New $61.6 M transmission project approved in Texas
USA, Texas: The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) filed a notice with the Public Utility Commission for a Tier 3 transmission project.
Image source: World Times Today
USA, Texas: The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) filed a notice with the Public Utility Commission for a Tier 3 transmission project.
ERCOT is the power grid manager for most of Texas. Oncor and LCRA TSC filing shows work is required due to growth in Williamson, Bell and Milam counties.
“This project supports load growth in Williamson County. The Limmer substation and Teal 345/138 V switch will provide a new transmission source for the area and help mitigate post-emergency thermal overshoots,” the state filing shows.
The KVUE Defenders reported on the need to build new transmission lines in the state and the difficulties this can pose for landowners.
The current power grid is overloaded when demand is high, which can lead to broken wires. It also increases the price of electricity.
The Oncor/LCRA TSC project is estimated to cost $61.6 M and will not require a new right of way, placing the project in the Tier 3 category. Simplified, Tier 1 is a major project with a construction cost of more than $100 M and a large impact on the power grid, while Tier 4 would cost less than $25 M and is considered a “neutral project”, e.g. repairs or certain upgrades an existing system.
Anyone who has received an electric bill in Texas shares the cost of transmission projects in the state.
The project is scheduled for completion in December 2023.
Source: World Times Today