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Summerville Subregional Commission schedules May 20 meeting and plans to press PUC on transmission need
Summary
The commission set a May 20 meeting to finalize an Encore public session and described outreach to state officials and the Public Utility Commission as it gathers evidence questioning ERCOT data used to justify proposed transmission lines.
The Summerville Subregional Commission set a meeting for May 20 at 2 p.m. in New England, Texas to finalize plans for an Encore public meeting and to coordinate its response to ongoing Public Utility Commission hearings about proposed transmission lines.
Chair said Encore has agreed to meet and reported the current target date for that session is May 27, though the commission is working with local groups to avoid scheduling conflicts. "Right now, that date is set for May 27," the Chair said, adding the start time may shift from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00–2:30 p.m. because the Optimist Club meets on the earlier hour. The commission agreed to publish public notice and try to maximize attendance.
Chair described lengthy, ongoing hearings related to the matters before the PUC and said the commission has been coordinating with state lawmakers. "I had some really good meetings with, conversations... with Senator Perry, and Senator Sparks," the Chair said, and added the commission plans to gather additional information through hearings that continue into August. The Chair said some officials who have reviewed ERCOT data "don't think that the need is anywhere near what has been expressed to justify these lines." The commission said it plans to collect evidence and present its findings to the PUC if opportunities for public comment re-open.
The Chair also reported the commission has contacted state and federal wildlife agencies for input and was awaiting responses from Texas Parks and Wildlife and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Chair characterized the existing hearing process as difficult for broad public participation, noting many parties have limited time to present evidence.
The meeting focused on logistics and strategy rather than making final policy decisions; the commission decided to meet again on May 20 to finalize Encore arrangements and continue coordination ahead of the PUC schedule.
