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Celebrating reliability in every season

By Brian Skelton, President and CEO

Riviera Utilities, founded in 1916, has a strong connection with the communities in Baldwin County. Beginning with simple street light installations to entering its first contract for the construction of a light-plant building in 1918. The total capacity of that first plant could supply less than two fully electrified homes as we know them today. Riviera's complex story of trials, changes, and growth continued for years, morphing into the company we know today in 1952 when the system took on natural gas, water, and sanitary sewer capabilities.

Today, Riviera's service spans the length of Baldwin County from the Bay Minette area to the Gulf Shores beaches — from the Mobile Bay to the Lillian Boat Launch. Although our processes and community look wildly different than they did in 1916, our purpose remains the same: Reliable service in every season.

October 5th - 11th is National Public Power Week and National Public Gas Week. It's a time for us to gather and celebrate how far we've come with the support of customers like you. Public utilities are locally owned, not-for-profit, and prioritize affordability like no other service providers. I'd like to invite you all to our Customer Appreciation Events on Oct. 7th at Al Trione Sports Complex in Daphne from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Oct. 9th at the Foley Sports Complex from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. to have a burger or hot dog and chat with our team!

Riviera has been led, fueled, and driven by your neighbors, friends, family, and community since Day 1. Join us to celebrate another year of excellent service.

Current Status

By Josh Roberts, Vegetation Management Superintendent

Cooler weather has brought a lively wave of Monarch butterflies through Baldwin County, and our Native Pollinator Garden is buzzing with more Monarchs, caterpillars, and chrysalises than ever before.

Since 2023, Riviera Utilities’ garden has grown into a hub for pollinator conservation. It’s now a registered Monarch Way Station, a partner in the Alabama Native Milkweed Project through ACES, and part of Auburn University’s first statewide Pollinator Census. Together, these efforts focus on one thing: restoring native milkweed. Unlike non-native tropical milkweed, native species bloom in sync with Monarch migration, ensuring butterflies keep moving south instead of lingering in colder weather.

This year, with Baldwin County Master Gardeners and ACES, we distributed swamp milkweed seed at Foley’s Arbor Day, offered native plants at the Spring Plant Sale, and welcomed families to “Butterfly Tales” at our garden — teaching the next generation about Monarchs and sharing more native seed.

The best part? You can take part. Plant native milkweed in your yard this fall to support migration. Stop by our offices to pick up swamp milkweed seed or visit our website for a full list of native plant options and watch your yard become a stop along the Monarchs’ journey.

Local Check-In

We’re out in the community — you can’t miss that orange and yellow. Come and see us!

Public Power + Public Natural Gas Customer Appreciation in Daphne at 8660 Whispering Pines Road from 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. on Oct. 7th

Public Power + Public Natural Gas Customer Appreciation in Foley at 998 W Section Avenue from 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. on Oct. 9th

Baldwin County Heart Walk at OWA on  Oct. 25th

Halloween Story Time with Gulf Shores Library from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. & Trunk or Treat with Foley Library from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Oct. 30th

New this November: Riviera Mobile App

Smart service. Simple access.

Something new is coming this November, and it’s designed with you in mind. With the new Riviera Utilities App, managing your account will be easier than ever.

Pay your bill in just a few taps, track your daily usage, and keep an eye on your household’s utility habits. You’ll also be able to view outage information in real time and quickly report issues from your phone.

Reliable service has always been our promise — now we’re making it simpler for you to stay connected, anytime, anywhere. Keep an eye out for more information!

Employees of the Quarter

Left to Right: Don Gatlin (July), Wastewater Plant Operator II | Deidra Wilson (August), Senior Administrative Services in Meter Services | Mark Lucassen (September), Wastewater Operator II

Copy That? Quick Hits & Updates

• Don’t forget your pipes! It may still be 90 degrees outside, but football season is here and the holidays are coming up fast. While you're cooking up your favorite football halftime snack or planning for Thanksgiving, remember the four Ps. The wastewater system was designed for wastewater, not grease, wipes, or trash. The only things that should go down the drain are water, pee, poop, puke, or toilet paper.

• Riviera’s Appliance Service Department is running some hot deals to help you prepare for cold days ahead. For $75, customers receive a full inspection, tune-up, and cleaning! Call 251-970-4133 to schedule your appointment!

• Want to take the mystery out of your utility bill? We’ve refreshed our educational materials to help you clearly understand charges, usage details, and where your money goes each month. Explore our updated guide and feel more confident reading and managing your bill.