Lone Star Transmission, LLC, a subsidiary of FPL Energy, LLC, today filed an application with the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity to establish a new regulated utility business unit to construct, own and operate transmission facilities in Texas.
If approved, the project will provide much needed power for the growing Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex and other regions throughout Texas. Under its plan, Lone Star Transmission will build, own and operate a 180-200 mile, high voltage, direct current, open access transmission line to bring renewable energy resources from West Texas to the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Dubbed the "DFW Express," the new transmission line would be constructed with a capacity of 2,000MW and stretch from near Abilene to the Dallas/Fort Worth load center. The cost of the DFW Express is expected to be in the range of US$ 635 million to US$ 655 million, and Lone Star Transmission believes the transmission line can be constructed in less than three years from the date a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity for the facility is approved by the Texas PUC.