Following winter storm Uri in 2021 that caused mass blackouts, Texas utilities are investing in grid resilience. Resilient Structures opened a Houston factory producing 100ft composite fibreglass poles that outperform traditional materials in extreme weather, as utilities strengthen distribution systems against increasingly volatile climate conditions.

CenterPoint Energy has installed more than 65,000 storm-resistant poles around Houston, with a third from Resilient Structures. While the composite poles cost more upfront, they offer better performance and longevity, making them comparable in total cost of ownership for critical infrastructure where failure cannot be tolerated.

The demand for resilient infrastructure reflects broader industry trends as utilities face pressure to enhance performance amid growing load from industrial electrification and AI expansion. With NOAA warning that "it only takes one storm to make for a very bad season," investments in storm-proof infrastructure have become essential for maintaining reliability.