About the Project
This project is a 765-kV transmission line by AEP Texas and CPS Energy, stretching approximately 370 miles between AEP Texas’ Solstice Substation near Fort Stockton and CPS Energy’s Howard Substation southwest of San Antonio. It is one of the longest Texas transmission line projects in progress.
The transmission line will be supported by self-supporting steel lattice towers, typically ranging from 140 to 160 feet in height, with right-of-way easements averaging around 200 feet in width. The typical distance between the lattice towers is about 1,400 feet.
Open houses for the Howard-Solstice line were held in summer 2025 at various locations along the project path. The Texas Public Utility Commission will determine the transmission line’s final route.
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 2, 2026
- Deadline to Intervene: April 1, 2026
- Deadline to File Testimony or Statement of Position: TBD
- PUC Design Decision: Summer 2026
- Right-of-Way Acquisition Start: Summer 2026
- Construction Start: Fall 2028
- Construction Completion: Fall 2030
Additional Resources
Protect Your Rights on This Project
To speak to an experienced eminent domain and condemnation attorney about the Howard to Solstice 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.