CPS Energy has initiated a significant project to bolster the reliability of Texas’s electric grid, following a close call in September 2023 when soaring temperatures led to excessive energy demands and prompted a statewide emergency alert. The board of trustees approved $175 million to construct a 24.5-mile transmission line as part of the San Antonio South Reliability Project, aimed at alleviating congestion on transmission lines and enhancing long-term resiliency against blackouts in the San Antonio region.
This new transmission line is a crucial segment of a $329.1 million project designed to improve the grid’s capacity and reliability, spanning 50 miles from the Howard Road substation to the San Miguel substation. CPS Energy is responsible for the northern section of the 345-kilovolt transmission line, while the South Texas Electric Cooperative will handle the southern segment. The project is scheduled to be operational by June 2027, with CPS eligible for state reimbursement once the line is energized.
The urgency for this development was highlighted by the recent power shortages that stressed the grid, particularly in North Texas, showcasing the need for enhanced infrastructure to handle the excess power generated by South Texas wind farms. The Electrical Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) has already taken steps to manage this issue, including keeping one of the older gas-fired units at the Braunig Power Plant open longer to support the grid while new transmission lines are constructed.
CPS Energy is also working on another transmission line project by expediting completion to December 2026, which will add 58 miles of new lines to further address anticipated increases in energy demand. The approved reliability project aims to reduce the risk of outages, especially during peak usage times.
Despite the urgency and importance of these infrastructure improvements, some concerns remain regarding the potential impact on local traffic and small businesses throughout the construction phase. Board member Janie Gonzalez emphasized the necessity of these upgrades for the stability of the energy supply and the commitment to the community, underscoring the balance between development and community impact.
Overall, this project not only showcases the proactive steps being taken to enhance electric grid reliability in Texas but also reflects a collaborative effort to address growing energy needs in a rapidly developing region. This kind of investment sets a positive precedent towards ensuring that residents have dependable access to power in the future.