News Summary
San Antonio is set to receive 15 large mobile generators from CenterPoint Energy to prevent energy shortfalls during the summer months. The deployment includes five generators initially, with ten more to follow. These units, with capacities between 27 MW and 32 MW, aim to improve the reliability of the Texas energy grid. This initiative also involves a collaborative agreement with ERCOT, ensuring no profits from the generators, and represents a significant investment in the region’s energy resilience.
San Antonio Strives for Energy Security as CenterPoint Energy Deploys Mobile Generators
San Antonio is receiving 15 large mobile generators from CenterPoint Energy to help prevent energy shortfalls during the upcoming summer months. This significant move includes the installation of the first five generators, with an additional 10 units scheduled for deployment in the following weeks.
The mobile generators, each with capacities ranging from 27 megawatts (MW) to 32 MW, aim to bolster the reliability of the Texas energy grid, particularly in light of challenges faced in past seasons. The initiative is expected to result in significant cost savings for Houston-area customers, equating to a reduction of about $2 on monthly electricity bills starting in 2027.
Background on Energy Challenges
The decision to deploy these mobile generators comes in response to operational issues experienced during Winter Storm Uri in 2021, which had a profound impact on the Texas energy grid. CenterPoint Energy faced criticism for its lack of preparedness following Hurricane Beryl the previous summer, specifically regarding the non-deployment of mobile generators to mitigate energy shortages. As a result of these experiences, the company decided to forego profits that could have been earned from leasing the generators.
Under an agreement with the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), CenterPoint will not receive any form of revenue or profit from the 15 large generators. This understanding highlights the collaborative effort to maintain stability in the energy sector, especially following the retirement of CPS Energy’s V.H. Braunig Units 1, 2, and 3, which ERCOT deemed crucial for preventing cascading outages within the system. To sustain reliability, ERCOT has recommended that Unit 3 continue to operate under a reliability must-run agreement.
Anticipated Benefits to the Texas Energy Grid
CenterPoint’s mobile generators are expected to deliver an estimated $200 million in value to the Texas energy grid over their operational lifespan, as outlined in the ERCOT agreement that allows for generator functionality until March 2027. This proactive approach underscores CenterPoint’s commitment to ensuring a reliable energy supply for its customers while addressing the systemic vulnerabilities exposed by recent weather events.
In addition to this immediate response, CenterPoint has also proposed a comprehensive $5 billion investment plan aimed at enhancing grid resilience in the Houston area. Through the implementation of its Greater Houston Resiliency Initiative, the company has made strides by installing 26,000 storm-resistant poles, relocating 400 miles of power lines underground, and integrating over 5,100 automation devices to optimize energy management.
About CenterPoint Energy
CenterPoint Energy is a multi-state electric and natural gas delivery company headquartered in Houston, with over 150 years of operational history. The company serves approximately 7 million customers across Texas, Indiana, Minnesota, and Ohio. It is important to note that CenterPoint does not generate electricity or own any power plants in Texas, aside from the emergency generation units that have been leased.
As San Antonio prepares for a challenging summer, the arrangement between CenterPoint and ERCOT reflects an essential step towards enhancing the resilience of the Texas energy grid, ensuring that residents continue to receive reliable electricity during critical periods.
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Additional Resources
- Utility Dive
- Wikipedia: CenterPoint Energy
- PR Newswire
- Google Search: CenterPoint Energy Mobile Generators San Antonio
- TDWorld
- Google Scholar: CenterPoint Energy San Antonio
- PR Newswire
- Encyclopedia Britannica: ERCOT
- iHeart
- Google News: CenterPoint Energy Resiliency Plan
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
