Michael Gastinel is a power generation technician with nearly ten years of professional experience in utility-scale energy operations. Based in Granbury, Texas, he focuses on plant systems, instrumentation and controls, and turbine operations. His technical background includes working with GE 7FA and 7EA turbines, DCS platforms such as GE Mark VI and Emerson Ovation, and emissions compliance systems. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology and is known for mentoring junior employees, strengthening operational reliability, and supporting the continued performance of power generation facilities.
He was born and raised in Granbury, Texas, as the youngest of three siblings. Growing up in a close-knit family, he was encouraged to value hard work, integrity, and service to others. His parents’ guidance helped shape his sense of responsibility and commitment to doing his best in any task.
During his childhood, his time was divided between school, church, and Scouts. He regularly attended Catholic Mass with his family, which helped him develop a sense of faith and discipline that continues to guide him today. He was also active in the Boy Scouts of America and reached the rank of Eagle Scout in 2008, a milestone that reflected his dedication, consistency, and leadership skills. These early experiences gave him the foundation to approach challenges with confidence and determination.
After graduating from Granbury High School in 2008, he decided to take a break before continuing with higher education. During this time, he began working as a sheet metal mechanic, which exposed him to the skilled trades and hands-on problem-solving. The experience made him appreciate the precision and craftsmanship involved in technical work.
However, the timing was tricky, as the Great Recession created widespread job losses, including his. Instead of being discouraged, he used the situation as an opportunity to further his education. He first enrolled in a Computer Science program, hoping to connect his interest in technology with a stable career. After some time, though, he realized his real passion was applied electronics and electrical systems. This led him to switch to Electrical Engineering Technology—a discipline that combined theoretical study with practical, hands-on work.
Michael Victor Gastinel attended the University of Toledo, balancing part-time jobs and coursework, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 2015. The experience taught him persistence, time management, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. His education became the stepping stone for his entry into the energy industry.
After graduation, he found a job opening for a Combustion Turbine Specialist in Ohio. Although unsure whether he had enough experience for the role, he applied and was selected by Troy Energy, LLC. This position began his professional journey in the power generation field.
At Troy Energy, his responsibilities included turbine operations, instrumentation, calibration, troubleshooting, and working with emissions data. He performed NERC compliance reporting, managed Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems (CEMS), and tracked data using MicroGADSgold for GADS reporting. His attention to accuracy and commitment to process improvement helped the plant achieve a full NERC audit with no findings.
He also took on mentoring responsibilities, assisting new employees with understanding plant operations and safety standards. The experience gave him a deeper understanding of how different systems within a power plant interact and reinforced his appreciation for structured, detail-oriented work.
After gaining several years of experience in Ohio, he returned to Texas to continue growing professionally. In 2022, he joined Luminant Generation Company, LLC, one of the largest power generation organizations in the state. His first role was at the Forney Plant, where he worked as a Plant Technician 3.
At Forney, his duties included daily system inspections, outside operations, troubleshooting of electrical and instrumentation systems, and water chemistry testing. He handled preventive and corrective maintenance tasks, monitored operational efficiency, and contributed to improving overall plant reliability. His consistent work ethic helped establish him as a dependable part of the team.
When an opportunity to transfer to the DeCordova Power Plant in Granbury arose, he accepted, returning to his hometown while continuing to advance his career. He was later promoted to Instrument and Controls Technician 4 and eventually to Plant Systems Technician.
At DeCordova, his work expanded to include GE 7EA turbine systems, building upon his previous experience with GE 7FA models. His knowledge of GE Mark VI and Emerson Ovation systems helped him adapt quickly to the plant’s control infrastructure. He also gained experience with SunGrow battery energy storage systems, performed calibrations during outages, and worked on high-voltage switching and troubleshooting. In addition to his technical responsibilities, he served as the Behavior-Based Safety Champion for the plant, promoting proactive safety practices and reinforcing a culture of accountability and teamwork.
Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a strong belief in the importance of teamwork and mentorship. He has trained new employees, coached junior technicians, and shared practical troubleshooting methods. His approach emphasizes collaboration and patience, ensuring that knowledge is shared effectively across the team.
While technical skill is essential in power generation, a strong and respectful team dynamic truly sustains reliable operations. He values communication, trust, and consistency as key components of success, both in safety and performance. His mentoring efforts reflect a commitment to helping others grow in their roles while continuing to learn from his peers.
Outside of the plant, he leads an active and balanced lifestyle. He is a lifelong car enthusiast who enjoys learning about automotive technology, maintaining his own vehicles, and attending car shows or local cruise events. His appreciation for mechanical systems extends from his professional interests to his hobbies.
He also enjoys electronics and DIY projects, including PC building, assembling speaker systems, and experimenting with electronic kits. His hobbies include golfing, exercising, trail riding, and spending time with family. He occasionally participates in 5K runs and enjoys staying active and outdoors.
His Catholic faith remains an integral part of his life. He occasionally contributes to charitable efforts through his church and continues to value community and service—principles that have guided him since childhood.
