Overview:
To improve grid reliability in the Valley, AEP Texas, Electric Transmission Texas (ETT), and South Texas Electric Cooperative (STEC) have developed plans for transmission system improvements in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) that are endorsed by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). By the end of 2026, the RGV Transmission Improvement Project plans to add about 190 miles of 345-kV lines and two substations.
The project includes five separate transmission line projects:
- Del Sol – Frontera
- Counties: Starr and Hidalgo
- Open House: Oct 2022
- Cruce – Del Sol
- Counties: Duval, Jim Hogg, Brooks, Starr
- Open House: Dec 2022
- Cenizo – Cruce
- Counties: Webb, Zapata, Jim Hogg, Duval, Brooks
- Open House: Feb 2023
- Cruce – Reforzar
- Duval, Jim Hogg, Jim Wells, Brooks, Kleberg, Kennedy
- Open House: Feb 2023
- Ajo – Reforzar
- Counties: Brooks, Kleberg, Kennedy
- Open House: Feb 2023
Proposed Timeline:
- December 2022: Open House – https://aeptransmission.com/texas/Cruce-DelSol/open-house/
- Spring 2023: Certificate of Convenience and Necessity (CCN) application filed with the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC)
- Fall 2023: Anticipated PUC approval and final route determined
- Late 2023: Right-of-Way (ROW) communications and field activities begin
- Late 2025: ROW clearing begins
- Late 2025: Transmission line construction begins
- Late 2026: Facilities placed in service
- 2027: Restoration activities begin
Learn More & Request Updates on this Project
If you are a potentially impacted landowner and would like to learn more or receive updates on the status of the RGV Transmission Improvement Project, call (512) 894-5426 or fill out the form below and a member of our team will contact you.
The Braun & Gresham Transmission Line Routing Team
At Braun & Gresham, our attorneys can help you before, during, and after the taking of your land. We will advise you on the best course of action and not only help you get full market value, but also help you protect the aspects you love most.
For more information about the project, or to learn about your rights in the condemnation process, please contact us at [email protected] or (512) 894-5426