111th largest plant in Oklahoma · 4005th nationally
Kaw Hydro is a hydroelectric power plant in Oklahoma with a nameplate capacity of 37.0 MW. It generates roughly 8.6k MWh per year — enough to power about 814 average U.S. homes.
Its capacity factor of 3% reflects intermittent or peaking operation.
| Plant Name | Kaw Hydro |
|---|---|
| Operator | Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority |
| City | Ponca City |
| County | Kay County |
| State | Oklahoma |
| ZIP | 74604 |
| Coordinates | 36.69940, -96.92780 |
This plant highlighted in navy-ringed pin; other generators within 25 miles shown as fuel-colored dots.
| ID | Technology | Fuel | Capacity | Status | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Conventional Hydroelectric | Water | 37.0 MW | Operating | 1989 |
| NERC Region | MRO |
|---|---|
| Balancing Authority | Southwest Power Pool |
Hydroelectric plants spin turbines using falling or flowing water — typically from a dam-impounded reservoir. They are dispatchable, long-lived, and emission-free at the point of generation, though large reservoirs can disrupt rivers and ecosystems and methane can be released from flooded vegetation.