$3.2B Houston-area power grid upgrades by CenterPoint Energy

CenterPoint Energy and Houston-area authorities have approved a $3.2 billion grid modernization plan to address vulnerabilities exposed by Hurricane Beryl in 2024. The upgrades, running through 2028, include burying more power lines, storm-proofing 130,000 poles, and enhancing vegetation management. These measures aim to boost climate resilience and reduce outage risks. CenterPoint projects nearly one billion fewer minutes of annual power outages by 2029. The plan will raise monthly residential bills by $1.40 through 2028 and $0.60 starting in 2030. It ensures long-term grid stability while securing a 9.65% return on investment for the utility.