News

GRDA Power For Progress Column October 14, 2019

Oct 17, 2019

Generating Public Power

Although the Grand River Dam Authority’s generation facilities are located primarily in Northeast Oklahoma, the positive impact of the abundant, reliable electric power produced at these facilities has a positive impact that ripples all across the state.

In some areas, that impact is very easy to see. It is measured by tourism and recreation dollars (in the GRDA lakes region), the high quality of life and low cost of living made possible by a direct supply of wholesale GRDA power (in GRDA municipal customer communities) and the other economic benefits associated with having the nation’s 16th largest public power utility and economic development engine as a neighbor.

Meanwhile, one in ten Oklahoma communities, including the 15 served by GRDA, own their own electric distribution systems. Spread across 41 counties in the state, Oklahoma public power communities combine to generate over $350 million in revenues in a given year, all without using tax dollars. A large portion of those dollars are then put back to work in the communities, to help fund other city services and again, improve quality of life.

From its earliest days, GRDA has been a part of this Oklahoma public power success story. In fact, most of its partnerships with its 15 customer communities are over 60 years old. From the first megawatts of renewable electricity produced at Pensacola Dam, right on through the abundant and reliable power produced by its ultra-efficient Unit 3 combined cycle gas generator (fueled by Oklahoma natural gas), GRDA has always been proud to generate public power for Oklahoma.

Headquartered in Vinita, GRDA is Oklahoma’s state-owned electric utility; fully funded by revenues from electric and water sales instead of taxes. Each day, GRDA strives to be an “Oklahoma agency of excellence” by focusing on the 5 E’s: electricity, economic development, environmental stewardship, employees and efficiency.

Photo Caption Information: A powerful history … An interior shot of the Pensacola Dam powerhouse in the 1940s (before units 5 and 6 were installed). Even back in those days, the dam was providing abundant, reliable electricity for Oklahoma public power communities.

Justin Alberty
Vice President of Corporate Communications
Grand River Dam Authority
(918) 256 5545
[email protected]