Transmission Line Route Selection: A Critical Analysis of Alternatives in Culberson County, Texas

Strategic Insights -

The Public Utility Commission of Texas has received an application from Oncor Electric Delivery Company to amend its Certificate of Convenience and Necessity for the Drill Hole Switch-to-El Capitan Switch 345-kV Transmission Line in Culberson County. Delaware Basin Midstream LLC has filed an initial brief in support of the proposed transmission line, recommending the selection of Route 35, Route 36, or Modified 36 as the best alternative. However, other routes, including Routes 5, 7, 13, and 15, have been proposed, which could pose a danger to individuals working in the area and drastically increase costs.

Key Takeaways:

  • The proposed transmission line should be placed along any of Routes 35, 36, or Modified 36, which are the best alternatives under the Public Utility Regulatory Act (PURA) § 37.056(c)(4) and 16 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) § 25.101(b)(3)(B) criteria.
  • Selection of Route 35, 36, or Modified 36 would reduce the potential safety and financial impacts caused by AC interference from the proposed transmission line.
  • These routes are shorter, less expensive, and better for the surrounding community and environment compared to other proposed routes.
  • The Commission should consider the potentially dangerous and costly effects of AC interference on Delaware Basin Midstream LLC's pipelines in the vicinity of the proposed transmission line.
  • Routes 5, 7, 13, and 15 are not recommended due to their poor performance under the same criteria and the increased likelihood of negative impacts on DBM's pipelines.
  • The Commission should seriously consider the potentially hazardous effects of AC interference on DBM's pipelines and take proactive measures to reduce the risk.
  • Oncor Electric Delivery Company identified Route 36 as the route that best meets the routing criteria in its application.
  • Intervention parties, including Commission staff, have expressed support for Routes 35 and 36.
  • A modified version of Route 36, known as Modified 36, was filed in rebuttal testimony by Russell J. Marusak, which grades similarly to Routes 35 and 36 on the applicable criteria.

Statistics:

  • The proposed transmission line is estimated to be 345 kV.
  • The proposed transmission line would be located in Culberson County.
  • Routes 35, 36, and Modified 36 are the recommended alternatives due to their shorter length, lower costs, and better environmental impact.
  • Routes 5, 7, 13, and 15 are the rejected alternatives due to their poor performance under the same criteria.
  • The proposed transmission line would be the first of its kind in the area.

Sources:

  • Oncor Electric Delivery Company's Application to Amend its Certificate of Convenience and Necessity (PUC Docket No. 57828)
  • Delaware Basin Midstream LLC's Initial Brief in Support of the Proposed Transmission Line (SOAH Docket No. 473-25-15236)
  • Public Utility Commission of Texas' Public Notice (PUC Docket No. 57828)
  • Oncor Electric Delivery Company's Rebuttal Testimony of Russell J. Marusak (Oncor Ex. No. 9 at Ex. RJM-1)
  • Commission Staff Testimony of John Poole, P.E. (Commission Staff Ex. No. 1 at 39:12-14)
  • 16 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) § 22.52(a)(1)-(4)
  • Public Utility Regulatory Act (PURA) § 37.056(c)(4)