New EV Fast Charging Station Installation Celebrated with Ribbon Cutting

PROGRESS - Roy Dedmon, owner of Country and Western Steakhouse in Camden, which hosts the EV charging station, spoke to attendees about the restaurants commitment to pushing the limits of what is possible and striving to do what they can to improve the community.

Posted Friday, September 20, 2024 12:35 pm

Daniel Richardson

Benton County Electric System (BCES) held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, Sept. 12, to celebrate the installation of a new fast-charging electric vehicle (EV) station at Country & Western, located at 314 Highway 641 North in Camden. This installation is part of the Fast Charge TN initiative, a collaborative effort between the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), and Seven States Power Corporation.

BCES General Manager Scott Owens welcomed attendees and acknowledged the dignitaries present, including Benton County Mayor Mark Ward and Camden City Mayor Roger Pafford. Owens spoke about the significant step forward this new charging location represents for Benton County, highlighting the benefits of the fast charge network for the area and the ongoing commitment to sustainability.

“We are thrilled to bring EV fast chargers to Benton County, marking a significant step forward for our community,” said Owens. “This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support from Dee and Roy Dedmon at Country & Western, as well as our valued partners at TVA, TDEC, and Seven States Power Corporation, and our team at BCES. Together, we are paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future for Benton County. The funding from TVA and TDEC makes it possible to add fast chargers in our community by providing 80% of the project cost.”

Benton County Mayor Mark Ward, Camden Mayor Roger Pafford, and representatives from TDEC, Seven States Power Corporation, and TVA shared remarks during the event, emphasizing the benefits and impact of the Fast Charge Network on the local community and the state. Hannah Carroll from TDEC’s Office of Energy Programs spoke about the state’s commitment to increasing EV charging infrastructure, while Joe Knox of Seven States Power Corporation discussed the role of local power companies in growing public EV charging networks. Brian Smith from TVA congratulated BCES and the City of Camden for leading the way in EV charger installations.

The new fast charging station is part of a broader regional initiative to enhance EV infrastructure across TVA’s seven-state service area. This effort aligns with the National Electric Highway Coalition's goal to support long-distance EV travel by installing fast chargers along major highways and interstates across the United States. With this partnership, TVA and TDEC aim to accommodate over 200,000 EVs on Tennessee Valley roads by 2028, generating significant economic and environmental benefits for the region.

Economic Impact: EV-related manufacturing has contributed $13.8 billion to the economy and helped create over 10,000 jobs.
Local Economy: Electric refueling reinvests $120 million in the local economy every year.
Cost Savings: Drivers can save up to $1,000 annually on fuel and maintenance costs.

In Benton County, there are currently more than 80 electric and hybrid vehicles registered, underscoring the growing demand for accessible EV charging options.

The ceremony concluded with a ribbon-cutting led by Owens, flanked by representatives from TVA, TDEC, and other event speakers. BCES Communications Director Andrew Jones announced the official cutting of the ribbon, marking the start of a new chapter in Benton County’s journey toward sustainable transportation.

For more information about the Fast Charge Network, EV cost savings, or to locate charging stations, visit energyright.com/ev or www.tn.gov/EVFastCharge.

With the installation of this fast charging station, Benton County and the City of Camden demonstrate their commitment to sustainable and innovative technologies, paving the way for a greener future.