PUCT approves AEP, MidAmerican transmission line

May 23, 2013 | By Barbara Vergetis Lundin

The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) has unanimously approved an application by Electric Transmission Texas (ETT), a joint venture between American Electric Power and MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company, to build a 345-kV transmission line from the Laredo area into the Rio Grande Valley.

The transmission project includes construction of approximately 156 miles of 345 kV transmission lines that will connect ETT's Lobo Substation near Laredo with substations north of Edinburg and will add two new substations along the line route. The cost is estimated at $318 million.

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) determined in 2011 that the project is critical for the reliability of the ERCOT system and, specifically, the Lower Rio Grande Valley. Currently, there are only two 345 kV transmission lines serving the Valley. Both of the existing lines import power from the Corpus Christi area and run parallel to the Gulf Coast, which means both are vulnerable to hurricanes and other severe weather. Work to upgrade the two lines is already underway and should be complete this summer.

Now begins right-of-way acquisition and detailed engineering for the project. Construction is anticipated to start in 2014 with completion in 2016.

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