Newly minted American Electric Power CEO Bill Fehrman is promising to “embrace large load opportunities,” leverage its expertise in 765-kV transmission and deliver more positive regulatory outcomes.

Texas regulators have approved ERCOT’s reliability plan for the petroleum-rich Permian Basin that could rely on the state’s first use of 765-kV transmission facilities.

SPP is considering a 765-kV solution and several 500-kV proposals in its Permian Basin footprint in Texas and New Mexico as it dabbles with extra-high-voltage transmission lines.