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ERCOT and the PUC are pursuing huge, new-to-Texas 765-kV transmission lines to…

2026-08-01 · 17:13 UTC ·@SlBrandin ·2 min read

Brief

Texas proposal for new 765-kV transmission lines: ERCOT and the PUC back large new 765-kV corridors to strengthen the grid, but a 15+-hour Senate hearing saw widespread rural opposition over notice, route changes, and a rushed process. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Chairman Schwertner urged the PUC to deny pending applications and the 90th Legislature (Jan 2027) will act.

Why it matters

ERCOT and the PUC are pursuing huge, new-to-Texas 765-kV transmission lines to meet growing statewide power needs.

Key details

  • A more-than 15-hour Senate Business and Commerce Committee hearing featured rural landowners saying they received inadequate notice, faced constant route changes, and accused ERCOT/PUC/transmission companies of rushing the process; many witnesses asked for the plan to be paused or stopped.
  • Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Senate Business & Commerce Chairman Schwertner called on the PUC to deny pending 765-kV applications (and not accept re-applications) until landowner concerns are addressed; the Texas Senate will prioritize this in the 90th Legislative Session beginning January 2027.
Cleaned source text

The stage is now set in Texas for the great O&G/Renewables alliance

Office of the Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick (@LtGovTX)

Over the last several years, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) and the Public Utility Commission (PUC) have studied the current and future power needs of Texas. Huge (new to Texas) 765-kV transmission lines to increase power around the state are a part of their plan.

Unfortunately, neither the PUC nor ERCOT have followed through with a plan that is supported by the vast majority of Texas landowners. The PUC and ERCOT both acknowledged as much during an over 15- hour Senate Business and Commerce Committee hearing on Wednesday.

Hour after hour, witness after witness testified they did not have adequate notice and have no idea where the lines are going because of constant route changes. They also accused ERCOT, the PUC, and the transmission companies of rushing through the process that could significantly affect the use of their land. It’s clear the overwhelming number of witnesses in rural Texas are not supportive of the current process. They want it paused. Some want it stopped entirely.

Everyone agrees Texas needs the transmission necessary to meet the growing needs of the state. However, support for ERCOT’s 765-kV transmission plan should not come at the expense of private property rights.

I agree with Chairman Schwertner in calling on the PUC to deny the pending applications for 765-kV transmission lines, and not consider re-applications, until the transmission companies can address the serious concerns raised by landowners at Wednesday’s hearing.

The testimony made it abundantly clear the current process being utilized by the PUC for proposing and approving transmission lines is broken and must be reformed.

If these lines are going to be built, which many believe must be built, then the PUC’s transmission approval process must not only prioritize strengthening the grid, but also protect Texas landowners and communities.

During the 90th Legislative Session beginning in January 2027, the Texas Senate will prioritize addressing this issue. Below is a statement released today by Senate Business and Commerce Committee Chairman Charles Schwerterner, who oversees this issue.

— https://nitter.net/LtGovTX/status/2083217380545581086#m