Efficiency

GRDA is committed to continuous improvements in efficiency, so we can always be providing the greatest benefits to our customers and all stakeholders.

In recent years, GRDA has realized this goal in many areas across the organization. From the new ultra-efficient Unit 3 combined cycle gas generator to an improved focus on resource planning and management, efficiency is evident Authority-wide.

Unit 3 was the world’s most efficient 60 hertz power plant when it began commercial operations in 2017 and today, its efficient power production continues to benefit customers across a four-state region. Combined with our other gas, coal, water and wind generation assets, it gives GRDA a diverse and reliable generation portfolio. Every day, our system operations team strives to operate this portfolio in the most efficient manner possible, to benefit our customers across a four-state region.

New approaches to resource planning, maintenance programs and even job classifications, have also resulted in greater efficiencies tied to real cost-savings, reduced downtime and smarter employee recruitment strategies.

Staffing optimization efforts at the Grand River Energy Center (GREC) reduced overtime hours per pay period by roughly 72 percent in a four-year period. Meanwhile, the implementation of new maintenance scheduling initiatives and a GREC mobile asset management program continue to save both time and money.

In the Hydro Department, the implementation of a new employee mentoring process and the development of a new multi-craft apprentice program continues to allow GRDA to retain the knowledge of veteran employees nearing retirement while also eliminating the “silos” among specific crafts. As a result, overtime costs and payroll expenses decreased while corrective maintenance reporting improved.

GRDA’s ongoing goal is always to seek greater efficiency.