driver’s license or legal ID, social security number, or Tax ID number.
  4. The physical address of the property and proof of ownership or renter’s agreement.
  5. Required security deposits and membership fees.
  6. An appointment with an EREC serviceman to discuss possible aid & construction costs and any required easements.
  7. EREC approved FL Energy Efficiency Code forms if you are building a new house.
  8. An electrical permit from the appropriate county inspection department.
  9. Completed service entrance wired according to applicable electrical codes.

Existing Location

Here’s what you need to get started:

  1. The meter number at the location where you need power turned on, and your account number if you have service with us now.
  2. A completed and signed application.
  3. Identification such as driver’s license or legal ID, social security number, or Tax ID number.
  4. The physical address of the property and proof of ownership or renter’s agreement.
  5. Required security deposits and membership fees.

Further Steps & Information Required

  • Main breaker must be turned off.
  • Clearing of right-of-way to provide service may be necessary.
  • The State of Florida requires a 48-hour notice to locate all utilities in the area. Prior to cooperative trenching for underground service and areas where poles will be set, members must contact Sunshine811, by calling 1-800-432-4770, to locate secondary water lines, sprinkler systems, and underground electric and gas lines.
  • Additional charges may be incurred of extraordinary line construction or relocation of lines.

Additional Things To Consider

Joint Membership
A joint membership entitles either spouse of a married couple to participate as an active member of EREC.  Anytime you wish to take advantage of membership privileges, you must be listed as a legal member.  This includes participating in the annual meeting, which gives you the opportunity to vote on matters before the meeting and to be eligible for prizes that are given away.

Fees
Membership Fee     $5
Connect Fee     $25
Standard Electric/Water Deposit     $0 | $100 | $200 | $350 *based off of credit check
PrePaid Electric Deposit     $50
Monthly Min. Meter Fee     $40 *plus applicable taxes