The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) recently issued Item #110 under Filing 55718, detailing the ERCOT 765 kV Permian Reliability Plan Project.
This release outlines all associated transmission initiatives and identifies the Transmission Service Providers (TSPs) assigned to each upgrade included in the Permian Basin Reliability Plan. The corresponding TSPs have also posted the specifications for the new transmission lines, substations, transformers, and routing maps.
Major System Upgrades:
New 765/345 kV Substations with 765/345 kV Transformers:
- Longshore substation: Install two (2) new transformers near the existing Longshore station
- Drill Hole substation: Install two (2) new transformers near the existing Drill Hole station
- Bell East substation: Install two (2) new transformers near the existing Bell East station
- Sand Lake substation: Install two (2) new transformers near the existing Sand Lake station
- Howard substation: Install two (2) new transformers near the existing Howard station
- Solstice substation: Install two (2) new transformers near the existing Solstice station
New 765 kV Transmission Lines
Background
The PUCT approved the Permian Basin Reliability Plan in October 2024, following the mandate of House Bill 5066 (2023). The plan addresses the unprecedented electricity demand growth in West Texas, driven by:
- Oil and gas electrification
- Data center growth
- Industrial Expansion
The plan aims to strengthen grid reliability, reduce transmission congestion, and lower long-term costs. It represents a major investment in the region’s energy infrastructure and economic future.
TX 765 kV STEP Scope
The Texas 765 kV STEP (Strategic Transmission Expansion Plan) with the approved Permian Basin Reliability Plan projects includes:
- 2,468 miles of new 765 kV lines
- 649 miles of new 345 kV lines
- 1,098 miles of existing 345 kV upgrades
- 324 miles of new 138 kV lines
- 1,287 miles of existing 138 kV upgrades
- 446 miles of existing 69 to 138 kV conversions
- 11.3 GVArs of reactive support devices
Estimated Total Cost: $32.99 billion.
Figure 1. 2024 Regional Transmission Plan (RTP) – 765 kV Plan
Looking Ahead
At EPE, we are tracking these infrastructure developments closely to help our clients anticipate grid shifts, plan ahead, and align projects with emerging transmission capabilities.
If you are developing in the ERCOT region, it is important to understand how the 765 kV transmission line may launch new possibilities for your load or generation project. To find out how EPE can support your next steps, reach out to our experts using the form below.
