Our History
Since 1948, ODEC has powered the Mid-Atlantic region through decades of growth, innovation, and commitment to the cooperative model.
1948
The year it all began
ODEC Incorporated
Old Dominion Electric Cooperative was incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia as a not-for-profit power supply cooperative, established to serve the wholesale power needs of rural electric cooperatives across the region.
North Anna Nuclear Investment
ODEC purchased an 11.6% undivided ownership interest in the 2-unit North Anna Nuclear Power Station in Louisa County, Virginia from Virginia Electric and Power Company. This represented ODEC's first ownership of power generation, establishing the cooperative as a direct generator of electricity.
Clover Power Station
ODEC began permanent construction of the two-unit Clover Power Station in Halifax, Virginia. Jointly and equally owned (50% each) by ODEC and Virginia Power, Clover expanded ODEC's generation capacity and added coal-fired baseload power to the cooperative's portfolio.
PJM Membership
ODEC became a member of PJM Interconnection, LLC, a regional transmission operator. This critical step facilitated the transmission of power to member distribution cooperatives on the Delmarva Peninsula and integrated ODEC into the broader Mid-Atlantic power grid.
Gas-Fired Generation
ODEC constructed and began operation of three natural gas generation facilities: Rock Springs Generation Facility in Maryland, Louisa Generation Facility in Louisa County, Virginia, and Marsh Run Generation Facility in Fauquier County, Virginia (completed 2004). These peaking facilities provided flexible, lower-emission generation capacity.
Wildcat Point & Renewables
The Wildcat Point Generation Facility was built in Cecil County, Maryland, providing 980 MW of combined cycle natural gas capacity. ODEC also established wind and solar power purchase agreements, beginning the transition toward a more diversified and cleaner energy portfolio.
Net Zero by 2050
ODEC announced a goal to achieve net zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050, becoming one of the first generation and transmission cooperatives in the country to set such a target. An interim goal of reducing carbon intensity by 50% from 2005 levels by 2030 was also established.
Chris Cosby Becomes CEO
Chris Cosby was selected as ODEC's president and CEO, effective February 1, 2025. Having previously served as Chief Operating Officer and SVP of Power Supply, Cosby brought deep operational experience to the top role.
Operational Leadership Expansion
Michael Wise was promoted to Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer effective January 1, 2026, overseeing ODEC's power supply responsibilities while assuming broader operational leadership across the cooperative.
Looking Forward
Building the Grid of Tomorrow
From our founding as a cooperative power supplier to our commitment to net zero emissions by 2050, ODEC continues to evolve to meet the energy needs of the communities we serve. With a diversified generation portfolio, strategic investments in renewables, and unwavering focus on reliability, the next chapter is just beginning.