FAQs: Leander to Blockhouse to Whitestone

Substation Transmission Line Upgrade

What is PEC doing to the transmission line?
PEC will rebuild and upgrade the existing wood-pole 138 kV transmission line that connects the existing Leander substation to the existing Blockhouse and Whitestone substations in Williamson County.

Why is this project needed?
The project will increase the capacity of the transmission system by installing larger conductors and providing the ability to add more conductors in the future. This will help meet the area’s growing demand for electrical power, improve reliability, and reduce maintenance costs.

What will be the impact of the project for landowners along the route and the community?
The primary impact will be during construction at the structures’ locations. PEC crews and contractors will utilize heavy machinery and equipment to dig holes, remove structures, install new structures, and replace existing wires. Where possible, the rebuild will take place within the areas currently occupied by the existing transmission lines to help minimize the impact to adjacent landowners.

What will the new structures look like?
The structures are galvanized tubular steel poles that are capable of supporting two circuits and a shield wire. Each circuit is comprised of three sets of conductors, also referred to as phases. Structures needed at the large angles in transmission line will be placed on concrete foundations. The tangent structures needed to support the wires between the large angle structures will be placed directly in the ground with a concrete back fill.

How large will the structures be?
Structures and line are still being designed; however, large angle structures are expected to be between 6 and 8 feet in diameter at the base. Tangent structures are expected to be between 3 and 5 feet in diameter at the base. The height of the structures is expected to be between 95 and 120 feet above ground.