For more information contact:
Becca Virden
Phone: 612-321-4879
Pager: 612-538-1234

MINNEAPOLIS – June 18, 2008 – CenterPoint Energy estimates under current market conditions and assuming normal weather conditions, the average residential customer bill may increase between 35-45 percent over last year. A customer whose bill was $1,000 could rise to $1,400 annually.

“We want our customers to be prepared for higher energy costs this winter and to begin thinking about ways to make their homes more energy efficient and reduce consumption,” said David Baker, division vice president of regional operations for CenterPoint Energy.  “Natural gas continues to be the best energy value when compared to other choices for heating, such as, electricity, fuel oil or propane. The best way to manage higher prices is to take advantage of our conservation programs, weatherize your home now, and enroll in CenterPoint Energy’s bill payment programs.”

CenterPoint Energy secures ample gas supply for the upcoming heating season through a diversified portfolio based on reliability, reduced price volatility and  reasonable price to meet our customer’s needs. The Cost of Gas on a customer’s bill makes up about 70-80 percent of their gas bill.  The Cost of Gas changes monthly depending on the market prices and is passed on directly to customers with no mark-up.  By acting now, customers can reduce energy use and lower energy bills.

The best way to manage higher gas prices is to prepare now by following these tips:

• Schedule an annual tune-up by a professional to ensure that heating system and other gas appliances are operating safely and efficiently avoiding costly and inconvenient repairs.
• Schedule a low-cost energy audit to receive information about ways to reduce energy use and lower energy bills by calling CenterPoint Energy.
• Take measures now by installing weather stripping, caulking around windows and doors and seal attic spaces to save energy.
• Install a programmable thermostat to regulate the home temperature in both the summer and the winter months when energy use is at its peak.
• Join the Budget Plan program to spread energy bills throughout the year to avoid peaks and valleys.
• Visit our Web site at www.CenterPointEnergy.com for information about natural gas prices, payment options and energy-saving information
• Customers who are having trouble or anticipate difficulty paying their natural gas bills should call us now to develop a payment plan at 1-612-372-4727 or 1-800-245-2377
• If customers are interested in helping others pay their bill, they can support the Salvation Army’s HeatShare program.  Visit www.Heatshare-MN.org to make a donation.

Call CenterPoint Energy now at 1-612-372-4680 or 1-800-729-6164 to make a payment in full or make a payment arrangement, or visit the company’s Web site at www.CenterPointEnergy.com, select the Minnesota region and then click on the Payment Assistance link.

CenterPoint Energy, Inc., headquartered in Houston, Texas, is a domestic energy delivery company that includes electric transmission and distribution, natural gas distribution, competitive natural gas sales and services, interstate pipelines and field services operations. The company serves more than five million metered customers primarily in Arkansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Texas. Assets total over $17 billion. With about 8,600 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 130 years. In Minnesota, CenterPoint Energy is the state’s largest natural gas distribution utility, serving nearly 790,000 customers in 260 communities. The utility also operates a non-regulated business in Minnesota called Home Service Plus®. For more information, visit the Web site at www.CenterPointEnergy.com.