Water and Electricity in Texas

! 2013 !

Legislative advertising paid for by: John W. Fainter, Jr. President and CEO Association of Electric Companies of Texas, Inc. 1005 Congress, Suite 600 Austin, TX 78701 phone 512-474-6725 fax 512-474-9670 www.aect.net

Overview!

AECT member companies represent the largest private owners, builders, and operators of reservoirs in Texas. Water supply is essential to the reliable generation of electricity.
Water supply is generally obtained in the form of water contracts/rights, prior to the construction of an electric generation station. Water contracts/rights are secured at a level to ensure a reliable water source during future drought periods. It is important to note that most of this water is not consumed: water demand for electric generation is currently 4% of total Texas water demand.

The reliable generation of electricity is necessary for pumping water to cities and farms, and for water treatment and sewage treatment among other necessities. Moreover, the reliability of Texas generation is necessary for the state to meet the needs of our growing population and the new and growing businesses that fuel our states economy.
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How Texas Coal-Fired ! Power Plants Use Water!

Fuel

The graphic above is an example of a coal-fired power plants use of water. Most power plants heat water until it becomes steam, then pressurize that steam to turn a generating turbine. The steam is then routed to a condenser, where the water is condensed and reused in the steam cycle. Water from one or more reservoirs or cooling towers is used to cool the condenser, making it possible to recycle the water to make steam. 3

How Texas Power Plants Use Water!

AECT member companies have an outstanding record of water regulation compliance, and conduct rigorous biological monitoring tests at generating facilities. In addition to surface water use permits and groundwater permits in Groundwater Conservation Districts, electric generating companies in Texas are required to have permits for their wastewater discharge. In addition to complying with state and federal water regulations, AECT member companies are committed to practicing sound water conservation. We:
Clean and reuse water whenever possible Capture storm water runoff Restore aquatic habitats Preserve ecosystems Enhance and create valuable wetlands

Reservoirs created by electric generating companies are used for recreational purposes, including camping, boating, fishing and swimming.

ERCOT: Forecasting Drought Effects!

Some areas of Texas outside ERCOT face similar challenges to ensure continued generation availability. ERCOT has concluded that additional analysis of physical limitations to surface water access for large power plants dependent upon surface water would be beneficial.

Mitigating Actions by Generators! and ERCOT!

Generators are taking many actions to help ensure water levels allow for reliable operation. Examples include:
Building pipelines to remote water sources Procuring additional water rights Adding pumping capability Using city sewage effluent for the use of cooling water, displacing use of fresh water Using advanced water treatment systems to treat and use surface water that naturally contains high levels of minerals or dissolved solids, thus avoiding use of higher quality surface water Upgrading power plant processes to minimize or eliminate use of water for non-cooling purposes Capturing, treating and using storm runoff from the plant site

Additional Water Challenges:! Invasive Species!

Zebra mussels clog cooling water intake valves, as well as impacting water supply. The mussels have multiplied so quickly in Lake Texoma that the North Texas Municipal Water District is no longer able to pump water.

Hydrilla, a non-native invasive aquatic plant, is found in over 100 bodies of water in Texas. In great quantities, it can affect water supplies and operations of power plants.

AECT Summary Position!

Water demand for electric generation is currently 4% of total Texas water demand.
The Texas Water Development Board projects this to grow to 7.4% by 2060. It is noteworthy that this minor increase in water usage is sufficient to provide electricity for a population projected to grow over the same time frame by 82%.

AECT member companies have made substantial investments to secure water contracts/rights and groundwater resources in advance of actual use. All of these water contracts/rights and groundwater resources have been or are held for a substantial period of time for future generating units and also during drought periods for existing power plants. AECT member companies are working hard to ensure adequate water supply for reliable electric generation, including building pipelines to remote water sources, seeking additional water rights, adding pumping capability and use of effluent for cooling.