CenterPoint study says Texas transmission projects could add $18 billion a year
CenterPoint Energy released a third-party study saying proposed Southeast Texas transmission projects could generate more than $18 billion a year in economic value and about 41,000 construction jobs.
CenterPoint Energy said on Aug. 13 that a third-party study found proposed Southeast Texas transmission resiliency and reliability projects could add more than $18 billion a year to the Texas economy, generate more than $120 million a year in local property taxes and support about 41,000 construction jobs.
The company said the projects are intended to strengthen and modernize the grid, reduce the impact of extreme weather and storms, and meet future electricity demand. CenterPoint said it is in the initial planning stages and is seeking feedback from local stakeholders, property owners and community members.
The study, titled Economic Impacts of 765kV Transmission Development in Support of Texas and Houston-Area Reliability, was prepared by IdeaSmiths, which CenterPoint described as an independent energy systems analysis and advisory firm. The company said the report also found that transmission projects across Texas, when combined with projects planned by other Texas utilities, could create up to $30 billion in annual economic value and $300 million in yearly tax revenue, with about 100,000 construction jobs during the buildout phase.
CenterPoint said it has been meeting with federal, state and local officials and community organizations since November 2025 on the proposed Hillje-Blu Lacy Transmission Improvement Project. The company also said it has hosted webinars and open house events to gather feedback.
Jason Ryan, CenterPoint Energy’s executive vice president of regulatory services and government affairs, said the projects could add tens of thousands of jobs and billions in economic growth. Joshua D. Rhodes, chief technology officer at IdeaSmiths and a research scientist with The University of Texas at Austin, said the projects could deliver significant economic value, jobs and tax revenue for years to come.
CenterPoint said it planned to announce 10 Commitments for Texans the next day, including enhanced engagement and longer feedback opportunities for landowners. The company said it serves more than 7 million metered customers in Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio and Texas and had about $48.3 billion in assets as of June 30, 2026.
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