Gov. Greg Abbott on Wednesday announced a $200 million Texas Energy Fund grant will be used to upgrade about 700 miles of power equipment in Northeast Texas. The improvements will strengthen electric reliability for 192,000 Texas consumers.
The Texas Energy Fund Outside-ERCOT Grant Program has made an agreement with the Southwestern Electric Power Company, an electricity provider that serves several parts of East Texas.
SWEPCO serves the following counties in the East Texas region: Bowie, Camp, Cass, Franklin, Gregg, Harrison, Hopkins, Morris, Panola, Rains, Red River, Rusk, Sabine, Shelby, Smith, Titus, Upshur, Van Zandt and Wood.
“Reliable electricity powers every part of Texans’ daily lives,” Gov. Abbott said. “As our state grows, we will ensure families, businesses and communities have the reliable, affordable power they need. Through these investments to upgrade power line infrastructure, Texas will remain the energy capital of the world.”
According to the announcement, the project will improve nearly 200 circuits in Northeast Texas, including replacing aging copper wire with stronger aluminum alloy conductors and replacing existing utility poles.
“This TxEF grant allows us to accelerate critical infrastructure improvements while minimizing the financial impact on our customers,” said SWEPCO president and chief operating officer Brett Mattison. “It’s a win for reliability, affordability and the communities we serve. Across SWEPCO, our teams are united in our shared mission to serve customers, and we work diligently to pursue state and federal grants that help improve service while minimizing customer costs.”
Officials say the project will improve storm resilience in SWEPCO’s territory. The improvements should be complete by early 2031.