Texas PUC greenlights two major 765kV transmission lines for Permian Basin

In Odessa, the Public Utility Commission of Texas unanimously approved amendments to Certificates of Convenience and Necessity for two 765-kilovolt transmission lines, allowing Oncor to start building routes that will deliver electricity to the oil-rich Permian Basin. The projects, covering over 400 miles and crossing at least 30 counties, were approved despite calls from Senate and House members to postpone the decision pending legislative reform.

Commissioners acknowledged the personal impact on landowners, who testified that the proposed routes could harm farmland, wildlife and their livelihoods. Industry representatives, including the Texas Oil and Gas Association and the Texas Association of Manufacturers, warned that without the lines, power shortages could jeopardize operations and cause outages. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed an amicus brief supporting landowner challenges, arguing the statute does not specifically mandate 765-kV lines and urging a legislative pause.