Willow Creek — Hicks 345 kV Transmission Line Project

transmission

Texas is continuing to increase the integration of renewable energy into the Texas electric market. Reliable electric facilities must be in place to support the increased levels of renewable energy and to provide efficient means for this power to reach electric consumers. As part of this on-going process, Oncor is proposing this project that consists of building approximately 40 miles of double circuit electric transmission line.

The proposed project will connect the existing Willow Creek Switching Station in southwest Wise County to the proposed Hicks Switching Station in northwest Tarrant County.

This project has been recommended by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) to ensure continued safe and reliable electric service to the State due to the increased integration of electric energy generated by wind production facilities. Completion of the project will enable the new transmission system to efficiently move wind-generated electric power to market and will add valuable capacity to the entire transmission system.

  • Voltage and Structure Type - The project is proposed to be a 345 kV transmission line constructed on Lattice Steel V Towers.

Project Details

  • Project One Pager - The One Pager includes a short description of the project, approval process and contact information.
  • Public Meeting - A Public Meeting Notice, which includes a map of the study area for the project, was mailed to public officials and potentially affected landowners and published in the local newspapers. The Public Meetings were held in Rhome on January 19, 2010 and in Springtown on January 20, 2010. The Informational handouts available at the meeting included an explanation of the project, map showing preliminary routes, proposed structures and the licensing process. Oncor also participated in another public meeting hosted by Tarrant County Commissioners from Precincts 3 and 4 in Fort Worth on March 30, 2010.
  • Application – On June 16, 2010, Oncor filed an Application at the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) under Docket No. 38324 to construct and operate the proposed project. The Application includes a route map that shows the preferred and alternate routes. Oncor's Application and other documents filed at the PUCT in the Docket can be viewed on the PUCT Website.
  • Public Notice - A Public Notice announcing the filing of Oncor's application in Docket No. 38324 was published in the local newspapers during the week of June 21, 2010. Utilities, cities, counties, and landowners potentially affected by the project were mailed a notice.
  • Procedural Schedule - Order No. 4 in Docket No. 38324 adopted a Procedural Schedule that sets out the dates for the administration of Oncor's application. Interested parties should be advised that the Procedural Schedule is potentially subject to change and should regularly consult the PUCT Website regarding any subsequent scheduling modifications.
  • Hearing on the Merits - A Hearing regarding Oncor's Application was held October 4, 2010 in Austin.
  • PUCT Decision - On December 13, 2010, the PUCT issued the Final Order for this project and selected the route as shown on the Approved Route map.

Oncor representatives can be contacted regarding the Willow Creek — Hicks Transmission Project at 214-486-7336.