BPUB meets the city’s growing power demand with a diverse electric system. BPUB owns and operates a single power plant—the Silas Ray Power Plant in West Brownsville—and holds a 21% ownership stake in the Hidalgo Energy Center, a combined-cycle plant in Edinburg, alongside contracted fixed and wind generation and participation in the ERCOT wholesale market. This variety of power sources helps BPUB better manage fuel and energy costs while providing reliable electric service to the community.
BPUB’s electrical system at a glance
BPUB’s portfolio includes local generation assets, a partial ownership stake in a combined-cycle plant, and contracted wind generation to support reliability and long-term planning. These resources work together to give BPUB operational flexibility as conditions and demand change.
Plants we own
3 units
Silas Ray Power Plant
Site commissioned in 1947; Units 6 (1961), 9 (1997), and 10 (2004)
105 MW
Hidalgo Energy Center
BPUB owns 21% of this 2x1 combined-cycle plant (commercial operation: June 2000)
Power purchase agreements & ERCOT
78 MW
Sendero (Constellation)
39-turbine wind farm operated by Constellation; full output delivered to BPUB since Dec. 2015
65 MW
AEP
Power Purchase Agreement for hybrid fixed-shaped and wind energy averaging 65 MW through 2029
Wholesale
ERCOT
BPUB buys and sells power in the ERCOT wholesale market
Power supply agreements and ERCOT
BPUB holds two power purchase agreements (PPAs) — one with AEP and one with Constellation (Sendero) — in addition to participating in the ERCOT wholesale market.
After the Oklaunion coal-fired power plant was decommissioned, BPUB contracted with AEP for an estimated 50 MW of firm generation through 2021 and a hybrid fixed-shaped and wind energy supply averaging 65 MW through 2029.
BPUB holds a Power Purchase Agreement with Sendero Wind Energy, LLC, entitling the Board to purchase 78 MW of renewable electric energy. The facility, operated by Constellation Energy Generation, LLC, consists of 39 General Electric wind turbines and has been delivering its full energy output to BPUB since December 2015.
BPUB is also an ERCOT market participant; ERCOT manages electric power flow for about 26 million Texas customers, representing about 90% of the state’s electric load. BPUB purchases and sells electricity through its Qualified Scheduling Entity (QSE) to help provide efficient power for Brownsville residents.
Electrical Service Standards
To utilize BPUB services, customers may need to comply with BPUB's electrical standards.
Energy Conservation
Save energy, save money, and help protect the Texas grid with BPUB's energy conservation tips, programs, and resources.
Electric Service Policies
To receive a uniform, efficient, and adequate utility service, all customers are subject to our Service Policies.