Oncor understands the importance of this project to landowners and the community. As such information about Oncor transmission line projects, including those that are part of the Competitive Renewable Energy Zones (CREZ) project, can be found online at www.oncor.com/transmissionprojects.
-Autry W., Oncor CREZ Expert
While Oncor doesn’t bury major transmission lines due to the cost of installation, maintenance, and repair required, it does bury a substantial amount of the new distribution lines that are installed. However, there are several factors that must be considered on both new and existing electrical equipment or facilities. For example, in some cases it is not physically possible to install underground facilities due to obstructions or space considerations for the associated equipment. Also, due to the cost involved in materials and installation, it is not always economically feasible to install underground facilities.
Open communication lines are important to us—we encourage you to get involved early. You are welcome at our public meetings, and we would be happy to connect you directly with the Oncor project team or a project-specific message line. Once Oncor has filed an application with the PUCT for approval of a project, you will have an opportunity to comment on or participate in that process. You can also follow the development of an application proceeding by reviewing the docket-specific filings on the PUCT Interchange at http://www.puc.state.tx.us/interchange/index.cfm.
Autry W., Oncor CREZ Expert
Transmission lines are the high voltage conductors that move electricity from power plants to distribution systems, which deliver power to customers. Adequate transmission capability is essential for electric reliability and to serve growing population and foster economic growth.
-Wes S., Oncor Transmission Expert
No. You can participate in those proceedings with or without an attorney.
During the route identification stage for a new project, Oncor typically schedules one or more public meetings in order to: 1) address questions from landowners and other interested parties about the proposed project; and 2) solicit information from the community about the project area. Oncor also establishes a project-specific message line where interested parties can leave a message for an Oncor representative who will return the call.Once an application for a project is filed at the PUCT, there are several ways to participate in the process. For more information, click here.
New transmission facilities must be constructed in order to keep pace with the increasing demand for electricity in Texas. Without new facilities, the existing system could overload, causing significant power outages, especially during high-demand times or the loss of existing transmission lines during a storm, for example. Likewise, if transmission capacity is not available to import electricity from distant generation resources, higher cost generation facilities will be required, potentially leading to higher electricity prices for consumers and increased environmental impact.
Transmission lines are the structures and high-voltage wires that move electricity from power plants to distribution systems, which then deliver the electricity at lower voltages to consumers.
Wes S., Oncor Transmission Expert
In order to ensure reliability and comply with state regulations, Oncor builds transmission lines and substations to help deliver electricity from generating plants to customers in the northern, western and central regions of the state. It’s our job to make sure that the delivery system keeps up with demand.
