Texas plans massive 765-kV transmission line
Oncor and LCRA propose up to 390 km of high-voltage line to meet Permian Basin’s growing electricity demand.
Image for illustrative purposes
USA, Texas: Oncor Electric Delivery and LCRA Transmission Services have submitted a plan to build a 765-kV transmission line stretching from Schleicher County to Bell County, Texas. The project aims to support the state’s expanding electricity network and the rapidly growing load in the Permian Basin.
The line would span between 345 and 390 km (214 and 244 mi), depending on the route approved by the Public Utility Commission of Texas. Project costs are estimated between $1.6 B and $1.9 B, not including around $400 M for station upgrades at Oncor’s Bell County East Switch.
Ellen Buck, Oncor senior vice president and chief operating officer, said the expansion is critical for maintaining reliability during a period of “unprecedented, dynamic growth.” Oncor reported that its large commercial and industrial interconnection queue totals roughly 255 GW from data centres, plus over 18 GW from other industrial sectors as of the end of 2025.
The Public Utility Commission approved the first 765-kV lines in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) region in April 2025. Oncor’s proposal is part of the broader Permian Basin Reliability Plan, designed to enhance power flow, bi-directional capability, and resilience across the ERCOT system.
According to ERCOT data, electricity demand in the Permian Basin is projected to reach 23,659 MW by 2030 and 26,400 MW by 2038, with current load at 11,132 MW. Regulators are expected to finalise the route by September, with completion and energisation targeted for 2030. Oncor and LCRA will each hold a 50 % stake in the line. Oncor is currently developing four 765-kV lines in Texas, two of them in partnership with LCRA.
Source: Utility Dive
