AUSTIN– Today, TPPF’s Life:Powered campaign released new research outlining the cost and impact of ERCOT’s 765kv Strategic Transmission Expansion Plan or STEP. The paper finds that the STEP does not meaningfully reduce the need for new generation, nor does it reduce prices for consumers. In fact, the STEP would impose nearly $100 billion in lifetime costs on Texas ratepayers and create irreversible property losses for thousands of landowners across the state.
“The STEP is built on the assumption that Texas will continue to overbuild wind and solar generation far from demand centers, necessitating long-distance lines to move that power around. The lines can be mostly avoided with properly sited gas generation and local transmission upgrades, especially in West Texas,” said Life:Powered Policy Director Brent Bennett.
“The STEP is unnecessary. Other plans exist that can increase the supply of reliable generation, reduce the cost to consumers, and lessen the impact of new infrastructure projects,” said Life:Powered Campaign Director Carson Clayton, “Policymakers should pause implementation of the plan and consider alternatives to minimize the cost and impact.”
Check out the full research paper here.