In late 2021, the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) and Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) identified the need for additional transmission lines in south Texas.
As part of the larger Rio Grande Valley (RGV) Reliability Improvements Project, AEP Texas is engineering and constructing the Cruce - Reforzar Transmission Improvements Project to strengthen the electric grid and help withstand weather impacts.
The project involves building approximately 40 miles of double-circuit 345-kilovolt (kV) transmission line from AEP Texas' future Cruce Substation near Hebbronville to the future Reforzar Substation near Falfurrias.
The Cruce - Reforzar Transmission Improvements Project will improve regional reliability and resiliency by:
Company representatives will reference public input to make necessary adjustments to the potential route links. The PUC will review the preliminary route links and consider public feedback before identifying a final route for the Cruce - Reforzar Transmission Improvements Project. Company representatives accepted comments on the potential route links through March 24, 2023, with an opportunity to attend an in-person open house in March 2023. Feedback was also received through the website feedback form, email, phone and mail.
A public open house was hosted in March 2023 in which project team members were available to review maps and answer any questions.
September 2023: Company representatives filed a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity (CCN) with the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) following a review of public input on route link development and additional route analysis on September 8, 2023.
January 2024: The PUC approved the project and line route on January 18, 2024. View the PUC final order here.
The project includes AEP’s BOLD (Breakthrough in Overhead Line Design) technology, which is capable of operating more efficiently than conventional transmission pole designs.
*Exact structure type, heights, right-of-way widths and spacing may vary based on location
The current route links run through Duval, Jim Wells, Jim Hogg, Brooks and Kleberg counties in Texas. Multiple potential route links will be presented to determine the final potential routes prior to CCN filing. The Companies will not build all route links; rather, they will provide multiple recommendations for the PUC to identify the final route. This could include a combination of the potential route links that connect from the future Cruce Substation to the future Reforzar Substation.
The companies implement a comprehensive siting process that strikes a balance between building infrastructure and respecting land use and the environment. Both companies incorporate and review public input along with the following factors:
Similar to other linear infrastructure projects, AEP Texas’ right-of-way (ROW) agents work directly with landowners to obtain the necessary land rights for the project once the PUC determines the final route.
ROW agents work with landowners on the details of easements to reduce impacts on farming practices and personal land use. There also can be compensation for crop loss or damages during construction, which will be handled during one-on-one discussions with involved landowners.
Landowners and the environment will be treated with respect in constructing the new line. Property owners will be treated fairly and made whole for property encumbered by the transmission line project.
We prioritize:
AEP Texas serves over one million consumers in the deregulated Texas retail electric marketplace.
833-329-4865
AEPTexasOutreach@aep.com
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