On Sept. 16, 2009, Oncor submitted its application for a CCN for a proposed transmission line in Docket No. 37407. The proposed project will consist of two new double-circuit 345 kV transmission lines. The first line will extend from Oncor’s existing Tonkawa Switching Station, located approximately 16.8 miles west/northwest of Sweetwater in Scurry County to Oncor’s proposed Sweetwater East Switching Station, located approximately 11.2 miles east of Sweetwater. The second line runs from the Sweetwater East Switching Station to Oncor’s proposed Central Bluff Switching Station, which would be located approximately 29.3 miles south/southeast of Sweetwater.
The cost to establish the Sweetwater East Switching Station is estimated to be approximately $14,780,000. The new Central Bluff Switching Station is estimated to cost approximately $32,210,000.
Combined, the two new lines are approximately 66 miles in length. They will be constructed on double-circuit lattice steel towers with both circuits in place. The height of the typical structures will be 125 feet. Oncor states that it considered and compared double-circuit lattice steel towers double-circuit single pole structures, and other structures. Oncor states that it is generally aware that some landowners prefer single poles rather than the lattice steel towers, but says for this project a balancing of several factors weighs in favor of selection of the lattice steel towers. Its analysis indicates that, for areas of lower density development, double-circuit steel lattice towers are the most cost efficient structure. The project will require a right-of-way of 160 feet. Oncor expects to energize the facilities by December 2011.
The areas affected by the proposed project are largely rural in nature with single-family residences scattered throughout the study area. The Sweetwater East-Central Bluff area has some concentrated areas of wind farms. Ranching operations are dominated by cattle, but also include goat, sheep, and lamb production.
The Commission previously determined a need for the project in Docket No. 33672 and identified it 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 a comprehensive routing study for each of the two segments of the project. The application describes the process routing study and public meetings for the project. The application also includes routing maps and aerial photographs of the study area. Information about habitable structures also is provided in the application. 27 habitable structures are located within 500 feet of the centerline of the Preferred Route. The application also discusses historical and archaeological sites and the environmental impact of the project.
Oncor submitted the Direct Testimony of four witnesses at the same time it submitted its application.
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.
Tom Trimble – Senior Environmental Scientist with HDR Engineering, Inc., and engineering and environmental consulting firm. His testimony introduces, supports, sponsors, and describes the environmental assessment and alternative route analysis (EA) for the project.
Kenneth Donoho – 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).