PUC Chairman Speaks to Community About Billion-Dollar Transmissions Project

Public Utility Commission of Texas Chairman Peter Lake spoke to stakeholders this morning with an update on the region’s recently approved $1.21 billion transmissions project at the Mcallen Chamber of Commerce.??

McAllen Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Council met with Lake and community members to discuss the project that includes six new 345-kilovolt transmission adding 352 miles in an effort to strengthen the reliability of the Texas grid.

Many community stakeholders participated in asking questions to Lake and AEP President & Chief Operating Officer Judith E. Talavera’s presentation regarding the update.? The Rio Grande Valley is an integral area for PUC’s new project along with others and their potential impact.

“With the additional transmission lines, many throughout the state of Texas will utilize surplus energy produced by the Rio Grande Valley,” McAllen Chamber President & CEO Josh Mejia said.???

“It is our hope that the Commission understands that the Rio Grande Valley is not only capable of supporting the entire grid through renewables but must also be a priority to Texas in order to improve the reliability of its own infrastructure to meet growing demands.”?

The Council will meet again at 11:30 a.m. Oct. 20 in the McAllen Chamber.? For more information or to RSVP, please contact Director of Public Policy & Government Affairs Gerry Garcia at 956-682-2871.

For press inquiries, please contact Vice President of Strategic Communications at 956-682-2871 or email [email protected].