Texas Public Policy Foundation

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.

After hearing hours of testimony from Texas landowners in the Senate Business and Commerce Committee, one thing is clear: landowners deserve a fair and transparent CCN process. Texans' property rights must be protected.