The Greater Houston Resiliency Initiative: Building a Stronger Electric Grid
When it comes to facing the challenges of extreme weather, CenterPoint Energy is leading the way with its Greater Houston Resiliency Initiative. This initiative is more than just a plan – it’s a commitment to improving the electric grid and ensuring the resilience of the Greater Houston area, not just for this hurricane season, but for years to come.
In phase 1 of the initiative, CenterPoint Energy has already completed three key actions to strengthen the grid. These actions include installing automation devices to reduce the impact of outages during storms, reinforcing poles to withstand powerful winds, and clearing hazardous vegetation from power lines. These proactive measures were completed ahead of schedule, demonstrating CenterPoint’s dedication to the safety and reliability of the electric grid.
Jason Wells, President and CEO of CenterPoint Energy, emphasized the company’s goal to build the most resilient coastal grid in the country. This ambition will require historic levels of investment and action, with the near-term phase set to launch on September 1. This phase will focus on further strengthening grid resiliency, improving communication with the public and customers, and enhancing partnerships with local communities and emergency services.
Looking ahead, CenterPoint Energy plans to propose a significant investment of $5 billion from 2026 to 2028 to enhance infrastructure in the Greater Houston area. This long-term strategy will be outlined in a system resiliency plan to be submitted to the Public Utility Commission of Texas by January 31, 2025. Additionally, the company is committed to evaluating the role of large-scale emergency generation and ensuring transparency with lawmakers regarding costs and limitations.
As part of its commitment to affordability, CenterPoint Energy is conducting an independent assessment of the benefits and costs of longer-term investments. The company is also proposing to forego a significant portion of profit to address concerns and prioritize the needs of the community.
The Greater Houston Resiliency Initiative is a testament to CenterPoint Energy’s dedication to building a stronger, more resilient electric grid for the future. By taking proactive measures and investing in infrastructure, CenterPoint is ensuring that the Greater Houston area remains safe and secure in the face of extreme weather events.