765 kV Transmission Line Landowner Update from Braun & Gresham
The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) has approved and ordered three major 765-kV transmission line projects associated with the Permian Basin Reliability Plan.
The three approved projects are:
Dinosaur Switch to Longshore Switch – Route 559
PUCT Docket No. 59315
This approximately 243-mile route will extend from the proposed Dinosaur Switch near Glen Rose in Somervell County to the Longshore Switch near Forsan in Howard County.
Longshore Switch to Drill Hole Switch – Route 476
PUCT Docket No. 59029
This approximately 182-mile route continues west from Longshore Switch toward the Drill Hole Switch near the Culberson-Reeves County line.
Howard Switch to Solstice Switch – Route 4, Mod 1
PUCT Docket No. 59336
This approximately 370-mile route will extend from the proposed Howard Switch southwest of San Antonio in Bexar County to the Solstice Switch near Fort Stockton in Pecos County.
Together, the approved routes create more than 750 miles of new 765-kV transmission infrastructure extending from Central Texas toward the Permian Basin.
What do the PUCT’s decisions mean for landowners?
For landowners located along the ordered routes, the process is now entering the next phase: condemnation. Oncor, AEP Texas and CPS Energy will use their eminent domain authority to begin moving forward with surveying and condemnation for easements as the projects progress toward construction.
If your property is located on one of the approved routes, you may receive communications regarding surveys, access to your property or acquisition of a transmission line easement. You are not required to accept the first offer presented to you, and the terms of an easement can affect your property long after construction is complete.
Other 765-kV projects remain unresolved.
Importantly, the PUCTs latests action did not approve every proposed 765-kV project. The PUCT postponed a decision on the Bell County East-to-Big Hill and Big Hill-to-Sand Lake projects for additional consideration, and other portions of the statewide transmission buildout remain in various stages of the regulatory process.
Braun & Gresham continues to monitor these proceedings closely on behalf of Texas landowners.
If your property is affected by Route 559, Route 476, or Route 4 – Mod 1—or you have received correspondence regarding a 765-kV transmission project—please contact our office before signing an easement agreement or other documents related to your property.
We will continue providing updates as additional decisions are made.
Contact Braun & Gresham today or schedule a consultation online to discuss your rights and protect your property if you are affected by one of these projects.