Tennessee Real Estate Tips: Buying & Selling Made Easy

Thinking about moving to or investing in Murfreesboro? You’re becoming part of a fast-growing, innovative community that’s embracing electric vehicles, providing affordable electricity, and supporting diverse renewable energy sources,  Murfreesboro has embraced Electric Vehicles by installing some of the areas first public EV chargers and supporting statewide efforts to expand charging infrastructure. Middle Tennessee Electric (MTE), collaborating with TVA, offers some of the most affordable electricity rates in the country, backed by a growing network of public and private chargers. New homes are being built with EV readiness in mind, often pre-wired for chargers during construction, an option I can help you negotiate if you’re looking for a new property. Whether you're exploring the area or ready to make a move, I’d love to help you find the perfect home where the future of clean energy is already happening. Reach out today and let’s get started!

Since 2013, Murfreesboro and Rutherford County have been leading the way in embracing electric vehicles (EVs). In that year, Tennessee was one of just nine states and the District of Columbia to participate in a national initiative supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, aimed at expanding EV infrastructure and promoting clean transportation.  Murfreesboro participated by installing EV chargers at key public facilities, including City Hall and Sports*Com, marking our early commitment to EV adoption and setting the stage for future growth.

Building on this strong start, Middle Tennessee Electric (MTE) has continued to expand the region’s charging network through the statewide Fast Charge TN initiative, installing fast chargers compatible with various EV models along major highways and transportation corridors. These efforts support Tennessee’s larger vision, via Drive Electric Tennessee, to create a reliable network of fast chargers every 50 miles across the state, encouraging residents and travelers to switch to electric and reduce emissions.  In 2021, MTE launched DriveEV, which includes the EV Car Club, a community organization dedicated to education, awareness, and sharing experiences related to EVs. Murfreesboro has added additional infrastructure, with new chargers being installed at city facilities downtown parking lots, making EV charging more accessible for residents and visitors alike. These initiatives demonstrate Murfreesboro’s ongoing commitment to building a sustainable and electric-friendly future for Tennessee.

In addition to expanding charging infrastructure, MTE, more details on MTE below, offers innovative programs like the EV Ready initiative, which provides a bill credit to members who install Level 2 chargers in their homes.  Murfreesboro now has over 18 public charging stations and more than 75 chargers throughout the county, making EV ownership increasingly convenient.  MTE also fosters community awareness and education through its "Plugged In" podcast, which covers everything from early EV adoption to the latest technological advances. Its efforts, along with the statewide Fast Charge TN Network, a collaborative project between the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, TVA, and local power providers, are positioning Rutherford County as a leader in sustainable transportation. With local manufacturing and a growing network of charging stations, the region is not only supporting the environment but also making EVs more accessible and affordable for residents and visitors alike. If you’re considering switching to electric, Rutherford County’s EV infrastructure and community resources are ready to support your journey. 

MTE continues to support our area's EV expansion by offering programs such as Night Flex and the EV Car Club.   The NiteFlex rate plan offered by Middle Tennessee Electric (MTE) is designed to help members save money by shifting energy use to off-peak hours. Under this program, you pay a slightly higher rate during the day compared to the standard rate, but benefit from lower rates during the evenings and overnight. This makes it advantageous for households that can schedule energy-intensive activities, like charging electric vehicles, running appliances, or doing laundry, during the cheaper nighttime hours. The plan is especially popular among EV owners with Level 2 chargers, as charging overnight can lead to substantial savings on energy bills. By encouraging nighttime energy use, NiteFlex supports a more balanced grid and helps residents reduce their overall costs while contributing to a more sustainable and efficient energy system.  Please call MTE or look on their website for more details or if you have questions. 

Middle Tennessee Electric is a cooperative serving over 342,500 customers across nine Tennessee counties, with Rutherford County being the largest. The customer mix includes about 305,800 residential, 36,700 commercial, and 39 industrial accounts. The average residential rate is approximately 11.90 cents per kilowatt-hour, 6.44% lower than the Tennessee average of 12.71 cents and 26.51% lower than the national average of 16.19 cents*. In 2023, the company’s retail sales totaled over 8.2 million megawatt-hours, sourced entirely from wholesale providers, generating $881.7 million in revenue from retail sales. The average monthly residential electric bill is about $156.16 (I see this question asked very often on different social media forums) , slightly above the state average*. Customers experience roughly one outage per year, with an average duration of 51 minutes. Middle Tennessee Electric does not own generation facilities; all power is purchased wholesale to serve its customers.

Without TVA, Tennessee Valley Authority, MTE couldn't provide us with the very reasonable rates that we have.  TVA is the federal agency responsible for generating electricity across the Tennessee Valley region, including Middle Tennessee. As one of TVA’s largest distributors, Middle Tennessee Electric (MTE) buys the power from TVA and then provides some of the most affordable electricity rates in the country to homes and businesses across the region.  TVA’s focus on sustainability has lowered electricity costs, making Tennessee one of the most affordable states for energy, and attracted new industries. The agency also supports regional job growth, employing over 16,000 people and partnering with local colleges to develop a skilled workforce.  Overall, TVA continues to lead Tennessee’s energy future with innovative, environmentally friendly solutions that boost the economy and support a cleaner, greener region.

Another way that Rutherford County is embracing EVs is that many new home builders in the Rutherford County area are now including an EV charger as part of their standard features.  Builders are recognizing the growing demand for electric vehicle infrastructure and want to meet this need for their customers. These homes often come pre-wired with a dedicated 240V outlet in the garage or driveway, making it easy for owners to start charging their EVs right away without costly modifications later. This not only adds convenience but can also increase the home's value and appeal to environmentally conscious buyers.

Additionally, some builders who don't include this as a standard feature are willing to upgrade homes during construction, particularly if a buyer signs a contract while the house is still in the framing stage. This allows them to install an EV charger at a significantly lower cost than retrofitting later, as basic features like conduit wiring and outlet placement can be added with minimal additional effort and expense.  As a local realtor, I would love to help you navigate this process, negotiate with builders, and find a home that meets your EV needs, making your transition to electric driving smooth and affordable.

Murfreesboro is a city that’s not only growing rapidly but also embracing the future with innovative energy solutions and EV-friendly communities. Whether you’re looking for a home equipped for clean transportation or want to be part of a sustainable and connected region, I’m here to help. As a local realtor, I understand the area’s evolving landscape and can guide you to the perfect property that fits your lifestyle and energy needs. Reach out today, you can call or text me at 615-617-9937, I'd love to help you make your move to Murfreesboro and take advantage of everything this dynamic community has to offer.

Information About TVA

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), established in 1933 as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal, was a groundbreaking government initiative designed to transform the impoverished Appalachian region into a thriving, modern economy. During the Great Depression, the TVA created thousands of jobs by building dams, hydroelectric plants, and infrastructure projects that provided flood control, navigation, and power for a region devastated by economic stagnation. In its early years, TVA employed over 9,000 workers and became a symbol of the federal government’s commitment to regional development and hope. 

The agency’s efforts had a profound impact on the southeastern United States, bringing much-needed electricity, improved land management, and new industries to rural communities. It helped modernize the region’s agriculture and industry, boosting economic growth and raising living standards for thousands who had previously experienced extreme poverty. In addition to infrastructure, TVA provided technical assistance on farming techniques, soil conservation, and land use, transforming land and communities across Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Kentucky, Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia.   Despite resistance from private power companies and criticism over some displacement caused by dam projects like Norris Dam, TVA’s legacy is one of starting the region on a path of economic self-sufficiency and resilience. Its success helped turn an impoverished area into an industrial and agricultural powerhouse, making it a model of New Deal policies. Today, TVA remains a vital energy provider and regional catalyst, continuing to support economic growth and sustainable development across the southeastern U.S.

Today, TVA’s assets are among the most diverse in the nation. The utility owns and operates 29 hydroelectric dams that produce clean, renewable energy and help regulate water flow for flood control and recreation. It also owns three nuclear power plants with four reactors, Watts Bar and Sequoyah, providing about half of Tennessee’s electricity and representing some of the newest nuclear technology in the country. Additionally, TVA runs 17 natural gas plants, ranging from turbines to combined-cycle facilities, offering flexible, low-cost power generation. The agency is also making substantial investments in renewable energy, with 9 solar sites already in operation and plans to add 10,000 megawatts of solar capacity by 2035, including TVA's first utility-scale solar farm. Wind power is expanding too, with partnerships to develop wind farms and purchase power from wind energy providers.  TVA’s commitment to a cleaner energy future continues to grow, as it reduces reliance on coal and enhances its renewable portfolio. The agency’s diverse mix of hydro, nuclear, natural gas, and solar power ensures a resilient and sustainable energy system built to meet rising demand while protecting the environment. By harnessing these varied resources, TVA not only provides affordable, reliable power but also leads the Southeast toward a greener, more sustainable future.

TVA remains a vital driver of growth, employing over 16,000 people across its diverse fleet of power plants and supporting thousands more through regional economic initiatives. One of TVA’s greatest achievements is its ability to produce some of the most affordable electricity in the country. By harnessing a mix of energy sources TVA invests in clean, reliable energy at a lower cost, benefiting residents, businesses, and industries across the region. Its focus on expanding renewable sources, such as solar and wind, ensures a sustainable future while keeping prices competitive. TVA’s energy cost advantage attracts new businesses and helps retain existing ones, fueling continued economic growth. Beyond powering the region, TVA provides significant benefits to its employees and the local economy. The agency offers competitive wages, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional development, making TVA a stable and attractive employer. It also actively invests in workforce training and partnerships with local colleges and universities, creating jobs in manufacturing, construction, engineering, and technology. As TVA continues to expand its renewable projects and infrastructure, it is creating hundreds of new jobs annually and supporting sustainable economic development throughout Tennessee and the surrounding states. Through its diverse energy assets, commitment to affordability, and ongoing job creation, TVA is shaping a cleaner, more prosperous future for the Tennessee Valley, one that benefits residents, businesses, and the environment alike.

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