By Erick Holguin, Perez Law Firm, PLLC · Updated November 2, 2026 · Texas Eminent Domain Blog
Short answer: The Public Utility Commission of Texas approved Oncor’s Longshore–Drill Hole 765-kV transmission line on Route 476 on August 28, 2026 (Docket No. 59029). The roughly 181.6-mile line runs from Oncor’s Longshore Switch near Forsan in Howard County west to the Drill Hole Switch near the Culberson–Reeves county line. Landowners on Route 476 should expect survey requests and easement offers from Oncor. Review the easement terms, not just the price, before you sign.
Longshore–Drill Hole 765-kV line: key facts
| Utility | Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC |
| PUC docket | Docket No. 59029 |
| Voltage | 765 kV, single circuit |
| Approved route | Route 476 (Oncor’s recommended route) |
| Final order | August 28, 2026 |
| Length | About 181.6 miles |
| Endpoints | Longshore Switch (about 4.5 miles west of Forsan, Howard County) to Drill Hole Switch (Culberson County, near the Reeves County line) |
| Counties on Route 476 | Andrews, Culberson, Ector, Howard, Loving, Martin, Reeves and Winkler |
| Part of | Permian Basin Reliability Plan, Import Path 1 (western leg) |
Why is Oncor building the Longshore–Drill Hole line?
The line is part of the Permian Basin Reliability Plan, which calls for new 765-kV “import paths” to bring more power into the oil and gas region of West Texas. Oncor filed the application on December 11, 2025. It proposed 104 alternative routes, and the PUC approved Route 476, the route Oncor recommended. The eastern leg of the same path, the Dinosaur–Longshore line on Route 559, was approved the same day.
What happens next for landowners on Route 476?
With the route approved, Oncor moves into right-of-way acquisition. For most landowners, that means:
- A request to survey, often with a right-of-entry form
- A written initial offer, with the Texas Landowner’s Bill of Rights
- A final offer at least 30 days later, with the appraisal reports Oncor relied on, and at least 14 days to respond
- If there is no agreement, a condemnation lawsuit and a hearing before three special commissioners
Special issues for Permian Basin landowners
Route 476 crosses ranchland, oil and gas country and fast-growing areas around Midland and Odessa. That raises issues that a standard easement offer may not address:
- Mineral development. Tower locations and easement restrictions can affect well pads, roads and pipelines. Coordinate with your mineral lessee or operator early.
- Surface leases and water. Existing surface use agreements, water wells and caliche pits may lose value or access.
- Highest and best use. Land near growing cities or industrial corridors may be worth more than its current ranch use suggests.
- Remainder damages. A 765-kV line can reduce the value of the land you keep, not just the strip taken.
What should you do if Oncor sends an offer?
Do not sign right away. Read the easement form, not just the cover letter. Ask for the appraisal. Write down how you use the land today and what you planned for it. Then have the offer reviewed. Our guide to power line easements covers the terms that matter most.
Frequently asked questions
Which counties does the Longshore–Drill Hole line cross?
Approved Route 476 crosses Andrews, Culberson, Ector, Howard, Loving, Martin, Reeves and Winkler Counties.
Can I still change the route?
The PUC’s final order sets the route. Small adjustments within a tract, such as tower placement or easement location, can sometimes be negotiated with the utility.
What if my property has oil and gas leases?
Both the surface owner and mineral interests can be affected. Have the easement reviewed for restrictions that could interfere with future drilling or surface use.
On Route 476? Get a free review before you sign.
Send us the offer, easement or appraisal. Call 956-782-2700. Se habla español.
Related: Texas 765-kV transmission lines · The Texas condemnation process
Sources
- PUC Interchange, Docket No. 59029
- Oncor, Longshore–Drill Hole 765 kV project page
- Texas Property Code, Chapter 21
General information, not legal advice, current as of the date above. Perez Law Firm, PLLC is not affiliated with Oncor or the PUC. Attorney advertising. Responsible attorney: Erick Holguin, Perez Law Firm, PLLC, McAllen, Texas.