Start Residential Electric Service
Getting started with residential electric service from BrightRidge is simple. If you are setting up electric service in your name at a new residence, complete the form below or stop by our office to get service started. Service requests received after 3pm will be processed by the next business day, and same-day service may be accommodated when possible.
If you already have BrightRidge service and are moving to another address within the service area, you may need to transfer service instead of submitting a new request.
What You’ll Need to Start Residential Service
Before completing the form, gather the information and documents below so you have everything ready when submitting your request. Please note we are unable to process service requests dated more than 30 days from the date of application.
To Get Started, Please Have:
- Service address and requested start date
- Primary contact information
- Date of birth
- Social Security Number (used for identity verification and deposit determination)
- A valid driver’s license or state-issued ID for upload (Account holder name must match ID)
- Lease agreement or proof of occupancy for renters
- Proof of ownership for property owners, such as a deed, closing disclosure, purchase agreement, or similar documentation
Having these items ready ahead of time can help prevent delays during the service setup process.
Please read the New Service Agreements before completing the form below.
New Service Agreements
BrightRidge will use Equifax on new accounts to validate identification and determine deposit requirements as mandated by the RED FLAGS RULE of the Fact Act (Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act). Our standard deposit is $300 for residential electric service. Deposits may be waived or lowered depending upon the results of a credit check from Equifax, our authorized credit reporting agency, or upon our review of payment history on existing BrightRidge accounts. In the event a credit report is performed, BrightRidge does not see a credit score.
Deposit requirements must be met before an application will be processed. Deposits are not refunded until the customer no longer has an account with BrightRidge at which time the last bill will be deducted. Any deposit interest is applied annually to the account.
AT RISK POLICY: BrightRidge reserves the right to require additional deposit funds if the customer’s account is found to be an at-risk account.
Applicable BrightRidge Service Fees (Administrative Fees – see Schedule A of the BrightRidge Rules & Regulations for a list of charges and fees) will be billed for any new connection of service, transfers of service, and name changes.
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.
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 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 next 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.
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.
What Happens After You Submit?
Once your request is submitted, BrightRidge will begin processing the information needed to start your residential electric service.
- BrightRidge reviews your information: The customer service team reviews your request, verifies account details, and confirms any required documentation.
- Most service requests are processed by the next business day: Requests submitted after 3:00 PM may be processed the following business day. Same-day service may be available depending on timing and availability.
- BrightRidge may contact you if additional information is needed: If anything is missing or clarification is required, a team member will reach out to help keep your request moving forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most residential service requests are processed by the next business day. Requests submitted after 3:00 PM may be processed the following business day. BrightRidge also makes every effort to accommodate same-day service when scheduling allows.
Please note that service requests cannot be scheduled more than 30 days in advance.
A deposit may be required when starting residential electric service. BrightRidge uses identity verification and credit review through Equifax to determine deposit requirements, as required under federal identity protection guidelines.
The standard residential deposit is typically $300, though deposit amounts may be lowered or waived depending on credit review results or existing payment history with BrightRidge.
Deposits must be completed before service can begin.
To start residential electric service, you will need to provide:
- Service address and requested start date
- Primary contact information
- Date of birth
- Social Security Number for identity verification and deposit determination
- A valid driver’s license or state-issued ID
- Proof of occupancy for renters or proof of ownership for property owners
Having these items ready before completing the form can help avoid delays.
If you are opening a new account or setting up electric service in your name at a residence for the first time, use the Start Service form.
If you already have a BrightRidge account and are moving within the service area, you may need to transfer your existing service instead of starting a new request.
BrightRidge provides residential electric service in Washington County and parts of Sullivan, Carter, and Greene counties.
Not sure if BrightRidge serves your address? Contact the customer service team before submitting your request to confirm service availability.
If you have questions about starting service, required documents, deposits, fees, or service availability, contact a BrightRidge Customer Service Representative at (423) 952-5000.
You can also visit the BrightRidge office in person at 2600 Boones Creek Road in Johnson City.