A major high-voltage transmission project in West Texas has entered a new development phase as Houston-based infrastructure developer Grid United begins securing land rights for a planned multi-state electricity corridor aimed at linking separate U.S. power grids.
The project, known as the “Pecos West” transmission line, has moved from early-stage planning into active property acquisition in eastern El Paso County. The shift marks a key step in what is expected to become a multi-billion-dollar infrastructure effort designed to reshape regional power flow between the western and eastern interconnections of the U.S. grid system.
200-Mile HVDC Line to Link Western and Eastern Power Grids
The proposed line spans roughly 200 miles and uses high-voltage direct current (HVDC) technology to move up to 1.5 gigawatts of electricity. Unlike conventional transmission projects that operate within a single regional grid, Pecos West connects El Paso Electric’s system in West Texas with a utility network in southeastern New Mexico, creating a cross-interconnection energy pathway.
The project is notable for bypassing the Texas ERCOT grid entirely. Instead, it would link two historically separate power systems—the Western and Eastern Interconnections. Enabling electricity transfers across regions that currently operate with limited direct connectivity. Developers say this structure is intended to improve system reliability during extreme weather events and provide additional flexibility for balancing supply and demand.
Early development activity is already underway in the Montana Vista area of El Paso County. Where initial land negotiations and property acquisitions are taking place. The routing process remains fluid, with project representatives describing the corridor design as still under refinement as discussions continue with affected landowners.
Grid United has also initiated formal steps to connect the line into El Paso Electric infrastructure, including an interconnection request targeting the Newman substation in northeast El Paso. The project would also require federal approvals, including permissions to cross protected land areas near Fort Bliss, adding complexity to the permitting process.
Timeline
The transmission line is currently projected for completion in the mid-2030s. Reflecting the long timelines typical of large-scale interstate grid infrastructure projects. Developers cite regulatory approvals, land acquisition, and engineering requirements as key milestones that will shape the project’s pace over the coming years.
Community engagement efforts are ongoing as residents seek clarity on routing, property impacts, and long-term land use implications. While the project is still in its early stages, its scale and cross-regional design position it as one of the more significant proposed transmission links in the broader effort to modernize and interconnect the U.S. electric grid.
Additionally, this development aligns with broader U.S. transmission expansion activity, including MISO’s new 765-kV Midwest lines, which recently moved forward after key contracts were awarded for large-scale grid buildout.
Pecos West Transmission Project — Factsheet
- Project: Pecos West Transmission Line
- Developer: Grid United (Houston-based transmission developer)
- Location: El Paso County (East Montana area), Texas
- Project status: Entered active land acquisition phase (early development stage)
- Type of infrastructure: High-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission line
- Approximate length: ~200 miles
- Capacity: Up to 1.5 GW (1,500 MW)
Grid function:
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- Designed to interconnect separate U.S. power regions
- Links systems associated with the Western and Eastern Interconnections
- Bypasses the Texas ERCOT grid
Primary objective:
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- Improve interregional power transfer capability
- Enhance grid reliability during extreme weather
- Support long-distance electricity balancing between regions
Key interconnection point (planned): El Paso Electric Newman Substation (Northeast El Paso)
Regulatory and land requirements:
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- Ongoing property acquisition in El Paso County
- Federal permitting required for crossings near Fort Bliss
Timeline: Expected operational date in the mid-2030s
