Oklahoma is powering the world with industry changing innovation. From oil and gas to wind and unconventional resources, Oklahoma is leading the way with a diverse energy plan. The focus here is on fostering economic development, transitioning transportation, optimizing the existing energy systems and positioning Oklahoma for the future by leveraging our natural resources.
The Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority’s (OMPA) dedicated its newest power plant on June 19, 2015. The Charles D. Lamb Energy Center, located north of Ponca City, Okla., is fueled by natural gas and is capable of generating 103 megawatts. The plant became commercially operational on May 16, 2015. Just one day later, it was called on to operate by the Southwest Power Pool. which operates a power market and transmission for Oklahoma and seven other states. The plant currently utilizes about 20 acres, but is located on a 160-acre plot, allowing OMPA the opportunity to expand in the future, including the possible addition of a combined-cycle unit.
“Thank you for being progressive and spending the huge amount of money that’s necessary to build this facility and add production and generation capacity using Oklahoma resources,” said Congressman Lucas. “Whether you’re in Pawhuska on the northeast side, or Mangum in the southwest corner, or Laverne out on the edge of the Panhandle, when you flip the switch, because of the commitment OMPA has made, you know that power is going to be there.”
Oklahoma Secretary of Energy & Environment Michael Teague commended OMPA on its range of resources.
“We’re here to celebrate what OMPA has been doing for more than 30 years, which is providing reliable power,” the Oklahoma Secretary of Energy & Environment said. “OMPA has the most diverse portfolio in the state. There’s no other organization that does Oklahoma coal, Oklahoma gas, Oklahoma wind and Oklahoma hydro.”
The Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority is a wholesale power company owned by 41 municipal electric utilities. OMPA provides economies of scale in power generation and related services to support community-owned electric utilities. The members of OMPA serve approximately 250,000 Oklahomans.
Photo courtesy of OMPA
