Why is the proposed transmission line needed?
The Springwoods transmission project is needed to provide 138 kilovolt (kV) electric transmission service to CenterPoint Energy’s proposed Springwoods Substation that will serve new and existing residential and commercial development in northern Harris and southern Montgomery Counties.

There is a new, large master-planned residential and commercial development in an undeveloped area west of I-45 near the interchange of I-45 and the Hardy Toll Road. The proposed development includes 4,500 – 5,000 new homes along with more than 8 million square feet of commercial office space and 1.2 million square feet of retail space. Electrical facilities are needed to support this development and to maintain reliable electric service in the area; therefore, significant electrical infrastructure improvements are required.

Proposed Project
CenterPoint Energy proposes to construct a new 138 kV double-circuit transmission line to interconnect the proposed Springwoods Substation to the transmission system from an existing 138 kV transmission line corridor west of I-45.

Who must approve this project before it is constructed?
The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) must approve this project before it is constructed. The PUCT will determine the best route for the proposed 138 kV transmission line while considering whether the proposed transmission facilities are necessary to serve the public. CenterPoint Energy prepared an application for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity (CCN) for the proposed 138 kV transmission line project and submitted it to the PUCT on January 12, 2012 under Docket No. 40049 for review and approval. The deadline for intervention in the proceeding is February 27, 2012.