Texas 765 kV Transmission Update: Two Lines Approved, Two Awaiting Final Decision

September 2, 2026
BarronAdler

The big picture: Four proposed 765 kV transmission lines are set to reshape the Texas power grid, cutting permanent, 200-foot-wide easements through hundreds of rural properties along the way.

Why it matters: For months, landowners in the path of these lines have argued they were pushed through without proper notice or any real proof that they’re needed. Texas lawmakers, including Lt. Governor of Texas Dan Patrick, also questioned the validity of these projects and encouraged the Texas Senate to review the transmission lines again before issuing any permits. 

What’s new: In late August 2026, the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) approved both the Dinosaur to Longshore and Longshore to Drill Hole lines, locking in routes and increasing the underlying threat of eminent domain for landowners along those routes.

Here is where the four projects stand today:

What it means for landowners: This is the moment the eminent domain process moves from a distant threat to an active one. Right-of-way agents will begin reaching out to impacted property owners, and their land can become formally subject to condemnation if a voluntary agreement isn’t reached.

Why The Bell County East To Big Hill Line Is A Different Story

The Bell County East to Big Hill line and its linked segment, Big Hill to Sand Lake, is not yet finalized. The State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) reviewed the application from Oncor Electric and the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) and recommended the PUC deny the certificate for now.

The judges pointed to real weaknesses in the case for the line:

  • The need wasn’t proven. Oncor and LCRA failed to establish that the project was necessary for public service, accommodation, convenience or safety.
  • The forecasting was flawed. The projections of electric need relied on outdated, overstated assumptions.
  • Cheaper alternatives exist. Judges pointed to 37 planned or announced natural gas generation projects across the Permian Basin, West Texas and the Panhandle — nearly 40 gigawatts of new capacity — that could reduce or eliminate the need for this line.
  • There was a failed notice to landowners. About 1,400 landowners were added to the impacted area after it expanded, but they were never properly notified or invited to weigh in on the routes under consideration.

Bottom line: SOAH’s recommendation isn’t the final word. The PUC has three options when it votes in September 2026. Any of these outcomes are still on the table. That narrows the fight for potentially impacted landowners, but it doesn’t end it.

  1. Accept the recommendation and deny the certificate.
  2. Reject the recommendation and approve the project anyway.
  3. Send it back to Oncor and LCRA to refile a corrected application.

It’s Not Too Late To Seek Legal Counsel

Whether your property sits along an already-approved line or one still working through the PUC process, it’s never too late to talk to an attorney. An experienced eminent domain attorney can:

  • Confirm whether you were properly notified of the project and study area;
  • Protect your right to intervene in the PUC proceeding;
  • Ensure any offer you receive actually reflects the true impact to your property before you sign anything.

If you believe your property may be impacted by any of these transmission line projects, contact Barron, Adler, Clough & Oddo, PLLC to consult with an experienced eminent domain and condemnation attorney.

What’s Ahead

The Texas Legislature reconvenes for its 90th session in January 2027, where lawmakers may rework the statewide transmission line approval process altogether. However, that’s a longer-term fix and won’t change what’s happening to these four projects right now.

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