Abbott praises efforts to add more power plants to support grid

During a visit to Houston, Governor Greg Abbott commended the state of Texas for its initiatives to augment power plants in support of the power grid. The Republican governor was visiting Calpine Corporation's Freestone County Energy Center, where an expansion project is currently underway.

Governor Abbott stated that due to the dozen laws he signed, entities such as the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC), and power generators are better equipped this winter. He said, "This Freestone Energy Center expansion will ensure that reliable power is available in Texas no matter the weather, and I thank Calpine for choosing to expand their Freestone County facility."

According to information from the governor's office, it is anticipated that the Freestone expansion project will create over 300 jobs and add 425 megawatts to the grid.

The governor's office also highlighted Abbott's commendation of the state's ongoing collaborations with energy companies aimed at providing additional electricity to residents across Texas. Joining Governor Abbott in Freestone County were notable energy leaders including Calpine Chief Executive Officer Thad Hill and ERCOT President and CEO Pablo Vegas.