Delta-Person Generating Station - Albuquerque

Albuquerque's First IPP. The Delta-Person facility is the first large scale independently owned generating plant in Albuquerque. It utilizes an advanced-technology General Electric PG7241 combustion turbine-generator to produce power for sale to Public Service.

Sterling Energy recruited the entire team for this simple cycle plant. In keeping with an expected seasonal peaking operating regimen, the total O&M team, including administration, is only 3 people.

This is a peaking facility, with operations expected to be limited to periods of high demand in the Albuquerque area or when energy prices are high in the unregulated market. Routine operations are controlled directly by the energy customer, Public Service of New Mexico, (PNM). Since these operations are normally expected to occur only rarely during the night or on weekends, it is not intended that the facility will be staffed during these periods.

In the unusual event of an off-hours startup by PNM, the plant staff is automatically notified by the plant control system when a start signal is received. At that point, the duty Team Member has the option of going to the facility or monitoring it from his home by modem. All of the Team Members live within 20 minutes drive of the facility.

Contrary to industry practices, this facility has no Plant Manager. Rather, it has a team of three professionals, each of which has specific, clearly defined responsibilities. Each is also qualified to operate the facility.

During the commissioning period and for a short shakedown period after commercial operation commenced, but before the automation was felt to be fully reliable, Sterling Energy provided a full-time manager and two additional engineers enabling 24-hour coverage. In periods of extraordinary demand, when permanent team members are absent for prolonged periods or when additional staffing may be required for other reasons, Sterling Energy is committed to provide qualified supplementary operations personnel on short notice for an indefinite time.

The application of such a small permanent team and the potential application of temporary personnel demands complete and concise operating procedures. Sterling Energy provided them, along with a comprehensive suite of administrative, accounting and maintenance management policies, procedures and programs.

As is our normal practice, Sterling Energy provided a comprehensive Management Plan for the mobilization and for the first operating year. Sterling Energy had full responsibility for establishing this new, freestanding, operating entity. Our O&M mobilization program scope of work included:

Business Entity Initiation

• Pay and benefit program
• Accounting setup and training
• Revenue and expense modeling
• Management policies
• Administrative procedures
• Procurement program
• Business plan and budget preparation
• Dispatch scenario cost modeling
• Automated energy and capacity billings

 

O&M Mobilization Services

• Team structure and culture
• Recruiting and staffing
• Orientation and indoctrination
• Management systems training
• Sponsorship program
• Personnel qualifications program
• Policies and procedures
• Maintenance management program
• Tools and spare parts purchasing

 

Plant Location:

   Albuquerque

Commercial Operation Start:

   July, 2000

Plant Description:

   Simple-Cycle GE 7FA

Plant Owners:

   Cobisa Corporation

   Delta Power

EPC Contractor:

   HB Zachry