Wind energy transmission lines plan goes to PUC
Oncor, a Dallas-based energy company, has submitted plans to the Public Utilities Commission of Texas for the construction of wind energy transmission lines.
The company’s preferred and alternative routes have been submitted to PUC, and the state agency has 180 days to review the Oncor plan.
The PUC has already approved as a priority the construction of the new transmission lines, which are designated primarily for renewable energy sources such as wind turbines. According to Catherine Cuellar, senior communications specialist for Oncor, said the new lines would help carry an additional 18,000 megawatts of electricity to consumers.
“There are already windmills here that aren’t turning due to congestion,” Cuellar said. “New transmission lines will alleviate that. Oncor believes that this project is good for the Texas economy and good for the environment.”
The PUC could accept one of Oncor’s proposed transmission routes or reject them all.
“They can take our preferred route, or they can mix it up with alternative routes where they see fit,” said Jim Clements, area manager with Oncor. “Or they could make us go with a totally different route. Ultimately, it’s up to the PUC.”
Officials say the public’s input, wildlife studies and environmental studies were taken into account before drafting the routes.
Maps of the potential routes were on display at various public meetings across the Big Country before Oncor’s submitting of the final proposals. Cuellar said that before settling on their preferred routes, the information gathered at the public hearings was taken into consideration.
“We work with landowners,” she said. “We are sensitive to their needs, and we try to be flexible when dealing with someone’s land.”
Maps of the routes Oncor could use have been printed in the affected counties’ largest newspapers, according to Cuellar, and information has been placed at public places such as city halls and libraries for residents to view.
If one of the proposed routes is approved, Cuellar said the next step for the company would be to pursue right-of-way acquisitions, which allows for the company access to easements and land purchase agreements where necessary.
Concerned parties whose land the lines may traverse, or residents with other concerns, can request intervener status, triggering a legal hearing, Cuellar said. Similar to a court proceeding, a judge from the State Office of Administrative Hearings would decide who has standing as an intervener. Public comment will be weighed when a final decision is handed down, Cuellar said.
Nolan County resident Stephen Morgan said the preferred line may run through his property.
“It could run through the rear third of our property,” Morgan said. “Another proposed line would run just south, parallel to an existing transmission line.”
Some landowners have expressed concerns about their property playing host to the lines, but for Morgan, it has its pros and cons.
“I have worries about high transmission lines,” said Morgan, who is the father of two. “But I am all for wind power, and we definitely need more transmission capacity.”
The PUC will make its final decision regarding the transmission routes sometime next spring.
If all goes well for Oncor, Cuellar said construction would begin as soon as possible.
Brian McCormack Special to the Reporter-News
27 September 2009
Tags: Wind power, Wind energy
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