
The second quarter of 2026 has been a productive period for the Seven States team, with much of the spring and early summer dedicated to engaging utility leaders, elected officials, community stakeholders, and the public to share the vision, progress, and benefits of the Energy Express Project. Members of the Seven States team had the privilege of speaking with leaders from BrightRidge, Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW), and the Nashville Electric Service (NES). These publicly held meetings served as important forums to answer questions, share project milestones, and demonstrate how the Energy Express Project will modernize and strengthen the Valley’s electric infrastructure for decades to come.
Led by Seven States, the project will deliver 220MW of battery storage capacity across multiple site locations in partnership with BrightRidge (20MW), MLGW (100MW), and NES (100MW). The project is backed by Seven States’ award of a landmark $439 million zero-interest loan and grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service (USDA RUS).
A primary objective of the project will be creating a stronger, more flexible electric grid capable of meeting increasing energy demands related to the state's industrial, commercial, and residential sectors. The battery assets will charge during off peak hours and discharge during peak hours to help peak shave, reducing costs and grid strain while providing utilities with greater operational flexibility. Originally envisioned as a utility scale solar project, the initiative will now deploy battery storage as a standalone resource on the distribution system and the assets will be owned and operated by Seven States.
The project's outreach efforts have been featured by local media outlets (highlighted below), and a dedicated website has been launched to provide project updates while offering the public an opportunity to submit comments and questions.
As we continue advancing the project, we remain grateful for the opportunity to engage with partners across Tennessee and share our progress with the Seven States audience. We look forward to continuing these conversations with utilities, local governments, community organizations, and rate payers as the Energy Express Project moves forward. Together, we are building and energizing the grid of the future.
POWERING UP: Chattanooga-based Seven States to build grid batteries with $439M in federal funds
BrightRidge, Seven State Power Corporation partnership to bring battery storage to the Tennessee Valley
MLGW and Seven States Power form partnership for battery storage
MLGW, Seven States make deal to deploy battery storage
Energy Express Project to Bring Battery Storage to Greater Nashville




