Eli Viamontes Will Lead El Paso Electric in November
The utility company will welcome a new chief executive officer to manage regional operations this fall.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in People
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El Paso Electric has appointed Eli Viamontes as its new president and chief executive officer, effective November 9, 2026. He will succeed Kelly Tomblin, who is stepping down after more than six years in the role.
Why it matters
The leadership change aims to position the company for future regional growth and address the evolving demands of the energy sector. The Board of Directors initiated this transition to ensure continuity as the utility manages its expansion efforts.
El Paso Electric operates across a 10,000-square-mile service area that includes parts of Texas and New Mexico. The incoming CEO previously managed a customer base of 538,000 in his prior role.
The players
Eli Viamontes
He is the incoming president and chief executive officer of El Paso Electric who previously led Entergy Texas.
Kelly Tomblin
She is the outgoing chief executive officer of El Paso Electric who served in the position for over six years.
El Paso Electric
It is a utility company that provides power to 465,000 customers across a 10,000-square-mile territory in Texas and New Mexico.
The details
Eli Viamontes joins the utility after previously serving as the CEO of Entergy Texas. Outgoing CEO Kelly Tomblin will remain with the company in an advisory capacity through the end of 2026 to assist with the leadership transition.
Timeline
Eli Viamontes assumes the role of CEO on November 9, 2026.
Kelly Tomblin will conclude her advisory role at the end of 2026.
Market Landscape
This transition reflects a broader shift among regional energy providers to secure experienced leadership capable of navigating grid expansion and rising service demands. The move positions the company to compete more effectively within the evolving Texas and New Mexico utility markets.
Customers in the 10,000-square-mile service area will see a change in top leadership, though no immediate alterations to billing or service have been announced. The transition is designed to provide organizational stability for residents throughout the region.
The takeaway
Leadership changes at major utility providers often signal shifts in long-term infrastructure investment and operational priorities. Residents and stakeholders should monitor upcoming shareholder communications for specific updates on the company's future energy strategy.
Further reading
Learn more about local industry changes in the People section.
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