Gov. Abbott Announces $795,000 Grant to Improve Electric Reliability in Northwest Texas

AUSTIN, TX  — Gov. Greg Abbott announced a Texas Energy Fund grant of more than $795,000 to improve electric reliability for members of the Deaf Smith Electric Cooperative in Northwest Texas.

The grant will fund system modernization projects designed to strengthen the cooperative's electrical infrastructure and improve reliability for customers.

“The Texas Energy Fund strengthens the electric systems that families, businesses, and communities depend on,” Abbott said. “This critical grant will reduce equipment failure rates, lower repair times, and prevent or shorten outages for Texans.”

The project includes replacing 30 aging electrical breakers at eight substations within the cooperative's service area. The upgrades are expected to reduce equipment failures, improve restoration times and enhance the resiliency of the electric system.

Public Utility Commission of Texas Chairman Thomas Gleeson said the investment supports the state's ongoing efforts to modernize the electric grid.

“As power demand grows throughout Texas, grid modernization remains a top priority,” Gleeson said. “Investments in reliability projects strengthen our infrastructure and reinforce Texans’ confidence that dependable power will be there whenever they need it.”

The improvements will benefit members served by Deaf Smith Electric Cooperative in portions of Castro, Deaf Smith, Oldham and Parmer counties.

The Public Utility Commission of Texas administers the Texas Energy Fund Outside ERCOT Grant Program, which provides funding for projects that improve electric reliability and resiliency for customers served by electric utilities outside the Electric Reliability Council of Texas service area.