DALLAS, January 15, 2026 — Oncor and LCRA Transmission Services Corporation (LCRA TSC) have taken a significant step toward building a 765kV transmission line from Ward to Schleicher counties that will help strengthen the Texas transmission grid and support the continued delivery of safe, reliable electric service. The project is part of the companies’ efforts to help ensure Texas stays powered for generations to come by building the first 765kV transmission lines in Texas.

The companies on Thursday jointly filed an application to amend their respective Certificates of Convenience and Necessity (CCN) for the Big Hill Switch to Sand Lake Switch 765kV Transmission Line Project. In Texas, new transmission lines typically require Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) approval of a CCN application, which describes the proposed line and includes information about its need, proposed routes, and more.

The new 765kV transmission line is designed to connect the expansion of LCRA TSC’s existing Big Hill Substation, located about 13 miles northeast of Eldorado in Schleicher County, and the expansion of Oncor’s existing Sand Lake Switch, located about 6 miles northeast of Pecos in Ward County. The proposed line will be approximately 197 miles, depending on the final route approved by the PUCT. Preliminary route links submitted for PUCT consideration are located in Crane, Crockett, Irion, Pecos, Reagan, Reeves, Schleicher, Tom Green, Upton and Ward counties. 

As part of Oncor and LCRA TSC’s application (Docket No. 59182), landowners who live within 500 feet of the proposed routes will be mailed a notice with information about how to get involved in the PUCT’s regulatory process. Over the coming months, the PUCT, Oncor, LCRA TSC, landowners, and stakeholders will be engaged through the regulatory process to review the proposed routes and data, and receive feedback from those interested in the project before the PUCT ultimately selects the final route that Oncor and LCRA TSC will construct.

A decision from the PUCT is expected in July 2026; if approved, Oncor and LCRA TSC anticipate the line will be energized by the winter of 2030.

“The approval of 765kV transmission in Texas will help Oncor continue to fulfill our core mission – to safely and reliably deliver electricity to millions of people – for generations to come,” said Ellen Buck, Oncor Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “These extra-high voltage transmission lines will serve as electrical super-highways that will help power continue to flow reliably throughout our state, strengthening the grid for all customers, even as Texas continues its unprecedented growth.” 

About 765kV Transmission Lines

Compared to the 345kV and 138kV voltages used in Texas today, 765kV systems are higher-voltage transmission lines that move more electricity, farther, more efficiently, and with reduced land requirements (given comparable capabilities). The use of 765kV lines also avoids the substantial investments in increased miles of 345kV and 138kV infrastructure that would be required as an alternative. While these lines are new in Texas, more than 2,400 miles of 765kV lines are in use across the U.S. and Canada. 

The introduction of 765kV lines to Texas is part of the Permian Basin Reliability Plan adopted by the PUCT in April 2025. While the first 765kV lines in Texas will be critical for meeting the Permian Basin region’s soaring electricity demand, their two-way power flow will also allow electricity to be moved across Central Texas when needed. Ultimately, a 765kV network will create an electric expressway that helps meet surging demand in high growth areas while providing the flexibility to support the unprecedented current and future power needs of consumers across the state. For more information on 765kV and its benefits to Texas, click here. 

About Oncor

Headquartered in Dallas, Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC is a regulated electricity transmission and distribution business that uses superior asset management skills to provide reliable electricity delivery to consumers. Oncor (together with its subsidiaries) operates the largest transmission and distribution system in Texas, delivering electricity to more than 4.1 million homes and businesses and operating more than 144,000 circuit miles of transmission and distribution lines in Texas. While Oncor is owned by two investors (indirect majority owner, Sempra, and minority owner, Texas Transmission Investment LLC), Oncor is managed by its Board of Directors, which is comprised of a majority of disinterested directors.