Coal Plant Back Online Following Explosion

CPS Energy announced that its 420-MW Deely Unit 1 power plant was returned to service on Oct. 12.

The plant had been shutdown since Sept. 10, 2013, when it was taken offline following an explosion that resulted in damage to the cascade building, which houses the conveyor system that feeds coal into the plant. The plant is located on the edge of Calaveras Lake in southeastern Bexar County, near San Antonio, Tex.

A thorough investigation and assessment was completed prior to the startup. The analysis concluded that a decision to open a silo valve, which was made based on conflicting computer information, started a chain of events that ultimately caused an explosion in the cascade building.

Seven changes to policy, procedures, training, and design were recommended in the report. The most critical of these recommendations have already been implemented, according to the company.

—Aaron Larson, associate editor, (@POWERmagazine, @AaronL_Power)