Avangrid CEO Pedro Azagra Honored as Clean Energy Innovation Leader in New York

Strategic vision reshapes regional energy landscape

Pedro Azagra, who took the helm as Avangrid’s Chief Executive Officer in May 2022, has been recognized as a Clean Energy Trailblazer by City & State magazine. The accolade highlights his pivotal contributions to advancing New York’s renewable energy transition through the company’s two primary utilities serving the region.

The award underscores Azagra’s track record of driving transformative change within the sustainable energy sector. His appointment followed an extensive background with Iberdrola Group, where he previously served as Chief Development Officer. During his tenure, Azagra orchestrated over 120 major transactions worth more than $120 billion, fundamentally reshaping the company’s global footprint across Europe, Latin America, and North America.

Avangrid’s footprint in New York

As a leading sustainable energy enterprise with $44 billion in assets, Avangrid operates through two core business segments. The company’s network division manages eight electric and natural gas utilities across 24 U.S. states, serving 3.3 million customers. Its renewable energy division operates generation facilities throughout the country, positioning the company at the forefront of America’s clean energy transition.

In New York specifically, Avangrid operates through New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E), both instrumental in executing the state’s clean energy agenda.

Tangible progress on the ground

The company’s commitment extends beyond corporate strategy into concrete infrastructure improvements. NYSEG and RG&E have significantly expanded electric vehicle charging infrastructure throughout their service territories. A geothermal energy project in Rochester exemplifies the utilities’ approach to heating decarbonization, while comprehensive transmission system upgrades enable nearly 2 gigawatts of renewable capacity—both existing and planned—to interconnect to New York’s Southern Tier grid.

Recent developments include the completion of a whole-home electrification initiative in Irondequoit, converting three residential properties from natural gas systems to all-electric operations.

Recognition of corporate leadership

Azagra’s educational background spans the Universidad Pontificia de Comillas and the University of Chicago, and he has maintained faculty status at his alma mater since 1998. His influence extends through board positions at Siemens Gamesa, Iberdrola Mexico, and the Neoenergia Group in Brazil.

Avangrid’s corporate citizenship has earned consistent recognition: the company appeared on JUST Capital’s JUST 100 list for four consecutive years (2021-2024), ranking first among utilities in 2024. The organization also received its sixth consecutive designation as a World’s Most Ethical Company by the Ethisphere Institute in 2024, reflecting commitment to sustainable practices alongside financial performance.

The Trailblazer award recognizes innovators advancing New York’s ambitious clean energy objectives through revolutionary technology deployment, policy advocacy, economic opportunity creation, and visionary leadership toward a decarbonized energy future.