Transmission planning is an ongoing process that involves continuous internal system review, as well as coordination with the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). As an independent, not-for-profit organization, ERCOT is responsible for managing and operating a significant portion of our state's transmission grid. The approval process begins upon identification of a need to expand the system, and continues through the transmission system planning process. While specific steps to approval may vary from project to project, a typical process involves four steps:
- Determining the need for a new line
- Engineering, diverse routing, public feedback and environmental assessment
- Application for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity
- Post-approval landowner communication and construction
