More energy for the South Texas Valley: COSTEP highlights the future of energy amid growing industrial interest

As manufacturing and logistics companies show increasing interest in establishing operations in the South Texas Valley, the South Texas Economic Progress Council (COSTEP) held an informative meeting with energy sector experts to update regional development organizations on the future and capacity of electrical supply.

The event brought together key institutional representatives, entrepreneurs, and regional leaders, who were briefed on current and future energy generation and transmission projects.

One of the speakers was Dale Fowler, Economic Development and Business Manager at American Electric Power, who provided an overview of current electricity consumption and demand projections. Additionally, Brad Schwarz, Planning Director at Hunt Utility Services, shared Sharyland Utilities' expansion plans to strengthen the regional electric infrastructure.

“It’s important that we all know what we have and what’s coming. We saw projects for the next 10 to 20 years that will strengthen power generation and transmission in our Rio Grande Valley area,” explained Adam Gonzalez, CEO of COSTEP.

During the meeting, it was reported that at least 20 new power stations are expected over the next two decades, three of which will serve the South Texas Valley. This will increase supply capacity and provide greater certainty for investors.

Gonzalez emphasized that ensuring a reliable electrical supply is a key factor in continuing to attract industries to the region: “Companies need certainty. Our job is to provide them with accurate information about available resources so they can make strategic decisions with confidence.”

Finally, the COSTEP CEO announced that meetings with water utility organizations are also being scheduled to assess the capacity of water supply another essential factor for sustainable economic growth.