Entergy Texas is planning to construct a new single-circuit 500-kV transmission line approximately 145 miles in length that will run through Jasper, Montgomery, Newton, Polk, San Jacinto, Trinity, Tyler and Walker counties.

On October 2, 2025, the Public Utility Commission of Texas approved the Southeast Texas Area Reliability Project, also known as SETEX, and selected the route on which Entergy Texas must construct the Project. The new transmission line will connect the Babel 500-kV Switching Station in Newton County to the Running Bear Substation in Montgomery County.

Based on the PUCT-selected route, the Babel Switching Station will be constructed south of Toledo Bend Reservoir in Newton County and will interconnect the existing Layfield to the Hartburg 500 kV transmission line.

Likewise, the Running Bear Station will be constructed along Longstreet Road between Lake Conroe and Interstate Highway 45 in Montgomery County and will connect into Entergy Texas’ existing Lewis Creek facilities.

Entergy Texas operates within the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, a regional transmission organization that manages the flow of power across its footprint. MISO has identified this project as necessary to comply with federal reliability standards. The project will increase operational flexibility, help meet the growing power demands of Southeast Texas, and increase reliability and resiliency during extreme events, such as Winter Storm Uri.

To learn more about the proposed project, visit the links below.

Field surveys for SETEX will begin in late 2025. Final engineering and materials procurement will be a focus in 2026, followed by construction of the new transmission line and substations starting in 2027. The project is expected to be fully energized by the end of 2029. 

If you have questions about the transmission line, you may contact the project team at 504-576-3056 or by email at [email protected].