Texas 765 kV Transmission Line Projects: Landowner Rights & Condemnation Information

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Texas is entering a major new phase of electric transmission development. Several large 765 kV transmission line projects are being planned across the state to support electric grid reliability, long-distance power movement, population growth, industrial expansion, and increased energy demand.

For Texas landowners, these projects are more than lines on a map. A proposed 765 kV transmission line may affect property access, land use, views, agricultural operations, development plans, property value, and long-term ownership rights.

At TxCondemnationRights.com, our goal is to help Texas landowners understand where these projects are, what stage they may be in, and what rights landowners may have if their property is impacted.

A 765 kV transmission line is an extra-high-voltage electric transmission line designed to move large amounts of electricity across long distances.  The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) has explained that rapid demand growth, including oil and gas electrification, data centers, hydrogen-related manufacturing, crypto mining, and general electrification, is part of what prompted discussion of 765 kV infrastructure in Texas. ERCOT also states that 765 kV transmission can move power more efficiently from resource-rich areas to major load centers such as Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, and Corpus Christi.

These lines are expected to be larger than many landowners are used to seeing. Depending on the project, structures may include steel lattice towers, significant spans between structures, and wide transmission easements.

For example, AEP’s Howard–Solstice project materials describe typical structure heights of 140 to 160 feet, a typical right-of-way width of 200 feet, and typical structure spacing of 1,400 feet, while noting that exact requirements may vary by geography and other factors.

If a proposed transmission line crosses your property, the project may involve:

• Survey access requests
• Proposed easement agreements
• Permanent transmission line easements
• Access roads
• Construction access
• Restrictions on future land use
• Impacts to agriculture, ranching, development, or recreational use
• Negotiations over compensation
• Potential condemnation proceedings if an agreement is not reached

Many of these projects are currently in the routing, approval, or administrative review stage. Once a route is approved, the process can shift toward easement acquisition and, in some cases, condemnation.

The Longshore Switch – Drill Hole Switch project is proposed between Oncor’s existing Longshore Switch near Forsan in Howard County and the Drill Hole Switch near the Culberson/Reeves County line. Oncor states that the proposed line is approximately 160 miles, depending on the route approved by the Public Utility Commission of Texas, and is planned for completion in 2029.

Project Type: 765 kV transmission line
Developer: Oncor
Approximate Length: 160 miles, depending on final route
Structure Type: Self-supporting steel lattice towers
PUC Docket: 59029
Application Filed: December 11, 2025
PUC Decision: Anticipated June 2026
Counties Identified in project reporting: Andrews, Culberson, Ector, Glasscock, Howard, Loving, Martin, Midland, Reeves, and Winkler

The Big Hill to Sand Lake project is a West Texas transmission project connecting the Big Hill Substation to the Sand Lake Switch. It is part of the larger 765 kV expansion tied to growing power demand in the Permian Basin.

Project Type: 765 kV transmission line
Utilities: Oncor / LCRA
Counties Identified in project reporting: Crane, Crockett, Ector, Irion, Pecos, Reagan, Reeves, Schleicher, Tom Green, Upton, and Ward
Current Reported Status: Waiting for Proposal for Decision from Administrative Law Judges

The Dinosaur – Longshore project is proposed from Oncor’s proposed Dinosaur Switch, located approximately three miles north of Glen Rose in Somervell County, to Oncor’s existing Longshore Switch near Forsan in Howard County. Oncor states that the proposed line would be approximately 235 to 270 miles long, depending on the route approved by the PUCT, and is currently planned for completion in 2028.

Project Type: 765 kV single-circuit transmission line
Developer: Oncor
Approximate Length: 235–270 miles, depending on final route
Structure Type: Self-supporting steel lattice towers
PUC Docket: 59315
Application Filed: February 19, 2026
PUC Decision: Anticipated August 2026
Counties Identified in project reporting: Borden, Bosque, Brown, Callahan, Coke, Coleman, Comanche, Eastland, Erath, Glasscock, Hamilton, Hood, Howard, Jones, Mitchell, Nolan, Runnels, Shackelford, Somervell, Stephens, Sterling, and Taylor

The Howard – Solstice project is one of the first 765 kV projects in ERCOT and is being developed by AEP Texas and CPS Energy. AEP states that the project involves building approximately 370 miles of 765 kV power line between AEP Texas’ Solstice Substation near Fort Stockton and CPS Energy’s Howard Substation southwest of San Antonio.

Project Type: 765 kV transmission line
Utilities: AEP Texas / CPS Energy
Approximate Length: 370 miles
PUC Docket: 59366
Route Stage: Planning / PUCT review
CCN Amendment Filed: March 2, 2026
Counties Identified in project reporting: Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Crockett, Edwards, Kerr, Kinney, Medina, Pecos, Real, Sutton, Terrell, Uvalde, and Val Verde

The Bell County East to Big Hill project is a Central Texas transmission project that has drawn significant attention from landowners. According to project reporting, affected counties may include Bell, Burnet, Concho, Coryell, Lampasas, Llano, Mason, McCulloch, Menard, Milam, Mills, San Saba, Schleicher, Tom Green, and Williamson.

Project Type: 765 kV transmission line
Utilities: Oncor / LCRA
Current Reported Status: Hearing on the Merits June 8–12, 2026

If you receive notice, mail, a survey request, an invitation to a public meeting, or a proposed easement agreement related to a 765 kV transmission line, do not assume the project will avoid your property.

Landowners should pay close attention to:

• Whether their property is shown on a proposed route link
• Whether they have received official project notice
• Whether surveyors are requesting access
• Whether a proposed easement has been presented
• The width and location of the proposed easement
• Any restrictions on future structures, trees, crops, roads, or improvements
• Access road rights
• Temporary workspace areas
• Structure locations
• Compensation offered for the easement and damages to the remainder of the property

Once a route is approved, landowners may have a limited window to understand their options before easement negotiations begin.

In many Texas transmission line projects, utility companies may seek to acquire easements through negotiation first. If an agreement is not reached, the condemning entity may pursue condemnation to acquire the property rights needed for the project.

That does not mean landowners have no rights.

Landowners may have the right to:

• Review and negotiate the easement terms
• Challenge unclear or overly broad easement language
• Understand the actual impact on the property
• Seek compensation for the easement taken
• Seek compensation for damages to the remainder of the property, when applicable
• Work with professionals who understand condemnation, valuation, and property impacts

The 765 kV transmission expansion may be one of the most significant infrastructure developments Texas landowners have seen in decades. These projects may be necessary for statewide electric planning, but they can still create serious impacts for individual property owners.

Before signing any easement agreement, landowners should understand what rights are being taken, how the project may affect the rest of the property, and whether the compensation offered reflects the full impact of the taking.

If your land may be impacted by a 765 kV transmission line project, contact an experienced Texas condemnation attorney before signing an easement agreement.

Learn more at TxCondemnationRights.com or visit LandRights-Law.com to connect with our team.