About the Project
This 765 kV single-circuit transmission line project includes an expansion of Oncor Electric’s existing Bell County East Switch, located about 5.5 miles southeast of Temple, Texas, and will connect to a new Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) substation. It will extend approximately 224 miles across Bell, Burnet, Concho, Lampasas, Mason, McCulloch, Menard, San Saba, Schleicher, Tom Green, and Williamson counties.
The transmission line will be supported by self-supporting steel lattice towers, typically ranging from 140 to 170 feet in height, with a maximum height of approximately 198 feet, which is comparable to 15- to 18-story buildings. Easements will generally range from 200 to 300 feet in width.
Project components include:
- A new 765 kV single-circuit transmission line
- Fiber-optic communication facilities installed approximately every 40-50 miles
- Construction of a second Big Hill substation
Expected Impacts
Hundreds of private landowners are expected to experience impacts. 765 kV transmission lines require wider easements than standard 345kV circuits, cutting through more private land. This project will involve the acquisition of permanent easements, granting Oncor perpetual rights to the easement areas. This can result in:
- Reduced property value: large, unsightly transmission lines can impact the value of the remainder property
- Loss of land control: limits to how your property can be used and permission for Oncor to enter your property at any time
Project Background
This project stems from a plan developed by Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) to improve electric reliability in the Permian Basin, which was approved by the Texas Public Utility Commission in October 2024. In April 2025, the Commission approved building a high-capacity transmission line for this route.
Estimated Timeline
- PUC Application Filed: March 26, 2026
- Deadline to Intervene: April 27, 2026
- Deadline to File Testimony or Statement of Position: May 13, 2026
- PUC Design Decision: Fall 2026
- Right-of-Way Acquisition Start: Fall 2026
- Construction Start: Late 2026
- Construction Completion: Late 2030
Additional Resources
Related Blogs
Protect Your Rights on This Project
To speak to an experienced eminent domain and condemnation attorney about the Bell County East Switch to Big Hill Transmission Line project, call Barron, Adler, Clough & Oddo, PLLC at (512) 478-4995 or fill out the contact form on the right side of this page.