Business

New Service Agreements

• Electronic Signature Agreement

  By selecting the "I Accept" button, you are signing this Agreement electronically. You agree your electronic signature is the legal equivalent of your manual/handwritten signature on this Agreement. By selecting "I Accept" using any device, means or action, you consent to the legally binding terms and conditions of this Agreement. You further agree that your signature on this document (hereafter referred to as your "E-Signature") is as valid as if you signed the document in writing.  You also agree that no certification authority or other third-party verification is necessary to validate your E-Signature and that the lack of such certification or third-party verification will not in any way affect the enforceability of your E-Signature or any resulting contract between you and BrightRidge. You also represent that you are authorized to enter into this Agreement for all persons who own or are authorized to access any of your accounts and that such persons will be bound by the terms of this Agreement. You further agree that each use of your E-Signature in obtaining an account with BrightRidge constitutes your agreement to be bound by the terms and conditions of BrightRidge’s Terms of Service and Privacy Policy as they exist on the date of your E-Signature.

• Deposit Requirements

  Deposits are calculated at twice the highest billing at a given location or by consultation with our Engineering Department for the projected usage or electric load for the service address. Deposits are due at the time of application.

  Deposit payment options are check, cash, or money order. Deposits not exceeding $1,000 may also be paid via the following credit cards: VISA, MasterCard, AmericanExpress, and Discover. Deposits exceeding $50,000 may be eligible for coverage under the TVPPA Credit Insurance Program. Please contact our office for program details at (423) 952-5000. Irrevocable Letters of Credit and Surety Bonds are acceptable upon meeting BrightRidge criteria. Either deposit substitute chosen would need to match the deposit quote, name BrightRidge as the beneficiary, and be renewed annually. Advance notice of cancellation in writing is required. Interest for deposits is applied annually at the current passbook savings rates.

  Upon termination of service, any deposit and interest will be applied against any unpaid balance of the customer. If any balance remains, that amount will be refunded to the customer upon request. 

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  Surety Bond/Bill Guarantee (Rvsd 07/2022)

  A Surety Bond can be obtained from your insurance company or insurance broker.

  • The issuing insurer understands that the surety bond is intended to stand as security for a customer’s electric utility bills. The amount of the surety bond will be determined by a BrightRidge employee and is typically based on two times the highest estimated usage.
  • The name of the applicant must be in the same name as the electric service established with BrightRidge.
  • The Obligee must be BrightRidge.
  • The completed Surety Bond with embossed seal, Power of Attorney Page and Notary’s Acknowledgement Page copy is required for acceptance.
  • The Surety Bond must renew annually. If the bond is to expire or be cancelled the Surety must provide 60 days written notice prior to the expiration.
  • In lieu of a Surety Bond, the customer must provide another form of surety. Please consult a BrightRidge Customer Service Representative at (432) 952-5000 for options.

  Click HERE for a Surety Bond Form.

   

  Irrevocable Standby Letter of Credit Criteria (Rvsd 07/2018)

  An Irrevocable Standby Letter of Credit must be from a financial institution that is regulated by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) or the National Credit Union Administration.

  • The issuing bank understands that the Irrevocable Standby Letter of Credit is intended to stand as security for a customer’s electric utility bills. The amount of the letter of credit will be determined by a BrightRidge employee and is typically based on two times the highest estimated usage.
  • The beneficiary must be BrightRidge.
  • The name of the applicant must be in the same name as the electric service established with BrightRidge. For example, if the electric service is being established under the name John Doe Enterprises, LLC, then the Irrevocable Standby Letter of Credit must be in that name.
  • BrightRidge prefers that the presentation address for the Issuing Bank’s location is a branch that is physically close to Johnson City, TN.
  • The Irrevocable Standby Letter of Credit must renew annually. If it is to expire or be cancelled, the financial institution must provide 90 days written notice prior to the expiration.
  • There are two options for submitting an acceptable Irrevocable Standby Letter of Credit: the issuing bank representative must complete the cover sheet, which must printed on company letterhead, and the accompanying Irrevocable Standby Letter of Credit form or the issuing bank representative utilizes the sample form to create their own Irrevocable Standby Letter of Credit. Please note drafted Irrevocable Standby Letters of Credit are only acceptable upon meeting BrightRidge criteria.

  Click HERE for an Irrevocable Standby Letter of Credit Cover Sheet and Fillable PDF Form.

   

  * Verify Deposit Requirements
  Our staff is committed to providing current and accurate depsoit information. It is our goal to update this site as changes occur. However, deposit requirements are subject to change without notice. Customers are encouraged to verify pricing with a BrightRidge representative.

• Administrative Fees

  New Service (Next Day)	$40.00
  Private Light	$60.00
  Same Day (until 9:00 PM)	$60.00
  After 9:00 PM or Weekends	$130.00
  By Service Crew	$150.00

  *Verify Fees

  Our staff is committed to providing current and accurate fee information. It is our goal to update this site as changes occur; however, fees are subject to change without notice. Please verify pricing with a BrightRidge representative if you have any questions.

• Commercial Service Agreement

  BrightRidge is hereby requested to supply electricity to the applicant by authorization as either owner or by his/her agent or guarantor at the address indicated on the corresponding online application. By submitting the online application, the CUSTOMER agrees to pay for electricity consumed according to the monthly meter reading and at the Board’s published rates applicable to such services, and to abide by the Rules and Regulations of the said BrightRidge for such services, including Customer maintaining his/her/its wiring and electrical equipment in conformance with all applicable standards. In case the Customer should become in arrears in payment for service rendered or a deficiency in Customer’s wiring or equipment be detected, a duly authorized agent of BrightRidge is hereby authorized to enter the premises of the Customer and remove the meter. In the case of a delinquent account, I/we understand that the overdue balance must be paid along with reconnection fees and deposit (if applicable), as a condition to reconnection of service. I/we understand that service may be denied me/us at this or any other location as long as this account remains in arrears and I/we agree that any such prior balance can be added to any other present or future account of mine/ours with BrightRidge.

  I/we understand that it is a violation of state law to apply for service with the intent to avoid payment of lawful price or for any person to assist another in avoiding payment for electricity, either through making of multiple applications for service at one address, or otherwise. For value received I/we hereby guarantee payment of all bills that may become due under the above service contract.

• Rules & Regulations
  If you request electric service from BrightRidge, you will be asked to complete an application or contract for service, post a deposit, and secure administrative fee payments.  Applications may be made in person or online.  BrightRidge will review your credit history for the purpose of identity theft or fraud prevention and credit worthiness for deposit consideration.

   

  The BrightRidge Rules & Regulations are applicable for all customers.  For a complete copy of the BrightRidge Rules & Regulations click HERE.
• Consent to Contact

  I hereby authorize BrightRidge to contact me via automated dialing system using pre-recorded /artificial voice messages, text message, or email using the telephone number(s) (including wireless telephone numbers) and/or email address(s) associated with my account, which could result in charges to me.  I acknowledge I am the subscriber to the telephone number(s) and email address(s) I have provided above.  Further, I understand that I am not required to provide consent to contact in order to receive services from BrightRidge.  I may revoke authorization to contact me via automatic dialing at any time by notifying BrightRidge during normal business hours and allowing up to seven business days to accommodate my request.  I understand I am responsible for keeping BrightRidge informed when any of my contact information changes.

• Payment Terms & Conditions

  Invoices are due when issued. Invoices should be paid when received.  You may return payments in the enclosed envelope, pay in person at BrightRidge office, via the automated phone system (423) 952-5000, SmartHub (brightridge.com), or visit Ways to Pay for a list of other locations that accept BrightRidge payments. Please note recent payments may not have been deducted from the invoice.

  Good payment history. A good payment history may be established by paying monthly energy invoices by the net due date.

  Past due invoices. The net amount is due within 15 days from the billing date. After 15 days, a service charge of 5% will be added to the net amount due. Failure to receive an invoice does not release customers from their obligation to pay. Customers who are unable to pay, may call Customer Service at (423) 952-5000 or come to the BrightRidge office to discuss a possible payment agreement.

  Customers failing to pay invoices on time will be sent a disconnect notice. Disconnect notices indicate the due date and past due amount. Upon expiration of the notice, service may be disconnected. Receiving the next monthly invoice does not replace or void the disconnect notice.

  Payment of the past due invoice is required before service is restored. A service reconnect charge will apply and a deposit or additional deposit may also be required.

  Returned checks. A $30.00 fee will be charged for all returned checks.

• Tree-line Maintenance Agreement

  The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) requires a minimum of 10 feet of clearance surrounding overhead power distribution lines and up to 50 feet of clearance surrounding overhead power transmission lines. This safety zone is intended to prevent power line and tree conflicts which are costly, dangerous and cause service interruptions.

  • Trees must be planted a safe distance from power lines.
  • Large tree varieties require the greatest distance from power lines. Recommended distances are as follows:
    • Distribution lines: 25' minimum
    • Transmission lines: 50' minimum
  • No trees shall be planted directly underneath electric power lines. Any trees planted directly underneath power lines are subject to removal without compensation to the owner.