Big new power lines could prevent blackouts in Texas, but landowner opposition is fierce
Texas is planning new ultra-high-voltage transmission lines to prevent blackouts and meet growing energy demand, particularly from the oil and gas industry. However, the project faces fierce opposition from rural landowners concerned about local impacts and some state lawmakers skeptical of renewable energy and data center proliferation. State regulators assert the lines are crucial for grid reliability, with a decision on routing expected soon.
State regulators and grid managers in Texas are pushing for the construction of a network of 765 kilovolt transmission lines, arguing they are essential to prevent future blackouts and meet the state's rapidly growing electricity demand. The first phase, known as the Permian Basin Reliability Plan, involves three ultra-high-voltage lines to West Texas, primarily to address energy shortages driven by the oil and gas industry. Thomas Gleason, Executive Director of the Public Utility Commission of Texas, and ERCOT Chief Operating Officer Woody Rickerson emphasized the necessity, stating that not expanding transmission would damage existing infrastructure and risk rolling blackouts as early as next year. They also noted that fewer, larger lines create a smaller overall footprint than multiple lower-voltage lines.
However, the proposal faces intense opposition from rural landowners and some state lawmakers, who voiced their concerns during a 15-hour state capitol hearing. Landowners like Jeannie Dullnig, whose Texas Hill Country Ranch would be crossed by the Howard-Solstice line, and Emily Martin Howe from Erath County, fear local impacts on landscapes and economies, viewing the lines as "big extension cords" offering no local benefit. Opponents, including State Senator Kevin Sparks, also expressed distrust of renewable energy, which an improved grid would facilitate, arguing it's less reliable than natural gas. Sparks, along with 42 other lawmakers, co-signed an amicus brief, drafted by the conservative Texas Public Policy Foundation, urging a pause to the projects.
Additionally, many speakers warned that expanded transmission would enable more data center development in rural areas, further increasing demand. State Senator Donna Campbell criticized the oil and gas industry for not self-generating power, suggesting they should bear the cost of transmission. Committee Chair Charles Shwertner, however, cautioned against questioning the logic of a shared public utility grid, highlighting its universal benefits for reliability and cost reduction.
Currently, the Public Utility Commission of Texas is expected to approve routing for the southern Howard-Solstice line by the end of August.