Act now to help us STOP the proposed installation of HUGE power lines that would slash through pristine rural property from the Fayetteville power plant all the way to northwest Houston, destroying heritage oaks, homes, property values, and irreplaceable ecological systems in its path.

JOIN US IN OUR EFFORTS!

Help us make clear to the Public Utilities Commission that we do not want these power lines cutting through our treasured Texas woodlands and pastures. Join Us in Saving our Communities from these unwanted and UNNEEDED Power Lines. Your presence at this meeting will make a difference!

We Need You Now

On January 12^th, 2012, the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) will meet and make a final decision about rules that will effect how the PUCT decides if utility companies can construct new transmission lines, both now and in the future. Their decision on January 12^th will DIRECTLY impact Centerpoint Energy and its currently proposed transmission line from the Fayetteville power plant to northwest Houston. Their decision will also impact future attempts by utility companies to grab your land for power lines. Your presence at this hearing will make a statement.

Ride With Your Neighbors (Lunch Provided)

Leave: Thursday, January 12th, at 6:30 AM
Location: St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Shelby, Texas
Return from Austin: Same day after the hearing

Go on Your Own

Public Utility Commission of Texas
9:30 AM, January 12th, 2012
1701 N. Congress, William B. Travis Building
Commissioners Hearing Room – 7th Floor

Call Mike Corte at (979) 353-0256
for more information and to make a reservation.
Stop the Power Lines!
Paid for by Save Historic Shelby
9575 FM 389 Fayetteville, TX 78940

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

SUBMIT A LETTER TO THE PUCT

Comments must be submitted to the Public Utility Commission by Thursday, October 13, 2011. We recommend you drop the letter in the mail no later than Monday afternoon to ensure timely delivery. You can use the provided SAMPLE BELOW and then make 16 copies and mail them together in a large envelope to:

Filing Clerk, Public Utility Commission of Texas
1701 North Congress Avenue
P.O. Box 13326
Austin, Texas 78711-3326

SAMPLE LETTER:

October 6, 2011

Public Utility Commission of Texas Central Records/Filing Clerk
1701 N Congress PO Box 13326 Austin, Texas 78711-3326

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing to express my opposition to the proposed CenterPoint high voltage power line (Project # 39537). I am also expressing my opposition to the proposed PUC rule as published.

Shelby, Texas hosts an abundance of environmental treasures and a wonderful, tight knit community. Shelby is also home to a number of power line and petroleum pipeline easements. For a town of our size we have more than our fair share. Please no more.

Insert personal story here – paragraph or two will work.

Respectfully, I have several suggestions for the PUCT on the proposed rule changes:

1. Please adopt the PUCT staff recommendations originally proposed. These recommendations elevate the public interest in transmission line applications.

2. Adopt a process where a transmission line application has to pass a consumer benefit test as well as a societal impact test.

3. Adopt a policy that uses best practice marketplace analysis and not shortsighted market speculation to evaluate the economic criteria to approve projects.

4. ERCOT’s job is to ensure electrical system reliability. The PUCT’s job is to protect the public interest. Please take your job seriously, and not accept all ERCOT recommendations without your PUCT’s internal study.

5. Please examine other options – like building additional plants in the Houston area.

We stand behind our community and our state officials Representative Lois Kolhkorst and Senator Glenn Hegar, in urging you to adopt rules that will protect the public interest and our beloved Shelby.

Thank you in advance for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Your name

If you would like a Microsoft Word version of the letter, Send an email to scottegilmore (at) gmail (dot) com and we will send you the document.

The truth is that CenterPoint has delayed the filing of its proposed transmission line application with the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) for a couple of reasons. First, legislation was passed this previous session in Texas by Rep. Lois Kolkhorst and Sen. Glen Hegar that requires the PUCT to revise its rules when considering whether to approve proposed transmission line applications. Specifically, the PUCT must now adopt criteria that will determine whether such transmission line projects are economically viable or not and whether cost savings will result to Texas electric consumers. The PUCT has just begun this rule-making process which could take from 2 to 3 months to complete. Second, CenterPoint Energy is looking at creating new alternative routes along the I-10 and US Hwy 290 corridors. CenterPoint Energy has sent a letter to elected officials stating that it will NOT file its transmission line application with the PUCT until the rulemaking is completed and the additional routing studies are completed.

What does this mean? Only that CenterPoint Energy has indefinitely delayed the filing of its transmission line application with the PUCT until the above two criteria are met. CenterPoint Energy has NOT “ditched” its plans to consider proposed transmission line routes through rural central Texas. Rather, CenterPoint Energy is considering making some revisions to its current proposed routes through rural central Texas (including the Shelby area) while also considering new routes along the I-10 and US Hwy 290 corridors. All routes are still in play with CenterPoint Energy planning to make some modifications to those routes. Once these two criteria are met, CenterPoint Energy still plans to file its transmission line application with the PUCT recommending several different routing alternatives (including the current routes through rural central Texas along with new routes located in the I-10 and US Hwy 290 corridors).

We cannot be lulled into a false sense of security that CenterPoint has ditched its plans to propose transmission line routes through rural central Texas!

That couldn’t be further from the truth. We need to continue to fight this battle on all fronts. Now more than ever, it is crucial that we wage this fight with all available resources to protect our interests and preserve the pristine beauty of our area. We have a great opportunity to effectuate a positive outcome for our landholders during the PUCT rulemaking so now is the time to step up the fight to protect our interests.

Your continued participation and support are crucial to our success. Not only are we waging a battle on a grass-roots level, we are about to embark in an effort to effect the rule-making process at the PUCT. Our voice needs to be heard in a professional and effective manner.

Please consider a financial contribution to the Save Historic Shelby Association today!

Thank you again for all of your support. Please be sure to share this update and our website with your friends.