Meet the Muscle: The Seven States Power Team
February 25, 2021
A woman in a suit and white shirt is standing in front of a window.
Betsey Kirk McCall
A man in a suit and green tie is standing with his hands in his pockets.
Clint Wilson
A man in a suit and tie is standing with his hands folded.
Steve Noe

As the demands for Distributed Energy Resources (DER) and renewable energy options continue to increase throughout the Valley, so does the need for a trusted energy solutions advisor who can guide local power companies as they evaluate the range of innovative technologies and environmentally conscious energy solutions available to them.

The launch of Seven States Power Corporation as an independent, self-sustaining business means that members and their consumers now have access to a staff of three pros with extensive industry experience, dedicated full-time to the delivery of, cost-effective energy solutions.

Led by President & CEO Betsey Kirk McCall, the team is comprised of two engineers and a lawyer – each an experienced professional with in-depth knowledge of their area of expertise as well as extensive experience working with power distributors in the Tennessee Valley. Vice President of Sustainability & Energy Resilience, Steve Noe led last year’s Project Liftoff efforts, a collaboration between Seven States Power Corporation, Huntsville Utilities and the U.S. Space and Rocket Center that combined solar generation with EV charging and battery storage for a the first-of-its-kind installation. Noe is currently engaged with local power companies in the development and deployment of solar generation including a unique solar generation partnership between Appalachian Electric Cooperative, New Market, Tenn., and Morristown Utilities Commission, Morristown, Tenn.

With more than two decades of experience in the public power industry, Senior Vice President of Engineering & Market Innovation, Clint Wilson leads Seven States Power’s efforts related to emerging technologies, research and innovation. He manages the load curtailment, aggregation and demand response programs as well as a new electric ride-through technology system.

Recently, Wilson has headed up efforts to create a roadmap for middle mile fiber connectivity which can empower local power companies in their efforts to improve operational efficiencies and reliability, and deliver affordable, high-speed fiber throughout the Valley.

McCall, who began driving the direction for Seven States Power just three years ago, has been recognized for setting Seven States Power on a structured and focused course. The first woman to lead an energy solutions company in the Tennessee Valley, she brings a strong background in contract law, negotiation and project management. By establishing a clarity of mission for Seven States Power with a focus on partnerships, McCall has empowered the rest of the Seven States team to deliver on robust product offerings including solar generation, EV charging infrastructure, load management systems, and middle mile fiber.

Over the past year, Seven States Power’s team has spent countless hours and miles on the road, in the midst of a pandemic, supporting LPCs in their quest to meet the demand for solar, battery storage, electric vehicles and charging options in their communities. By February of 2021, the team had supported the installation of over 80 new EV chargers in the Valley and helped in the delivery of new and innovative options for LPCs such as the new electric ride-through technology system.

As TVA provides a pathway for up to 5 percent self-generation of power through its Long-Term Partnership Agreement, and Seven States Power members continue to respond to their consumers’ demand for renewable and distributed energy resources, Seven States Power is working in tandem with both parties to deliver cleaner, greener energy to the Valley.  As the only Valley-based energy solutions advisor, Seven States Power brings a deep knowledge of the region and an ability to tailor each project to the specific needs and challengers of its members. By acting as an extension of LPC staff, Seven States Power can take projects from research to implementation, delivering true “concept-to-completion” projects in the most cost-efficient manner that also allows LPCs to stay focused on their core business and keep their dollars in the Valley.

 

By Jessica Bradshaw June 25, 2025
Seven States Power Corporation’s Board Chairman, Jeff Dykes, and President & CEO, Betsey Kirk McCall, met with Congressional leaders earlier this summer as part of a strategic initiative to advance funding to install technologies that make power more efficient, reliable, and abundant. Dykes and McCall sought to amplify the need for greater federal support to Tennessee Valley LPCs for increasing America’s energy infrastructure during a time where creative options are needed against the backdrop of unprecedented growth. A primary objective of the trip was to listen to legislators’ areas of focus and educate the leaders on how Seven States supports the Valley through times of transition. Many LPCs have voiced concerns over the volume of requests they are receiving to supply energy to data centers. Dykes and McCall emphasized the opportunities Investment Tax Credits (ITC) and alternative financing provide for accelerating large-scale projects that can supply this growing demand for energy. To date, more than 1200 data centers are in development across the U.S. that will consume an estimated 149.6 -239.3 TWH annually. That represents the equivalent of 15-25 large nuclear plants running continuously to supply the need. Dykes and McCall stressed how cooperatives like Seven States can leverage funding models that alleviate the capital outlays for and accelerate construction of projects that can accommodate the expected growth in the Valley over the next decade from these data centers. “It will take LPCs, TVA, communities, companies, and developers working together on such projects to meet the need and keep the lights on,” said Dykes. “We understand that these data centers represent an opportunity for investment in the region. These dollars will improve communities and attract high quality economic development prospects. We want to ensure our member LPCs and TVA are supported and prepared to deliver this opportunity to the Valley,” said McCall. Dykes and McCall also underscored that Seven States was created by LPCs, in partnership with TVA, as a strategic solution to TVA’s debt ceiling limitations—without amending the TVA Act. From 2007 to 2013, Seven States became the first —and remains the only— LPC-led organization to successfully negotiate a sale/leaseback agreement with TVA to co-own a utility-scale generation asset: the Southaven 800MW Combined Cycle Gas Plant. This makes Seven States uniquely qualified as an in-Valley solution to finance and co-own generation assets with TVA.  “Seven States was created for moments like this. We often serve as the designer or developer, deploying capital and project management expertise to build reliable or advanced energy infrastructure on behalf of LPCs. This allows LPCs to avoid the burden of raising capital or navigating complex regulatory issues,” said McCall. Another key focus of the trip was to share project updates on the $439 million in funding secured earlier this year through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s New ERA program. Dykes and McCall outlined how this investment will be used to deliver 250MWs of additional power—aligning with national priorities on energy dominance and security. While in Washington, the team also met directly with USDA officials to provide a progress report on the project. “We are at a pivotal moment where federal partnerships can accelerate the progress our members are already making,” McCall said. “Our goal is to ensure their contributions—and their challenges—are clearly understood as Congress shapes the future of energy policy.” More recently, McCall was also in the area conducting meetings during President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill event where Zach Stewart of Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative was among those recognized for their service to the nation in the energy industry. McCall was on site as the new Rural Utilities Services Administrator at USDA, Karl Elmshaeuser, was announced. McCall met with Christopher McClean, former Acting RUS Administrator as part of a series of meetings to further map project details related to the $439 million awarded to Seven States by USDA. By engaging directly with lawmakers and federal agencies, Dykes and McCall are working to ensure that regulatory frameworks reflect on-the-ground realities. These Washington outreach efforts reinforce Seven States’ commitment to building an energy system that is affordable, reliable, and future-focused. Dykes and McCall expect continued conversations throughout the year as the Valley’s energy future takes shape.
By Jessica Bradshaw June 25, 2025
Seven States recently had the privilege of partnering with the Chattanooga Area Food Bank to provide consulting support for energy efficiency upgrades at their main distribution facility. Serving 20 counties across Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia, the Food Bank distributed over 15 million pounds of food last year—equivalent to more than 12 million meals for families in need. With such a vital and energy-intensive operation, improving energy performance means more resources can go directly toward feeding the region. Our team conducted a comprehensive energy assessment, identifying key opportunities to reduce utility costs through more efficient lighting, refrigeration, and HVAC systems. These recommendations are expected to cut energy use by up to 25%, translating into substantial cost savings over time. By optimizing energy performance, the Chattanooga Area Food Bank can reinvest those savings into expanding food access, enhancing logistics, and continuing their mission to eliminate hunger and promote healthier communities.  This collaboration not only underscores the connection between energy efficiency and social good, but also highlights how thoughtful upgrades can deliver lasting value for mission-driven organizations. We're proud to support the Food Bank’s critical work and look forward to seeing the positive ripple effects of this project across the communities they serve.
June 19, 2025
Leading Forked Deer Electric Cooperative as General Manager & CEO, Jeff Newman has firsthand knowledge of how vital technology is to the Valley and what a difference it has made in his community. “In our footprint, two of the most critical technology developments were broadband expansion and system automation. Bringing our system up-to-date has been a top priority, and that started with implementing SCADA across the network—a process that’s still ongoing. SCADA has already made a significant difference by improving our ability to detect and respond to outages quickly, which greatly reduces downtime for our members. On the broadband side, we now serve over 6,800 folks, which represents a substantial portion of our total meters. In a rural area like ours, access to high-speed internet isn’t just a convenience, it’s a necessity. It’s been a game changer, and the revenue from broadband has helped stabilize our electric rates by offsetting the need for larger increases. So, these technology developments haven’t just modernized our infrastructure—they’ve directly improved quality of life and economic resilience for the people we serve.” As the Valley continues to evolve and technology changes, Jeff views Seven States as a trusted partner that can help LPCs find the best fit for their community. “The biggest thing for us, as a rural utility, was having someone to help us get connected with the right people—whether that’s suppliers, vendors, or experts. We really leaned on Seven States for that support because, honestly, we didn’t even know where to begin. Every utility is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. You have to do what makes sense for your system and your community. A cookie-cutter approach just doesn’t work in this industry, and Seven States knows how to tailor a project or service to fit your exact needs.” Jeff’s advice to GMs who want to bring innovation to their communities is to stay open to progress by listening, learning, and ensuring new ideas truly serve the needs of the ratepayers. “I don’t take credit for the changes we’ve made, but progress happens when you don’t stand in its way. It’s important to evaluate new ideas carefully, make sure they align with your system’s needs, and support what makes sense. The key is to always consider what’s best for your LPC or co-op—and not become an obstacle to improvement.” ###
Show More