AEP Texas is investing in electric infrastructure to support continued growth across the Rio Grande Valley. Dale Fowler, AEP Texas economic and business development manager, discussed the company's efforts Aug. 13 during the Powering Texas and Regional Growth: Infrastructure and Workforce Exchange at the Harlingen Convention Center.

Fowler joined regional utility and economic development leaders for a panel on capital projects and infrastructure. He said the Rio Grande Valley Improvement Project, a more than $1 billion investment that includes about 190 miles of 345-kV transmission upgrades, will improve grid reliability and resiliency while adding capacity for future growth.

AEP Texas also has completed other transmission improvements near the Port of Brownsville and the Brownsville Ship Channel to support rising electric demand. Fowler said the company has submitted a Regional Planning Group study to ERCOT to show the need for additional transmission infrastructure in the Rio Grande Valley.