Understanding the Longshore to Drill Hole Transmission Line Project
The Longshore–Drill Hole 765 kV Transmission Line Project is a significant infrastructure initiative proposed by Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC. This project will enhance electric service reliability in Texas by constructing a new 765 kilovolt (kV) transmission line between the expanded Longshore Switch, located west of Forsan in Howard County, and the expanded Drill Hole Switch, situated near the Culberson County/Reeves County Line.
Key Project Details
The transmission line will operate at 765 kV, one of the highest voltage levels used for bulk power transmission. It will span approximately 160 miles, subject to final routing decisions by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC). The line will be built on self-supporting, steel lattice towers, with the application filing scheduled for November 2025 and a PUC decision expected by May 2026. The project is planned for completion in 2029.
Purpose and Benefits
The primary purpose of this project is to increase transmission capacity, improve reliability, and support the growing electricity demand in West Texas. By enabling the movement of large amounts of power across long distances, the project will support economic growth, accommodate new generation (including renewables), and improve grid resilience in a rapidly developing region.
Project Scope and Route
The transmission line will connect two major substations: Longshore Switch, approximately 4.5 miles west of Forsan, Howard County, and Drill Hole Switch, about 6 miles west of US 285, near the Culberson/Reeves County line. Preliminary alternative routes have been identified, and public meetings were held in May 2025 to gather community input on routing alternatives. Detailed maps and route options were provided at these meetings to ensure transparency and solicit feedback from affected landowners and stakeholders.
Associated Substation Upgrades
The project includes the construction of new 765/345-kV substations at both Longshore and Drill Hole, each equipped with two new 765/345-kV transformers to facilitate the integration of the new high-voltage line into the existing grid.
Landowner and Community Impact
Landowners along the proposed route have expressed concerns about potential impacts on property values, land use restrictions, and the visual and environmental effects of the new transmission towers. Oncor has committed to ongoing public engagement, including multiple public meetings and opportunities for direct dialogue with company representatives.
Technical and Regulatory Considerations
The project requires a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity (CCN) from the PUC of Texas. Transmission line foundations typically require detailed soil borings at each structure location to ensure safe and efficient design, accounting for variable subsurface conditions along the route. This is especially important for a project of this scale and voltage. The project is part of a broader initiative to reinforce the ERCOT grid in the Permian Basin and West Texas, addressing regional reliability and capacity needs.
Conclusion
The Longshore–Drill Hole 765 kV Transmission Line Project is a critical component of Texas’s efforts to modernize and expand its electric transmission infrastructure. By enabling the movement of large amounts of power across long distances, the project will support economic growth, accommodate new generation (including renewables), and improve grid resilience in a rapidly developing region. It is designed to meet growing regional electricity demands while addressing landowner concerns and regulatory requirements.
In summary, the Longshore to Drill Hole 765 kV transmission line is a major, high-voltage project by Oncor, spanning roughly 160 miles in West Texas, with completion targeted for 2029. It will connect upgraded substations at Longshore and Drill Hole, involve significant community engagement, and is designed to meet growing regional electricity demands while addressing landowner concerns and regulatory requirements.
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