ERCOT concluded the two electric generating units will be mothballed beginning in December for at least six months
The grid operator said that Monticello 1 and 2, each with a capacity of 583MW, would not be needed to ensure grid reliability through winter and spring, reported Reuters.
Monticello 3, with a capacity of 763MW, will remain available for generating power. The plant burns lignite, supplemented by Powder River Basin coal.
Luminant said wholesale power prices are too low to support the costs required to keep the units generating power over winter when statewide power usage would be lower.
Last week, the Texas Public Utility Commission voted to increase the price cap on wholesale electricity from $4,500/MWh, starting in June 2013.
