New natural gas power plant opens in Freestone County

FAIRFIELD, Texas (KWTX) — A new natural gas power plant is now online in Freestone County, adding hundreds of megawatts to the Texas power grid.

Gov. Greg Abbott joined State House District 13 Rep. Angelia Orr and executives from energy company Constellation to mark the opening of the Pin Oak Creek Energy Center.

At full capacity, the facility will use natural gas to provide 460 megawatts of power to the state’s grid. Abbott said the plant is part of a larger push to keep electricity reliable as demand increases across the state.

“It adds 460 megawatts of electricity. Now, some of you probably don’t know what that really means. That means that we’re adding more than enough power to power thousands of homes here in Texas. What it does, among other things, it supports the Texas ERCOT power grid during peak demand,” Abbott said.

Abbott said the plant is designed for use during peak consumption hours, such as when solar generation drops off at sunrise or sunset, adding what he called “dispatchable power” that can be used around the clock.

“There’s no reason why the Texas power grid will ever run out of power again. So what this does, this project today ensures that the power grid is going to have extra power during peak demand, ensuring there’s plenty of power, power statewide,” Abbott said.

Orr said the project is an economic boost, pointing to the connection between power supply and keeping costs down for families.

“We talk about economic development, about attracting businesses, about supporting families, and it’s critical to keep energy reliable and prices down. And that’s exactly what this facility accomplishes,” Orr said.

As part of the grand opening, Constellation cut a $30,000 check for Pleasant Hill Children’s Home.