Moving to Bridgman and want the lights on and taps running the day you arrive? Between closing, movers, and boxes, getting utilities set up can feel like one more chore. This guide gives you the exact steps, local contacts, current water and sewer rates, and timelines so you can start service with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Who serves your Bridgman home
Bridgman municipal departments handle water, sewer, and curbside services inside city limits. Indiana Michigan Power provides electric service, and most addresses use a regional natural gas utility. If you are outside city limits, some homes use private well and septic systems.
- Water and sewer: City of Bridgman Water and Sewer Department
- Electric power: Indiana Michigan Power (I&M)
- Natural gas: Michigan Gas Utilities in much of Southwest Michigan; some properties use propane
- Garbage and recycling: City of Bridgman curbside program
Start service step by step
1) Confirm what the property uses
If the home is within Bridgman city limits, it is typically on municipal water and sewer. If you are unsure, call City Hall at 269-465-5144 or the Water and Sewer Department at 269-465-5407.
2) Gather the right documents
Most providers ask for a government photo ID and proof you can start service, such as a lease or closing statement. Some utilities also request your Social Security Number or ITIN to verify identity and determine if a deposit applies. For example, one Michigan utility outlines these identity steps on its start service page. See the process on the Consumers Energy start and stop service page.
3) Contact each provider
- Water and sewer: Call the City of Bridgman Water and Sewer team or City Hall to open your municipal account and confirm your first billing cycle. Rates and contacts are on the City of Bridgman Water and Sewer page.
- Electric: Start or transfer service online or by phone with I&M. Many activations can be handled remotely if a smart meter is installed. Begin on I&M’s Start, Stop, or Transfer Service page.
- Natural gas: If your home uses gas, request start or transfer with the local gas utility. Michigan Gas Utilities provides online forms and FAQs on its FAQs for starting or stopping service.
4) Ask about deposits and fees
Michigan rules allow electric and gas utilities to require a security deposit in certain cases, such as an unpaid balance within the past six years or if you cannot verify identity. Review the state’s deposit standards in the Michigan administrative rules for residential service deposits, and ask your utility about the exact amount and refund timeline.
5) Confirm start dates and keep records
Ask for written confirmation and whether a technician visit is needed. On move-in day, note the meter readings and keep photos for your records. If your home has a smart meter, many activations and checks can be done remotely. You can learn how that works on I&M’s smart meters and remote service info.
Water and sewer in Bridgman
Bridgman sets local rates and handles billing in-house. Effective July 1, 2025, residential rates are:
- Water usage: 4.93 dollars per 1,000 gallons
- Water ready-to-serve (5/8 to 3/4 inch): 10.76 dollars per month
- Sewer usage: 15.00 dollars per 1,000 gallons
- Sewer ready-to-serve: 34.86 dollars per month
The City also offers an optional lawn meter for irrigation that bills water only. The meter costs 185 dollars to purchase, and homeowners arrange installation. Find rates, contacts, and payment options on the City of Bridgman Water and Sewer page. For help, call the Water and Sewer Department at 269-465-5407 or City Hall at 269-465-5144. The department address is 5247 Lake Street.
Electric service with I&M
Indiana Michigan Power manages start, stop, and transfer requests online and by phone. If equipment is in place and a smart meter is installed, connections are often completed the same or next business day without a field visit. Start your request on I&M’s service page. For details on remote connects and outage tools, see I&M’s smart meters overview.
Natural gas basics
Many Bridgman-area properties use natural gas. If service is off, the gas utility may schedule a safety check before turning it on. Get process details and contact options on Michigan Gas Utilities’ start and stop service FAQs. Some rural or edge-of-service properties use propane. If so, contact a local propane supplier for tank setup.
Trash and recycling pickup
Bridgman provides weekly garbage collection and every-other-week recycling on your regular pickup day. If you need a cart or a special pickup, the City lists the Lakeshore Recycling contact information and collection map. Review days, rules, and contacts on the Bridgman Garbage and Recycling page.
Special situations to watch
Private well or septic
If the home is not on municipal systems, schedule well water testing and a septic inspection before you close. The Berrien County Health Department offers new-home evaluations for wells and septic systems. Learn how to order one on the county’s New Home Evaluations page.
New construction or removed meters
New builds or homes without existing meters require early coordination. Electric and gas utilities may need to install meters and run service lines, and the City may need to install a water meter. Contact each provider during planning and before final inspections.
Seasonal or second homes
If this is a part-time home, ask City Hall about year-round billing for water, sewer, and carts. Review current pickup details on the Bridgman Garbage and Recycling page.
Quick move-in checklist
- Confirm service type: municipal water and sewer or private well and septic
- Gather documents: photo ID, lease or closing statement, SSN or ITIN if requested, payment method
- Call the City for water and sewer setup: 269-465-5407 or 269-465-5144
- Open power and gas accounts with I&M and the gas utility
- Ask about deposits, fees, and first billing dates
- Take move-in meter photos and keep confirmations
- Set your trash and recycling carts for the correct pickup day
Avoid utility scams
Fraudsters sometimes pose as utility workers or call with urgent shutoff threats. Common red flags include demands for immediate payment by gift card, requests for full SSN or bank details on an unsolicited call, and pressure to act right now. Get tips and verification steps from the Electrical Safety Foundation International on its utility scam awareness page. When in doubt, hang up and call the number on your bill or the utility’s website.
Ready for your move
With the right contacts, documents, and a quick call or two, you can have power, water, sewer, trash, and gas ready for move-in day. If you need local guidance on neighborhoods, timing your closing, or coordinating possession, the Jason Stroud Team is here to help you settle in smoothly.
FAQs
Who provides electric power in Bridgman?
- Indiana Michigan Power manages residential electric service, including start, stop, and transfer requests on its service page.
How do I start Bridgman water and sewer service?
- Call the City of Bridgman Water and Sewer Department at 269-465-5407 or City Hall at 269-465-5144, and review rates and contacts on the City’s Water and Sewer page.
What are the current water and sewer rates?
- As of July 1, 2025, water is 4.93 dollars per 1,000 gallons with a 10.76 dollars monthly ready-to-serve charge, and sewer is 15.00 dollars per 1,000 gallons with a 34.86 dollars monthly ready-to-serve charge. Details are on the City’s rate page.
Will I need a utility deposit?
- Michigan allows deposits in certain cases, such as a recent unpaid balance or if identity cannot be verified. Review the state’s deposit rules and ask your utility for the amount and refund policy.
What if the power is out on move-in day?
- Report it to I&M right away. If the outage affects your area, the utility will restore service. If your meter was disconnected, confirm your start request and reconnection timing through I&M’s smart meter and outage resources.
