Jackson Walker partner Meghan E. Griffiths was a featured speaker at the Permian Basin Petroleum Association’s (PBPA) 63rd Annual Meeting in Midland, Texas, held September 17-18.

Meghan joined former Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) Commissioner Lori Cobos (Cobos Strategies, LLC) on a panel titled “Electrifying the Permian Basin.” The discussion focused on the critical transmission and distribution needs shaping the region’s energy future, diving into the challenges—and opportunities—facing the Permian Basin as power demand accelerates alongside continued oil and gas growth.

A central topic was the Permian Basin Reliability Plan, a Texas government‑mandated initiative signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott in 2023 to address surging electricity demand and insufficient transmission infrastructure in the energy‑producing region. Approved by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT), the plan directs ERCOT to develop and implement new and upgraded local transmission lines, as well as extra‑high voltage (EHV) import paths, to support economic growth and ensure reliable power for decades to come.

PBPA’s advocacy played an important role in securing approval of a $15 billion transmission buildout that includes the first 765 kV lines in the state of Texas—among the first in the United States. Former PUC Commissioner Cobos led development of the plan.

The plan’s purpose is clear: meet growing demand, ensure reliability, and support economic growth. As a long‑term roadmap, it is designed to facilitate critical transmission infrastructure investment, ensure the continued success of Texas’ oil and gas industry, support local communities, and strengthen the state’s economy.

Since 1961, the Permian Basin Petroleum Association has served the oil and gas industry of West Texas and Southeastern New Mexico. Growing from fewer than twenty members to more than 1,000 member companies at its peak, PBPA advocates for safe and responsible oil and gas development and provides education on safety, legislation, regulation, and support services for the industry.

Meet Meghan

Meghan E. Griffiths is Chair of the Environmental, Regulatory, & Legislative group and Digital Infrastructure & Data Centers practice. Meghan specializes in advising and advocating for clients involved in complex project development, commercial transactions, litigation, and regulatory matters. Her focus is primarily on clients in the energy and electric power sectors, as well as those with substantial energy and infrastructure needs. Meghan’s clientele includes developers and owners of renewable and thermal generation, electric utilities, utility investors, retail electric providers, and large power users across various industries such as data centers, manufacturers, refineries, oil and gas companies, and commercial developers.