AUSTIN, TEXAS (May 24, 2010) – In its final order dated April 26, the Public Utility Commission of Texas (Texas PUC or “PUCT”) rejected an application by LCRA Transmission Services Corporation to construct a new transmission line between the Gillespie and Newton substations.
The proposed 345-KV transmission line is part of the Texas PUC’s competitive renewable energy zone initiative (CREZ). The line will connect the LCRA’s expanded Gillespie Station in Gillespie County to Oncor’s Newton Station in Lampasas County. The new line may affect parts of Gillespie, Llano, San Saba, Burnet, and Lampasas counties.
Representing a landowner with property in Burnet and Lampasas counties, McGinnis attorneys argued that certain northern routes proposed in the LCRA application were inferior because they were longer, more expensive, bisected property and did not follow property lines, used less existing right-of-way, created more new power line corridors, and crossed through more potential endangered species habitats.
Although the Administrative Law Judge recommended a route consistent with McGinnis’ arguments, the Texas PUC ultimately did not approve LCRA’s application because there were not enough reasonable options as the transmission line neared the Newton substation.
Representing the landowner were attorneys Shawn St. Clair and Carl R. Galant.