Seven States Power Corporation, headquartered in Chattanooga, Tenn., announced that it will deliver a significant infrastructure investment to modernize the electric grid in partnership with BrightRidge, a Tennessee public power utility.
The initiative will deploy battery storage as a standalone resource designed to support peak demand, improve grid resiliency, and provide BrightRidge with greater operational flexibility.
The project is backed by Seven States’ award of a landmark $415 million zero-interest loan and a $24 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service.
"The approach reflects a strategic decision to prioritize dispatchable energy assets that can respond immediately to system needs. By focusing solely on battery storage, Seven States and BrightRidge aim to enhance reliability, allowing the utility to better manage demand fluctuations and unexpected outages while maintaining electric rates well below the national average," Seven States and Brightridge said.
“We are excited to bring forward electric infrastructure to help manage growing demand to meet the region’s energy needs,” said Betsey Kirk McCall, President and CEO of Seven States Power Corporation. “Battery storage provides a powerful, flexible, and innovative tool that aligns with national priorities around energy dominance, affordability, and reliability.”
Led by Seven States, the project will consist of 20 megawatts of battery storage capacity interconnected with BrightRidge’s electric distribution system. The batteries will be capable of storing energy from the existing grid and deploying it during periods of peak demand or system stress, helping stabilize the grid while reducing exposure to high-cost power purchases.
“This scalable battery solution is another example of how the team at Seven States is on the leading edge of deploying technologies that will define the future of the energy sector,” said Jeff Dykes, president and CEO of BrightRidge. “It gives BrightRidge greater control during peak demand periods and supports our mission to empower our customers’ connection to the world by offering reliable energy.”
BrightRidge is still evaluating locations for the battery storage project. Construction is expected to begin in 2027, with the project targeted for completion by December 2028.
Once operational, the initiative is expected to support the electric needs of approximately 5,500 homes and businesses across the BrightRidge service area while creating jobs during construction.
"The project represents a significant investment in grid reliability and local energy infrastructure. The initiative is among the first of its kind in the Tennessee Valley, demonstrating how federal financing, local ownership, and collaborative partnerships can accelerate deployment of advanced grid technologies," Seven States and Brightridge said.
Seven States and BrightRidge view the project as a model for future battery-focused investments across the Southeast.
APPA Storage Tracker
The American Public Power Association’s Public Power Energy Tracker is a resource for association members that summarizes public power energy storage projects that are currently online. The tracker is available here.
