AUSTIN, TX – texas regulators have postponed a decision on Entergy‘s proposed high-voltage power line project, intensifying a dispute over potential routes that could impact homes in Willis and teh water supply of Lake Livingston. The Public Utility Commission (PUC) will revisit the case in October, leaving the future of the project unresolved.
The proposed transmission line is intended to improve reliability and meet growing energy demand across Southeast Texas, including Montgomery, walker, Polk, Trinity and surrounding counties, according to Entergy attorney Everett Britt. The utility maintains all proposed routes are technically feasible, balancing cost, environmental impact, and the number of homes affected.
Though, residents of Willis have voiced strong opposition, with some arguing the proposed routes would directly impact their properties.”It’s ridiculous… We have four neighbors,and it would wipe out our community,” one resident stated. Others claim they received inadequate notification about the project, hindering their ability to participate in the process. “They didn’t get a letter and the notification of this has been horrific,” said Grant Darnell.
Concerns also center on Lake Livingston, a major reservoir supplying nearly 70 percent of Houston’s drinking water.The Trinity River Authority (TRA), which owns and operates the lake, opposes any route requiring towers within the reservoir. “TRA opposes any route… that would result in the transmission lines crossing across and above Lake Livingston because the additional piers and support structures needed for the proposed project would create obstacles and public safety threats that currently do not exist,” explained TRA board member Benny Fogelman.
Opponents further highlight environmental risks, citing previous identification of dioxins and PCBs in the lakebed sediment and fears that construction could compromise water quality for millions.
Both sides are preparing additional filings and briefs before the PUC’s October review. willis families are seeking to block routes through their homes,while Houston leaders and the TRA continue to advocate against a crossing of Lake Livingston.
