Background
Permian Basin Steam Electric Station is a two unit gas/oil fired power plant, with five gas turbines generators later added to respond to market conditions. Many Luminant plants are named after nearby bodies of water or nearby geological locations. Some Luminant plants operate primarily using natural gas as a fuel and have the capability of using oil as a fuel. The extra capability to burn oil provides more flexibility for Luminant's fleet to meet the needs of customers.
Economic Impact to the Area
Luminant is proud to be a major contributor to the economy in areas where it maintains and operates facilities. Luminant produces an annual economic benefit of more than $1.2 billion across Texas through power plant payrolls, purchases, contracts, taxes paid and other expenditures. The annual contribution of Permian Basin to the area economy is estimated at more than $11 million, as shown by the following table.
| Permian Basin Steam Electric Station Annual Economic Impact to Area |
|
| Property Taxes Paid | $496,517 |
| Payroll, Contracts & other | $2,883,081 |
| Total Taxes & Payroll & other | $3,379,598 |
| Annual Economic Impact* | $11,152,673 |
| * Economic development professionals use an accepted formula (Taxes + Payroll x 3.3) to determine total attributable dollars spent in the area each year. | |
History
Permian Basin Steam Electric Station is named after the area in which it is located. The area is known as an ancient sea floor, with rich fossils in the exposed rocks. In the 1980s, Units 1-4 were retired and dismantled. Unit 5 began operation in 1950. Unit 6 began operations in 1973. Five gas turbines began operations after 1988.
Awards
Luminant has received numerous awards over past years from a variety of regulatory, conservation, municipal and other organizations. Some recent achievements at Permian Basin include:
Plant Safety Achievements:
- The Permian Basin plant celebrated 4 years without a lost-time injury in 2003
Environmental Equipment and Accomplishments
At Luminant, we care about the air we share. Luminant is committed to innovative leadership in managing environmental issues, including minimizing its own impact on the environment without sacrificing the interests of future generations.
As part of the overall program to protect clean air, all Luminant plants have been modified to reduce emissions, through equipment and/or operational changes. Because of these initiatives, Luminant has been a leader in reducing nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions in Texas. The Permian Basin plant participates in a Beneficial Reuse program, recognized by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, which sends cooling tower water to the City of Monahans for treatment and reuse.
Civic
Luminant has a rich history of community leadership through employee volunteerism, employee contributions and company financial support, including the United Way and other local organizations. Permian Basin employees serve as coaches in local sports activities.
Permian Basin plant employees also participate in the company-wide community service program, "Our Day To Shine." Each year the project is different and is a way for employees to give back to the community. "Our Day To Shine" examples include: repairing the home of a needy family, landscaping improvements at a nature center and painting the home of a senior citizen.
