After the Second World War, the newly formed J-POWER began work on developing hydroelectric power projects on the Kiyotsu river system.

The mountainous region houses many hydroelectric power stations due to its heavy snowfall and its abundance of rapids owing to its topology.

The 1970s saw the company begin work on constructing a large scale pumped-storage power station on the upper reaches of the Kiyotsu River.

The road to the Oku-Kiyotsu Power Station branches off from the Yuzawa Interchange on the Kan-etsu Expressway (located on National Route 17) heading towards the Naeba Ski Resort.

Once the four large letters "OKKY" appear on the mountain slope visible from the motorway, the driver will pass through a tunnel leading them directly to Futai Dam and the Oku-Kiyotsu Power Stations.

While the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism intended to construct the dam within the gorge, following a review of public works projects the plan was canceled.