Critical
Texas Scorecard
Two Texas state senators have urged the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) to delay the 765-kilovolt Strategic Transmission Expansion Plan (STEP) until after the 2027 legislative session. The project, which spans over 1,200 miles, aims to connect East Texas to the Permian Basin. Lawmakers argue the plan assumes a future dominated by wind and solar power, neglecting scenarios with increased natural gas generation, and raises concerns about its impact on landowners.
The PUCT has already postponed decisions on parts of the project, with further discussions expected in August. Critics claim the project was turned into a statewide grid plan without legislative approval. Delaying STEP could hinder efforts to address Texas's growing energy demands and grid reliability.
Why it matters: Delays to STEP could disrupt grid expansion plans critical for utilities like Oncor, particularly in regions like the Permian Basin. This also reflects increasing scrutiny of renewable-focused infrastructure, which may influence future regulatory and investment decisions.