LCRA is on track with its goal to stabilize its emissions rate to its 1989-1991 baseline.
Our emission rate for 1994 was 1816 pounds/MWH compared to the baseline rate of 1849 pounds/MWH. Although we are not prepared to make further formal commitments we are continuing to work toward reductions and we are confident that all of our programs will produce results exceeding our initial estimates. This year with the help of an EPA Electrotechnology Grant we will test an artificial neural network (ANN) system for short term forecasting of load demand and optimum operating conditions. We believe this system will allow us to achieve a reduction in our heat rate and emissions (See New 'Projects below). LCRA is the first utility to apply this technology to a power plant.

a. Recycling coal combustion by-products

Flyash recycling was 205,000 tons (95 % of flyash produced ) in FY 1995 compared to a projected 226,000 tons (90%) in FY2000. Demand exceeded our supply of flyash and we could have recycled 226,000 tons in 1995 had it been available. This program will save our rate payers between 1.6 and 1.7 million dollars in FY95.

b. Wind Power Project

Me Wind Power Project came on line on August 31, 1995 almost a year ahead of the Summer 1996 projected startup date, It is now estimated that LCRA will receive 93 GWH/year from this project, up from a projected 90 GWH/year. Through January, 1996, LCRA had received 26 GWH, resulting in the reduction of 21,000 tons of C02 emissions.

The Wind Power Project is presently at 35 MW and, although we have no immediate expansion plans, our joint development agreement calls for the ultimate expansion to 250 MW.

c. DSM Programs

Cumulative total of C02 emissions reductions through FY95 was 72,000 tons, compared to the estimate of 65,000 tons.

d. Supply-Side efficiency improvements

These include a multitude of ongoing programs in generation and transmission.

Completed projects include advanced operator training, maintenance awareness training, performance testing and analysis and the installation of on-line controllable loss monitors. Installation of adjustable seals is almost complete and the installation of additional oxygen probes in the boilers is about two thirds complete. On-going programs include a capacity maximization effort and major equipment performance tests. New programs include feedwater heater replacement and replacement of air pre-heater baskets. The most significant new program is the replacement of the control systems at the generation plants. This is a multi-year multimillion dollar project that is about one-complete and at completion it should result in an efficiency improvement of about 0.5%.

a. Educational Programs

These programs continue to expand. This year In Concert with the Environment involved 9 schools with more than 5,000 students. Almost 90% of student participants completed the energy and water conservation survey.

b. Dam Modernization Project

This is a long term project and results will be realized at the completion.

c. Public Power Initiatives

LCRA is a founding member of the Public Power Initiatives Group. Our representatives have participated in all meetings and we have paid the $8,000 membership fee.

d. Fleet Vehicle Conversion

Fleet vehicle conversion to alternate fuels is ahead of schedule. We have converted 125 vehicles with 11 more in process. At the current rate we expect to complete the conversion of all fleet vehicles before the projected 1998 date.

e. Recycling and Pollution Prevention

These programs continue to expand and we are beginning to get quantified data for emission reductions from our paper recycling. The most recent data shows' that during the last quarter of 1995 our paper recycling efforts saved 349 trees, 175 MWH of energy, 144 thousand gallons of water and offset the emission of 70 tons of C02. As a sponsoring member of the Central Texas Recycling Association (CTRA) we not only recycle our paper but assist our customers throughout the Central Texas area in their recycling efforts.

PROJECT: Neural-Network Technology

DESCRIPTION

This project will evaluate the feasibility of reducing the emission ' s of C02, NOx and other utility stack emissions in- a large utility boiler through the use of combustion control. The Project will utilize a neural-network electrotechnology known as "Process Insights" which is based on new adaptive technology that uses a unique combination of neural network and chaotic systems algorithms to learn the complex interactions of process variables from historical data. The first step of the project will involve the development and implementation of a pilot test at our T. C. Ferguson Plant, a 400 MW gas-fired unit, The non-linear regression model developed to predict emissions will be proven by comparison with a certified Continous Emission Monitoring System (CEMS) already in service at the facility.

The neural-network technology has the potential to improve thermal efficiency by as much as 5 percent which would result in significant fuel use savings and emission reductions.