Oncor’s 765-kV transmission build runs into policy, land, and water pushback
The story shifted from a large grid-expansion proposal to a broader fight over whether Texas should build it the way Oncor and its partners want. Across the reports, the project drew rising resistance from lawmakers, local officials, and state reviewers over cost, landowner notice, water impacts, and whether fast-tracked transmission should stay noncompetitive.
The pattern is one of mounting scrutiny in late July and then a direct challenge by late August. What began as criticism of the policy framework around Texas transmission planning turned into objections focused on a specific 765-kV line in the STEP Permian buildout, with Oncor defending the project as necessary for West Texas demand and contesting a recommendation against approval.
The project is still under review, with Oncor defending it against regulatory and local objections.
Local officials pressed Oncor on water and coordination
Attention then narrowed back to the Bell County East to Big Hill line within the STEP Permian plan. Local officials questioned how the route could affect water resources and said the project lacked enough coordination with water agencies.
Reported by texasscorecard.com · Detail
The broader Texas grid policy came under attack
A separate report widened the issue from one line to the state’s no-bid transmission approach. Critics argued that competitive bidding could cut customer costs, while defenders said the existing model helps move major projects faster.
Reported by eenews.net · Detail
Lawmakers sought to slow the project for another review
Two legislators asked state regulators to hold the STEP 765-kV build until after the 2027 session. Their request tied the delay to concerns about landowners, heavy reliance on wind and solar, and a need to reassess the project against new gas generation plans.
Reported by texasscorecard.com · Detail
What to watch
- The State Office of Administrative Hearings recommendation suggests the application will move into the next regulatory step, but no hearing date or filing deadline is stated in the developments.
- Any legislative action would come after the 2027 session if lawmakers’ delay request is adopted.
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