Allstream Insiders Summary
CenterPoint Energy’s second-quarter update centers on expanding its long-term capital investment strategy to support accelerating electric demand across its service territories.
The company’s 2026–2035 capital investment plan now totals $66.7 billion, reflecting a $1.2 billion increase primarily associated with accelerating large-load customer demand in the Houston area and updated investment estimates for the Downtown Houston Revitalization Project.
CenterPoint also reported submitting more than 17 gigawatts of large-load projects through ERCOT’s Batch Zero process, with approximately 14 gigawatts expected to be eligible as base load or studied load.
In the aggregate, the approximately 14 gigawatts would represent a potential increase of more than 65% compared with Houston Electric’s current peak system demand of approximately 21 gigawatts. The company projects the potential eligible load through 2031.
CenterPoint stated that these new connections are forecast to reduce Houston Electric residential and commercial delivery charges by at least $5 billion over the next decade, according to the company’s projections.
Individual project values, customer identities, procurement schedules, construction kickoff dates and completion schedules were not disclosed.
The timing and scope of future projects remain subject to factors including ERCOT review, allocation between base and studied load, regulatory approvals and ongoing planning processes.
CenterPoint Energy Expands Capital Investment Plan to $66.7 Billion Through 2035
HOUSTON, Texas — CenterPoint Energy has increased its 10-year capital investment plan by $1.2 billion, bringing the company’s planned investment to approximately $66.7 billion from 2026 through 2035.
According to the company’s second-quarter 2026 earnings release, the increase reflects additional investment to support accelerating demand from large-load customers in the Houston area, along with updated investment estimates for the Downtown Houston Revitalization Project.
CenterPoint also announced that it submitted more than 17 gigawatts of proposed large-load projects through ERCOT’s Batch Zero process. Approximately 14 gigawatts are expected to be eligible as base load or studied load, representing a potential increase of more than 65% compared with Houston Electric’s current peak system demand of approximately 21 gigawatts.
The company projects the approximately 14 gigawatts of potential eligible load through 2031.
Capital Investment Overview
| Investment Category | Reported Amount or Detail |
|---|---|
| 10-Year Capital Investment Plan | $66.7 billion |
| Increase From Previous Plan | $1.2 billion |
| Investment Period | 2026–2035 |
| Primary Driver | Accelerating large-load customer demand in the Houston area |
| Additional Capital Driver | Updated estimates for the Downtown Houston Revitalization Project |
ERCOT Batch Zero Large-Load Activity
CenterPoint reported submitting more than 17 gigawatts of proposed large-load projects through ERCOT’s Batch Zero process.
The company expects approximately 14 gigawatts to be eligible as either base load or studied load. In the aggregate, the approximately 14 gigawatts would represent an increase of more than 65% compared with Houston Electric’s current peak system demand of approximately 21 gigawatts.
Individual customer names, project locations, project-specific capital values, procurement schedules and connection dates were not disclosed in the earnings release.
| ERCOT Batch Zero Category | Reported Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Large-Load Submissions | More than 17 GW |
| Expected Base or Studied Load | Approximately 14 GW |
| Projection Horizon | Through 2031 |
| Current Houston Electric Peak Demand | Approximately 21 GW |
Capital Programs Referenced by CenterPoint
The earnings release and accompanying forward-looking disclosures reference several long-term capital programs associated with CenterPoint’s broader investment strategy.
While these programs were identified by the company, individual project values, construction schedules, procurement dates and contractor awards were generally not disclosed.
Downtown Houston Revitalization Project
- Program: Downtown Houston Revitalization Project
- Location: Downtown Houston, Texas
- Capital Value: Not separately disclosed
- Kickoff: Not disclosed
- Completion: Not disclosed
- Status: Updated investment estimates contributed to the increase in the 2026–2035 capital plan
Greater Houston Resiliency Initiative
- Program: Greater Houston Resiliency Initiative
- Location: Greater Houston service territory
- Capital Value: Not separately disclosed
- Schedule: Not separately disclosed
- Status: Referenced as part of CenterPoint’s long-term capital investment program
System Resiliency Plan
- Program: System Resiliency Plan
- Location: CenterPoint electric service territory
- Capital Value: Not separately disclosed
- Schedule: Individual project dates were not disclosed
- Status: Referenced as part of the company’s long-term capital planning
Large-Load Customer Connections
CenterPoint stated that its expanded capital plan reflects additional investment associated with accelerating demand from large-load customers in the Houston area.
The company’s disclosures reference potential demand associated with industries including:
- Data centers
- Energy refining and exports
- Advanced manufacturing
- Logistics
Individual customer names, project values, procurement schedules and connection dates were not disclosed.
- Program: Large-load customer connections and supporting electric infrastructure
- Location: Houston Electric service territory
- Potential Eligible Load: Approximately 14 GW
- Planning Horizon: Through 2031
- Individual Project Values: Not disclosed
- Individual Connection Dates: Not disclosed
765-kV Transmission Planning
CenterPoint also referenced potential 765-kilovolt transmission projects among the long-term projects and programs discussed in its forward-looking disclosures.
Specific routes, locations, project costs, construction schedules and contractor information were not disclosed.
- Program Category: Potential 765-kV transmission infrastructure
- Location: Specific routes and locations not disclosed
- Capital Value: Not separately disclosed
- Construction Schedule: Not disclosed
- Status: Referenced as part of long-term planning
CenterPoint Energy Project Tracker
| Project or Program | Reported Value | Location | Start or Kickoff | Completion or Horizon | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10-Year Capital Investment Plan | $66.7 billion | CenterPoint service territories | 2026 | 2035 | Active capital plan |
| Capital Plan Increase | $1.2 billion | Primarily associated with Houston-area demand and updated downtown Houston estimates | Announced July 2026 | Included in the 2026–2035 plan | Added to capital plan |
| Downtown Houston Revitalization Project | Not disclosed | Downtown Houston, Texas | Not disclosed | Not disclosed | Included in capital planning |
| Greater Houston Resiliency Initiative | Not disclosed | Greater Houston service territory | Not disclosed | Not disclosed | Long-term capital program |
| System Resiliency Plan | Not disclosed | CenterPoint electric service territory | Not disclosed | Not disclosed | Long-term capital program |
| Large-Load Customer Connections | Not separately disclosed | Houston Electric service territory | Individual dates not disclosed | Potential eligible load projected through 2031 | ERCOT review and planning |
| Potential 765-kV Transmission | Not disclosed | Specific routes not disclosed | Not disclosed | Not disclosed | Referenced in long-term planning |
Allstream Insiders Summary
CenterPoint Energy’s second-quarter update centers on expanding its long-term capital investment strategy to support accelerating electric demand across its service territories.
The company’s 2026–2035 capital investment plan now totals $66.7 billion, reflecting a $1.2 billion increase primarily associated with accelerating large-load customer demand in the Houston area and updated investment estimates for the Downtown Houston Revitalization Project.
CenterPoint also reported submitting more than 17 gigawatts of large-load projects through ERCOT’s Batch Zero process, with approximately 14 gigawatts expected to be eligible as base load or studied load.
In the aggregate, the approximately 14 gigawatts would represent a potential increase of more than 65% compared with Houston Electric’s current peak system demand of approximately 21 gigawatts. The company projects the potential eligible load through 2031.
CenterPoint stated that these new connections are forecast to reduce Houston Electric residential and commercial delivery charges by at least $5 billion over the next decade, according to the company’s projections.
Individual project values, customer identities, procurement schedules, construction kickoff dates and completion schedules were not disclosed.
The timing and scope of future projects remain subject to factors including ERCOT review, allocation between base and studied load, regulatory approvals and ongoing planning processes.
Editor’s Note: This editorial summary is based on information published by CenterPoint Energy in connection with its second-quarter 2026 earnings release and related company disclosures. Project values, schedules and descriptions reflect publicly available company information. Where specific dates, capital values or project details were not disclosed, they have been identified accordingly. This article is intended to provide an industry-focused summary of capital investment activity and does not constitute investment advice.
