Chattanooga Times Free Press | 15 Feb 2026 | BY SEVEN STATES POWER CORPORATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Demand for energy is climbing while extreme weather events like Winter Storm Fern and Winter Storm Elliott continue to challenge an already constrained electric system. Fortunately, there is a ready-now solution. Seven States Power Corporation is a cooperative designed to help meet demand for affordable, abundant and reliable power. Since the 1930s, the Tennessee River Valley has thrived under a vital network of the wholesale power provider — the Tennessee Valley Authority — and the electric utility customers that together form the public power model. More than 150 electric utility customers distribute affordable energy across a seven-state region of Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Kentucky, Virginia and North Carolina. In 2007, TVA and the electric utilities joined forces to form Seven States as an in-valley solution to finance power assets, expand energy production and modernize infrastructure. THE ‘IN-VALLEY’ SOLUTION Seven States is a nonprofit generation and transmission cooperative headquartered in Chattanooga. It is member-owned by the electric utility customers of TVA across the seven-state region. The cooperative is uniquely positioned to operate outside established debt constraints and regulatory limitations that restrict other entities. This means Seven States can own large power plants and transmission towers, which frees up debt for TVA to build and operate more power supply. When the electric utility customers collectively own assets through Seven States, it also ensures that rates in the region remain affordable. This flexibility allows Seven States to move quickly to supplement the valley’s energy needs with reliable sources of power. In January 2025, Seven States was awarded $439 million by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, consisting of a zero-interest loan and grant to build new capacity. The first initiative under this award is a utility-scale power project that will enhance grid stability and reliability, benefits that can be shared across the valley. Where demand for capital and power are soaring, Seven States makes it happen. Seven States has a proven history of filling critical gaps when needed. One of its earliest projects with TVA was financing a large power asset — an 800-megawatt gas plant located in Southaven, Mississippi. By partnering with Seven States, the energy sector can nearly double its capital investment to accelerate generation projects. Where finances are constrained, Seven States makes it happen. In addition, Seven States has stepped up to deliver distribution technologies that bridge the past, present and future of a modern energy grid. With projects deployed across the valley at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, Dollywood Parks and Resorts in Pigeon Forge, Montgomery Bell State Park in Burns, Tennessee, Rock City in Lookout Mountain, Georgia, and the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and with more than 500 electric vehicle chargers installed to date, Seven States has proactively advanced infrastructure to support economic development across the region. Where innovation and infrastructure are needed, Seven States makes it happen. In July 2025, the Seven States Board of Directors — representing 17 major electric utilities that purchase power from TVA — unanimously passed a resolution affirming Seven States as an additional supplier of abundant, reliable energy within the valley. By advancing an in-valley solution owned by the customers, the public power model can thrive and evolve from within, guided by those who know the region best. Seven States has built a foundation for the energy future through its cooperative structure and access to affordable capital. It represents a real opportunity to expand power production and light the way for prosperity across the Valley.
The Seven States Energy Express Project—supported through the USDA New ERA Program—represents a transformative investment in energy for the Tennessee Valley region. This initiative reflects the federal government’s commitment to accelerating energy development while strengthening grid reliability and economic development. Over the past year, Seven States Power Corporation was awarded a $415 million zero-interest loan and a $24 million grant by USDA. Demand for electricity is growing at an unprecedented pace, and this funding will add 220MW of capacity to the Valley. Fortunately, the Tennessee Valley is uniquely positioned to lead and serve as a national model for how advanced energy ecosystems are built. Seven States has been working closely with USDA and partners across federal, state, and local levels to ensure alignment, efficiency, and thoughtful deployment of this once-in-a-generation funding opportunity. All Energy Express Project assets will be owned, operated, and maintained by Seven States Power Corporation, ensuring long-term local stewardship, accountability, and operational excellence. The project will provide LPCs with a flexible energy resource to enhance grid reliability and support economic development. We recently advanced the first of three major project milestones with the successful submission of the Community Benefits Plan to USDA. In the months ahead, the project will progress through environmental review and underwriting processes, followed by procurement. As the Energy Express powers forward, it stands as more than an infrastructure project—it is a strategic investment in the future of the Tennessee Valley. By pairing federal funding with regional growth, Seven States is helping ensure that our power supply is abundant, reliable, and prepared for tomorrow’s energy demands.
PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — October 3, 2025 — Seven States Power Corporation (Seven States), in partnership with Sevier County Electric System (SCES), and Dollywood is proud to announce the ribbon cutting and official unveiling of 7 new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations with 14 charging ports, and 10 solar-powered umbrella charging units at Dollywood, one of the nation’s leading theme park destinations. The new EV charging stations mark another exciting step forward in advancing transportation infrastructure to support the growing demand for electric vehicles in East Tennessee. Designed, developed, and deployed by Seven States, the project reflects a commitment to innovation, community partnership, and serving Dollywood guests. The ten solar-powered umbrellas will be installed in the Country Fair area, providing guests with a convenient place to charge their devices while they enjoy watching ride goers from the comfort of the shade. “Dollywood is a treasured landmark for families and visitors from across the country,” said Betsey Kirk McCall, President and CEO of Seven States. “We are honored to partner with SCES and Dollywood to deliver technology that adds convenience for guests while enhancing innovation in the region.” The addition of the charging stations and umbrellas highlight the shared vision of Seven States Power and SCES to expand access to energy solutions across the region. SCES provides electric power to more than 61,000 customers across Sevier County, Tennessee. As a locally owned public power utility, SCES has served the community for over 80 years with a focus on reliability, affordability, customer service, and innovation. “These projects represent our commitment to supporting innovation to meet the needs of our community. By working together, we’re helping ensure that both residents and visitors have access to the energy solutions of tomorrow, right here in Sevier County," said Allen Robbins, CEO of SCES. The ribbon cutting ceremony celebrates not only the completion of these projects, but also the growing collaboration between local utilities, community partners, and attractions to create a more modern energy future for Tennessee. “This partnership with Seven States and Sevier County Electric highlights the importance of regional collaboration to build infrastructure that supports both the local community and the millions of visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains each year. By investing in this technology, we are helping pave the way for a more sustainable future, while reinforcing our role as a leader in both the tourism industry and the community we call home," said Eugene Naughton, Dollywood Parks & Resorts President. “These investments further enhance our guest experience by providing services to help meet two emerging needs of those who visit.” The charging stations will be available for use to patrons in the Preferred Parking Lot of Dollywood Theme Park beginning October 6, 2025 while the umbrellas are available for use immediately.
Since taking the helm as CEO, Michael has been instrumental in delivering innovative processes and technologies that are ensuring a reliable energy future for the more than 25,000 consumers served by Newport Utilities. Throughout his career, Michael has looked for opportunities to solve the most pressing needs within the energy sector. When asked about the most pressing needs for Newport Utilities, Michael stresses the need for reliability, visibility, and scalability. Solving for these needs translated into investments in grid hardening and automation, advanced metering infrastructure, SCADA modernization, and broadband expansion. Equally important was improving data integration across electric, water, wastewater, and broadband operations so they could move from reactive operations to predictive and preventative decision-making. Cybersecurity and resiliency—particularly for extreme weather events—were also critical priorities. While Seven States has not been directly engaged with Newport Utilities’ innovation initiatives, Michael recognizes that entities like Seven States are valuable when they can demonstrate the ability to align innovation with operational reliability, affordability, and long-term community value. When asked about what he would like for his customers to know about Newport Utilities’ role in bringing innovation forward he had this to say, “Innovation at Newport Utilities is not about technology for its own sake—it is about improving service reliability, resilience, and affordability while positioning the community for long-term economic growth. Our role is to be a careful steward of customer dollars while making forward-looking investments that reduce outages, improve response times, enhance transparency, and support businesses, schools, and public safety. When done correctly, most of this innovation is invisible to customers—but they experience it through fewer disruptions and better service.” Michael is excited about what the next five years holds for Newport Utilities. He is looking forward to expanded grid automation, advanced analytics driven by AMI and operational data, and deeper integration between electric, water, and broadband systems. Additionally, he believes battery storage, small-scale local energy production, and demand reduction programs will play an increasingly important role in enhancing reliability, lowering costs, and giving customers more control over their energy use. Ensure these technologies are deployed securely, cost-effectively, and in a way that maximizes community benefit while supporting economic development and long-term resilience is a priority. As for advice Michael would give to a new GM or CEO? Start with the problem, not the technology. Innovation should be tied directly to reliability, resilience, customer experience, or cost control. Build strong fundamentals first—governance, data quality, cybersecurity, and staff capability—before pursuing advanced solutions. Engage employees early, communicate clearly with customers and stakeholders, and be disciplined in measuring outcomes. Sustainable innovation is incremental, intentional, and aligned with the community’s long-term needs, not short-term trends.
As Chief Executive Officer of East Mississippi Electric Power Association (EMEPA), Randy leads by embracing technology with a focus on how it enhances the lives of the members served by EMEPA. Over his 48 year career, Randy has moved teams through manual processes to personal computers, then to tablets, cell phones, and automated meter reading; each step significantly improving operational efficiency and service reliability. Randy has been an integral leader in completing 3,850 miles of fiber to serve nearly 17,000 subscribers. Moreover, EMEPA also helped facilitate the installation of full backup generation at NAS Meridian and assisted in deploying solar generation paired with microgrid technology at the base. These efforts strengthened energy security and resilience for critical infrastructure in our community. When asked about how Seven States has specifically helped support innovation in the EMEPA footprint Randy said, “Seven States has been a tremendous partner by providing the technical knowledge, strategic guidance, and support necessary to bring these complex projects to life. Their expertise helped us evaluate opportunities, mitigate risk, and execute effectively, particularly in areas such as broadband expansion, backup generation, and microgrid deployment. Innovation requires both vision and competence, and Seven States has helped strengthen both within our organization.” In a time of rapid introduction and adoption of innovation, Randy explains how EMEPA approaching ongoing implementation. “I want our members to understand that implementing new technology is never done simply for the sake of technology. Every advancement we pursue is focused on making their service more reliable, sustainable, and resilient. Whether it is automated metering, fiber broadband, or microgrid support for critical facilities, our goal is always to improve the lives of the people we serve.” As EMEPA looks ahead, they will explore how artificial intelligence enhances their operations and all the ways it will be used over the next five years to increase productivity, develop innovative solutions, and communicate more efficiently with their members. As for advice Randy would give to a new GM or CEO? “You often cannot fully understand the usefulness of a technology until you implement it and allow good employees to work with it. Innovation requires trust in your people and trust in the process. If you hire capable, mission-driven employees and give them the tools and freedom to explore new solutions, they will often exceed your expectations.”
It’s easy to forget that the excitement of a potential “snow day” is not shared by everyone. Winter storms are felt differently depending on where you stand. When news of Winter Storm Fern first began to circulate, many of us debated whether it would amount to much at all—whether we’d “actually get any snow,” or whether the warnings would quietly fade away. For our local power companies (LPCs), though, there is no room for debate. Preparation begins long before the first snowflake falls. Crews mobilize. Capacity is recruited. Logistics are coordinated—meals, lodging, equipment—on the assumption that the storm will come, and that its impact could be catastrophic for the communities they serve. As Winter Storm Fern made her way across the Tennessee Valley, what unfolded in the weeks that followed was nothing short of remarkable. The storm itself was a spectacle – both terrifying and beautiful. In its aftermath, we saw images of deep snowbanks, children sledding, and intricate ice formations clinging to trees and fences. But those of us in the energy industry understand the other side of that beauty—the weight of ice on lines, the strain on equipment, and the fragile balance that keeps electricity flowing. Once again, we were reminded that society moves at the pace of electricity. In the days after the storm passed, we witnessed something even more powerful than the weather itself: the best of our humanity. The people we are proud to work alongside woke up day after day, coffee in hand and hot stick over their shoulder, ready to face whatever challenge waited beyond the truck door—all so that power, and a sense of order, could be restored. Was the work harder than expected? Probably. Did it reaffirm what it means to put service above self? Without question. While many of us remained sheltered at home, LPC crews from across the Valley stepped up. They melted the storm inch by inch, knocking ice from lines and equipment so electricity could move again without the crushing weight pulling it back down. They followed the sound of silence, tracing outages through snow-buried lines until they found a snapped conductor lying quiet in a ditch. Bucket trucks crept through ice-locked streets, their booms lifting linemen into sleet-soaked darkness to replace shattered crossarms and transformers split by the cold. The grid returned not all at once, but by touch—each repaired connection passed hand to hand through crews spread across miles of frozen ground. As Mike Partin, President of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) and President & CEO of Sequachee Valley Electric Coop, recently shared, “It’s more than a principle on paper—it’s a promise we live out when disaster strikes. These men and women leave their own families to help other families. They go wherever they’re needed, whenever they’re needed, without hesitation.” And they were not alone. Businesses across the region stepped in as well, delivering hot meals—Taco Bell, Chick-fil-A, the unmistakable fuel of long days and longer nights. Electricity and kindness—two commodities that can feel in short supply—were both restored through collective effort. Moments like these force us to pause and reflect on the grit, resilience, and stamina that make our communities strong. Sometimes, Mother Nature reminds us not only of our vulnerabilities, but of our better angels. Today, homes are warm. Restaurants are open. Kids are back in school. Life has returned to something resembling normalcy—because of the unity, sacrifice, and hard work of LPCs across the Tennessee Valley. So we wanted to take a moment to simply say: Thank you.
