Texas Approves Nearly $4 Billion Power Line Projects Despite Calls for Delay
Texas regulators have approved two Oncor Electric Delivery transmission projects totaling 424.2 miles of new 765-kilovolt power lines, with combined estimated costs of nearly $3.95 billion.
The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) approved the projects on Friday, selecting routes for the Dinosaur Switch-Longshore Switch and Longshore Switch-Drill Hole Switch lines. The projects are currently targeted for completion in 2028 and 2029, respectively.
The approvals came despite calls from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and landowner advocacy group American Stewards of Liberty for regulators to delay the projects while the state reviews the broader transmission buildout.
Property owners raised concerns about the potential effects on ranching, wildlife, views and land values. Regulators nevertheless concluded that Oncor had demonstrated a reasonable need for the projects.
The PUCT cited rising electricity demand from oil and gas operations, as well as projected growth from cryptocurrency mining, data centers and hydrogen production.
Texas Oil & Gas Association President Todd Staples also warned that delays could affect electricity reliability in West Texas.
Oncor expects to finance construction through debt and equity, with transmission costs ultimately recovered through electricity bills across the ERCOT system. The orders do not establish a specific impact on customer bills.
Source: dallasexpress.com
