Project aims to bring more energy to Southeast Texas
Entergy Texas is planning a $1 billion project to build 49 miles of upgraded transmission lines from Hardin County to Jefferson County.
The new transmission line will connect the existing Cypress Substation to the new Legend 500 kV Substation, but the proposed route is awaiting approval from the Public Utility Commission (PUC) of Texas. If approved, the project is expected for completion in 2028.
The project scope is to bring more energy to Southeast Texas and improve reliability during severe weather.
The existing Cypress Substation is located approximately five miles northwest of the intersection of U.S. 69 and FM 421.
The new Legend 500 kV Substation will be located approximately 1.5 miles southwest of the intersection of State Highways 73 and 82.
May 30, Entergy Texas filed an application with the Public Utility Commission of Texas to amend its Certificate of Convenience and Necessity.
Entergy Texas operates within the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), a regional transmission organization that manages the flow of power across its footprint.
MISO has identified this project as subject to federal reliability standards. The project will reportedly increase operational flexibility, help meet the growing power demands of Southeast Texas, and increase reliability and resiliency during extreme events, such as Winter Storm Uri.
Paul Blackburn, customer service manager for the Beaumont Entergy Network, reported the new lines are designed to support the region’s growing population while withstanding increasingly powerful storms.
Entergy reported the upgraded 500 kV lines will be thicker, stand between 105 and 140 feet tall, and stretch 800 to 1,200 feet between poles.
The design is intended to carry more power and better withstand high winds.
— Dannie Oliveaux | DannieOliveaux@TheExaminer.com
