SALADO—Many of the folks who attended the first of three open houses regarding a proposed transmission line project had to invent their own parking spots because, even before the public meeting was slated to begin, the lot had filled beyond capacity with residents from Llano, Mason, San Saba, Bell and other Hill Country counties where the 200plus mile right-of-way eventually could be situated.
“We’ve been hearing from customers even before this meeting so we expected a high turnout,” said Kerri Dunn, senior director of communications and marketing with Oncor Electric Delivery Company, on Monday evening. Dunn showed the News around the Salado Independent School District Administration Building, where the come-andgo- style meeting was held from 5-7 p.m. “This meeting is giving people a chance to look at the satellite images because we haven’t walked all the miles yet. We want to hear from people about what could be impacted so we can take that into consideration as we design possible routes.”
Two other open houses were scheduled for Tuesday in Lampasas and Wednesday in Menard. At all three sessions, residents could speak with representatives from Oncor and the Lower Colorado River Authority. Also on hand were subject-matter experts with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc., the surveyor, and Halff Associates, Inc., an infrastructure consulting firm. Both companies have been hired by Oncor and LCRA Transmission Services Corporation to help plan the project.
“We sent notifications to every landowner within 500 feet of the proposed right-of-way, which is 215 to 240 miles, depending on the route that is approved,” Dunn said. “This is the beginning of a long process and we want the chance to talk to community members, inform them about the process and the proposed routes and to hear from them. These routes are preliminary.”
Nancy Cortese of Bell County was one of the attendees who had been notified through the mail. Her family actually received three notices, including her home residence and her father-in-law’s estate.
“My biggest concern is when I look out my window into the hay field, I don’t think I want to see a transmission line tower where the cows are now grazing,” she told the News. “In addition to appearance, it could affect the use of the land. The grandchildren would be the fifth generation of farmers in our family, so it makes me wonder about the generations to come and where they would graze their cattle or build a house someday.”
WHAT’S THE TIMELINE?
The “Bell County East-Big Hill 765 kV (kilovolt) Transmission Line Project” would connect Oncor’s Bell County East Switch with a new substation in Schleicher County that would be constructed by the LCRA TSC. The western terminus would be located close to the existing Big Hill Substation, which is near the City of Eldorado.
If the state’s Public Utility Commission approves the massive project, construction could begin in 2027 with a completion timeline of 2030.
“Thorough studies still have to be done to look into historical, archaeological and environmental impacts, which is a 9-12 monthlong process in itself,” Dunn said.
Following the environmental assessment and routing study, Oncor would submit a “Certificate of Convenience and Necessity Application,” or CNN, to the PUC for processing. More opportunities for public interaction would occur at this stage, according to Oncor.
The plan is for Oncor to handle the eastern segment of the line, while LCRA TSC takes on the western portion. Their goal: improve grid reliability, relieve congestion, and meet growing statewide electricity demand—needs underscored by recent ERCOT concerns and weather-related power stress events.
Llano, Mason and San Saba are three of 14 counties that could be affected by the project. Others include Schleicher, Tom Green, Menard, Concho, McCulloch, Burnet, Lampasas, Coryell, Bell, Milam and Williamson.
Also at the meeting on Monday, people had a chance to fill out a 4-page questionnaire.
“ The Oncor and LCRA teams will go through these packets carefully,” Dunn said.
No route has been finalized, and public comments could directly influence which path the utilities ultimately submit to the PUC for approval. At that time, “affected landowners will be notified of their opportunity to get involved with the review process before the Commission makes a decision on which route is selected and constructed,” according to Oncor, previously. Those unable to attend the meetings can still get involved by contacting these representatives: Jeremy McConnell (Oncor) (214) 486-5216, transmissionprojects@oncor.com and Kelly Wells (LCRA TSC) ( 512) 578- 1445, BCBH@LCRA.org.
More details, route maps, and updates will be available after June 18 at www.lcra.org/ BCBH and www.oncor.com/transmissionprojects.