Background
On May 31, 2002, Luminant took ownership of the plant. Previously, Luminant contracted to purchase power from the cogeneration facility. Sweetwater Steam Electric Station is the first combined cycle power plant owned by Luminant in Texas. Some Luminant plants operate primarily using 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 Sweetwater to the area economy is estimated at more than $11 million, as shown by the following table.
| Sweetwater Generating Plant Annual Economic Impact to Area |
|
| Property Taxes Paid | $907,076 |
| Payroll & other | $2,660,605 |
| Total Taxes & Payroll & other | $3,567,681 |
| Annual Economic Impact* | $11,773,347 |
| * Economic development professionals use an accepted formula (Taxes + Payroll x 3.3) to determine total attributable dollars spent in the area each year. | |
History
The plant was originally built by another company and went commercial on June 8, 1989. The facility was a cogeneration facility with Luminant contracted to purchase all of the power. On May 31, 2002 Luminant took ownership of the facility.
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. At the Sweetwater plant, continuous emission monitors were installed on the units in the summer of 2002.
Civic
Luminant has a rich history of community leadership through employee volunteerism, employee contributions and company financial support. Sweetwater employees volunteer their time with the area prison system, coaching local sports and participation with the Knights of Columbus. The Sweetwater plant also donates funds to the local fire department.
