The City of Bristol, Virginia, on June 30, 1945, purchased from the Tennessee Valley Authority the electric distribution facilities of the former East Tennessee Light and Power Company. Bristol Virginia Power Board was created to manage the electric system. On November 13, 1951, the Power Board was succeeded by the Utilities Board, created by Article V of The City Code (Sections 2-25 through 2-28), as provided for in the Code of Virginia, Section 15.1-292, to manage the Electric Power and Light System, the Water System, and Sewerage System of the City. Electric power was purchased from the Tennessee Valley Authority from June 1945 until December 31, 1997, when BVU changed power suppliers and began purchasing power from Cinergy Corporation, Cincinnati, Ohio.

BVU is heavily involved in promoting economic development efforts in the City of Bristol, Virginia and works in conjunction with the Economic Development Committee and its Executive Director to promote the Bristol, Virginia area to prospective industry and commercial establishments. BVU is also involved in providing annual visitations, consultations and services to local existing industry, and believes the Existing Industry Program to be a vital part of Bristol, Virginia´s economic development. Bristol Virginia Utilities provides fifty percent of the funding for the Bristol, Virginia Economic Development Department.