# Texas Attorney General Supports Pause of ERCOT Transmission Buildout

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has publicly called for a pause on the $33 billion 765-kV transmission line buildout led by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). This pause is requested pending a comprehensive legislative review to evaluate the project's expanded scope, cost implications for ratepayers, and effects on private landowners. The project, originally authorized under House Bill 5066, has grown beyond initial legislative expectations, prompting concerns about the need for clearer policy guidance and cost controls before further construction proceeds.

- Procurement professionals should note the potential for delays or modifications in ERCOT's transmission infrastructure contracts as legislative scrutiny intensifies.
- Contractors and vendors involved in transmission line construction may face revised requirements or project scope adjustments following the review.
- This development signals increased legislative oversight on large-scale energy infrastructure projects in Texas, emphasizing cost transparency and stakeholder impact.
- Organizations engaged in Texas energy procurement should prepare for possible changes in project timelines and regulatory conditions affecting contract execution.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Energy & Utilities
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** August 29, 2026

### Government Entities
- Public Utility Commission (PUC)
- Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT)
- Texas Legislature
- State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH)

### Key Quotes
> We need to ensure that a project of this size is being carried out in a way that is best for the people of Texas. That is why I am calling for a pause on this project until a full and thorough review can be done. This includes an independent analysis of the costs to ratepayers and the impact on private property owners. There must be clear guardrails from the Legislature for this scale of buildout. I will always act to put Texans first.
> — Ken Paxton, Attorney General

### Sources
- [Attorney General Ken Paxton Supports Pause of 765-kV Transmission Line Buildout Pending Legislative Review | Office of the Attorney General](https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/news/releases/attorney-general-ken-paxton-supports-pause-765-kv-transmission-line-buildout-pending-legislative) - TX