On June 23, 2016, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas ("ERCOT") endorsed this project to improve service reliability in the Lower Rio Grande Valley ("LRGV"). The project requires ETT to construct a new 345kV double circuit transmission line from the existing AEP Texas Stewart Road 138kV substation and cut-in to ETT's portion of the North Edinburg to Loma Alta 345kV transmission line.
On February 16, 2018, ETT filed an amendment to its Certificate of Convenience and Necessity ("CCN") at the Public Utility Commission of Texas ("PUCT") for the construction of this new 345kV double circuit transmission line. On February 13, 2019, the PUCT issued a final order approving this application. The new transmission line will be constructed as a 4.9-mile double-circuit 345kV transmission line in Hidalgo County, Texas, and will improve the local electric grid and help to provide reliable electric service to the surrounding area while also addressing continued growth in the LRGV.
On May 20, 2021, ETT’s Stewart Road project was completed and placed in service. Although this project faced numerous challenges including major equipment delays, COVID-19 and bad weather, it was successfully completed with no injuries. The project came in approximately 10% or over $1 million under budget.
