Texas Transmission
In Texas, clean renewable energy will soon arrive where it is needed as the state begins to build the largest transmission construction project in U.S. history. Lone Star Transmission, an FPL Group subsidiary in Texas, will build, own and operate transmission facilities as part of the project.
The Public Utility Commission of Texas has awarded seven companies a portion of the transmission project to bring West Texas wind power to such regions as Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Austin and San Antonio. The comprehensive plan will add more than 2,300 miles of new transmission upgrades that will significantly improve the transmission system in West Texas, where wind energy is plentiful.
Lone Star Transmission will construct approximately 250 miles of the transmission line. The company also will construct three substations to integrate wind energy into the Texas power grid. When finished, the 345-kilovolt line will transport enough electricity to power more than 2.5 million homes.
Lone Star Transmission is planning several open houses later this year to seek input about the transmission line routing. The company is committed to sharing information on the project progress with landowners, elected officials, and representatives of counties, school districts, cities, local businesses and state and federal agencies.
Following public meetings and an official hearing, construction is expected to begin in 2011 with completion planned by 2013. "Not only will the new transmission help us get electricity where it’s needed, but transmission is an economic lever," said Jolly Hayden, Vice President of Transmission Development for Lonestar Transmission, LLC. "It will spur other economic development and provide additional benefits to businesses and residents throughout Texas."