Multiple assessments currently are underway along a 200plus–mile route transecting 14 Texas counties including Llano, Mason and San Saba. It is all part of the licensing process of a major transmission line being proposed by Oncor and LCRA TSC (Lower Colorado River Authority Transmission Services Corporation).
“We are still in the ‘Environmental Assessment and Routing Study’ and ‘Certificate of Convenience and Necessity (CCN) Application’ stages,” according to Andrew Clark with Oncor’s media relations department, who answered questions for the News in an email on Oct. 21. “The next step will be for Oncor and LCRA to file the joint application with the PUCT (Public Utility Commission of Texas). Upon filing, official notice will be sent to all directly affected landowners and will be published in several newspapers across the project area. Oncor and LCRA are diligently working to refine routing options and complete the necessary steps to finalize the joint application.”
The “Environmental Assessment and Routing Study” stage typically takes 6-12 months and includes reviewing environmental, archaeological and historical data within the study area and mapping possible routes and alternative routes, according to the flowchart provided by LCRA TSC.
PUBLIC INPUT
At the same time, public interest in the project appears to be robust. Hundreds of people attended the public meetings that were held in June in Salado, Lampasas and Menard. Since then, hundreds of people have offered their opinions.
“Oncor and LCRA TSC continue to receive input from local communities about the Bell County East – Big Hill 765 kV Transmission Line Project, which will ultimately help support continued safe and reliable electric service,” Clark said. “To date, we have received more than 900 landowner questionnaires, exchanged approximately 1,000 emails, and answered questions with nearly 400 landowners over the phone. Engaging with local residents and leaders is an essential component of the regulated process we follow when building new transmission lines, and we appreciate the continued feedback on this critical project. Our team remains available to answer questions on the routing and review process, and can be contacted at 214-486-5216 or transmissionprojects@oncor. com.”
After the application is filed with the PUCT, the public will have another chance to provide feedback during an intervention period of 30 days.
The transmission line would be 215-240 miles long, depending on which route the state’s public utility commission approves. 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.
“Bell County East-Big Hill” 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 PUCT approves the massive project, construction could begin in 2027 with a completion timeline of 2030.