Power for Progress…A weekly column from the Grand River Dam AuthorityGRDA’s 2024 in review: Part 4

Powerful cargo … Both the generator and turbine for GRDA’s new Unit 4 gas generator made their way to Oklahoma via the McClellan–Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System (MKARNS) in late December. Here they are on the barge, somewhere on the waters of the Robert S. Kerr Reservoir on December 21.

This week, we wrap up our look back on the Grand River Dam Authority’s 2024 with a review of the fourth quarter months of October, November, and December.

In October, GRDA once again hosted its customer groups for the annual fall meetings. This was an opportunity for GRDA staff and other speakers to present on several topics including the financial forecast, operations report and an update on the progress being made on the Unit 4 construction.

Early in the month, GRDA also hosted several of the area’s emergency response organizations for the annual Emergency Action Plan (EAP) tabletop exercise. The day was spent discussing the EAP and the role each organization would play if it had to be activated. It was a productive day and GRDA appreciates all those who attended this important annual event.

In November, the efforts of the GRDA Ecosystems and Watershed Management Department were once again recognized when the departments’ Jeri Fleming received the 2024 France Fite Water Award from the Save The Illinois River (STIR) organization. Fleming coordinates GRDA’s Guard the Grand program, along with other public outreach efforts.

With December’s arrival, GRDA recognized another outstanding achievement when Hydro Department employees marked two years without an accident. A special appreciation luncheon was held to mark the important milestone.

As 2024 was winding down, the Unit 4 construction project was progressing well, as the unit’s combustion turbine and generator were making their way to Oklahoma – via barge – in the days before Christmas. They arrived at the Port of Catoosa on December 21.

Soon after, the calendar would change to 2025, and Team GRDA would wrap up an exciting year of development, construction, and collaboration but mostly another year of meeting the GRDA mission for Oklahoma.

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: employees, electricity, economic development, environmental stewardship, and efficiency.

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