What to Expect
Electrical projects often involve more than just the work performed by the electrician.
Depending on the project, there may be permits, inspections, utility coordination, scheduling, and other steps that need to happen before the work can be completed.
Our What to Expect guides are designed to walk you through those steps so you know what happens next, who is responsible for each part of the process, and what you may need to do along the way.
Browse the guides below to learn more about our process for common electrical projects.
Learn what to expect when you schedule a free electrical estimate with Bright Electric, from the initial visit and project review through estimate approval and scheduling.
Getting a new electric service from CenterPoint Energy in Evansville? Learn each step, who handles what, and why to start early to avoid project delays.
Upgrading an existing electrical service or relocating an electrical meter requires coordination between Bright Electric, CenterPoint Energy, the customer, and the local building commission. Because the property already has electrical service, the process is a little different from installing a completely new service. CenterPoint must review and approve the project before work begins, and the actual installation requires coordination so the existing electrical service can be disconnected and restored. To help you understand what to expect, here is the typical 7-step process. 1. Paperwork and Application Submission Bright Electric will complete the necessary paperwork and submit the request directly to CenterPoint Energy. We will copy you on the email so you know the request has been submitted and can follow the process from the beginning. 2. Scheduling the CenterPoint Site Visit CenterPoint Energy will contact you directly to schedule a site visit and evaluate the proposed service upgrade or meter relocation. Please note: CenterPoint will normally contact the customer whose name is on the electric account, not Bright Electric. Depending on CenterPoint's current schedule, this portion of the process may take approximately 6 to 8 weeks. Unfortunately, CenterPoint's scheduling is outside Bright Electric's control. 3. CenterPoint Site Visit and Approval A CenterPoint representative will visit the property to review the proposed work. During the visit, they may discuss the meter location, utility connection, service route, or other requirements for the project. They will then provide approval for the project to move forward. Once CenterPoint gives you the green light, please notify Bright Electric immediately. 4. Permitting and Installation Scheduling CenterPoint does not normally notify Bright Electric when the project has been approved, so we rely on you to let us know. Once you notify us of the approval, Bright Electric will obtain the required city electrical permit and schedule the installation. Because the existing electrical service will need to be disconnected during the work, Bright Electric will also coordinate the required service interruption with CenterPoint. 5. Completing the Electrical Upgrade On the scheduled work day, Bright Electric will complete the electrical service upgrade or meter relocation. During this time, electrical power to the property will be temporarily disconnected while our electricians perform the required work. Once our portion of the installation is complete, Bright Electric will notify CenterPoint directly that the service is ready to be restored. CenterPoint will return to the property the same day to restore electrical service. 6. City Electrical Inspection After the electrical work has been completed, Bright Electric will request the required city electrical inspection. The local building commission will typically perform the inspection the next business day , although the timing may vary depending on the inspector's schedule. The inspector will review the completed installation to verify that the work meets applicable electrical codes and safety requirements . 7. Project Complete Once the electrical upgrade has been completed and the required inspection has taken place, your service upgrade or meter relocation is complete. Congratulations — your updated electrical service is ready for continued use. How Long Does the Process Take? The largest variable is usually CenterPoint's initial review and site visit. Depending on their workload, this portion of the process may take approximately 6 to 8 weeks , so we recommend beginning the process well before you hope to have the electrical work completed. Once the project has been approved by CenterPoint and scheduled with Bright Electric, the actual electrical upgrade is generally completed in a single day, with CenterPoint returning the same day to restore power. Who Handles Each Part? Bright Electric Completes and submits the CenterPoint paperwork Obtains the required electrical permit Coordinates the scheduled service interruption Completes the electrical upgrade or meter relocation Notifies CenterPoint when the work is ready for reconnection Requests the city electrical inspection Customer Communicates with CenterPoint regarding the site visit Notifies Bright Electric once CenterPoint approves the project CenterPoint Energy Reviews the proposed service change Performs the site visit Approves the project Disconnects or coordinates the existing utility service as required Restores electrical service after Bright Electric completes the work Local Building Commission Performs the required electrical inspection after the installation Planning an Electrical Service Upgrade or Meter Relocation? Bright Electric will help guide you through each step of the process and coordinate our portion of the project with CenterPoint Energy and the local building commission. If you're considering upgrading your electrical service or moving your electrical meter, contact Bright Electric at (812) 401-2277 .
When it's time to reactivate your meter in Evansville, IN, here's what you can expect from the Bright Electric team: Initial Electric Meter Inspection: A qualified electrician from Bright Electric will thoroughly inspect your electrical system. This first step ensures that there are no potential issues that might hinder the meter reactivation process. Permitting: We handle all the necessary paperwork and obtain permits from the City of Evansville. This is to ensure that any repairs or upgrades we perform are fully compliant with local regulations. Repairs by Bright Electric: Should our inspection reveal any issues, our skilled electricians will carry out the necessary repairs efficiently and safely to bring your electrical system up to the required standards. City Inspection for Approval: After our repairs, we'll arrange for a city inspection to verify that all work meets the stringent safety standards set by local authorities. Notification to CenterPoint Energy: Once the city inspection is successfully completed, the city inspector will notify CenterPoint Energy directly by email, confirming the approval of your meter and detailing the inspection results. Meter Reactivation by CenterPoint: It is important to note that meter reactivation is managed by CenterPoint Energy. You, the property owner, will need to contact them directly to schedule the final meter activation. For your convenience, CenterPoint Energy's contact details are provided below. Timeline: While specific timelines can vary due to the involvement of various external parties, Bright Electric is committed to managing the inspection and repair process as swiftly and smoothly as possible. We'll keep you informed every step of the way and notify you promptly of any changes. Contact CenterPoint Energy: Phone: 1-800-227-1376 Website: [CenterPoint Energy](https://midwest.centerpointenergy.com/) Important Note: Your property will need to be accessible for the city inspection. The city inspector will need access to your property between 7 AM and 4 PM on the scheduled day. If you cannot be home, you may leave a door unlocked, hide a key, or use a lockbox. This requirement is mandated by the Evansville Building Commission and is beyond our control. If you have any questions or concerns about the CenterPoint home inspection, meter inspection, or the overall process, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. Your cooperation and understanding are greatly appreciated
