The goal is to develop as much evidence as possible of engineering, legal and environmental obstacles to the route that affects our client, so the utility chooses a different route. This advocacy is informal, but relies on the same evidence that will be developed for the formal PUC hearing. Convincing the utility to recommend a preferred transmission line route somewhere other than our clients’ land is the first step toward a successful effort. Our preference is to start early and help our clients provide the most relevant and persuasive information to the utility during its planning work. Navigating the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) Process Requires a Team of Knowledgeable Experts The terms can be negotiable, which is why it is imperative to be represented by a knowledgeable firm like Braun & Gresham, if you want to influence the final easement size and monetary compensation. At this time, the utility company will contact the affected landowners to begin surveying their land and give an offer for damages. Routing Phase: Once a utility company's application is approved, multiple possible transmission line routes are mapped, an intervention deadline is set (usually only 4-6 weeks after application is approved), and landowners have until this date to intervene to influence the final route that will be chosen.Ĭondemnation Phase: Once all intervening parties have settled, a final transmission line route is chosen. We are grateful that through their efforts, all of the routes that threatened our neighborhood were prevented and we were able to preserve the natural beauty for future generations to enjoy.” – Mike Stevens, President, Clearwater Ranch POA Patrick was a great liaison and helped align our neighborhood with other groups to strengthen our position. We were constantly kept informed in each step of the process, with honest appraisals of our difficult situation. Carly Barton expertly trained our property owners on how to testify and personally went with us as we presented our case to the Public Utilities Commission. Audrey Banner was instrumental in organizing our documents and testimonies to ensure a timely filing. Patrick Reznik personally came to several HOA meetings and went through potential scenarios. They were a pleasure to work with, we truly felt we had the kindest and smartest attorneys and staff working with us! Our small community hired Braun & Gresham to prevent high transmission lines from cutting through our neighborhood and properties. “We appreciate the attorneys at Braun & Gresham being honest and upfront with our neighborhood in a very contentious and difficult utility case. We work with our clients to develop the most cost-effective strategy for their particular situation and budget. Having successfully represented clients for the past 2 years on Competitive Renewable Energy Zone (CREZ) cases, we are one of the only law firms in Texas that has the expertise and background to help clients fight this new phase of transmission line routing and easements. We know the ins and outs of eminent domain and condemnation and our approach to transmission line cases is dynamic and flexible. Transmission Line “hearings” are full scale trials held in Austin, which means you not only need complete legal and expert support, you need a team located in Austin – a team that knows the law and knows the local players.īraun & Gresham, PLLC is an Austin, Texas law firm that has always worked for the rural landowner. There are multiple opportunities to influence the process, but to have the greatest impact you must start the process early and with an experienced team of professionals. The earlier you start in your fight to protect your land, the better your chances are for success. If your land is threatened by incoming transmission lines, you need to speak with the attorneys at Braun & Gresham, PLLC today.
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