The Need for Transmission Lines

The Texas Legislature has declared a critical need for new investment in electric transmission infrastructure — the lines that transmit electricity to our towns and cities. The need for additional transmission lines has been called the “largest obstacle” in realizing the economic and environmental benefits of renewable energy sources, including wind energy. Wind Energy Transmission Texas, LLC (WETT) has been selected to be part of the energy independence solution for Texans by transmitting low cost, renewable energy generated by Texans for Texans.

In 2005, the Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 20. In part, it helped form five Competitive Renewable Energy Zones (CREZ), defined as high-wind areas set aside in West Texas and the Panhandle for the construction of new wind energy generation. The bill also set in motion a process to construct almost 2,400 miles of new electric transmission facilities to transport the estimated 18,500 megawatts of new wind energy that will be produced in West Texas by 2014. This new construction will result in an estimated additional $5 billion investment in Texas by private parties.

In March 2009, the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT), acting on the directions of the Texas Legislature, selected 13 companies to build the new electric transmission lines. WETT is proud to be one of the 13 companies the PUCT selected. More specifically, the PUCT selected WETT to build seven transmission lines comprising approximately 300 miles. Now the PUCT will begin the process of deciding specifically where the new CREZ transmission lines will be built. The information below is intended to help explain this process. References to WETT below include the applicable consultants and other representatives of WETT.
 

 

Routing

WETT will establish a project study area for the transmission lines which it has been selected to build. WETT will then perform extensive investigations of the project study area to identify multiple alternative routes within the project study area. As part of its investigation, WETT will communicate with public officials, communities, and landowners in the project study area as well as with local, state and federal agencies to obtain information relevant to the project study area. WETT will also analyze existing information regarding the project study area, including maps, photographs, environmental databases and other published data. WETT will also conduct its own resource surveys of the project study area as needed to help identify the alternative routes.

Additionally, WETT will hold public meetings near the project study area as part of its routing process. The public meeting is a forum that allows interested persons both to receive information regarding the proposed alternative routes and to communicate with WETT information regarding the potential impact of the proposed alternative routes. The public meeting is also an opportunity for WETT to obtain additional information about the project study area that it may not have otherwise obtained through its investigation. WETT will provide notice of any public meeting in accordance with PUCT rules. WETT values public input and feedback as an important component of the due diligence process.

WETT will ultimately identify multiple alternative routes within the project study area based on its investigation and consideration of all of the sources of information set forth above.

Certificate of Convenience and Necessity

Once WETT has identified the alternative routes through the process described above, WETT will file an application for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity (CCN) with the PUCT. The application will include information such as the location of the proposed alternative routes, a designation of the preferred route, and a description of the impact the construction of the transmission lines will have on the affected towns and cities and the environment in general. The filing of the application begins the formal review and approval process for the construction of the proposed electric transmission facilities.

Along with its application for a CCN, WETT will provide notice in accordance with PUCT rules. The notice will describe the preferred and alternate routes and include a map of the proposed transmission line routing. Parties potentially impacted by the application have several opportunities to comment on the application or to participate in the PUCT proceedings. The PUCT publishes information on its website designed to assist interested parties in participating in the transmission line CCN proceedings. Additionally, the website of the Attorney General of Texas contains information regarding protection available to landowners, including the Landowners Bill of Rights. The Landowners Bill of Rights is available here.

The formal CCN process is governed by the rules and regulations of the PUCT. The PUCT has the authority to approve, disapprove, or approve with modifications WETT’s CCN application including the location of the transmission lines to be constructed. The PUCT’s final decision whether to approve the CCN application and routing will be based on numerous factors, including those reviewed by WETT as part of its investigation process as described above.

Construction of Transmission Lines

Once the PUCT has approved the CCN application and determined the actual location of the transmission lines to be constructed, WETT will begin to work with landowners whose property is crossed by the approved route. WETT representatives will meet with these landowners to obtain access to the property in order to survey the property as necessary to allow for the construction of the transmission lines.

Additionally, WETT will meet with the affected landowners to begin the process of acquiring rights in the affected property for the purpose of construction, operation, and maintenance of the transmission facilities and access thereto. WETT will generally acquire rights that grant WETT the ability to construct, operate, maintain, and access its transmission facilities while allowing the landowner to continue to own and use the property in a manner that does not interfere with the WETT transmission facilities.