Reconductoring existing transmission lines in Texas could save $20 billion, study says

A new study looks at how Texas could handle a big rise in electricity demand and new power generation through 2040. Instead of building all new transmission lines, the study finds that upgrading existing power lines with high-capacity wires (called reconductoring) could save $20 billion. Reconductoring the existing lines would cost about $10 billion and avoid $30 billion in costs from building entirely new "greenfield" transmission lines. Some new lines would still be needed, at a cost of $35 billion, but the total bill is lower than if the grid relied only on new construction.

The study was done by the consulting firm Evolved Energy Research, using a detailed model of the Texas grid's roughly 5,000 substations and 7,000 lines. The researchers say most grid studies simplify regions into a few broad zones, which hides the choice between upgrading old lines and building new ones. Their more detailed approach let them compare reconductoring, new construction, and voltage upgrades line by line.

For homeowners, this doesn't change anything directly right now. It's a planning study, not a new program or rebate. But it points to a cheaper way for grid operators to keep up with rising electricity demand, which can affect future electricity costs and how quickly new power sources, including solar and wind, get connected to the grid. The firm says the same modeling approach could be applied to other regions beyond Texas.