Governor Greg Abbott (R) announced a nearly $30 million Texas Energy Fund grant for Rita Blanca Electric Cooperative to improve electric reliability across several Texas Panhandle counties through substation upgrades, transformer improvements, and grid modernization projects.
What is the investment for?
Rita Blanca Electric Cooperative, Inc. (RBEC) will receive a nearly $30 million Texas Energy Fund (TxEF) grant to strengthen electric reliability in the northwestern Texas Panhandle.
The project will serve customers across Dallam, Hartley, Hutchinson, Moore, and Sherman counties.
What will the funding pay for?
The grant will fund several major reliability projects, including:
- Construction of a new electrical substation
- Automation upgrades for an existing substation
- Transformer improvements
- Replacement of wood utility poles with steel structures
- Distribution system modernization projects
State officials say the improvements will enhance reliability while supporting future population and economic growth in the region.
What Abbott is Saying
Governor Greg Abbott: "Every corner of our state deserves to have a strong, reliable energy infrastructure to serve the needs of Texans."
Gov. Abbott continued: "This grant will help ensure that families and businesses across the Panhandle have the electrical capabilities to thrive in their communities."
Focus on reliability
According to the Public Utility Commission of Texas, the upgrades will strengthen nearly every aspect of the cooperative's electrical system.
Benefits include:
- Improved grid reliability
- Faster power restoration after outages
- Enhanced storm response capabilities
- Reduced wildfire risks
- Long-term infrastructure improvements to support growth
What is RBEC saying?
RBEC leadership welcomed the investment, saying the funding will help modernize infrastructure and improve service for members throughout the cooperative's service area.
RBEC CEO Grace Subealdea: "Investments like this are critical to maintaining a strong, resilient system for the members we serve."
The Bottom Line
Texas is investing nearly $30 million to modernize Rita Blanca Electric Cooperative's infrastructure, with state leaders saying the upgrades will improve reliability, strengthen storm resilience, reduce wildfire risks, and support economic growth across the Texas Panhandle.
