Need for Transmission Line

The transmission grid is a critical component of the reliable and economic delivery of electricity from power generation facilities to consumers. As a grid, the transmission network consists of multiple pathways to transfer electricity over long distances.

The need for a transmission line is established by continuous review of the integrated electric transmission grid by transmission and distribution delivery companies, such as Oncor, and through a collaborative process with the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), the entity responsible for the overall management and operation of a large portion of the transmission grid within the State of Texas. This planning process includes consideration of requests by new power generators and electricity consumers to interconnect to the grid, growth of electricity demand by existing electricity consumers, and the continued safe and reliable operation of the grid as a whole. Oncor maintains an internal planning organization that continually evaluates its system conditions to determine future system needs.

The need for some projects may be identified exclusively by Oncor to support the operation and reliability of the Oncor transmission system. Other projects that more generally impact the larger ERCOT grid are evaluated through an ERCOT process involving transmission and distribution providers, power generation companies, wholesale and retail market participants, ERCOT staff, and other interested parties. Major projects approved through the ERCOT planning process are then reviewed for endorsement by the ERCOT Board of Directors.

The need for a proposed transmission line project is one of the factors considered by the Public Utility Commission of Texas when it reviews and considers an application from a transmission provider to construct a new facility.