The Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) is a nonprofit public utility created in November 1934 by the Texas Legislature.

[1] LCRA's mission is to enhance the lives of the Texans it serves through water stewardship, energy and community service.

The Ferguson facility is a natural gas-fired, combined cycle plant in Horseshoe Bay capable of producing 540 megawatts.

It uses about 35 percent less fuel per megawatt-hour and about one-third of the water used at a typical steam plant per unit of power.

[4] The Winchester Power Park in Fayette County provides about 176 megawatts for use primarily during peak-demand periods.

It also operates an environmental laboratory, monitors the water quality of the lower Colorado River, and regulates on-site sewage systems to limit pollution and help protect the health of those enjoying the Highland Lakes.

Growing demand for electricity led LCRA to build natural gas and coal-fired power plants.

LCRA continues to evaluate additional renewable energy options that complement its existing generation portfolio.

It expanded its parks operations beginning in the 1990s to increase public access to the Highland Lakes and lower Colorado River.