GRDA’s 2021 in Review: Part 3

In part 3 of our look back at the Grand River Dam Authority’s 2021, we revisit the summer months of July, August, and September. As always, summer is a busy time around GRDA as thousands of people come to enjoy the waters of Grand Lake, Lake Hudson, and the Illinois River. It was also a busy time as GRDA once again provided mutual aid to neighbors in need.

Here are a few highlights:

One of those neighbors and customers in need was the municipal customer community of Collinsville. In July, GRDA helped rebuild electric lines there following a windstorm that occurred at the same time when several members of the city’s crew were out, due to COVID protocols. GRDA’s assistance over the course of two weeks helped to keep the lights on in town while also illustrating the public power standard of mutual aid.

In August, the GRDA Charitable Campaign Committee presented a check for $1,324 to the Thunderbird Challenge Program (Pryor). Each year, the committee coordinates fundraising events among employees to help support neighbors in need. The Thunderbird Challenge Program’s mission is to intervene in the lives of Oklahoma high school dropouts to effect positive change in those youth.

Also in August, GRDA helped facilitate shoreline cleanup events on Grand Lake. During those events, volunteers with the American Boating Club-Grand Lake collected 1.35 tons of Styrofoam, trash, and tires while volunteers with Adopt the Shoreline Zone 8 collected 3.33 tons of trash and debris. 

A crew of 20 GRDA employees spent the early part of September in Louisiana, helping restore powerlines damaged by Hurricane Ida. Their work was part of a nationwide mutual-aid effort coordinated by the American Public Power Association. For several years now, GRDA has provided mutual aid to its public power neighbors in hurricane zones.  Additionally, 11 GRDA Police Officers also traveled to Louisiana to assist with recovery efforts.

Also, in late September, GRDA and its municipal customer community of Claremore celebrated the 75^th anniversary of their public power partnership. The special anniversary was marked with a luncheon held at the Will Rogers Memorial in Claremore. GRDA has served the community with wholesale electricity since September 1, 1946. It is GRDA’s longest partnership with any of its customers. 

Next week is the final installment of the look back on 2021, as we review the year’s fourth quarter. 

GRDA is Oklahoma’s largest public power 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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