Frequently Asked Questions

Why are transmission lines and substations necessary?

As the state’s economy continues to grow, it is important to take steps to ensure that a reliable electric delivery system is in place to support electric load growth. Transmission lines and substations are an essential part of the facilities necessary to deliver electricity to residents, businesses, and governmental entities throughout Texas. Specifically, transmission and substation facilities are necessary to deliver electricity to large population centers (such as the DFW area) from generating plants located large distances from cities and towns and to interconnect large areas of the state (e.g., San Antonio, Houston, Austin, and DFW).

As a utility regulated by the Public Utility Commission of Texas, Oncor is required to construct electric facilities that are needed to deliver electricity from generating plants to end use customers in the northern, central, and western portions of the state.

How does electricity arrive at my home?

Transmission lines move electricity from generating stations to substations, where the electricity is reduced in voltage and then delivered to end-use consumers over the distribution system that connects to businesses and homes. Transmission lines are larger, operate at higher voltages, and typically convey electricity over larger distances. Distribution lines are smaller, operate at lower voltages, and convey electricity over shorter distances within cities and neighborhoods.

What is a transmission line?

Transmission lines are the structures and high voltage conductors (wires) that move electricity from power plants to distribution systems, which then deliver the electricity at lower voltages to end-use consumers. In Texas, transmission facilities are those facilities that operate at or above 60 kV.

What happens if new transmission lines are not constructed?

New transmission facilities must be constructed in order to keep pace with the significant development and increasing demand for electricity by Texans. Lack of adequate transmission facilities could cause the existing transmission system to overload, which could result in significant power outages during periods of high electricity demand or in the event of a loss of existing transmission lines (e.g., as a result of storms). Likewise, if transmission capacity is not available to import electricity from distant generation resources, higher cost generation facilities will be required to operate, potentially leading to higher electricity prices for consumers. The operation of less efficient generation resources within or in close proximity to highly populated urban areas will also have an increased environmental impact.

How do landowners have a voice in the process?

During the route identification stage of the process for a new project, Oncor typically schedules one or more public meetings in order to 1) address questions from landowners and other interested parties about the proposed project; and 2) to solicit information from the community about the project area. For each project, Oncor also establishes a project specific message line where interested parties can leave a message and an Oncor representative will return the call.

Once an application for a project is filed at the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT), potentially affected parties have the opportunity to comment on or participate in the review of the application by the PUCT. For more information on how the public may participate in a transmission line application proceeding, click here.

Do parties interested in a transmission line proceeding have to hire an attorney in order to participate?

No. Parties interested in participating in a transmission line application proceeding at the Public Utility Commission of Texas can elect to participate with or without the representation of an attorney.

How can I get involved? Where should I look for updates on a particular project?

Oncor encourages interested parties to get involved early in the consideration of a proposed project through participation in a public meeting and communicating directly with the Oncor project team. Communication with Oncor is also welcomed and available through a project specific message line where interested parties can leave a message and an Oncor representative will return the call.

Once Oncor has filed an application for approval of a project with the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT), interested parties have an opportunity to comment on or participate in the PUCT application process. Interested parties can also follow the development of an application proceeding by reviewing the docket-specific filings on the PUCT Interchange at http://www.puc.state.tx.us/interchange/index.cfm.