Gov. Greg Abbott allocates funding to electricity pole upgrades project impacting East Texas

“The Texas Energy Fund delivers real results for Texans and strengthens the electric systems that families, businesses and communities depend on,” Abbott said in the announcement. “This grant to Sam Houston Electric Cooperative will replace thousands of vulnerable utility poles ... to ensure a more reliable and resilient grid in East Texas.”

Another detail

The Public Utility Commission of Texas approved the grant award funding the project through the Outside of ERCOT Grant Program, which provides financial support for electric infrastructure projects that benefit Texans outside the region covered by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, according to the news release.

“Texans in every corner of our state expect and deserve reliable electricity,” PUCT Chair Thomas Gleeson said via news release. “The Outside-ERCOT Grant Program is delivering concrete improvements for consumers both in and outside the ERCOT footprint.”

Those affected

Areas listed to undergo the massive infrastructure changes are Montgomery, Liberty and Hardin counties, which are notably susceptible to hurricanes during respective seasons, according to the news release. A timeline with further details has not been established.

Officials were able to confirm, however, that the expected completion date for all former utility poles to be demolished and the new ones to be fully installed is June 2031.