Michael Gastinel

Michael Gastinel is a power generation technician with nearly a decade 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 and DCS platforms such as GE Mark VI and Emerson Ovation. He also has substantial experience in emissions compliance systems. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology, he takes pride in supporting operational reliability, mentoring team members, and maintaining high plant performance and safety standards.

Early Life and Background

He was born and raised in Granbury, Texas, the youngest of three siblings. Growing up in a close and supportive family, he learned the values of discipline, responsibility, and hard work early in life. His parents encouraged a sense of service and community involvement that remained with him throughout his career.

His childhood revolved around school, church, and Scouting. He attended Catholic Mass regularly with his family, and his participation in the Boy Scouts of America helped him develop leadership and problem-solving skills. Through years of dedication, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 2008. That achievement taught him perseverance, accountability, and the importance of teamwork—qualities that would later serve him well in his professional life.

Introduction to Trades and Higher Education

After graduating from Granbury High School in 2008, he took a year off to gain work experience before pursuing higher education. During that time, Michael Victor Gastinel worked as a sheet metal mechanic, where he developed practical skills in mechanical systems and learned the value of precision and safety in industrial work.

However, the Great Recession affected the job market significantly, and he, like many others, faced layoffs. Rather than being discouraged, he used the experience to refocus and invest in his education. He initially enrolled in a Computer Science program, believing it matched his interest in technology. After a few semesters, though, he realized his passion leaned more toward applied electronics and electrical systems—fields that offered theoretical and hands-on work.

This realization led him to switch his major to Electrical Engineering Technology. The program provided a classroom learning and laboratory practice balance that suited his problem-solving mindset. Balancing studies with part-time work, he completed his Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Toledo in 2015. The experience taught him persistence, adaptability, and the importance of combining technical knowledge with practical understanding.

Breaking Into the Energy Sector

After graduating, Michael found an opening for a Combustion Turbine Specialist in Ohio. Though unsure whether he met all the qualifications, he applied and was hired by Troy Energy, LLC. This opportunity became the foundation of his career in the power generation industry.

At Troy Energy, he worked on turbine operations, instrumentation, calibrations, troubleshooting, and emissions monitoring. His responsibilities included managing NERC compliance reporting, maintaining Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems (CEMS), and handling data for GADS reporting through MicroGADSgold. He also participated in a full NERC audit that resulted in no findings, contributed to documentation improvements, and mentored new employees as they learned plant operations.

This early role gave him a deep understanding of plant systems, operational standards, and safety compliance. It also developed his ability to troubleshoot complex systems while maintaining efficiency and reliability.

Moving Back to Texas

After several years in Ohio, he returned to Texas to continue his career in energy production. In 2022, he joined Luminant Generation Company, LLC, one of the state’s leading power generation companies. His first position was at the Forney Plant, where he served as a Plant Technician 3.

At Forney, his responsibilities included conducting system inspections, performing instrumentation and electrical troubleshooting, and overseeing water chemistry testing. He was key in preventive and corrective maintenance while contributing to process improvements. His attention to detail and steady work ethic made him a valued operations team member.

He later transferred to the DeCordova Power Plant in Granbury, returning to his hometown while continuing to grow his technical expertise. He was promoted to Instrument and Controls Technician 4 and later to Plant Systems Technician.

At DeCordova, he worked with GE 7EA turbines, building on his previous experience with GE 7FA models. His familiarity with GE Mark VI and Emerson Ovation DCS systems allowed him to adapt and contribute to daily operations quickly. His duties expanded to work on SunGrow battery energy storage systems, calibration tasks during outages, and high-voltage switching and troubleshooting. He also served as the Behavior-Based Safety Champion for the plant, promoting proactive safety practices and reinforcing a culture of accountability.

Teamwork and Mentorship

Gastinel has always valued teamwork and mentorship as central to his professional life. Across different plants, he has trained new technicians, guided junior staff, and shared practical troubleshooting knowledge. His approach to mentorship focuses on communication, patience, and leading by example.

He believes a successful power plant depends on technical skill, trust, and cooperation among team members. Strong teamwork, clear communication, and respect help maintain safe and reliable operations. He consistently works to foster an environment where employees can learn from one another and build confidence in their abilities.

He contributes to team development and plant performance through mentorship and collaboration, demonstrating that collective success depends on shared knowledge and responsibility.

Outside of Work

Outside of his professional life, he leads an active and well-rounded lifestyle. A lifelong car enthusiast, he enjoys maintaining his vehicles, keeping up with new automotive technologies, and attending car shows or local cruise events. His interest in cars combines his appreciation for mechanics and engineering with his enjoyment of hands-on work.

He also enjoys working on electronics and do-it-yourself projects, such as building PCs, assembling speakers, and experimenting with electronic kits. His other hobbies include golfing, exercising, trail riding, and spending quality time with family. He has participated in several 5K runs and enjoys staying physically active.

His Catholic faith continues to play a meaningful role in his life. He occasionally participates in charitable activities through his church and remains guided by the values of service, humility, and community that he learned early on.

Michael Gastinel continues to advance his career in power generation, focusing on reliability, mentorship, and safety. His dedication to continuous improvement, teamwork, and strong work ethics reflects his commitment to excellence and integrity in his professional and personal life.