LCRA began operating its newest power generation facility, Winchester Power Park, in May 2010 to meet increasing needs for power during peak-demand periods.
The “peaker” power plant was designed to help LCRA’s 43 wholesale electric customers provide electricity when it is needed most, typically during early morning, late afternoon, and evening hours when residents use electric appliances and heat or cool their homes.
Winchester Power Park is a valuable addition to LCRA’s diverse generation supply mix because it reduces the amount of power LCRA purchases when its customers’ demand for electricity exceeds what LCRA can generate on its own. Ultimately, Winchester Power Park helps LCRA contain power costs for its wholesale electric customers.
The four-unit, natural gas-fired facility can generate up to 176 megawatts, enough to serve as many as 44,000 typical Central Texas homes when the demand for power is highest, such as very hot summer afternoons or cold winter nights. The four turbines resemble jet engines and can power up to full capacity in about 10 minutes. While Winchester Power Park can be operated remotely from nearby Lost Pines Power Park, LCRA staff visits the Winchester site daily to perform equipment checks and maintenance.
Winchester Power Park is located near Winchester, about 15 miles north of La Grange in Fayette County.
