Rendering of a 765-kV transmission tower drawn to scale along an officially filed route, next to a country road and farmhouse in Texas

Abbott's PUC plans to run massive powerlines right by our homes.

There's still time to stop the 765,000-volt powerlines headed for Texas backyards. Abbott's hand-picked Public Utility Commission approved them, but a new governor can appoint new commissioners.

Texas is building massive new 765-kV (765,000-volt) powerlines across the state, a plan known as STEP and the Permian Basin Reliability Plan. But who are they for, and who pays for them?

Crypto mining makes up 59% of the new non-oil-and-gas demand ERCOT planned these lines for, and data centers make up 90% of the statewide waiting list to connect to the grid. Under state utility rules, the multi-billion-dollar cost is added directly to ordinary household electric bills.

Sources: ERCOT · Texas Tribune

What the numbers show

Rows of bitcoin mining machines with green lights inside a warehouse

Crypto is the biggest new customer

Crypto mining makes up 59% of the new non-oil-and-gas demand ERCOT planned these lines for. That's enough electricity to power roughly 1.7 million Texas homes.

Sources: ERCOT · ERCOT

Photo: Marko Ahtisaari, CC BY 2.0
Cattle grazing in a pasture beneath large transmission lines in East Texas

Everyday Texans pay the bill

Under Texas utility rules, the cost of big transmission lines is spread across every electric bill on the grid. NRG Energy estimates the 765-kV plan could add more than $200 a year to an average household bill.

Sources: Public Utility Commission of Texas · NRG Energy

Photo: Mxmls, CC BY 4.0
The dome of the Texas State Capitol in Austin

Big users can avoid transmission fees

Crypto miners and data centers can shut down during a few peak hours to avoid transmission charges. Households trying to keep the AC on during summer heat waves can't.

Sources: NRG Energy

Photo: Daderot, CC0

How the cost lands on your electric bill

Here is how the decisions in Austin connect to what you pay each month:

  1. Energy & Utility DonorsPoured about $30M into Abbott, 2014–2021
    donates to
  2. Gov. Greg AbbottAppointed all five state utility regulators
    appoints
  3. Utility Regulators (PUC)Approved the first segment unanimously
    approves
  4. New 765,000-Volt LinesFirst lines this powerful on the main Texas grid
    delivers power to
  5. Crypto Mines & Data Centers59% of new non-oil-and-gas load is crypto
    costs passed to
  6. Texas Households & LandownersCosts added to monthly electric bills across ERCOT

Sources: Texas Tribune · Big Bend Sentinel (Texas Press Association column) · HPPR / Texas Tribune · T&D World · ERCOT · Public Utility Commission of Texas

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What you can do about it

The governor who appoints the utility commission is on the ballot this November. Learn where the candidates stand on electric bills and private property, and make sure your voice is heard.

See Where The Candidates Stand →Read The FAQ