A. ETI proposes to add new electric transmission infrastructure in Walker County. ETI is planning to construct a new single-pole double-circuit 138 kilovolt (kV) electric transmission line approximately 3-5 miles in length (depending on the final route) that would connect the new Texas substation near Interstate Highway 45 (I-45) in Walker County to the existing Lewis Creek to Goree 138 kV transmission line (L 487), in the vicinity of New Waverly and Huntsville. The study area and approximate locations of the proposed end points and existing transmission line facilities are shown on the map on the website https://power-viz.com/Entergy/index.html

The proposed single-pole double-circuit transmission line would be erected utilizing either concrete or steel predominately single-pole structures within a right-of-way that would be up to 100 feet wide (which will consist of ~50 feet on either side of the centerline of the proposed transmission facilities, some of which could overlap with other compatible rights-of-way), depending on the final location.

A. The primary purpose of the project is to meet the area’s growing power demands in Walker County spurred by residential and business development. To accomplish this, a new distribution substation, to be called “Texas Substation”, is needed to provide the additional capacity and distribution feeder delivery system to integrate into the existing distribution system in the area. The location of Texas Substation is determined by the existing distribution system and available suitable property and is proposed to be located along I-45 between Huntsville and New Waverly in southeast Walker County. The connecting transmission line would cut-in and extend ETI’s existing Lewis Creek to Goree 138 kV transmission line (L-487) to the proposed new Texas Substation.

A. The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) ultimately decides if new lines are required to supply electric service. The PUCT also decides the route of new transmission lines will take to connect the remote ends. The PUCT makes its decision based on ETI’s application to amend its Certificate of Convenience and Necessity (CCN), which includes a routing study conducted by a third-party consulting firm, POWER Engineers, Inc. (POWER) and the public’s input as it relates to the project, including siting of the new electric facilities.

A. Electric power is generated and travels through a network of high-voltage transmission lines and voltage transformation equipment connected at various voltage levels. At ETI, those voltage levels range from 69 kV to 500 kV and include those at 138 kV and 230 kV. The voltage is then reduced, or "stepped down," to a distribution-level voltage, typically 13 kV or 35 kV, through a transformer at a substation. The electricity is then distributed out of the substation along these lower voltage distribution lines, ultimately supplying the electrical power to homes and businesses.

A. ETI and its third-party routing consultant, POWER develop a study area that includes the remote end points of the transmission line – in this case the new Texas Substation and the existing Lewis Creek to Goree 138 kV transmission line (L-487). POWER gathers data, maps, aerial photos and input from federal and state agencies and local officials. POWER also conducts field reconnaissance from public access points like roads and highways. Using this information, POWER identifies environmental and land use constraints such as subdivisions, parks and known cultural resource sites within the study area. Several preliminary route segments connecting the end points are identified and drawn to avoid these constraints as much as practical, realizing it is not always reasonable or feasible to avoid all constraints. These preliminary route segments are then presented to the public at an open house. As the public input process continues, route segments may be modified, eliminated, or added. Ultimately, ETI staff will evaluate the routes using factors that include public input, human/natural/cultural resource impacts, engineering, construction, operation and maintenance issues, and cost. Under this process, ETI staff recommends several alternative routes connecting the project end points. These alternative routes are then included in ETI’s CCN application that will be filed with the PUCT. Once the CCN application is filed, all routes and route segments are available for selection and approval by the PUCT. The PUCT will make the final decision whether to approve ETI’s application and will select the route on which the transmission line and its facilities will be constructed.

A. The project will use either steel or concrete, predominately single-pole double-circuit structures. Typical transmission structures supporting 138 kV lines will be approximately 80 to 130 feet above the ground with span lengths of approximately 500 to 800 feet between structures. A diagram of typical transmission structures will be presented on display boards at the open house.

A. After the open house, ETI and POWER will evaluate all public comments and, if necessary, conduct additional engineering and environmental analysis of the preliminary alternative route segments. Some of the preliminary alternative route segments may be eliminated or modified. Others may be added based on public input and additional analysis. ETI will identify and evaluate, in detail, a set of primary alternative routes made up of the various alternative route segments. POWER will prepare an Environmental Assessment and Alternative Route Analysis Report (sometimes called an EA or routing study) for ETI to review. ETI will prepare the CCN application and submit it to the PUCT, which will include the EA. Upon submitting the CCN application (currently scheduled for the first quarter 2023), ETI will mail letters to landowners who are owners of land located within 300 feet of any proposed route, explaining how they can participate in the PUCT CCN proceeding. Public notifications regarding the CCN filing will also be published in newspapers in the affected areas. If the PUCT approves ETI’s application, final notices will be sent to directly affected landowners who received notice of ETI’s application advising them of the selected route, together with the PUCT’s Final Order. The PUCT should reach a decision on the CCN application within a year after Entergy Texas files its application.

A. If approved by the PUCT, the new transmission line is scheduled to be operational by March 2026.