Accelleron service agreement supports fast‑start power generation in Texas
Media release | Denton, Texas / Baden, Switzerland | May 28, 2026
- Agreement tailored to a medium-speed peaking power plant
- Covers 24 turbochargers at Denton Energy Center
- Positions Accelleron for growth in flexible U.S. power generation
Accelleron has signed a five-year Turbo SmartCare service agreement with Denton Municipal Electric (DME), the City of Denton’s municipally owned electric utility. The agreement covers 24 Accelleron A175‑M62 turbochargers installed at the Denton Energy Center (DEC), a natural gas‑fueled power plant designed to supply electricity during peak demand and support grid stability.
Meeting growing demand with flexible, fast-start capacity
Electricity demand in the United States is entering a new growth phase, driven by electrification, industrial activity, and the rapid expansion of data centers. In Texas, utilities are preparing for significant load increases while managing a more diverse generation mix that includes renewable energy.
As a result, flexible, often distributed generation assets such as gas-engine power plants are gaining importance as utilities seek to strengthen grid stability and energy resilience. Unlike large baseload plants, these facilities can start quickly and adjust output within minutes, providing critical capacity when demand spikes or when wind and solar generation fluctuate.
The Denton Energy Center is based on reciprocating natural gas engines that can be dispatched individually, allowing DME to respond quickly to changing grid conditions while maintaining operational efficiency.
From baseload to peak: supporting a changing power system
Power systems rely on different types of generation, each serving a distinct purpose. Baseload plants operate continuously to cover steady demand, while prime power ensures uninterrupted supply in locations without reliable grid access or for critical loads. Peaking plants, by contrast, are designed for short periods of high demand and must reliably perform frequent start‑stop cycles.
As grids become more dynamic, peaking assets are playing an increasingly important role in ensuring reliability. Their ability to deliver power at short notice complements intermittent renewables and helps stabilize the system during periods of stress.
Service aligned with the realities of peaking operations
The Turbo SmartCare agreement provides DME with a long-term service solution tailored to the specific operating profile of a peaking plant. Frequent starts and stops, for example, place different thermal and mechanical demands on equipment compared to continuous operation, requiring precise maintenance planning and rapid service response.
The agreement covers field and workshop services as well as parts, travel, and wear-related components, helping to streamline execution and improve cost predictability. By analyzing turbocharger operating data and aligning maintenance with actual operating conditions, Turbo SmartCare supports more effective lifecycle management. Continuous monitoring also supports equipment health assessment and the early detection of potential issues, facilitating proactive maintenance and reducing operational risk over the lifetime of the assets.
Roland Schwarz, President, Accelleron Service Division, said:
“Power systems are becoming more dynamic, and utilities need assets that can respond quickly while strengthening reliability and energy resilience. At Denton Energy Center, we are supporting a fast‑start gas engine plant where availability and maintenance planning are critical. Our solution combines long-term service support with data-driven analysis of operating conditions, improving asset reliability, enabling early issue detection, and optimizing maintenance planning throughout the equipment lifecycle..”
Arthur Pando, Plant Manager, Denton Municipal Electric, said:
“Our priority is to provide reliable and cost-effective power to our community, especially during periods of peak demand. This long-term service agreement gives us greater predictability in maintenance and supports the dependable operation of our flexible generation assets.”
Expanding Accelleron’s role in flexible power generation
The agreement marks Accelleron’s first Turbo SmartCare contract globally designed specifically for a medium-speed peaking plant application and its first such agreement with a government‑owned utility in the United States. It covers 24 Accelleron A175‑M62 turbochargers at the Denton Energy Center over a period of five years.
As demand for flexible, dispatchable power continues to grow, service models that combine technical expertise with long-term cost predictability are becoming increasingly relevant for utilities operating similar assets.
Accelleron is accelerating sustainability in the marine and energy industries as a global technology leader in turbocharging, fuel injection, and digital solutions for heavy-duty applications. Building on a heritage of over 100 years as a trusted industry partner, the company serves customers in more than 100 locations in over 50 countries. Accelleron’s 3,000 employees are continuously innovating to deliver best-in-class products, services, and solutions that are mission-critical for the energy transition.
