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Public utilities

Oncor Electric Delivery Company's Application to Amend Its Certificate of Convenience and Necessity for Transmission Line

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) has been evaluating Oncor Electric Delivery Company, LLC's (Oncor) application to amend its certificate of convenience and necessity (CCN) for the construction of a new double circuit 345 kilovolt (kV) transmission line. The proposed project, known as the Drill Hole Switch-to-El Capitan Switch 345-kV Transmission Line, will span approximately 21 to 32 miles in Culberson County. The project involves the construction of a 345 kV Switchyard at the existing Oncor Drill Hole Switch, a double-circuit 138 kV Drill Hole tie-line, and two additional 138 kV breakers at the Oncor El Capitan Switch.

Key Takeaways:

  • Oncor's application seeks to amend its CCN to construct a new double circuit 345 kV transmission line, which will be built on double-circuit lattice steel structures.
  • The proposed project involves the construction of multiple transmission facilities, including a 345 kV Switchyard, a double-circuit 138 kV Drill Hole tie-line, and two additional 138 kV breakers.
  • Intervenors, including Corterra Energy Inc., Delaware Basin Midstream, LLC, and Covington Lands LP, have filed briefs supporting different routes for the transmission line.
  • Staff has addressed various issues, including the adequacy of the application, notice of application, notice of public meeting, public input, and need for the proposed facilities.
  • The PUC must consider the factors set out in Public Utility Regulatory Act (PURA) § 37.056(c) to determine if the proposed facilities are necessary for the service, accommodation, convenience, or safety of the public.
  • The proposed transmission facilities must support the reliability and adequacy of the interconnected transmission system, facilitate robust wholesale competition, and interconnect a new transmission service customer.

Statistics:

  • The proposed transmission line will span approximately 21 to 32 miles in Culberson County.
  • The project involves the construction of multiple transmission facilities, including a 345 kV Switchyard, a double-circuit 138 kV Drill Hole tie-line, and two additional 138 kV breakers.
  • Intervenors have filed briefs supporting different routes for the transmission line, with 4 intervenors supporting Route 35 and 2 intervenors supporting Route 36.

Sources:

  • OnCOr Electric Delivery Company LLC's Initial Post-Hearing Brief at 20 (Jun. 6, 2025).
  • Corterra's Initial Brief at 3 (Jun. 6, 2025).
  • Delaware Basin Midstream LLC's Initial Brief at 16 (Jun. 6, 2025).
  • Covington's Initial Post-Hearing Brief at 13 (Jun. 6, 2025).

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