The Valley is getting much-needed improvements to its power grid.

The Public Utility of Commission of Texas ordered the construction of six new transmission lines and proposed three new substations that will improve the Valley's access to power. 

"Sometimes there's not enough highway to get all of the electricity down to the Valley," Public Utility of Commission of Texas Chairman Chris Lake said. "And there's so much growth here that we know we're going to have to get more electricity to the Valley to meet the growth, so we're building more access with more transmission wires."

The project will cost an estimated $1.28 billion. It will be paid for by all customers on the ERCOT grid, which makes up over 80% of the state. 

AEP Texas President, Judith Talavera, says the upgrades are long overdue.

"Winter storm Uri, I think certainly highlighted the need for additional transmission to serve the Rio Grande Valley," Talavera said. "But along with the growth that takes place here, there's a significant need for additional transmission."

Some Valley residents recall losing power for days during the February freeze in 2021.

"I think it's definitely needed, especially down here the weather is always hot, so people are always blowing their ACs throughout the whole entire day, whenever it does get cold we like to keep it nice and warm you know we're not used to it, so it's definitely needed down here," said Edinburg resident Marcus Villareal. 

One Valley resident says he is worried he won't see results. 

"A report always comes out that they need to improve the grid," Edinburg resident David Reyes said. "But no one whoever it is, whatever company or political party seems to be in power, does anything to really improve it. They just mention that they're going to make an improvement."

The project is expected to be finished by the end of 2026.

Once it is complete, the Valley will have 350 miles of new power lines.