Who to call when you move
Utilities in Manchester and Coffee County, TN
One of the most practical questions in a move is who provides your power and water. In Coffee County the answer depends on whether the home is in Manchester, in Tullahoma or out in the county. Here is a guide based on the Coffee County Industrial Board's utility listing.
Electric
Duck River Electric Membership Corporation provides electricity to Manchester and much of Coffee County, with the exception of the city of Tullahoma. It is a not for profit, member owned cooperative serving more than 73,000 homes, businesses and other members across parts of 15 counties in southern Middle Tennessee. Its roots go back to 1936, its headquarters are in Shelbyville, and it has a district office in Manchester.
Tullahoma Utilities Authority provides electric service inside Tullahoma.
How a cooperative works
Because Duck River Electric is a member owned cooperative, the homes and businesses it serves are its members. The cooperative has district offices in Manchester, Shelbyville, Decherd, Lewisburg and Columbia, plus area offices in Sewanee, Lynchburg and Chapel Hill. If you are buying land, ask the cooperative early what it will take to bring power to your building site, since a long line run can affect your budget and timeline.
Water and sewer
The City of Manchester Water and Sewer Department provides drinking water and sanitary sewer service within the city limits and in some areas of Coffee County, including the county's industrial parks. Tennessee's drinking water records show the Manchester system receives supply through a connection with the Duck River Utility Commission.
Tullahoma Utilities Authority provides water and wastewater service in Tullahoma.
Outside these systems, homes may be served by another water provider or by a private well, and many use a private septic system instead of sewer.
Natural gas
The Industrial Board lists Elk River Public Utility District as the natural gas provider. Not every street has gas service, so ask whether a home uses gas, propane or all electric.
Internet and telecommunications
Tullahoma Utilities Authority also offers telecommunications service in Tullahoma. In rural areas, internet options vary a lot from road to road. If you work from home, check the providers for the exact address before you write an offer.
Septic systems
If a home has a septic system, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation keeps permit records. You can search them online to see what was permitted for the home. A septic inspection during your inspection period is worth considering. For land, see my land buying guide.
A checklist before you buy
- Which electric provider serves this address?
- Is the home on public water or a well? If a well, consider a water test.
- Is it on sewer or septic? If septic, find the permit record.
- Gas, propane or all electric?
- What internet providers serve the address?
- Ask the seller for recent utility bills to estimate costs.
Moving day
Call each provider well before closing and ask what they need from you to start service on your move in date. If you are moving from out of state, my out of state moving guide has more tips, and my Moving to Manchester guide covers the rest of the move.
I am happy to help you sort out these questions on any home you are considering. Start with the buyer guide.
Common questions
Who provides electricity in Manchester TN?
Duck River Electric Membership Corporation serves Manchester and much of Coffee County. Tullahoma Utilities Authority serves Tullahoma.
Who provides water in Manchester TN?
The City of Manchester Water and Sewer Department provides water and sewer within the city and some county areas.
How do I find septic records for a home in Tennessee?
TDEC keeps septic permit records and offers an online search.
Matt Sargent is a Tennessee licensed affiliate broker with Keller Williams who helps buyers and sellers in Manchester and Coffee County. Call (615) 497 1658 or send a message.