Today, Oklahoma Gas & Electric Company (OG&E) transported massive equipment – including half-million-pound transformers – across 44 miles of Oklahoma County to its Horseshoe Lake Power Plant in Harrah. Once installed, the new natural gas units, set to begin operation in late 2026, will replace two aging units at the power plant, providing increased generating capacity and improved reliability.  

“The delivery of this equipment marks a major milestone for the Horseshoe Lake project, made possible by detailed route analyses conducted by local and state officials to support the safe transport of these oversized components,” said Chris Lelak, Director Major Projects. “Their efforts are helping keep the project on track to strengthen reliability and capacity across our service area.” 

After arriving in Oklahoma by rail, the massive equipment required a coordinated fleet of heavy haul contractors, safety escorts, and special permits from Oklahoma County to move these super-loads. Crews will transport the remaining equipment—including two 444,000-pound General Electric Vernova natural gas turbines and two 492,000-pound General Electric Vernova generators—in phases throughout June, July, and August. Specialized trailers with 240 tires are needed to carry the generators.  

“As the transport of large-scale OG&E equipment continues through Oklahoma County this week, ODOT has completed a thorough safety analysis in preparation,” said Dan Knickmeyer, ODOT Bridge Division at Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT). “We’ve confirmed that all bridges along the route can support the load and carefully reviewed spacing, height clearances, and mapped out the exact route to ensure a safe and efficient transport."  

The construction is part of OG&E’s plan to increase reliability, improve efficiency and operational flexibility, and lower emission rates, all at the lowest reasonable cost for OG&E customers. 

The new natural gas units, designed to safely burn hydrogen when it becomes a readily available fuel source, will replace two 60-year-old units at the plant and provide approximately 450 megawatts of generation capacity. The units are equipped to reduce emissions compared to the units they will replace, increase capacity, and have the capability to supply power at peak times. 

This OG&E investment in grid reliability goes beyond energy and is set to have a resounding impact on local communities.  

“With a direct economic impact of $536 million, this project is more than an investment in energy infrastructure—it’s a commitment to the future of our communities,” said Alba Weaver, OG&E’s Director of Community Affairs and Economic Development. “This effort reflects a broader mission to deliver reliable energy while driving economic growth and creating new opportunities across the areas we serve.”   

The new generation units were unanimously approved by the Oklahoma Corporation Commission in 2023 to support OG&E’s growing service area. OG&E broke ground on the project in October 2024, and the new units are anticipated to begin providing power to customers in late 2026.

OG&E­­­­, a subsidiary of OGE Energy Corp., provides our customers in Oklahoma and western Arkansas with the safe, reliable electricity needed to power their businesses and homes with some of the nation's lowest electric rates. We are committed to generating and delivering electricity, protecting the environment, and providing excellent service to approximately 900,000 customers. Our employees live, work, and volunteer in the communities we serve. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.