What the program did
The Texas Legislature created the program in 2005. The Public Utility Commission of Texas picked zones with strong wind, and utilities built 345 kV lines over the following years to carry that power east to cities such as Dallas, Austin and San Antonio.
Why it still matters
The CREZ lines are a large part of the 345 kV backbone in West and Central Texas. Land near them has drawn wind, solar, storage and now large loads. Near a CREZ line does not mean room on the line: many of these paths are heavily used, and congestion is common in parts of West Texas.
Questions people ask
Are CREZ lines only for renewable energy?
No. They are part of the open ERCOT transmission system. Any generator or load can ask to connect, subject to the normal studies.
Is new transmission still being built in West Texas?
Yes. ERCOT and the PUCT continue to plan and approve new lines. Check ERCOT planning reports for current projects and dates.
Related
More glossary
- What is time to power?
- What is powered land?
- What is a powered shell?
- What is large load interconnection?
- What is a point of interconnection?
- What is an interconnection queue?
- What is queue position?
- What is ERCOT?
Need a site, or have one?
Tell us what you need and Voltane finds, reports on and prices candidate sites in ERCOT. Or bring a site you already have for a path-to-power report (by request for now).