Texas Awards $22 Million to Strengthen Power Grid in Panhandle

Governor Greg Abbott announced more than $22 million in Texas Energy Fund grants for North Plains Electric Cooperative to improve grid reliability across the northeast Texas Panhandle through transmission upgrades, substation improvements, and enhanced power restoration capabilities.

Which areas will benefit?

The projects will serve customers across portions of Hansford, Hutchinson, Lipcomb, Ochiltree, and Roberts counties.

State officials say the investments are aimed at ensuring rural communities have access to dependable electricity as demand continues to grow across Texas.

What Abbott is saying

Governor Greg Abbott: "Reliable power is essential to grow and maintain strong Texas communities."

Gov. Abbott continued: "These grants will update and reinforce energy infrastructure in Northwest Texas and ensure residents and local businesses have the dependable electricity they need to thrive."

What improvements are planned

The largest project will add and upgrade approximately 14 miles of transmission lines and install new switching equipment along existing corridors. The upgrades are intended to improve operational flexibility, strengthen reliability, and modernize aging infrastructure.

A second project will expand the Ochiltree Interchange and place a spare transformer into active service. According to state officials, the expansion will improve overall system operations and help meet future electricity needs in the region.

What local officials are saying

NPEC Executive Vice President Mike Wolfe: "This grant represents a major step forward for our cooperative and the communities we serve."

The Bottom Line

Texas is investing more than $22 million through the Texas Energy Fund to strengthen electric infrastructure in the Panhandle. State leaders say the projects will improve reliability, modernize aging equipment, and help support future growth across several rural Texas counties.