Following the 2022 Annual Meeting, Seven States and LPCs across the Tennessee Valley gathered to celebrate a unique and sustainable new feature on the University of Memphis campus: two new solar-powered workstations made possible by member-owner MLGW, Seven States Power Corporation, and the FedEx Institute of Technology.

The new solar-powered workstations allow students, faculty, and staff to charge their mobile devices for free via power generated from solar panels on top of the umbrellas. Batteries in the workstation store energy for charging devices even when the sun is not shining — eliminating any need for the structures to be connected to the power grid.

A dedication ceremony for the solar workstations was held on Thursday, Nov. 3, at the end of the 2022 Seven States Power Corporation Annual Meeting, which attracted leaders from power companies that serve communities across the Tennessee Valley.

“Innovative partnerships like these are a great example of how universities can collaborate with industries to bring positive impact not only to students, but also to the environment,” stated Dr. Jasbir Dhaliwal, University of Memphis Executive Vice President for Research & Innovation and FedEx Institute of Technology Executive Director. “Solar technology can impact our overcoming climate change, and we thank MLGW and Seven States for their partnership.”

“Seven States is proud of this project because it demonstrates how strong partnerships can drive innovation across the Tennessee Valley,” said Betsey Kirk McCall, President & CEO of Seven States Power Corporation. “It is thrilling to see how our efforts together can inspire the innovators who learn and work at the FedEx Institute of Technology and the University of Memphis.”

“MLGW is pleased to partner with the Seven States Power Corporation and The University of Memphis to bring leading edge technology to the U of M campus with these new solar workstations,” said Dana Jeanes, MLGW Senior Vice President, CFO and CAO, and Seven States Board member. “The workstations use sustainable power utilizing solar energy to charge cell phones, and I’m sure U of M students will be quite happy to put the workstations to good use as the University is vested in future technology, as is MLGW. As a member of the Seven States board and MLGW leadership, we look forward to future partnerships involving the U of M, MLGW and Seven States.”

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