CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The Coastal Bend's two universities could soon be part of a network of power plants whose main purpose is to help alleviate strain on the Texas power grid.
On Wednesday, the Texas A&M University System announced that it is taking its first steps in creating power plants called "peakers."
The plants will be built across the lands owned by the system, which include Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and Texas A&M University-Kingsville.
The power plants are designed to provide electricity during high-usage periods, but will only be utilized on hot summer days or during major consumption periods.
Texas' Dist. 32 State Rep. Todd Hunter is the sponsor of Senate Bill 2627, better known as the Powering Texas Forward Act. It helps support the construction of on-demand power sources aimed at bolstering the state's power grid, especially as we head into the hot summer months.
"One of the concerns is that we don't have enough power sources to meet the demand," he said. "The last thing we want to do is create a lot of business or create a bunch of homes of people and we cant provide that need."
Hunter said that as more people move to Texas, the higher the demand will be for more resources to help stabilize the grid.
"It will allow our colleges and universities to get involved in research and involvement," he said. "We may spark on some new technology jobs in the area.".
Hunter said that while he is happy Senate Bill 2627 is creating new initiatives, he understands that the energy needs of the state are growing and more options are needed.
There will be two public hearings to learn more about the energy needs of the state as they relate to the power grid. Those dates are June 10 and July 8.
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