Navigating Eminent Domain for Oncor Transmission Lines
Protecting Texas landowner rights and pursuing fair compensation for property impacted by proposed Oncor transmission line projects in Texas.
Oncor’s Proposed 765 kV Transmission Line Projects in Texas
Oncor Electric Delivery Company is preparing to file for approval of four major 765 kV transmission line projects in late 2025.
While these lines may be intended to improve reliability across Texas, they come at a cost to private landowners. To build them, Oncor will need to secure wide easements across farms, ranches, and other private property. If voluntary agreements cannot be reached, Oncor may use eminent domain to take the rights it needs.
For landowners, this means permanent restrictions on how their property can be used — and the risk of reduced property values. That’s why it’s critical to understand your rights before signing anything with Oncor.
Proposed 765 kV Transmission Line Projects
Oncor has announced four major 765 kV transmission line projects that will stretch across hundreds of miles of Texas. Each project involves large steel lattice towers, permanent easements, and construction timelines stretching years into the future. Below is a brief overview of each project.
Longshore – Drill Hole 765 kV Transmission Line Project
This project would run about 160 miles between the Longshore Switch (west of Forsan in Howard County) and the Drill Hole Switch (near the Culberson/Reeves County line). If approved by the PUCT, construction is scheduled for completion in 2029, with an application filing expected in November 2025 and a decision anticipated by May 2026.
Learn more about the project: Longshore – Drill Hole 765 kV Project Information (Oncor PDF)
Dinosaur – Longshore 765 kV Transmission Line Project
Oncor proposes to build a 235–270 mile line from the new Dinosaur Switch (north of Glen Rose in Somervell County) to the existing Longshore Switch (west of Forsan in Howard County). This is one of the longest of the planned 765 kV projects. If approved, it is expected to be completed by 2028, with the application filing anticipated in December 2025 and a decision by June 2026.
Learn more about the project: Dinosaur – Longshore 765 kV Project Handout (PDF)
Big Hill – Sand Lake 765 kV Transmission Line Project
Developed jointly by Oncor and the Lower Colorado River Authority Transmission Services Corporation (LCRA TSC), this project would link a new Big Hill Substation (northeast of Eldorado in Schleicher County) to the Sand Lake Switch (northeast of Pecos in Ward County). Completion is planned for summer 2030, with filings expected in December 2025 and a decision by June 2026.
Learn more about the project: Big Hill – Sand Lake 765 kV Transmission Line Project (PDF)
Bell County East – Big Hill 765 kV Transmission Line Project
Also being developed with LCRA TSC, this line would run from the new Big Hill Substation (northeast of Eldorado in Schleicher County) to the Bell County East Switch (southeast of Temple in Bell County). Like the Big Hill – Sand Lake project, it is targeted for completion in summer 2030, with filings planned for December 2025 and a decision anticipated by June 2026.
Learn more about the project: Bell County East – Big Hill 765 kV Transmission Line Project (PDF)
Affected Counties:
Oncor’s 765 kV transmission line projects span 43 counties, including:
Connection to the Permian Basin Reliability Plan
Oncor’s projects — including Dinosaur–Longshore, Longshore–Drill Hole, Big Hill–Sand Lake, and Bell County East–Big Hill — are massive lines designed to carry electricity across hundreds of miles, but they also require wide easements that cut through private land.
For affected landowners, the connection to the PBRP means these projects are backed by state regulators, making eminent domain proceedings highly likely if voluntary easements cannot be secured.
How These Projects Affect Landowners
If your property lies along one of the proposed routes, Oncor may seek to acquire a permanent easement across your land. These easements give the company long-term rights to build, operate, and maintain transmission lines — and they come with lasting consequences for landowners:
These projects stretch across hundreds of miles of Texas, meaning thousands of landowners could be affected. The impact is not temporary; once an easement is granted or taken, the restrictions last for generations.
Eminent Domain in Texas: What Landowners Should Know
In Texas, utility companies like Oncor have the power to use eminent domain when building transmission projects. This means they can take private property for public use — but only if they pay landowners fair compensation.
It’s important to understand:
Eminent domain law is complex, and Oncor will have experienced attorneys on its side. Landowners should have their own legal team to protect their rights and maximize recovery.
How Dawson & Sodd Protects Landowners
At Dawson & Sodd, we focus exclusively on protecting the rights of Texas landowners in eminent domain cases. Our attorneys have decades of experience handling transmission line and utility condemnation cases across Texas. We know how these companies approach easement negotiations, and we know how to fight back.
When you work with Dawson & Sodd, we:
With Dawson & Sodd on your side, you don’t have to face the challenges of easement negotiations and condemnation proceedings for these Oncor 765 kV projects alone.
Take Action Now
Oncor is moving forward with its 765 kV transmission line projects as part of the Permian Basin Reliability Plan, with filings expected before the Public Utility Commission of Texas in late 2025. Once these applications are submitted, the process moves quickly — and landowners need to be ready.
If your property may be affected by the Dinosaur–Longshore, Longshore–Drill Hole, Big Hill–Sand Lake, or Bell County East–Big Hill projects, now is the time to protect your rights. The decisions you make early, before signing anything, can have a lasting impact on the value and use of your land.
📞 Contact Dawson & Sodd today for a free consultation. Our attorneys will review your situation, explain your options, and fight to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.
Resources
- Oncor’s Current Transmission Line Projects
- ERCOT Permian Basin Reliability Plan Study (June 2024 PDF)
- See our Current Projects page for other ongoing cases.
Related Power Line Condemnation Resources
For more general information that also applies to the Oncor projects:
Contact Us About the Oncor Transmission Line Projects
If your property is affected by the proposed 765 kv transmission lines, or if you have received communication from Oncor or its representatives, do not hesitate to seek legal counsel. Contact Dawson & Sodd today for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your specific situation and learn how we can help protect your interests.
