LIVINGSTON, Texas – In a rural stretch of southeast Texas, a major transmission project by Entergy has stirred deep concern—and action—among those who call this place home.
Entergy Texas said it is planning to construct a single-circuit 500-kilovolt (kV) transmission line, stretching 131 to 160 miles, depending on the route ultimately approved by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT). The line will run through Jasper, Montgomery, Newton, Polk, San Jacinto, Trinity, Tyler, and Walker counties, connecting a proposed Babel 500-kV Switching Station in Newton County to a new Running Bear Substation to be built in Montgomery County.
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Entergy says the project is essential to meeting the growing power demand in Southeast Texas and increasing the resiliency of the power grid during extreme events like Winter Storm Uri. It’s also been identified by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) as part of federal reliability standards.
But in communities like Livingston, the proposed routes—particularly those crossing Lake Livingston—are causing serious concern.
A ranch built for students, threatened by steel towers
Kim Peppercorn and her husband have raised cattle in Livingston for years. Their ranch doesn’t just feed livestock—it helps feed dreams.
“We raise registered Santa Gertrudis cattle for students involved in agriculture programs,” she said. “Some of them have earned scholarships and are now in vet school. If that line comes through our hayfields, we won’t be able to afford to feed our cattle anymore. We’d have to close the ranch.”
Peppercorn also fears for the delicate balance of their land. “We lost our roads last year due to 66 inches of rain. Add in construction and erosion from power lines. We might not recover financially.”
And the impact doesn’t stop with her.
“If we’re gone, those kids lose a place to learn. They lose opportunities,” she added.
‘An accident waiting to happen:’ Safety concerns on the lake
Resident Randy Lammers retired to Livingston with his wife, building what they thought would be their forever home. Now, he worries it’s at risk.
“The proposed line cuts right across Barrett’s Landing Road,” Lammers said. “That’s our only way in or out. If something goes wrong, we’re trapped—and so are emergency responders.”
Beyond safety, he points to environmental issues.
“Lake Livingston has sediment that contains toxins. There are already health warnings about eating too much fish from here,” he said. “If you disturb that bottom, it could affect Houston’s drinking water. That’s not just a local issue—that’s regional.”
He also raises concern about logs and debris constantly pushed into the lake by the Trinity River, which could collect around new towers and cause long-term structural and safety issues.
‘It’s not compatible with nature:’ Expert weighs in
Luke Metzger, executive director of Environment Texas, says the project should steer clear of natural areas whenever possible.
“These wild spaces are rare in Texas,” he said. “If you go to a park or lake to get away from infrastructure, it defeats the purpose to have massive power lines cutting across the view—or worse, disrupting the habitat of eagles, ospreys, and alligators.”
Metzger says the construction and operation of the line could degrade wetlands, pollute water, and harm wildlife, not to mention destroy the peaceful outdoor experience people travel to enjoy.
“We’re not denying the need for power,” he said. “But there are 32 other route options that don’t cross Lake Livingston. Why not take one of those?”
‘We’re listening:’ Entergy’s response
Paul Williams, a contractor working with Entergy on the project, says the company is taking every concern seriously.
“We are still in the very preliminary phase,” Williams explained. “We submitted our Certificate of Convenience and Necessity (CCN) application to the PUCT on February 19, 2025, and we’ve proposed over 30 routes. Only one will be selected.”
He clarified that the company has worked hard to avoid taking any homes and that preliminary environmental reviews have shown minimal impact to protected species.
“I personally operate a cattle ranch with a power line running through it,” he said. “You can still raise livestock. It’s very common. We will design the line to meet or exceed all national electric safety codes.”
Williams added that one proposed segment crosses Lake Livingston north of Highway 190, using methods similar to existing transmission lines in the area. “It’s feasible. We’ll be using experienced contractors, barges, and minimal disturbance techniques.”
He encourages concerned residents to get involved. “There’s a clear process through the PUCT. Plus, we’ve set up a hotline and email just for this project. We’ve already answered over 100 inquiries since February.”
Project map, resources & public involvement
According to Entergy Texas:
- The Babel Switching Station will connect to the existing Layfield to Hartburg 500 kV line in Newton County.
- The Running Bear Substation will connect either near Lake Conroe or east of Willis in Montgomery County.
- The project is part of MISO’s federal grid reliability improvements.
- Only one route will ultimately be approved, consisting of several route segments.
