For Immediate Release
Contact: Matt Welch / matt@conservativetexansforenergyinnovation.org
AUSTIN, Texas (July 8, 2026) – Polling data released today confirms that Texans overwhelmingly support introducing competition to the process of building new transmission projects, rejecting the current system in which private monopolies are automatically awarded construction projects with no competitive bidding.
The survey, commissioned by Texans for AKordable Transmission (TAT), found that voters believe competition will deliver better outcomes for consumers by lowering costs, accelerating critical
infrastructure projects, and encouraging innovative solutions that increase energy efficiency in transmission lines.
Specifically, when asked, “Do you support or oppose Texas adopting competitive transmission policies in order to force companies to compete for projects and deliver lower prices to
consumers,” over 73% of Texans surveyed responded YES. As Texas continues to experience unprecedented population growth and rising electricity demand, the poll found that Texans believe that introducing competition into transmission development would:
• Help lower electricity costs for consumers by encouraging developers to compete on price and efficiency.
• Ensure that construction cost overruns are borne by transmission developers—not Texas families and businesses that pay electric bills.
• Deliver new transmission infrastructure more quickly to meet the state’s growing energy needs.
• Encourage innovation and fresh ideas that minimize the need for new rights-of-way and reduce impacts on Texas landowners.
“Texans understand that competition works,” said TAT Chaiman Barry Smitherman, who previously served as Chairman of the Texas Public Utility Commission. “Whether it’s shopping for groceries, buying a vehicle, or choosing a cell phone provider, competition encourages better prices, greater innovation, and stronger accountability. Texans believe the same principles should apply to building the transmission infrastructure that powers our state’s economy.”
The survey found broad bipartisan support for increasing competition, reflecting a common belief that consumers benefit when companies compete to deliver the best value rather than relying on
an exclusive process.
Texas faces historic investments in electric transmission infrastructure over the coming decades as the state works to maintain reliability and meet growing electricity demand. Texans for Affordable Transmission believes policymakers should embrace competitive policies that maximize value for consumers, encourage innovation, and preserve Texas’ long tradition of free-market principles.
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Texans for Affordable Transmission
Texas Statewide Survey of Likely General Election Voters
Conducted May 20 – 21, 2026
n=510 | ±4.34%
METHODOLOGY
This probabilistic survey was conducted May 20 – 21, 2026, with 510 likely general election voters. It has a margin of error of ± 4.34%. Known registered voters were interviewed via online panel and SMS. This survey was weighted to a likely general election voter universe.
ABOUT THE FIRM
Cygnal is an award-winning international polling, public opinion, and predictive analytics firm that pioneered multi-mode polling, text-to-web collection, and emotive analysis. Cygnal consistently ranks as the most accurate firm, and clients rely on Cygnal’s ability to create intelligence for action. Its team members have worked in all 50 states and multiple countries on more than 3,000 corporate, public affairs, and political campaigns.
Q. Initial Competitive Transmission: Thinking more about energy and the electric transmission grid… For many years, Texans have benefited from competition in the retail and wholesale electricity market. The one segment of the electricity market that doesn’t compete for the lowest price is the transmission market where private monopolies are automatically awarded construction projects with no competitive bidding. Do you support or oppose Texas adopting competitive transmission policies in order to force companies to compete for projects and deliver lower prices to consumers?
| Support | 72.9% |
| Strongly support | 50.5% |
| Somewhat support | 22.3% |
| Oppose | 9.0% |
| Somewhat oppose | 3.8% |
| Strongly oppose | 5.2% |
| Neither support nor oppose | 10.3% |
| Unsure | 7.8% |
| Total | 100.00% |
Q. Messages: The following is information about competitive transmission that you may have seen or heard in the news or in advertisements about the benefits of introducing competition to the transmission building process. Select whether the information makes you more or less likely to support competition.
Q. Informed Competitive Transmission: Now knowing this information… Do you support or oppose Texas adopting competitive transmission policies in order to force companies to compete for projects and deliver lower prices to consumers?
| Support | 74.6% |
| Strongly support | 46.4% |
| Somewhat support | 28.2% |
| Oppose | 9.0% |
| Somewhat oppose | 5.2% |
| Strongly oppose | 3.7% |
| Neither support nor oppose | 9.3% |
| Unsure | 7.0% |
| Total | 100.00% |
Q. Grid-Enhancing Technologies: Grid-enhancing technologies use sensors, software, and hardware upgrades to allow existing power lines to carry more electricity without
building new towers or clearing new land. Experts estimate these technologies could be deployed in months rather than years, at a fraction of the cost of new construction, to get more out of the existing grid infrastructure. Knowing this, how important do you think it is for policymakers and regulators to require transmission line owners and operators to consider using these technologies before approving expensive new transmission line construction?
| Important | 82.4% |
| Very important | 54.3% |
| Somewhat important | 28.0% |
| Not important | 6.8% |
| Not very important | 3.8% |
| Not important at all | 3.0% |
| Unsure | 10.9% |
| Total | 100.0% |