As the project will not synchronously connect ERCOT and the Western Interconnection, our development strategy is to work in cooperation with state and federal regulatory authorities to ensure that the Pecos West project does not trigger federal oversight of ERCOT and that the Texas grid maintains its independence.
Pecos West is being developed by Grid United, an independent transmission company. Grid United’s mission is to modernize the United States’ electric grid to create a more resilient and efficient electric system that takes advantage of the nation’s abundant and geographically dispersed natural resources to the benefit of all consumers. The Grid United team is comprised of energy professionals with extensive experience in developing, designing, permitting, and constructing large-scale linear infrastructure across North America.
The ultimate route will be determined through the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) regulatory process and is currently anticipated to be approximately 280 miles long, extending from an existing substation in Bakersfield in Pecos County to an existing substation in El Paso. The route is still being developed and will not be finalized until input has been received from landowners, communities, and local, state and federal government officials.
Direct current (DC) is the preferred technology for moving large amounts of power over long distances, offering significant electrical, economic, and environmental advantages. DC transmission can transfer the same amount of power more efficiently and more reliably than alternating current. DC advantages include lower power losses on the line, the ability to control the power flow bi-directionally, and better land use due to reduced right of way footprint.
The project is seeking a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity from the PUCT. The PUCT regulates the state’s electric utilities to protect customers, foster competition, and promote high quality infrastructure.
As the project will not synchronously connect ERCOT and the Western Interconnection, our development strategy is to work in cooperation with state and federal regulatory authorities to ensure that the Pecos West project does not trigger federal oversight of ERCOT and that the Texas grid maintains its independence.
Yes. We will acquire easements, but the land will still belong to the landowners and can be utilized for activities such as farming, grazing cattle, and other activities that do not interfere with the operation of the line.
The only thing that landowners can’t do is lease for surface mining (stone, coal, sand, etc.). Existing oil and gas production would continue undisturbed and we would move around any existing wells as necessary. New wells would be reviewed to make sure they don’t interfere with any transmission structures but otherwise there would be no restrictions. On any AC portion of the line, we might need to add cathodic protection to the well.
The Pecos West team will be talking directly with stakeholders along the route individually and at community meetings. Additionally, there will be opportunities for public input on anticipated impacts during the state and federal regulatory processes. If you would like to get in touch with the Pecos West team, contact us.
© 2023. Grid United LLC. All Rights Reserved.
We are seeking a determination that the project is in the public interest and that public convenience and necessity support the interconnection, permitting the project to proceed through additional federal and state approval processes. We will obtain all necessary approvals from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to ensure ERCOT’s jurisdictional status quo as part of our future regulatory filings.