Oncor, LCRA TSC Request Approval to Build Next-Generation Transmission Line from Schleicher to Bell Counties

DALLAS, March 26, 2026 - Oncor and LCRA Transmission Services Corporation (LCRA TSC) have filed an application to build a 765kV transmission line from Schleicher to Bell counties to help meet Texas' current and future electric reliability needs. The proposed line is part of a state-led effort to secure a next-generation transmission network that will move more electricity, more efficiently to support ongoing growth in communities throughout Texas.

New transmission lines in Texas require Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) approval of an application known as a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity (CCN). The CCN is a thorough application that describes the proposed line and includes information about its need, proposed routes, and environmental and routing studies.

"Securing electric reliability is vital for meeting the needs of all Texans," said Ellen Buck, Oncor Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. "The 765kV transmission network will help support that need, providing for the safe and reliable flow of electricity throughout Texas at a time when we're seeing unprecedented, dynamic growth."

The Bell County East-Big Hill 765 kV Transmission Line Project study area is comprised of 15 counties. The regulatory process for building a new transmission line requires Oncor and LCRA TSC to propose a geographically diverse set of routes for the PUCT to consider. Over the past year, Oncor and LCRA held a number of open houses and received comments from thousands of Texans on preliminary routes. These preliminary routes evolve as the routing study progresses and this feedback is received, and it's common for preliminary routing options to be updated and expanded as more data is gathered. Based on feedback received after the publication of preliminary routes and during the course of the routing study, Oncor and LCRA TSC expanded the study area, added and modified routes, and thoroughly studied proposed routes for this project and recorded detailed findings in an environmental assessment and routing study. These are included with the project's CCN application as supplemental attachments.

As part of Oncor and LCRA TSC's application, landowners who live within 500 feet of the proposed routes will be mailed a notice with information about how they can engage in the PUCT's regulatory process as intervenors or protestors. Landowners within this area are identified at the time of filing, receive the same notification and project information, and have the same opportunity to engage in the process. This project's PUCT proceeding can be located by searching Control/Docket No. 59475. The PUCT previously opened a separate docket (58559) to receive public input far in advance of Oncor and LCRA TSC's CCN application filing; while comments filed under this docket are still viewable, all new comments should be submitted under Control/Docket No. 59475.

Over the coming months, the PUCT will review the proposed routes, supplemental information and public feedback before ultimately selecting the final route Oncor and LCRA TSC will construct. The PUCT is expected to select this route in September. If approved, Oncor anticipates the transmission line will be energized by 2030, pending future schedule changes.

Oncor's work on this and three other 765kV transmission lines in Texas is part of the state's first phase of the 765kV Strategic Transmission Expansion Plan (STEP). Oncor will help construct four projects, two of them jointly with LCRA TSC, for STEP Phase One. With Thursday's filing, all four of these projects are now in various stages of the regulatory process.

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 ERCOT's Texas 765kV Strategic Transmission Expansion Plan (STEP). 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.

Oncor's 765kV STEP Phase One Projects

· BELL COUNTY EAST - BIG HILL (LCRA TSC) 765 KV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT (Control/Docket No. 59475)

· BIG HILL (LCRA TSC) - SAND LAKE SWITCH 765 KV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT (Control/Docket No. 59182)

· DINOSAUR - LONGSHORE 765 KV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT (Control/Docket No. 59315)

· LONGSHORE SWITCH - DRILL HOLE SWITCH 765 KV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT (Control/Docket No. 59029)