INTUITIVE and Seven States Power Corporation to offer local power companies enhanced cybersecurity protection at lower rates
September 29, 2022

Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation ( INTUITIVE ® ) and Seven States Power Corporation are launching a partnership to deliver an innovative, managed cybersecurity service for local power companies (“LPCs”) across the Tennessee Valley. The new joint service, called the Grid Cyber Protection Service (GCPS), will protect critical infrastructure while overcoming the staffing and budgetary challenges of going alone.

Seven States Power Corporation is an energy solutions cooperative that is owned and operated by the 153 LPCs across seven states of the Tennessee Valley. Seven States serves a unique role by helping LPCs design, develop, and deploy the latest technology solutions including cybersecurity, electric vehicle charging, and renewable energy installations. The Grid Cyber Protection Service will be offered to Seven States’ network of regional LPCs.

Through the Grid Cyber Protection Service, INTUITIVE provides an enterprise-grade, affordable cybersecurity-as-a-service model to address hacktivist, criminal, and nation-state cyber threats as well as evolving government and industry regulations. Based on INTUITIVE ’s DECIDE™Platform, GCPS is a comprehensive approach to critical infrastructure cybersecurity while remaining modular and integrated with existing investments in cybersecurity tools for even greater flexibility.

LPCs across the Valley will benefit from INTUITIVE ’s expert assessments, continuous monitoring, rapid response, and custom reporting services while Seven States will provide an essential understanding of the unique regional utility landscape through its unmatched relationships with stakeholders.

INTUITIVE ’s innovative and intelligence-driven model for cybersecurity keeps critical infrastructure organizations like us both compliant and resilient in the face of determined cyber adversaries,” said David Champigny, CIO of Huntsville Utilities . “Their unique financial and delivery model will likely become a standard for critical infrastructure cyber services.”

GCPS will make the entire region’s electrical grid stronger by supporting LPCs with a full-time cybersecurity staff, vulnerability and risk assessments, continuous monitoring and reporting, managed threat detection and correlation, digital forensics, malware/ ransomware protection, threat hunting, reconnaissance, and endpoint protection.

The following professional services can also be obtained separately on an ad-hoc basis: penetration testing, physical security assessments, IT and security architectural services, compliant cloud migration or evaluation, and phishing campaigns.

INTUITIVE Senior Advisor Chuck Speaks added, “Critical infrastructure, including local power companies, are major targets of sophisticated threat actors. This partnership with Seven States will allow INTUITIVE cybersecurity subject matter experts to provide a one-of-a-kind service that addresses LPCs’ unique cyber challenges while overcoming common staffing and budgetary pressures. We are truly excited to partner on such an important mission that directly impacts the lives of everyone in the Tennessee Valley region.”

“Seven States exists to support our member-owner LPCs and act as an extension of their own resources, including cybersecurity,” said Betsey Kirk McCall, President and CEO of Seven States Power Corporation . “We are proud to launch the Grid Cyber Protection Service because we know our LPCs will greatly benefit from INTUITIVE ’s expertise in this essential area.”

 

ABOUT INTUITIVE RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION:
INTUITIVE ® is an aerospace engineering and analysis firm headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama that provides production support, software and systems engineering, programmatic support, product development, rapid prototyping, and technology management to the Department of Defense, other State and Federal Government agencies, and commercial companies. Our approach couples the latest technology with engineering expertise, analytical proficiency, and keen managerial oversight.  From design through production to sustainment, we proudly provide management and technical solutions throughout all phases of the system’s life cycle.

ABOUT SEVEN STATES POWER CORPORATION

Seven States Power Corporation is an energy and technology solutions provider for local power companies in the Tennessee Valley. As a non-profit membership cooperative, it is 100% owned and operated by the 153 power utilities across the seven states region in the Tennessee Valley Authority’s service area. Seven States leverages innovative technology to design, develop, and deploy sustainable solutions in the areas of electrification, renewables, and connectivity. It strategically deploys solutions that supports grid resiliency, economic development, and decarbonization across the Tennessee Valley.

 

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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.” ###
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