AEP Texas set to construct one of the first 765-kV transmission lines in Texas

Rhea-AI Summary

AEP Texas announces plans to construct one of Texas' first 765-kV transmission lines as part of the Permian Basin Reliability Plan approved by the Public Utility Commission of Texas. The Howard-Solstice Transmission Line Project will span approximately 300 miles, connecting the Solstice Substation near Fort Stockton to a substation near San Antonio.

The project, authorized under Texas House Bill 5066, aims to support the growing electricity demands of the Permian Basin region, particularly focusing on the expansion and electrification of the oil and gas industry. AEP Texas will implement this project as part of a jointly assigned initiative, leveraging its parent company's extensive experience with 765-kV transmission lines, which includes operating 2,110 miles of such infrastructure across North America.

The company plans to host open houses along the line route this summer to discuss potential route links with community members.

Positive

• Major infrastructure project approval secured from PUCT
• Strategic expansion into high-growth Permian Basin region
• Leverages AEP's extensive experience with 765-kV transmission technology
• Project supports company's $54 billion investment plan (2025-2029)
• Positions company for future growth in Texas energy market

Negative

• Significant capital expenditure required for 300-mile transmission line
• Project execution risks due to scale and complexity
• Regulatory compliance challenges with new infrastructure

News Market Reaction – AEP

-0.30%

1 alert

-0.30% News Effect

On the day this news was published, AEP declined 0.30%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- AEP Texas is set to build one of the first 765-kV transmission line projects in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) to support the growing electricity needs of the Permian Basin.

The Howard-Solstice Transmission Line Project is one of three 765-kV transmission lines to be constructed along the 765-kV import paths approved by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) on April 24 as part of the Permian Basin Reliability Plan. The project will provide new pathways to deliver additional power to the region.

AEP Texas will build the line as part of a jointly assigned project. The construction involves building approximately 300 miles of transmission line connecting AEP Texas' Solstice Substation near Fort Stockton to a substation near San Antonio. The extra high voltage transmission lines approved by the Commission will introduce a more efficient and more reliable delivery system that creates additional opportunities for future growth in communities throughout west Texas.  

The project supports the ongoing expansion and electrification of the oil and gas industry in west Texas and the growing electricity needs of the regions' communities.

Texas House Bill 5066, passed by the Texas Legislature in 2023 and signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott, required the PUCT to direct ERCOT to develop an electric reliability plan for the Permian Basin region, which is an important energy location for the state and national economies.

"The State of Texas is experiencing significant levels of population and economic growth, and the Public Utility Commission's action today will help ensure that the electric grid is better prepared to meet the growing demand on the electric system," said Judith Talavera, AEP Texas president and chief operating officer. "AEP Texas is proud to play a role in this transformative step for our state, building one of the first 765-kV transmission lines in ERCOT, and to continue to provide safe and reliable service for our customers."

American Electric Power, AEP Texas' parent company, owns 2,110 miles of 765-kV transmission lines, more than any other transmission system in North America.

AEP's experience with 765-kV began in 1961 with the installation of an experimental 750-kV transmission line at AEP's test facility near Apple Grove, West Virginia. After several years of research and development, in 1966 AEP announced plans to build 1,050 miles of 765-kV transmission by 1972 to support the rapid electrical load growth throughout the region. In 1969, AEP energized the world's first operational 765-kV transmission line between Kentucky and Ohio, marking the highest installed voltage line at the time. Today the 765-kV network has grown to over 2,200 miles and 30 substations across six states. 

Open houses for the Howard-Solstice 765-kV transmission line project will be held at locations along the line route this summer where project team members will be available to discuss potential route links and answer any questions.

For more information, please visit AEPTexas.com.

About AEP Texas

AEP Texas is connected to over one million customers in the deregulated Texas retail electric marketplace. As an energy delivery (wires) company, AEP Texas delivers electricity safely and reliably to homes, businesses and industry across its nearly 100,000 square mile service territory in south and west Texas. AEP Texas also builds new power lines, restores service following outages and reads the meters via advanced meter technology for retail electric providers (REPs) throughout its service territory. The company also connects or disconnects service upon orders from the REPs. Connect with AEP Texas at AEPTexas.com, on Facebook and on X @aeptexas.

About American Electric Power (AEP)

Our team at American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP) is committed to improving our customers' lives with reliable, affordable power. We are investing $54 billion from 2025 through 2029 to enhance service for customers and support the growing energy needs of our communities. Our nearly 16,000 employees operate and maintain the nation's largest electric transmission system with 40,000 line miles, along with more than 225,000 miles of distribution lines to deliver energy to 5.6 million customers in 11 states. AEP also is one of the nation's largest electricity producers with approximately 29,000 megawatts of diverse generating capacity. We are focused on safety and operational excellence, creating value for our stakeholders and bringing opportunity to our service territory through economic development and community engagement. Our family of companies includes AEP Ohio, AEP Texas, Appalachian Power (in Virginia, West Virginia and Tennessee, Indiana Michigan Power, Kentucky Power, Public Service Company of Oklahoma, and Southwestern Electric Power Company (in Arkansas, Louisiana, east Texas and the Texas Panhandle). AEP also owns AEP Energy, which provides innovative competitive energy solutions nationwide. AEP is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. For more information, visit aep.com.

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aep-texas-set-to-construct-one-of-the-first-765-kv-transmission-lines-in-texas-302437740.html

SOURCE AEP Texas

FAQ

How long will the new AEP Texas 765-kV transmission line be and what areas will it connect?

The transmission line will be approximately 300 miles long, connecting AEP Texas' Solstice Substation near Fort Stockton to a substation near San Antonio.

What is the purpose of AEP's Howard-Solstice Transmission Line Project in Texas?

The project aims to support growing electricity needs in the Permian Basin region, particularly for oil and gas industry electrification and community growth, while improving grid reliability.

When will AEP Texas begin community engagement for the 765-kV transmission line project?

AEP Texas will hold open houses along the line route in summer 2025 to discuss potential route links and answer community questions.

How many miles of 765-kV transmission lines does AEP currently operate?

AEP owns and operates 2,110 miles of 765-kV transmission lines, the largest such network in North America.