Salado Residents Worry Oncor Power Line Project Will Cut Through Their Property

Proposed 765 kV transmission line routes raise concerns among Bell County homeowners

Apr. 17, 2026 at 11:22pm

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A photorealistic studio still life depicting a single, polished metal pylon tower component floating on a clean, monochromatic grey background, using dramatic lighting and deep shadows to conceptually represent the abstract corporate strategy and infrastructure challenges behind the power line project.A symbolic representation of the complex infrastructure challenges and corporate strategy behind Oncor's proposed power line project in Bell County.Salado Today

Some residents in Salado, Texas are worried about large transmission lines potentially being built on their property as part of Oncor's Bell County East - Big Hill 765 kV project, a statewide plan to address unprecedented growth in electricity demand. The Public Utility Commission of Texas must approve the routes, which could happen in September.

Why it matters

This project is part of a broader effort by the state to upgrade its electrical infrastructure to meet growing energy needs, particularly from the oil and gas industry. However, the proposed routes have raised concerns among local homeowners who fear the power lines will negatively impact their property values and quality of life.

The details

Oncor is required to propose geographically diverse routes for the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) to consider. They looked at hundreds of viable proposed routes, taking into account impacts on private property and the environment. But completely avoiding private property is not feasible. Some residents, like Cindy Vanderboom and her brother-in-law Shane Hoffman, have received notices that the transmission lines could run through their family properties in Salado, which they have owned for decades and plan to retire on.

  • In 2023, the Texas Legislature directed the PUCT to study the need for new electrical infrastructure.
  • The PUCT picked the 765 kV voltage level for long-term growth after this review.
  • The PUC will pick a final route based on all the information, with a decision expected in September 2026.
  • If approved, the transmission lines would be completed in 2030.

The players

Oncor

A Texas-based electric utility company that is proposing the Bell County East - Big Hill 765 kV transmission line project.

Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT)

The state regulatory agency that must approve the routes for Oncor's proposed transmission line project.

Cindy Vanderboom

A Salado resident whose family has owned property in the area for 80 years and is concerned about the transmission lines potentially running through their land.

Shane Hoffman

Cindy Vanderboom's brother-in-law, who is building a house on the family's Salado property and is worried about the impact of the proposed transmission lines.

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What they’re saying

“We want to all be together and just retire together, so it's very meaningful out here. My kids are out here, I raised my kids out here and now my grandkids are out there. I certainly don't want to see a big power line go through here.”

— Cindy Vanderboom

“Everyone in the area is concerned if your house ends up being on the route. It's a very negative thing obviously, and it's stressful because you can only do so much, and everybody is trying to do the same thing, keep it off their property.”

— Shane Hoffman

What’s next

The Public Utility Commission of Texas will pick a final route for the transmission line project based on all the information gathered, with a decision expected in September 2026. If approved, the transmission lines would be completed in 2030.

The takeaway

This project highlights the tension between the state's need to upgrade its electrical infrastructure to meet growing energy demands and the concerns of local residents who fear the impact on their property and quality of life. The PUC will have to carefully weigh these competing interests in determining the final route for the transmission lines.