Floodwater Release Bulletin

May 23, 2019

At 10 AM on Thursday, May 23:

  • Grand Lake elevation was 754.88 feet. Daily target elevation for May 23 is 743.47 feet.
  • At the direction of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, nine (9) main and three (3) east spillway gates were open at Pensacola Dam, discharging​ 176,460 cubic feet per second (cfs) of water.
  • Six (6) units were online at the Pensacola Dam powerhouse, releasing 13,248 cfs of water through generation.
  • Releases through floodgates and generation totaled 189,708 cfs.
  • Inflows into Grand Lake totaled 164,442 cfs.
  • Lake Hudson elevation was 635.38 feet. Normal elevation is 619 feet.
  • At the direction of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, eight (8) gates were open at Robert S. Kerr Dam, discharging 165,497 cubic feet per second (cfs) of water.
  • Four (4) units were online at the Robert S. Kerr Dam powerhouse, releasing 23,490 cfs of water through generation.
  • Releases through floodgates and generation totaled 188,987 cfs.
  • Inflows into Lake Hudson totaled 207,511 cfs.
Filed Under: Floodwater Release Bulletin

GRDA advises Lake Hudson boaters to stay well clear of Kerr Dam

May 23, 2019

Locust Grove – The Grand River Dam Authority is reporting that the cable which holds the warning buoys in place across the floodgates at Robert S. Kerr Dam (Lake Hudson) near Locust Grove broke Thursday morning (May 23).

Due to this, it is critically important that any watercraft that might be on the Lake Hudson stay well clear of Robert S. Kerr Dam and that area of Lake Hudson.

Heavy inflows into the lake, combined with a current discharge rate of nearly 189,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) of water through the dam, are creating  a dangerous high flow rate of water in the lake, especially in areas near the dam. With any mechanical failure of a watercraft in the area near the dam, the current will pull a craft through the open gates.

Even at times of normal lake conditions, it is important to always keep your watercraft at a safe distance from all hydroelectric facilities. Be mindful of buoys, signs and sirens which are in place to help keep you safe by restricting access to certain areas and warning you when floodgate or generation operations may be occurring.

For the latest information on floodgate operations and lake conditions on GRDA’s Grand and Hudson lakes, follow GRDA’s Facebook page. If you have an emergency on the water, call 911. The GRDA Police Department’s non-emergency number is (918) 256 0911.

Filed Under: News, News Release

Floodwater Release Bulletin

May 23, 2019

At 6:30 AM on Thursday, May 23:

  • Grand Lake elevation was 754.90 feet. Daily target elevation for May 23 is 743.47 feet.
  • At the direction of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, nine (9) main and three (3) east spillway gates were open at Pensacola Dam, discharging​ 163,421 cubic feet per second (cfs) of water.
  • Six (6) units were online at the Pensacola Dam powerhouse, releasing 12,073 cfs of water through generation.
  • Releases through floodgates and generation totaled 175,494 cfs.
  • Inflows into Grand Lake totaled 154,919 cfs.
  • Lake Hudson elevation was 635.32 feet. Normal elevation is 619 feet.
  • At the direction of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, eight (8) gates were open at Robert S. Kerr Dam, discharging 165,318 cubic feet per second (cfs) of water.
  • Four (4) units were online at the Robert S. Kerr Dam powerhouse, releasing 23,490 cfs of water through generation.
  • Releases through floodgates and generation totaled 188,808 cfs.
  • Inflows into Lake Hudson totaled 192,960 cfs.
Filed Under: Floodwater Release Bulletin

Floodwater Release Bulletin

May 22, 2019

At 1PM on Wednesday, May 22:

  • Grand Lake elevation was 754.78 feet. Daily target elevation for May 22 is 743.40 feet.
  • At the direction of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, seven (7) main and three (3) east spillway gates were open at Pensacola Dam, discharging​ 145,819 cubic feet per second (cfs) of water.
  • Six (6) units were online at the Pensacola Dam powerhouse, releasing 13,505 cfs of water through generation.
  • Releases through floodgates and generation totaled 159,324 cfs.
  • Inflows into Grand Lake totaled 134,046 cfs.
  • Lake Hudson elevation was 635.75 feet. Normal elevation is 619 feet.
  • At the direction of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, eight (8) gates were open at Robert S. Kerr Dam, discharging 166,604 cubic feet per second (cfs) of water.
  • Four (4) units were online at the Robert S. Kerr Dam powerhouse, releasing 23,490 cfs of water through generation.
  • Releases through floodgates and generation totaled 190,094 cfs.
  • Inflows into Lake Hudson totaled 191,598 cfs.

Filed Under: Floodwater Release Bulletin

Floodwater Release Bulletin

May 22, 2019

At 8 AM on Wednesday, May 22:

  • Grand Lake elevation was 754.81 feet. Daily target elevation for May 22 is 743.40 feet.
  • At the direction of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, seven (7) main and three (3) east spillway gates were open at Pensacola Dam, discharging​ 128,439 cubic feet per second (cfs) of water.
  • Six (6) units were online at the Pensacola Dam powerhouse, releasing 13,393 cfs of water through generation.
  • Releases through floodgates and generation totaled 141,832 cfs.
  • Inflows into Grand Lake totaled 133,790 cfs.

 

  • Lake Hudson elevation was 635.81 feet. Normal elevation is 619 feet.
  • At the direction of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, nine (9) gates were open at Robert S. Kerr Dam, discharging 180,067 cubic feet per second (cfs) of water.
  • Four (4) units were online at the Robert S. Kerr Dam powerhouse, releasing 24,840 cfs of water through generation.
  • Releases through floodgates and generation totaled 204,907 cfs.
  • Inflows into Lake Hudson totaled 184,139 cfs.
Filed Under: Floodwater Release Bulletin

Floodwater Release Bulletin

May 21, 2019

At 5 PM on Tuesday, May 21:

  • Grand Lake elevation was 754.18 feet. Daily target elevation for May 21 is 743.33 feet.
  • At the direction of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, five (5) main and three (3) east spillway gates were open at Pensacola Dam, discharging​ 90,230 cubic feet per second (cfs) of water.
  • Six (6) units were online at the Pensacola Dam powerhouse, releasing 13,839 cfs of water through generation.
  • Releases through floodgates and generation totaled 104,069 cfs.
  • Inflows into Grand Lake totaled 122,398 cfs.
  • Lake Hudson elevation was 634.65 feet. Normal elevation is 619 feet.
  • At the direction of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, four (4) gates were open at Robert S. Kerr Dam, discharging 76,872 cubic feet per second (cfs) of water.
  • Four (4) units were online at the Robert S. Kerr Dam powerhouse, releasing 31,860 cfs of water through generation.
  • Releases through floodgates and generation totaled 108,732 cfs.
  • Inflows into Lake Hudson totaled 153,627 cfs.
Filed Under: Floodwater Release Bulletin

Floodwater Release Bulletin

May 21, 2019

At 3:30 PM on Tuesday, May 21:

  • Grand Lake elevation was 754.07 feet. Daily target elevation for May 21 is 743.33 feet.
  • At the direction of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, four (4) main and three (3) east spillway gates were open at Pensacola Dam, discharging​ 71,338 cubic feet per second (cfs) of water.
  • Six (6) units were online at the Pensacola Dam powerhouse, releasing 13,814 cfs of water through generation.
  • Releases through floodgates and generation totaled 85,152 cfs.
  • Inflows into Grand Lake totaled 114,953 cfs.
  • Lake Hudson elevation was 634.22 feet. Normal elevation is 619 feet.
  • At the direction of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, four (4) gates were open at Robert S. Kerr Dam, discharging 76,229 cubic feet per second (cfs) of water.
  • Four (4) units were online at the Robert S. Kerr Dam powerhouse, releasing 32,670 cfs of water through generation.
  • Releases through floodgates and generation totaled 108,899 cfs.
  • Inflows into Lake Hudson totaled 130,629 cfs.
Filed Under: Floodwater Release Bulletin

Floodwater Release Bulletin

May 21, 2019

At 11 AM on Tuesday, May 21:

  • Grand Lake elevation was 753.52 feet. Daily target elevation for May 21 is 743.33 feet.
  • At the direction of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, two (2) main and three (3) east spillway gates were open at Pensacola Dam, discharging​ 46,560 cubic feet per second (cfs) of water.
  • Six (6) units were online at the Pensacola Dam powerhouse, releasing 13,711 cfs of water through generation.
  • Releases through floodgates and generation totaled 60,271 cfs.
  • Inflows into Grand Lake totaled 104,187 cfs.
  • Lake Hudson elevation was 633.53 feet. Normal elevation is 619 feet.
  • At the direction of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, three (3) gates were open at Robert S. Kerr Dam, discharging 63,549 cubic feet per second (cfs) of water.
  • Four (4) units were online at the Robert S. Kerr Dam powerhouse, releasing 32,670 cfs of water through generation.
  • Releases through floodgates and generation totaled 96,219 cfs.
  • Inflows into Lake Hudson totaled 94,954 cfs.
Filed Under: Floodwater Release Bulletin

Floodwater Release Bulletin

May 20, 2019

At 9:30 AM on Monday, May 20:

  • Grand Lake elevation was 751.02 feet. Daily target elevation for May 20 is 743.27 feet.
  • At the direction of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, three (3) east spillway gates were open at Pensacola Dam, discharging​ 11,228 cubic feet per second (cfs) of water.
  • Six (6) units were online at the Pensacola Dam powerhouse, releasing 13,390 cfs of water through generation.
  • Releases through floodgates and generation totaled 24,618 cfs.
  • Inflows into Grand Lake totaled 22,939 cfs.

 

  • Lake Hudson elevation was 631.48 feet. Normal elevation is 619 feet.
  • Four (4) units were online at the Robert S. Kerr Dam powerhouse.
  • Releases through generation totaled 34,560 cfs.
  • Inflows into Lake Hudson totaled 25,764 cfs.
Filed Under: Floodwater Release Bulletin

Floodwater Release Bulletin

May 18, 2019

At 10 AM on Saturday, May 18:

  • Grand Lake elevation was 751.05 feet. Daily target elevation for May 18 is 743.13 feet.
  • At the direction of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, three (3) east spillway gates were open at Pensacola Dam, discharging​ 11,270 cubic feet per second (cfs) of water.
  • Six (6) units were online at the Pensacola Dam powerhouse, releasing 13,412 cfs of water through generation.
  • Releases through floodgates and generation totaled 24,682 cfs.
  • Inflows into Grand Lake totaled 22,648 cfs.
  • Lake Hudson elevation was 631.66 feet. Normal elevation is 619 feet.
  • Four (4) units were online at the Robert S. Kerr Dam powerhouse.
  • Releases through generation totaled 34,560 cfs.
  • Inflows into Lake Hudson totaled 25,265 cfs.
Filed Under: Floodwater Release Bulletin

Floodwater Release Bulletin

May 17, 2019

At 9 AM on Friday, May 17:

  • Grand Lake elevation was 751 feet. Daily target elevation for May 17 is 743.07 feet.
  • At the direction of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, two (2) east spillway gates were open at Pensacola Dam, discharging​ 6,400 cubic feet per second (cfs) of water.
  • Six (6) units were online at the Pensacola Dam powerhouse, releasing 13,392 cfs of water through generation.
  • Releases through floodgates and generation totaled 19,792 cfs.
  • Inflows into Grand Lake totaled 25,125 cfs.

 

  • Lake Hudson elevation was 631.20 feet. Normal elevation is 619 feet.
  • Four (4) units were online at the Robert S. Kerr Dam powerhouse.
  • Releases through generation totaled 25,920 cfs.
  • Inflows into Lake Hudson totaled 20,486 cfs.
Filed Under: Floodwater Release Bulletin

Floodwater Release Bulletin

May 14, 2019

At 9:30 AM on Tuesday, May 14:

  • Grand Lake elevation was 750.10 feet. Daily target elevation for May 14 is 742.87 feet.
  • At the direction of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, one (1) east spillway gate was open at Pensacola Dam, discharging​ 1,390 cubic feet per second (cfs) of water.
  • Six (6) units were online at the Pensacola Dam powerhouse, releasing 14,056 cfs of water through generation.
  • Releases through floodgates and generation totaled 15,446 cfs.
  • Inflows into Grand Lake totaled 29,360 cfs.

 

  • Lake Hudson elevation was 629.14 feet. Normal elevation is 619 feet.
  • Four (4) units were online at the Robert S. Kerr Dam powerhouse.
  • Releases through generation totaled 32,130 cfs.
  • Inflows into Lake Hudson totaled 16,636 cfs.
Filed Under: Floodwater Release Bulletin

Floodwater Release Bulletin

May 10, 2019

At 2 PM on Friday, May 10:

  • Grand Lake elevation was 746.35 feet. Daily target elevation for May 10 is 742.60 feet.
  • At the direction of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, three (3) east spillway gates were open at Pensacola Dam, discharging​ 6,030 cubic feet per second (cfs) of water.
  • Six (6) units were online at the Pensacola Dam powerhouse, releasing 13,794 cfs of water through generation.
  • Releases through floodgates and generation totaled 19,824 cfs.
  • Inflows into Grand Lake totaled 51,543 cfs.
  • Lake Hudson elevation was 626.67 feet. Normal elevation is 619 feet.
  • Four (4) units were online at the Robert S. Kerr Dam powerhouse.
  • Releases through generation totaled 32,400 cfs.
  • Inflows into Lake Hudson totaled 21,917 cfs.

Filed Under: Floodwater Release Bulletin

Floodwater Release Bulletin

May 10, 2019

At 11 AM on Friday, May 10:

  • Grand Lake elevation was 746.18 feet. Daily target elevation for May 10 is 742.60 feet.
  • At the direction of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, two (2) main and three (3) east spillway gates were open at Pensacola Dam, discharging​ 23,358 cubic feet per second (cfs) of water.
  • Six (6) units were online at the Pensacola Dam powerhouse, releasing 13,803 cfs of water through generation.
  • Releases through floodgates and generation totaled 37,161 cfs.
  • Inflows into Grand Lake totaled 52,523 cfs.
  • Lake Hudson elevation was 626.57 feet. Normal elevation is 619 feet.
  • Four (4) units were online at the Robert S. Kerr Dam powerhouse.
  • Releases through generation totaled 32,400 cfs.
  • Inflows into Lake Hudson totaled 39,365 cfs.
Filed Under: Floodwater Release Bulletin

Floodwater Release Bulletin

May 8, 2019

At 10 AM on Wednesday, May 8:

  • Grand Lake elevation was 745.52 feet. Daily target elevation for May 8 is 742.47 feet.
  • At the direction of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, four (4) main and three (3) east spillway gates were open at Pensacola Dam, discharging​ 37,892 cubic feet per second (cfs) of water.
  • Six (6) units were online at the Pensacola Dam powerhouse, releasing 13,707 cfs of water through generation.
  • Releases through floodgates and generation totaled 51,599 cfs.
  • Inflows into Grand Lake totaled 45,776 cfs.
  • Lake Hudson elevation was 623.85 feet. Normal elevation is 619 feet.
  • At the direction of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, two (2) gates were open at Robert S. Kerr Dam, discharging 33,488 cubic feet per second (cfs) of water.
  • Four (4) units were online at the Robert S. Kerr Dam powerhouse, releasing 29,430 cfs of water through generation.
  • Releases through floodgates and generation totaled 62,918 cfs.
  • Inflows into Lake Hudson totaled 53,580 cfs.
Filed Under: Floodwater Release Bulletin

Floodwater Release Bulletin

May 7, 2019

At 09:45 AM on Tuesday, May 7:

  • Grand Lake elevation was 745.72 feet. Daily target elevation for May 7 is 742.40 feet.
  • At the direction of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, four (4) main and three (3) east spillway gates were open at Pensacola Dam, discharging​ 38,800 cubic feet per second (cfs) of water.
  • Six (6) units were online at the Pensacola Dam powerhouse, releasing 13,541 cfs of water through generation.
  • Releases through floodgates and generation totaled 52,341 cfs.
  • Inflows into Grand Lake totaled 35,339 cfs.
  • Lake Hudson elevation was 627.20 feet. Normal elevation is 619 feet.
  • At the direction of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, three (3) gates were open at Robert S. Kerr Dam, discharging 51,550 cubic feet per second (cfs) of water.
  • Four (4) units were online at the Robert S. Kerr Dam powerhouse, releasing 29,430 cfs of water through generation.
  • Releases through floodgates and generation totaled 80,980 cfs.
  • Inflows into Lake Hudson totaled 55,117 cfs.

 

 

Filed Under: Floodwater Release Bulletin

Floodwater Release Bulletin

May 2, 2019

At 11:30 AM on Thursday, May 2:

  • Grand Lake elevation was 747.23 feet. Daily target elevation for May 2 is 742.07 feet.
  • At the direction of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, five (5) main and five (5) east spillway gates were open at Pensacola Dam, discharging​ 58,714 cubic feet per second (cfs) of water.
  • Six (6) units were online at the Pensacola Dam powerhouse, releasing 13,549 cfs of water through generation.
  • Releases through floodgates and generation totaled 72,263 cfs.
  • Inflows into Grand Lake totaled 92,554 cfs.
  • Lake Hudson elevation was 626.06 feet. Normal elevation is 619 feet.
  • At the direction of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, three (3) gates were open at Robert S. Kerr Dam, discharging 50,091 cubic feet per second (cfs) of water.
  • Four (4) units were online at the Robert S. Kerr Dam powerhouse, releasing 31,050 cfs of water through generation.
  • Releases through floodgates and generation totaled 81,141 cfs.
  • Inflows into Lake Hudson totaled 90,801 cfs.

 

# # #

Filed Under: Floodwater Release Bulletin

GRDA reminds the public to stay safe around hydroelectric facilities

May 2, 2019

Floodgates at GRDA’s Robert S. Kerr Dam, releasing water from Lake Hudson on Thursday, May 2, 2019. GRDA asks the public to be mindful of the signs, fencing and other infrastructure in place around the dams to notify those in the area when floodgates are open, generators are operating or water is rising swiftly.

With recent heavy rains in the Grand River watershed, along with floodgate operations at both Pensacola Dam (Grand Lake) and Robert S. Kerr Dam (Lake Hudson), the Grand River Dam Authority wants to remind the public that “safety first” is a top priority at these locations. The signs, buoys, sirens, fencing and flashing lights in place around the dams are there to notify those in the area when floodgates are open, generators are operating or water is rising swiftly.

 

  • SIGNS: Posted at GRDA hydroelectric facilities (Pensacola Dam, Robert S. Kerr Dam and the Salina Pumped Storage Project) to warn of extreme danger in floodgate areas. Please be aware of other signs near GRDA facilities that notify you of no trespassing areas, no diving areas, or unstable footing.

 

  • BUOYS: Red buoys and cabling above and below spillway gates and the hydroelectric powerhouse restrict access to dangerous areas associated with power generation or floodgate releases.

 

  • FLASHING LIGHTS: At hydroelectric facilities, flashing lights are activated when floodgates are opened or generation is taking place.

 

  • SIRENS: These are located at various locations around the hydroelectric facilities and are utilized prior to the operation of hydroelectric generators and/or floodgates.

 

  • FENCING: In place to identify borders and to restrict access to certain areas near the hydroelectric facilities.

 

  • FINALLY, the GRDA Police Department reminds the public that it is illegal to enter floodwater discharge.

Please keep these safety precautions in mind when you are near GRDA hydroelectric facilities.

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

Filed Under: News, News Release

Floodwater Release Bulletin

May 1, 2019

At 1 PM on Wednesday, May 1:

  • Grand Lake elevation was 745 feet. Daily target elevation for May 1 is 742 feet.
  • At the direction of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, four (4) main spillway gates were open at Pensacola Dam, discharging​ 31,336 cubic feet per second (cfs) of water.
  • Six (6) units were online at the Pensacola Dam powerhouse, releasing 13,696 cfs of water through generation.
  • Releases through floodgates and generation totaled 45,032 cfs.
  • Inflows into Grand Lake totaled 107,523 cfs.
  • Lake Hudson elevation was 622.63 feet. Normal elevation is 619 feet.
  • At the direction of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, one (1) gate was open at Robert S. Kerr Dam, discharging 16,101 cubic feet per second (cfs) of water.
  • Four (4) units were online at the Robert S. Kerr Dam powerhouse, releasing 32,130 cfs of water through generation.
  • Releases through floodgates and generation totaled 48,231 cfs.
  • Inflows into Lake Hudson totaled 76,804 cfs.

 

Filed Under: Floodwater Release Bulletin

Floodwater Release Bulletin

May 1, 2019

At 9:45 AM on Wednesday, May 1:

  • Grand Lake elevation was 744.41 feet. Daily target elevation for May 1 is 742 feet.
  • At the direction of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, two (2) main gates were open at Pensacola Dam, discharging​ 14,684 cubic feet per second (cfs) of water.
  • Six (6) units were online at the Pensacola Dam powerhouse, releasing 13,509 cfs of water through generation.
  • Releases through floodgates and generation totaled 28,193 cfs.
  • Inflows into Grand Lake totaled 96,462 cfs.
  • Lake Hudson elevation was 622.02 feet. Normal elevation is 619 feet.
  • Four (4) units were online at the Robert S. Kerr Dam powerhouse.
  • Releases through generation totaled 32,400 cfs.
  • Inflows into Lake Hudson totaled 60,713 cfs.
Filed Under: Floodwater Release Bulletin

GRDA Crews take part in “Light up the Navajo Nation” project

April 22, 2019

Thanks to the efforts of the nation’s public power utilities, including the Grand River Dam Authority, thousands of homes on the Navajo Reservation in Arizona are set to receive electricity service for the first time.

In early April, a team of nine GRDA employees traveled to the reservation as part of a mutual aid initiative coordinated by the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority (NTUA) and the American

GRDA Linemen Ben Curnutt prepares an electric distribution pole for connection to the power line, on the Navajo Reservation near Chinle, Arizona. Curnutt was one of nine GRDA employees to participate in the “Light up the Navajo Nation” initiative coordinated by the American Public Power Association (APPA) and the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority (NTUA). During its stay in Arizona, GRDA’s team helped bring electric service to 20 homes that have never been powered before. (photo courtesy of APPA).

Public Power Association (APPA). The “Light up the Navajo Nation” project’s goal is to bring together more than 100 volunteers from 24 public power utilities to build electric distribution infrastructure across the 27,000 square mile reservation.

Of the 55,000 homes located on the reservation, as many as 15,000 do not have electricity. In fact, these homes make up a full 75 percent of all un-electrified households in the United States.

During its time on the reservation, the GRDA team split into two separate crews, each working 12 hour days for five days straight, to bring power to 20 homes for the first time.

“GRDA is pleased to be a part of this initiative to bring much needed electricity into these homes,” said GRDA President/Chief Executive Officer Dan Sullivan. “Providing mutual aid is really foundational to all of public power and this effort is a great illustration of what can be accomplished when these utilities work together.”

Of course, GRDA is no stranger to providing mutual aid to neighbors in need. However, past work has always been done to help another utility restore its system following an ice storm, tornado or hurricane. The “Light up the Navajo Nation” project is the first time GRDA has provided assistance for a new electrification project. Because of the unique nature of this project, the GRDA linemen who participated say it is an experience they will never forget.

“You get out there and you hear some of the stories about a lot of people not having power and that really tugs at your heart,” said Trent Fittje, a GRDA linemen and veteran of several mutual aid trips. “This was people helping people and I am glad I had the chance to be there.”

Another GRDA lineman, Steven Willis, shared about the positive impact electricity would have on a family that would no longer need to refrigerate their child’s medicine at a relative’s home.

“The look on this father’s face when he said “I can put the medicine in my own refrigerator now’ will stick with me from now on,” said Willis.

Echoing Willis’ comments, lineman Brent Scott also shared about the impact electricity was having on another resident’s efforts to warm her home.

“There was an elderly lady, a retired school teacher, who had moved back to the reservation after retirement and lived alone. She had been hauling wood for fuel to keep her warm,” said Scott, adding that an electric heater was now going to make life much easier for her.

Although they battled some difficult terrain, dust storms, high winds, cold weather and even a bit of snow, David Hefner, who served as the GRDA lead in Arizona, called the week of long hours and difficult work a great experience.

“NTUA was very pleased with the work we did and also very grateful to GRDA for allowing us to do this,” said Hefner. “All of us who worked out there are also grateful to everyone within our organization for helping to make this happen.”

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., APPA is the national association for the nation’s 2,000 not-for-profit, community-owned electric utilities and represents public power before the federal government. Collectively, these utilities serve 49 million people across the United States.

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

 

GRDA Linemen at work on the Navajo Reservation in Arizona in early April. GRDA was one of 20-plus public power utilities to participate in the “Light up the Navajo Nation” initiative coordinated by the American Public Power Association (APPA) and the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority (NTUA).

Filed Under: News, News Release

GRDA’s Herron honored with substation name, lifetime achievement award

April 19, 2019

A Grand River Dam Authority electrical substation, located in the MidAmerica Industrial Park, will now bear the name of GRDA’s soon-to-retire Vice President of Engineering, System

GRDA President/CEO Dan Sullivan (right) presents a retirement resolution to GRDA Vice President of Engineering, System Operations and Reliability Mike Herron during the April 18 meeting of the GRDA Board of Directors, in Tulsa. Also at the meeting, GRDA announced it will be naming a substation, located in the MidAmerica Industrial Park, in honor of Herron, who retires May 1. Herron is a 15-year GRDA veteran but his career in electrical engineering and public power spans nearly five decades.

Operations and Reliability Mike Herron. Herron, who officially retires on May 1, learned of his namesake substation during the April 18 meeting of the GRDA Board of Directors.

GRDA President/CEO Dan Sullivan told Herron that the substation, formerly known as the “3500 West Main Substation” will now be GRDA’s “William M. Herron” substation.

“You have left an indelible mark on GRDA,” said Sullivan. “We appreciate your steadfast commitment to our customers and all of the tireless effort that you have put forth on behalf of them and the entire organization.”

Earlier in the month, Herron, who joined GRDA as Chief Engineer in 2004, was also presented with the Municipal Electric Systems of Oklahoma (MESO) 2019 Pruett-Lamb Lifetime Achievement Award during MESO’s annual Oklahoma Public Power Conference. That award is given annually to an Oklahoma public power professional who has contributed to the growth of their organization and/or the state’s public power community over the lifetime of their professional career.

His career as an electrical engineer spans nearly five decades. The last 29 years were spent in Oklahoma, first with the City of Stillwater (one of the state’s largest public power utilities) before his GRDA tenure began. At that time, he was already recognized as one of the Midwest’s leading experts on electric distribution design. Always an advocate for public power and electric reliability, Herron has overseen many upgrade projects to the GRDA electrical transmission system during his 15-year GRDA career.

“GRDA has provided me an ample amount of projects to keep my mind occupied and challenged,” Herron told the crowd after the presentation. “Thank you very much for the opportunity to work for you.”

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

Filed Under: News, News Release

GRDA’s Our Borrowed Water film to show in Langley

March 20, 2019

A new documentary, detailing the importance of the Grand and Illinois River watersheds, is scheduled for a public viewing on March 25th.

Entitled Our Borrowed Water, the film takes a closer look at some of the issues surrounding these waters while also illustrating their value through the eyes of those who depend on them for work and play. The film does all of this against a backdrop of stunning visuals along Grand Lake and the Illinois River.

The Grand River Dam Authority contracted with 1577 Productions to produce the documentary, which features an intro from GRDA President/CEO Dan Sullivan, as well as interviews with GRDA Vice President of Ecosystems and Watershed Management Dr. Darrell Townsend and GRDA Vice President of Scenic Rivers Operations and Water Quality Ed Fite. Others featured in the film include Illinois River Watershed Partnership Executive Director Nicole Hardiman, OKC Kayak’s Dave Lindo and avid Illinois River fly fisherman Chris Castro.

The first public premier of Our Borrowed Water was originally scheduled for February 19 at the GRDA Ecosystems and Education Center, but was postponed due to winter weather. The film will now be shown on Monday, March 25th at 6:30 PM inside the Grand Hall at the GRDA Ecosystems and Education Center in Langley. The event is free and open to the public. Following the premiere, there will also be time for a short Q&A session about the film. 

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

Filed Under: News, News Release

GRDA postponing February 19 documentary premier

February 18, 2019

Langley – Due to a winter weather forecast for the Grand Lake area on Tuesday, February 19, the Grand River Dam Authority is postponing the premiere event for its new documentary, Our Borrowed Water, scheduled for that evening at the GRDA Ecosystems and Education Center in Langley.

The event will be moved to a later date, which will be made public as soon as it is scheduled.

Two other premiere events are still planned for next week. On Monday, February 25, the documentary will be shown in the Webb Building Auditorium at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah. On Tuesday, February 26, GRDA will show the documentary in the student union (room 510-511) on the University of Arkansas campus. Both events are open to the public and begin at 6:30PM.

Filed Under: News, News Release

Notice to the Public

February 12, 2019

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

The Grand River Dam Authority (GRDA) will hold a public meeting on Friday, March 1st at 7:00 PM at the GRDA Ecosystems & Education Center, 420 E Hwy 28, Langley, OK 74350. The purpose of this meeting is to obtain public comments regarding the proposed changes of the Title 300, Chapter 35, Lake Rules. The proposed changes can be found at www.grda.com. If you would like to submit written comments or have any questions, please contact Brian Edwards, Executive Vice President-Chief of Law Enforcement and Lake Operations at PO Box 70, Langley OK 74350 or 918-256-0880.

CH 35 Lake Rules PROPOSED CHANGES

Filed Under: News, Notice To Public
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