Orion Energy Partners LP, a private equity firm, said on April 17 it has opened its office in Houston, Texas.

Orion Energy has been very active in the Gulf Coast over the last two years, having partnered with five companies headquartered in the region. The new office will augment the firm’s origination and execution of new investment opportunities while better serving its current portfolio company partners in the area.

Ethan Shoemaker, a managing director and investment principal who has been with Orion Energy since its inception in 2015, will lead the new office including overseeing its growth and operations.

“This office provides us with the local presence to identify and deploy capital into energy infrastructure businesses and to continue to build an industry-leading investment team based in Houston,” Shoemaker said. “Over the past eighteen months, Orion Energy has committed nearly $500 million to companies with operations or management in the greater Houston and Gulf Coast area, and we expect that trend to accelerate in the years ahead.”

Orion Energy is focused on partnering with North American and select international middle market energy companies seeking to drive long-term success through creative credit investments.