Gallatin Department of Electricity (GDE), the fastest-growing electric utility in the Tennessee Valley, is expanding its headquarters to meet the demands of the Tennessee city’s unprecedented growth.
The first phase of the project, which adds much-needed office space, truck bays, and storage, is set to open this month.
“Our city’s growth has been incredible, and we are expanding to ensure we can continue delivering reliable service,” said Mark Kimbell, GDE general manager. “When we moved into this building, we had just under 6,000 customers—now we serve close to 27,000.”
The expansion nearly doubles GDE’s space, adding 33,000 square feet to accommodate increased operations.
Key highlights of the project include:
Office Expansion: An additional 4,000 square feet will provide relief for employees currently working two to three per office.
Truck Bay Addition: A new 23,000-square-foot truck bay will increase parking capacity from seven to 17 trucks and include a dedicated locker room and bathrooms for line crews.
Truck Parking Facility: The 6,600-square-foot addition will house materials, equipment, trailers, and additional trucks
When GDE moved into its current facility in 1968, it served just over 5,200 customers with 25 employees. Today, GDE has grown to 26,693 customers and employs 51 people. “Our role is critical to Gallatin’s growth,” said Kimbell. “We want to make sure we’re not the limiting factor when businesses and families choose to invest in our city.”
GDE is the 55th largest electric system out of 153 in the Tennessee Valley and the fastest-growing electric system in the Tennessee Valley with 7% growth in 2024.
The number of customers per employee now 556 customers per employee and the utility is ranked 16th in the Tennessee Valley for customers per mile.
