Proposed TNP1-RELLIS 345 kV Transmission Line Project

Project Overview

Texas-New Mexico Power Company (TNMP) and Bryan Texas Utilities (BTU) are proposing to build a new transmission line from the existing TNMP TNP1 Switching station in Robertson County to the planned BTU RELLIS Substation in Brazos County.

FAQs

We provide electricity to more than 280,000 homes and businesses throughout Texas.
Our headquarters is in Lewisville, with more than 400 employees in more than 20 communities throughout the state.
We are a subsidiary of TXNM Energy, Inc.
Our formal name is Texas-New Mexico Power Co., but we now serve only Texas.

Since 1909, Bryan Texas Utilities (BTU) has proudly provided reliable, affordable power to Bryan and the Brazos Valley. As a public power utility owned by the City of Bryan, our focus is on serving the community.
BTU serves more than 71,000 customers in Bryan, portions of College Station, Brazos County, and portions of Robertson and Burleson Counties.
BTU has more than 2,500 miles of distribution lines and approximately 200 miles of transmission lines across the service territory.

The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) is the state agency responsible for economic regulation of Texas' electric, telecommunication, and water and wastewater utilities.

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) manages the flow of electric power to more than 27 million Texas customers -- representing about 90 percent of the state’s electric load. As the independent system operator for the region, ERCOT schedules power on an electric grid that connects more than 55,000 miles of transmission lines and more than 1,460 generation units, including Private Use Networks. It also performs financial settlement for the competitive wholesale bulk-power market and administers retail switching for 8 million premises in competitive choice areas. ERCOT is a membership-based 501(c)(4) nonprofit corporation, governed by a board of directors and subject to oversight by the PUCT and the Texas Legislature. Its members include consumers, cooperatives, generators, power marketers, retail electric providers, investor-owned electric utilities, transmission and distribution providers, and municipally owned electric utilities.

A public meeting is being held because TNMP and BTU are working together on a proposed new transmission line that will connect TNMP’s existing TNP1 Switch station in Robertson County to the BTU RELLIS Substation planned in Brazos County.

TNMP and BTU will display and gather input on preliminary routing links for a proposed 345 kV transmission line from the existing TNMP TNP1 Switch station in Robertson County to the planned BTU RELLIS Substation in Brazos County, Texas.

Public input is requested on this project, and comments are due by Friday, August 21, 2026.

Landowners who own property, according to the current tax records, within 510 feet of the proposed preliminary transmission line links have received an invitation to attend an in-person public meeting.

Securing safe, reliable power delivery through a new transmission line and substation is the primary reason for this project.

A substation is a facility that changes the voltage of electricity as it moves from high-voltage transmission lines to the lower-voltage distribution lines that serve homes and businesses, or that connects transmission lines to one another. The substation is needed to interconnect the new line with the existing grid.

Electric transmission lines carry large amounts of electricity at high voltages over long distances between generating facilities, substations, and other parts of the transmission grid. At substations, voltage may be reduced before electricity is delivered through local distribution systems to homes and businesses. Together, the transmission and distribution systems form the electric power grid.

The project is needed to maintain safe and reliable electric service as regional demand grows.

ERCOT’s independent review identified reliability needs in the study area and recommended the TNP1-RELLIS 345 kV line as part of the preferred solution to deliver safe, reliable power to customers.

This will help to add to the energy highway. It helps move power more easily, reduces strain on today’s lines and helps make sure homes, farms, and businesses have reliable electricity.

The exact route of the transmission line has not been determined. TNMP, BTU, and their routing consultant HDR are gathering input from the community and other sources for the routing study and environmental assessment. All of the proposed preliminary links shown on the map are under consideration at this time; however, not all of the links will be constructed. The PUCT will determine the final route in a proceeding to consider a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity (CCN) application filed by TNMP and BTU. The routing study and environmental assessment will be included in TNMP and BTU’s CCN application. The PUCT has 180 days, or 6 months, to make a decision after a complete application is filed.

Preliminary routing links were developed using a structured, multi-step process that considers engineering feasibility, environmental resources, land use, cultural and historic resources, and other applicable routing criteria. Public input gathered from landowners and communities during the three public meetings and comment period will be evaluated before TNMP and BTU develop the alternative routes to be included in the CCN application. The PUCT will select the final route.

The PUCT considers many factors in deciding whether to approve a proposed electric transmission line, including engineering feasibility, community values, recreational and park areas, historical and aesthetic values, cost-benefit analysis, and environmental integrity. The PUCT also considers specific routing criteria for new lines including whether the route uses or parallels compatible rights-of-way such as following existing electric transmission lines, roads, property lines, or other natural or cultural features, as well as prudent avoidance. TNMP and BTU address these factors in the CCN Application filed with the PUCT.

The proposed construction for the transmission line will utilize typical structures that are approximately 130- to 150-foot-tall steel monopoles in a right-of-way that will be approximately 120 feet wide.

TNMP and BTU plan to file the CCN application with the PUCT in February 2027. The PUCT has 180 days, or 6 months, to make a decision on the project; however, the PUCT can issue an order prior to that time. The companies will begin construction after PUCT approval and completion of final design, right-of-way acquisition, permitting, procurement, and other necessary preconstruction activities. TNMP and BTU anticipate that the project will be completed in 2030.

TNMP and/or BTU, as applicable, will make a bona fide offer to acquire the required right-of-way easement in accordance with Texas law and will provide landowners with a copy of the State of Texas Landowner’s Bill of Rights. In cases where the parties do not agree on compensation, the amount of adequate compensation will be determined in a condemnation proceeding, where special commissioners, appointed by a judge, will hold a hearing and assess compensation based on the evidence provided.

You can share your comments and concerns by:

Returning the questionnaire you received at the public meeting or filling it out online on the project website – tnp1-rellis.com.
Writing to the email address listed on the public meeting notice – connect@tnp1-rellis.com.
Attending one of three in-person public meetings where staff will be present, and visuals and added information will be available for your direct feedback.

Submit comments explaining your concerns and identifying any routing factors or alternatives that TNMP and BTU should consider. All timely comments will be reviewed in developing the CCN application. After the application is filed, affected landowners may also seek to participate in the PUCT proceeding.

ERCOT evaluated multiple transmission alternatives, including connections at other substations. After its independent review, ERCOT endorsed a new approximately 40-mile, double-circuit 345 kV line between TNP1 and RELLIS as part of the preferred solution because it addressed the identified reliability needs, improved long-term load-serving capability, and supported future transmission expansion.

No. This project is needed to add transmission capacity to serve new and growing electric demand in the area and to help maintain reliable service as the region grows.

The final cost is not yet known because the route and final design have not been determined. Current planning estimates will be refined as routing, engineering, permitting, and right-of-way acquisition progress.

Because this is a transparent, regulated process, TNMP and BTU would comply in following the next steps as determined by the PUCT.

Construction will temporarily disturb portions of the approved right-of-way and any necessary access or work areas. TNMP and BTU will use appropriate construction practices and environmental controls to minimize impacts and will restore disturbed areas as near as practicable to their preconstruction condition. Specific restoration obligations may also be addressed in applicable permits, construction plans, and easement agreements.

Eminent domain is always the last resort. TNMP and BTU will do everything possible to choose a route that delivers power safely and reliably for the needed area, while balancing the engineering feasibility and grid constraints. Eminent domain would only be considered if the utility and landowner cannot agree on the easement.

Regulatory Process

The regulatory process includes an Environmental Assessment and Routing Analysis, a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity (CCN) from the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT), and if required, an Administrative Hearing. View more details below.

1 Define Project

Identify beginning and end points for project.

2 Environmental Assessment & Routing Analysis

Define study area.
Collect and review data.
Send consultation letter to local, state, and federal agencies and officials soliciting information on the study area.
Map environmental and land use constraints in study area.
Develop preliminary transmission line links based on maps, aerial photos, constraints data and ﬁeld visits.
Send invitation for public meeting to landowners in proximity to preliminary transmission line links.
We are here | Hold public meeting to gather public input.
Analyze preliminary transmission line links to develop the primary alternative routes.
Prepare Environmental Assessment Report.

3 Public Utility Commission Application Process

Prepare and submit an application to the PUCT to amend the Certificate of Convenience and Necessity (CCN).
Upon filing of the application, notices will be sent to landowners whose properties may be crossed or owners of property which contain a habitable structure that is within 510’ of any alternative route.
Notices will also be sent to municipalities and electric utilities within five miles of the project and to municipal and county governments where the project is located.
Following the filing of the application, interested parties will have an opportunity to participate in an intervention process.

If there are intervenors:

Administrative Hearing

Conducts a technical review of project routing.
Reviews testimony filed by all parties.
Administrative law judge prepares a Proposal for Decision for consideration by the PUCT.

If there are NO intervenors:

PUCT Staff Review

PUCT staff reviews the application and may recommend approval as submitted, approval with modifications, or denial.

4 PUCT Issues Final Decision Within 180 Days of Filing

Option 1

PUCT approves the application

Option 2

PUCT approves the application with modifications

Option 3

PUCT denies the application.

Environmental And Land Use Criteria for Evaluation

Numerous factors are considered during the development of a transmission line project. Explore those considerations below.

Land Use

Length of Alternative Route
Number of Habitable Structures1 Within 510 Feet of Right-of-Way (ROW) Centerline
Number of Parcels Crossed by Alternative Route
Length of ROW Using Existing Transmission Line ROW
Length of ROW Parallel to Existing Transmission Line ROW
Length of ROW Parallel to Other Compatible Existing ROW (Highways, Public Roadways, Railways, etc. — Excluding Pipelines)
Length of ROW Parallel to Apparent Property Lines
Percentage of ROW Parallel to Existing Compatible Corridors and Apparent Property Boundaries (Excluding Pipelines)
Length of ROW Through Parks/Recreational Areas
Number of Parks/Recreational Areas Crossed by ROW Centerline
Number of Additional Parks/Recreational Areas Within 1,000 Feet of ROW Centerline

Length of ROW Through Cropland
Length of ROW Through Pasture/Rangeland
Length of ROW Through Land Irrigated by Traveling Systems (Rolling or Pivot Type)
Number of Transmission Pipeline Crossings
Number of Transmission Line Crossings
Number of U.S. and State Highway Crossings
Number of Farm-to-Market Road Crossings
Number of Cemeteries Within 1,000 Feet of the ROW Centerline
Number of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Registered Airports With At Least One Runway More Than 3,200 Feet In Length Located Within 20,000 Feet of the ROW Centerline

Number of FAA Registered Airports Having No Runway More Than 3,200 Feet In Length Located Within 10,000 Feet of the ROW Centerline
Number of Private Airstrips Within 10,000 Feet of the ROW Centerline
Number of Heliports Within 5,000 Feet of the ROW Centerline
Number of Commercial AM Radio Transmitters Within 10,000 Feet of the ROW Centerline
Number of FM Radio Transmitters, Microwave Towers, and Other Electronic Installations Within 2,000 Feet of the ROW Centerline
Number of Recorded Water Wells Within 200 Feet of the ROW Centerline
Number of Recorded Oil and Gas Wells Within 200 Feet of the ROW Centerline

Aesthetics

Estimated Length of ROW Within the Foreground Visual Zone2 Of U.S. and State Highways
Estimated Length of ROW Within the Foreground Visual Zone2 of Farm-To-Market Roads
Estimated Length of ROW Within the Foreground Visual Zone2 of Parks/Recreational Areas

Ecology

Length of ROW Through Upland Woodlands
Length of ROW Through Bottomland/Riparian Woodlands
Length of ROW Across Mapped National Wetland Inventory Wetlands and Playas
Length of ROW Across Known Habitat of Federally Listed Endangered or Threatened Species
Length of ROW Across Open Water (Lakes, Ponds)
Number of Stream Crossings
Length of ROW Parallel (Within 100 Feet) to Streams
Length of ROW Across 100-Year Floodplains

Cultural Resources

Number of Archeological or Historical Sites Crossed by ROW
Number of Additional Archeological or Historical Sites Within 1,000 Feet of ROW Centerline
Number of National Register of Historic Places Listed Properties Crossed by ROW
Number of Additional National Register of Historic Places Listed Properties Within 1,000 Feet of ROW Centerline
Length of ROW Across Areas of High Archeological Site Potential

¹ Single-family and multi-family dwellings and related structures, mobile homes, apartment buildings, commercial structures, industrial structures, business structures, churches, hospitals, schools, or other structures normally inhabited by humans or intended to be inhabited by humans on a regular basis. ² One-half mile, unobstructed.

Structures

Several structure types are being proposed for this project.*

Double Circuit Tangent

Typical ROW Width: 120 Feet
Approximate structure height: 130 to 150 feet

Double Circuit 2-Pole Dead End

Typical ROW Width: 120 Feet
Approximate structure height: 130 to 150 feet

Click images to enlarge. *Illustrations are conceptual and not to scale. Final structure design may vary.

Governmental Agencies and Officials Contacted

Federal Aviation Administration
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Natural Resources Conservation Service
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
U.S. Department of Defense Military Aviation and Installation Assurance Siting Clearinghouse
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
Texas Historical Commission
Texas Water Development Board
Texas General Land Office
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
U.S. House of Representatives
U.S. Senate
Texas Senate
Texas House of Representatives
Burleson County Historical Commission
Milam County Historical Commission
Robertson County Historical Commission
Brazos County Historical Commission
Railroad Commission of Texas

Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)
TxDOT Bryan District
TxDOT Division of Aviation
TxDOT Environmental Affairs Division
TxDOT Planning & Programming

Milam County
Robertson County
Brazos County
Burleson County
City of Hearne
City of Bremond
City of Franklin
City of Calvert
City of Caldwell
City of Bryan
City of Kurten
Wixon Valley
Bryan/College Station Metropolitan Planning Organization
Brazos Valley Council of Governments

Mumford ISD
Bremond ISD
Caldwell ISD
Gause ISD
Hearne ISD
Calvert ISD
Bryan ISD

Proposed Timeline

Project activities will occur between November 2025 - January 2030.*

November 2025 - January 2027

Routing Study, Environmental Assessment, and Public Meeting

February 2027 - August 2027

File Amendment Application for CCN and PUCT Review

August 2027

PUC Approval

September 2027 - December 2028

ROW Activities

January 2029 - January 2030

Transmission Construction

*This schedule is subject to change.

Construction Timing/Methods

TNMP and BTU plan to file the CCN application with the Public Utility Commission of Texas in February 2027. The PUCT must approve or deny the application no later than 180 days after filing, although a final order may be issued earlier. Following PUCT approval and completion of right-of-way acquisition, final design, permitting, and other preconstruction activities, transmission-line construction is anticipated to begin in January 2029. TNMP and BTU anticipate completing the project in 2030.

Surveying

Surveying of the proposed transmission line ROW is required to locate the centerline, the structure locations, obstacles above and below ground, and the edges of both new and existing ROW. Environmental surveys are also conducted during this time as needed.

Clearing

Tree and shrub clearing may be needed in areas where new ROW is acquired for safe operation of the line. If a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) is required, it will be implemented along the approved route prior to the start of clearing. Mechanized cutters and hand tools may be used to remove vegetation that interferes with construction or safe operation to ground level.

Conductor & Static Wire Installation

Once the structures have been erected, the stringing and clipping-in of conductors and static wires will begin. Outages on transmission lines are a possibility during the conductor and static wire installation. Each road crossing will have temporary guard poles installed for public protection while stringing in the new conductors.

Cleanup

Cleanup operations will be performed as construction activities are completed. Cleanup includes removal of debris, unused materials, and trash. Any necessary soil stabilization and reestablishing of vegetative cover will also occur during cleanup, following the procedures dictated in the SWPPP, if required. Pre-construction contours will also be restored following construction.

Structure Placement

Specialized wide-track vehicles and line trucks with trailers will be used to transport construction materials along the ROW to the structure locations.

Steel poles will be delivered to the site shortly before the poles are ready to be set. A large crane would then set the pole directly into an excavated hole. The hole will be backfilled with native soil or crushed limestone.

If needed for the dead-end and angled structures, concrete foundations will be installed several weeks before the steel poles are erected to allow the foundations to cure and reach their maximum strength. The steel poles will be delivered and set next to the proposed structure location shortly before structure erection. The structures will be assembled on-site, and a crane will be used to set the sections into place onto the previously installed foundations.

Open House Questionnaire

Thank you for taking the time to learn about the TNP1-RELLIS 345 kV Transmission Line Project. Please take a moment to complete the questionnaire below and submit your comments. Your insights and ideas help our project team develop the best solutions for system improvements. Please share your input by August 21, 2026.

Project Overview

FAQs

1. Who is Texas New Mexico Power (TNMP)?

2. Who is Bryan Texas Utilities (BTU)?

3. What is the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT)?

4. What is the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT)?

5. Why is a public meeting being held?

6. Who has been invited to the public outreach meetings?

7. Why is this being proposed now?

8. What is a substation, and why is one needed here?

9. What are electric transmission lines?

10. Why is a new electric transmission line needed?

11. Where will the transmission line be located?

12. How were these preliminary routes chosen?

13. What does the PUCT consider when selecting a route for the transmission line?

14. What type of structures will be used on the new transmission line?

15. When will construction tentatively begin, and when will the project be completed?

16. How will landowners be compensated if it is necessary for the transmission line to cross their property?

17. How can I provide feedback on the proposed route links?

18. What if I do not support any of the proposed route links?

19. Can’t TNMP and BTU just connect to the existing transmission system through a different substation?

20. Does this mean that TNMP or BTU doesn’t have enough power to serve their customers?

21. What is the total cost for this project?

22. What if the PUCT doesn’t grant this request? What happens then?

23. Will this tear up the land?

24. I’ve heard about eminent domain. Are you going to do that for my property?