Bolivar Energy Authority’s President and CEO, Tony Kirk, understands the importance of looking ahead and investing in technology that strengthens communities and supports the Tennessee Valley’s continued growth. We asked him to share how his team is approaching modernization and building a stronger foundation for the future. Installing fiber throughout our entire system will allow us to partner with an Internet Service Provider (ISP) to deliver high-speed internet access to everyone we serve. Additionally, it will provide the infrastructure needed to connect all of our SCADA devices and substations to a reliable, high-speed fiber network. Fiber infrastructure will expand access to high-speed internet throughout our service area, providing our community with greater connectivity and improved access to reliable broadband services. There is inherent value in industry resources that enable local power companies to plan for the future and serve their communities, and Kirk sees Seven States as a trusted partner for BEA’s needs. Seven States has provided valuable guidance in helping BEA evaluate potential projects and determine which opportunities align with our needs and long-term goals, such as electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Despite the Valley’s numerous technological advancements, Kirk believes there is an aspect of the utility world that will always depend on extensive knowledge and experience. The lineman’s role will always require a hands-on approach, relying on traditional skills and fieldwork that technology can’t replace. To wrap up our conversation, we couldn’t resist one just-for-fun question for Kirk: If he could sit down to dinner with anyone, past or present, who would it be? I enjoy traveling and exploring our national parks. If I had to choose a favorite, I would probably say Theodore Roosevelt.
Dale Vowell, General Manager of Russellville Electric Plant Board, knows how vital it is to lead a culture of innovation and provide forward-thinking investments to help meet the changing needs of his community. His team has embraced technology and community partnerships to improve service and create new opportunities for their customers. We asked him to share how these efforts have made a difference and highlight some of the team’s accomplishments along the way. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical need for reliable, high-speed broadband, particularly in the rural areas of our county where access was limited or unavailable. By investing in our SmartNet fiber network and partnering with our county leaders and neighboring utilities, our Russellville EPB team helped extend broadband access to underserved areas throughout our county which expanded opportunities for students, families, businesses, and remote workers. While the primary focus was providing essential connectivity to more of our community, I personally felt the most impactful outcome was seeing organizations come together around that shared need. I was very proud of how our team and our local partners were so willing to provide the resources and manpower that bridged a digital divide. That was a great example of what can be accomplished with a common goal in mind. Another project we’re especially proud of is the early investment in our SmartNet fiber network. In 2006, Russellville EPB began offering wireless internet, and by 2011, we had expanded into high-speed fiber broadband and telephone services—positioning our community ahead of the curve in connectivity. Because we are community-owned, our utility recognized then the importance of investing in technology that would serve our customers not just today, but also in the future. That kind of forward-thinking investment continues to benefit our community and reflects our commitment to progress and the customers we serve. Vowell knows that innovation thrives on shared knowledge and fresh perspectives, and he sees Seven States as a valuable resource that helps local power companies stay informed, explore new opportunities, and bring valuable ideas back to their communities. Russellville EPB recognizes and utilizes – as often as possible – the informational resources Seven States makes available for LPCs. We always try our best to stay informed about advancements across the TVA region and evaluate any opportunities that might benefit our utility and the community we serve. Innovation starts with staying curious and by embracing the experiences of others. As technology continues to transform the utility industry, there are some aspects that simply cannot be replaced. Vowell shared that the knowledge and hands-on expertise of an LPC’s frontlines are paramount to keeping communities powered. Lineman ingenuity is something that will never be replaced. Having worked in this industry for many years, including a large part of that time as a lineman myself, I’ve seen firsthand how experience and thinking outside the box can make all the difference. It’s been amazing to watch linemen come up with creative solutions and even build their own tools or “gadgets” to get difficult jobs done safely and efficiently. As we’ve all experienced in these past few years, technology is not going to stop evolving, but the kind of hands-on problem-solving, creativity, and craftsmanship that I’ve witnessed linemen demonstrate over the years just can’t be replicated. Stepping away from the day-to-day of the utility industry, we couldn’t resist asking Vowell one more personal question: Who would be his dream dinner guest? I’d have to pick John Wayne – “The Duke”!
At Arab Electric Cooperative, General Manager Stacey White’s approach to serving members centers on investing in the future while addressing today’s needs. We asked her to elaborate on her LPC’s prioritized infrastructure improvements and technological advancements that are making a difference for her community. Modernizing our electrical infrastructure and giving our members better access to information has made the biggest difference. At Arab Electric, we've invested millions of dollars in upgrading substations, increasing capacity, and improving reliability. At the same time, technology has changed the way we communicate with our members. They can now monitor their daily electric usage, pay their bills through our app, report outages by text, and follow restoration progress through our outage map. For me, modernization isn't just about having the latest technology. It's about making life easier for our members, keeping the lights on, and making sure our system is ready for future growth. When I became General Manager, we had some aging infrastructure that needed significant attention. We made the decision to invest in the future of our system, even though those investments came with a substantial price tag. Our Brashears Chapel project more than doubled capacity, and we've continued that progress with Sundown, Brindlee Mountain, and our other system improvements. What makes me most proud isn't just the technology or the equipment. It's our employees. Our team has worked incredibly hard to make these improvements while continuing to provide reliable service every day. We aren't just building a stronger electric system for today. We're building one that will serve our community for the next generation. White also shared about the value of Seven States as a trusted partner to help LPCs explore new opportunities and ideas, no matter the size or scope of the project or technology. One of the things I appreciate about Seven States is their willingness to help local power companies look ahead and explore opportunities that we may not have the resources or expertise to pursue on our own. As a smaller utility, we have to be very intentional about where we invest our time and money. Having partners who understand our industry, help us evaluate new technologies, and bring innovative ideas to the table is extremely valuable. Innovation doesn't always mean being the first to try something. Sometimes it's about having the right partners to help you make the right decisions for your members. Even as utilities embrace new technologies and digital tools, White knows that people are still and will always be the heartbeat of the Valley. Good old-fashioned customer service and the personal relationships we build with our members will always be the most important part of what we do. Technology can help us identify outages faster, improve communication, and make our operations more efficient. But at the end of the day, when someone's power is out or they have a concern, they still want to know there's a real person who cares and is willing to help. And no matter how advanced our technology becomes, we're still going to need dedicated linemen willing to go out in the middle of the night, in the rain, cold, and storms, to restore power. Technology may change how we do our jobs, but it will never replace the people or the heart behind what we do. In an industry built on serving communities and staying connected to the people behind the meters, White appreciates those who use their influence to make a difference. So, when we asked who she’d most like to share a dinner with, one iconic name came to mind. I think I would have chosen Dolly Parton. She was a successful businesswoman who stayed true to her roots and never forgot where she came from. I always admired how she used her success to help others. And honestly, I think she would have been a whole lot of fun to have dinner with!
