A Look Inside Riviera's Operations Center
By Zac Barnes, Operations Center Director
Safety, reliability, and customer satisfaction are more than just a short list of priorities to Riviera Utilities or me – they are values. Priorities can change over time, but our values stay the same and define our role in the communities we serve. As a newer employee at Riviera Utilities, I am proud to have joined a team of professionals who take tremendous pride in the services we provide to the areas we call home, especially when it’s needed most after severe weather strikes.
After proudly serving in the U.S. Navy, living in tornado alley, and spending the last 20 years in Oklahoma working in electric utility operations at a large multi-state utility, I am no stranger to extreme weather events. I am grateful for the opportunity to leverage my prior experience in construction, maintenance, and storm restoration to serve you at Riviera. My storm restoration experience was built by working through countless severe thunderstorms and tornadoes, including multiple EF5s, catastrophic ice storms, firestorms, flooding, hurricanes, and many other natural disasters on our system and on mutual aid helping other companies.
This year, we not only got to celebrate America’s 250th birthday, but Riviera Utilities also celebrated its 110th birthday as a public utility service provider here in Baldwin County. Over the last 110 years, we have continued to evolve, modernize, and improve our systems and work practices to increase reliability and, when needed, our storm restoration response for our customers.
We are able to prepare and maintain operational readiness by continuously evaluating and modifying our Emergency Response Plan (ERP). This is done by working through simulated events with our Operations Team before hurricane season starts. In the Operations Center, our team is able to leverage new technology to monitor our systems before, during, and after the storms. Riviera’s new AMI metering system allows us to see in real time which homes or businesses lost power without the customer even calling in or being there. This allows us to pinpoint damaged areas and dispatch field personnel more efficiently to restore vital services. Our SCADA system gives us real-time information about what is happening across our electric, water, wastewater, and natural gas systems. It also allows System Operators to control certain equipment from a safe location, which helps field crews work more safely and restore service faster.
While Riviera works hard to be prepared before storms impact our services, we also want to help you prepare. We offer Storm Preparation presentations that cover what to expect before, during, and after a major storm, our service restoration process, generator safety, and other important topics.
You can find more information under the Outage Center tab at our website or pick up a Severe Storm Preparedness Guide at our office. Preparation is key to a safe, efficient, and successful restoration event. Have a plan and be safe out there.
Upgrade this season!
Looking for a safer, simpler way to use a portable generator? GenerLink® connects directly to your home's electric meter, making backup power more convenient during outages. Purchase your GenerLink® at Riviera Utilities Appliance Service Center and let the professionals handle the installation.
Visit our website to learn more!
Local Check-In
We’re out in the community — you can’t miss that orange and yellow. Come and see us!
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July 29th — Weather Preparedness + Radio Programming Event with WKRG at Eastern Shore ACE Hardware from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Spanish Fort
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August 10th - 14th — Stake Your Guess Competition + Glowing Green for 811 Week (See Facebook or website for more information)
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September 19 — Coastal Cleanup
The 2026 Consumer Confidence Report is out
Riviera Utilities is proud to release our 2026 Consumer Confidence Report, highlighting the work we do each day to provide our customers with safe, reliable, high-quality drinking water. Through regular testing, careful monitoring, and continued investment in our water system, our team is committed to providing exceptional water service and water our customers can trust. The report provides more information about where your water comes from and the steps we take to ensure it meets state and federal standards.
Employees of the Quarter
Left to Right, Top to Bottom: Jon Harrison, Engineering Technician III | Mike Siladi, Construction Coordinator Electric | Ray Norris, Substation Technician III
Copy That? Quick Hits & Updates
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Paying your bill has never been easier. Riviera Utilities recently launched an app that puts you in control of your utilities. Featuring usage charts, leakage alerts, seamless bill management, and more, it’s the simplest way to get real-time information about your service. You can get better visibility and immediate updates on your service without dialing a single number. Download the app today on the Apple App Store or Google Play to start managing your utilities with ease.
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New customer to Riviera? We want you to feel right at home while understanding your services and our place in the community. Stop by either of our local offices to pick up a new customer packet available in either English or Spanish. It details important information about utility services, bill payment tips, and financial aid options.
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Baldwin County is glowing green for 811 Week! From August 8–11, cities across the County will shine green lights on community landmarks to send an important message: Call 811 before you dig! Whether you’re planting a tree, installing a fence, or starting another digging project, always contact 811 first. This year, local cities and utility providers are coming together to raise awareness, including the City of Fairhope, City of Daphne, Town of Magnolia Springs, City of Spanish Fort, Fairhope Utilities, Daphne Utilities, Riviera Utilities, City of Foley, North Baldwin Utilities, and Baldwin EMC.
