Texas Transmission Line Decision Delayed by PUCT Remand for Further Analysis
The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) has delayed a decision on a proposed 200-mile high-voltage transmission line project in Central Texas, remanding the case back to the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH). The project, known as the Bell County East Switch to Big Hill Substation 765-kV Transmission Line Project, was jointly filed by Oncor Electric Delivery and the Lower Colorado River Authority. SOAH administrative law judges had previously recommended denying the application, primarily citing insufficient demonstration of the project's necessity and concerns over improper notification of approximately 1,400 potentially impacted landowners. PUCT Chairman Thomas Gleeson issued a memo on September 9, requesting SOAH to provide deeper analysis on two specific points: the necessity of the proposed facilities to meet state or federal reliability standards, and the estimated congestion cost savings for consumers. The PUCT voted on September 11 to support Gleeson's memo, effectively delaying ...
