Sometimes the Little Guys Win a Round

Last year, I wrote the following blog post to support a community wide effort to stop a proposed project to run powerlines through Cat Spring:

http://countrypreacherscorner.blogspot.com/2011/06/open-letter-to-all-texans.html

This past week, those in the proposed path of this project received the following letter from CenterPoint Energy out of Houston:

April 5, 2012


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Dear ******************,

Last year CenterPoint Energy provided notice of a proposed electric transmission line running from the LCRA's Fayetteville Substation to our Zenith Substation. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), the independent system operator that manages and schedules power on the electric grid, had approved this line based on a consumer benefit test that was used to determine the necessity of these types of projects.

During the last session of the Texas Legislature, measures were passed that prompted the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT), the state agency that regulates utilities, to initiate a rulemaking to consider the criteria used to evaluate the need for new transmission projects. We want you to know that the PUCT has eliminated the use of the consumer benefit test. As a result, CenterPoint Energy is no longer pursuing construction of the proposed line at this time. Please note that the potential still exists that a similar project may be needed in the future to ensure energy reliability and to accommodate expected growth.

We deeply value and appreciate the participation of everyone involved in the meetings held last year. Your input is important and helpful as we make decisions about projects like this. If ERCOT determines a similar project is necessary in the future, we will provide advanced notice to all property owners near any potential line segment. We will again host public meetings and seek your input. As always, we welcome your comments at any time. Should you have any questions or concerns in the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact Wes Padgett at 713-207­2189. Thank you for your interest and your concern.

Sincerely,



John R. Kellum, Jr.

Division Vice President High Voltage Power Delivery

Sometimes the little guys win a round.  As stated in the letter, we are not completely out of the woods, but at least we have a reprieve, and CenterPoint is going to have to offer a better argument than, "It will save our customers money."  There will have to be a definite need for power.

Thanks for all who offered their support for this community as we faced this issue.