Flexibility: Better Together
July 17, 2020

More than two years ago, the Seven States Power board of directors charted a new course, one where our energy services company would help members meet demand for renewable solutions. Now, as local power companies usher in a new era of distribution-level power supply flexibility through TVA’s Long-Term Partnership Agreement, we are uniquely positioned to help them achieve their goals.

“Time and again, the old adage that “when we work together everyone achieves more,” has proven true for the 154 local power companies in the Valley. said Seven States Power EVP Betsey Kirk McCall. “At Seven States Power we are leveraging the combined experiences and best practices of our member-owners and pulling from a deep well of technical knowledge and economies of scale to help them build for their future. Best of all, our efficient, creative and cost-effective services are keeping the resources, investment and expertise within the Valley.”  Structured as a generation & transmission cooperative, Seven States is member-owned by the local power companies (LPCs) in the Valley, so the experience and revenue gained from each project extends to the benefit of the members.

When TVA distributed a revised Power Supply Flexibility Agreement in late June, our staff had already begun working with members to install renewable technologies. While some LPCs are just beginning to explore carbon-free or carbon-neutral technologies, others have been working with us for months in preparation for a summer project launch.

Several of our members are planning installation or expansion of solar coupled with large scale battery storage to maximize the operation and value of the solar array. Combined heat and power projects are in the early stages of development in Tennessee and Mississippi, one for an industrial customer and the other for a wastewater treatment facility.

“We are excited to see Seven States growing because we can complement each other as we get things going,” said Doug Perry, TVA’s senior vice president of commercial energy solutions. “We need to see more distribution-scale solar, and the Seven States team has the ability to work with LPCs to bring information, lessons learned, and support that will help them make the best decisions for the customers of the Valley.”

Perry noted that Seven State Power’s expertise in disciplines like commercial engineering, grid connection, contracts, project management and maximizing economies of scale can help LPCs that partner with the energy service company. He lauded the formation of Seven States Energy, LLC, to leverage tax incentives, own assets, and to complete member projects effectively and efficiently. According to Perry, about a dozen LPCs throughout the Valley have distribution-scale generation projects underway.

When recently asked about Seven States Power’s role as a vehicle for LPCs pursuing distribution-level flexibility projects, Appalachian Electric Cooperative General Manager Greg Williams said, “When I think of the words innovative technology and flexibility, Seven States comes to mind because those two things come together in the new world we live in. A few weeks ago, we didn’t have this capability or the opportunity to go out and generate our own electricity. We do today, and what better vehicle to do that than through turnkey projects with our own company, Seven States? It’s a better solution for the Valley.”

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Seven States Power Corporation and Sevier County Electric System Unveil 14 EV Charging Ports at Dollywood

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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