Plus, the Austin Film Society released its 2023 short film grant recipients.
 
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Today’s Forecast

69º | Rainy | 87% chance of rain | Sunrise 7:28 a.m. | Sunset 5:42 p.m.
 

⚡️ Getting connected

Southern Spirit Transmission project aims to connect ERCOT to the southeastern US power grid
The Austin skyline as seen from Lady Bird Lake, with buildings reflected in the water.
Southern Spirit Transmission has quietly been in the works for over a decade. | Photo by ATXtoday
The federal and Texas governments granted approval to build a connection line from Texas’ ERCOT power grid to the southeastern US grid.

Let’s break down what this means for Texas.

According to the Dallas Morning News, state regulators and private company Pattern Energy have been working to create the “Southern Spirit Transmission,” for at least a decade. The $2.6 billion project would be privately funded by Pattern Energy and result in at least 320 miles of line from Texas through Mississippi and Louisiana.

Construction on the connection is slated to begin in 2026 with service starting in late 2029. This new line would provide more than double the capacity of all Texas’ four existing connections.

Here’s what we know

Editor’s note: For reference, one megawatt of electricity has the capacity to power ~200 homes.
  • The new connection will be the biggest in Texas, supporting 525kV (or 3,000 megawatts) of transmission, potentially in either direction.
  • The line would increase electricity diversification + reliability, preserve ERCOT’s independence, and offer support during times of peak demand.
  • ERCOT already has two connections to the Southwest Power Pool, which provides ~820 megawatts of power, and two lines to the Comision Federal de Electricidad in Mexico, which provides ~400 megawatts of power.

Why does this matter?

Two scooters and W. 2nd Street covered in snow.

Austin saw six inches of snow during Winter Storm Uri in February 2021.

|

Photo by ATXtoday

ERCOT has struggled to meet power demands, particularly during inclement weather.

During February 2021, “The Great Texas Freeze” left millions of people without power for up to nine days. The storm was the longest freezing streak ever recorded in Texas history.

However, this project won’t only benefit Texans. Southern Spirit could create 3,000 construction jobs and $600 million in tax revenue for Mississippi and Louisiana.

What’s next?

Mississippi and Louisiana still need to approve the project, according to the Dallas Morning News. ERCOT is required to present updates to both state’s regulators every six months in the meantime.
Asked

What questions do you have about Southern Spirit Transmission?
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Events
Monday, Jan. 8
  • Spring Gardening in Central Texas | Monday, Jan. 8 | 6-9 p.m. | Zilker Botanical Garden, 2220 Barton Springs Rd., Austin | Free | Learn how to navigate gardening during winter weather extremes and growing through the spring.
  • Helping Hands Lab | Monday, Jan. 8 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Round Rock Public Library, 216 E. Main St., Round Rock | Free | Study your genealogy with help from the pros at this workshop.
  • David Bowie-Themed Yoga | Monday, Jan. 8 | 7-8 p.m. | My Vinyasa Practice SoCo, 8534 S. Congress Ave., Ste. B2, Austin | Donation based | Flow through a dynamic fusion yoga to the sound of Bowie’s most iconic hits.
Tuesday, Jan. 9
  • “Welcome to Night Vale” | Tuesday, Jan. 9 | 8 p.m. | The Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Ave., Austin | $25-$35 | Spend your Tuesday immersed in the world of this creepy, nostalgic fiction podcast of the same name.
  • Doghouse | Tuesday, Jan. 9 | 8 p.m. | Fallout Theater, 616 Lavaca St., Austin | $8-$12 | Laugh all night at this mix of stand-up, improv, and sketch comedy.
Wednesday, Jan. 10
  • TCU vs. Texas Women’s Basketball | Wednesday, Jan. 10 | 7 p.m. | The Moody Center, 2001 Robert Dedman Dr., Austin | $9-$15 | Cheer on the Longhorns as they face down another Texas team.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
Active

Register to run the Das Dreizehn.Eins Half Marathon and 5K
runners at the start line for a race
Not feeling up for a marathon? Runners also have the option to compete in a 5K. | Photo provided by Athlete Guild
Set on a breathtaking course that starts and finishes in the beautiful Prince Solms Park, the Das Dreizehn.Eins Half Marathon is a spectacular race you don’t want to miss. This year’s race, happening on Sunday, Jan. 28, will benefit the Pink Warrior Advocates.

Runners of all skill levels are invited to participate — don’t forget to stick around for post-run food, music, and fun.

Registration starts at $85. Pro tip: Register before Sunday, Jan. 28 to avoid the late registration price bump.
Lace up, Austin
News Notes
Weather
  • The coldest weather of the season is expected to arrive in mid-January, with potential for a hard freeze. Monday, Jan. 15 and Tuesday, Jan. 16 have forecasted highs in the 40s. (KXAN)
Real Estate
  • According to Texas A&M’s 2024 Texas Real Estate Forecast, single-family inventory in the Lone Star State is expected to surpass pre-pandemic levels in 2024. Median home prices could see a slight dip, but will likely remain steady at ~$340,000.
Traffic
  • Central Texas toll roads are poised to see a rate increase. US 183, Highway 290, MoPac, State Highway 71, and State Highway 45 will increase by ~4%, approximately 2-7 cents per trip, coinciding with inflation. (KVUE)
Cause
  • Austin Pets Alive! will expand its Positive Alternatives to Shelter Surrender program to Hays County. The P.A.S.S. program helps residents keep pets out of the shelter system through resource centers, rehoming support, medical care, and case management. (KXAN)
Film
  • The Austin Film Society released its 16 Grant for Short Films recipients for the upcoming season. AFS — which has awarded $2.6 million to Texas filmmakers since 1996 — selected the winners from 145 applications. Learn about the films, which are currently in production or pre-production.
Arts
  • Krissy Teegerstrom’s mixed textiles show, “Suit Yourself,” closed over the weekend. If you fell in love with her one-of-a-kind capes, beaded headpieces, or framed tapestries, you can shop her pieces online.
Trending
  • Looking for your new favorite water bottle? The Owala Travel Tumbler combines the best of Stanley’s viral tumbler with Owala’s smart design. We’re liking the color “Bunny Hop.”*
 
Development

🏙 Reach for the sky

New condo Luminary will bring 286 residences to Downtown Austin
A rendering of a tall building with plenty of greenery spilling out the sides, and organic architecture at the bottom.
Developers said the building’s name is meant to invoke a sense of light, like a luminary. | Renderings courtesy of Page
A new condo tower called Luminary is in the works at the northwest corner of 14th and Guadalupe streets.

The development — owned by Canadian hospitality group Northland Living — will stand 35 stories, contain 4,800 sqft of retail + restaurant space, and accommodate 286 condos ranging from one to three bedrooms.

At 400 ft tall, the building is slated to be one of the tallest in the northwest Downtown area. Luminary will also share 10,000 sqft of space with the Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas, which currently occupies the property.

Condos inside the high-rise are expected to cost between $600,000 and $3 million, and be designed by the Austin team at Page Southerland Page Inc. Amenities will include a pool, fitness area, more than six floors of parking, and plenty of outdoor space.

A start date on the project has yet to be announced.
The Buy

The Buy 1.08.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
Sustainably sourced coffee. Or maybe some organic matcha. Or a low-caffeine chai blend, or a hot toddy spice mix — whatever your favorite warm beverage, it’s waiting for you in Six & Main’s locally-sourced coffee and tea collection.
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The Wrap
 
City Editor Figi poses with an adorable goat.

Today’s edition by:
Figi
From the editor
One of my recurring resolutions is to read 12+ books per year. Recently, I’ve found it much easier to read e-books since I can do so on my phone.

Right now I’m reading “Titanic Survivor” by Violet Jessop, who survived disasters on both the Titanic and Britannic.
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