Michael Cruz Montes
About Michael Cruz Montes
Michael Cruz Montes serves as the Lead Electric Grid Trainer at CenterPoint Energy, where he has worked since 2020. He has extensive experience in the energy sector, having held various roles at CenterPoint Energy and Reliant Energy over two decades, including positions in policy compliance and system control.
Work at CenterPoint Energy
Michael Cruz Montes has been employed at CenterPoint Energy since 2005, holding various positions over the years. He currently serves as the Lead Electric Grid Trainer, a role he has held since 2020. Prior to this, he worked as a Senior Consultant in Policy & Compliance from 2013 to 2020. His earlier roles at CenterPoint Energy include Senior System Controller from 2008 to 2011, Consultant in Policy & Compliance for a year in 2012, and Training Specialist from 2008 to 2010. He also briefly served as an Associate System Controller in 2005. Throughout his tenure, he has been involved in several key initiatives, including participation in the Black Start Working Group and the Operations Working Group.
Education and Expertise
Michael Cruz Montes studied at ITT Technical Institute, where he earned an Associate's of Applied Science in Computer Aided Drafting from 1994 to 1996. He also attended Lone Star College and pursued studies in Industrial Engineering at the University of Houston. His educational background supports his expertise in electric grid operations and compliance, particularly in the context of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) standards.
Background
Before his career in the energy sector, Michael Cruz Montes served in the United States Marine Corps from 1991 to 1997, where he held the positions of Infantry Squad Leader and Machine Gun Section Leader. His military experience contributed to his leadership skills and operational knowledge. Following his service, he worked as a GIS Technician & Digitizer at G.A.S. Unlimited from 1996 to 1998, focusing on projects for Houston Lighting & Power.
Achievements
Throughout his career, Michael Cruz Montes has participated in various significant audits and certification teams. He was a member of the Texas Reliability Entity Certification Team, auditing entities for TOP Certification in the ERCOT Region. He also contributed to the SERC Reliability Corporation Certification Team, auditing the Southwest Power Pool’s role as a Balancing Authority. Additionally, he created and conducted NERC-approved continuing education classes for CNP NERC Certified System Operators, demonstrating his commitment to professional development in the energy sector.