Entergy, Oncor Can Intervene in Texas Transmission Line Fight

Entergy Texas Inc., Oncor Electric Delivery Co., and three other companies can intervene in NextEra Energy’s lawsuit alleging that a Texas statute violates the US Constitution’s commerce clause.

Recently enacted, S.B. 1938 permits only companies that own an existing utility facility in Texas to build, own, or operate new transmission lines that directly interconnect with the same facility.

The five companies can intervene because they have protectable interests that may be impaired or injured by the outcome of the lawsuit, the US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit said Wednesday.

Entergy, Oncor, and Southwestern Public Service Co.—which as ...