PBPA panel discusses efforts to bring more electricity to region

Midland Reporter-Telegram

by Mella McEwen

Access to electric power has been repeatedly identified as an issue by Permian Basin oil and gas operators.

That prompted the Permian Basin Petroleum Association to organize a panel discussion on electrifying the Permian Basin during its annual meeting.

Lori Cobos, who was a Public Utility Commission commissioner when the Permian Basin Electric Reliability Plan was adopted, noted that, for the first time in the state's history, three 765 kV transmission lines are planned for the area. The prior largest was 345 kV lines with one 500 kV line proposed. Applications for two of the lines coming from the north are expected to be filed by the end of the year and an application for the third, coming from San Antonio to the south, is expected to be filed in the first quarter of next year.

Cobos, now president of Cobos Strategies, sits on the regional state committee of the Southwest Power Pool, which covers 14 states, including portions of the Texas Panhandle. The SPP is looking at a transmission infrastructure plan that would add 765 kV lines. The good news for the Permian Basin is that a route from southeastern New Mexico to the Panhandle would include the western portion of the Permian Basin, she said.

The SPP is moving very aggressively to expand transmission, Cobos said, developing a plan for the first 765 kV lines in Texas in just over a year.

Meghan Griffiths, an energy attorney with Jackson Walker, told the audience the process needs to involve the landowners, who have the right to be involved in the routing of lines on their property.

There is a public involvement process, some of which is currently underway, she said. Companies looking to build the transmission lines need to conduct public meetings under what is called Certificate of Convenience and Necessity to receive their permits.

"As part of the process, every affected landowner has the right to be concerned about the impact on their property," she said.

Creating an additional 86 gigawatts is "a lot of power, but you're talking about a state that will need double that in a few years," said Michael Lozano, communications and government affairs with the PBPA and moderator for the discussion.

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