New Research Includes Integration of Batteries
May 13, 2020

Battery storage. It isn’t typically something to get powered up about, but as the Seven States Power team recently discovered, there are some exceptions.

Our team recently received three 13.5 kwh batteries from EPB in Chattanooga for use in our Smart Grid Lab and installed one on each phase of electrical service at our headquarters.

“Most energy storage providers are focused on large grid-scale batteries or small residential batteries. We’re interested in understanding energy storage for our many small and medium businesses,” explained Lance Irwin, EPB’s Director of Energy Solutions Technology. “Seven States Power’s Smart Grid Lab is a great opportunity for our vendors and other LPC’s to learn from a real-world application.”

The units are flat, wall-mounted lithium-ion batteries that store electricity for solar self-consumption, time of use load shifting, backup power, and off-the-grid use. The modular system offers the flexibility to add multiple batteries for homes or businesses with high energy demands. Part of the testing with the manufacturer is a new load forecasting function that will automatically dispatch the batteries for optimal cost savings based on the building load and the electricity rates.

“In our laboratory, we will test how the batteries work, how well they perform, and how these batteries compare to other products on the market,” said Steve Noe, director of strategic energy solutions. “Battery storage will be an integral part of microgrids in the future, so we’re particularly interested in how it combines with technologies that could be used as a microgrid and how well it integrates into the DER Management System (DERMS).”

Our load management simulation laboratory is designed to integrate technologies that could benefit our members, show how DERMS software works in real time, and to explore the capability it offers those seeking to manage costs by filling valleys and shaving peaks.

The next phase of our Smart Grid Lab development includes the addition of load forecasting capabilities and controllable lighting.

Schedule a Tour

Laboratory tours will be available when COVID-19 restrictions are lifted and it is deemed appropriate to reopen our offices. Please contact any of our team members to schedule a tour of the lab, or email us at info@7spc.com.

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By Jessica Bradshaw • October 3, 2025
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.

Kendall Bear

By Jessica Bradshaw • September 29, 2025
With his extensive experience in the industry, Kendall Bear’s leadership as General Manager of Rockwood Electric Utility has given him the opportunity to ensure his community is prepared for the future. “Although we’ve had many of the following systems implemented for a few years now, looking back, I would say that building a fiber network between our main office and our substations has been beneficial in a variety of ways for Rockwood Electric. This opened the door for additional technology developments such as AMI, SCADA, distribution automation, Dispatchable Voltage Regulation, a 900 Mhz radio system, and a Meter Data Management System. Implementing a GIS system was extremely valuable as well, as we are now able to export that information to other systems such as Outage Management. We have a business and customer portal from CSA that is used extensively by our employees and customers—everyone really benefits from it.” Kendall knows his LPC is responsible for both the present and future of his community’s needs, and he wants his community to know that he is always looking for ways to better their lives. “We are working very hard to provide a reliable power supply to all our customers and using these different technologies helps us manage the power system. We want to be able to provide real-time information to our customers; something they would not normally have access to without these technologies. I would also want our community to know that we are their ‘trusted energy advisor’ and every employee at Rockwood Electric is committed to helping them make good decisions about the power they use.” With so much technological advancement in the Valley, Kendall encourages fellow leaders to make a strategic plan and collaborate with their peers.  “The possibilities for innovation are almost endless, and there are a variety of products that are offered by many vendors. It is more than a little overwhelming! I would encourage a new GM to develop a strategic plan if the utility doesn’t already have one that is up-to-date. This may involve getting input from the many stakeholders in the community. After prioritizing your goals, get to work. Finally, I would tell a new GM to talk to his or her peers and colleagues a LOT. They will tell you what they have done that has been a colossal flop so you’ll know to avoid it, or they will tell you what they have been successful with. I guarantee every manager will share their story if you ask.”
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