Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why are power plants, lines and substations necessary?

To provide essential services to serve residents, businesses, and governmental entities throughout our service territory. Oncor is regulated by the Public Utility Commission of Texas and must construct basic electric facilities in order to deliver electricity from generating plants to end use customers.

How does electricity arrive at my home?

Much like our highway system, Oncor's transmission system of over 14,000 miles of line transmits power from generating stations to substations and the power is distributed to customers over the distribution system that runs through the neighborhoods to customers. Transmission lines are larger and operate somewhat like interstate highways. Distribution lines are smaller than transmission lines and function similar to streets and avenues that go into cities and neighborhoods.

What is a transmission line?

Transmission lines are the structures and high voltage conductors that move electricity from power plants to distribution systems, which deliver electricity to customers. Ensuring adequate transmission capability is essential for electric reliability. A new transmission line may be needed when new power plants are built, or if the existing system is not sufficient to meet demand.

What is the process for approval?

Step 1: Need

• The first step in the process of building a new transmission line is determining that there is a need for the project. Essential facilities are clearly identified as to type, electrical location, and capacity.
• A new transmission line begins in the transmission planning process. Transmission planning is a continuous process and varies considerably from project to project and ranges from projects included in a company's transmission plan, where advance need is known, to projects that satisfy a specific customer service request.

Step 2: Engineering, Routing and Environmental Assessment

• Once it has been determined that a new transmission line is needed, the next step in the process of building a new transmission line is determining viable alternate routes that comply with the requirements set forth in the statutes of the State of Texas and the regulations of the PUCT.
• Engineering considerations are an important aspect of the need evaluation. To evaluate alternatives to meet the needs and determine the best alternative for a project considering factors such as cost, future needs, operational effectiveness, and reliability, the voltage, electric transfer capability, and structure size and type are all evaluated.
• Oncor will use an independent consultant to delineate a general study area for the project; contact local, state and federal agencies for information pertaining to the project; and review existing information covering the study area, including topographic maps, county highway maps, recent aerial photographs, environmental databases and other published data. After reviewing this information, preliminary alternative routes are identified by the consultant.
• A Public Participation Meeting will be held in the area of the project prior to the selection of a preferred and alternate routes and the filing of the CCN application. Direct mail notice of the public meeting is made to the affected landowners as required by PUCT regulations. Gathering public input is an important part of the routing process and the public has a strong level of involvement in the placement of transmission lines.
• Most states require a formal review and approval process for proposed electric transmission facilities. In Texas, this process is accomplished by the filing of an application with the PUCT requesting a CCN. The CCN application outlines specific attributes of the line, describes viable alternative routes, addresses why the line is needed and describes how it will affect the surrounding community and environment.

Step 3: Application for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity

• At the time the application is filed at the PUCT, Oncor will publish notice of the CCN application in local newspaper(s) and provide direct mail notice to cities, counties and landowners who could be affected by the line's location and construction. Preferred and alternate routing is described in the notice, which includes a map of the proposed facilities and routing, and affected parties' rights are described. Persons interested in the project will have an opportunity to comment to the PUCT directly on the need and routing of the project once Oncor files its application with the PUCT.
• After Oncor files the CCN application with the PUCT, the PUCT has up to one year to approve or deny a CCN application. When determining whether to grant the CCN, Texas law requires that the PUCT consider: the adequacy of existing service; the need for additional service; the effect of granting the certificate on the recipient of the certificate and on any electric utility serving the proximate area; other factors such as community values; recreational and park areas; historical and aesthetic values; environmental integrity; and the probable improvement of service or lowering of cost to consumers in the area if the certificate is granted.

Step 4: Post-Approval

• Once the CCN is approved by the PUCT, Oncor will begin the final process for acquiring rights-of-way. Construction will follow these activities.

Do landowners have a voice in the process?

Yes. At public information meetings landowners and community leaders can meet with company representatives discuss concerns, and get answers to many of their questions. Landowners can also leave a message on the project specific message line and a company representative will return their call. There is an opportunity for directly affected landowners to comment or intervene in the case once the CCN application is filed. Landowners also interact with company representatives during the surveying, ROW acquisition, and the construction process.

Do landowners have to hire an attorney?

Landowners have a choice, they can intervene in a case and represent themselves or they can hire an attorney to represent them.

How can the public get involved? Where should we look for updates?

Once the CCN application is filed with the PUCT, interested parties will have an opportunity to comment directly to the PUCT about the application as part of the CCN process. However, we encourage the public to get involved early by coming to the Public Participation Meeting and communicating directly with the project team; ongoing information exchange will be managed through communication with the Project Manager. Interested parties may follow filings in a case on the Filings Interchange on the PUCT website listed here. http://www.puc.state.tx.us/interchange/index.cfm.