AUSTIN, Texas (KVII) — More than $22 million in state funding is headed to the Texas Panhandle to strengthen electric reliability for customers served by North Plains Electric Cooperative.
Gov. Greg Abbott announced Wednesday that two grants from the Texas Energy Fund will support infrastructure improvements across the cooperative’s service area, which includes portions of Hansford, Hutchinson, Lipscomb, Ochiltree and Roberts counties.
“Reliable power is essential to grow and maintain strong Texas communities,” Abbott said in a statement. “These grants will update and reinforce energy infrastructure in Northwest Texas and ensure residents and local businesses have the dependable electricity they need to thrive.”
The largest project will include approximately 14 miles of new and upgraded transmission line segments, along with new switching equipment installed along existing corridors. The improvements are designed to increase system reliability, improve operational flexibility and modernize aging infrastructure.
A second project will expand the Ochiltree Interchange, allowing a spare transformer to be placed into service. Officials said the upgrade will strengthen electric system operations and help meet future demand.
Public Utility Commission of Texas Chairman Thomas Gleeson said the projects are part of broader efforts to modernize the state’s electric infrastructure.
“Grid modernization is critical to meeting the growing power needs in every corner of Texas,” Gleeson said. “Reliability projects like these strengthen more than poles, wires and substations — they strengthen Texans’ confidence that the power they need will be there when they need it.”
North Plains Electric Cooperative leaders welcomed the funding, saying it will improve service for members across the region.
“This grant represents a major step forward for our cooperative and the communities we serve,” said Mike Wolfe, NPEC executive vice president and general manager. “By expanding our infrastructure and creating additional transmission connections, we are improving reliability and ensuring our members have access to dependable, affordable power for years to come.”
The grants were awarded through the Texas Energy Fund’s Outside ERCOT Grant Program, which is administered by the Public Utility Commission of Texas. The program provides funding for projects that improve electric reliability and resiliency for customers served by utilities outside the state’s main ERCOT power grid.
State officials said the upgrades will help ensure more reliable electric service for rural residents and businesses while supporting future growth in the region.