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Join us for a season of growth & stewardship

By Brian Skelton, President and CEO

Spring has returned to the Gulf Coast, bringing longer days, warmer weather, and more time spent outdoors with the people who matter most. Across Baldwin County, gardens are taking root, backyards are coming to life, and summer is just around the corner. As we step into this new season, I’d like to share a few important updates and highlight some of the work happening across Riviera Utilities.

April marked Safe Digging Month: A reminder to consider what lies below as you begin planting, landscaping, or taking on outdoor projects. Before you pick up a shovel, remember to call Alabama 811 to have underground utilities located. It’s a simple step that helps protect your property, your safety, and our community’s infrastructure.

It’s just as important to look up as it is to look down. When planting trees or shrubs, be mindful of overhead power lines and nearby equipment. Our online planting guide can help ensure you’re choosing the right place for long-term growth. Behind the scenes, our Vegetation Management team plans years in advance to maintain a safe, reliable system while also supporting the health of our local environment. We’re proud to share that Riviera Utilities has been recognized as a 2026 Tree Line USA utility by the Arbor Day Foundation, a reflection of that ongoing commitment. Your role in planting the right tree in the right place is an important part of that success.

This season is also a time to celebrate the natural beauty that makes the Gulf Coast so special, from our beaches and bays to our rivers and forests. This past weekend, Riviera hosted its first Welcome Back Monarchs Day to learn about monarch migration and Baldwin County’s role in their amazing journey. We were so thankful to have all of our partners there to celebrate, including the City of Foley, Baldwin County Master Gardeners, and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Next time you stop by the Riviera office, swing by our Native Pollinator Garden to learn more, and stay tuned for more events in our garden.

We look forward to seeing you out in the community and sharing another beautiful Spring together.

Current Status: Riviera Utilities App

If you’ve logged into your Riviera Utilities account recently, you may have noticed a fresh new look, enhanced features, and a more intuitive way to view your utility usage. But that’s just the beginning —Riviera Utilities is now available on the go.

Our new mobile app makes it easier than ever to pay your bill, manage your account, and customize how you track your energy and water use.

With these upgrades comes a range of new tools designed with you in mind. You can now set usage alerts to stay informed as you approach a certain threshold, helping you better manage your monthly bill. Curious if that new appliance is improving your efficiency? Use tagging features to mark when items are added and track your usage over time. And when it comes to service, reporting an outage or checking updates is now just a few taps away — no phone call required.

We understand that any change can take some getting used to, and we’re here to help every step of the way. In the coming months, we’ll be hosting a series of “App-y Hour” training sessions across our service area to walk you through the new platform and answer any questions. Our first session will take place on May 27 at 5:30 p.m. at the Foley Public Library. Additional dates and locations will be shared on our website and social media channels.

If you’re interested in scheduling an “App-y Hour” for your group or organization, we’d love to connect. Simply call one of our offices and ask for Communications and Marketing.

We’re excited to bring you tools that put more control and insight at your fingertips, and we’re just getting started.
 

Click here to download on Apply Store

Click here to download on Google Play

Local Check-In

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

• Hurricane Preparedness Session at the Foley Library — 10 a.m. on May 15th

• Hurricane Preparedness Expo at the Fairhope Civic Center — 8 a.m. on May 10th

• Blood Drive at Riviera’s Office in Foley from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 25th

Riviera is out West:

Last month, 10 Riviera Utilities lineworkers traveled to Chinle, Arizona, to participate in the American Public Power Association’s Light Up Navajo initiative—a nationwide effort that brings public power utilities together to help electrify homes across the Navajo Nation. Despite being the largest Native American territory in the country, thousands of families in this region still live without access to electricity, often relying on generators, extension cords, or going without power altogether.

Through this program, volunteer crews from across the country work alongside the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority to build the infrastructure needed to connect homes to reliable electric service. This year, Riviera’s crew is constructing approximately 2.5 miles of distribution line, which will bring power to three families for the very first time.

The work is not without its challenges. Crews have faced tough conditions, including sustained winds and blowing sand, requiring constant adaptability and resilience on the job.  We are proud to support this effort and stand alongside fellow public power utilities in delivering safe, reliable service where it’s needed most. This is what public power is all about—neighbors helping neighbors, no matter the distance.

Employees of the Quarter

Left to Right, Top to Bottom: Tim Stark, Database Administrator | Jacqueline McClinton, Damage Prevention Specialist | Dylan Bemis, Plant Operator I | Chris Walters,  Engineer Tech II (Gas)

Copy That? Quick Hits & Updates

• A fresh space for play is here! We recently teamed up with the YMCA of South Alabama and local partners to help refresh a playground in Daphne—giving families a safer, more inviting place to spend time together. It’s one of those projects that reminds us how small improvements can make a big difference. We’re proud to be part of something that brings a little more joy to our community.

• Got a quick question for us? Skip the phone call and use the chat feature right on our website. Just click the blue icon in the lower right corner during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) to connect with one of our real Customer Service Representatives — no bots here. It’s fast, easy, and a great way to get what you need without missing a beat in your day.

• Spring is the perfect time to show your HVAC system a little love. Our Appliance Service team is offering a seasonal special — get your HVAC serviced for just $60 (regularly $75). From checking filters and freon levels to cleaning coils and inspecting key components, it’s a simple way to stay ahead of the summer heat. Give us a call at 251-970-4133 to get on the schedule!