El Paso County Commissioner for District 1, Jackie Butler, scheduled an informational session for Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Montana Vista Fire Station on Montana Avenue. The meeting is intended to give local homeowners a clear picture of the Pine‑to‑McCloud Central 345 kV transmission line that El Paso Electric (EPE) proposes to build.
Project overview
The utility’s filing with the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) calls for a new high‑voltage line that would run from the Pine area near the New Mexico state line to the McCloud Central substation in far‑east El Paso. The plan includes two new substations: one near Highway 54 close to the state border, and another on the far‑east side of the city.
EPE submitted its application on Oct. 9 and expects the PUCT to issue a decision by April 2027. If approved, construction would begin shortly thereafter, with the line energized in May 2029.
Why the meeting matters
Commissioner Butler emphasized that the meeting is an opportunity for residents of the Montana Vista and Homestead Meadows neighborhoods – as well as anyone in surrounding communities – to hear directly from EPE engineers and project managers. “We want to provide transparent information and answer any concerns the community may have,” Butler said.
Guest speakers from El Paso Electric will outline the project’s expected benefits, including improved reliability for the region’s power grid and the ability to accommodate future growth. They will also address common questions about right‑of‑way impacts, construction timelines, and safety measures.
Community concerns and response
Local homeowners have expressed a range of concerns, from potential visual impacts of the transmission towers to the effect on property values and the safety of high‑voltage equipment near residential areas. The commissioner noted that the utility’s application includes detailed mitigation plans, such as undergrounding sections of the line where feasible and implementing landscaping buffers to reduce visual intrusion.
Commissioner Butler reassured attendees that the county will continue to monitor the project’s compliance with state and local regulations. “Our priority is to protect the safety and quality of life for El Paso families while supporting the infrastructure needed for reliable electricity,” she said.
Next steps
After the public meeting, the county will compile community feedback and forward it to the PUCT as part of the formal review process. Residents who cannot attend are encouraged to submit written comments to the commissioner’s office or to the PUCT’s online portal.
The meeting reflects the county’s commitment to transparent governance and to keeping families informed about major infrastructure projects that affect their neighborhoods. As the project moves forward, ongoing updates will be provided through county channels and future public sessions.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
