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Public Utility Commission of Texas Approves CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric's Resiliency Plan

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Public Utility Commission of Texas has approved a resiliency plan proposed by CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC, following a testimony by David Bautista, an Engineer in the Infrastructure Division of the Public Utility Commission of Texas. The plan, which totals $3.1781 billion, includes various measures to enhance the reliability and resilience of CenterPoint Houston's electric system. The measures, including undergrounding, restoration, and vegetation management, aim to mitigate the impact of extreme weather events such as hurricanes and heatwaves.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Public Utility Commission of Texas has approved a resiliency plan proposed by CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC.
  • The plan totals $3.1781 billion and includes various measures to enhance the reliability and resilience of CenterPoint Houston's electric system.
  • The measures include undergrounding, restoration, and vegetation management to mitigate the impact of extreme weather events.
  • The plan is not precedential on future system resiliency plans and is not a binding understanding of the rules to be used in the future.
  • Nathan Brownell, on behalf of CenterPoint Houston, also provided testimony in support of the agreement.
  • The Signatories to the Stipulation include CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC, the Public Utility Commission of Texas, and various other parties.
  • The plan includes resiliency measures such as:

+ Extreme Wind Estimated Capital ($500 million)

+ Strategic Undergrounding ($837 million)

+ Restoration IGSD ($107.8 million)

+ Distribution Pole Replacement/Bracing Program ($250 million)

+ Vegetation Management ($141 million)

+ Extreme Water Estimated Capital ($7 million)

+ Extreme Temperature (Freeze) Anti-Galloping Technologies ($15 million)

+ Load Shed IGSD ($4.6 million)

+ Distribution Capacity Enhancements/Substations ($575 million)

+ MUG Reconductor ($125 million)

+ URD Cable Modernization ($75 million)

+ Contamination Mitigation ($100 million)

+ Substation Fire Barriers ($9 million)

Statistics:

  • $3.1781 billion: Total cost of the resiliency plan
  • $500 million: Extreme Wind Estimated Capital
  • $837 million: Strategic Undergrounding
  • $107.8 million: Restoration IGSD
  • $250 million: Distribution Pole Replacement/Bracing Program
  • $141 million: Vegetation Management
  • $7 million: Extreme Water Estimated Capital
  • $15 million: Extreme Temperature (Freeze) Anti-Galloping Technologies
  • $4.6 million: Load Shed IGSD
  • $575 million: Distribution Capacity Enhancements/Substations
  • $125 million: MUG Reconductor
  • $75 million: URD Cable Modernization
  • $100 million: Contamination Mitigation
  • $9 million: Substation Fire Barriers

Sources:

  • Testimony of David Bautista in Support of Unopposed Stipulation and Settlement Agreement, SOAH Docket No. 473-25-11558, PUC Docket No. 57579, June 17, 2025
  • Public Utility Commission of Texas, Filed Date: 2025-06-17 10:38:55 AM, Control Number: 57579, Item Number: 265 SOAH DOCKET NO. 473-25-11558 PUC DOCKET NO. 57579 APPLICATION OF CENTERPOINT SS ENERGY HOUSTON ELECTRIC, SS LLC FOR APPROVAL OF ITS 2026-2028 SS TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM RESILIENCY PLAN.

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