Looking back on GRDA’s 2016: Part 3

The year 2016 was one of expanding responsibilities and overcoming challenges for the Grand River Dam Authority. And at no time was that more evident than in the very middle of the year. As the look back on 2016 continues, we recall two significant events, that both occurred on July 1:

GRDA and OSRC Merge

It was on this date in 2016 that GRDA officially absorbed the Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Commission (OSRC). Established in 1977 to carry out the provisions of Oklahoma’s Scenic Rivers Act, the OSRC mission was to protect, enhance, and preserve the Illinois River and its tributaries. However, funding cuts in recent years had made it difficult for the Commission to fulfill all its responsibilities. Oklahoma Senate Bill 1388 provided for the merger between the OSRC and GRDA and an expanded law enforcement presence during the busy floating season, as well as new efforts to clean up and repair public access and picnic areas, were among the most visible signs of the merger early on. Going forward in 2017, GRDA will continue to take the necessary steps to insure proper stewardship over the scenic rivers now under its control.

Fire damages Unit 2

Also on July 1, a summer thunderstorm rolled over the Grand River Energy Center early in the evening, producing a strike that set off a cascade of events ultimately leading to a fire that severely damaged the Unit 2 coal-fired turbine-generator. Within hours of the fire being extinguished, GRDA staffers and outside consultants were on-site to begin the damage assessment and map out the repair plan, which will continue throughout most of 2017.  Due to emergency contingencies and GRDA’s membership in the Southwest Power Pool (SPP), no GRDA electricity customers experienced power outages due to the fire. Most importantly, there were no injuries related to the incident. 

Next week, we’ll take one final look back at 2016 and the great news GRDA received from the credit rating agencies…

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. 

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