Texas clears 400-plus miles of 765-kV lines to power Permian Basin amid landowner backlash

Texas regulators unanimously approved amendments to two CCNs to allow Oncor to build more than 400 miles of 765-kilovolt transmission lines spanning at least 30 counties to alleviate a long-running West Texas energy bottleneck and support oil, gas and industrial manufacturing, as part of the Permian Basin Reliability Plan. The decision, which could pave the way for construction pending possible legal challenges, came despite heavy landowner opposition and calls from some lawmakers to pause and reform the process; a separate Howard Solstice line decision was tabled. Proponents say the lines will improve reliability and interconnection to the ERCOT grid, while critics warn of environmental and property impacts and potential cost increases for consumers.