Michael Gastinel

emissions compliance systems. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology and focuses on mentoring junior colleagues, strengthening plant reliability, and promoting operational excellence through steady, hands-on work.

He was born and raised in Granbury, Texas, as the youngest of three children. Growing up in a close-knit family, his parents encouraged responsibility, hard work, and service to others. These values influenced his character and future professional mindset.

During his youth, he was deeply involved in school, church, and Scout activities. He regularly attended Catholic Mass with his family and participated in the Boy Scouts of America, where he worked diligently to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout in 2008. The experience helped him build discipline, leadership, and teamwork—qualities that would later serve him well in his career.

After graduating from Granbury High School in 2008, he took a year off before college to gain real-world experience. During that time, he worked as a sheet metal mechanic, where he learned the fundamentals of skilled trades, developed technical problem-solving skills, and gained an appreciation for precision and craftsmanship.

However, when the Great Recession affected industries nationwide, he faced a layoff like many others in the trades. Rather than viewing it as a setback, he saw it as an opportunity to change direction and pursue a long-term career. He enrolled in college to build a strong academic foundation.

Initially, he chose Computer Science, believing it would align with his interest in technology. However, as his studies progressed, he realized his genuine interest lay in applied electronics and electrical systems. This led him to switch his focus to Electrical Engineering Technology—a program that blended theoretical learning with practical, hands-on application.

Balancing part-time jobs with coursework, he completed his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology from The University of Toledo in 2015. The journey taught him perseverance and adaptability, which became valuable throughout his professional life.

After earning his degree, he applied for a position as a Combustion Turbine Specialist in Ohio with Troy Energy, LLC. Although he had limited experience, his technical curiosity and willingness to learn earned him the opportunity. This role became his entry point into the energy industry.

At Troy Energy, his work covered turbine operations, instrumentation, calibration, and troubleshooting. He was involved with NERC compliance reporting, Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems (CEMS) maintenance, and data management through MicroGADSgold for GADS reporting. He also supported documentation processes, trained new employees, and contributed to completing a NERC audit with no findings. These accomplishments established his reputation as a dependable and detail-oriented professional.

The role gave him an in-depth understanding of how plant systems integrate and operate under strict regulatory standards. He developed confidence in managing complex tasks while maintaining a commitment to accuracy and safety.

After several years in Ohio, he returned to Texas to continue his work in energy production. In 2022, he joined Luminant Generation Company, LLC, one of the largest power generation companies in the state. His first position was at the Forney Plant, where he worked as a Plant Technician 3. His responsibilities included system checks, field operations, instrumentation and control troubleshooting, and water chemistry testing. He also handled preventive and corrective maintenance, supported reliability improvements, and helped maintain plant efficiency.

Later, he transferred to the DeCordova Power Plant in Granbury, which brought him back to his hometown. His dedication and technical proficiency led to promotions—first to Instrument and Controls Technician 4 and later to Plant Systems Technician.

At DeCordova, his work expanded to include turbine systems and advanced instrumentation. His familiarity with GE 7FA turbines helped him quickly adapt to the GE 7EA platform. His experience with GE Mark VI and Emerson Ovation DCS systems has made him a reliable plant contributor. He worked on SunGrow battery energy storage systems, calibrated during outages, and performed high-voltage switching and troubleshooting. His involvement in various projects reflected a growing technical scope and a strong focus on operational reliability.

Michael Victor Gastinel also served as the plant's Behavior-Based Safety Champion, promoting safety awareness and proactive hazard prevention. His leadership in safety culture highlighted his belief that attention to detail and clear communication are as important as technical skill in maintaining plant performance.

Throughout his career, he has emphasized the importance of teamwork and mentorship. Across different plants, he has guided and trained new technicians, helping them understand procedures and troubleshooting methods. His mentorship approach is grounded in patience, consistency, and practical knowledge.

He believes that effective teamwork is essential to plant success. Technical ability ensures that systems operate efficiently, but collaboration, trust, and mutual respect among team members are what sustain long-term reliability. He sees shared accountability and open communication as vital components of operational excellence. He strengthens plant culture and productivity by fostering teamwork and helping others develop their skills.

Away from the plant, he leads a balanced and active lifestyle. A lifelong car enthusiast, he enjoys working on his vehicles, keeping up with new automotive technologies, and attending car shows and local cruise events. His passion for mechanics connects with his interest in problem-solving and innovation.

He also spends time on electronics and DIY projects, including PC builds, speaker systems, and various electronic kits. His hobbies include golf, exercise, watching sports, and trail riding. He occasionally participates in 5K runs and enjoys spending time with family and friends. Staying active and connected to others remains an integral part of his life.

His Catholic faith continues to guide his values and decisions. He occasionally supports charitable efforts through his church, maintaining the sense of service that has been part of his life since childhood.

Michael Gastinel continues to build his career in the power generation field with dedication to reliability, safety, and mentorship. His professional path reflects a steady commitment to learning, teamwork, and integrity—qualities that define his work and contribution to the energy industry.