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High-efficiency, low-emission energy plant to power children’s hospital EPA recognizes groundbreaking facility

Release Date: 10/17/2006
Contact Information: Dave Bary or Tressa Tillman at 214-665-2200 or r6press@epa.gov

(Dallas, Texas – October 17, 2006) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognized Austin Energy for providing cleaner, more efficient power through its newly constructed Mueller Energy Center today during a ceremony at the facility.

The Mueller Energy Center is an on-site energy plant slated to provide electricity, heating and cooling to Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas. The new plant has the highest energy efficiencies and lowest emissions when compared to other on-site energy systems. Another unique feature is the facility’s ability to provide all of the hospital’s energy needs even when the local electric utility grid experiences an outage.

“Dedicating a facility that will ensure a brighter environmental future for young hospital patients during Children’s Health Month couldn’t be more fitting,” said EPA Regional Administrator Richard E. Greene. “Smarter, greener technologies like these will preserve the environment for all children for many years to come.”

EPA presented Austin Energy with the ENERGY STAR Combined Heat and Power Partnership recognition. Combined heat and power (CHP), or cogeneration, involves recovering waste heat from power production and using it for local heating and cooling needs. Because CHP is highly efficient – generating electricity and thermal energy from the same fuel source – it reduces the amount of fuel burned, which lowers air pollution. CHP also saves dollars, improves the reliability of the electric grid, and reduces power transmission losses.

To become a CHP partner or get more information on the program, visit www.epa.gov/CHP.

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