Builders & Developers
Constructing Long-Term Partnerships
As one of the region's longest-standing companies, BVU Authority stands committed to helping our area continue to grow.
We're proud to be your partner from breaking ground to grand openings and everything in between. Please contact Customer Support if you need any assistance with your project.
BVU Service Commitment
When it comes to establishing temporary, underground or permanent electric service, BVU has developed a series of time commitments to meet builder and developer service needs, so you will always know when to expect our work to be completed.
| Service | Required Action | BVU Action & Deadline Commitment |
|---|---|---|
| Permanent Service | Customer must obtain a final/permanent inspection from inspection office (fee set by inspection office). Inspection office can email the final or permanent inspection to bvucustomerservice@bvua.com or customer can deliver to BVU’s office. | BVU activates electric service within next 5 business days if weather or other issues permit. |
| Temporary Service (If facilities are not available) | BVU will perform prior onsite review to determine which path services will need to be installed. Owner/ contractor will need to obtain a temporary power application (there is no fee for this application) with their local inspection office. Once this is complete, a building permit (fees apply and are set by local inspection office) can be sent to bvucustomerservice@bvua.com or customer can deliver to BVU’s office. | If available, service will be completed within 3-5 business days - weather or other issues permitting. Construction cost may be a factor in this time frame. |
| Temporary Service (If facilities are available) | Owner/contractor will need to go to building inspection office to fill out a temporary power application. Once this is completed a building permit (fees will apply set by inspection office not BVU)can be provided. At which point can send info in via email or come into BVU office. | BVU activates electric service within next 3 business days if weather or other issues permit. |
Underground Service | Clear path for digging between BVU facilities point and customer service point. The path must be to final grade. Building must be far enough along, with confidence to know where to run the service. | Electric service cable will be installed within 5-7 business days from the time all construction cost is paid. |
Meter Base | BVU will provide a meter base to all new services and/or upgrades. Must contact BVU Customer Service at 276-669-4112 and advise address, Overhead or Underground, and amperage required. | Meter base will be brought out to the location within 24- 48 business hours. |
Electrical Inspections
Local governments many times require electrical service inspections before BVU can provide power. An inspection will only be completed if an active permit has been pulled. Common instances include new service, new meter centers, new wiring, etc. If a location has not had power within five years then a licensed electrician will need to inspect. If you are unsure whether you need an inspection, contact your local government to confirm.
| Locality | Phone Number |
|---|---|
City of Bristol, Virginia | 276-645-7362 |
Scott County, Virginia | 276-386-5505 |
Sullivan County, Tennessee | 423-323-6440 |
Washington County, Virginia (Abingdon area) | 276-628-6611 |
Washington County, Virginia (Bristol area) | 276-676-6209 |
Call Before You Dig
If you're planning a project that involves digging in a customer's yard in Virginia or Tennessee, call your state's One Call System first to make sure that there are no buried power lines, gas lines, water lines or phone lines.
It's a call that could help you avoid putting yourself and your customer in danger, breaking the law and damaging lines.
| State | Phone Number | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia | 1-800-552-7001 | www.va811.com |
| Tennessee | 1-800-351-1111 | www.tenn811.com |
