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.

Marty Ivy knows that when it comes to the energy industry, innovative partnerships and technology help prepare everyone for the unexpected. Leading Mayfield Electric and Water System as General Superintendent, Marty has overcome his community’s fair share of devastating weather events. His experienced leadership has allowed him to place an emphasis on technological diversity and preparedness. We asked him to share his experience with various projects with Seven States: “Most recently, Seven States helped us develop an RFP and select a 1.3-megawatt solar installation that we’re preparing to deploy. Projects like this take time, but once it’s in place, it will serve as our generation to help offset TVA’s requirement. Seven States has also been a major supporter for us in mutual aid during disasters. We’ve had three FEMA events — the remnants of Hurricane Ike in 2008, the ice storm in 2009, and the tornadoes in 2021. So, between disaster recovery and now helping us with solar, Seven States has really been there for us. That’s what makes partnership so valuable — you all make things easier, and we see you not just as partners but as friends who help keep our communities strong. We’re grateful for that support and excited about the projects still to come.” To Marty, the most important thing he wants his members to know is that every decision is made with their needs in mind. “Mayfield Electric and Water System strives to be an efficient and innovative utility while managing both reliability and rates. That’s really what it comes down to — being reliable and keeping costs low for our customers. We’ve already seen how innovation can transform our operations. For example, our customer service representatives have been amazed at how much new technology has improved our outage management system. It’s made responding to customers easier, faster, and far more efficient, especially during storms. There’s so much potential we haven’t even discovered yet in the Valley.” With 34 years of industry experience, Marty knows that change is inevitable. He offered this advice to general managers who might be wondering where to start when it comes to bringing innovation to their LPC. “The best advice I can give anyone is this: you can’t effectively manage what you don’t know. That’s why technology is so important — it puts knowledge of your system right at your fingertips. My advice is, don’t be afraid of change. I’ve been with Mayfield Electric and Water System for 34 years, serving as manager since 2001. Over that time, I’ve seen the industry cycle and evolve about every five years. The one constant is that change always comes, and if you’re afraid of it, you’ll get left behind. So, for future managers and anyone in this industry, my advice is to dive in, get your feet wet, and embrace the changes that move us forward.”