Board approves two substation upgrades totaling about $25.4 million

The Lower Colorado River Authority Transmission Services Corporation board approved capital funding for two substation upgrade projects, a total cost estimate of about $25.4 million.

Chris (presenter), introducing agenda item 4, said the package included two system capacity projects for board approval so scopes and designs could be refined. He told the board funding for the projects will be supported by TSC regulated rates subject to completion and approval by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT).

The first project is the NE bus substation upgrade. The scope includes replacing 138‑kV circuit breakers, switches, instrument transformers and protective relaying schemes to current design standards and converting the 138‑kV bus to a more maintainable configuration that adds operational flexibility and allows a future connection to the Dukollenberg substation to serve additional load. The recommended completion date is May 15, 2026, and the project cost estimate is $21,600,000.

The second project is the San Marcos substation upgrade. That work will increase equipment ratings by replacing 138‑kV circuit breakers, switches and jumpers so three transmission lines can achieve higher capacity ratings needed for system growth. The recommended completion date is May 15, 2025, and the project cost estimate is $3,800,000.

Board member David moved to approve the overall agenda item covering both projects; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

Chris told directors staff will be available to answer questions as designs are refined and that the board will vote on the consolidated agenda item rather than on each project separately. Funding for the projects will proceed subject to PUCT approvals required for regulated‑rate recovery.

The board did not request additional conditions beyond normal design and budget oversight.