About Us
We deliver safe, reliable, and efficient services.
ELECTRIC | WATER | WASTEWATER | INTERNET | VOICE
WHO WE ARE
Committed to serving those who call our community home.
From humble beginnings in 1945 with one service and eight full-time employees to four departments, five services, and 57 full-time employees.
Over 75 years later, our work still enhances modern life and drives local economic development.
Our Leadership Team
Service is at the center of all we do. In addition to the essential services we provide, it’s our goal to serve our co-workers, customers, and community with a service-oriented heart.
Our Board of Directors
Tom D. Harris, Chairman
Russell D. Brackins, Member
D. Scott Charles, Member
Gary Chandler, Member
B. Kevin Horton, Member
Our Senior Leaders
Lee H. Brown,
President and CEO
Kip Lemmon,
Director of Construction and Maintenance
Jason Foster,
Director of Water and Wastewater
John Fredericks,
Director of Erwin Fiber and IT
Jo Cole,
Director of Office Services
James Mumpower,
Director of Finance & Accounting
Doug Shults,
Legal Counsel
Our Supervisors
Jason Byrd,
Wastewater Treatment Supervisor
Clay Hepburn,
Water Treatment Supervisor
Chuck Edney,
Water Crew Foreman
Greg Helton,
Electric Crew Foreman
Craig Buchanan,
Fiber Crew Foreman
Our Mission, Vision, and Values
Service is at the center of all we do.
Mission
Making a difference through safe, reliable, and efficient service.
Vision
Building a brighter future for our community.
Values
Safety | Reliability | Efficiency | Trust | Respect | Quality | Punctuality | Teamwork | Responsibility
Erwin Utilities’ Story
Over 75 years of history
1945
The Town of Erwin purchased the electric system from TVA on June 29. The system was named Erwin Electric System. One week later, The Board of Public Utilities was created by the Town of Erwin.
1946
The Erwin Water Company was purchased from Jesse B. Brown in September. At this point, the name was changed to Erwin Utilities.
1962
The Town of Erwin turned over the wastewater system to Erwin Utilities.
1975-1976
Henry L. Reeves retired as Manager, and Howard C. Brown was named General Manager.
1980
The first computer system was installed for customer information and billing.
1996
The Unicoi Substation was constructed and energized.
2006
Howard C. Brown retired as General Manager. Lee H. Brown named General Manager.
2014-2015
The Board of Public Utilities approved the pilot phase of a fiber-to-the-home project in August known as Erwin Fiber. The first Erwin Fiber customer was connected in January 2015.
2016-2017
The 1,000th Erwin Fiber customer was connected in July.
2019
Erwin Utilities completed the transition to become Erwin Utilities Authority.
2020
The 3,000th Erwin Fiber customer was connected in April.
2021
Surpassed 4,000 Erwin Fiber customers in November.
2022
Surpassed 4,500 Erwin Fiber customers in December.
