Texas' main electric grid operator is proposing $3 billion in new high-voltage transmission line projects over the next five years, according to a report released Wednesday. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas' annual report does not include the approximately $5 billion in projects proposed to connect West Texas wind power to parts of the state with the highest demand for electricity.

Texas' main electric grid operator is proposing $3 billion in new high-voltage transmission line projects over the next five years, according to a report released Wednesday.

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas' annual report does not include the approximately $5 billion in projects proposed to connect West Texas wind power to parts of the state with the highest demand for electricity. The Texas Public Utility Commission is expected to give a green light to some of those lines this year.

The seven major projects outlined in Wednesday's report, if approved by the commission, would add 2,888 miles of transmission lines. Projects worth about $1.2 billion were built in 2008.

Another ERCOT report released Wednesday on the region's 10-year transmission needs said the Houston area will continue to need more lines to import power into the region, while growth in Cooke and Grayson counties north of Dallas and Williamson County north of Austin may require long-term planning for new transmission projects.

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