AEP Texas recently announced their approval for the construction of the Howard-Solstice Transmission Line. This project was one of the largest single staring contributing projects to the Permian Basin Reliability Plan. This new transmission line is nearly 300 miles long. It will help provide reliable power delivery to the rapidly developing Permian Basin area of West Texas. On April 24, 2025, the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) approved the project on its second go-round. This ruling is a big win on the way to serve the region’s increasing thirst for electricity.
Complementing the PBRR Plan, the Howard-Solstice Transmission Line serves as the backbone of the Permian Basin Reliability Plan. This vision is about building new, cleaner, cheaper power delivery routes. The 765-kV grid for this project spans more than 2,200 miles with 30 substations through six states. It improves operational efficiency and dependability across the electric delivery system for all of West Texas.
The Howard-Solstice project greatly increases power delivery capacity. Including Texas House Bill 5066, which Governor Greg Abbott signed into law in 2023. This bill would make the PUCT do what we just explained, directing ERCOT to establish an electric reliability play specific to the Permian Basin. This shows the depth of the state’s commitment to modernizing its energy infrastructure.
This local project is part of a deeper strategic collaboration AEP partnered with investment firms KKR and PSP Investments to announce this in January 2025. So has AEP in selling a 19.9% equity interest in its transmission companies in Ohio, Indiana and Michigan. This collaboration already has a strong vote of confidence, in the form of a $2.82 billion investment from KKR and PSP Investments.
AEP Texas President and Chief Operating Officer Judith Talavera said it’s the most important project currently in development for the state.
“The State of Texas is experiencing significant levels of population and economic growth, and the Public Utility Commission’s action today will help ensure that the electric grid is better prepared to meet the growing demand on the electric system.” – Judith Talavera
She further stated that AEP Texas is dedicated to the highest standards of safety and reliability of service for its customers.
“AEP Texas is proud to play a role in this transformative step for our state, building one of the first 765-kV transmission lines in ERCOT, and to continue to provide safe and reliable service for our customers.” – Judith Talavera
Actual construction on the Howard-Solstice Transmission Line is just getting started. This project will be indispensable in providing $\frac{1}{4}\text{th}$ of the State’s electricity needs and energizing TurnKey’s expansion and fostering the growth in this vital engine of Texas’ economy.