We use cookies to understand how you use our site and improve your experience. You can choose which cookies to allow.
See our Privacy Policy and Terms.
NRG Energy is looking to beef up its power plant complex in northeast Harris County, which could mean more reliable electricity but also some potential headaches for local air quality. It’s a classic trade-off between keeping the lights on and keeping our neighborhood air clean.
At a glance
Rising — being discussed more frequently. 1 mention in the last 30 days.
You might see more stable energy prices long-term, but local property values could fluctuate depending on how the expansion affects the neighborhood's environmental profile.
Local residents and businesses will likely benefit from a more reliable power grid that’s less prone to outages during extreme weather.
We'll include it in your weekly brief whenever the council takes it up.
The weekly brief for Harris County
Every council decision, in plain English — one email a week.
Join 1,135 residents following their cities
Free. Unsubscribe with one click any time. We never sell your email.
People living right next to the plant might deal with worse air quality and the general noise or disruption that comes with a massive industrial construction project.
Energy regulators and industry experts warn that the state’s delays to major projects amid backlash from residents could create rolling blackouts and strangle growth of other industries that need power.
NRG Energy to expand power plant complex in northeast Harris County Houston Public Media