July 25, 2018
Bryan Texas Utilities, which serves the City of Bryan, Texas, might soon make a decision on their old, dirty coal plant, Gibbons Creek. It is in somewhat of a unique position, being a public utility, to do much more on solar and other clean energy options too.
BTU is one of the oldest public utilities in Texas, and serves the growing city of Bryan and surrounding areas. Since 1983, they have been part owners of the Gibbons Creek Steam Power Plant, run entirely by coal, along with two other public utilities: Denton Municipal Electric and Garland Power & Light. Together, these utilities make up the Texas Municipal Power Association, and they have been discussing how to move forward now that Gibbons Creek no longer makes economic sense to keep. In fact, the past few years, the coal plant has only run between May and September, when electric demand and wholesale prices are higher.
Currently, TMPA is trying to sell the coal power plant, but that would mean emissions from the nearby power plant would continue to pollute our air and disrupt our climate. Instead of selling Gibbons Creek, BTU and the other owners could (and should) make a commitment to retire the plant by 2020, and completely replace its power with clean energy sources like wind and solar.
Renewable Energy Rising
Examples in Texas of utilities shifting toward renewable energy are popping up more often, and not in the places you may think. The City of Denton has already made a commitment to meet 100% of its needs by 2020 with solar and wind contracts. Bryan could explore at least making a commitment to getting half its power from renewable energy by then.
Research is already underway, in fact. Bryan recently issued a Request for Proposals from solar and energy storage providers jointly with some other public power entities, with some input form its customers, so they could sign a long-term solar contract soon!
That could be just the beginning. Bryan could also explore other programs, like a local solar rebate program, or a community solar program like other similarly-sized utilities have done! Or expand their energy efficiency programs.
If you live in Bryan and are interested in learning more, please let us know! We will invite you to some upcoming meetings and opportunities to influence your utility, its board of directors, and your city council!