By OBBM Network Editorial Staff

Derived from an episode of American Energy Works.

When a utility sends a legal form that reads like a checklist of obligations, it can feel like a deadline is breathing down the neck of a family farm that has been in the same hands for generations. That is exactly the pressure Texas landowners are feeling today as they confront a new survey agreement from Encore Energy for the Dinosaur‑to‑Longshore 765 kV transmission line.

The Current Status of the Dinosaur‑Longshore Project

The Public Utility Commission (PUC) approved the Dinosaur‑to‑Longshore and Longshore‑to‑Drill Hole switches as part of a larger 765 kV corridor intended to move electricity across central Texas. While the approval stands, several motions for rehearing remain pending, and the commission has extended the deadline for those motions. This means the regulatory outcome is still uncertain, but the utility is moving ahead with on‑the‑ground activities.

Encore Energy has already held public meetings in Brownwood, Stephenville and De Leon, and it is now asking property owners to sign three primary documents: an access‑entry form, a route‑modification request form, and, in some cases, a possession‑and‑use agreement. Each form is designed to give Encore the right to enter the land for surveys, and potentially to secure early possession of an easement before title is transferred.

Key Provisions Landowners Should Scrutinize

Attorney Nick Laurent, who represents several Erath County landowners, outlines the most important clauses to negotiate. He stresses the need for clear language on permissible entry, insurance coverage, and indemnity for any damage to fences, gates or other improvements. “Specifying the permissible entry form, insurance, indemnity, an obligation to pay for any damages that may occur to fencing gates, other items on the landowner’s property,” he explains.

Another critical element is the staking provision. By requiring Encore to stake the center line of the proposed easement, owners can see exactly where the corridor will sit on their property, which is essential for evaluating any future requests for changes. “Knowing where it is is incredibly helpful,” Laurent says.

Rescinding Prior Permissions and Negotiating New Terms

If a landowner has already signed an earlier access form, Laurent notes that the agreement is not immutable. “There is nothing that precludes an owner from rescinding a prior permission,” he advises, recommending that owners promptly inform Encore of their intent to withdraw and propose revised terms.

Beyond the standard access agreement, Encore sometimes circulates a possession‑and‑use agreement. This document would grant the utility early possession of the easement while title remains with the landowner until condemnation is finalized. Laurent cautions that the pros and cons of such an arrangement depend heavily on the individual parcel’s circumstances and the specific language negotiated.

Political Uncertainty and the Timeline Ahead

The project sits at the intersection of regulatory, political and community dynamics. Recent political shifts in Texas have sparked hope among some landowners that the legislature might intervene, potentially delaying construction until after the new session begins in January. Laurent admits, “I think right now there are a lot of unknowns about what will happen when all of the people that were recently elected take office.” Yet he also acknowledges that Encore is likely to push forward during the interim.

While the PUC could amend its original order, the utility’s momentum suggests that field work and further negotiations will continue regardless of the political calendar. Landowners are therefore encouraged to stay informed, seek legal counsel, and consider the long‑term implications of any agreement they sign.

How Affected Residents Can Get Help

For landowners who have not yet retained counsel, Laurent offers a straightforward next step: reach out to an attorney experienced in eminent‑domain and real‑estate matters. “We’re in the business of assisting people in these kind of acquisitions, how compensation works, what you can be paid for and what you can’t be paid for,” he says.

By gathering documentation, understanding the specific language of each form, and negotiating protective clauses, owners can better safeguard their property and ensure they receive fair compensation should a condemnation proceed.

In a state where reliable, affordable energy is framed as a cornerstone of freedom, the balance between infrastructure development and private property rights remains a contentious and evolving story.

The full episode of American Energy Works is available on OBBM Network TV.