06012018 - Denton Energy Center (June 2018) IOv FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DENTON Jessica Rogers • (940) 349-7531 • Jessica.Rogers@cityofdenton.com
Denton Energy Center to Begin Operations in July
City to Host Public Tours on June 15
DENTON, TX, June 1,2018—The City of Denton and Denton Municipal Electric (DME) have
announced that the Denton Energy Center(DEC) power plant will begin commercial operation
on July 1. While the DEC has been going through testing throughout the spring, the commercial
operation of the DEC will allow DME to begin providing wholesale power to the Texas grid.
"Since 1905, DME has maintained high quality, reliable electric service for Denton," said DME
General Manager George Morrow. "Achieving commercial operation is a major milestone for
the DEC project, DME, and the City of Denton as we continue our focus on providing
exceptional service for our customers."
The DEC is a 225-megawatt, quick-start, natural gas-fired power plant comprised of 12
reciprocating internal combustion engines and generators. Individually, each"gen set"weighs
416 tons and can generate up to 18.75 megawatts of electricity. The DEC includes advanced
supervisory, safety, and emissions control systems; additional exhaust gas reduction equipment
and noise reduction upgrades to the power blocks; and exhaust, fuel, and cooling water systems.
The DEC took 423,000 man hours to construct, with up to 255 individuals working on site. The
project was constructed with a focus on safety,which resulted in zero reportable safety incidents.
Construction on the DEC began in 2016, with the goal of providing a cost hedge during high-
priced energy hours as Denton looked to expand its renewable portfolio. Currently, the City is
taking steps to become 100 percent renewable by 2020.
DME will host public tours of the DEC on Friday, June 15 from 10 a.m. to noon. Tours will last
approximately 15 minutes and will include access to the engine halls. Attendees must wear flat,
close-toed shoes and long pants, while additional required safety equipment will be provided.
Advance registration is not required,but is recommended as tour group sizes are limited.
Attendees who do not register will be assigned to a tour on a first-come, first-served basis based
on availability. Anyone wishing to tour the DEC can register at www.dmepower.com or contact
Carrie Carson at(940) 349-7105.
Contact: George Morrow, (940) 349-8487, George.Morrow@cityofdenton.com
Visit www.cityofdenton.com for more news and to stay updated.
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