Transmission Lines
Transmission lines carry electricity over long distances. The voltage is then reduced so that customers in our community can use the electricity.

Sand Hill, Holly and Decker Power Plants produce electricity for the Austin area. Additionally, sources outside Austin, such as the Fayette Power Plant in LaGrange and the South Texas Project in Bay City supply electricity to our service area.

Power coming from remote power plants requires the use of high-voltage power lines and transmission towers. Therefore, the voltage in the power lines in Austin's outer areas can be as high as 345 kilovolts. Within the City’s limits, 69 kilovolts is a common voltage for many power lines. Also, in the suburban areas, the voltage for many of the power lines is 138 kilovolts.

Transmission Towers and Substations
Large structures called transmission towers support the high-voltage transmission lines. These lines typically feed into a substation so that the electricity can be reduced to a level that can subsequently be used by our customers.

The towers and substations have "High Voltage" warning signs posted on them. Due to the extreme danger of the high voltage and related equipment only qualified personnel may access these structures and facilities.

Safety Around Electrical Equipment
The towers that support high voltage transmission lines can be enticing to children and some adults, because they look like a tall ladder. However, an unqualified individual must never climb a transmission tower.

For your protection, never climb a transmission tower and avoid contacting other high voltage electrical equipment or power lines.

For more information about electrical safety, call (512) 482-5336. Or, request a safety presentation for your community group.