Our Impact

Seven States Power Corporation President and CEO, Betsey Kirk McCall, attended the Tennessee Valley Corridor (TVC) Board of Directors meeting in Washington, DC on March 4, 2026, joining regional leaders to discuss economic development, infrastructure investment, and the TVC’s upcoming National Summit. The TVC brings together stakeholders from government, industry, and academia to strengthen the region’s competitiveness and support long-term growth. McCall’s participation reinforced Seven States’ commitment to collaborating with regional partners to ensure the Valley’s energy systems continue to support economic expansion and community prosperity. During this visit, McCall also met with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service staff to discuss additional federal financing opportunities that could support energy development across the Tennessee Valley. The conversation focused on Seven States’ request for nearly $6 billion in funding to acquire natural gas generation resources across the Valley. An additional $320 million could support distribution-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), helping utilities strengthen grid reliability and modernization of the region’s power infrastructure. By strengthening relationships with federal leaders and advocating for policies that support growing energy demands in the Valley, McCall reinforced Seven States’ commitment to reliable, affordable and abundant power supply. McCall plans to attend the TVC's National Summit on May 28-29, 2026 in Chattanooga, TN to highlight the region's growth for economic prosperity.

Seven States President & CEO, Betsey Kirk McCall, spent time at the Tennessee State Capitol on February 4, 2026, meeting with legislators including members of the Senate Energy, Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, and the House Commerce Committee. 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 battery storage. This project will be funded with a $439 million award by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service (USDA RUS) New ERA program. McCall shared how Seven States will leverage federal financing opportunities, such as their USDA award of $439 million along with access to additional federal funds, to build or acquire generation and capacity to meet energy demand across the region, particularly as TVA navigates its debt constraints. She updated the legislators on how funding available to Seven States complements and amplifies TVA’s efforts to maintain a reliable energy system. By pairing federal financing with regional expertise in project deployment, Seven States can help utilities of all sizes move energy projects forward. The Seven States team also successfully engaged in state-level advocacy efforts to help stop proposed legislation that would have imposed an additional tax on electric vehicle (EV) charging. Working alongside partners and stakeholders, Seven States communicated to lawmakers how the proposed tax could create unnecessary barriers to EV infrastructure development and slow innovation within Tennessee’s evolving energy and transportation sectors. These advocacy efforts serve to refine and advance initiatives that impact a rapidly changing energy landscape. Together with partner LPCs, Seven States is building and energizing the grid of the future.

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.

Since taking the helm as CEO, Michael has been instrumental in delivering innovative processes and technologies that are ensuring a reliable energy future for the more than 25,000 consumers served by Newport Utilities. Throughout his career, Michael has looked for opportunities to solve the most pressing needs within the energy sector. When asked about the most pressing needs for Newport Utilities, Michael stresses the need for reliability, visibility, and scalability. Solving for these needs translated into investments in grid hardening and automation, advanced metering infrastructure, SCADA modernization, and broadband expansion. Equally important was improving data integration across electric, water, wastewater, and broadband operations so they could move from reactive operations to predictive and preventative decision-making. Cybersecurity and resiliency—particularly for extreme weather events—were also critical priorities. While Seven States has not been directly engaged with Newport Utilities’ innovation initiatives, Michael recognizes that entities like Seven States are valuable when they can demonstrate the ability to align innovation with operational reliability, affordability, and long-term community value. When asked about what he would like for his customers to know about Newport Utilities’ role in bringing innovation forward he had this to say, “Innovation at Newport Utilities is not about technology for its own sake—it is about improving service reliability, resilience, and affordability while positioning the community for long-term economic growth. Our role is to be a careful steward of customer dollars while making forward-looking investments that reduce outages, improve response times, enhance transparency, and support businesses, schools, and public safety. When done correctly, most of this innovation is invisible to customers—but they experience it through fewer disruptions and better service.” Michael is excited about what the next five years holds for Newport Utilities. He is looking forward to expanded grid automation, advanced analytics driven by AMI and operational data, and deeper integration between electric, water, and broadband systems. Additionally, he believes battery storage, small-scale local energy production, and demand reduction programs will play an increasingly important role in enhancing reliability, lowering costs, and giving customers more control over their energy use. Ensure these technologies are deployed securely, cost-effectively, and in a way that maximizes community benefit while supporting economic development and long-term resilience is a priority. As for advice Michael would give to a new GM or CEO? Start with the problem, not the technology. Innovation should be tied directly to reliability, resilience, customer experience, or cost control. Build strong fundamentals first—governance, data quality, cybersecurity, and staff capability—before pursuing advanced solutions. Engage employees early, communicate clearly with customers and stakeholders, and be disciplined in measuring outcomes. Sustainable innovation is incremental, intentional, and aligned with the community’s long-term needs, not short-term trends.

As Chief Executive Officer of East Mississippi Electric Power Association (EMEPA), Randy leads by embracing technology with a focus on how it enhances the lives of the members served by EMEPA. Over his 48 year career, Randy has moved teams through manual processes to personal computers, then to tablets, cell phones, and automated meter reading; each step significantly improving operational efficiency and service reliability. Randy has been an integral leader in completing 3,850 miles of fiber to serve nearly 17,000 subscribers. Moreover, EMEPA also helped facilitate the installation of full backup generation at NAS Meridian and assisted in deploying solar generation paired with microgrid technology at the base. These efforts strengthened energy security and resilience for critical infrastructure in our community. When asked about how Seven States has specifically helped support innovation in the EMEPA footprint Randy said, “Seven States has been a tremendous partner by providing the technical knowledge, strategic guidance, and support necessary to bring these complex projects to life. Their expertise helped us evaluate opportunities, mitigate risk, and execute effectively, particularly in areas such as broadband expansion, backup generation, and microgrid deployment. Innovation requires both vision and competence, and Seven States has helped strengthen both within our organization.” In a time of rapid introduction and adoption of innovation, Randy explains how EMEPA approaching ongoing implementation. “I want our members to understand that implementing new technology is never done simply for the sake of technology. Every advancement we pursue is focused on making their service more reliable, sustainable, and resilient. Whether it is automated metering, fiber broadband, or microgrid support for critical facilities, our goal is always to improve the lives of the people we serve.” As EMEPA looks ahead, they will explore how artificial intelligence enhances their operations and all the ways it will be used over the next five years to increase productivity, develop innovative solutions, and communicate more efficiently with their members. As for advice Randy would give to a new GM or CEO?  “You often cannot fully understand the usefulness of a technology until you implement it and allow good employees to work with it. Innovation requires trust in your people and trust in the process. If you hire capable, mission-driven employees and give them the tools and freedom to explore new solutions, they will often exceed your expectations.”

It’s easy to forget that the excitement of a potential “snow day” is not shared by everyone. Winter storms are felt differently depending on where you stand. When news of Winter Storm Fern first began to circulate, many of us debated whether it would amount to much at all—whether we’d “actually get any snow,” or whether the warnings would quietly fade away. For our local power companies (LPCs), though, there is no room for debate. Preparation begins long before the first snowflake falls. Crews mobilize. Capacity is recruited. Logistics are coordinated—meals, lodging, equipment—on the assumption that the storm will come, and that its impact could be catastrophic for the communities they serve. As Winter Storm Fern made her way across the Tennessee Valley, what unfolded in the weeks that followed was nothing short of remarkable. The storm itself was a spectacle – both terrifying and beautiful. In its aftermath, we saw images of deep snowbanks, children sledding, and intricate ice formations clinging to trees and fences. But those of us in the energy industry understand the other side of that beauty—the weight of ice on lines, the strain on equipment, and the fragile balance that keeps electricity flowing. Once again, we were reminded that society moves at the pace of electricity. In the days after the storm passed, we witnessed something even more powerful than the weather itself: the best of our humanity. The people we are proud to work alongside woke up day after day, coffee in hand and hot stick over their shoulder, ready to face whatever challenge waited beyond the truck door—all so that power, and a sense of order, could be restored. Was the work harder than expected? Probably. Did it reaffirm what it means to put service above self? Without question. While many of us remained sheltered at home, LPC crews from across the Valley stepped up. They melted the storm inch by inch, knocking ice from lines and equipment so electricity could move again without the crushing weight pulling it back down. They followed the sound of silence, tracing outages through snow-buried lines until they found a snapped conductor lying quiet in a ditch. Bucket trucks crept through ice-locked streets, their booms lifting linemen into sleet-soaked darkness to replace shattered crossarms and transformers split by the cold. The grid returned not all at once, but by touch—each repaired connection passed hand to hand through crews spread across miles of frozen ground.  As Mike Partin, President of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) and President & CEO of Sequachee Valley Electric Coop, recently shared, “It’s more than a principle on paper—it’s a promise we live out when disaster strikes. These men and women leave their own families to help other families. They go wherever they’re needed, whenever they’re needed, without hesitation.” And they were not alone. Businesses across the region stepped in as well, delivering hot meals—Taco Bell, Chick-fil-A, the unmistakable fuel of long days and longer nights. Electricity and kindness—two commodities that can feel in short supply—were both restored through collective effort. Moments like these force us to pause and reflect on the grit, resilience, and stamina that make our communities strong. Sometimes, Mother Nature reminds us not only of our vulnerabilities, but of our better angels. Today, homes are warm. Restaurants are open. Kids are back in school. Life has returned to something resembling normalcy—because of the unity, sacrifice, and hard work of LPCs across the Tennessee Valley. So we wanted to take a moment to simply say: Thank you.

Seven States continues to deploy battery energy storage system (BESS) projects and advance regional infrastructure initiatives. Recent projects—including the Montgomery Bell State Park (MBSP) installation—have provided valuable lessons that are shaping our approach moving forward. From operational insights to market signals, these experiences are informing how we deliver value to our member utilities. 1. Experience Our experience at MBSP confirmed that integrating battery storage into existing electric systems is well within current technical capabilities. The greater challenge lies in managing the additional workload alongside the daily priorities of utilities. Capturing lessons learned with each installation and applying them at scale to future projects allows each deployment to benefit from the last by reducing costs and increasing speed. 2. Performance tracks expectations To date, system performance at MBSP has been reliable, with no material operational issues. Financial results are also aligning with projections, reinforcing confidence in the technology itself. The primary risk areas are: forecasting peak demand and scheduling dispatch accurately to capture expected value—an operational nuance that becomes increasingly important as storage portfolios grow. Demand reduction assets are best served to be installed at reliable grid locations, which tend to be distribution substations, to minimize operational downtime due to extrinsic factors. 3. Integration impacts performance While standalone battery controllers can manage basic operations, deeper system integration delivers meaningful benefits. In particular, SCADA integration can significantly reduce the risk of missing peak events by improving visibility and responsiveness. This lesson is informing how Seven States designs future BESS projects, ensuring storage assets are fully integrated into utility operations rather than standalone resources. 4. Interest in BESS is growing Across the region, the market for battery storage and Reliability as a Service is shifting from early skepticism to informed curiosity. Utility interest continues to rise, though many are waiting for greater clarity before moving forward. Key sources of hesitation include uncertainty around TVA rates, evolving TVA programs, and open questions related to federal tariffs and tax policy. As these issues come into focus, we expect interest to translate into action. Together, these takeaways are guiding Seven States as we advance upcoming BESS projects and broader infrastructure initiatives. By applying proven lessons, prioritizing integration, and maintaining a regional focus, we are building a more resilient and flexible energy future for the communities we serve.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Seven States recently had the privilege of partnering with the Chattanooga Area Food Bank to provide consulting support for energy efficiency upgrades at their main distribution facility. Serving 20 counties across Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia, the Food Bank distributed over 15 million pounds of food last year—equivalent to more than 12 million meals for families in need. With such a vital and energy-intensive operation, improving energy performance means more resources can go directly toward feeding the region. Our team conducted a comprehensive energy assessment, identifying key opportunities to reduce utility costs through more efficient lighting, refrigeration, and HVAC systems. These recommendations are expected to cut energy use by up to 25%, translating into substantial cost savings over time. By optimizing energy performance, the Chattanooga Area Food Bank can reinvest those savings into expanding food access, enhancing logistics, and continuing their mission to eliminate hunger and promote healthier communities.  This collaboration not only underscores the connection between energy efficiency and social good, but also highlights how thoughtful upgrades can deliver lasting value for mission-driven organizations. We're proud to support the Food Bank’s critical work and look forward to seeing the positive ripple effects of this project across the communities they serve.