The preservation of community values, recreational areas, and the environment are just three of the factors that the Texas Public Utility Commission must consider as it adopts routing plans for the hundreds of miles of new transmission lines going up in West Texas and the Panhandle.The lines themselves will be massive: they're the 345 KV variety with poles that stand over 115 feet tall and right of way that can extend 150-180 feet. The lines could end up cutting through ranch land, residential subdivisions and city property. They're contemplated for numerous areas around West Texas, Central Texas and North Texas -- including areas around Killeen, Kempner, Holliday, Sweetwater, Roscoe and Snyder.
It's all part of the Competitive Renewable Energy Zone process that calls for $5-6 billion in new transmission investment to encourage wind energy development. When complete, the CREZ lines will substantially increase transmission connections to parts of the state where the wind blows the heaviest.
But the process is complicated and it's important to know your rights. First the Commission must decide on specific routes, including the designation of priority projects. Transmission service providers like Oncor must also conduct routing studies and conduct public meetings in affected areas. Local residents concerned about the new lines can inquire about the public meetings and can also intervene at the Public Utility Commission.
According to PUC rules, "the line shall be routed to the extent reasonable to moderate the impact on the affected community and landowners unless grid reliability and security dictate otherwise." The PUC must consider historical and aesthetic values, environmental integrity and whether the routes parallel existing compatible rights-of-way.
Some information can be found at the PUC website, under Docket No. 36801. A word of warning: this stuff can be complicated.
-- Lambeth Townsend
No comments:
Post a Comment