AEP Texas Appoints Adrian Rodriguez as President and COO
American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP) has announced the appointment of Adrian Rodriguez as the new president and chief operating officer of AEP Texas. The leadership change reflects the company’s broader strategy to strengthen operational performance, reinforce stakeholder relationships, and position its Texas operations to support long-term growth in one of the fastest-expanding energy markets in the United States. Rodriguez is scheduled to assume the role on March 30 and will report directly to Bill Fehrman, chairman, president, and chief executive officer of American Electric Power.
The appointment comes as American Electric Power continues to adapt to rapid changes in the energy sector, including rising electricity demand, grid modernization, and increasing investments in transmission infrastructure. By bringing in a leader with extensive experience in utility operations, regulatory strategy, and stakeholder engagement, the company aims to further strengthen the performance of its Texas operating company and enhance collaboration with regulators, communities, and customers throughout the state.
Fehrman emphasized that Rodriguez’s experience and leadership qualities align closely with the company’s long-term objectives. According to Fehrman, the decision to recruit Rodriguez reflects the organization’s commitment to maintaining a strong operational focus while fostering productive relationships with the wide range of stakeholders that influence the utility sector.
“As the business continues to evolve, we believe now is the right time to bring in a leader with deep experience in stakeholder engagement and a strong operational focus to align with our long-term priorities in Texas,” Fehrman said. He added that Rodriguez has consistently demonstrated the ability to build trust with employees, customers, regulators, and local leaders while ensuring that operational priorities such as safety, reliability, and disciplined execution remain at the forefront.
Fehrman also highlighted the strategic importance of AEP Texas within the broader American Electric Power system. The operating company plays a key role in supporting economic development and power delivery in a state experiencing sustained population growth and increasing industrial activity. With its extensive high-voltage infrastructure—including industry-leading 765-kilovolt transmission capabilities—AEP Texas is well positioned to help meet rising electricity demand and facilitate grid expansion.
“We see tremendous upside in AEP Texas and its ability to enable growth in the state through our industry-leading 765-kV transmission capabilities,” Fehrman said. “We are confident this move will help take this operating company to the next level and fully realize that potential.”
Rodriguez will succeed Judith Talavera, who has departed the organization. In the interim, Alex Ramirez, vice president of Distribution Operations at AEP Texas, will serve as interim president and chief operating officer until Rodriguez formally assumes the role. The temporary leadership arrangement is intended to ensure operational continuity and a smooth transition during the leadership change.
Fehrman expressed appreciation for Talavera’s service and contributions to the organization during her tenure. “We are grateful for Judith’s leadership and contributions to the company and wish her all the best,” he said.
Rodriguez joins American Electric Power after serving as president of Southwestern Public Service Company, a subsidiary of Xcel Energy that provides electricity to customers across parts of Texas and New Mexico. In that role, Rodriguez oversaw several key initiatives that strengthened the company’s regulatory standing and expanded its infrastructure investment programs.
During his tenure at Southwestern Public Service Company, Rodriguez directed major regulatory initiatives that helped advance critical infrastructure investments and long-term energy planning. Among his notable achievements was securing approval for the largest capital project in the company’s history. He also guided the organization through complex operational challenges, including recovery efforts following destructive wildfire events that affected parts of its service territory.
His leadership experience in both Texas and neighboring energy markets is expected to be particularly valuable as AEP Texas navigates increasing demand for electricity driven by population growth, data centers, advanced manufacturing, and electrification trends across the state.
Rodriguez said he is enthusiastic about joining AEP Texas at a time when the energy industry is undergoing significant transformation. Texas, in particular, has become one of the most dynamic power markets in the country due to rapid economic development and technological innovation.
“Texas continues to be one of the most dynamic growth markets in the country,” Rodriguez said. “I am honored to join AEP Texas at a pivotal time in its history as the company’s employees work to build the energy system of the future and seize the incredible opportunities ahead in our state.”
As a native Texan, Rodriguez said he is especially motivated to contribute to the state’s energy future and work alongside AEP Texas employees to strengthen relationships with communities and stakeholders. He noted that utilities play a vital role in supporting economic development and ensuring that reliable electricity infrastructure keeps pace with the state’s growth.
“I look forward to working alongside the AEP Texas team to create value for our communities and strengthen our relationships with stakeholders,” he said.
Before joining Southwestern Public Service Company in 2022, Rodriguez held a senior leadership role at Puget Sound Energy, where he served as senior vice president for Regulatory and Strategy. In that position, he was responsible for shaping regulatory policy, developing long-term strategic plans, and coordinating engagement with regulators and policymakers.
His career in the energy industry also includes extensive experience at El Paso Electric, where he held several roles of increasing responsibility. Among those positions were senior vice president, general counsel, and interim chief executive officer. During his time at the company, Rodriguez also served as a member of the board of directors, gaining valuable experience in corporate governance and executive leadership.
Earlier in his career, Rodriguez worked in a variety of legal and public policy roles. His professional background includes experience in private legal practice, work within the federal court system, and involvement in public policy initiatives. He has also worked in the Texas Legislature, giving him firsthand knowledge of the state’s political and regulatory landscape—an asset that may prove beneficial in navigating the complex regulatory environment that utilities face.
Rodriguez’s educational background reflects a strong foundation in economics, public policy, and law. He earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and government from University of Texas at Austin. He later completed a master’s degree in public policy at Harvard Kennedy School, part of Harvard University, where he studied policy development and government relations. He also holds a Juris Doctor from Columbia Law School at Columbia University.
American Electric Power, one of the largest electric utilities in the United States, continues to invest heavily in modernizing and expanding its transmission and distribution infrastructure. Through its operating companies—including AEP Texas—the company serves millions of customers across multiple states while supporting the transition toward a more resilient and sustainable energy system.
The appointment of Rodriguez signals the company’s intention to reinforce its leadership team with experienced executives capable of guiding major infrastructure investments, maintaining regulatory alignment, and ensuring reliable service as electricity demand continues to rise.
With Rodriguez preparing to step into the role later this month, AEP Texas is entering a new chapter focused on operational excellence, stakeholder collaboration, and strategic growth in one of the nation’s most important energy markets.
Source Link: https://www.aep.com/
