Entergy Texas Secures Approval for 145-Mile Power Line Project
The energy infrastructure in Southeast Texas is getting a major upgrade. Entergy Texas has received the green light from the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) to build a 145-mile, 500-kilovolt (kV) transmission line across the southeastern part of the state.
This massive project will strengthen the electric grid for one of Texas’s fastest-growing regions and provide long-term stability for both residents and businesses.
$200 Million Grant Fuels Expansion
The PUCT’s approval came with a $200 million grant from the Texas Energy Fund’s Outside ERCOT Grant Program — a special initiative designed to support utilities that operate beyond the boundaries of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT).
Entergy Texas serves communities outside ERCOT’s jurisdiction, which means it must ensure reliability through independent grid connections. The new transmission line will bridge critical energy gaps and prepare the region for industrial growth, population expansion, and increased power demand from new technology and manufacturing sectors.
A Push for Grid Resilience
“Growth in Southeast Texas is creating incredible opportunities for the communities we serve, and it’s our responsibility to ensure we build a resilient power grid that supports long-term economic expansion and future energy needs,” said Eliecer Viamontes, CEO of Entergy Texas.
Entergy’s new project will connect high-voltage substations across key industrial zones, improving system reliability and reducing the risk of outages. The company has emphasized that the project is part of its broader commitment to modernize aging infrastructure and strengthen regional energy independence.
Part of a Larger Energy Strategy
Texas has become a national hub for power infrastructure investment. With record energy consumption driven by data centers, manufacturing, and residential expansion, utilities like Entergy are working to future-proof their systems. The $200 million funding aligns with Governor Greg Abbott’s call for grid diversification and improved resilience in extreme weather events.
Construction is expected to begin after final permitting and land acquisition are completed, with completion targeted within the next few years.
📎 Source: [Utility Dive]
✍️ Edited for clarity by Oklahoma Energy Today