Texas Senate Chair Calls for Denial of 765kV Transmission Line Applications

AUSTIN — Texas Senate Business and Commerce Committee Chairman Charles Schwertner is urging the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) to deny all current Certificate of Convenience and Necessity (CCN) applications tied to proposed 765kV ultra‑high‑voltage transmission lines in West Texas, citing major procedural and landowner‑rights concerns raised during a marathon 15‑hour hearing this week.

The hearing focused on the state’s rapidly evolving electricity market and the massive transmission buildout proposed to support explosive load growth in West Texas — growth driven in part by large‑scale industrial development, data centers, crypto‑mining operations, and expanding oilfield electrification. ERCOT’s own system‑planning updates show that transmission demand is surging: as of April 30, 2026, ERCOT has endorsed $4.751 billion in transmission projects and is reviewing an additional $28.922 billion this year, reflecting unprecedented strain on the grid and the planning process.

During the hearing, property owners and their representatives described significant problems with the CCN approval process, including:

• Insufficient notice from utilities about proposed routes
• Compressed timelines for PUC proceedings
• Concerns about due process at the State Office of Administrative Hearings

Schwertner said these issues demonstrate that the CCN process is not functioning fairly or transparently — especially for projects of this scale, which would require long‑distance, high‑voltage corridors across private land.

ERCOT’s recent planning reports underscore why utilities are pursuing large transmission expansions. The grid operator notes:

• The volume and complexity of Regional Planning Group (RPG) evaluations has “dramatically increased” as Texas load and generation diversify
• In 2025, ERCOT doubled the number of independent transmission project reviews compared to prior years, endorsing 42 RPG submissions totaling $14.036 billion.
• High‑availability loads — including data centers and crypto‑mining, are reshaping evening demand patterns and increasing the need for robust transmission and storage resources.

ERCOT is also working through delays in its Long‑Term Load Forecast (LTLF), which affects resource adequacy reports and transmission planning timelines. These delays add further uncertainty to major transmission proposals.

In his statement, Schwertner called for the PUC to deny all existing CCN applications for the 765kV projects. He emphasized that any future reapplications must directly address the concerns raised by landowners and stakeholders during the hearing.

He also pledged legislative action:

“The Legislature will reform the CCN process next session to ensure future projects are fair and transparent.”

The PUC now faces a pivotal decision: whether to halt the current 765kV proposals and wait for legislative reforms, or attempt to advance them under the existing framework. Meanwhile, ERCOT continues to warn that Texas’ grid is evolving rapidly, with billions in transmission projects already in the pipeline and more under review.

The debate highlights a growing tension in Texas energy policy, balancing the urgent need for new transmission infrastructure with the rights of landowners and the integrity of the regulatory process.