Consortium Proposes Transmission Development In Texas

Electric Transmission Texas LLC (ETT) has formed a consortium with subsidiaries of American Electric Power (AEP) and MidAmerican Energy Holdings Co. to jointly develop transmission facilities to enhance wind power development in Texas. Other transmission providers in the consortium are AEP Texas Central Co., AEP Texas North Co., LCRA Transmission Services Corp., Oncor Electric Delivery Co. and Sharyland Utilities LP.

The consortium has filed with the Public Utility Commission of Texas a comprehensive, coordinated proposal for development of transmission for competitive renewable energy zones under the scenario 2 plan recently adopted by the commission. This plan envisions the construction of approximately 2,400 miles of new 345-kV transmission lines and facilities at a projected cost of $4.9 billion.

The proposal filed outlines the transmission facilities that each member of the consortium will develop. Consortium members will assume responsibility for permitting, construction and operation and maintenance of the proposed facilities.

"With this filing, the parties express their willingness to work together to develop a comprehensive transmission solution to bring clean, renewable energy to load centers in Texas," says Calvin Crowder, ETT president.

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 transmission footprint.

SOURCE Electric Transmission Texas, LLC