USA, Texas: Kerrville Public Utility Board (KPUB) celebrated a key moment on 17 April by breaking ground on a new power generation facility in Texas. Around 100 attendees, including local officials, partners, and representatives from business groups and regulators, gathered to mark the occasion.

The project signals an important move in KPUB’s long-term energy planning. It is also the first dispatchable generation scheme in Texas to receive funding from the Texas Energy Fund, overseen by the state’s Public Utility Commission.

With a major power supply agreement nearing its end, KPUB said the new plant will help meet future electricity demand. As a community-owned, not-for-profit provider, the utility supplies power to homes and businesses at relatively low rates across Texas and the wider US.

General Manager and CEO Mike Wittler said the investment is aimed at preparing for rising demand and changes in the energy market, while keeping electricity affordable for customers.

The facility will be a natural gas-fired reciprocating internal combustion engine (RICE) plant, capable of producing up to 122 MW of dispatchable energy. Its design allows it to start quickly, enabling KPUB to generate electricity during peak demand or high prices, and rely on cheaper market power at other times.

The site, located about 16 km (10 mi) south of Columbus in Colorado County, was chosen for its strong infrastructure and access to several natural gas pipelines.

Costing $175 M, the project is funded partly through a Texas Energy Fund loan, with the remainder covered by tax-exempt bonds issued in 2025.

Source: American Public Power Association

🔎 Explore similar articles

#ERCOT#KPUB#Mike Wittler#natural gas#power plant#Texas#TexasEnergy#USA

Acquisition of iDESo adds Allenwest and Baldwin & Francis, strengthening capabilities in manufacturing and aftermarket services.

Kent has been awarded EPCm contract for a major 20 MW green hydrogen project in West Wales.

ESCO Technologies strengthens its utility solutions portfolio through a landmark $1.4 billion acquisition of global electrical testing leader Megger Group Limited.