PUC sends power line around Donley Co.

A new high voltage transmission line will not come through Donley County after a ruling from the Public Utility Commission of Texas last Wednesday.

The PUC gave the go-ahead for Cross Texas Transmission (CTT) to build its proposed Gray to Tesla 345 kV transmission line. The Gray to Tesla transmission line is part of the Competitive Renewable Energy Zone (CREZ) initiative, which is being developed to integrate additional renewable energy and increase system reliability throughout the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT).

CTT began development of the Gray to Tesla transmission line in early 2009 and has worked through an extensive process including community outreach, landowner input, and PUCT review. The final route for the Gray to Tesla transmission line which passes through Gray, Wheeler, Collingsworth, and Childress counties was approved today by the PUCT.

CTT had preferred a route that would have put about 15 miles of transmission line and an estimated investment of $22.5 million in construction costs in Donley County, but landowners and other interested parties protested the plan citing concerns about the habitat of the Lesser Prairie Chicken, the effects on wetlands and other ecologically sensitive features, possible damage to ancient fossil beds, and the visual impact of the lines.

Construction is expected to begin in 2011 with a scheduled completion date of early 2013. The approximately 109-mile Gray to Tesla transmission line is the first of several planned transmission facilities in the Texas Panhandle as part of the CREZ initiative.
CTT’s planned investment of hundreds of millions of dollars will generate tax revenue where the line is built, create significant construction, operation, and maintenance jobs, and enable the connection of new renewable energy resources throughout the region.

With the final route approved, CTT will now begin preconstruction activities for the Gray to Tesla transmission line. This will include acquiring easements, obtaining permits, and completing engineering and surveying. CTT will provide notice to and initiate discussions with landowners along the route in the next several weeks and will continue to work closely with all stakeholders.

CTT is committed to constructing and operating its transmission facilities in a manner consistent with the values of the local communities, and the rules and policies established by the Texas Legislature, the PUCT, and ERCOT.