Rim Rock-to-Goat Creek project

Project update
March 13: On Feb. 22, Public Utility Commission (PUC) Commissioners approved the Rim Rock to Goat Creek Project by a 3-0 vote. The PUC issued the written Final Order for the project on March 4. (See map and final order in box at right.)

The commissioners chose Route 7A with the minor route modifications recommended by the administrative law judge. LCRA Transmission Services Corporation (LCRA TSC) believes this route is acceptable from construction and environmental perspectives and meets the need for the project. With the route adjustments proposed by intervenors and another adjustment proposed by PUC staff last year, the estimated cost for the transmission facilities and associated substation facilities is $16.3 million.

The project is designed to address load growth (the increase in the number of customers requiring electric service and the increase in power demands from existing customers), and will improve the reliability of the electric transmission facilities in the area. LCRA TSC intends to complete the detailed design of the transmission line by Aug. 29. The transmission line is projected to be energized by December 2009.

LCRA TSC is mailing written notification letters to landowners directly affected by the project and to landowners on alternate routes who will not be directly affected by the project.

Review case filings yourself
You can review the filings for the case, including the administrative law judge’s proposal for decision listed as Item No. 343, by going to the PUC's document Web site at http://interchange.puc.state.tx.us and click the "Login" button (you don't need a user name as all visitors are "guests"). Then type 33844 (the project's PUC docket number) in the "Control Number" field. The Final Order is listed as Item No. 358.

Background on the project
FAQs: Below are answers to frequently asked questions about the transmission project.

What is the Rim Rock-to-Goat Creek project? On Feb. 20, 2007 LCRA TSC filed its application for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity (CCN) with the PUC. LCRA TSC proposes to build and own a new 138-kilovolt transmission line in Kerr County. The line would extend from the existing Rim Rock Substation south of Kerrville to a new substation that would be built on or near the existing Ingram-to-Harper Road 138-kilovolt transmission line west of Kerrville

The project will help ensure continued reliable electric service to customers served by both the Kerrville Public Utility Board (KPUB) and the Central Texas Electric Cooperative (CTEC).

Why is the Rim Rock-to-Goat Creek project needed?
The objective of this project is to improve the reliability of our electric transmission system while meeting the region's growing demands for electric power. Because the Rim Rock Substation is served by only one transmission line, an outage to this line or the associated Rim Rock Substation facilities would result in the loss of electricity to a significant number of homes and businesses served by the Rim Rock Substation. The new transmission line will provide an additional power source to the Rim Rock Substation. The new substation will provide a backup source to other substations in the area.

What are the steps required for the project?
Learn more on the steps for obtaining approval for transmission projects from the Public Utility Commission of Texas.

What is the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA)?
LCRA is a nonprofit conservation and reclamation district that provides energy, water and community services to Texans. See ABCs of LCRA.

What is the LCRA Transmission Services Corporation (LCRA TSC)?
Legislation passed in 1999 restructured the state's electric industry and allowed LCRA to offer transmission services to other utilities throughout Texas. Provisions of Texas Senate Bill 7 required utilities to separate electric generation and transmission businesses. Learn more.

How you may be affected
LCRA TSC will purchase easement rights along the path of the transmission line to allow for construction, operation, and maintenance of the line. An easement is a legal document that gives a utility the right to use privately owned land for a specific purpose, while the landowner retains ownership of the property. More about easements.

For more information
If you have additional questions, write or phone: LOWER COLORADO RIVER AUTHORITY
Transmission Regulatory Services
Attention: Dennis Palafox
P.O. Box 220, Austin, Texas 78767-0220
1-800-776-5272, Ext. 4470
tlines@lcra.org