Transmission facilities consist of transmission lines, substations and other related equipment. Generally, transmission lines transmit high-voltage electricity (345,000 volts for our system) from power plants to local distribution systems to where electricity is consumed. Substations are intersections of transmission lines where electricity can be added and/or removed from the transmission system.
Why are these transmission facilities necessary?
Cross Texas Transmission’s facilities are necessary to allow for a substantial increase in renewable energy supply in Texas as well as to strengthen the existing transmission system to serve the state’s growing electric needs.
What will the transmission towers look like?
The transmission structures will generally be 125 to 140 feet tall and will either be a pole or lattice structure. Photos of the lattice structures are included in this brochure.
When will the wind farms be constructed and connected?
Cross Texas Transmission will not construct the wind farms that are connected to its transmission facilities, and thus, cannot precisely predict when wind farms will be completed. However, we would generally expect that wind farms would be constructed as our transmission facilities approach and begin operations.
Where are you routing the transmission lines?
We will develop route alternatives as part of our CCN applications that will be filed with the PUCT in 2010. Preliminary route alternatives will be presented to stakeholders and the general public through a series of public informational meetings in late 2009 and early 2010. This information is also available in the Landowner Information section of our site.
How will I be affected if a transmission line will be built on my property?
Cross Texas Transmission will work closely with landowners to purchase an easement to build, operate and maintain the transmission lines. Landowners will still own the property and be able to use the easement property for purposes that do not interfere with Cross Texas Transmission’s use.
Will Cross Texas Transmission be my retail electric provider?
No. Cross Texas Transmission is strictly an electric transmission company, which means we operate and maintain some of the transmission lines that deliver power to consumers and businesses.
Why do we need more transmission lines?
New transmission lines and substation facilities must be built in order to keep up with increased electric demand throughout the state, especially in highly populated areas. If new transmission lines and substations are not constructed and the demand continues to grow, the result could be severe power outages or higher electric bills because existing facilities would have to work overtime.
What is right-of-way and how will it affect me?
A right-of-way is written permission from a landowner that allows Cross Texas Transmission to construct and maintain transmission lines across that landowner’s property. The landowner still maintains ownership of the property. Cross Texas Transmission will obtain these right-of-ways after the routes for the transmission lines have been determined by the PUCT by offering landowners just compensation, or fair market value, for the use of their land.
In most cases, Cross Texas Transmission will only need an easement of 200 feet or less. Normal agricultural and recreational activities may still occur within the easement, but no aboveground structures can be located within the easement.
What is the process for obtaining a right-of-way?
Once the PUCT determines the routes for the transmission lines, Cross Texas Transmission will contact landowners whose property will be affected by the construction of the lines. Then, we will perform a professional survey of the land to determine the exact amount of land needed for the easement, with consideration for environmental impact. After the survey is conducted the boundaries of the easement will be recorded in a legal document and added to the county deed records.
What is eminent domain?
Eminent domain is the right granted to certain entities to acquire property for public use as long as owners are compensated fairly. As a utility regulated by the PUCT, Cross Texas Transmission has the right to invoke eminent domain. However, we prefer to work with landowners to come to a mutually-satisfactory solution and only use eminent domain as a last resort.
