Texas grid owners form consortium to build wind transmission projects

Jul 2, 2008 - Electric Transmission Texas LLC (ETT) - Power News

Barely a week after the Texas Public Utility Commission (PUC) selected a $4.9 billion scenario, a number of transmission providers have formed a consortium and filed to jointly build the new transmission lines and facilities proposed to enhance the state's massive wind power potential.

Electric Transmission Texas LLC (ETT), AEP Texas Central Co., AEP Texas North Co., LCRA Transmission Services Corp., Oncor Electric Delivery Co., and Sharyland Utilities LP filed a comprehensive, coordinated proposal with the PUC Thursday for development of transmission from Competitive Renewable Energy Zones (CREZ) under the Scenario 2 plan adopted by the commission July 17.

The scenario envisions construction of approximately 2,400 miles of new 345-kV transmission lines and facilities. Each consortium member will assume responsibility for permitting, construction, and operation and maintenance of the proposed facilities.

ETT will build and own the transmission facilities within and around the AEP Texas North distribution service territory, including approximately 710 miles of new transmission facilities. AEP Texas Central and AEP Texas North will be responsible for another 145 miles of upgraded transmission lines.

LCRA and Oncor propose to develop transmission facilities in and around their service territories, while Sharyland proposes developing transmission facilities in the Texas Panhandle that are not currently in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) transmission footprint.

The estimated cost to build ETT's portion of the joint parties' proposal is between $1.5 billion and $1.7 billion.

"The joint proposal creates the opportunity for more timely and cost-effective completion of the transmission facilities without protracted litigation and dispute among transmission providers," said Calvin Crowder, ETT president, in a statement.

Source: ETT