LCRA TSC filed its Certificate of Convenience and Necessity (CCN) application for the Gillespie to Newton 345-kV Competitive Renewable Energy Zones (CREZ) transmission line project with the Public Utility Commission (PUC) on October 28, 2009. PUC Docket No. 37448 has been assigned to this project. To review filings for this project go to the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) document Web site at http://interchange.puc.state.tx.us/WebApp/Interchange/application/dbapps/login/pgLogin.asp and click on the "Login" button (you don't need a user name as all visitors are "guests"). Then type "37448" (the project's PUC docket number) in the "Control Number" field.

LCRA TSC is requesting approval from the PUC to amend its CCN to construct the CREZ Gillespie to Newton transmission line project. The project is a single-circuit, double-circuit capable 345- kilovolt (kV) line. LCRA TSC initially will install one 345-kV circuit on the transmission line, which will accommodate a second 345-kV circuit when necessary.

The proposed transmission line will connect the expanded LCRA TSC Gillespie Station, located in central Gillespie County, to the designated Oncor Electric Delivery Newton Station, located in southeastern Lampasas County. This transmission line may be located in portions of Gillespie, Llano, San Saba, Burnet, and Lampasas counties. Maps showing project links LCRA TSC used to develop the preferred route (GN11 consisting of links C1 - C3 - C5 - C9 - C11 - C12 - C13 - C16 - C22 - C26 - C27 - C28 - C30), alternative routes, and link descriptions can be found here.

LCRA TSC presented information about a Westwind/Kendall to Gillespie to Newton CREZ project at open houses held in May 2009. LCRA TSC eliminated the Westwind Station from further consideration as a routing point because the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) recommended against it (click here for more information). The Kendall to Gillespie transmission line project described at the open houses has been separated from the Gillespie to Newton project and will be combined with another LCRA TSC CREZ Priority Project, for which a CCN application will be filed in July 2010 (click here for more information).

Potentially affected landowners will have 30 days to request intervenor status in this proceeding, PUC Docket No. 37448. LCRA TSC mailed letters to directly affected landowners, as required by the PUC, on Oct. 28. The PUC brochure entitled “Landowners and Transmission Line Cases at the PUC for Competitive Renewable Energy Zones (CREZ) Projects” provides basic information about how you may participate in this docket, and how you may contact the PUC.

The PUC will make a decision on the final route within 181 days of LCRA TSC’s filing its CCN application. The PUC can approve the application as presented, approve it with modifications, or deny it. If the PUC approves the project, LCRA TSC will send a final notice to directly affected landowners indicating if their property is on the approved route.

• Route GN-6, Recommended by Admin. Law Judge.
• Intervenor Maps (Hearing Exhibit 15)
• Hearing Exhibit 15A, Amended Intervenor Maps
  • Map 1
  • Map 2
  • Map 3
  • Map 4
  • Map 5
  • Map 6
  • Map 7
  • Map 8
  • Map 9
  • Map 10
  • Map 11
  • Map 12
• ALJ Exhibits
  • Sheet 1
  • Sheet 2
• Aerial photography interactive map (high speed Internet access is recommended.)  Note: Aerial photography depicting the county specific primary route links is also available for review at the Gillespie, Llano, San Saba, Burnet, and Lampasas county courthouses.
  • Watch the Interactive Map Tutorial for tips on how to use the map.
• Environmental and land use constraints maps
  • Figure 3-1a
  • Figure 3-1b
  • Figure 3-1c
• Study area for the Gillespie to Newton Project
• Preferred and alternate route descriptions and maps
• News releases
  • June 16, 2010 - LCRA TSC suspends further development of Gillespie-to-Newton transmission line
  • April 26, 2010 - In a final order issued on April 26, the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) did not approve LCRA Transmission Services Corporation’s Gillespie-to-Newton CREZ Certificate of Convenience and Necessity (CCN) application.
  • Jan. 8, 2010 - LCRA TSC files information with Public Utility Commission on potential use of different transmission line structures
  • Oct. 28, 2009 - LCRA TSC files application with PUC to build new 345-kilovolt transmission line
• Maps of directly affected landowners (high speed Internet access is recommended).
• PUC brochure “Landowners and Transmission Line Cases at the PUC for Competitive Renewable Energy Zones (CREZ) Projects”
• FAQ gives more details
• LCRA TSC routing process
• Public Open House exhibits
  • Environmental and land use constraints maps
    • Figure 2-2a
    • Figure 2-2b
    • Figure 2-2c

  For more information, contact:
  Dennis Palafox
  Senior Regulatory Case Manager
  Lower Colorado River Authority
  P.O. Box 220
  Austin, Texas 78767-0220
  1-800-776-5272, Ext. 4470, or (512) 369-4470
  dennis.palafox@lcra.org