2025 Power 100: Erin O'Dea
Photo | Courtesy of Great River Hydro
Erin O'Dea, president & CEO at Great River Hydro
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When people hear about green energy, newer technology like modern wind turbines and solar panels may be the first thing to come to mind. However, an important and emission-free source of energy has been contributing to the electric grid for over a century: hydro power.
While many of its dams date back to the early 20th century, Westborough-based Great River Hydro was founded and acquired its portfolio of 13 hydroelectric power facilities and three storage reservoirs along the Deerfield and Connecticut Rivers in 2017. Its important power infrastructure provides carbon-free energy to more than 213,000 homes in New England, giving the region a degree of energy independence by creating local sources for energy..
One of the few female CEOs of a major energy company, O’Dea made the jump from Great River’s in-house consul to a leadership role in 2023. That same year, the company brought online two new hydro units, the first in their dams since the 1980s, a complex project requiring tight project management and cooperation between electrical and civil engineers.
Simply put: O’Dea worries about keeping the lights on, so we don’t have to. With the biggest dams on the biggest rivers in the region, the company does important work to literally power the local economy.
Eric Casey is the managing editor at Worcester Business Journal, who primarily covers the manufacturing and real estate industries.
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