AEP Names New President and COO of AEP Texas

American Electric Power (AEP), one of the largest electric utility companies in the United States, has named Adrian Rodriguez as the new president and chief operating officer of its AEP Texas subsidiary. According to the company's press release, Rodriguez brings 'deep regulatory and stakeholder engagement experience' that will support AEP's growth in Texas. 'Adrian's extensive experience in the Texas energy market and his strong relationships with key stakeholders will be invaluable as we continue to invest in the reliability and resilience of the electric grid in Texas,' said Nicholas K. Akins, AEP's chair, president and chief executive officer. Rodriguez previously served as the vice president of regulatory and legislative affairs at AEP Texas. In his new role, he will be responsible for the overall operations and management of AEP's Texas utility business, which serves over 1 million customers across the state. The appointment comes at a critical time for the Texas energy sector, which has faced significant challenges in recent years, including the devastating winter storm in 2021 that left millions without power. AEP's investment in grid reliability and resilience is expected to play a crucial role in ensuring the state's energy infrastructure is better prepared to withstand future extreme weather events. 'I'm honored to take on this new role and lead the talented team at AEP Texas,' said Rodriguez. 'We are committed to delivering safe, reliable and affordable electricity to our customers while supporting the state's continued economic growth and development.'