More than 8.8 million dollars in Texas Energy Fund grants awarded to improve electric infrastructure in the South Plains
Austin, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott has announced a new package of Texas Energy Fund grants totaling more than $8.8 million to improve electric reliability for members of Lamb County Electric Cooperative, Inc. in the South Plains.
The funding will support four separate projects aimed at strengthening the region’s electrical system through infrastructure upgrades, increased transmission capacity, and modernization of aging equipment. State officials said the improvements are intended to provide more dependable electric service while preparing the system for future growth.
“Texas is the national leader in energy because we prioritize electrical projects that directly impact the homes and businesses of Texans,” said Governor Abbott. “These grants will help ensure communities across the South Plains have the reliable energy they need today and in the future.”
The grants come through the Texas Energy Fund and will benefit customers served by Lamb County Electric Cooperative across Lamb and Hockley counties.
Infrastructure improvements designed to boost reliability
A significant portion of the funding will be used to replace aging transmission infrastructure.
According to state officials, two separate projects will replace a combined total of 13.5 miles of older transmission lines. The upgraded lines are expected to improve service reliability, reduce ongoing maintenance needs, and lower the risk of wildfires by replacing outdated infrastructure.
Additional improvements include the installation of a new transformer at the Opdyke Substation. The larger transformer will increase the facility’s ability to distribute electricity throughout the cooperative’s service area while helping meet growing demand.
The project also includes modernization of the substation’s control systems. Officials said the updated technology will improve emergency response capabilities by allowing operators to identify problems more quickly and restore electrical service faster after outages or other emergency events.
Public Utility Commission of Texas Chairman Thomas Gleeson said the projects will strengthen the electric system while helping accommodate future development.
“These reliability enhancements also increase the system’s capacity and ability to support growth in the region,” said Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) Chairman Thomas Gleeson. “Increasing capacity to distribute electricity and adding reliability protections is a powerful combination for the region’s future.”
The cooperative also welcomed the funding, saying it will allow important improvements without placing unnecessary financial pressure on members.
“Lamb County Electric Cooperative is grateful for the opportunity to utilize the Outside of ERCOT Grant Program,” said Lamb Co. Electric Cooperative, Inc. General Manager and CEO, Blake Moore. “This award will allow us to improve our infrastructure and help us keep our rates low to provide the service our members expect from their cooperative.”
Nearly 2,400 cooperative members are expected to benefit directly from the completed projects. State leaders said the upgrades will improve system reliability, strengthen resilience during emergencies, reduce maintenance demands, and help ensure that homes, farms, businesses, and other customers throughout the South Plains continue receiving dependable electric service as the region grows in the years ahead.
