OK, so I am an EE. However, I went the semiconductor/microelectronic route and am not an expert on power stuff. My wife and I are looking at a larger rural acreage property that is about 10 miles from a proposed BESS (battery storage farm) and proposed gas turbine power plant.

The property is in a straight line between the substation this will tie into and another substation that LCRA owns near us. I am hoping someone would be willing to look at this with me and help me make a call on whether or not a tie between that substation and the one near this property would be likely (probably a 138kV powerline) . I have already checked all the ERCOT and PUCT records and there are no "certificates of convenience" filed. Although, I don't think all of this is far enough along for that to be filed. Any input would be greatly appreciated. I am just trying to keep from taking an unnecessary risk. Thanks in advance!

It really depends on the existing infrastructure. New transmission lines are really expensive. If there's an existing transmission line nearby the proposed new generation/storage, they'd more than likely tie into that rather than building entirely new lines to a substation miles away.

you need to call the provider in that area and tell them what youre trying to do and they will put you in touch with the engineering side of things and they will come out and tell you what doable and what isnt. They will provide a list of stuff youre going to be responsible for and in turn will tell you what they will or wont do. The process isnt very fast so youll have to be patient. Inspections are the last step and youll have power if its possible. The longer your run is, the more costly it gets so be prepared. Its not cheap. Good luck.

So are you worried about the property getting a transmission line ran through it or being able to get power?

That's what I thought. But the other poster made me think it might be the other way. I can understand your concern for sure.

Understand the concern about a 138 or 345 KV right of way. Good thinking ahead on your part.

Gas Turbines may be initially planned for a two pack but have the room for additional units.

I would assume they're building at the conjunction of gas transmission, electric transmission, and available water source- or very nearby.

They will probably have their own switch yard at the site but it will still have one or two high voltage corridors to the closest transmission substations.

If you buy property that's in a straight line to connecting to gas or transmission, expect an eminent domain letter & associated lawsuit.

Thanks. Yes, it is being built on an existing 138kV powerline. One end of the powerline terminates at the Fayetteville powerplant and the other terminates at another distribution substation. I was just wondering about a 3rd leg being built over to another substation near me. The substation near me also terminates at the Fayetteville powerplant and a different distribution substation.

Since this is a major purchase, I would start by asking ERCOT. Any new generating station or proposed major load has to have analysis of how it will affect grid voltage and frequency.

ERCOT is responsible for maintaining voltage & frequency so they will have a Transmission Engineering Projects& Planning office. They should be able to let you know if any transmission is proposed for that area. They may not have finalized the route but they will have a proposed corridor.

Also would ask LCRA same questions if that's their substation.
Both are headquartered in Austin.

Also the Generating project has to have engineering documents how they will deliver power to the grid.

Since the wires are still a regulated entity , information should be available to you.
Shouldn't cost you anything but time.

Thanks. I am planning to look into it.