Hill Country residents have raised multiple concerns about new transmissions lines that will be installed to deliver wind energy across Texas.

In July, the Public Utilities Commission approved a plan called "Scenario 2" that maps out the general route companies will follow when installing transmission lines.

The lines will carry energy from wind farms in West Texas to Austin, San Antonio, Dallas and Ft. Worth.

The map shows a 345 Kilovolt line running through the Southwest corner of Gillespie County and down to the Northeast corner of Kerr County. Smaller voltage lines are slated to run up into Llano and Burnet County.

"Transmission lines need to go where they make sense," said Robert Weatherford, President of Save our Scenic Hill Country Environment, Inc.

Weatherford said the organization, made up of more than 300 members, is mainly concerned about the visual impact the lines will have on the area where scenery is so important. Detailed routes have not been drawn up yet.

That task is in the hands of various companies who will build the lines, which the PUC is in the process of selecting.

"They want to do it at the most reasonable cost because ultimately, the customers foot the bill," said PUC Spokesperson Terry Hadley.

Hadley said cost is the main criteria in the selection process which will be finalized in January.

The Lower Colorado River Authority Transmission Service Corporation is one company hoping to help build the line.

"If we are selected by the PUC to construct the project, then we have a very extensive state approved public input process," said LCRA Spokesperson Krista Umscheid.

Weatherford hopes every company will take the time to listen to citizens and landowners concerns. He would like to see companies utilize existing right of ways, use the minimum number of routes and fully compensate landowners that end up with lines on their property.

"I know that in past projects we've tried to minimize the disturbances to the area and use existing areas for right of ways if possible," said Umscheid.

Final proposals from interested companies must be submitted by Sept. 12. The PUC will make their final selections in January 2009.