CenterPoint Energy and Vectren merger receives final order from the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission
Pending merger on target to close in the first quarter of 2019
2019-06-14T05:00:00Z

HOUSTON and EVANSVILLE, Ind., Jan. 16, 2019 - CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) and Vectren Corporation (NYSE: VVC) today announced that they have received a final order from the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC). The order concludes the IURC's proceeding on the pending merger. Subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the remaining order with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO), the merger is expected to close in the first quarter of 2019.

"We appreciate the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission's thorough review of our pending merger," said CenterPoint Energy President and Chief Executive Officer Scott M. Prochazka. "The final order marks a key milestone in creating a combined company that will be well positioned to meet our customers' energy delivery needs through a combination of traditional and innovative solutions."

Under a merger agreement announced in April 2018, the combined company, which will be named CenterPoint Energy and headquartered in Houston, is expected to have regulated electric and natural gas utility businesses in eight states that serve more than 7 million metered customers and a competitive energy businesses footprint in nearly 40 states. The combined company will also have approximately 14,000 employees with assets totaling approximately $29 billion and an enterprise value of $27 billion.

The IURC's final order satisfies one of the two remaining conditions for the closing of the transaction. The pending merger has already received Vectren shareholder approval and approvals from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and Federal Communications Commission. It has also cleared the Hart-Scott-Rodino waiting period. The remaining condition is the issuance of an order by the PUCO in response to the companies' joint informational filing with respect to the merger.

About CenterPoint Energy
CenterPoint Energy, Inc., headquartered in Houston, Texas, is a domestic energy delivery company that includes electric transmission & distribution, natural gas distribution and energy services operations. The company serves more than five million metered customers primarily in Arkansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Texas. The company also owns 54.0 percent of the common units representing limited partner interests in Enable Midstream Partners, a publicly traded master limited partnership it jointly controls with OGE Energy Corp. Enable Midstream Partners owns, operates and develops natural gas and crude oil infrastructure assets. With more than 8,000 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, go to www.CenterPointEnergy.com.

About Vectren Corporation

Vectren Corporation is an energy holding company headquartered in Evansville, Ind. Vectren's energy delivery subsidiaries provide gas and/or electricity to more than 1 million customers in adjoining service territories that cover nearly two-thirds of Indiana and about 20 percent of Ohio, primarily in the west central area. Vectren's nonutility subsidiaries and affiliates currently offer energy-related products and services to customers throughout the U.S. These include infrastructure services and energy services. To learn more about Vectren, visit www.vectren.com.

Forward-Looking Statement

The statements in this press release contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release are forward-looking statements made in good faith by us and are intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  When used in this press release, the words "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "goal," "intend," "may," "objective," "plan," "potential," "predict," "projection," "should," "target," "will" or other similar words are intended to identify forward-looking statements.  Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to: (1) CenterPoint Energy's proposed acquisition of Vectren, (2) regulatory approval, (3) the completion of the proposed transactions, (4) benefits of the proposed transactions, (5) the expected timing of completion of the transactions and (6) anticipated future financial information.  

Risks Related to the Merger

Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the provided forward-looking information include risks and uncertainties relating to:

(1) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the proposed transactions or could otherwise cause the failure of the proposed transactions to close, (2) the risk that a condition to the closing of the proposed transactions or the committed financing may not be satisfied, (3) the outcome of any legal proceedings, regulatory proceedings or enforcement matters that may be instituted relating to the proposed transactions, (4) the receipt of an unsolicited offer from another party to acquire assets or capital stock of Vectren that could interfere with the proposed transactions, (5) the timing to consummate the proposed transactions, (6) the costs incurred to consummate the proposed transactions, (7) the possibility that the expected cost savings, synergies or other value creation from the proposed transactions will not be realized, or will not be realized within the expected time period, (8) the risk that the companies may not realize fair values from properties that may be required to be sold in connection with the merger, (9) the credit ratings of the companies following the proposed transactions, (10) disruption from the proposed transactions making it more difficult to maintain relationships with customers, employees, regulators or suppliers and (11) the diversion of management time and attention on the proposed transactions.

Risks Related to CenterPoint Energy

Important factors related to CenterPoint Energy, its affiliates, and its and their operations that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the provided forward-looking information include risks and uncertainties relating to: (1) the performance of Enable Midstream Partners, LP (Enable), the amount of cash distributions CenterPoint Energy receives from Enable, Enable's ability to redeem the Series A Preferred Units in certain circumstances and the value of CenterPoint Energy's interest in Enable, and factors that may have a material impact on such performance, cash distributions and value, including factors such as: (A) competitive conditions in the midstream industry, and actions taken by Enable's customers and competitors, including the extent and timing of the entry of additional competition in the markets served by Enable; (B) the timing and extent of changes in the supply of natural gas and associated commodity prices, particularly prices of natural gas and natural gas liquids (NGLs), the competitive effects of the available pipeline capacity in the regions served by Enable, and the effects of geographic and seasonal commodity price differentials, including the effects of these circumstances on re-contracting available capacity on Enable's interstate pipelines; (C) the demand for crude oil, natural gas, NGLs and transportation and storage services; (D) environmental and other governmental regulations, including the availability of drilling permits and the regulation of hydraulic fracturing; (E) recording of non-cash goodwill, long-lived asset or other than temporary impairment charges by or related to Enable; (F) changes in tax status; (G) access to debt and equity capital; and (H) the availability and prices of raw materials and services for current and future construction projects; (2) industrial, commercial and residential growth in CenterPoint Energy's service territories and changes in market demand, including the effects of energy efficiency measures and demographic patterns; (3) timely and appropriate rate actions that allow recovery of costs and a reasonable return on investment; (4) future economic conditions in regional and national markets and their effect on sales, prices and costs; (5) weather variations and other natural phenomena, including the impact of severe weather events on operations and capital; (6) state and federal legislative and regulatory actions or developments affecting various aspects of CenterPoint Energy's and Enable's businesses, including, among others, energy deregulation or re-regulation, pipeline integrity and safety and changes in regulation and legislation pertaining to trade, health care, finance and actions regarding the rates charged by our regulated businesses; (7) tax reform and legislation, including the effects of the comprehensive tax reform legislation informally referred to as the TCJA and uncertainties involving state commissions' and local municipalities' regulatory requirements and determinations regarding the treatment of excess deferred taxes and CenterPoint Energy's rates; (8) CenterPoint Energy's ability to mitigate weather impacts through normalization or rate mechanisms, and the effectiveness of such mechanisms; (9) the timing and extent of changes in commodity prices, particularly natural gas, and the effects of geographic and seasonal commodity price differentials; (10) problems with regulatory approval, construction, implementation of necessary technology or other issues with respect to major capital projects that result in delays or in cost overruns that cannot be recouped in rates; (11) local, state and federal legislative and regulatory actions or developments relating to the environment, including those related to global climate change; (12) the impact of unplanned facility outages; (13) any direct or indirect effects on CenterPoint Energy's facilities, operations and financial condition resulting from terrorism, cyber-attacks, data security breaches or other attempts to disrupt CenterPoint Energy's businesses or the businesses of third parties, or other catastrophic events such as fires, earthquakes, explosions, leaks, floods, droughts, hurricanes, pandemic health events or other occurrences; (14) CenterPoint Energy's ability to invest planned capital and the timely recovery of CenterPoint Energy's investment in capital; (15) CenterPoint Energy's ability to control operation and maintenance costs; (16) actions by credit rating agencies; (17) the sufficiency of CenterPoint Energy's insurance coverage, including availability, cost, coverage and terms; (18) the investment performance of CenterPoint Energy's pension and postretirement benefit plans; (19) commercial bank and financial market conditions, CenterPoint Energy's access to capital, the cost of such capital, and the results of CenterPoint Energy's financing and refinancing efforts, including availability of funds in the debt capital markets; (20) changes in interest rates and their impact on CenterPoint Energy's costs of borrowing and the valuation of its pension benefit obligation; (21) changes in rates of inflation; (22) inability of various counterparties to meet their obligations to CenterPoint Energy; (23) non-payment for CenterPoint Energy's services due to financial distress of its customers; (24) the extent and effectiveness of CenterPoint Energy's risk management and hedging activities, including, but not limited to, its financial and weather hedges; (25) timely and appropriate regulatory actions allowing securitization for any future hurricanes or natural disasters or other recovery of costs, including costs associated with Hurricane Harvey; (26) CenterPoint Energy's or Enable's potential business strategies and strategic initiatives, including restructurings, joint ventures and acquisitions or dispositions of assets or businesses (including a reduction of CenterPoint Energy's interests in Enable, whether through its decision to sell all or a portion of the Enable common units it owns in the public equity markets or otherwise, subject to certain limitations), which CenterPoint Energy cannot assure will be completed or will have the anticipated benefits to it or Enable; (27) acquisition and merger activities involving CenterPoint Energy or its competitors; (28) CenterPoint Energy's or Enable's ability to recruit, effectively transition and retain management and key employees and maintain good labor relations; (29) the ability of GenOn Energy, Inc. (formerly known as RRI Energy, Inc., Reliant Energy and RRI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of NRG Energy, Inc. (NRG), and its subsidiaries, which completed its reorganization and emerged from Chapter 11 in December 2018, to satisfy their obligations to CenterPoint Energy, including indemnity obligations; (30) the outcome of litigation; (31) the ability of retail electric providers (REPs), including REP affiliates of NRG and Vistra Energy Corp., formerly known as TCEH Corp., to satisfy their obligations to CenterPoint Energy and its subsidiaries; (32) changes in technology, particularly with respect to efficient battery storage or the emergence or growth of new, developing or alternative sources of generation; (33) the timing and outcome of any audits, disputes and other proceedings related to taxes; (34) the effective tax rates; and (35) the effect of changes in and application of accounting standards and pronouncements.

Risks Related to Vectren

Important factors related to Vectren, its affiliates, and its and their operations that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the provided forward-looking information include risks and uncertainties relating to:

(1) factors affecting utility operations such as unfavorable or unusual weather conditions; catastrophic weather-related damage; unusual maintenance or repairs; unanticipated changes to coal and natural gas costs; unanticipated changes to gas transportation and storage costs, or availability due to higher demand, shortages, transportation problems or other developments; environmental or pipeline incidents; transmission or distribution incidents; unanticipated changes to electric energy supply costs, or availability due to demand, shortages, transmission problems or other developments; or electric transmission or gas pipeline system constraints, (2) new or proposed legislation, litigation and government regulation or other actions, such as changes in, rescission of or additions to tax laws or rates, pipeline safety regulation and environmental laws and regulations, including laws governing air emissions, carbon, waste water discharges and the handling and disposal of coal combustion residuals that could impact the continued operation, and/or cost recovery of generation plant costs and related assets; compliance with respect to these regulations could substantially change the operation and nature of Vectren's utility operations, (3) catastrophic events such as fires, earthquakes, explosions, floods, ice storms, tornadoes, terrorist acts, physical attacks, cyber attacks, or other similar occurrences could adversely affect Vectren's facilities, operations, financial condition, results of operations, and reputation, (4) approval and timely recovery of new capital investments related to the electric generation transition plan, including timely approval to build and own generation, ability to meet capacity requirements, ability to procure resources needed to build new generation at a reasonable cost, ability to appropriately estimate costs of new generation, the effects of construction delays and cost overruns, ability to fully recover the investments made in retiring portions of the current generation fleet, scarcity of resources and labor, and workforce retention, development and training, (5) increased competition in the energy industry, including the effects of industry restructuring, unbundling, and other sources of energy, (6) regulatory factors such as uncertainty surrounding the composition of state regulatory commissions, adverse regulatory changes, unanticipated changes in rate-setting policies or procedures, recovery of investments and costs made under regulation, interpretation of regulatory-related legislation by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission and/or Public Utilities Commission of Ohio and appellate courts that review decisions issued by the agencies, and the frequency and timing of rate increases, (7) financial, regulatory or accounting principles or policies imposed by the Financial Accounting Standards Board; the SEC; the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission; state public utility commissions; state entities which regulate electric and natural gas transmission and distribution, natural gas gathering and processing, electric power supply; and similar entities with regulatory oversight, (8) economic conditions including the effects of inflation, commodity prices, and monetary fluctuations, (9) economic conditions, including increased potential for lower levels of economic activity; uncertainty regarding energy prices and the capital and commodity markets; volatile changes in the demand for natural gas, electricity, and other nonutility products and services; economic impacts of changes in business strategy on both gas and electric large customers; lower residential and commercial customer counts; variance from normal population growth and changes in customer mix; higher operating expenses; and reductions in the value of investments, (10) volatile natural gas and coal commodity prices and the potential impact on customer consumption, uncollectible accounts expense, unaccounted for gas and interest expense, (11) volatile oil prices and the potential impact on customer consumption and price of other fuel commodities, (12) direct or indirect effects on Vectren's business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations resulting from changes in credit ratings, changes in interest rates, and/or changes in market perceptions of the utility industry and other energy-related industries, (13) the performance of projects undertaken by Vectren's nonutility businesses and the success of efforts to realize value from, invest in and develop new opportunities, including but not limited to, Vectren Infrastructure Services Company, Vectren Energy Services Company, and remaining ProLiance Holdings, LLC assets, (14) factors affecting Infrastructure Services, including the level of success in bidding contracts; fluctuations in volume and mix of contracted work; mix of projects received under blanket contracts; unanticipated cost increases in completion of the contracted work; funding requirements associated with multiemployer pension and benefit plans; changes in legislation and regulations impacting the industries in which the customers served operate; the effects of weather; failure to properly estimate the cost to construct projects; the ability to attract and retain qualified employees in a fast growing market where skills are critical; cancellation and/or reductions in the scope of projects by customers; credit worthiness of customers; ability to obtain materials and equipment required to perform services; and changing market conditions, including changes in the market prices of oil and natural gas that would affect the demand for infrastructure construction, (15) factors affecting Energy Services, including unanticipated cost increases in completion of the contracted work; changes in legislation and regulations impacting the industries in which the customers served operate; changes in economic influences impacting customers served; failure to properly estimate the cost to construct projects; risks associated with projects owned or operated; failure to appropriately design, construct, or operate projects; the ability to attract and retain qualified employees; cancellation and/or reductions in the scope of projects by customers; changes in the timing of being awarded projects; credit worthiness of customers; lower energy prices negatively impacting the economics of performance contracting business; and changing market conditions, (16) employee or contractor workforce factors including changes in key executives, collective bargaining agreements with union employees, aging workforce issues, work stoppages, or pandemic illness, (17) risks associated with material business transactions such as acquisitions and divestitures, including, without limitation, legal and regulatory delays; the related time and costs of implementing such transactions; integrating operations as part of these transactions; and possible failures to achieve expected gains, revenue growth and/or expense savings from such transactions, and (18) costs, fines, penalties and other effects of legal and administrative proceedings, settlements, investigations, claims, including, but not limited to, such matters involving compliance with federal and state laws and interpretations of these laws.

The foregoing list of factors is not all-inclusive because it is not possible to predict all factors, and any and all differences between the  risk factors under the headings "Risks Related to CenterPoint Energy" or "Risks Related to Vectren," except where context dictates otherwise, are not intended to be, and should not be read as, a representation, warranty, statement, affirmation or acknowledgement of any kind by CenterPoint Energy, Vectren or their respective affiliates that  any risk factors present under one heading, but absent under the other, are not potential risk factors for CenterPoint Energy or Vectren, or their respective affiliates, as applicable. Furthermore, it may not be possible to assess the impact of any such factor on CenterPoint Energy's or Vectren's respective businesses or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement.  Additional risks and uncertainties will be discussed in other materials that CenterPoint Energy and Vectren will file with the SEC in connection with the proposed transactions. Other risk factors are detailed from time to time in CenterPoint Energy's and Vectren's annual reports on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC, but any specific factors that may be provided should not be construed as exhaustive.  Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of the particular statement. While we believe these forward-looking statements to be reasonable, there can be no assurance that they will approximate actual experience or that the expectations derived from them will be realized. Further, we undertake no obligation to update or revise any of our forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For more information contact
CenterPoint Energy
Media: Leticia Lowe 713.207.7702
Investors: David Mordy 713.207.6500

Vectren Corporation
Media: Natalie Hedde 812.491.5105
Investors: Dave Parker 812.491.4135

 

SOURCE CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

 Recent News

 

 
June Storms Update: CenterPoint Energy actively monitoring weather today and tomorrow for potential of localized flooding and continues responding to impacts from back-to-back thunderstorms in the Greater Houston area
HOUSTON — June 12, 2025 — Following severe thunderstorms across the Greater Houston area Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning, CenterPoint Energy has maintained additional crews and temporarily paused the company's proactive, planned resiliency upgrades to focus on responding to electric outages and potential natural gas emergencies.   

At the peak of Wednesday afternoon's storms, approximately 21,000 customers experienced an outage due to the severe weather. All customers who were able to safely receive power were restored within 12 hours of the storms moving through the Greater Houston area, before another round of severe weather began on Thursday morning.

At today's peak, approximately 18,000 customers were without power. Crews have worked to restore more than 85% of impacted customers within ten hours, and fewer than 2,500 customers remain without power as of 3:30 p.m. 99.6% of CenterPoint's customers did not experience power interruptions during these storms, which included widespread lightning, strong winds with gusts of 40-45 mph across parts of Brazoria and Galveston, and torrential rains with parts of Baytown and Crosby recording four inches of rainfall.

“Additional rounds of thunderstorms are forecast across the Greater Houston area tomorrow and into this evening, but today's storms are likely to be the most severe we experience this week. We continue to diligently monitor the weather's impact to our system and the potential for flooding conditions to develop across the Greater Houston area, and we will be ready to respond for our customers and communities. We urge customers to stay weather aware and make sure that if you see any damaged trees or downed power lines, stay at least 35 feet away and report damage to CenterPoint," said Matt Lanza, CenterPoint's Meteorology Manager and Emergency Preparedness and Response team member.
 
Flood safety tips

  • Avoid standing water, as it can hide chemicals that could make you sick, electrical hazards from downed powerlines and sharp debris. 
  • Do not attempt to cross flowing streams, whether by vehicle or by foot. It is easy to underestimate the strength of the water's flow. 
  • Never drive through flooded roadways. If your vehicle stalls, leave it immediately and move to higher ground. Be especially careful at night, when it is more difficult to recognize flood dangers. 
  • Stay away from downed powerlines. Flood waters may put you closer to power lines that are typically much higher above you in dry conditions; stay alert and look out for overhead hazards.  
  • Be aware that submerged outlets or electrical cords may energize standing water. Do not enter a flooded area until it has been determined safe to do so. 
  • Do not touch a breaker or replace a fuse with wet hands or while standing on a wet surface.
  • If your home experiences flooding, keep the power off until a licensed electrician has inspected your system and has deemed it safe.
  • If you smell natural gas leave immediately on foot, do not use electric switches, cell phones, start a car or do anything that could cause a spark. Go to a safe location and call 911 and CenterPoint Energy.
  • Floodwater may shift your gas equipment or appliances, causing stress to the natural gas piping, which could result in a natural gas leak.
  • If water levels were high enough to cover the gas meter, contact us to have your meter checked for safety before using your gas system. Once your appliances are safe to operate, we will turn your gas service back on. 

 
For more information and real-time updates, follow us on social media at X and visit our Outage Tracker.  

We encourage customers to enroll in Power Alert Service® to receive outage details, estimated restoration times, as available or determined, and customer-specific restoration updates sent directly via email, text or phone call. To sign up, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/PowerAlertService.  
​

About CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is a multi-state electric and natural gas delivery company serving approximately 7 million metered customers across Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, and Texas. The company is headquartered in Houston and is the only Texas-domiciled investor-owned utility. As of March 31, 2025, the company had approximately $44 billion in assets. With approximately 8,300 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been serving customers for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com. ​

CenterPoint Energy continues its resiliency efforts across the 12-county region through its Foundation’s Community Generator Donation Program; Donates trailer generator to the Liberty County Office of Emergency Management

​HOUSTON — June 6, 2025 — Yesterday, at an event in Liberty, Texas, CenterPoint Energy leaders joined local elected officials and community leaders to announce the donation of a trailer generator to the Liberty County Office of Emergency Management as part of the company's Community Generator Donation Program to support local community resiliency. Through this program, the CenterPoint Energy Foundation is donating funds for more than 20 backup generators at key locations throughout its 12-county Greater Houston region, with at least one generator or other support provided for each county.  

The company worked in close collaboration with local Offices of Emergency Management (OEMs) and other county and city leaders to identify the appropriate locations for the donated generators to be able to have the greatest impact and local benefit. 

The Community Generator Donation Program is part of CenterPoint's Greater Houston Resiliency Initiative (GHRI). The backup generators will help provide support for critical community partners during major weather events or other emergencies and will be funded through a $5 million grant from the CenterPoint Energy Foundation at no cost to customers. The CenterPoint Energy Foundation is a charitable giving organization focused on strengthening the quality of life in the communities served by the company. The foundation is funded by shareholders and has no impact on customer rates. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/Foundation. 

“We are committed to improving resiliency in our local communities and working closely with our community partners to achieve this important goal. Today, we are donating backup generation to support our partners in Liberty County. The donated generators are each capable of powering an entire large building and will help make the communities we are proud to serve even more resilient during major storms and other emergency events," said Alicia Dixon, CenterPoint's Director of Community Relations. 

These backup generators will provide an additional power supply during major storms and other emergency events that cause outages. Facilities that receive the donated backup generators will be able to better serve their communities during outages, acting as hubs for essential services like medical care, cooling stations, water and food distribution, charging stations for critical devices and other services.  

Working with Community Partners on Locations 
To support local community needs, CenterPoint worked closely with county and city officials and OEMs to identify and select the ideal locations for the donated generators, with local officials ultimately deciding which critical facilities will receive the donations. 

CenterPoint will continue coordinating with local community partners to ensure the backup generators are suitable to meet the specific needs of the critical facilities they have identified.  

 

PHOTO: From L to R: Shelton Mitchell, CenterPoint Service Area Director for Baytown and South Houston; Carlton Porter, CenterPoint Service Area Manager for Baytown; Paul Lock, CenterPoint Director of Local Government Affairs; Jay Knight, Liberty County Judge; Antwyne “AJ" Johnson, Liberty County Emergency Management Coordinator; Alicia Dixon, CenterPoint Director of Community Relations; Madison Gonzalez, Liberty County Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator; William “Billy" Knox, Liberty County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy; Robert “Bobby" Rader, Liberty County Sheriff

More photos: CNP Digital Asset Mgmt 
 
About CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is a multi-state electric and natural gas delivery company serving approximately 7 million metered customers across Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, and Texas. The company is headquartered in Houston and is the only Texas-domiciled investor-owned utility. As of March 31, 2025, the company had approximately $44 billion in assets. With approximately 8,300 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been serving customers for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.

Forward-looking statements
This news release, as well as the website pages related to the GHRI, includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this news release or the website pages related to the GHRI, the words "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "goal," "intend," "may," "objective," "plan," "potential," "predict," "projection," "should," "target," "will" or other similar words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements, which include statements regarding the GHRI and longer-term resiliency plans, including effectiveness, timing and related matters, are based upon assumptions of management which are believed to be reasonable at the time made and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual events and results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Any statements in this news release or the website pages related to the GHRI regarding future events that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement contained in this news release or the website pages related to the GHRI speaks only as of the date of this release or the date that such statement is made, as applicable. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the provided forward-looking information include risks and uncertainties relating to: (1) business strategies and strategic initiatives, restructurings, joint ventures, acquisitions or dispositions of assets or businesses involving CenterPoint Energy or its industry; (2) CenterPoint Energy's ability to fund and invest planned capital, and the timely recovery of its investments; (3) financial market and general economic conditions; (4) the timing and impact of future regulatory, legislative and political actions or developments; and (5) other factors, risks and uncertainties discussed in CenterPoint Energy's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 and other reports CenterPoint Energy or its subsidiaries may file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
​

CenterPoint Energy continues its resiliency efforts across the 12-county region through its Foundation’s Community Generator Donation Program; Donates backup generator to the Richard and Meg Weekley Community Center

​HOUSTON — June 6, 2025 — Yesterday, at an announcement in Cypress, Texas with elected officials and community leaders, CenterPoint Energy leaders announced the donation of a backup generator to the Richard and Meg Weekley Community Center as part of its Community Generator Donation Program to support local community resiliency. Through this program, the CenterPoint Energy Foundation is donating funds for more than 20 backup generators at key locations throughout its 12-county Greater Houston region, with at least one generator or other support provided for each county.  

The company worked in close collaboration with local Offices of Emergency Management (OEMs) and other county and city leaders to identify the appropriate locations for the donated generators to be able to have the greatest impact and local benefit. 

The Community Generator Donation Program is part of CenterPoint's Greater Houston Resiliency Initiative (GHRI). The backup generators will help provide support for critical community partners during major weather events or other emergencies and will be funded through a $5 million grant from the CenterPoint Energy Foundation at no cost to customers. The CenterPoint Energy Foundation is a charitable giving organization focused on strengthening the quality of life in the communities served by the company. The foundation is funded by shareholders and has no impact on customer rates. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/Foundation. 

“We are committed to improving resiliency in our local communities and working closely with our community partners to achieve this important goal. Today, we are donating backup generation to support our partners here in Harris County Precinct 4. These donated generators are each capable of powering an entire large building and will help make the communities we are proud to serve even more resilient during major storms and other emergency events," said Jason Ryan, CenterPoint's Executive Vice President of Regulatory Services at Government Affairs.

The backup generators will provide an additional power supply during major storms and other emergency events that cause outages. Facilities that receive the donated backup generators will be able to better serve their communities during outages, acting as hubs for essential services like medical care, cooling stations, water and food distribution, charging stations for critical devices and other services.  

Working with Community Partners on Locations 
To support local community needs, CenterPoint worked closely with county and city officials and OEMs to identify and select the ideal locations for the donated generators, with local officials ultimately deciding which critical facilities will receive the donations. 

“Hurricane season is here, and in Harris County we know it's not a matter of if the next big storm will hit, but when. My Precinct 4 team and I work year-round to ensure we can deliver resources effectively and efficiently in the aftermath of disaster. This new backup generator at Weekley Community Center will significantly enhance our extreme weather resilience. Thanks to the power of partners like CenterPoint, we stand ready to serve our community before, during, and after any storm," said Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones.

CenterPoint will continue coordinating with local community partners to ensure the backup generators are suitable to meet the specific needs of the critical facilities they have identified.  

 

PHOTO: From L to R: Michelle Hundley, CenterPoint Local Government Relations Manager; Jason Ryan, CenterPoint Executive Vice President of Regulatory Services at Government Affairs; Lesley Briones, Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner; Johnnie Johnson, CenterPoint Service Area Director for Cypress and Katy; Jeffery Ledet, CenterPoint Service Area Manager for Cypress
 
More photos: CNP Digital Asset Mgmt 
 
About CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is a multi-state electric and natural gas delivery company serving approximately 7 million metered customers across Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, and Texas. The company is headquartered in Houston and is the only Texas-domiciled investor-owned utility. As of March 31, 2025, the company had approximately $44 billion in assets. With approximately 8,300 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been serving customers for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.

Forward-looking statements
This news release, as well as the website pages related to the GHRI, includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this news release or the website pages related to the GHRI, the words "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "goal," "intend," "may," "objective," "plan," "potential," "predict," "projection," "should," "target," "will" or other similar words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements, which include statements regarding the GHRI and longer-term resiliency plans, including effectiveness, timing and related matters, are based upon assumptions of management which are believed to be reasonable at the time made and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual events and results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Any statements in this news release or the website pages related to the GHRI regarding future events that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement contained in this news release or the website pages related to the GHRI speaks only as of the date of this release or the date that such statement is made, as applicable. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the provided forward-looking information include risks and uncertainties relating to: (1) business strategies and strategic initiatives, restructurings, joint ventures, acquisitions or dispositions of assets or businesses involving CenterPoint Energy or its industry; (2) CenterPoint Energy's ability to fund and invest planned capital, and the timely recovery of its investments; (3) financial market and general economic conditions; (4) the timing and impact of future regulatory, legislative and political actions or developments; and (5) other factors, risks and uncertainties discussed in CenterPoint Energy's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 and other reports CenterPoint Energy or its subsidiaries may file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.​


CenterPoint Energy reminds customers, contractors and community members to dial 811 before digging or starting outdoor projects
​​HOUSTON – June 5, 2025 – CenterPoint Energy is reminding everyone to contact 811 before starting any outdoor digging project. Anyone planning to dig — including gardening, building or repairing a fence, planting trees, installing a deck, placing a mailbox or laying a patio — should contact 811 at least three business days (excluding weekends and holidays) before starting their project. 811 is a free service that community members can use to have utility lines located and marked.

According to the Common Ground Alliance, a member-driven association of nearly 3,800 damage prevention professionals in the underground utility industry, utility lines are damaged every few minutes because digging occurred prior to contacting 811. In 2024 alone, CenterPoint experienced more than 3,100 natural gas line damages within its service territory because 811 was not contacted before digging.

“As temperatures continue to warm up, our customers and community members are working on more outdoor projects around their homes. While they take advantage of the warmer temperatures, we want to remind everyone of the importance of having utilities located and marked prior to digging. By contacting 811, everyone takes a critical first step in helping keep themselves, their loved ones and communities safe," said Al Payton, CenterPoint's Vice President of Safety and Technical Training. “No matter how shallow or minor a project, everyone can help prevent safety incidents and loss of utility service for their communities by contacting 811 to have underground utility lines located and marked."

Safe digging practices are required by state laws and help prevent damage to underground natural gas, electric, communications, water and sewer lines. Utility lines can be buried as shallow as inches below the surface. Digging without knowing the approximate location of underground utilities can result in serious injury, including death, as well as service disruptions, fines and costly repairs.

Safe digging steps
To prevent damage and stay safe, CenterPoint urges everyone to follow these steps before any digging project:

  • Plan ahead! Contact 811 at least three business days before starting work.
  • Make the request early in the week for weekend projects.
  • Confirm all utility lines are marked before beginning work.
  • Adjust plans if needed. Relocate projects that are too close to marked utility lines.
  • If using a contractor, verify they have contacted 811 before their work.

Smell natural gas? Act fast
If a natural gas line is struck outside of a home or business, customers are reminded to:

  • Leave the area immediately on foot. Do not attempt to restart or move powered equipment or use your mobile device or any other item that could cause a spark.
  • Go to a safe location, then call 911 and CenterPoint.
  • Remain in a safe area until directed by emergency personnel to do otherwise.
  • Don't try to repair a natural gas leak. Leave all repairs to a trained technician.

Visit 811BeforeYouDig.com to learn more about the process to have underground utility lines located and marked. For more information about natural gas safety, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/Safety.  

About CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is a multi-state electric and natural gas delivery company serving approximately 7 million metered customers across Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, and Texas. The company is headquartered in Houston and is the only Texas-domiciled investor-owned utility. As of March 31, 2025, the company had approximately $44 billion in assets. With approximately 8,300 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been serving customers for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.​

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CenterPoint Energy continues its resiliency efforts across the 12-county region through its Foundation’s Community Generator Donation Program; Donates trailer generator to the Chambers County Office of Emergency Management

HOUSTON — June 4, 2025 — Yesterday, during the 2025 Chambers County Hurricane Workshop, CenterPoint Energy leaders joined local elected officials and community leaders to announce the donation of a trailer generator to the Chambers County Office of Emergency Management as part of the company's Community Generator Donation Program to support local community resiliency. Through this program, the CenterPoint Energy Foundation is donating funds for more than 20 backup generators at key locations throughout its 12-county Greater Houston region. It is expected that there will be at least one generator or other support for each county.

The company worked in close collaboration with local Offices of Emergency Management (OEMs) and other county and city leaders to identify the appropriate locations for the donated generators to be able to have the greatest impact and local benefit. 

The Community Generator Donation Program is part of CenterPoint's Greater Houston Resiliency Initiative (GHRI). The backup generators will help provide support for critical community partners during major weather events or other emergencies and will be funded through a $5 million grant from the CenterPoint Energy Foundation at no cost to customers. The CenterPoint Energy Foundation is a charitable giving organization focused on strengthening the quality of life in the communities served by the company. The foundation is funded by shareholders and has no impact on customer rates. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/Foundation. 

“We are committed to improving resiliency in our local communities and working closely with our community partners to achieve this important goal. Today, we are donating backup generation to support our partners in Chambers County. These donated generators are each capable of powering an entire large building and will help make the communities we are proud to serve even more resilient during major storms and other emergency events," said Alicia Dixon, CenterPoint's Director of Community Relations. 

These backup generators will provide an additional power supply during major storms and other emergency events that cause outages. Facilities that receive the donated backup generators will be able to better serve their communities during outages, acting as hubs for essential services like medical care, cooling stations, water and food distribution, charging stations for critical devices and other services.  

Working with Community Partners on Locations 
To support local community needs, CenterPoint worked closely with county and city officials and OEMs to identify and select the ideal locations for the donated generators, with local officials ultimately deciding which critical facilities will receive the donations. 

“This vital equipment will enhance our preparedness and response capabilities, ensuring that we can better serve our residents during emergencies and power outages. A huge 'thank you' to CenterPoint Energy for your commitment to community safety! We appreciate your support in helping us keep Chambers County safe and resilient," said Chambers County Judge Jimmy Sylvia.

CenterPoint will continue coordinating with local community partners to ensure the backup generators are suitable to meet the specific needs of the critical facilities they have identified.  

 

PHOTO: From L to R: Ryan Dagley, Chambers County Precinct 4 Commissioner; Paul Lock, CenterPoint Director of Local Government Affairs; Ryan Holzaepfel, Chambers County Emergency Management Coordinator; Jimmy Sylvia, Chambers County Judge; Quinten Adams, Chambers County Field Operations Support Division Chief; Alicia Dixon, CenterPoint Director of Community Relations; Jeffery Choate, Chambers County Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator and Safety Officer; Haley Hernandez,  Chambers County Emergency Services Support Specialist; Sarah Phelps, Chambers County Emergency Services Administrative Assistant; Jimmy Gore, Chambers County Precinct 1 Commissioner

More photos: CNP Digital Asset Mgmt 
 
About CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is a multi-state electric and natural gas delivery company serving approximately 7 million metered customers across Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, and Texas. The company is headquartered in Houston and is the only Texas-domiciled investor-owned utility. As of March 31, 2025, the company had approximately $44 billion in assets. With approximately 8,300 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been serving customers for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.

Forward-looking statements
This news release, as well as the website pages related to the GHRI, includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this news release or the website pages related to the GHRI, the words "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "goal," "intend," "may," "objective," "plan," "potential," "predict," "projection," "should," "target," "will" or other similar words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements, which include statements regarding the GHRI and longer-term resiliency plans, including effectiveness, timing and related matters, are based upon assumptions of management which are believed to be reasonable at the time made and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual events and results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Any statements in this news release or the website pages related to the GHRI regarding future events that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement contained in this news release or the website pages related to the GHRI speaks only as of the date of this release or the date that such statement is made, as applicable. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the provided forward-looking information include risks and uncertainties relating to: (1) business strategies and strategic initiatives, restructurings, joint ventures, acquisitions or dispositions of assets or businesses involving CenterPoint Energy or its industry; (2) CenterPoint Energy's ability to fund and invest planned capital, and the timely recovery of its investments; (3) financial market and general economic conditions; (4) the timing and impact of future regulatory, legislative and political actions or developments; and (5) other factors, risks and uncertainties discussed in CenterPoint Energy's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 and other reports CenterPoint Energy or its subsidiaries may file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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