Duck River Electric is urging members to stay alert after reports surfaced about a potentially fraudulent website collecting deposits from consumers seeking new electric or gas service. The site in question — https://connectnewelectricandgas.com — claims to “help homeowners and businesses start, transfer, and cancel electricity and gas services quickly and easily,” but at least one Tennessee electric cooperative has reported that funds collected through the site never reached the utility.

Multiple warning signs suggest the site may not be legitimate, including the absence of a business address, inactive links, and intentionally hidden ownership information. DREMC’s statewide organization, Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association, has reported the site to the domain registrar and filed complaints with the Federal Trade Commission and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

“We want our members to be aware of these types of scams and to take steps to protect themselves,” says DREMC’s Manager of Member Services & Change Implementation Rodica Collins. “When starting, stopping, or transferring electric service — or when making payments or paying deposits — always work directly with us at Duck River Electric.”

Protect Yourself: Use Only Official DREMC Channels

To ensure your information and payments are secure:

• Apply for service directly through our official website, dremc.com.
• Make payments only through DREMC’s secure online portal, mobile app, by phone, or at any of our eight offices.
• Avoid third‑party websites that claim they can arrange utility service on your behalf, especially if they request personal information or payment.

If you believe you may have interacted with the suspicious website or submitted payment through it, please contact Duck River Electric immediately at 931-684-4621. Any screenshots, details, or member reports are helpful as utilities work together to address this issue.

The safety and security of DREMC members are our priority, and we appreciate your vigilance in helping protect our cooperative community.