ERCOT Approves Plan to Deploy CenterPoint Generators to Address San Antonio Grid Issues

The $54 million initiative will move 15 diesel generators to replace retiring gas plants and alleviate grid congestion for up to two years.

CenterPoint Energy's 15 mobile diesel generators will be relocated from Houston to San Antonio this summer to address grid bottlenecks and prevent potential power outages.
ERCOT approved the $54 million plan, with costs to be distributed among Texas utility customers, to replace two aging gas plants set for retirement in San Antonio.
The generators will provide temporary grid support for up to two years while new transmission infrastructure is built to address long-term energy needs in the region.
CenterPoint will forgo revenue and profits from the generators during their use in San Antonio, and Houston customers will see reduced electricity rates by 2027 as a result of this arrangement.
The plan has raised concerns about environmental compliance due to diesel emissions, with ERCOT seeking special permits or exemptions to operate the generators during emergencies.