Power Grid Project Faces Fierce Pushback From Central Texas Landowners

Power in the state of Texas has always been a topic discussion. Due to issues in the past regarding power going out in the state, more things regarding power are needed to be built. However, not everyone is ok with how a new power area would affect the Central Texas area.

What Is The New Idea Put Forth By LCRA?

As reported by the Lower Colorado River Authority, the new line, identified as a "765-kilovolt transmission line," would assist in making power more easily available to those in the Permian Basin. The project, per LCRA, is hoping to be completed and in operation by summer of 2030.

Open houses were held back in June of 2025, in the cities of Lampasas, Menard, and Salado. While some are very excited about the idea of this new power possibility, pushback has been found not only in Bell County, but other parts of Central Texas as well.

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What Is The Opposition For The New Power Project?

Per KCEN, multiple individuals have spoken out about the projected power project. A Salado resident, Eric Stone, told KCEN:

"It's going to affect our landscape, like these towers are massive, they're gonna be seriously ugly...I'm really concerned with valuing it and cutting a lot of the equity out of my home."

Chuck Morison, who also lives in Salado, is concerned that he may have to leave the town altogether if the project becomes a realization:

"With a pacemaker, I cannot live anywhere near transmission lines...When I first had it installed, the doctor says stay away from transmission lines. He didn't say how far, but I would assume at least a half mile."

Representative of House District 54, Brad Buckley, has also weighed in on the project, saying that the information given out so far has been insufficient, and that “It is of utmost importance that they stand before the people of my district and Bell County and really explain this project."

As this is developing story, we will have more information when it becomes available.