Massive New Transmission Lines Are Headed Across Texas

July 10, 2026 ~ Luke Ellis ~ Leave a comment

Texas’ first 765-kilovolt transmission lines could permanently reshape the land they cross. If your property falls along the proposed Bell County East to Big Hill or Big Hill Switch to Sand Lake Switch routes, you could face a massive utility easement, imposing transmission towers, reduced property value, and restrictions that may affect your land for generations.

Photo by Piedmont Environmental Council

These will be the first 765 kV transmission lines ever built in Texas, carrying nearly twice the capacity of the state’s existing 345 kV lines. Developed by Oncor Electric Company and the Lower Colorado River Authority Transmission Services Corporation (LCRA), the projects would span more than 390 miles across 25 Texas counties.¹ These are 200-foot-wide easements with transmission lines reaching up to 160 feet tall. Projects of this scale can permanently alter your landscape, your property value, restrict future land use, and leave lasting impacts.

The Public Utility Commission of Texas is expected to select the final routes soon. If your property is included, you may begin receiving survey requests, right-of-entry agreements, and easement offers. Before signing any documents or accepting an offer, it’s important that you speak with an experienced eminent domain attorney.

Marrs, Ellis & Hodge LLP represents Texas landowners in eminent domain and condemnation matters. If your property is affected by the proposed 765 kV transmission lines, we can help evaluate the impact on your land, identify overlooked damages, and ensure you receive fair compensation. Call (512) 215-4078 today for a free consultation.

The 25 counties being affected include: Bell, Burnet, Concho, Coryell, Crane, Crockett, Ector, Irion, Lampasas, Llano, Mason, McCulloch, Menard, Milam, Mills, Pecos, Reagan, Reeves, San Saba, Schleicher, Tom Green, Upton, Ward, Williamson, and Winkler. ↩︎

New 138 kV High Voltage Transmission Line in Caldwell and Gonzales County

February 23, 2022 ~ Luke Ellis ~ Leave a comment

Guadalupe Valley Electric Cooperative, Inc. (GVEC), an electric utility company in Gonzales, Texas, plans to construct a 138 kilovolt (kV) transmission line in Caldwell County and Gonzales County, Texas known as the Delhi-to-Bluestem 138-kV Transmission Line Project. In May 2020, GVEC filed an application the Public Utility Commission for an amendment to its Certificate of Convenience and Necessity (CCN) requesting approval for this project. In July 2020, the Commission administrative judge found the application sufficient. The project’s right-of-way would be 80 ft. wide, and stretch 13 miles in length starting from Wolf Run Road in Caldwell County to County Road 437 in Gonzales County. According to the timeline provided in GVEC’s approved PUC application, right-of-way acquisition is underway, and construction is on track to begin sometime later this year.

Western Regional Economic Project – Transmission Line

October 27, 2017February 21, 2018 ~ Luke Ellis ~ Leave a comment

Entergy Texas has plans for new transmission line in Montgomery and Walker Counties, Texas. Entergy has begun the filing process with the Public Utility Commission of Texas. This line is part of the Western Regional Economic Project designed to help support population growth in Texas. The new 230 kV transmission line is expected to be constructed by mid-2020 between the Lewis Creek Substation near Willis, Texas with one of the endpoints as either: A new Rocky Creek Substation west of Huntsville, Texas or a new Quarry Substation north of Huntsville, Texas. The new Rocky Creek or Quarry to Lewis Creek will require approval from the Public Utility Commission of Texas through a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity application. Currently, they are still debating the route option. You can check the possible routes here.