A 370-mile line gets the nod

The Public Utility Commission of Texas approved the Howard Solstice transmission project on Friday, on condition that the two transmission companies keep working with landowners on route changes.

Power for the oil patch

The line will carry electricity through South Texas to the oil and gas industry in the Permian Basin, crossing 14 counties including Uvalde, Kerr, Bexar and Medina.

Two votes in two weeks

This was the commission's second approval in as many weeks, part of a state-law mandate to supercharge West Texas oil production. Last week it cleared two first-of-their-kind lines in North Texas.

“this is really an example, quite frankly, of the process working”

Two proposals sent back

Commissioners returned two other proposals to the agency's administrative courts. Chair Gleeson said the recommendation never explained whether the lines meet federal reliability standards.

“The lack of a recommendation on this issue is puzzling”

Missing the savings math

The administrative court's ruling also left out how much consumers would actually save if the lines get built. Together, the five proposals are the state's largest electricity infrastructure project ever.

Opponents seize on the gap

American Stewards of Liberty, which has contested all five proposals, says the chair's memo proves the case for slowing down before billions are spent and private land is permanently burdened.

“Fundamental questions remain unanswered about whether these lines are actually required”

Landowners say too fast

Hundreds filed letters and challenges. Some said they never got legally required advance notice, and many called the 180-day review window far too short for something this big.

“I don't feel the landowners have had the adequate time or the proper procedure”

Regulators side with builders

Commissioners ruled the companies followed the rules. AEP's regulatory affairs VP told the panel the utility accepts accountability and will minimize the line's impact on landowners.

“we do care a lot about our landowners”

Industry says it is overdue

Oil, gas and industrial trade groups argue electricity capacity has lagged for a decade. Gas-fired generators add that new lines would finally push the market to build more power plants.

The Capitol pushes back

After a 15-hour Senate hearing, Sen. Charles Schwertner asked the commission to reject every proposal. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Rep. Ken King echoed him.

“support for ERCOT's 765kV transmission plan should not come at the expense of private property rights”