What Is a 765 kV Transmission Tower—And Why Should Texans Care?

by Attorney & Counselor, Carly Barton

As Texas continues to grow, so does our demand for electricity. To meet that demand and deliver power more efficiently across the state, Texas is investing in a new generation of extra high-voltage transmission lines, the biggest of which are the 765 kV (kilovolt) lines.

These are the largest and most powerful transmission lines ever built in Texas, and they come with towers that are taller, wider, and more visible than anything many landowners have seen before. So what exactly is a 765 kV tower? And why should you care if one ends up on or near your property?

The 765 kV Tower

A 765 kV transmission tower is a massive steel structure designed to carry extra high-voltage electricity over long distances. These towers typically range from 130 to 180 feet tall, about the height of a 15-story building, and can span up to 1,400 feet between towers.

They are built to support multiple thick power lines, suspended high above the ground, and spaced widely apart to safely carry energy at extremely high voltages. These voltages are necessary to reduce energy loss as electricity travels across hundreds of miles throughout the grid.

Texas already has thousands of miles of transmission lines, so why upgrade to 765 kV?

Here’s why:

• Higher voltage = more efficient energy delivery. These lines can move much more electricity across long distances with less loss along the way.
• Statewide growth. Texas is leading the nation in population growth, energy consumption, and energy production. This system upgrade will help tie it all together.
• Grid reliability. 765 kV lines add resiliency to the grid, especially important during extreme weather events like Winter Storm Uri.
• Future-proofing. This is the infrastructure equivalent of building six-lane highways instead of two-lane roads.

What Do They Look Like?

The average Texan has seen transmission towers before, but the 765 kV ones really stand out.

• Taller: Typically taller than standard transmission towers.
• Wider: Larger right-of-way is needed for its easements.
• Louder: In wet or humid conditions, you may hear a slight “crackling” from the high voltage (known as corona discharge).
• Brighter at night: Because of federal aviation regulations, these towers often include red marker lights.

Why This Matters for Landowners

If you own land in Texas, especially in rural or semi-rural areas, this new infrastructure could directly impact you. These towers require large right-of-way easements, and utility companies may seek to build across private land through negotiations or eminent domain.

In future articles, we’ll explore:

• Where These Lines Are Headed – Mapping the Proposed Routes
• Eminent Domain & Compensation – What Landowners Should Expect
• Environmental, Visual, and Livelihood Impacts
• What You Can Do – Legal Tools, Advocacy, and Next Steps

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a landowner, rancher, developer, or simply a Texan who values their land and community, this new wave of infrastructure is worth understanding. A 765 kV tower isn’t just a power pole, it’s a sign of the future, and possibly, a force of change on your land. The attorneys at Braun & Gresham are here to educate and advocate for you!