About Us

We deliver safe, reliable, and efficient services.

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

Noe’l Bailey,
Executive Assistant

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. 

values

Mission

Making a difference through safe, reliable, and efficient service.

values

Vision

Building a brighter future for our community.

values

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.

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