Champions of Utility Design: Brooke Montross, CenterPoint Energy

Welcome to our blog and interview series, Champions of Utility Design, where we spotlight industry leaders who are making significant contributions to the utility industry. Today, I had the pleasure of interviewing Brooke Montross from CenterPoint Energy. Brooke brings a strong customer-first mindset and hands-on service consulting experience, offering thoughtful insights into collaboration, project management, and the evolving expectations shaping utility design.

About Brooke

Q1: Tell us a little about yourself outside of the utility industry.
Brooke: I enjoy reading and painting in my free time. Those creative outlets are very calming for me and help me reset outside of work. I think having that creative balance actually helps when it comes to design. It allows me to approach problems from a different perspective.

Q2: Can you tell us about your role at CenterPoint Energy and how you got into the utility industry?
Brooke: I am a Service Consultant at CenterPoint Energy. My path into the industry was heavily influenced by my family. Utilities have been part of my life for generations. My grandfather worked in power plant generation, my father was in transmission logistics, and my mother worked in administrative roles as well as on the SAP and DDS side.

Challenges and Advice

Q3: What does a typical day look like for you at work?
Brooke: No two days are the same. There is always a mix of routine work such as emails, tasks, and project updates, but new issues can pop up at any time and completely shape your day. There is a sense of urgency with almost everything we do, but it is also very rewarding to be able to help different teams and keep projects moving forward.

Q4: Who has been the most influential person in your career journey so far?
Brooke: My parents have been incredibly influential. They both spent over 35 years at CenterPoint and recently retired, so they bring a lot of experience and perspective. I still rely on them for honest feedback and guidance, and they have helped me grow both personally and professionally.

Projects and Customer Impact

Q5: How would you describe your role and responsibilities at CenterPoint?
Brooke: A big part of my role is project management, but the customer is always the priority. I treat every project like it is personal, whether it is someone building their first home or opening a new business. I see myself as an advocate for their goals. Meeting customers in the field is very important to me. Seeing the site in person before starting the design makes a huge difference in creating something that is practical and cost effective.

Q6: What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Brooke: The customers, without a doubt. Being part of their journey from start to finish is incredibly rewarding. Whether it is a first time homeowner or a small business owner, seeing them achieve what they have been working toward makes the challenges worth it. You cannot lose sight of how critical your role is in helping make that happen.

Q7: Can you share a project you are particularly proud of?
Brooke: I am proud of all my projects because each one comes with its own challenges. One moment that really stuck with me was over Christmas break when a customer texted me a selfie of herself and her daughter after their project was completed. Coordinating with neighbors, the city, and different teams can be challenging, but seeing everything come together in the field and knowing how excited the customer is makes it incredibly fulfilling.

Skills, Innovation, and the Future

Q8: What skills are most important for success in your role?
Brooke: Communication and organization are key. With so many stakeholders, projects, and moving parts, you have to be comfortable communicating clearly and staying organized. Everyone works a little differently, so tracking, sharing ideas, and learning from coworkers is essential to keeping things on track.

Q9: How are customer expectations changing, and what does that mean for utilities?
Brooke: Customer expectations are always evolving. We live in a world where people expect things instantly, and utilities are no different. Customers do not want disruptions or long wait times. While timelines can be challenging, it is important for utilities to be proactive, make necessary upgrades, and bring in people who can help elevate the work and meet those expectations.

Q10: What is one bold prediction you have for the utility industry in 2030?
Brooke: I think utility design will become much more AI assisted. Tools like DDS will continue to advance, helping designers evaluate options more efficiently and respond faster when issues arise. AI will not replace designers, but it will help guide decisions, improve efficiency, and provide insight that supports better designs overall.

Stay tuned for more insightful interviews in our “Champions of Utility Design” series! You can also watch the full interview with Brooke Montross: Full Interview with Brooke

Author: Jack Reeves, Marketing Coordinator