Latest news with #ThomasGleeson
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
TXOGA applauds strategic commitment to West Texas growth and energy security
Apr. 24—AUSTIN — The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) on Thursday took a major step in ensuring the long-term energy reliability and economic vitality of the Lone Star State by announcing that the buildout of the Permian Basin Reliability Plan will proceed using 765-kilovolt (kV) transmission lines — the highest-voltage transmission standard to be used in Texas. Following the announcement, Texas Oil & Gas Association (TXOGA) President Todd Staples issued the following statement: "Today's decision by the PUC to approve transmission lines in the buildout of the Permian Basin Reliability Plan further reinforces Texas' ongoing commitment to fostering economic growth, creating jobs and strengthening our energy independence. We thank PUC Chairman Thomas Gleeson, Commissioners Kathleen Jackson and Courtney Hjaltman, as well as staff, for their diligent and thoughtful work to advance this project. Former PUC Commissioner Lori Cobos also worked extensively on this issue. This decision is critical to ensuring that reliable power is available for oil and natural gas production and industrial development across West Texas — enabling the energy sector to continue delivering affordable, secure energy to Texas, the nation, and the world." Conditionally approved in September 2024, the Permian Basin Reliability Plan addresses persistent concerns over insufficient transmission capacity in one of the most productive energy regions in the country. The plan is designed to support the region's strong and growing electricity demand and unlock continued economic development across the Permian Basin. The Commission's endorsement of the 765-kV configuration signals not only the urgency of West Texas growth but also confidence in the ability of Texas transmission providers to deliver the project on time and within budget, despite challenging economic conditions. It also reflects the PUC's investigation and conclusion that the 765-kV approach offers the best long-term path to expand ERCOT's capacity and meet the state's growing power needs. The buildout will represent the largest high-voltage transmission investment in Texas in more than a decade — a bold step toward future-proofing the grid and reinforcing Texas' global energy leadership.
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
PUCT approves plan for the first extra high voltage transmission lines in ERCOT region
Apr. 24—AUSTIN — In a landmark decision, the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) on Thursday approved a plan to build the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) region's first extra high voltage transmission lines to meet the Permian Basin's rapidly growing power needs. "The PUCT is fully committed to building an ERCOT grid that will serve Texans reliably for decades to come," PUCT Chairman Thomas Gleeson said in a news release. "Extra high voltage lines are more efficient and strengthen reliability. Because each line can carry more power, fewer lines are necessary to serve the needs of the Permian Basin Region, meaning less disruption to Texas landowners, natural habitats, and landscapes. Our priority now is ensuring utilities execute these projects quickly and at the lowest possible cost to Texas consumers." House Bill 5066, passed by the Texas Legislature in 2023 and signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott, required the PUCT to approve an electric reliability plan for the Permian Basin region to support the on-going expansion and electrification of Texas' oil and gas industry and the growing electricity needs of West Texas communities. That plan was approved in Oct. 2024. The next step was determining whether to build it out with new, more efficient extra high voltage (765 kilovolts) transmission lines or the standard 345-kilovolt transmission lines currently in use throughout the ERCOT grid. The Permian Basin reliability plan is the first step in a broader effort mandated by the Legislature and Abbott to evaluate transmission and distribution systems across the ERCOT grid and identify where improvements are needed to support the state's rapid growth and ensure long-term electric reliability. The PUCT's approval of the Permian Basin reliability plan follows a full analysis of the costs, equipment supply chains, and project completion timelines of both voltage options. Additionally, the PUCT and ERCOT hosted six workshops to gather input from members of the public, equipment manufacturers, and the transmission service providers (TSP) who will build and operate the new lines. ERCOT and the TSPs estimate the extra high voltage plan could cost 22% more than the lower-voltage alternative; however, it will provide many long-term benefits. Higher voltage lines can carry more power and meet higher levels of demand as the state continues to grow, reduce expensive congestion on existing transmission lines, and could save money in the long-term by avoiding the need to build new transmission lines to catch up to future demand.
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Electric reliability improvements focus of new Texas Energy Fund program
Feb. 13—AUSTIN — The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) on Thursday approved a new rule establishing the Texas Energy Fund (TEF) Outside of ERCOT Grant Program (OEGP). The program will provide grants to Texas electric utilities and power generators outside of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) region. Grants can finance modernization, weatherization, reliability and resiliency enhancements, and vegetation management. "Every corner of our state faces unique weather threats and challenges, and ensuring every Texas electric utility and power generator maintains a resilient system is essential to providing reliable, affordable power to all Texans," PUCT Chairman Thomas Gleeson said in a news release. "The rule approved today will ensure that the TEF improves electric reliability for all Texans, whether inside or outside the ERCOT region." The new rule, TAC 16 §25.512, implements provisions of Senate Bill 2627, passed by the 88th Texas Legislature and signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott in 2023. It establishes procedures for applying for a grant under the OEGP, and the eligibility requirements and terms of the grant awards. The ERCOT region encompasses about 75 percent of the geographic area of Texas. Some electric utilities that serve Texas consumers are not located within ERCOT. According to the rule, Texas electric utilities and power generators outside of the ERCOT region may apply for grants for the following types of projects: facility modernization, facility weatherization, reliability and resiliency, and vegetation management. Those categories are defined in detail in the rule. Qualifying entities may not apply for grants to pay debt or construct or upgrade a facility not located in Texas, among other restrictions. Specifics regarding the grant application procedure, review process, and grant award amounts are outlined in the rule. Requirements for monitoring and assessing the performance of projects funded by the grants will be outlined in each individual grant agreement. The Outside ERCOT Grant Program is one of four Texas Energy Fund (TEF) programs created under the Powering Texas Forward Act, which was established by the Texas Legislature through passage of Senate Bill 2627 in 2023. The rule establishing the Outside ERCOT Grant Program adopted today is the third TEF rule adopted by the Commission. The In-ERCOT Generation Loan Program rule and the Completion Bonus Grant Program rule were adopted on March 21 and April 25th, 2024, respectively. Additional information about the Texas Energy Fund is available on the PUCT website: Texas Energy Fund.
