Hispanic Businesses Mobilize to Power America's Energy Future

SANTA FE, NM – April 17, 2026 – As the nation grapples with soaring energy demands and aging infrastructure, a formidable economic force is stepping into the spotlight. The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) is convening its 2026 Energy Summit this week, bringing together industry leaders and policymakers to forge solutions by tapping into the power of the $4.1 trillion U.S. Latino economy.

The summit, held from April 20-22 at the historic La Fonda on the Plaza, aims to address the critical issues of energy affordability, reliability, and the infrastructure required for future growth. With registration for the event already closed due to high demand, the message is clear: integrating America's fastest-growing business segment into the energy sector is no longer just an option, but a national imperative.

The $4.1 Trillion Competitive Advantage

The economic clout of the U.S. Latino community provides the foundation for the summit's ambitious goals. Recent data from the Latino Donor Collaborative reveals the U.S. Latino GDP has swelled to $4.1 trillion, an economy that, if it were a standalone country, would rank as the fifth largest in the world, surpassing nations like the United Kingdom and India. Its growth rate is equally staggering, having expanded 2.7 times faster than the non-Latino U.S. economy between 2010 and 2023.

This explosive growth makes Hispanic participation in the energy sector a critical issue of national competitiveness. "From transportation and logistics to engineering design and construction and everything in between, America's Hispanic-owned small and medium-sized businesses provide the goods and services that are essential to building, maintaining, and modernizing our energy infrastructure," said Ramiro A. Cavazos, president and CEO of USHCC, in a statement. "If engaged properly, they represent a game-changing competitive advantage for the nation's energy sector."

There are now 5.7 million majority Hispanic-owned firms in the U.S., employing 3.8 million people and generating nearly a trillion dollars in annual sales. This summit seeks to bridge the gap between this vast business capacity and the immense needs of the energy industry.

Tackling the AI Energy Paradox

A central theme of the Santa Fe gathering is the dual-edged sword of artificial intelligence. AI is dramatically reshaping the energy landscape, creating unprecedented demand while simultaneously offering powerful new tools for efficiency. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reports that electricity demand from data centers, supercharged by AI workloads, is on a blistering trajectory. Global consumption is projected to more than double by 2030, potentially accounting for 9-17% of total U.S. electricity usage within the decade.

This surge puts immense strain on the grid, with some regions already seeing AI-driven demand outpace available capacity. Yet, AI also provides the keys to managing this new reality. Summit discussions will explore how AI-powered analytics can enhance grid reliability through predictive maintenance, optimize energy storage, and improve forecasting for renewable sources like wind and solar. For utilities and business owners alike, these tools are essential for keeping the lights on and costs down as the nation electrifies everything from transportation to manufacturing.

From Contracts to Communities

For the USHCC, the summit is about translating economic potential into tangible opportunities and community benefits. Historically, Hispanic-owned businesses have been underrepresented in the energy sector, securing only 1-3% of contracts. The 2026 Energy Summit, the fifth in its series, is designed to dismantle these barriers.

Practical, action-oriented sessions are at the core of the agenda. Procurement roundtables hosted by energy giants like Shell USA, Inc. and Kairos will directly connect diverse suppliers with corporate decision-makers, aiming to facilitate the contracts that build businesses and create jobs. The focus extends across the entire energy value chain, from pragmatic decarbonization strategies in oil and gas to the modernization of the electric grid.

This focus on inclusion carries a profound impact at the local level. Research shows that in 2024, Hispanic households spent 24% more of their income on energy than the national average, making affordability a pressing kitchen-table issue. By fostering a more inclusive energy economy, the USHCC aims to not only build wealth within the Hispanic business community but also drive down costs for consumers. As Cavazos noted, putting Hispanic business leaders at the table will "facilitate contracts, create new jobs, and boost local economies in ways that improve energy affordability and reliability for all."