Turning lights on in home I'm working on

[Michael Dorey]

So, just want to see if anyone has any insight on this matter.

I've got a home that I have bought and am fixing up for rental purposes just around the corner from my own home.  Both homes are within the area of Duke Energy for the electricity.  I have had my home for over 15 years and always had Duke Energy.  

I want to turn the  electricity on for about a month or so to complete renovations.

I called Duke energy to see about getting power on and was told I would have to submit a complete application.  Which means a credit check.  Don't mind the credit check but don't want the inquiries.  Seems silly to have to do this for every house I buy.  So my question is there any way to get around this.  I know many of you have down many, many of these.  

Is there a way to get around this or am I the their mercy.