ODESSA, Texas — The State of Texas is investing in the Permian Basin's electric reliability.
The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) unanimously approved a transmission plan on Thursday, Sept. 26.
It's a plan to meet the future electricity needs of the Permian Basin.
House Bill 5066 in 2023 got the ball rolling for the PUCT and ERCOT to develop it to benefit energy producers in Texas, with none bigger than the Permian Basin region that continues to grow.
For the Permian Basin, the time is now.
“Electricity doesn't do any good if you can't get it from the source of generation to market...I mean this is the missing piece of the puzzle for us here in West Texas, and it might not be an issue today but this is something that we're anticipating could be an issue moving forward," said Brooks Landgraf, state representative for Texas House District 81 -- Odessa (R).
The PUCT said the plan will create new and upgraded infrastructure for both local transmission projects, as well as new import paths to bring more power to the Basin.
According to Landgraf, it will help energy producers as they continue to rely on more electricity than ever to power operations.
“Understanding what the future is going to look like, these are steps that we’ve taken to make sure we can accommodate that type of growth and ensure that we have a reliable power grid – not only now, but also for years to come," Landgraf said.
PUCT Commissioner Lori Cobos shared the following statement on the transmission plan:
"The Permian Basin is the heartbeat of our state and nation’s energy dominance and economy. This plan is a roadmap that will ensure electric reliability in the region for decades to come and facilitate critical transmission infrastructure investment that will ensure the continued success of Texas’ oil and gas industry and support the region’s local communities and our entire state." - Lori Cobos, Public Utility Commission of Texas commissioner
Efforts to strengthen electric reliability and further power the Permian.
“This is a policy that has been prioritized because we have to make sure that we’re keeping up our role as the energy producing leader of the free world, but everybody who works and lives in the Permian Basin is going to benefit from it as well," Landgraf said.
Along with this plan, work is also being done through the Texas Energy Fund. Landgraf added that construction is imminent on building three natural gas fueled power plants in the Permian Basin for generating more electricity.