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.

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!