The Public Utility Commission of Texas issued its latest quarterly report last week on the progress of wiring West Texas to deliver wind energy to metropolitan areas, and it shows the project first estimated to cost ratepayers downstate $5 billion will now run closer to $7 billion.

Projects in the Texas Panhandle also are costing more with Sharyland Utilities estimating its share at $634 million for 295 miles of transmission lines compared to the original $393 million for 253 miles, according to the report. Cross Texas Transmission listed its cost as $427 million for 236 miles, up from... [continue via Web link]