Grand River Dam Authority

About Grand River Dam Authority

The Grand River Dam Authority is Oklahoma’s state-owned electric utility; fully funded by revenues from electric and water sales instead of taxes. GRDA was created by the 15th Oklahoma Legislature in 1935 to be a “conservation and reclamation district for the waters of the Grand River.” GRDA fulfilled these early responsibilities by building dams along the river for the purposes of hydroelectric production and flood control. Today, GRDA operates a diverse electric generation portfolio that includes coal, gas, water and renewable wind resources. GRDA sells wholesale electricity to 15 Oklahoma communities and also supplies the power to the resident-industries of the MidAmerica Industrial Park. Through indirect sales, GRDA electricity touches 75 of 77 counties in Oklahoma. At the same time, GRDA continues to meet its responsibilities as a steward of the natural resources under its control. This includes nearly 70,000 surface acres of lake waters combined across Grand Lake, Lake Hudson and the W.R. Holway Reservoir. GRDA also carries out the mission to protect and preserve the waters of the scenic Illinois River. At no cost to Oklahoma taxpayers, GRDA spends approximately $11 million annual on water-related services such as water monitoring, law enforcement, ecosystems enhancement and water storage. Each and every day, GRDA employees strive to maintain the Authority’s reputation as an “Oklahoma agency of excellence.” This is accomplished by focusing on the “5E’s of excellence” including electricity, economic development, environmental stewardship, employees and efficiency.