Chattanooga Times Free Press | 28 May 2026 | BY DANIEL DASSOW Seven States Power Corp., a Chattanooga-based energy cooperative, will use $439 million in loans and grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to build grid-level batteries across Tennessee. The group announced a 20-megawatt installation in partnership with Johnson City-based public utility BrightRidge on Tuesday as the first investment of its Energy Express project. Seven States won a $415 million zero-interest loan and a $24 million grant last year from the USDA’s Rural Utilities Service. The nonprofit corporation is owned by its members, the 153 local utilities in seven states that buy wholesale electricity from the Tennessee Valley Authority. Seven States was created in 2007 by TVA, the nation’s largest public power provider, and the local utilities that buy electricity from TVA. The co-op was established to help finance power plants, expand energy production and modernize grid infrastructure. Through the Energy Express project, Seven States will build, own and operate up to 220 megawatts of battery storage across Tennessee, said Betsey Kirk McCall, president and CEO of Seven States. “The project will enhance reliability by powering up to 25,000 homes for eight hours,” McCall said at a public comment session before the TVA board May 21. “We will create up to 100 new construction jobs.” Seven States and BrightRidge will focus on improving power reliability and management of unexpected outages while keeping electric rates below the national average, the pair said in a press release. Local utilities in the region can use batteries to reduce their peak power usage, which in turn reduces their power bill to TVA. BrightRidge is evaluating locations for the project, which is expected to support around 5,500 homes and businesses. The partners plan to begin construction in 2027 and complete the installation by December 2028. BrightRidge serves more than 84,000 customers in Carter, Greene, Sullivan and Washington counties. Jeffrey Dykes, CEO of BrightRidge, serves as chair of the Seven States board of directors. “This scalable battery solution is another example of how the team at Seven States is on the leading edge of deploying technologies that will define the future of the energy sector,” Dykes said in the press release. GRID SUPPORT From 2008-13, Seven States and TVA jointly owned the Southaven Power Plant, an 800-megawatt natural gas plant in Mississippi. The joint ownership was meant to help TVA stay within its $30 billion legal debt limit set by Congress in 1979. Since its founding, Seven States has delivered 222 projects with 80 local utilities and received $475 million in state and federal funding for regional grid projects, McCall told the TVA board. The group has helped its members install electric vehicle charging stations, solar power installations, battery systems and natural gas backup generators. Its projects include installations at Dollywood and Rock City. Seven States leaders have promoted the corporation as a financing option within the Tennessee Valley region to help TVA meet rising power demand. Its status as a power generation and transmission coop owned by TVA customers means it has “inherent checks and balances” to keep power costs affordable for ratepayers, McCall said. “Seven States is pursuing additional financing to acquire generation and support more power supply,” McCall said. “Utilizing Seven States to finance power supply is a ready-now solution for unleashing American energy faster.” The group originally announced the USDA funding would go to power generation projects, including solar and battery storage, but now plans to focus solely on battery storage. Contact business reporter Daniel Dassow at ddassow @timesfreepress.com 423-757-6318.
Today marks a remarkable milestone as the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) celebrated the 90th anniversary of the passage of the Rural Electrification Act and the tremendous impact USDA programs have had on rural communities across the country. For nine decades, USDA has played a vital role in strengthening infrastructure, supporting economic development, and ensuring reliable access to essential services in areas that power the Tennessee Valley and America every day. Seven States Power Corporation is proud to have been mentioned alongside this important work and be recognized in partnership as USDA continues to advance the energy industry. We also want to extend our sincere thanks to Assistant Administrator for the Rural Utilities Service (RUS), Chris McLean, for recognizing Seven States and our new borrower status with USDA. Our partnership with USDA RUS represents an exciting new chapter for Seven States and reflects the shared commitment between our organizations to invest in abundant and affordable energy. “Once infrastructure is created, it must be nurtured, maintained, and improved over time. Today, we not only celebrate our history, we also celebrate our bright and shining future,” said McLean. McLean noted that USDA has longstanding relationships with borrowers dating back to 1930 and added that the agency is now working with new borrowers like Seven States. As energy demand continues to grow across the Tennessee Valley, we are excited about the opportunities this partnership creates to finance energy assets, expand power production and modernize grid infrastructure. Please join us in congratulating USDA on this special 90th Anniversary celebration! Click here for the USDA press release and photos from today’s celebration event.
Chattanooga Times Free Press | 15 Feb 2026 | BY SEVEN STATES POWER CORPORATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Demand for energy is climbing while extreme weather events like Winter Storm Fern and Winter Storm Elliott continue to challenge an already constrained electric system. Fortunately, there is a ready-now solution. Seven States Power Corporation is a cooperative designed to help meet demand for affordable, abundant and reliable power. Since the 1930s, the Tennessee River Valley has thrived under a vital network of the wholesale power provider — the Tennessee Valley Authority — and the electric utility customers that together form the public power model. More than 150 electric utility customers distribute affordable energy across a seven-state region of Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Kentucky, Virginia and North Carolina. In 2007, TVA and the electric utilities joined forces to form Seven States as an in-valley solution to finance power assets, expand energy production and modernize infrastructure. THE ‘IN-VALLEY’ SOLUTION Seven States is a nonprofit generation and transmission cooperative headquartered in Chattanooga. It is member-owned by the electric utility customers of TVA across the seven-state region. The cooperative is uniquely positioned to operate outside established debt constraints and regulatory limitations that restrict other entities. This means Seven States can own large power plants and transmission towers, which frees up debt for TVA to build and operate more power supply. When the electric utility customers collectively own assets through Seven States, it also ensures that rates in the region remain affordable. This flexibility allows Seven States to move quickly to supplement the valley’s energy needs with reliable sources of power. In January 2025, Seven States was awarded $439 million by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, consisting of a zero-interest loan and grant to build new capacity. The first initiative under this award is a utility-scale power project that will enhance grid stability and reliability, benefits that can be shared across the valley. Where demand for capital and power are soaring, Seven States makes it happen. Seven States has a proven history of filling critical gaps when needed. One of its earliest projects with TVA was financing a large power asset — an 800-megawatt gas plant located in Southaven, Mississippi. By partnering with Seven States, the energy sector can nearly double its capital investment to accelerate generation projects. Where finances are constrained, Seven States makes it happen. In addition, Seven States has stepped up to deliver distribution technologies that bridge the past, present and future of a modern energy grid. With projects deployed across the valley at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, Dollywood Parks and Resorts in Pigeon Forge, Montgomery Bell State Park in Burns, Tennessee, Rock City in Lookout Mountain, Georgia, and the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and with more than 500 electric vehicle chargers installed to date, Seven States has proactively advanced infrastructure to support economic development across the region. Where innovation and infrastructure are needed, Seven States makes it happen. In July 2025, the Seven States Board of Directors — representing 17 major electric utilities that purchase power from TVA — unanimously passed a resolution affirming Seven States as an additional supplier of abundant, reliable energy within the valley. By advancing an in-valley solution owned by the customers, the public power model can thrive and evolve from within, guided by those who know the region best. Seven States has built a foundation for the energy future through its cooperative structure and access to affordable capital. It represents a real opportunity to expand power production and light the way for prosperity across the Valley.
Seven States Power Leadership traveled to Washington, D.C., February 23–25 to meet with members of the Tennessee Valley congressional delegation while attending the American Public Power Association (APPA) Legislative Rally with the nation’s public power electric utilities. Seven States Board Chair, Jeff Dykes, (CEO, BrightRidge) and President & CEO, Betsey Kirk McCall engaged with federal leaders to advocate for more power supply, educate on the flexible financing available to Seven States as a generation and transmission cooperative, and build relationships with federal representatives on key energy issues. A central focus of the meetings was providing an update on Seven States’ Energy Express project, an initiative designed to support growth in the Tennessee Valley with 220MW of additional capacity. This project will be funded with a $439 million award by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service. McCall and Dykes also led discussions highlighting how Seven States serves as an in-Valley solution to the Tennessee Valley Authority’s current debt constraint challenges. Through its financing capabilities, Seven States can own utility-scale power plants and double the impact of TVA’s capital investments, thereby expanding production and modernizing grid infrastructure. McCall and Dykes worked to educate policymakers about how aligning objectives and encouraging the use of Seven States as a mechanism for short- and mid-term financing solutions can unleash American energy faster. McCall plans to attend the NRECA Legislative Conference April 26 – 28 in Washington D.C. to continue these efforts with the nation’s electric cooperatives.
The Seven States Energy Express Project—supported through the USDA New ERA Program—represents a transformative investment in energy for the Tennessee Valley region. This initiative reflects the federal government’s commitment to accelerating energy development while strengthening grid reliability and economic development. Over the past year, Seven States Power Corporation was awarded a $415 million zero-interest loan and a $24 million grant by USDA. Demand for electricity is growing at an unprecedented pace, and this funding will add 220MW of capacity to the Valley. Fortunately, the Tennessee Valley is uniquely positioned to lead and serve as a national model for how advanced energy ecosystems are built. Seven States has been working closely with USDA and partners across federal, state, and local levels to ensure alignment, efficiency, and thoughtful deployment of this once-in-a-generation funding opportunity. All Energy Express Project assets will be owned, operated, and maintained by Seven States Power Corporation, ensuring long-term local stewardship, accountability, and operational excellence. The project will provide LPCs with a flexible energy resource to enhance grid reliability and support economic development. We recently advanced the first of three major project milestones with the successful submission of the Community Benefits Plan to USDA. In the months ahead, the project will progress through environmental review and underwriting processes, followed by procurement. As the Energy Express powers forward, it stands as more than an infrastructure project—it is a strategic investment in the future of the Tennessee Valley. By pairing federal funding with regional growth, Seven States is helping ensure that our power supply is abundant, reliable, and prepared for tomorrow’s energy demands.
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.
September 27, 2025 Seven States Power Corporation (Seven States) is exploring opportunities to deliver new power generation to the Tennessee Valley. The effort is bolstered by a landmark $415 million zero-interest loan and $24 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Utilities Service (USDA RUS), designed to meet the growing demand for power while strengthening grid reliability. The opportunity signals a creative solution toward advancing American Energy Dominance in the southeast region. “We are excited to get underway with this first of what we hope will be a number of USDA-assisted projects across the Tennessee Valley,” said Betsey Kirk McCall, President and CEO of Seven States Power Corporation. “We understand this initiative aligns with national priorities on energy dominance and security.” The project is intended to use domestically produced solar panels and battery storage that tie into the electric grid, generating a new source of affordable solar power for residential and commercial customers and providing a new source of stored energy that can be used to meet peak demands as needed. The project is proposed to be constructed on industrial land owned by the Economic Development Growth Engine (EDGE) and subleased to Seven States. “MLGW is supporting Seven States in this effort by exploring the feasibility of this project as a way to strengthen and modernize our grid to create greater reliability for our customers and potentially help us maintain some of the lowest electric rates in the country,” said Doug McGowen, President and CEO of MLGW. A subleasing arrangement approved by EDGE is the first step toward this innovative solution. Seven States and MLGW will continue to assess the best technical and contractual path forward to delivering more than 200MW of solar generation and battery storage. This collaboration illustrates how federal funding, coupled with local partnership, can accelerate how energy is generated and transmitted to strengthen the grid. This new generation could serve a growing Shelby County and Tennessee Valley by December 2027. ### About Seven States: Seven States Power Corporation is a generation and transmission cooperative with a mission to leverage innovative technology to design, develop, and deploy energy solutions, together with more than 100 member-owner local power companies, across the Tennessee Valley. A key aspect of Seven States’ formation was the ability to finance utility-scale generation assets, expand energy production, and modernize infrastructure to support the growing grid. About MLGW: MLGW is the nation's largest three-service municipal utility, serving more than 440,000 customers. Since 1939, MLGW has met the utility needs of Memphis and Shelby County residents by delivering reliable and affordable electricity, natural gas, and water service.
Cleveland Utilities connects Cleveland to Fast Charge TN and regional Fast Charge Network
On September 4, 2025, Tri-County EMC, in partnership with Seven States Power Corporation, TVA, TDEC, and Tennessee Tech University celebrated the ribbon cutting of 4 new EV Fast Chargers, marking another step forward in building transportation infrastructure which supports the numerous auto manufacturers in the area. These stations provide EV drivers with the ability to charge quickly and conveniently. The installation of these new charging stations represents not only an investment in technology but also an investment in the communities served by Tri-County EMC. By offering reliable, high-speed charging, the cooperative is making it easier for residents, visitors, and businesses to travel, commute, and explore all their community has to offer. The project showcases the power of collaboration between local power companies and Seven States Power Corporation in driving innovation across the Tennessee Valley to support economic development and growth of the region.
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.
Chattanooga Times Free Press | 28 May 2026 | BY DANIEL DASSOW Seven States Power Corp., a Chattanooga-based energy cooperative, will use $439 million in loans and grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to build grid-level batteries across Tennessee. The group announced a 20-megawatt installation in partnership with Johnson City-based public utility BrightRidge on Tuesday as the first investment of its Energy Express project. Seven States won a $415 million zero-interest loan and a $24 million grant last year from the USDA’s Rural Utilities Service. The nonprofit corporation is owned by its members, the 153 local utilities in seven states that buy wholesale electricity from the Tennessee Valley Authority. Seven States was created in 2007 by TVA, the nation’s largest public power provider, and the local utilities that buy electricity from TVA. The co-op was established to help finance power plants, expand energy production and modernize grid infrastructure. Through the Energy Express project, Seven States will build, own and operate up to 220 megawatts of battery storage across Tennessee, said Betsey Kirk McCall, president and CEO of Seven States. “The project will enhance reliability by powering up to 25,000 homes for eight hours,” McCall said at a public comment session before the TVA board May 21. “We will create up to 100 new construction jobs.” Seven States and BrightRidge will focus on improving power reliability and management of unexpected outages while keeping electric rates below the national average, the pair said in a press release. Local utilities in the region can use batteries to reduce their peak power usage, which in turn reduces their power bill to TVA. BrightRidge is evaluating locations for the project, which is expected to support around 5,500 homes and businesses. The partners plan to begin construction in 2027 and complete the installation by December 2028. BrightRidge serves more than 84,000 customers in Carter, Greene, Sullivan and Washington counties. Jeffrey Dykes, CEO of BrightRidge, serves as chair of the Seven States board of directors. “This scalable battery solution is another example of how the team at Seven States is on the leading edge of deploying technologies that will define the future of the energy sector,” Dykes said in the press release. GRID SUPPORT From 2008-13, Seven States and TVA jointly owned the Southaven Power Plant, an 800-megawatt natural gas plant in Mississippi. The joint ownership was meant to help TVA stay within its $30 billion legal debt limit set by Congress in 1979. Since its founding, Seven States has delivered 222 projects with 80 local utilities and received $475 million in state and federal funding for regional grid projects, McCall told the TVA board. The group has helped its members install electric vehicle charging stations, solar power installations, battery systems and natural gas backup generators. Its projects include installations at Dollywood and Rock City. Seven States leaders have promoted the corporation as a financing option within the Tennessee Valley region to help TVA meet rising power demand. Its status as a power generation and transmission coop owned by TVA customers means it has “inherent checks and balances” to keep power costs affordable for ratepayers, McCall said. “Seven States is pursuing additional financing to acquire generation and support more power supply,” McCall said. “Utilizing Seven States to finance power supply is a ready-now solution for unleashing American energy faster.” The group originally announced the USDA funding would go to power generation projects, including solar and battery storage, but now plans to focus solely on battery storage. Contact business reporter Daniel Dassow at ddassow @timesfreepress.com 423-757-6318.
Today marks a remarkable milestone as the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) celebrated the 90th anniversary of the passage of the Rural Electrification Act and the tremendous impact USDA programs have had on rural communities across the country. For nine decades, USDA has played a vital role in strengthening infrastructure, supporting economic development, and ensuring reliable access to essential services in areas that power the Tennessee Valley and America every day. Seven States Power Corporation is proud to have been mentioned alongside this important work and be recognized in partnership as USDA continues to advance the energy industry. We also want to extend our sincere thanks to Assistant Administrator for the Rural Utilities Service (RUS), Chris McLean, for recognizing Seven States and our new borrower status with USDA. Our partnership with USDA RUS represents an exciting new chapter for Seven States and reflects the shared commitment between our organizations to invest in abundant and affordable energy. “Once infrastructure is created, it must be nurtured, maintained, and improved over time. Today, we not only celebrate our history, we also celebrate our bright and shining future,” said McLean. McLean noted that USDA has longstanding relationships with borrowers dating back to 1930 and added that the agency is now working with new borrowers like Seven States. As energy demand continues to grow across the Tennessee Valley, we are excited about the opportunities this partnership creates to finance energy assets, expand power production and modernize grid infrastructure. Please join us in congratulating USDA on this special 90th Anniversary celebration! Click here for the USDA press release and photos from today’s celebration event.
Chattanooga Times Free Press | 15 Feb 2026 | BY SEVEN STATES POWER CORPORATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Demand for energy is climbing while extreme weather events like Winter Storm Fern and Winter Storm Elliott continue to challenge an already constrained electric system. Fortunately, there is a ready-now solution. Seven States Power Corporation is a cooperative designed to help meet demand for affordable, abundant and reliable power. Since the 1930s, the Tennessee River Valley has thrived under a vital network of the wholesale power provider — the Tennessee Valley Authority — and the electric utility customers that together form the public power model. More than 150 electric utility customers distribute affordable energy across a seven-state region of Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Kentucky, Virginia and North Carolina. In 2007, TVA and the electric utilities joined forces to form Seven States as an in-valley solution to finance power assets, expand energy production and modernize infrastructure. THE ‘IN-VALLEY’ SOLUTION Seven States is a nonprofit generation and transmission cooperative headquartered in Chattanooga. It is member-owned by the electric utility customers of TVA across the seven-state region. The cooperative is uniquely positioned to operate outside established debt constraints and regulatory limitations that restrict other entities. This means Seven States can own large power plants and transmission towers, which frees up debt for TVA to build and operate more power supply. When the electric utility customers collectively own assets through Seven States, it also ensures that rates in the region remain affordable. This flexibility allows Seven States to move quickly to supplement the valley’s energy needs with reliable sources of power. In January 2025, Seven States was awarded $439 million by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, consisting of a zero-interest loan and grant to build new capacity. The first initiative under this award is a utility-scale power project that will enhance grid stability and reliability, benefits that can be shared across the valley. Where demand for capital and power are soaring, Seven States makes it happen. Seven States has a proven history of filling critical gaps when needed. One of its earliest projects with TVA was financing a large power asset — an 800-megawatt gas plant located in Southaven, Mississippi. By partnering with Seven States, the energy sector can nearly double its capital investment to accelerate generation projects. Where finances are constrained, Seven States makes it happen. In addition, Seven States has stepped up to deliver distribution technologies that bridge the past, present and future of a modern energy grid. With projects deployed across the valley at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, Dollywood Parks and Resorts in Pigeon Forge, Montgomery Bell State Park in Burns, Tennessee, Rock City in Lookout Mountain, Georgia, and the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and with more than 500 electric vehicle chargers installed to date, Seven States has proactively advanced infrastructure to support economic development across the region. Where innovation and infrastructure are needed, Seven States makes it happen. In July 2025, the Seven States Board of Directors — representing 17 major electric utilities that purchase power from TVA — unanimously passed a resolution affirming Seven States as an additional supplier of abundant, reliable energy within the valley. By advancing an in-valley solution owned by the customers, the public power model can thrive and evolve from within, guided by those who know the region best. Seven States has built a foundation for the energy future through its cooperative structure and access to affordable capital. It represents a real opportunity to expand power production and light the way for prosperity across the Valley.
Seven States Power Leadership traveled to Washington, D.C., February 23–25 to meet with members of the Tennessee Valley congressional delegation while attending the American Public Power Association (APPA) Legislative Rally with the nation’s public power electric utilities. Seven States Board Chair, Jeff Dykes, (CEO, BrightRidge) and President & CEO, Betsey Kirk McCall engaged with federal leaders to advocate for more power supply, educate on the flexible financing available to Seven States as a generation and transmission cooperative, and build relationships with federal representatives on key energy issues. A central focus of the meetings was providing an update on Seven States’ Energy Express project, an initiative designed to support growth in the Tennessee Valley with 220MW of additional capacity. This project will be funded with a $439 million award by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service. McCall and Dykes also led discussions highlighting how Seven States serves as an in-Valley solution to the Tennessee Valley Authority’s current debt constraint challenges. Through its financing capabilities, Seven States can own utility-scale power plants and double the impact of TVA’s capital investments, thereby expanding production and modernizing grid infrastructure. McCall and Dykes worked to educate policymakers about how aligning objectives and encouraging the use of Seven States as a mechanism for short- and mid-term financing solutions can unleash American energy faster. McCall plans to attend the NRECA Legislative Conference April 26 – 28 in Washington D.C. to continue these efforts with the nation’s electric cooperatives.
The Seven States Energy Express Project—supported through the USDA New ERA Program—represents a transformative investment in energy for the Tennessee Valley region. This initiative reflects the federal government’s commitment to accelerating energy development while strengthening grid reliability and economic development. Over the past year, Seven States Power Corporation was awarded a $415 million zero-interest loan and a $24 million grant by USDA. Demand for electricity is growing at an unprecedented pace, and this funding will add 220MW of capacity to the Valley. Fortunately, the Tennessee Valley is uniquely positioned to lead and serve as a national model for how advanced energy ecosystems are built. Seven States has been working closely with USDA and partners across federal, state, and local levels to ensure alignment, efficiency, and thoughtful deployment of this once-in-a-generation funding opportunity. All Energy Express Project assets will be owned, operated, and maintained by Seven States Power Corporation, ensuring long-term local stewardship, accountability, and operational excellence. The project will provide LPCs with a flexible energy resource to enhance grid reliability and support economic development. We recently advanced the first of three major project milestones with the successful submission of the Community Benefits Plan to USDA. In the months ahead, the project will progress through environmental review and underwriting processes, followed by procurement. As the Energy Express powers forward, it stands as more than an infrastructure project—it is a strategic investment in the future of the Tennessee Valley. By pairing federal funding with regional growth, Seven States is helping ensure that our power supply is abundant, reliable, and prepared for tomorrow’s energy demands.
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.
September 27, 2025 Seven States Power Corporation (Seven States) is exploring opportunities to deliver new power generation to the Tennessee Valley. The effort is bolstered by a landmark $415 million zero-interest loan and $24 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Utilities Service (USDA RUS), designed to meet the growing demand for power while strengthening grid reliability. The opportunity signals a creative solution toward advancing American Energy Dominance in the southeast region. “We are excited to get underway with this first of what we hope will be a number of USDA-assisted projects across the Tennessee Valley,” said Betsey Kirk McCall, President and CEO of Seven States Power Corporation. “We understand this initiative aligns with national priorities on energy dominance and security.” The project is intended to use domestically produced solar panels and battery storage that tie into the electric grid, generating a new source of affordable solar power for residential and commercial customers and providing a new source of stored energy that can be used to meet peak demands as needed. The project is proposed to be constructed on industrial land owned by the Economic Development Growth Engine (EDGE) and subleased to Seven States. “MLGW is supporting Seven States in this effort by exploring the feasibility of this project as a way to strengthen and modernize our grid to create greater reliability for our customers and potentially help us maintain some of the lowest electric rates in the country,” said Doug McGowen, President and CEO of MLGW. A subleasing arrangement approved by EDGE is the first step toward this innovative solution. Seven States and MLGW will continue to assess the best technical and contractual path forward to delivering more than 200MW of solar generation and battery storage. This collaboration illustrates how federal funding, coupled with local partnership, can accelerate how energy is generated and transmitted to strengthen the grid. This new generation could serve a growing Shelby County and Tennessee Valley by December 2027. ### About Seven States: Seven States Power Corporation is a generation and transmission cooperative with a mission to leverage innovative technology to design, develop, and deploy energy solutions, together with more than 100 member-owner local power companies, across the Tennessee Valley. A key aspect of Seven States’ formation was the ability to finance utility-scale generation assets, expand energy production, and modernize infrastructure to support the growing grid. About MLGW: MLGW is the nation's largest three-service municipal utility, serving more than 440,000 customers. Since 1939, MLGW has met the utility needs of Memphis and Shelby County residents by delivering reliable and affordable electricity, natural gas, and water service.
Cleveland Utilities connects Cleveland to Fast Charge TN and regional Fast Charge Network
On September 4, 2025, Tri-County EMC, in partnership with Seven States Power Corporation, TVA, TDEC, and Tennessee Tech University celebrated the ribbon cutting of 4 new EV Fast Chargers, marking another step forward in building transportation infrastructure which supports the numerous auto manufacturers in the area. These stations provide EV drivers with the ability to charge quickly and conveniently. The installation of these new charging stations represents not only an investment in technology but also an investment in the communities served by Tri-County EMC. By offering reliable, high-speed charging, the cooperative is making it easier for residents, visitors, and businesses to travel, commute, and explore all their community has to offer. The project showcases the power of collaboration between local power companies and Seven States Power Corporation in driving innovation across the Tennessee Valley to support economic development and growth of the region.
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.
