Entergy Texas is planning to construct a new single-circuit 500-kV transmission line approximately 131 to 160 miles in length (depending on the route ultimately approved by the Public Utility Commission of Texas) in Jasper, Montgomery, Newton, Polk, San Jacinto, Trinity, Tyler and Walker counties. The new transmission line will connect the proposed Babel 500-kV Switching Station to the proposed Running Bear Substation. 

On February 19, 2025, Entergy Texas filed an application with the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) to amend its Certificate of Convenience and Necessity (CCN). A link to the CNN application on the PUCT’s website is below.

The proposed Babel Switching Station will be constructed at one of three potential locations that will connect into the existing Layfield to Hartburg 500 kV transmission line south of Toledo Bend Reservoir in Newton County. 

The proposed Running Bear Substation will be constructed at one of multiple locations currently under consideration that will connect into either Entergy Texas’ existing Lewis Creek facilities along Longstreet Road between Lake Conroe and Interstate Highway 45 or Entergy Texas’ existing transmission facilities east of Willis between Farm-to-Market Road 1097 and County Line Road in Montgomery County. 

Entergy Texas operates within the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, a regional transmission organization that manages the flow of power across its footprint. MISO has identified this project as subject to federal reliability standards. The project will increase operational flexibility, help meet the growing power demands of Southeast Texas, and increase reliability and resiliency during extreme events, such as Winter Storm Uri.

To learn more about the proposed project, visit the links below.

All routes and route segments included in this notice are available for selection and approval by the Public Utility Commission of Texas. If approved, only one route (consisting of multiple route segments) from the new Babel Switching Station to the new Running Bear Substation will be selected by the PUCT.

If you have questions about the transmission line, you may contact the project team at (504) 576-3056 or by email at setex@entergy.com.