National Hispanic Energy Council

06/09/2026

Time Update: 1:00–2:00 PM CST

AI and data centers are reshaping America’s energy future, with real impacts on reliability, affordability, and economic growth.

Join NHEC for Data Centers, AI & the Future of Energy, a conversation on the opportunities, challenges, and tradeoffs created by the rapid growth of energy-intensive technologies.

📅 Tuesday, June 30
⏰ 1:00–2:00 PM CST

Save the date. More details coming soon:
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_jGpLF9CGT-Wv_hKUZ6c3wg #/registration

06/03/2026

Congratulations to the Class of 2026!

NHEC celebrates the graduates whose hard work, leadership, and determination are helping shape a brighter future for families and communities across the country.

05/28/2026

AI and data centers are reshaping America’s energy future. What comes next will impact reliability, affordability, and economic growth for communities across the country.

Join NHEC for Data Centers, AI & the Future of Energy, a conversation exploring the opportunities, challenges, and tradeoffs created by the rapid growth of energy-intensive technologies.

Moderated by NHEC Chairman Julio Fuentes and Vice Chairman Matthew Gonzales, the webinar will bring together leaders from across the energy space to discuss practical pathways toward smarter, more balanced energy policy.

📅 Tuesday, June 30
⏰ 10:00–11:00 AM CST

Save the date. More details coming soon!

https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_jGpLF9CGT-Wv_hKUZ6c3wg #/registration

05/22/2026

What does AI growth actually mean for Hispanic families in Florida?

It could mean better-paying local jobs, stronger infrastructure and more opportunity for communities that want to be part of Florida’s economic future, not left behind by it.

With Hispanic residents making up more than a quarter of Florida’s population, the conversation around data centers is also a conversation about workforce growth, education and long-term affordability for working families.

See why local opportunity matters in Florida’s growing AI economy.

Florida Data Centers, Hispanic Communities and the Promise of Local Opportunity by Ashley Ward | May 22, 2026 | News When people hear “AI data center,” it can sound distant, technical and far removed from everyday life. For many families, it brings to mind servers, software and corporate investm...

05/08/2026

Governor Ron DeSantis signed SB 484 into law today, protecting Florida families and small businesses from subsidizing hyperscale data centers.

"For Florida’s Hispanic businesses in particular, the growth of data centers represents a significant economic opportunity. These projects generate increased demand for a wide range of local services, from logistics and construction to technology and professional support," said Julio Fuentes, President and CEO of the Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Chairman of the National Hispanic Energy Council.

"That means more business for Hispanic-owned companies and improved economic potential for working families. By supporting this industry, we’re opening the door to long-term, inclusive growth that benefits everyone. With the Governor’s action, Florida has all the right ingredients to become a destination for digital infrastructure. But only if we pair policy vision with timely, decisive follow-through."

May 7 2026 LAKELAND, Fla. —Today, Governor Ron DeSantis signed SB 484, which protects ratepayers, the environment, and local communities from harm caused by hyperscale data centers.“Today in Lakeland, I signed legislation to protect our citizens and communities from hyperscale data centers. Thes...

05/05/2026

Delays in energy projects can hit Hispanic families in more ways than one.

• Higher energy bills as new supply takes longer
• Slower grid upgrades during extreme weather
• Job opportunities pushed back

For families already balancing everyday costs, it all adds up.

📖 Read more to see how delays impact real household budgets.

Why Energy Permitting Reform Matters for Hispanic Families by Ashley Ward | May 5, 2026 | News Whether the news is about the delay of a power plant, pipeline, transmission line, or a carbon capture project, it does not stay a permitting story for long. It becomes a cost story. It becomes a reliabili...

04/29/2026

For many Hispanic families, every dollar counts, and energy costs are a real part of that equation.

Across New Mexico, families are balancing groceries, housing, and everyday expenses.

Reliable, affordable energy helps ease that burden—keeping homes comfortable and costs more predictable month to month.

From cooking meals at home to keeping the lights on for kids doing homework, energy plays a role in daily life and family routines.

And it all depends on dependable supply—pipelines help safely deliver the energy communities rely on every day.

Because when energy works, families have more stability, more flexibility, and more peace of mind.

➡️ Learn how New Mexico stays powered
https://youtu.be/bs-UHBTWDEw

04/22/2026

The conversations shaping Hispanic leaders’ role in our energy future happen when the right people are in the room.

That was on full display at the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 2026 Energy Summit, where the National Hispanic Energy Council showed up in a meaningful way—connecting, learning, and contributing to discussions around affordability, reliability, and growing energy demand.

CEA’s Kevin Doyle joined fellow NHEC leaders, including Board Members Ray Sandoval of Avangrid and Synthia R. Jaramillo from the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, along with Kayla Velasquez, NHEC’s External Affairs Manager, engaging with leaders across industry and policy. The group also had the opportunity to connect with Dr. Zenon Christodoulou of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities.

From main stage sessions to smaller conversations, the takeaway was clear: collaboration across sectors will be key to meeting the moment.

04/06/2026

What do rising energy costs really mean for Hispanic families in New Jersey?

On New Jersey's Energy Matters , Matthew Gonzales, Vice Chairman of the National Hispanic Energy Council, shared a reality many families are facing.

Nearly 2 million Hispanic residents in New Jersey experience a disproportionate energy burden often choosing between keeping the lights on, buying groceries, or affording medicine.

When energy costs rise, the impact shows up in everyday decisions, tighter budgets, and added stress for working families.

▶️ Watch the full episode to hear more.
https://www.onnj.com/videos/energy-matters-episode-205/

Host Jeanette Hoffman tackles the pressing issue of rising energy costs and how they affect everyday residents. Jeanette is first joined by Matthew Gonzales,

03/06/2026

As energy demand grows and AI reshapes the economy, smart energy policy matters more than ever.

Consumer Energy Alliance Vice President of State Affairs Kevin Doyle and NHEC Chairman Julio Fuentes were at the Florida Capitol this week discussing affordable energy policy and the importance of supporting America’s leadership in energy development and AI.