This North Texas city joins others to fight Oncor’s proposed high-voltage transmission line

Hundreds of residents crowded into an unairconditioned gym last week to hear about Oncor’s proposal to build a high voltage transmission line that the state says is needed to maintain the grid’s integrity as growth ramps up in Denton and Wise counties.

Justin officials put the call to action on the city’s website, urging residents to oppose Oncor’s proposed routes, which they say could impact new homes, a town center in the works and a beloved city park with a veterans memorial.

Oncor delivers electricity from power plants through transmission and distribution power lines. It plans to build a transmission line from a switch near U.S. 287 and Texas 114 south of Rhome to one southeast of Interstate 35W and FM 1171 in Flower Mound. The steel towers carrying the lines will be 120 to 175 feet tall, with four arms on each side.

Mayor James Clark estimated that over 250 people came to the July 13 meeting, including people from Rhome and New Fairview, Argyle and Northlake.

“There is just so much movement of people coming in this direction,” he said. “There are so many homes coming not just in Justin but farther to the west. This power line is not for Justin, it’s out west of us.”

Flower Mound spokesperson Melissa Demmitt said the city has encouraged property owners to submit their comments about the route, and the Town Council has expressed concerns and has had discussions with regional and state leaders.

Argyle passed a resolution in December opposing transmission lines through its town and authorized the administrator to take “necessary action” to oppose routes through the town. The latest proposed routes do not include the town. Neighboring Northlake passed a resolution in January urging a southern route for the transmission line.

Oncor spokesperson Kerri Dunn said the high-voltage lines are needed because of the “incredible growth” in the area. Dunn said the project will benefit the homes and businesses along the proposed route.

“We are very committed to making sure that we are available to these communities,” she said.

Clark acknowledges that the project is necessary but but he said there are alternatives.

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas, which manages the state’s power grid, deems the project as critical to maintain reliable transmission, according to Oncor.

The Public Utility Commission of Texas is taking comments until July 24 and will decide on a route in early December, Clark said.

Growth in Justin

Justin, once known for its rural atmosphere, is experiencing the explosive growth seen throughout North Texas. The city’s population of 6,000 is expected to double in five years, Clark said.

He said the proposed routes could also affect the development of Reata Ridge where mature trees grow along a creek.

Justin is developing a 36-acre town center project, which will be home to medical offices, shops and restaurants. Clark said he couldn’t comment on stores and restaurants are coming.

Plans are also in the works to build a new city hall in the town center. The city has invested $8 million in the development, which Clark said will change the face of the community.

Justin is not the only community with concerns about the project.

Clark, who moved from Pilot Point to Justin about 10 years ago said he came to the community initially because it is close to Dallas/Fort Worth Airport for his business travel.

But he stayed because of the small town charm.

“What kept me here is the citizens and the close-knit family feel.”