KUB, TVA Make Driving Electric Easier for Travelers in East Tennessee

Knoxville, TN – East Tennessee drivers and those passing through now have more electric vehicle (EV) charging options. KUB installed two public EV fast charging stations – one in Downtown Knoxville and one in Seymour. These locations fill key alternative fuel corridor gaps on I-75 and Route 441.

These stations are part of the Fast Charge Tennessee Network, a partnership between the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), and Seven States Power Corporation.

With support from the City of Knoxville and Food City in Seymour, four chargers were installed in Downtown Knoxville and five in Seymour. Each charger can deliver up to 150 kilowatts(kW) per vehicle for 0.40 cents per kilowatt hour. A full charge typically takes 30 minutes or less depending on the vehicle, allowing drivers to charge quickly when away from home or traveling.

“Supporting the adoption of electric vehicles is a major component of KUB’s sustainability efforts. We are grateful for the partnerships we have that address barriers to EV adoption,” KUB President and CEO Gabriel J. Bolas II said. “These partnerships make our work toward a more sustainable future even easier, and we’re thrilled to see new public charging stations filling those fuel corridor gaps.”

KUB’s Promenade garage in downtown Knoxville also has four Level 2 charging stations for public use. The City of Knoxville currently offers 36 Level 2 EV charging ports throughout the city.

“We are so grateful to KUB for the addition of 4 new electric charging stations downtown,” Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon said. “This investment goes hand-in-hand with the City’s sustainability efforts, and will help us attain a cleaner, greener Knoxville.”

Seymour’s newly installed EV fast chargers are the area’s first public chargers.

“Food City is committed to increasing sustainability throughout our market area. We are proud to partner with KUB, the City of Knoxville, and TVA to install an electric vehicle charging station at our Seymour Food City,” Food City CEO and President Steven C. Smith said. “We currently have charging stations available at several store locations and hope to continue our efforts to make public charging stations more accessible throughout our region.”

Similar to the partnership between KUB, the City of Knoxville, and Food City, TVA has brought together local power companies, state and local government partners, and others throughout the Valley to pave the way for over 200,000 EVs on Tennessee roads by 2028. Fast Charge Tennessee aims to make driving EVs easier for EV drivers by installing charging stations every 50 miles along Tennessee’s interstates and major highways. Approximately 50 new charging locations will go along prioritized corridor infrastructure gaps, tripling Tennessee’s existing fast charging network.

The benefits that these EVs bring to the Tennessee Valley region are significant:

Reducing carbon emissions from gasoline vehicles by almost 1 million metric tons per year or the equivalent of the carbon sequestered by 1 million acres of U.S. forests in one year
Reinvesting $120 million in the local economy every year from electric refueling
Saving drivers up to $1,000 in fuel and maintenance costs every year

“Today, EVs use our clean, low-cost, reliable electricity to connect communities and commerce across our region,” TVA EnergyRight Vice President Monika Beckner said. “Taking a leadership role in EV charging infrastructure allows TVA to save drivers money and attract good jobs and tourism– all powered by electricity from TVA and your local power company.”

For more information about KUB’s environmental efforts, visit www.kub.org/green

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Driving Electric in Tennessee Just Got Easier

By Jessica Bradshaw • October 27, 2025

Cleveland Utilities connects Cleveland to Fast Charge TN and regional Fast Charge Network

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.”