Volunteer EC Goes Big on Backup
June 20, 2019

Rody Blevins’ new backup generators will represent the closing of an old loop.

The veteran CEO at Volunteer EC, Decatur, Tenn., has ordered two 750-kV, gas-fired generators from Caterpillar through Chattanooga, Tenn.-based Stowers Machinery. He plans to have them up and running at the cooperative’s two largest service centers, in Cleveland, Tenn., and Crossville, Tenn., by October.

Blevins said Volunteer EC is paying about $440,000 per unit – a savings of between 15 percent and 20 percent, per the new deal made by Seven States Power Corp. and the manufacturer.

“We were pleased with that final price,” Blevins said.

The new generators – and a 420-kV unit Blevins had installed at the cooperative’s main offices two years ago – bring full circle a plan Blevins said was launched nearly 20 years ago.

“We started a project to rebuild most of our system,” he said. “The vision is to update all our technical platforms and have the entire system digital by 2020. This is the culmination of that effort.

“Our goal is to always try to improve reliability for our membership, and this is one more step in that direction,” Blevins said. “The generator at our main campus is designed to run 20,000 hours before it needs any maintenance. It backs up the entire campus – all the IT, the 24-hour dispatch and call center, everything.”

Blevins said the new Cleveland and Crossville units will also support Volunteer EC’s fiber-based communications network.

“That’s our entire network – almost all our substations, all our AMI, SCADA and remote devices,” he said. “It’s critical to maintain those communications.”

And the generators won’t serve only as backup power; Blevins said the generator at the cooperative’s main campus runs – and the new units will run – at peak-demand times.

“Those peak-demand savings will be such that these units will pay for themselves in five or six years,” he said.

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Here We Grow Again! Seven States Welcomes Kim Shumpert as VP of Public Relations

By Jessica Bradshaw • June 9, 2025
Seven States Power Corporation is pleased to announce the appointment of Kim Shumpert as Vice President of Public Relations. Shumpert brings over two decades of experience in growing the capacity and impact of multiple organizations within both the public and private sectors. With both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Public Administration, Shumpert brings a distinguished background in executive leadership, having guided regional economic development initiatives and directed comprehensive communication strategies across diverse platforms. Her experience includes successfully managing media relations and fostering strong partnerships. In her new role as Vice President of Public Relations, Shumpert will spearhead efforts to increase the organization’s impact, deepen stakeholder engagement, and advance the mission of empowering LPCs to meet growing consumer demand for technology and innovation in an evolving utility landscape. “We are thrilled to welcome Kim to our team,” said Betsey Kirk McCall, Seven States President & CEO. “Her proven ability to build meaningful relationships and communicate with purpose aligns perfectly with our vision for growth and engagement.” Shumpert joins Seven States at a pivotal time in the energy industry. Her leadership will play a crucial role in supporting Seven States Power Corporation’s ongoing commitment to leveraging technology to design, develop, and deploy forward-thinking energy solutions in partnership with LPCs and the communities they serve.  Seven States Power Corporation is a trusted partner to 153 local power companies across the Tennessee Valley, delivering customized energy and generation solutions and supporting community success through technology and innovation. To stay up to date on Seven States projects, announcements, and news, subscribe to our newsletter .
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