{ "schemaVersion": 1, "title": "Lines of Power", "headline": "Texas is drawing new lines of power.", "intro": "The routes, the county objections and the decisions behind Texas’s 765-kV transmission buildout.", "reviewedThrough": "2026-09-14", "scope": "The five CCN application segments forming the three 765-kV Permian Basin Reliability Plan import paths. This is not all Texas transmission construction, all 765-kV planning, or a statewide opposition census.", "projects": [ { "id": "dinosaur-longshore", "name": "Dinosaur–Longshore", "docket": "59315", "importPath": 1, "utilities": [ "Oncor" ], "applicationDate": "2026-02-19", "status": "approved", "statusLabel": "Route approved", "statusDate": "2026-08-28", "evidenceLevel": "signed_final_order", "hasSignedRouteOrder": true, "selectedRoute": "559", "approvedMiles": 242.56, "proposedMiles": { "min": 235, "max": 270, "basis": "Utility project-page planning range; superseded by selected route for the approved-mile metric." }, "estimatedCosts": { "currency": "USD", "line": 1704004000, "stations": 538765000, "total": 2242769000, "basis": "Final-order findings 79–81; estimated construction cost, not actual spending." }, "habitableStructuresWithin500Feet": 102, "physicalStatus": "not_verified", "schedule": { "inServiceEstimate": "2029-06", "basis": "Application estimate reproduced in final order, finding 20. Utility project page still says 2028; do not present either as a confirmed actual completion date." }, "endpoints": [ "Dinosaur Switch near Glen Rose, Somervell County", "Longshore Switch near Forsan, Howard County" ], "applicationAreaCounties": [ "Borden", "Bosque", "Brown", "Callahan", "Coke", "Coleman", "Comanche", "Eastland", "Erath", "Glasscock", "Hamilton", "Hood", "Howard", "Jones", "Mitchell", "Nolan", "Runnels", "Shackelford", "Somervell", "Stephens", "Sterling", "Taylor" ], "selectedRouteCounties": null, "summary": "The PUCT issued a signed order approving Route 559. The approved route measures 242.56 miles; approval does not establish that the line has been built or energized.", "nextAction": "Watch the docket for rehearing or court developments and construction-progress reports; verify easement and construction milestones separately.", "nextMeetingDate": null, "docketUrl": "https://interchange.puc.texas.gov/search/filings/?ControlNumber=59315&SortBy=ItemNumber&SortOrder=Descending", "projectUrl": "https://www.oncor.com/content/oncorwww/us/en/home/about-us/transmission-systems/current-transmission-line-projects/dinosaur-to-longshore-765-kv-transmission-line-project.html", "evidence": [ { "source": "dinosaur-order", "pdfPages": [ 30 ], "printedPages": [ 29 ], "supports": "Selected-route length and estimated costs, findings 75 and 79–81." }, { "source": "dinosaur-order", "pdfPages": [ 31 ], "printedPages": [ 30 ], "supports": "102 habitable structures within 500 feet, finding 84." }, { "source": "dinosaur-order", "pdfPages": [ 42, 47 ], "printedPages": [ 41, 46 ], "supports": "Ordering paragraph 2 and signed final order." }, { "source": "dinosaur-order", "pdfPages": [ 7 ], "printedPages": [ 6 ], "supports": "Application schedule, finding 20." }, { "source": "bell-pfd", "pdfPages": [ 15 ], "printedPages": [ 6 ], "supports": "Application filing date and import path." } ], "monitorBaseline": { "latestItem": 5829 } }, { "id": "longshore-drill-hole", "name": "Longshore–Drill Hole", "docket": "59029", "importPath": 1, "utilities": [ "Oncor" ], "applicationDate": "2025-12-11", "status": "approved", "statusLabel": "Route approved", "statusDate": "2026-08-28", "evidenceLevel": "signed_final_order", "hasSignedRouteOrder": true, "selectedRoute": "476", "approvedMiles": 181.6, "proposedMiles": null, "estimatedCosts": { "currency": "USD", "line": 975821000, "stations": 728061000, "total": 1703882000, "basis": "Final-order findings 130–132; approximate total, estimated construction cost rather than actual spending." }, "habitableStructuresWithin500Feet": 3, "physicalStatus": "not_verified", "schedule": { "inServiceEstimate": "2028-12", "basis": "Application estimate reproduced in final order, finding 18; subject to change." }, "endpoints": [ "Longshore Switch in Howard County", "Drill Hole Switch in Culberson County" ], "applicationAreaCounties": [ "Andrews", "Culberson", "Ector", "Glasscock", "Howard", "Loving", "Martin", "Midland", "Reeves", "Winkler" ], "selectedRouteCounties": null, "summary": "The PUCT issued a signed order approving Route 476, approximately 181.6 miles long. The order authorizes the project; it does not establish construction or operation.", "nextAction": "Watch the docket for rehearing or court developments and construction-progress reports; verify easement and construction milestones separately.", "nextMeetingDate": null, "docketUrl": "https://interchange.puc.texas.gov/search/filings/?ControlNumber=59029&SortBy=ItemNumber&SortOrder=Descending", "projectUrl": "https://www.oncor.com/content/oncorwww/us/en/home/about-us/transmission-systems/current-transmission-line-projects/longshore-switch---drill-hole-switch-765-kv-transmission-line-pr.html", "evidence": [ { "source": "longshore-order", "pdfPages": [ 18, 19 ], "printedPages": [ 17, 18 ], "supports": "Selected-route length, costs and three habitable structures within 500 feet; findings 127 and 130–136." }, { "source": "longshore-order", "pdfPages": [ 29, 33 ], "printedPages": [ 28, 32 ], "supports": "Ordering paragraph 2 and signed final order." }, { "source": "longshore-order", "pdfPages": [ 5 ], "printedPages": [ 4 ], "supports": "Application schedule, finding 18." }, { "source": "bell-pfd", "pdfPages": [ 15 ], "printedPages": [ 6 ], "supports": "Application filing date and import path." } ], "monitorBaseline": { "latestItem": 514 } }, { "id": "big-hill-sand-lake", "name": "Big Hill–Sand Lake", "docket": "59182", "importPath": 2, "utilities": [ "Oncor", "LCRA Transmission Services Corporation" ], "applicationDate": "2026-01-15", "status": "remand_reported", "statusLabel": "Further review reported", "statusDate": "2026-09-11", "evidenceLevel": "reporting_with_primary_context", "hasSignedRouteOrder": false, "selectedRoute": null, "approvedMiles": null, "proposedMiles": { "min": 197, "max": 222, "basis": "Application alternatives summarized in the August 20 proposal for decision; no selected final route verified." }, "estimatedCosts": null, "physicalStatus": "not_verified", "schedule": { "inServiceEstimate": "2030-winter", "basis": "Utility project-page target, not an actual completion date." }, "endpoints": [ "Big Hill Substation near Eldorado, Schleicher County", "Sand Lake Switch near Pecos, Ward County" ], "applicationAreaCounties": [ "Crane", "Crockett", "Irion", "Pecos", "Reagan", "Reeves", "Schleicher", "Tom Green", "Upton", "Ward" ], "selectedRouteCounties": null, "summary": "The question of need is joined with Bell County East–Big Hill. Administrative judges recommended denial on August 20; the chairman recommended further review on September 9. The Texas Tribune reported the commission sent both proposals back to SOAH on September 11. No final route order was located in this review.", "nextAction": "Check for the written remand order, a supplemental proposal for decision and a new oral-argument date. Do not count an ALJ recommendation as a cancelled project.", "nextMeetingDate": null, "docketUrl": "https://interchange.puc.texas.gov/search/filings/?ControlNumber=59182&SortBy=ItemNumber&SortOrder=Descending", "projectUrl": "https://www.oncor.com/content/oncorwww/us/en/home/about-us/transmission-systems/current-transmission-line-projects/big-hill-switch-to-sand-lake-switch-765-kv-transmission-line-project.html", "evidence": [ { "source": "bell-pfd", "pdfPages": [ 15, 16, 17 ], "supports": "Five-project cohort, length range, consolidation of need and denial recommendation." }, { "source": "remand-memo", "pdfPages": [ 3, 4, 5 ], "supports": "Chairman recommendation for remand, additional reliability and consumer-savings analysis and later oral argument." }, { "source": "tribune-sept11", "supports": "Reported September 11 return of the two other proposals to administrative judges; not a signed remand order." }, { "source": "sept11-agenda", "pdfPages": [ 2 ], "supports": "Item 7, docket and application-area counties." } ], "monitorBaseline": { "latestItem": 608 } }, { "id": "bell-county-east-big-hill", "name": "Bell County East–Big Hill", "docket": "59475", "importPath": 2, "utilities": [ "Oncor", "LCRA Transmission Services Corporation" ], "applicationDate": "2026-03-26", "status": "remand_reported", "statusLabel": "Further review reported", "statusDate": "2026-09-11", "evidenceLevel": "reporting_with_primary_context", "hasSignedRouteOrder": false, "selectedRoute": null, "approvedMiles": null, "proposedMiles": { "min": 214, "max": 244, "basis": "Application alternatives summarized in the August 20 proposal for decision; no selected final route verified." }, "estimatedCosts": null, "physicalStatus": "not_verified", "schedule": { "inServiceEstimate": "2030-summer", "basis": "Utility project-page target, not an actual completion date." }, "endpoints": [ "Bell County East Switch near Temple, Bell County", "Big Hill Substation near Eldorado, Schleicher County" ], "applicationAreaCounties": [ "Bell", "Burnet", "Concho", "Coryell", "Lampasas", "Llano", "Mason", "McCulloch", "Menard", "Milam", "Mills", "San Saba", "Schleicher", "Tom Green", "Williamson" ], "selectedRouteCounties": null, "summary": "Administrative judges recommended denial, citing unresolved need and public-meeting notice failures. The chairman proposed remand; The Texas Tribune reported both Import Path 2 proposals were returned to SOAH on September 11. This is not a verified final rejection or a route approval.", "nextAction": "Check for the written remand order, supplemental findings on reliability and consumer savings, and the next oral-argument date.", "nextMeetingDate": null, "docketUrl": "https://interchange.puc.texas.gov/search/filings/?ControlNumber=59475&SortBy=ItemNumber&SortOrder=Descending", "projectUrl": "https://www.oncor.com/content/oncorwww/us/en/home/about-us/transmission-systems/current-transmission-line-projects/bell-county-east---big-hill-765-kv-transmission-line-project.html", "evidence": [ { "source": "bell-pfd", "pdfPages": [ 14, 15, 16, 17 ], "supports": "Length range, filing date, five-project cohort and ALJ denial recommendation." }, { "source": "remand-memo", "pdfPages": [ 3, 4, 5 ], "supports": "Chairman recommends remand and later oral argument; not itself a commission order." }, { "source": "tribune-sept11", "supports": "Reported September 11 return of two proposals to administrative judges." }, { "source": "sept11-agenda", "pdfPages": [ 2 ], "supports": "Item 10 and application-area counties." } ], "monitorBaseline": { "latestItem": 6565 } }, { "id": "howard-solstice", "name": "Howard–Solstice", "docket": "59336", "importPath": 3, "utilities": [ "AEP Texas", "CPS Energy" ], "applicationDate": "2026-03-02", "status": "conditional_approval_reported", "statusLabel": "Conditional approval reported", "statusDate": "2026-09-11", "evidenceLevel": "reporting_with_primary_context", "hasSignedRouteOrder": false, "selectedRoute": null, "approvedMiles": null, "proposedMiles": { "value": 368.5, "route": "4 Mod 1 / Briscoe 2-1", "basis": "September 11 applicant informational filing describes the route discussed at that day's meeting. This is filed alternative-route data, not a verified final-order length." }, "estimatedCosts": { "currency": "USD", "filedRouteEstimate": 2153288231, "route": "4 Mod 1 / Briscoe 2-1", "stations": null, "total": null, "basis": "Attachment A, Estimated Cost per Route; station inclusion not reconciled in this review. Do not label as a final approved project cost." }, "physicalStatus": "not_verified", "schedule": null, "endpoints": [ "Howard Station southwest of San Antonio, Bexar County", "Solstice Station west of Fort Stockton, Pecos County" ], "applicationAreaCounties": [ "Atascosa", "Bandera", "Bexar", "Crockett", "Edwards", "Kerr", "Kinney", "Medina", "Pecos", "Real", "Sutton", "Terrell", "Uvalde", "Val Verde" ], "selectedRouteCounties": null, "summary": "The Texas Tribune reported conditional approval on September 11, with further landowner accommodations. A same-day applicant filing identifies Route 4 Mod 1 as the previously studied Briscoe 2-1 route, measuring 368.50 miles. A signed final order was not located; these miles remain outside the approved-mile counter.", "nextAction": "Read the signed final order when posted; confirm the selected route, landowner-deviation conditions, cost scope and final mileage before updating approval metrics.", "nextMeetingDate": null, "docketUrl": "https://interchange.puc.texas.gov/search/filings/?ControlNumber=59336&SortBy=ItemNumber&SortOrder=Descending", "projectUrl": "https://aeptransmission.com/texas/howard-solstice/", "evidence": [ { "source": "howard-route-filing", "pdfPages": [ 2, 4 ], "supports": "Route 4 Mod 1 alias, September 11 meeting context, 368.50 miles and filed route cost." }, { "source": "howard-commissioner-memo", "pdfPages": [ 3, 4, 5 ], "supports": "Proposed landowner accommodations; recommendation rather than final order." }, { "source": "tribune-sept11", "supports": "Reported September 11 conditional approval and direction to work with landowners." }, { "source": "howard-landowner-notice", "pdfPages": [ 1 ], "supports": "Correct docket59336, filing date, endpoints and counties. AEP project page incorrectly prints59366." } ], "monitorBaseline": { "latestItem": 2732 } } ], "corridors": [ { "id": "1", "name": "Northern import path", "projectIds": [ "dinosaur-longshore", "longshore-drill-hole" ] }, { "id": "2", "name": "Central import path", "projectIds": [ "bell-county-east-big-hill", "big-hill-sand-lake" ] }, { "id": "3", "name": "Southern import path", "projectIds": [ "howard-solstice" ] } ], "opposition": [ { "id": "brown-2026-02-09", "county": "Brown", "government": "Brown County Commissioners Court", "adoptedOn": "2026-02-09", "projectIds": [ "dinosaur-longshore" ], "pucDockets": [ "59315" ], "action": "Adopted a resolution formally opposing the proposed Dinosaur–Longshore 765-kV power line.", "scope": "project_as_proposed", "scopeNote": "The resolution title opposes the project as proposed; its findings specifically address proposed Brown County routes and local impacts. Do not treat this as opposition to every Texas 765-kV project.", "vote": null, "adoptionEvidence": "Signed resolution states passed and approved February 9, 2026.", "sourceIds": [ "brown-resolution" ], "counted": true }, { "id": "comanche-2026-01-12", "county": "Comanche", "government": "Comanche County Commissioners Court", "adoptedOn": "2026-01-12", "projectIds": [ "dinosaur-longshore" ], "pucDockets": [ "59315" ], "action": "Approved the resolution opposing the Dinosaur–Longshore project going through Comanche County and directing it to the PUCT.", "scope": "routes_through_county", "scopeNote": "County-specific routing opposition; not evidence the court rejects every alternative route outside Comanche County.", "vote": "All approved; motion passed. Minutes do not give a numerical tally for this item.", "adoptionEvidence": "January 12, 2026 regular-meeting minutes, page 1.", "sourceIds": [ "comanche-minutes" ], "counted": true }, { "id": "callahan-2026-03-19", "county": "Callahan", "government": "Callahan County Commissioners Court", "adoptedOn": "2026-03-19", "projectIds": [ "dinosaur-longshore" ], "pucDockets": [ "59315" ], "action": "Adopted conditional opposition to Dinosaur–Longshore routing through Callahan County and requested delayed filing and alternative routes.", "scope": "conditional_routes_through_county", "scopeNote": "Opposes routing through Callahan County until Oncor addresses stated concerns, considers alternatives outside the county, gives proper notice, supplies engineering detail, and addresses construction damage. It is not unconditional opposition to the entire project.", "vote": null, "adoptionEvidence": "County judge's March 19 transmittal states the resolution passed that day; resolution pages 2–3 set out the conditions.", "sourceIds": [ "callahan-resolution" ], "counted": true }, { "id": "bandera-2025-08-28", "county": "Bandera", "government": "Bandera County Commissioners Court", "adoptedOn": "2025-08-28", "projectIds": [ "howard-solstice" ], "pucDockets": [ "59336" ], "action": "Adopted opposition to Howard–Solstice construction anywhere in Bandera County.", "scope": "routes_through_county", "scopeNote": "Explicitly limited to any part of Bandera County.", "vote": null, "adoptionEvidence": "Signed county resolution dated August 28, 2025.", "sourceIds": [ "bandera-resolution" ], "counted": true }, { "id": "real-2025-08-22", "county": "Real", "government": "Real County Commissioners Court", "adoptedOn": "2025-08-22", "projectIds": [ "howard-solstice" ], "pucDockets": [ "59336" ], "action": "Adopted opposition to Howard–Solstice and its current routes through Real County, authorizing the county judge to seek alternatives.", "scope": "current_routes_through_county", "scopeNote": "Section 2 names the project and its current routes through Real County; Section 3 seeks alternative routes. Preserve this local routing qualification.", "vote": null, "adoptionEvidence": "Signed two-page resolution states passed and approved August 22, 2025.", "sourceIds": [ "real-resolution" ], "counted": true }, { "id": "edwards-2025-08-26", "county": "Edwards", "government": "Edwards County Commissioners Court", "adoptedOn": "2025-08-26", "projectIds": [ "howard-solstice" ], "pucDockets": [ "59336" ], "action": "Approved opposition to Howard–Solstice and its current routes through Edwards County, authorizing pursuit of alternatives.", "scope": "current_routes_through_county", "scopeNote": "Opposition is to the project and current routes through Edwards County; alternative routes are expressly contemplated.", "vote": null, "adoptionEvidence": "Signed adopted resolution dated August 26, 2025, inspected as a coalition-hosted copy. The county-hosted minutes link could not be verified; no vote tally is claimed.", "sourceIds": [ "edwards-resolution" ], "counted": true }, { "id": "medina-2025-11-17", "county": "Medina", "government": "Medina County Commissioners Court", "adoptedOn": "2025-11-17", "projectIds": [ "howard-solstice" ], "pucDockets": [ "59336" ], "action": "Passed a resolution opposing Howard–Solstice construction and its current proposed routes through Medina County.", "scope": "current_routes_through_county", "scopeNote": "The adopted motion explicitly concerns current proposed routes through Medina County.", "vote": "4–0", "adoptionEvidence": "Official November 17, 2025 minutes, item 5: motion carried 4–0.", "sourceIds": [ "medina-minutes" ], "counted": true }, { "id": "kerr-2026-04-01", "county": "Kerr", "government": "Kerr County Commissioners Court", "adoptedOn": "2026-04-01", "projectIds": [ "howard-solstice" ], "pucDockets": [ "59336" ], "action": "Approved formal opposition to Howard–Solstice and its current routes through Kerr County and submission of a protestor form to the PUCT.", "scope": "current_routes_through_county", "scopeNote": "County-specific opposition. This action authorizes a protestor filing, not intervenor status.", "vote": "4–0–1; Judge Kelly abstained", "adoptionEvidence": "Official court order 41853, item 1.2, April 1, 2026, page 2.", "sourceIds": [ "kerr-order" ], "counted": true } ], "sources": { "dinosaur-order": { "title": "PUCT Docket59315 final order", "publisher": "Public Utility Commission of Texas", "kind": "Official record", "date": "2026-08-28", "url": "https://interchange.puc.texas.gov/Documents/59315_5819_1678289.PDF", "provenance": "Public Utility Commission of Texas" }, "longshore-order": { "title": "PUCT Docket59029 final order", "publisher": "Public Utility Commission of Texas", "kind": "Official record", "date": "2026-08-28", "url": "https://interchange.puc.texas.gov/Documents/59029_503_1678287.PDF", "provenance": "Public Utility Commission of Texas" }, "bell-pfd": { "title": "SOAH proposal for decision, Bell County East–Big Hill and consolidated question of need for Import Path2", "publisher": "State Office of Administrative Hearings", "kind": "Official record", "date": "2026-08-20", "url": "https://interchange.puc.texas.gov/Documents/59475_6441_1676002.PDF", "provenance": "State Office of Administrative Hearings" }, "remand-memo": { "title": "Chairman Gleeson memorandum proposing remand of Dockets59475 and59182", "publisher": "Public Utility Commission of Texas", "kind": "Official record", "date": "2026-09-09", "url": "https://interchange.puc.texas.gov/Documents/59475_6514_1681282.PDF", "provenance": "Public Utility Commission of Texas" }, "howard-route-filing": { "title": "AEP Texas and CPS Energy informational filing regarding Route4Mod1", "publisher": "AEP Texas and CPS Energy, filed with PUCT", "kind": "Applicant filing", "date": "2026-09-11", "url": "https://interchange.puc.texas.gov/Documents/59336_2732_1682258.PDF", "provenance": "AEP Texas and CPS Energy, filed with PUCT" }, "howard-commissioner-memo": { "title": "Chairman and commissioner memoranda for Howard–Solstice", "publisher": "Public Utility Commission of Texas", "kind": "Official record", "date": "2026-09-10", "url": "https://interchange.puc.texas.gov/Documents/59336_2726_1681858.PDF", "provenance": "Public Utility Commission of Texas" }, "howard-landowner-notice": { "title": "Howard–Solstice landowner notice", "publisher": "CPS Energy and AEP Texas", "kind": "Applicant notice", "date": "2026-03-02", "url": "https://www.cpsenergy.com/content/dam/corporate/en/Documents/Infrastructure/howard-solstice/howard-solstice-transmission-project/part-2-update-files/Landowner_Letter_English_Spanish_ada_31626.pdf", "provenance": "CPS Energy and AEP Texas" }, "tribune-sept11": { "title": "After public pressure, Texas OKs more765lines, directing companies to work with landowners", "publisher": "The Texas Tribune", "kind": "Reporting", "date": "2026-09-11", "url": "https://www.texastribune.org/2026/09/11/transmission-lines-landowners-oil-industry-outcry/", "provenance": "The Texas Tribune" }, "sept11-agenda": { "title": "PUCT September11 open-meeting agenda", "publisher": "Public Utility Commission of Texas", "kind": "Official record", "date": "2026-09-11", "url": "https://ftp.puc.texas.gov/public/puct-info/agency/om/091126Final.pdf", "provenance": "Public Utility Commission of Texas" }, "open-meetings": { "title": "PUCT agendas, broadcasts and minutes", "publisher": "Public Utility Commission of Texas", "kind": "Official record", "url": "https://www.puc.texas.gov/agency/calendar/openmeetings.aspx", "provenance": "Public Utility Commission of Texas" }, "sept18-agenda": { "title": "PUCT September18 agenda", "publisher": "Public Utility Commission of Texas", "kind": "Official record", "date": "2026-09-18", "url": "https://ftp.puc.texas.gov/public/puct-info/agency/om/091826Final.pdf", "note": "Future meeting agenda already published when reviewed September14; none of the five project dockets appeared in inspected text.", "provenance": "Public Utility Commission of Texas" }, "sept17-agenda": { "title": "PUCT September17 hearing and open-meeting agenda", "publisher": "Public Utility Commission of Texas", "kind": "Official record", "date": "2026-09-17", "url": "https://ftp.puc.texas.gov/public/puct-info/agency/om/091726HOM_OM.pdf", "note": "Future meeting agenda already published when reviewed September14; none of the five project dockets appeared in inspected text.", "provenance": "Public Utility Commission of Texas" }, "brown-resolution": { "title": "Brown County adopted Dinosaur–Longshore opposition resolution", "url": "https://newtools.cira.state.tx.us/upload/page/0845/Resolution.pdf", "date": "2026-02-09", "issuer": "Brown County Commissioners Court", "kind": "Official record", "hosting": "County document service", "reviewMethod": "Downloaded PDF; image-only page inspected through OCR.", "pages": "1", "provenance": "Brown County Commissioners Court · County document service · Page 1" }, "comanche-minutes": { "title": "Comanche County January 12, 2026 regular meeting minutes", "url": "https://www.comanchecountytx.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_01122026-106", "date": "2026-01-12", "issuer": "Comanche County Commissioners Court", "kind": "Official record", "hosting": "County website", "reviewMethod": "PDF text extraction.", "pages": "1", "provenance": "Comanche County Commissioners Court · County website · Page 1" }, "callahan-resolution": { "title": "Callahan County March 19, 2026 opposition resolution and transmittal", "url": "https://www.callahancounty.org/upload/page/5100/RESOLUTION%20OPPOSING%20TRANSMISSION%20LINE.pdf", "date": "2026-03-19", "issuer": "Callahan County Commissioners Court", "kind": "Official record", "hosting": "County website", "reviewMethod": "PDF text extraction.", "pages": "1–3", "provenance": "Callahan County Commissioners Court · County website · Page 1–3" }, "bandera-resolution": { "title": "Bandera County signed Howard–Solstice opposition resolution", "url": "https://www.preservethehillcountry.com/_files/ugd/ccbd41_b40bb2b06ba6419f86da3d2a53a4badf.pdf", "date": "2025-08-28", "issuer": "Bandera County Commissioners Court", "kind": "Official record", "hosting": "Copy hosted by Hill Country Preservation Coalition; county-hosted original not yet located", "reviewMethod": "PDF text extraction; scanned signatures and adoption date present.", "pages": "1", "provenance": "Bandera County Commissioners Court · Copy hosted by Hill Country Preservation Coalition; county-hosted original not yet located · Page 1" }, "real-resolution": { "title": "Real County signed Howard–Solstice opposition resolution", "url": "https://www.preservethehillcountry.com/_files/ugd/ccbd41_5506dfb25c0948e2ba59d15eb9583ee1.pdf", "date": "2025-08-22", "issuer": "Real County Commissioners Court", "kind": "Official record", "hosting": "Copy hosted by Hill Country Preservation Coalition; county-hosted original not yet located", "reviewMethod": "Downloaded image-only PDF; OCR inspected across both pages.", "pages": "1–2", "provenance": "Real County Commissioners Court · Copy hosted by Hill Country Preservation Coalition; county-hosted original not yet located · Page 1–2" }, "edwards-resolution": { "title": "Edwards County signed Howard–Solstice opposition resolution", "url": "https://www.preservethehillcountry.com/_files/ugd/ccbd41_74b6a25b749e401085b6d045ef11d62b.pdf", "date": "2025-08-26", "issuer": "Edwards County Commissioners Court", "kind": "Official record", "hosting": "Copy hosted by Hill Country Preservation Coalition; county-hosted minutes link could not be verified in this review", "reviewMethod": "Downloaded image-only PDF; OCR inspected across both pages.", "pages": "1–2", "provenance": "Edwards County Commissioners Court · Copy hosted by Hill Country Preservation Coalition; county-hosted minutes link could not be verified in this review · Page 1–2" }, "medina-minutes": { "title": "Medina County November 17, 2025 adopted meeting minutes", "url": "https://public.destinyhosted.com/agenda_publish.cfm?id=63346&mt=ALL&get_month=11&get_year=2025&dsp=min&seq=109", "date": "2025-11-17", "issuer": "Medina County Commissioners Court", "kind": "Official record", "hosting": "Official county agenda provider, linked by medinatx.gov", "reviewMethod": "Fetched live official minutes HTML; read adopted action in item 5.", "locator": "Item 5", "provenance": "Medina County Commissioners Court · Official county agenda provider, linked by medinatx.gov · Item 5" }, "kerr-order": { "title": "Kerr County April 1, 2026 court orders — order 41853", "url": "http://legacy.co.kerr.tx.us/commcrt/minutes/2026/2026-04-01_SPECIAL_MEETING-(CCO).pdf", "date": "2026-04-01", "issuer": "Kerr County Commissioners Court", "kind": "Official record", "hosting": "Official county legacy archive linked by kerrcountytx.gov; HTTPS certificate failed verification, HTTP document retrieved", "reviewMethod": "Live PDF text extraction.", "pages": "2", "locator": "Order 41853, item 1.2", "provenance": "Kerr County Commissioners Court · Official county legacy archive linked by kerrcountytx.gov; HTTPS certificate failed verification, HTTP document retrieved · Order 41853, item 1.2" } }, "methodology": [ "Approved miles sum only the selected routes in signed final CCN orders inspected in this review. Plan approval, an ALJ proposal for decision, a commissioner memorandum and news of a vote are separate evidence states.", "The September 11 Howard–Solstice meeting outcome is reported as conditional approval. Its filed Route 4 Mod 1 is 368.50 miles, but that length is excluded from signed-order approved miles until the final order is inspected.", "The September 11 return of Bell County East–Big Hill and Big Hill–Sand Lake to SOAH is reported by The Texas Tribune. The primary September 9 chairman memorandum recommends remand; it is not itself proof the commission voted to remand.", "No signed final order approving Howard–Solstice or remanding the two Import Path 2 cases was found in the live docket listings through this review. Their current event labels must preserve the reporting attribution.", "Application-area counties are not the counties crossed by the selected route. Alternative-route miles are not additive.", "Per-project estimated costs are not expenditures or customer bills. Station costs across connected projects must be reconciled before producing a program cost total.", "Unknown energized, cancelled and opposition counts are not zero. Physical construction and in-service status need construction reports and utility confirmation.", "County objections count distinct county governments with inspected adoption evidence. Conditional and county-specific routing objections remain identified in each record. This is an incomplete historical record of adopted actions, not a poll or a verified current-position census.", "Bandera, Real and Edwards are supported by signed county resolutions hosted by a coalition; their provenance is visible. Five other counties have county or official-provider hosted adoption evidence.", "Requests to study alternatives, concerns letters, agenda items without adoption evidence and research leads do not enter the opposition count. No comprehensive rescission audit has been completed.", "No construction or energized-mile total is established by this register. Do not add the project cost estimates without reconciling shared facilities and accounting scope.", "Automated checks inspect new filing metadata every six hours. A source check does not update the editorial review date or turn a filing into an approved outcome. Published numbers change after evidence review." ], "reviewQueue": [ { "county": "Burnet", "projectIds": [ "bell-county-east-big-hill" ], "pucDockets": [ "59475" ], "date": "2025-10-28", "status": "verified_adopted_route_change_request_not_in_opposition_count", "reason": "Minutes show 4–0 adoption; signed resolution requests alternative routes outside Burnet County and delayed filing. Operative clauses do not explicitly adopt opposition. Keep as a separate action category unless a later unequivocal opposition record is verified.", "url": "https://public.destinyhosted.com/burnemindocs/2025/ComCt/20251028_4558/MINUTESpacket__10-28-25_1045_1552.pdf", "locator": "Minutes page 2; signed resolution pages 19–20" }, { "county": "Val Verde", "projectIds": [ "howard-solstice" ], "date": "2025-04-04", "status": "concerns_letter_not_adopted_opposition", "reason": "Coalition categorizes document among county resolutions, but the inspected document is a signed concerns letter asking planners to consider environmental, military, tourism, and land-use effects. No formal adopted opposition or vote verified.", "url": "https://www.preservethehillcountry.com/_files/ugd/ccbd41_a9d59f2d9a064a2e8ab962d9b6e4d8cb.pdf" }, { "county": "Coleman", "projectIds": [ "dinosaur-longshore" ], "date": "2026-01-26", "status": "agenda_only_adoption_unverified", "reason": "Official agenda lists opposition resolution; minutes or signed adopted resolution not located in bounded review.", "url": "https://newtools.cira.state.tx.us/upload/page/6060/docs/Comm.Court/2026%20Agenda%27s/2026003.pdf" }, { "county": "Llano", "projectIds": [ "bell-county-east-big-hill" ], "date": "2025-11-10", "status": "reported_adoption_primary_record_needed", "reason": "News reports adoption, but a primary adopted resolution or minutes was not retrieved. Excluded pending primary verification.", "url": "https://www.dailytrib.com/2025/11/11/llano-county-joins-transmission-line-opposition/", "officialArchive": "https://www.llanocounty.gov/page/Agendas.Minutes" }, { "county": "Uvalde", "projectIds": [ "howard-solstice" ], "date": null, "status": "reported_adoption_primary_record_needed", "reason": "October 2025 adoption reported in local coverage; date and primary outcome record not established in this bounded review.", "url": "https://uvaldehesperian.com/video-county-approves-resolution-opposing-the-proposed-howard-solstice/" } ], "participation": [ { "projectId": "howard-solstice", "pucDocket": "59336", "event": "Original deadline to request intervention", "date": "2026-04-01", "statusAsOfReview": "past", "source": "https://www.cpsenergy.com/en/about-us/new-infrastructure/howard-solstice-transmission.html", "note": "Applicant's official page. Do not present as an open deadline. Latest procedural orders must govern any current participation guidance. The source also lists merits hearing May 19–22, 2026, already past." }, { "projectId": "bell-county-east-big-hill", "pucDocket": "59475", "event": "Original deadline to request intervention", "date": "2026-04-27", "statusAsOfReview": "past", "source": "https://www.lcra.org/energy/electric-transmission/transmission-line-routing/bell-county-east-to-big-hill-765-kv-transmission-project/", "note": "Applicant's official page. Do not present as an open deadline." } ], "story": { "title": "Texas’s power-line fight has moved from planning to permission.", "dek": "Five applications, three corridors and a growing record of county objections show where the 765-kV buildout stands—and where the decisions are still unsettled.", "publishedOn": "2026-09-14", "byline": "Local Insights", "sections": [ { "heading": "A grid plan becomes a route across somebody’s land.", "paragraphs": [ "Texas’s 765-kilovolt transmission buildout can look like a few lines on a planning map. In the public record, it is a series of separate decisions: which connections the grid needs, which route a utility may build, what accommodations landowners receive and when a line actually enters service.", "The initial Lines of Power register follows five applications that make up three Permian Basin Reliability Plan import paths. Two segments connect Dinosaur to Longshore and then Drill Hole. Two connect Bell County East to Big Hill and then Sand Lake. A fifth connects Howard to Solstice. Counting those five applications as five independent statewide corridors would overstate the plan’s structure.", "The purpose of this tracker is to make that sequence inspectable. It puts route authority beside county objections and links each consequential claim to the order, filing or adopted local record behind it. Its September 14 starting register covers these five applications, rather than every transmission project in Texas." ], "sources": [ "bell-pfd" ] }, { "heading": "Two signed orders account for about 424.2 miles.", "paragraphs": [ "On August 28, the Public Utility Commission approved Route 559 for Dinosaur–Longshore and Route 476 for Longshore–Drill Hole. Their signed orders identify 242.56 miles and approximately 181.6 miles, respectively. Together they account for approximately 424.2 route miles in this reviewed cohort.", "Those orders authorize routes. They do not establish that the towers are standing or the lines are energized. They also do not justify counting every county named in the original application as a county crossed by the selected route: applications can describe a wider set of alternatives.", "For the same reason, the tracker keeps construction-cost estimates at the project level. A statewide price tag needs a separate reconciliation of shared facilities, station costs and accounting scope. An estimate in an order is also different from money already spent." ], "sources": [ "dinosaur-order", "longshore-order" ] }, { "heading": "The other three cases remain distinct.", "paragraphs": [ "The Texas Tribune reported conditional approval of Howard–Solstice on September 11, with further accommodations for landowners. A same-day applicant filing identifies the discussed Route 4 Mod 1, also called Briscoe 2-1, at 368.50 miles. A signed final order was not located in the review. Those miles therefore remain outside the signed-order counter.", "For Bell County East–Big Hill and Big Hill–Sand Lake, administrative judges recommended denial and the commission chairman later recommended further review. The Tribune reported that the commission returned the proposals to administrative judges on September 11. The public labels preserve that attribution while the tracker watches for the written action.", "A denial recommendation, a reported remand and a final cancellation have different consequences. Combining them into a single count of projects killed would give readers an answer the records do not support." ], "sources": [ "howard-route-filing", "tribune-sept11", "bell-pfd", "remand-memo" ] }, { "heading": "Eight counties are on record. Their objections are specific.", "paragraphs": [ "The starting register documents adopted opposition actions by Brown, Comanche, Callahan, Bandera, Real, Edwards, Medina and Kerr counties. It is a minimum from inspected records, not a statewide opinion poll or an exhaustive census of current county positions.", "Several resolutions oppose routes through the county while leaving other routes open. Callahan’s opposition contains conditions. Keeping those qualifications visible matters: local resistance to a route does not necessarily mean rejection of every 765-kV line or of grid expansion itself.", "Five counties have adoption evidence on county or official-provider websites. For Bandera, Real and Edwards, the inspected evidence consists of signed county resolutions hosted by a coalition; the source notes identify that provenance. A request to consider alternatives, a concerns letter or an agenda item without adoption evidence does not enter the opposition count." ], "sources": [ "brown-resolution", "comanche-minutes", "callahan-resolution", "bandera-resolution", "real-resolution", "edwards-resolution", "medina-minutes", "kerr-order" ] }, { "heading": "Follow the next record, not just the next headline.", "paragraphs": [ "The immediate questions are concrete: what the signed Howard–Solstice order says about its route and landowner accommodations; what written action governs the two central-path cases; and whether rehearing, court or construction records change the two approved northern segments.", "The tracker checks the five docket indexes every six hours for new filing metadata. A daily review monitor follows up on meaningful changes, including posted orders and meeting records. Automated retrieval leaves the reviewed figures intact until the underlying evidence has been checked. The last source-check time and editorial review date are shown separately.", "Readers can open the current docket from each project, inspect the source documents and download the reviewed register. The original intervention deadlines displayed in the supporting record have passed; current procedural notices, rather than an old deadline, should guide the next step." ], "sources": [ "open-meetings" ] } ] } }