IMPORTANT! Save Our Numbers for Text and Phone Alerts

On Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, at 9 a.m. Central, Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative members received a text from 833-417-5291. We encourage our members to save this number in their phones so that our messages are less likely to appear as spam or unknown. You may receive text notifications about important...

Archives News Releases

President’s Message – September 2023

Recently, one of our newer employees asked me what makes electric co-ops different than other types of utilities. This month, I want to share some things I told her. Because we’re a co-op, we operate a little differently than other…

Questions to Consider Before Installing Rooftop Solar

“Free energy from the sun and lower electric bills. Where do I sign up?” The benefits of installing rooftop solar panels may seem like a no-brainer, but the reality is, that not every home—and homeowner’s situation—is always right for solar.…

Terry Myers Retires After Four Decades of Service

Following 41 years of service with Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative, Terry Myers has retired. Terry was hired as a groundman on June 17, 1982, but held many positions during his career. In 1983, he advanced to equipment operator, a position…

GCEC Students Enjoy Trip of a Lifetime

In June, rising seniors Andrew Pliscofsky of Mosley High School and Noah Taunton of Wewahitchka High School traveled to Washington, D.C., for the weeklong National Rural Electric Youth Tour. The 2 won Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative’s Youth Tour contest. The…

President’s Message – August 2023

I was recently asked about what drives electricity prices. We talked about how the daily cost of living seems to have increased across the board. Just as inflation has affected everything from the price of gasoline to the price of…

Commitment to Community

GCEC supports 2023 Warrior Beach Retreat: Where Heroes Gather Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative proudly sponsored the Spring 2023 Warrior Beach Retreat, held April 11 to April 17. 11 veterans traveled from across the country to attend this year’s spring retreat.…

Plan for a Safe & Happy Fourth

Have fun in the sun, but keep food and fireworks safety top of mind July is a favorite month. It’s the middle of summer, the children are out of school and, of course, we celebrate Independence Day . Often, we…

The Power of Capital Credits

A core principle of co-ops grants new opportunities for community programs By Vicki Hillhouse Jay Bidwell knew exactly how he wanted to spend the first capital credit check he ever received as principal of Florida’s Wewahitchka High School. Nine years…

President’s Message – July 2023

We’re Here to Serve You “We’re here to serve you.” We’ve all heard this phrase countless times. These words may sound generic, but to us, they mean everything. Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative was created to serve our community. Back then,…

CEO’s Annual Meeting Message

Good morning and welcome! Thank you for being here today for Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative’s 75th Annual Members’ Meeting. I’m your cooperative’s CEO and general manager, John Bartley. For 82 years, all of you—our member-owners—have trusted us to energize your…