Texas Adds Additional Power Generation to Bolster Electric Grid

AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott applauded Texas' strides in fortifying the state's electrical grid by unveiling the Calpine Corporation’s Freestone County Energy Center expansion project in Houston. The project promises to bolster the grid's reliability by introducing over 425 megawatts of new, dependable power and generating more than 300 job opportunities in Freestone County. This significant expansion joins a surge of 7,000 megawatts of new dispatchable generation anticipated to go online by 2024.

"Texans require increased electrical power, and it's our shared duty to ensure we meet these growing demands," Governor Abbott remarked. "By incorporating resilient and dependable power plants like Calpine's, we are better equipped than ever to supply the energy our state needs. Through legislation and strategic measures, we've empowered ERCOT, PUC, and power generators to bolster our grid's reliability and readiness for any weather conditions. The Freestone Energy Center expansion is a testament to ensuring Texas always has access to reliable power, irrespective of the weather. I extend my gratitude to Calpine for their commitment to expanding their Freestone County facility."

Governor Abbott highlighted Texas' collaborative efforts with energy companies, emphasizing the ongoing commitment to deliver reliable and dispatchable power to communities statewide. He detailed proactive actions taken by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC), Railroad Commission of Texas, and Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) to winterize the grid effectively:

• Implementing the most stringent weatherization standards nationally
• Deploying additional inspectors to enforce compliance
• Mapping critical energy infrastructure across Texas
• Facilitating improved coordination between state resources, personnel, and asset owners
• Encouraging redundant on-site fuel supplies for dispatchable generation

The announcement was attended by industry leaders, including Calpine CEO Thad Hill, ERCOT President and CEO Pablo Vegas, and other key figures in the energy sector.

Calpine stands as the largest producer of electricity from natural gas and geothermal resources in the United States.