The Howard-Solstice Transmission Line will span approximately 300 miles.
This new 300-mile high-voltage line is part of the Permian Basin Reliability Plan, aimed at improving power delivery in the region. It will connect the Solstice Substation near Fort Stockton to a substation near San Antonio. The project is designed to enhance the efficiency and reliability of electricity distribution in West Texas.
The Howard-Solstice project is critical for the electrification of the oil and gas industry and will support the energy needs of local communities. It aligns with Texas House Bill 5066, signed by Governor Greg Abbott in 2023, which tasked ERCOT with developing a reliability plan for the Permian Basin.
Judith Talavera, president and COO of AEP Texas, commented: “The State of Texas is experiencing significant levels of population and economic growth, and the Public Utility Commission’s action today will help ensure that the electric grid is better prepared to meet the growing demand on the electric system. AEP Texas is proud to play a role in this transformative step for our state, building one of the first 765-kV transmission lines in ERCOT, and to continue to provide safe and reliable service for our customers.”
AEP Texas is a subsidiary of American Electric Power (AEP), which operates the largest 765-kV transmission network in North America, covering over 2,110 miles with more than 2,200 miles of lines and 30 substations across six U.S. states. The Howard-Solstice project is a significant milestone in strengthening Texas’s energy infrastructure and ensuring a stable power supply for a critical economic region.
In January 2025, AEP also completed a $2.82 billion deal, selling a 19.9% stake in its transmission companies in Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan to KKR and PSP Investments. This partnership supports AEP’s efforts to optimize operations while continuing to invest in vital infrastructure like the Howard-Solstice transmission line.
The project highlights AEP Texas’s commitment to bolstering economic growth and energy reliability in the Permian Basin, ensuring sustainable development and meeting the energy needs of both industry and residents in West Texas.
