Houston-based utility company CenterPoint Energy announced plans Thursday to hire nearly 800 workers by 2030 as part of a $53 billion investment to modernize and strengthen the region’s power grid.
The company said it will onboard 200 lineworkers by the end of this year to support surging electricity demand driven by growth in data centers and artificial intelligence technology. CenterPoint forecasts regional electricity use could increase nearly 50% over the next six years.
To help meet workforce needs, CenterPoint will launch its Energy Expressway™ training program in October. The free, multi-week program combines classroom instruction and hands-on experience at the Hiram O. Clarke Training Center. The inaugural cohort of 35 trainees will be eligible for entry-level roles after completion.
“Building the workforce of the future is critical to implementing our $53 billion plan to enhance grid resiliency and support Houston’s growth,” said CenterPoint Energy CEO Nicole Piasecki.
The company’s investments include upgrades designed to reduce outages by nearly 1 billion minutes by 2029 under its Systemwide Resiliency Plan running through 2028.
CenterPoint is also partnering with local groups like the Greater Houston Partnership to host job fairs aimed at recruiting and retaining talent.
The hiring push follows efforts to improve infrastructure resilience after Hurricane Beryl in 2024 and aligns with increased energy demands from emerging industries.