Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.30 on a GAAP basis and $0.29 on a non-GAAP basis for Q2 2025, compared to $0.36 in Q2 2024, indicating a decline in non-GAAP EPS year-over-year [23][6][41] - The company reaffirmed its 2025 non-GAAP EPS guidance range of $1.74 to $1.76, representing an 8% growth at the midpoint from the 2024 non-GAAP EPS of $1.62 [7][41] - The company is approximately 46% of the way to the midpoint of its full-year earnings guidance range for 2025 [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Houston Electric Service territory is experiencing strong load growth, with a forecasted peak load increase of 10 gigawatts by 2031, representing nearly a 50% increase in peak demand [8][10] - Year-over-year sales trends show an 8% increase in weather-normalized commercial and industrial sales for the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024 [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The load interconnection queue has grown by 6 gigawatts, or more than 12%, since the first quarter call, driven by diverse economic activities including data centers and advanced manufacturing [9][10] - The company anticipates that the sale of its Ohio gas business will allow for the reprioritization of nearly $1 billion in capital expenditures to support Texas jurisdictions [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company announced a $500 million increase to its capital investment plan for 2025, bringing the total capital investment plan to $5.5 billion for the year, which will be funded without issuing additional common equity [6][15] - The strategic focus is shifting more towards Texas, with the expectation that Texas will constitute over 70% of the company's portfolio after the sale of the Ohio gas business [14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the growth prospects, citing strong economic drivers in the Houston Electric Service territory and the need for significant investments in the electric transmission system [11][20] - The company expects to see a 5% improvement in operating cash flow beginning next year, which will help fund capital investments [39] Other Important Information - The company has identified approximately 200 projects to execute over the next ten years to support the anticipated load growth [16] - The proposed settlement in the Ohio gas rate case includes a revenue requirement increase of $59.6 million [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Timeline and expectations for the Barrow cost recovery proceeding - Management is on track and had mediated sessions to seek a potential settlement framework, with hearings scheduled for next Thursday [50] Question: Details on the six gigawatts load growth - Approximately two-thirds of the increase relates to data center activity, with demand expected for interconnections in late 2026 to 2028 [52] Question: Duration of drag from mobile generation assets - The drag in earnings is expected to last until late 2026 or early 2027, after which these assets will become a tailwind for the company [55] Question: Capital investment plan and equity funding - Management indicated an upward bias towards capital expenditures through the remainder of the decade, with potential for funding without additional common equity [61][65] Question: Update on the Ohio gas LDC sale process - The company aims to announce progress towards the end of the calendar year, with a closing expected about a year later [91] Question: Impact of SB six on interconnection interest - There has been no change in the velocity of interconnection requests despite questions around cost allocation [74] Question: Houston revitalization project alignment with city efforts - The project involves burying the interstate system around downtown Houston, allowing for significant redevelopment opportunities [76] Question: Magnitude of future capital increases without equity - Management indicated flexibility in capital spending, with potential for increases beyond the $500 million announced [86]