Our Impact

In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, the energy ecosystem is more complex—and more essential—than ever. Every community, every business, and every innovation depends on reliable, affordable, and abundant power. At Seven States, we recognize this ecosystem—past, present, and future—is critical to unleashing American energy and empowering the Tennessee Valley. Many different forms of energy play a vital role in fueling today’s industries. From nuclear, coal, and natural gas plants that provide baseload reliability, to solar and battery storage that deliver power quickly to the grid, America can dominate this industry and lead globally given the abundant resources and technological advancements present in our country. At the core of our cooperative work is a mission that is as straightforward as it is powerful: megawatts. From the Southaven combined cycle gas plant we co-owned with TVA to the $439 million funding award we received earlier this year from USDA, Seven States has always been laser-focused on building and owning capacity of all sizes that deliver real, measurable impact. Our relationship with USDA opens the door to more potential funding for the Valley. As such, we have submitted for consideration additional funding requests up to $5.6 billion in financing capacity to acquire 4,000MW of utility-scale natural gas units and another $320 million to deploy 300MW of distribution-scale battery storage on 75+ project sites. By working incrementally with each customer and at-scale across the Valley, we are empowering our member-owner LPCs to meet consumer demand in an evolving utility marketplace. As a reminder, Seven States was awarded a $414 million zero-interest loan and $25 million grant to built utility-scale power generation in the Valley. Of note, while other projects throughout the Valley have been impacted by recent federal funding changes, the USDA New ERA funds awarded to Seven States remain intact and the project is progressing forward with a new site. Our mission is not just about preparing for the future; it’s about building the here and now. New power generation, reliability as a service, transportation infrastructure, and grid modernization are not concepts on a drawing board—they are real projects, powering homes, businesses, and institutions today. By anchoring innovation in present action, we ensure that the Tennessee Valley doesn’t just keep pace with change but sets a fast pace for energy leadership. In the end, understanding the energy ecosystem means recognizing its depth, complexity, and interdependence. At Seven States Power, we embrace that complexity as our opportunity—to deliver megawatts, unleash American energy, support economic development, and to lead the Valley into an energy future that honors where we’ve been while advancing where we must go. 

Investment Tax Credits (ITCs) remain one of the most effective tools available to local power companies (LPCs) and private businesses looking to accelerate energy infrastructure investments. With recent federal legislation revising eligibility and critical deadlines approaching, the time is now to use ITCs toward planned projects. Seven States has closely monitored every stage of legislative changes to the ITC policies, ensuring that project partners stay informed on evolving opportunities and risks. Beyond tracking policy shifts, Seven States has actively advocated for protecting ITC provisions to our federal, state, and local delegations, reinforcing their long-term value for the communities they serve. Following the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill and subsequent changes by Treasury, here are seven key takeaways on how to utilize ITC to lower costs for anticipated solar and battery storage projects. Seven States recently completed its ITC registration of a battery storage asset and is prepared to guide project partners through these opportunities, as well as offer technical expertise, project management, and financing coordination to maximize every dollar of value. 1. Don’t Miss Critical Deadlines Timing is essential when it comes to ITCs. Credit rates often decline over time, and most projects must meet “begin construction” requirements by July 4, 2025 to secure the highest incentives. Proper documentation is essential to qualify. Seven States helps members stay ahead of these timelines with expert guidance on compliance, permitting, and project execution. 2. Battery Storage Projects Remain Eligible One of the most impactful updates to ITC policy is the protection of standalone battery storage. Moreover, ITCs help make solar-plus-storage a practical reality. These solutions provide load management, outage resilience, and support for emerging operational integrations. Seven States offers the know-how to design and finance these systems, helping members capture the full benefits. 3. Solar Projects Remain Eligible Solar energy continues to be one of the biggest beneficiaries of ITCs. By covering a significant portion of upfront costs, ITCs make solar projects more affordable and financially attractive for LPCs and businesses. This enables owners to grow their generation portfolios, reduce risk, and deliver cost savings to end users. Pairing ITCs with Seven States’ technical expertise ensures solar installations are optimized for performance and long-term community benefit. 4. Be aware of Foreign Entities of Concern (FEOC) Policies Recent updates to federal policy now restrict the use of ITCs for projects that source equipment or materials from “foreign entities of concern,” such as China. This shift makes supply chain diligence more critical than ever, as project owners must carefully select vendors and partners to ensure ITC eligibility and avoid costly disqualifications. Seven States can help navigate these evolving requirements by vetting technology providers, coordinating compliant procurement strategies, and reducing the risk of ineligibility—ensuring projects move forward with confidence and maximum financial benefit. 5. Financing Complexity Requires Expertise Navigating ITC rules, financing structures, and transferability provisions is not simple. The upside is substantial, but so is the complexity. Seven States provides the expertise needed to manage these elements, from structuring deals and securing tax equity to coordinating compliance. 6. The Cost of Waiting Is High Between phasedown schedules, rising project costs, and supply chain constraints, waiting to act can mean missing out on millions in incentives. Project Owners that move quickly will lock in higher ITC rates, secure financing on favorable terms, and be first in line for limited equipment and contractor availability. Seven States is ready to help move projects from planning to implementation before windows close. 7. Seven States Is Your ITC Partner Seven States brings deep technical knowledge and financial coordination expertise. As a trusted partner, Seven States can help LPCs and businesses identify the right projects, capture available incentives, and deliver more reliable energy at a lower cost. The time to act is now—and with Seven States, you don’t have to navigate the ITC landscape alone.

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.

Leading Forked Deer Electric Cooperative as General Manager & CEO, Jeff Newman has firsthand knowledge of how vital technology is to the Valley and what a difference it has made in his community. “In our footprint, two of the most critical technology developments were broadband expansion and system automation. Bringing our system up-to-date has been a top priority, and that started with implementing SCADA across the network—a process that’s still ongoing. SCADA has already made a significant difference by improving our ability to detect and respond to outages quickly, which greatly reduces downtime for our members. On the broadband side, we now serve over 6,800 folks, which represents a substantial portion of our total meters. In a rural area like ours, access to high-speed internet isn’t just a convenience, it’s a necessity. It’s been a game changer, and the revenue from broadband has helped stabilize our electric rates by offsetting the need for larger increases. So, these technology developments haven’t just modernized our infrastructure—they’ve directly improved quality of life and economic resilience for the people we serve.” As the Valley continues to evolve and technology changes, Jeff views Seven States as a trusted partner that can help LPCs find the best fit for their community. “The biggest thing for us, as a rural utility, was having someone to help us get connected with the right people—whether that’s suppliers, vendors, or experts. We really leaned on Seven States for that support because, honestly, we didn’t even know where to begin. Every utility is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. You have to do what makes sense for your system and your community. A cookie-cutter approach just doesn’t work in this industry, and Seven States knows how to tailor a project or service to fit your exact needs.” Jeff’s advice to GMs who want to bring innovation to their communities is to stay open to progress by listening, learning, and ensuring new ideas truly serve the needs of the ratepayers. “I don’t take credit for the changes we’ve made, but progress happens when you don’t stand in its way. It’s important to evaluate new ideas carefully, make sure they align with your system’s needs, and support what makes sense. The key is to always consider what’s best for your LPC or co-op—and not become an obstacle to improvement.” ###

Serving McMinnville Electric System (MES) as General Manager, Brittany Davis leads her team with an eye on the grid of the future, and her expertise has given her an opportunity to set her community’s infrastructure up for long-term, sustainable success. “We are prioritizing critical infrastructure enhancements, including the reconstruction of two existing substations and the addition of a third to support increasing load demands. The new substation is designed not only to absorb future growth but also to provide contingency support, enhancing system reliability during both planned and unplanned maintenance events. Systemwide voltage regulation upgrades are also essential to improve operational efficiency and grid stability. Additionally, the completion of our distribution automation project—featuring the deployment of S&C IntelliRupters—will significantly bolster system reliability and support our transition toward a more modern, resilient grid.” With all the changes taking place in her LPC footprint, Brittany wants her community to know that their comfort and security are at the forefront of every decision she makes. “When I came on board at MES, it was clear our infrastructure needed attention. I helped develop a strategic plan to address those needs, and we’ve just received board approval to move forward. The plan focuses on modernizing our substations, upgrading relaying technology, and improving system reliability. While we’re still early in the implementation phase, I’m proud to drive efforts that will bring meaningful, long-term benefits to our community through innovation and smarter infrastructure.” Brittany credits Seven States as being a valuable partner for MES as the needs of her community have continued to evolve. “Seven States has been an invaluable partner in fostering innovation within our community. Their active involvement in the car charging project at Ascension St. Thomas – River Park Hospital was instrumental in expanding EV accessibility within Warren County. Additionally, their support in helping us with the install of the latest car charger project in collaboration with Tennessee Tech University has brought advanced technology to our region, further enhancing sustainability efforts and modernizing existing infrastructure.” As technology continues to advance across the Valley, Brittany’s advice to future managers who want to lead well is to lean into new and innovative opportunities with optimism and determination. “Embrace change. Technology and innovation evolve rapidly, and while past methods may have worked, that doesn't mean they remain the best solution. Assess your community’s needs, make informed financial decisions, and take decisive steps toward progress. Most importantly, never let a rejection deter you—persistence often leads to new opportunities. If the answer is no today, ask again tomorrow.” ###  

It’s no secret that innovation drives progress, and Scott Owens is committed to thoughtful initiatives that move his community forward. As General Manager of Benton County Electric System (BCES), Scott leads with an eye on sustainable technology and long-term reliability for the community he serves. “BCES takes a progressive approach to cost management while prioritizing long-term system stability and reliability. As we work to keep power costs low, fair, and equitable, we actively seek to implement technologies that make financial sense for our ratepayers. At the same time, we recognize and assign value to intangible benefits, such as reliability and resiliency. Innovation begins with an idea—one that is pursued with thoughtful diligence and supported by experience, collaboration, and strategic funding to ensure maximum value for those we serve.” In a time of rapid digital transformation, Scott explains how BCES is leveraging technology in a variety of ways to enhance their customers’ experience. “BCES is evolving our customer experience to meet changing expectations. Today, many of our customers prefer to sign up, pay bills, and manage their accounts online or through their phones rather than visiting the office. They expect a seamless, self-service experience with real-time access to information. This shift presents challenges for smaller utilities, particularly during outages, when customers want timely updates to foster understanding and patience. To meet these demands, we have implemented HometownGrid and are working closely with CSA to transition to their new payment and user portal platforms. Operationally, BCES has entered a maintenance phase after completing a 12-year construction cycle. This period is giving us the opportunity to reevaluate and develop our next strategic 10-year capital plan. Our customers expect fast restoration and minimal disruption. The question we are now focused on is: How can we continue to deliver on those expectations through the smart application of technology and systems improvements?” When asked about advice he’d give to new managers who want to bring innovation to their own LPCs, Scott underscores the importance of taking an intentional, community-driven approach to change. “Start by listening. Innovation should be guided by the real needs of your community, your employees, and your system—not just by what's new or trendy. Build trust internally first by engaging your team and making them part of the process. Then focus on partnerships—with your board, vendors, peer utilities, and key stakeholders. Don’t try to innovate in a vacuum. Next, do your homework. Innovation is not just about ideas; it’s about disciplined planning, strong execution, and understanding the financial and operational impacts. Evaluate the long-term value, not just the upfront cost. Sometimes the intangible benefits—like improved customer satisfaction, reliability, or system resiliency—are just as important as the return on investment. Finally, be patient but persistent. Change takes time, especially in a utility environment where change touches 85 years of generational programming. Celebrate small wins with your community and keep your focus on serving your customers better every day.” ###

Gene Kanikovsky knows that innovative partnerships and groundbreaking technology are essential to preparing the grid for the future. Serving as General Manager & CEO of Joe Wheeler Electric Membership Corporation, Gene has a proven track record of implementing innovative, sustainable technology that benefits his community. “Joe Wheeler EMC has recently implemented a drone inspection program, including the deployment of our first thermal drone. We are also developing a digital surface model (DSM) to enhance our GIS capabilities by analyzing the proximity of vegetation to power poles and lines using the latest LiDAR data. Additionally, we’ve undertaken a systematic conversion of outdated lighting systems to high-efficiency LED. One of our proudest achievements is the commissioning of our new 1MW solar farm, which marks a significant step forward in our sustainability and technology portfolio. Every innovation we pursue is rooted in a commitment to either improve service quality or reduce costs for our members. Our core mission is to ensure reliable service at the lowest possible rates, and innovation is one of the most effective tools we have to achieve that goal.” Gene also recognizes and values the critical role that Seven States plays in building trust and accelerating innovation across the Valley. “Seven States is a uniquely valuable partner, bringing together technology solutions and key stakeholders in an environment that highlights real-world benefits to LPCs. This collaborative setting fosters dialogue that reduces the risk of project adoption by allowing LPCs to observe successful integrations of new technologies. The trust that LPCs place in Seven States significantly accelerates the development and deployment of innovative projects by lowering barriers to entry and providing trusted guidance.” When asked about what advice he’d give to new utility managers who want to bring innovative solutions to their communities, Gene shared that effective innovation starts with the right understanding and guidance. “First, start with a clear assessment by understanding the current technologies in use within your community—what exists, how it’s being utilized, and how effective it is. Next, prioritize impact by focusing on innovations that deliver the greatest financial and social benefits to your members. Lastly, choose partners carefully—the market is saturated with vendors seeking attention and investment. Select partners who are committed to long-term support and who will stand behind their products.” ###

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.

Seven States Power Corporation is pleased to announce the appointment of Kim Shumpert as Vice President of Public Relations. Shumpert brings over two decades of experience in growing the capacity and impact of multiple organizations within both the public and private sectors. With both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Public Administration, Shumpert brings a distinguished background in executive leadership, having guided regional economic development initiatives and directed comprehensive communication strategies across diverse platforms. Her experience includes successfully managing media relations and fostering strong partnerships. In her new role as Vice President of Public Relations, Shumpert will spearhead efforts to increase the organization’s impact, deepen stakeholder engagement, and advance the mission of empowering LPCs to meet growing consumer demand for technology and innovation in an evolving utility landscape. “We are thrilled to welcome Kim to our team,” said Betsey Kirk McCall, Seven States President & CEO. “Her proven ability to build meaningful relationships and communicate with purpose aligns perfectly with our vision for growth and engagement.” Shumpert joins Seven States at a pivotal time in the energy industry. Her leadership will play a crucial role in supporting Seven States Power Corporation’s ongoing commitment to leveraging technology to design, develop, and deploy forward-thinking energy solutions in partnership with LPCs and the communities they serve.  Seven States Power Corporation is a trusted partner to 153 local power companies across the Tennessee Valley, delivering customized energy and generation solutions and supporting community success through technology and innovation. To stay up to date on Seven States projects, announcements, and news, subscribe to our newsletter .

For more than 15 years, Seven States has been immersed in the emerging needs of the energy industry and the evolving supply of energy to the region. Seven States was created in partnership with TVA and more than 150 local power companies to finance utility-scale generation assets. In the early years, Seven States and TVA jointly owned an 800MW combined cycle plant in Southaven, Mississippi. More recently, Seven States was proud to announce that it had been awarded a $439,000,000 investment from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s New ERA program to build 250MW of low-cost energy using a zero-interest loan. The shovel-ready project will bring online 250MW and help ease the State of Energy Emergency. The solar plant, owned and operated by Seven States, will deliver energy across the region to TN, AL, GA, MS, KY, NC, VA, and will power approximately 113,000 homes while creating over 100 construction jobs. The project continues to garner support from local, state and federal officials and is part of an “all of the above” approach to deliver power to consumers. This federal funding will provide our region with much-needed low-cost energy used by residents and businesses throughout the Valley. The Seven States team has been hard at work with our local power company member-owners to develop energy supply strategies that reach beyond this one project. This highlights our dedication to bring multiple energy sources to the grid. Over the years, our work has expanded beyond utility-scale generation to include distribution-scale technologies. We are enhancing reliability through the installation of battery storage units at regional locations such as the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, and Montgomery Bell State Park in Burns, Tennessee. Seven States, a G&T cooperative, was created out of the need for innovative solutions. The awarded project is just one example of the innovative thinking and decisive action necessary to tackle the energy challenges of our time. We understand that economic development and job creation stop without power supply. Together with our public power model stakeholders, we intend to “ready the region” and respond to the increase in demand with additional power supply. An opportunity of this magnitude will drive our ability to attract and retain innovative businesses to the region and be a flagship model to the rest of the nation. This opportunity is significant for the region and we encourage you to learn more about the project here. We want to thank the Seven States Board of Directors and our partners for leading boldly to advocate for the USDA funding to supply much needed low-cost energy to consumers across the region. Your support demonstrates how everyone wins when we take innovative action to deliver power to those we serve.

At Seven States, we take pride in fostering innovation and supporting employees who are building the grid of the future. Joe Knox, our Director of Technology Deployment, recently contributed to a research paper on the future of electric vehicle (EV) chargers. His expertise and dedication are helping shape transportation infrastructure and manage additional demand for energy. As the demand for EVs continues to grow, the need for efficient, reliable, and accessible charging infrastructure is more critical than ever. Knox contributed to the work of PhD candidate Mehdi Khaleghian of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Knox served as a key industry expert by providing EV charging data for the project. Together, they explored methods to better predict charging station outcomes, which will benefit EV drivers, station owners, and electric utility operators. To date, Seven States has installed more than 250 EV charging stations across 6 different states – that’s nearly 500 EV charging ports in under 4 years. The research paper focuses on the data gleaned from EV charging installations and will inform the collective work of experts within the EV sector as they move forward in building a dynamic power grid. Specifically, the paper explores using embedding vectors to capture the latent characteristics of EV charging stations based on user-station interactions. These factors help improve predictive tasks such as utilization forecasting and infrastructure planning through the use of Machine Learning Models. “Working on this project was an exciting opportunity to contribute to the future of EV charging,” said Knox. “We explored ways to make charging faster, more efficient, and better integrated with the grid. It’s rewarding to see how our research can shape real-world solutions.” As we continue to manage the transition to electric mobility and the infrastructure to support it, real-time analytics from actual deployments lead to data driven decisions, thereby removing the guesswork from next steps. Knox’s contributions demonstrate the power of collaboration and innovation in tackling the challenges of tomorrow. We’re proud to have such forward-thinking minds on our team, driving progress and making a lasting impact on the energy industry. To view Seven States’ EV charging deployments, visit our interactive map.

Seven States is excited to introduce a new product: Reliability as a Service. Under this new offering, Seven States will acquire battery storage systems and natural gas generators, and provide the capacity to LPCs and their customers. These distribution assets will be used locally for demand response, outage mitigation, and operations, while Seven States will build the capabilities to aggregate the capacity for utility scale benefits. Through its partnership with CAT/Stowers, Seven States is the only Stowers reseller in the region and, as such, can provide special pricing on Caterpillar backup generators to LPC members. Seven States will work with each LPC to analyze energy usage and the economics of a potential system, and support for acquiring it. Two options are available: Seven States will procure, own and install the unit, making the capacity and operation of the unit available to the LPC under an agreement. If the LPC prefers to own the unit, Seven States will provide turnkey project management services to the LPC. We kicked off the launch of Reliability as a Service at our 2024 Annual Meeting with the dedication of a new 150kW – 2hr battery storage system installed at the Montgomery Bell State Park Visitor Center in Burns, TN. Seven States owns the battery and provides the capacity to Dickson Electric System who operates it, and the State of Tennessee hosts the site. Learn more by clicking here. Our goal for this program is to add distributed energy resources (DERs) to local power grids. This offering is optimal for behind-the-meter and front-of-the-meter generation, supplemental power for data centers, and grid optimization. The versatility of the resource is its greatest strength. With Seven States’ Reliability as a Service, LPCs now have a path for quickly meeting increased local demand and operational requirements. The battery storage system and natural gas generators can provide immediate relief to the grid by: Offsetting capacity constraints Reducing wholesale demand charges Enhancing reliability and resiliency Seven States is well-positioned to deploy these solutions. As a non-profit that exists to deliver affordable and reliable solutions that benefit LPCs and their customers, we can leverage opportunities within the marketplace effectively and efficiently to reduce the costs related to installing battery storage systems and natural gas generators. To get started on your Reliability project, contact Lance Irwin at lirwin@7spc.com 

CHATTANOOGA, TN – January 10, 2025 – Seven States Power Corporation (Seven States) is proud to announce that it will receive $439,000,000 in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s New ERA (Empowering Rural America) program. The funding is earmarked for new energy initiatives, and this award will provide low-cost affordable power to nearly 10 million people. Seven States is an energy solutions cooperative that is owned and operated by the 153 local power companies across the seven state region of the Tennessee Valley (TN, KY, MS, AL, VA, NC, GA). Their member-owners distribute TVA-generated electricity and provide a variety of essential services that build the economy and enhance life in their communities. Seven States is one of three organizations spotlighted by the USDA for their proposed project. The full announcement can be found here. Funding for projects through this initiative will focus on utility-scale new energy resources such as solar generation and energy storage technologies. These investments are part of an ongoing industry-wide effort to enhance the grid with energy technologies to meet increasing demand for power. A primary advantage to our region is the public power model and the partnership between the power distributors and their power provider, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). One such project would add more than 250MWs of energy through the construction of a utility-scale solar plant in the Tennessee Valley. The plant will be owned and operated by Seven States. Jeff Dykes, Chairman of the Board of Seven States and President & CEO of BrightRidge, said, “Procuring these resources is a big step in the right direction for advancing Seven States’ mission to leverage innovative technology to design, develop & deploy energy solutions for the Tennessee Valley. An award of this size and magnitude is significant for our region and we are thankful for the opportunity it presents.” Betsey Kirk McCall, President & CEO of Seven States, expressed excitement about the grant’s impact, stating, “The New ERA program is an incredible opportunity for Seven States, our power distributor members, and TVA to work together in bringing low-cost power to the Tennessee Valley. The 250MWs of additional power will support the growing needs of the region to meet consumer demand for technology and energy.” Seven States is committed to working closely with local communities, energy providers, and policymakers to ensure a reliable energy future. The projects supported by the New ERA grant are expected to create new jobs, stimulate economic growth, and generate energy. The new solar generation is expected to take up to three to five years to finalize the design, develop and deploy all aspects of the projects. Once active, it is anticipated that this project will facilitate a higher degree of reliability and resiliency to the existing energy grid and assist in meeting increased demand as the Tennessee Valley region continues to experience growth in population and economic development.

Nearly two years ago, Seven States teamed up with Nissan, Middle Tennessee Electric, and the University of Tennessee-Oak Ridge Innovation Institute, to launch an innovative second-life battery storage project. Seven States became an early partner to the project and will use data collected throughout the process to inform how to design, develop, and deploy BESS options to scale throughout the Valley. The university researchers on the project, led by UT-ORNL Governor’s Chair for Electrical Energy Conversion and Storage Tom Zawodzinski, is taking a deep dive into the varied uses for EV batteries past their point of optimum performance. By investigating the composition, movement, and degree of degradation of the batteries, the team intends to optimize the second use power supply to provide power during peak demand. On November 18th, 2024, Joe Knox spoke on behalf of Seven States at Nissan’s “BESS Peak Shave & Microgrid Kick-Off and Ribbon Cutting” ceremony. Seven States is proud to serve as a partner and advisor for Nissan and looks forward to continuing the work. This collaboration is sure to have an important and lasting impact on the future of the grid. To learn more about the project click here.