On Sept. 16, 2009, Oncor Electric Delivery Company, LLC (Oncor), in Docket No. 37409, submitted its application for a CCN for two new transmission lines for the Central B-Central A-Tonkawa 345 kV double circuit transmission line. The line will extend from Oncor’s Central B Switching Station, located in northwest Scurry County, Texas, to Oncor’s new Central A Switching Station, located 8.5 miles southeast of Snyder, Texas. The second line extends from the Central A Switching Station to Oncor’s existing Tonkawa Switching Station in Southeastern Scurry County, Texas. The endpoints are all located in the Central CREZ area.
The Preferred Route for the entire project is approximately 43 miles long. Oncor plans to use double-circuit lattice steel towers in this project; the typical structure will be 125 feet tall. Double-circuit steel lattice towers were selected over single poles because they are “the most cost efficient structure” for areas of lower density development. Oncor expects to energize the facilities in September 2011. The estimated total cost of the project is $149,212,000.
The Commission previously determined a need for the project in Docket No. 33672 and identified it in Docket No. 36801 as a Priority Project that is needed to address existing transmission issues, regardless of the development of additional wind generation in Texas. The Commission found that the CCN application for this project is exempt from addressing the need criteria in Texas statutes.
Oncor retained HDR Engineering, Inc. to prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) and support for its application. The application describes the process routing study and public meetings for the project. There are 33 habitable structures located within 500 feet of the centerline of the Preferred Route. Oncor hosted two public meetings about the project in Synder, Texas, in April 2009.
Oncor submitted the Direct Testimony of four witnesses at the same time it submitted its application.
Kenneth Donahoo – Director of System Planning, Distribution and Transmission at Oncor. His testimony introduces the witnesses testifying on behalf of Oncor; addresses facility name changes; and discusses the differences between the proposed project and what was presented in the CREZ Transmission Optimization Study (CTO).
Jill Alvarez – Consulting Engineer in Oncor’s Transmission Project Support. Her testimony addresses the overall project; the proposed design and construction of the facilities, including the necessary right-of-way requirements; the project schedule and financing; the company’s cost estimates; compliance with notice requirements, identification of any neighboring utilities and municipalities; and any engineering issues associated with the project.
Charles Jasper – Employed by Jasper Environmental Consulting, LLC. His testimony addresses the public participation meeting process; additional permitting that could be necessary; selection of preferred and alternate routes; and the adequacy of Oncor’s geographically diverse routes.
Tom Trimble – Senior Environmental Scientist with HDR Engineering, Inc. His testimony introduces, supports, sponsors, and describes the environmental assessment (EA) and alternative route analysis for the project.