Caldwell County votes on new Euclid Substation and power upgrades

In a pivotal meeting held on March 26, 2025, the LCRA Transmission Services Corporation Board discussed several significant infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing Texas's electrical grid. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as board members reviewed plans that promise to bolster the region's energy capacity and reliability.

The centerpiece of the meeting was the proposed Euclid Substation addition, which will be constructed on a nearly 28-acre site just northwest of Lockhart in Caldwell County. This ambitious project is set to provide an additional half gigawatt of system capacity upon completion, addressing the growing energy demands of large data centers in the area. The estimated cost for this project is a staggering $97.5 million, which includes over $600,000 earmarked for land rights. The board anticipates that this project will not be the last of its kind, signaling a trend toward more substantial energy infrastructure developments in the coming years.

Following the discussion on Euclid, the board turned its attention to the Giddings power transformer upgrade. This project aims to replace aging equipment at the Giddings substation, located just west of Giddings in Lee County. The upgrade will enhance the substation's capacity and improve system responsiveness through the installation of new relays. With an estimated cost of $7.6 million, the project is expected to be completed by December 31, 2025.

Lastly, the board reviewed plans for the Pine Pass Substation property acquisition in Bastrop County, near Lake Bastrop. This project, which involves acquiring 5.8 acres of land for a future substation, is projected to cost $2.3 million and is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2025. The new substation will serve the Griffith League Ranch, further expanding the region's energy infrastructure.

As discussions wrapped up, board members expressed their understanding of the rising costs associated with land acquisition in Central Texas, reflecting broader economic trends. With motions made and seconded, the board moved forward, setting the stage for a more robust energy future in Texas. The meeting underscored the LCRA's commitment to addressing the state's growing energy needs through strategic investments in infrastructure.