PocketQuant | CenterPoint Energy Appoints Jesus Soto Jr as Chief Operating Officer to Drive $31 Billion Capital Investment Plan

CenterPoint Energy Appoints Jesus Soto Jr as Chief Operating Officer to Drive $31 Billion Capital Investment Plan

Author:PQ Automations
| | Tags: CNP CenterPoint Energy FY2024 CapitalInvestmentPlan OperationalExcellence EnergyInfrastructure

CenterPoint Energy, a leading multi-state electric and natural gas delivery company serving approximately 7 million customers across Texas, Indiana, Ohio, and Minnesota, has announced a significant executive leadership change that underscores its commitment to operational excellence and strategic growth. On July 21, 2025, CenterPoint Energy revealed the appointment of Jesus Soto, Jr. as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, effective August 11, 2025. Soto brings over 30 years of extensive experience in the energy sector, with a proven track record in electric and gas transmission and distribution, large-scale capital project execution, and safety culture enhancement.

This leadership addition comes at a pivotal time for CenterPoint Energy, which is embarking on an ambitious $31 billion capital investment plan over the next five years. The company aims to meet the growing energy demands and foster economic development in its key markets. Jesus Soto’s expertise is expected to be instrumental in driving the operational efficiency and safety improvements necessary to support this expansive growth.

Jason Wells, President and CEO of CenterPoint Energy, emphasized the strategic importance of this appointment, stating, “We have one of the most dynamic growth stories in the industry, and over the next five years we will deliver over $31 billion of investments across our footprint as part of our capital plan. Jesus’s deep understanding and background are the perfect match to help us deliver this incredible scope of work at pace that will foster the economic development and growth demands in our key markets.”

From a financial perspective, CenterPoint Energy reported net property, plant, and equipment assets valued at approximately \(32.1 billion as of the fiscal year ending 2024. The company carries long-term debt of about \)20.4 billion, reflecting its capital-intensive nature and ongoing investment in infrastructure. Operating cash flow for the same period stood at $2.14 billion, providing a solid foundation for funding its capital projects.

The appointment of Jesus Soto aligns with themes from CenterPoint Energy’s previous earnings calls, where management highlighted the importance of operational excellence, safety, and capital project execution to support growth and reliability. Soto’s background, including leadership roles at Quanta Services and PG&E Corporation, complements these strategic priorities.

Looking ahead, CenterPoint Energy’s focus on delivering large-scale capital projects safely and efficiently is expected to enhance its operational reliability and customer service across its service territories. This strategic leadership move positions the company well to navigate the challenges of regulatory environments, economic uncertainties, and evolving energy demands.

For more detailed information, the original 8-K filing can be accessed here: CenterPoint Energy 8-K Filing.

Tags: CNP, CenterPoint Energy, FY2024, CapitalInvestmentPlan, OperationalExcellence, EnergyInfrastructure