Sam Rayburn Power Plant
The Sam Rayburn Power Plant was the first power generation facility for South Texas Electric Cooperative (STEC), constructed in 1963. While the initial 22 MW of gas turbine capacity and 25 MW of steam generating capacity have been retired, a 3×1, dual fuel, combined cycle was completed in 2003 to provide STEC with 172 MW of flexible peaking-to-intermediate capacity.
Pearsall Power Plant
The Pearsall Power Plant began operation in the early 1960s with 3 25 MW dual fuel generating units that provided baseload power to South Texas Electric Cooperative and Medina Electric Cooperative Members. While those units were retired in 2017, they were replaced with a new 202 MW natural gas, reciprocating engine-based plant that began operation in 2010. The 24, 8.4 MW generating units provide fast ramping capabilities to STEC’s portfolio by virtue of 7-minute start to full load times. The plant consumes very little water due to closed-loop cooling.
Red Gate Power Plant
The Red Gate Power Plant is a 225 MW natural gas-fired generating facility that went online in late 2016. The plant is based on twelve 18.76 MW lean-burn, spark ignition, reciprocating engines that provide flexible and efficient energy to STEC’s members. The plant features 5-minute start to full-load capability and, like STEC’s Pearsall facility, features ultra-low water consumption by virtue of closed-loop cooling.
Distributed Solar
STEC’s distributed solar portfolio consists of 4 single-axis tracking, 945kW photovoltaic arrays split between the Pearsall and Red Gate Power Plants. The solar arrays began operation in 2019. Energy is provided to STEC through a purchased power agreement with STEC’s wholly owned subsidiary, South Texas Solar Power, LLC.
Purchased Power
STEC maintains a diverse portfolio of long-term purchased power resources, including 183 MW of wind resources, a 391 MW lignite-fired resource, a 7 MW solar resource, 99 MW of hydroelectric resources, 714 MW of natural gas resources, and 65 MW of market-based block purchases.