NTSB Pipeline Accident Brief on Minnehaha Academy
2019-12-03T06:00:00Z

​Minneapolis – Dec. 3, 2019 – The following statement is issued by CenterPoint Energy regarding the National Transportation Safety Board's pipeline accident brief on the explosion that occurred on August 2, 2017, at Minnehaha Academy in Minneapolis.

CenterPoint Energy supported the NTSB's investigation to determine the cause of the explosion at Minnehaha Academy and identify safety recommendations. The overriding goal shared by everyone is the desire to prevent something similar from happening again, anywhere.

CenterPoint Energy and its employees recognize and are committed to fulfilling their primary responsibility to operate and maintain a safe and reliable gas distribution system.  Shortly after the accident, CenterPoint Energy, without waiting for the NTSB investigation to conclude, implemented improvements to its procedures with the goal of preventing an accident like this from ever happening again:

  • We reviewed our existing procedures, especially related to company-initiated relocation of indoor meters to the outside of buildings;
  • We made enhancements to work procedures involving project oversight, documentation, and internal and external project communications;
  • We engaged in comprehensive training of operations, engineering and field personnel to ensure these procedures were implemented effectively;
  • We now send a letter each year to licensed mechanical contractors in Minnesota to remind them of the dividing line between our equipment and the customer's equipment and to emphasize that contractors are not authorized to work on or operate our equipment; and
  • CenterPoint Energy's website also includes safety information for residential customers about the dividing line between our equipment and the customer's equipment.

CenterPoint Energy continues to be fully committed to the safety of our employees, contractors, systems and the public.

We were saddened by the tragedy that occurred at Minnehaha Academy, and our deepest sympathy continues to be with everyone who was affected. We also want to express our appreciation to the Minneapolis Fire Department, Minneapolis Police Department and all emergency personnel who assisted victims and helped protect public safety.

The Pipeline Accident Brief concludes the NTSB's investigation. We have reached confidential settlement agreements with the families of the two school employees who died and with the person most seriously injured in the incident, but other litigation arising out of the incident is pending.

 Recent News

 

 
With frigid temperatures forecasted, CenterPoint Energy provides important safety reminders and valuable tips to save energy while keeping warm
Dayton – Nov. 27, 2024 – Over the coming days, significantly colder temperatures are expected throughout Ohio with many areas of the state forecasted to experience temperatures in the low teens. CenterPoint Energy wants to remind customers it has a cold weather plan in place and is prepared for potential impacts from the colder weather ahead.

Colder outdoor temperatures may require customers to u​se more energy to keep their homes at a comfortable temperature. CenterPoint is highlighting simple energy-saving and safety steps to help lower heating bills, while keeping customers safe and warm this winter.

Energy-saving Tips

  • Make sure your heating system is operating safely and efficiently. An annual inspection and tune-up by a qualified technician are recommended.
  • Change or clean your furnace filter regularly. This helps maximize your furnace's efficiency and life.
  • Turn down your thermostat. By lowering your thermostat by 7-10 degrees at night or when you're away for at least eight hours, you can potentially save 10% on your heating costs. With a programmable thermostat, you can have your heating system work around your schedule.  
  • Keep warm air in and cold air out of your home. Use caulk or weather-stripping to seal leaks around doors, windows and other openings such as pipes or ducts. You can also roll up towels and push them against the bottom of the door's interior to help prevent heat loss. Close fireplace dampers when not in use, so you don't lose heat.
  • Use window coverings and blinds effectively. If it's sunny outside, open your window coverings during the day to capture warmth from the sun, and close your coverings at night to keep warmth inside. If the sun's not shining, keep your window coverings closed to hold warmth inside.
  • Circulate warm air with your ceiling fans. Set your ceiling fans to turn clockwise slowly to move warm air from the ceiling to your living levels.

To learn more about these and other energy-saving tips, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/SavingsTips.

Safety Tips

  • Use space heaters safely. Make sure your space heater has an automatic shut-off, and keep children, pets and all items at least three feet away from it. A space heater that uses natural gas, propane or wood should be vented to the outside. Stoves and ovens should never be used for space heating.
  • Test your carbon monoxide (CO) and smoke alarms to make sure they work properly. Change batteries regularly. Alarms don't last forever, so replace them according to the manufacturer's instructions. 
  • Know the signs of CO poisoning. Early symptoms such as headache and fatigue are similar to the flu, but without a fever. Continued CO exposure can lead to more severe headaches, dizziness, nausea, difficulty thinking clearly and fainting. If everyone in a household is experiencing these symptoms, it could be CO poisoning. If you suspect you could have CO poisoning, leave the area immediately, get fresh air and call 911.
  • Immediately report a suspected natural gas leak. If you smell the “rotten egg" odor of natural gas, immediately leave on foot, go to a safe location and call both 911 and CenterPoint Energy at 800-296-9815. Don't use electric switches and outlets, phones (including cell phones), drive or start a car inside or close to the location or do anything that could cause a spark.

To learn more about natural gas safety, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/Safety.

Customer Payment Assistance
CenterPoint offers various programs, tools and tips to help customers manage their bills and save energy. The company encourages those facing hardship to call CenterPoint to find out about payment arrangements and be referred to resources that may be available. To learn more visit CenterPointEnergy.com/PaymentAssistance.

Ohio's Special Reconnect Order (SRO) is available through April 18, 2025. The SRO helps reconnect gas service or avoid disconnection during the winter heating months. It allows customers to restore service by paying up to $175, even if their balance exceeds that amount. Customers must also apply for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) and enroll in a standard extended payment plan with CenterPoint or the Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP Plus) if they are eligible. Assistance with the $175 payment may also be available through HEAP programs.

With frigid temperatures forecasted, CenterPoint Energy provides important safety reminders and valuable tips to save energy while keeping warm

​Evansville, Ind. – Nov. 27, 2024 – Over the coming days, significantly colder temperatures are expected throughout Indiana with many areas of the state forecasted to experience temperatures in the low teens. CenterPoint Energy wants to remind customers it has a cold weather plan in place and is prepared for potential impacts from the colder weather ahead. This includes having crews stationed across the communities it serves and being ready to leverage fuel stored ahead of the winter heating season, if needed, to meet the anticipated increased customer demand for natural gas service. The company is also prepared to respond as safely and as quickly as possible to potential service issues.

Colder outdoor temperatures may require customers to use more energy to keep their homes at a comfortable temperature. CenterPoint is highlighting simple energy-saving and safety steps to help lower heating bills, while keeping customers safe and warm this winter.

Energy-saving Tips

  • Make sure your heating system is operating safely and efficiently. An annual inspection and tune-up by a qualified technician are recommended.
  • Change or clean your furnace filter regularly. This helps maximize your furnace's efficiency and life.​
  • Turn down your thermostat. By lowering your thermostat by 7-10 degrees at night or when you're away for at least eight hours, you can potentially save 10% on your heating costs. With a programmable thermostat, you can have your heating system work around your schedule.  
  • Keep warm air in and cold air out of your home. Use caulk or weather-stripping to seal leaks around doors, windows and other openings such as pipes or ducts. You can also roll up towels and push them against the bottom of the door's interior to help prevent heat loss. Close fireplace dampers when not in use, so you don't lose heat.
  • Use window coverings and blinds effectively. If it's sunny outside, open your window coverings during the day to capture warmth from the sun, and close your coverings at night to keep warmth inside. If the sun's not shining, keep your window coverings closed to hold warmth inside.​
  • Circulate warm air with your ceiling fans. Set your ceiling fans to turn clockwise slowly to move warm air from the ceiling to your living levels.

To learn more about these and other energy-saving tips, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/SavingsTips.

Safety Tips

  • Use space heaters safely. Make sure your space heater has an automatic shut-off, and keep children, pets and all items at least three feet away from it. A space heater that uses natural gas, propane or wood should be vented to the outside. Stoves and ovens should never be used for space heating.
  • Test your carbon monoxide (CO) and smoke alarms to make sure they work properly. Change batteries regularly. Alarms don't last forever, so replace them according to the manufacturer's instructions. 
  • Know the signs of CO poisoning. Early symptoms such as headache and fatigue are similar to the flu, but without a fever. Continued CO exposure can lead to more severe headaches, dizziness, nausea, difficulty thinking clearly and fainting. If everyone in a household is experiencing these symptoms, it could be CO poisoning. If you suspect you could have CO poisoning, leave the area immediately, get fresh air and call 911.
  • Immediately report a suspected natural gas leak. If you smell the “rotten egg" odor of natural gas, immediately leave on foot, go to a safe location and call both 911 and CenterPoint Energy at 800-296-9815. Don't use electric switches and outlets, phones (including cell phones), drive or start a car inside or close to the location or do anything that could cause a spark.

To learn more about natural gas safety, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/Safety.

Customer Payment Assistance
CenterPoint offers various programs, tools and tips to help customers manage their bills and save energy. The company encourages those facing hardship to call CenterPoint to find out about payment arrangements and be referred to resources that may be available. To learn more or visit CenterPointEnergy.com/PaymentAssistance.

Indiana's winter moratorium on utility disconnections begins on Dec. 1, 2024, and runs through March 15, 2025. The moratorium protects eligible customers who apply for income-qualified programs, such as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), from having their heating services interrupted during the winter heating season.

With single-digit temperatures forecasted over the coming days, CenterPoint Energy provides important safety reminders and valuable tips to save energy while keeping warm

​ ​Minneapolis – Nov. 26, 2024 – Over the coming days, significantly colder temperatures are expected throughout Minnesota with many areas of the state being forecast to experience temperatures in the single digits. CenterPoint Energy wants to remind customers it has a cold weather plan in place and is prepared for potential impacts from the colder weather ahead. This includes having crews stationed across the communities it serves and being ready to leverage fuel stored ahead of the winter heating season, if needed, to meet the anticipated increased customer demand for natural gas service. The company is also prepared to respond as safely and as quickly as possible to potential service issues.

Colder outdoor temperatures may require customers to use more energy to keep their homes at a comfortable temperature. CenterPoint is highlighting simple energy-saving and safety steps to help lower heating bills, while keeping customers safe and warm this winter.

CenterPoint offers various programs, tools and tips to help customers manage their bills and save energy. The company encourages those facing hardship to call CenterPoint to find out about payment arrangements and be referred to resources that may be available. To learn more, call 800-245-2377 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday-Friday, or visit CenterPointEnergy.com/PaymentAssistance.

Energy-saving Tips

  • Make sure your heating system is operating safely and efficiently. An annual inspection and tune-up by a qualified technician are recommended. ​
  • Change or clean your furnace filter regularly. This helps maximize your furnace's efficiency and life.
  • Turn down your thermostat. By lowering your thermostat by 7-10 degrees at night or when you're away for at least eight hours, you can potentially save 10% on your heating costs. With a programmable thermostat, you can have your heating system work around your schedule.  
  • Keep warm air in and cold air out of your home. Use caulk or weather-stripping to seal leaks around doors, windows and other openings such as pipes or ducts. You can also roll up towels and push them against the bottom of the door's interior to help prevent heat loss. Close fireplace dampers when not in use, so you don't lose heat.
  • Use window coverings and blinds effectively. If it's sunny outside, open your window coverings during the day to capture warmth from the sun, and close your coverings at night to keep warmth inside. If the sun's not shining, keep your window coverings closed to hold warmth inside.
  • Circulate warm air with your ceiling fans. Set your ceiling fans to turn clockwise slowly to move warm air from the ceiling to your living levels.

To learn more about these and other energy-saving tips, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/SavingsTips.

Safety Tips

  • Use space heaters safely. Make sure your space heater has an automatic shut-off, and keep children, pets and all items at least three feet away from it. A space heater that uses natural gas, propane or wood should be vented to the outside. Stoves and ovens should never be used for space heating.
  • Test your carbon monoxide (CO) and smoke alarms to make sure they work properly. Change batteries regularly. Alarms don't last forever, so replace them according to the manufacturer's instructions. 
  • Know the signs of CO poisoning. Early symptoms such as headache and fatigue are similar to the flu, but without a fever. Continued CO exposure can lead to more severe headaches, dizziness, nausea, difficulty thinking clearly and fainting. If everyone in a household is experiencing these symptoms, it could be CO poisoning. If you suspect you could have CO poisoning, leave the area immediately, get fresh air and call 911.
  • Immediately report a suspected natural gas leak. If you smell the “rotten egg" odor of natural gas, immediately leave on foot, go to a safe location and call both 911 and CenterPoint Energy at 800-296-9815. Don't use electric switches and outlets, phones (including cell phones), drive or start a car inside or close to the location or do anything that could cause a spark.

To learn more about natural gas safety, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/Safety.

CenterPoint is Minnesota's largest natural gas utility, serving the energy needs of more than 920,000 residential and business customers.

CenterPoint Energy launches online energy efficiency store for Indiana customers

​EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Nov. 26, 2024 – CenterPoint Energy is encouraging its Indiana customers to take advantage of savings through its newly launched online store, offering a convenient way to purchase energy-efficient products for homes and small businesses. The Energy Efficiency Store, features a wide selection of ENERGY STAR® certified products and other energy-saving tools designed to help customers manage their energy use and reduce costs.​

To celebrate the launch, the store will feature exclusive limited-time discounts on select smart thermostats during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Customers can take advantage of these special offers to start saving energy and money right away, with eligible rebates applied instantly at checkout.

With a variety of product offerings, customers can explore the store to find smart thermostats, air purifiers, energy-efficient lighting, home weatherization tools and more. Eligible customers could see an instant rebate at checkout, making it simple to save money upfront while investing in energy efficiency. The store provides a seamless online shopping experience, with products shipped directly to customers' homes.​

“We are excited to offer this platform, which allows our customers to access energy-efficient products and rebates in one convenient place," said Natalie Hedde, CenterPoint's Vice President, Strategic Business Growth & Engagement. “The store reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting customers in managing energy use and lowering their monthly bills."

The store is designed to make shopping for energy-saving products simple and accessible, where customers can easily browse products, learn about energy efficiency and complete their purchases. Instant rebates for eligible products are applied at checkout, saving customers time and eliminating the need for lengthy forms or waiting periods. Dedicated customer support is available through live chat and phone assistance to help with product selection, order inquiries and eligibility questions.

The store is available to residential and small business electric and natural gas customers in Indiana. Customers can visit CenterPointEnergy.com/Shop to explore the store and start shopping today. 

CenterPoint Energy continues to invest in the safety, reliability and resiliency of its natural gas system to benefit customers

The company filed a settlement agreement with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission reached with intervenors on its 2023 rate case

MINNEAPOLIS, Nov. 25, 2024 - Today, CenterPoint Energy filed a settlement agreement with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (Commission) for its rate case submitted in November 2023, to adjust natural gas distribution service rates in 2024 and 2025. The company reached a settlement agreement with all intervening parties including: Minnesota Department of Commerce, Minnesota Office of Attorney General – Residential Utilities Division, Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota, International Union of Operating Engineers Local 49, LIUNA of Minnesota and North Dakota, and Suburban Rate Authority.

If approved by the Commission, CenterPoint's rate adjustment will enable the company to:

  • Continue to maintain the safety, resiliency and integrity of its natural gas distribution system to benefit the company's more than 920,000 customers in over 260 local Minnesota communities.
  • Continue to support the advancement of low- and zero-carbon technologies, including recovering certain costs for the company's innovation plan approved in July 2024 by the Commission under Minnesota's Natural Gas Innovation Act for investments in innovative technologies and low- and zero-carbon energy resources.
  • Conduct infrastructure projects to replace or upgrade existing pipelines, provide safe and reliable service, comply with federal pipeline regulations and relocate facilities to enable projects by government agencies such as roads, bridges, drainage and other infrastructure.
  • Accommodate the increased investments to operate, maintain and deliver natural gas through the company's distribution system.

"From the outset, we were determined to use a collaborative approach with state agencies and all intervenors to reach a settlement agreement that worked for all parties. This agreement prioritizes the safety, reliability and resiliency of the energy system for the benefit of our customers and communities throughout Minnesota," said Brad Steber, CenterPoint's Vice President of Minnesota Gas. "The agreement meaningfully plans for current and anticipated near-term future investments to continue to serve our customers' needs for readily available energy resources. These proposed investments will enhance our ability to deliver energy when customers need it most to help them withstand the coldest days of winter and to keep them safe and warm."

The Commission will review and decide upon the filed settlement agreement. A decision is expected in 2025.

Meaningful investments in the company's natural gas system
A rate case is a forward-looking proposal to plan for the continued needs of customers for energy service. CenterPoint plans to continue to make investments in the safety and resiliency of the company's natural gas distribution system to benefit its customers including:

  • Replacing natural gas lines using modern construction methods and materials.
  • Relocating natural gas meters inside residential customer's homes to outside for improved access in case of an emergency and for enhanced customer safety.
  • Deploying smart natural gas meters for residential customers, which have enhanced safety and communications features.
  • Using methane detection vehicles that have a higher level of detection capability to monitor methane emissions and more efficiently conduct leak detection operations, allowing for faster mitigation and repair of natural gas leaks.
  • Leveraging vacuum-like technology, also known as cross-compression, during repair, replacement and inspection of a natural gas line to help prevent natural gas from going into the air. Instead, the natural gas is temporarily stored or placed in another segment of natural gas line.

Rate adjustment proposal
As identified in the proposed settlement agreement, CenterPoint is requesting adjustments to the delivery charge, or the cost to deliver natural gas. The delivery charge accounts for approximately 50% of a typical residential customer's monthly bill. The remaining approximately 50% of a customer's bill is the cost of natural gas which is passed through at cost. CenterPoint does not profit from the overall cost of natural gas.

The requested increase is approximately 4.7% or $60.8 million for 2024 and approximately 3.1% or $42.7 million for 2025. The requested increase will add $2.70 to the average residential customer's monthly bill in 2024 and an additional $1.27 to an average residential customer's monthly bill in 2025.

While the rate case is under consideration, interim rates are in effect. Interim rates started with the January 2024 billing cycle and added approximately $4 per month to the average residential bill. It is anticipated that interim rates for 2025 would begin with the January 2025 billing cycle and be approximately $2 more per month for an average residential customer's bill as the Commission reviews the settlement agreement.

Interim rates are applied as an equal percentage across all customer types. After final rates have been approved by the Commission, and if interim rates are set higher than final approved rates, CenterPoint will calculate a refund to customers for the difference in interim rates and final rates. The refund will be based on actual customer usage while interim rates were in effect, including interest, and will be issued as a credit on a monthly bill.

CenterPoint offers various programs, tools and tips to help customers manage their bills and save energy. The company encourages those facing hardship to call CenterPoint to find out about payment arrangements and be referred to resources that may be available. To learn more, call 800-245-2377 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday-Friday or visit CenterPointEnergy.com/PaymentAssistance.

More details about the rate case can be found at CenterPointEnergy.com/RateCase.

About CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
As the only investor-owned electric and gas utility based in Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is an energy delivery company with electric transmission and distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution operations that serve more than 7 million metered customers in Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio and Texas. With approximately 9,000 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.

Forward-looking statements
This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this news 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. These forward-looking statements 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 regarding future events, such as approval by the Commission of the settlement agreement and timing thereof, the anticipated benefits of the rate adjustment, investments in the company's natural gas system and the anticipated benefits thereof, the amount and expected impact to customer's bills, and any other statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement contained in this news release speaks only as of the date of this release. 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) CenterPoint Energy's business strategies and strategic initiatives; (2) financial market conditions; (3) general economic conditions; (4) the timing and impact of future regulatory and legislative decisions; 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, 2023 and CenterPoint's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2024, June 30, 2024, and September 30, 2024 and other reports CenterPoint Energy or its subsidiaries may file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

For more information, contact
Communications
Media.Relations@CenterPointEnergy.com

SOURCE CenterPoint Energy, Inc