Brazos Electric files CCN for power lines in west Frisco

Brazos Electric on Jan. 15 officially filed a certificate of convenience and necessity with the Public Utility Commission of Texas for additional power lines in west Frisco.

As both Brazos Electric and CoServ Electric officials have said would happen in recent months, the CCN includes proposals for both underground and overhead routes along either Stonebrook Parkway or Main Street.

Brazos Electric estimates the cost of underground lines would be $42.6 million, while the estimated cost of overhead lines is $13.7 million.

"The proposed project will provide for increase reliability and better continuity of service for Brazos Electric's member cooperatives and its member customers," Brazos said in filing notifications.

The new line would extend west from a tap point along an existing transmission line just west of the Dallas North Tollway to a new substation near FM 423 and King Road.

A 45-day intervention period where interested parties can voice their concerns to the PUCT began on Jan. 15.

The PUCT can take up to a year to make a decision on where the transmission lines will go and whether they will be constructed overhead or underground.

A grassroots organization of business owners and residents along the routes concerned about possibility of 120-foot power formed in opposition in the fall. Read more about the "Bury the Lines" campaign at www.burythelines.org.

For more information on the issue, see our December story here.