Seven States Power Corporation (Seven States) is thrilled to announce that it will receive $439 million in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s New ERA (Empowering Rural America) program. This funding is designated for new energy initiatives and will provide low-cost, affordable power to nearly 10 million people across the Tennessee Valley region, which includes Tennessee, Kentucky, Mississippi, Alabama, Virginia, North Carolina, and Georgia.
Focus on Renewable Energy
The funding will prioritize utility-scale renewable energy resources, particularly solar generation and energy storage technologies. These investments are part of an industry-wide effort to modernize the grid with advanced technologies to meet the increasing demand for power. A significant project in the pipeline includes the construction of a utility-scale solar plant that will add over 250 MW of renewable energy, owned and operated by Seven States.
Leadership Insights
Jeff Dykes, Chairman of the Board of Seven States and President & CEO of BrightRidge, remarked, “Procuring these resources is a big step in the right direction for advancing Seven States’ mission to leverage innovative technology to design, develop, and deploy energy solutions for the Tennessee Valley. An award of this size 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 potential 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 renewable power to the Tennessee Valley. The additional 250 MW will support the growing needs of the region to meet consumer demand for technology and energy.”
Community and Economic Impact
Seven States is committed to collaborating 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 reduce carbon emissions.
The new solar generation initiative is anticipated to take three to five years to finalize design and deployment. Once operational, it will enhance the reliability and resiliency of the existing energy grid, addressing the increasing demand as the Tennessee Valley experiences growth.
New ERA Program Overview
The New ERA program aims to help rural Americans transition to clean, affordable, and reliable energy. Seven States is one of three organizations highlighted by the USDA for their proposed project. By reducing air and water pollution, New ERA funding will improve health outcomes and lower energy costs for rural communities. This $9.7 billion program, part of the Inflation Reduction Act, represents the largest investment in rural electrification since the Rural Electrification Act was signed into law in 1936.
