CenterPoint Energy to Sell Miller Pipeline and Minnesota Limited to PowerTeam Services
Sale streamlines CenterPoint Energy's operations and allows for increased focus on its core utility businesses
2020-02-03T06:00:00Z

​HOUSTON and ATLANTA, Feb. 3, 2020 - CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) and PowerTeam Services, LLC ("PowerTeam"), an integrated infrastructure services provider, today announced that they have entered into an agreement through which CenterPoint Energy will sell Miller Pipeline and Minnesota Limited (collectively, "MVerge") to PowerTeam for $850 million in cash, subject to customary purchase price adjustments. Net proceeds of the sale will be used to repay a portion of outstanding CenterPoint Energy debt.

Scott Prochazka, president and chief executive officer of CenterPoint Energy, said, "The sale is a key achievement in our ongoing strategic focus to strengthen our balance sheet and improve our business risk profile and earnings quality pursuant to increased relative contribution of our core utility businesses. Post transaction, we expect our utility earnings contribution to increase to greater than 80% over the next few years."  

Prochazka added, "With PowerTeam, we believe we have found the right company to continue growing the businesses of Miller Pipeline and Minnesota Limited and position them for long-term success."

Miller Pipeline and Minnesota Limited, which represent CenterPoint Energy's Infrastructure Services business segment, are two of the premier natural gas distribution and transmission pipeline contractors in the United States, providing services to customers in 35 states. In 2019, both Miller Pipeline and Minnesota Limited were acquired by CenterPoint Energy in the CenterPoint Energy-Vectren Corporation merger. Miller Pipeline is headquartered in Indianapolis, Ind. and employs more than 3,500 people. Minnesota Limited is based in Big Lake, Minn. with peak employment of more than 1,400 employees.

"PowerTeam's combination with Miller Pipeline and Minnesota Limited creates a powerful platform with nationwide scale to continue to safely and reliably serve customers, provide enhanced career opportunities for employees, and capitalize on significant growth opportunities in the utility and energy infrastructure industry," said Brian Palmer, chief executive officer of PowerTeam, who will serve as the chief executive officer of the combined company. "Our highly complementary businesses have a shared set of values and a diverse customer base and geographic presence that will serve as the foundation for our continued growth. Together, we will focus on continuing to deliver top-notch safety, execution, quality and professionalism to our customers across the United States."  

Doug Banning, current chief executive officer of MVerge who will continue to oversee Miller Pipeline and Minnesota Limited, said, "This is an exciting development for everyone at Miller Pipeline and Minnesota Limited. PowerTeam shares our goal of being the best in the industry and recognizes the talent that our organization brings. By combining two industry leaders, we believe our employees and customers will see significant benefits."

The sale is anticipated to be completed in the second quarter of 2020, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including the expiration or termination of the Hart-Scott-Rodino waiting period.

J.P. Morgan is serving as exclusive financial advisor to CenterPoint Energy. Latham & Watkins LLP is acting as legal counsel to CenterPoint Energy. Credit Suisse, UBS Investment Bank, and Harris Williams are serving as financial advisors to PowerTeam, and Debevoise & Plimpton LLP is serving as legal counsel to PowerTeam.

Headquartered in Houston, Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is an energy delivery company with regulated utility businesses in eight states and a competitive energy businesses footprint in nearly 40 states. Through its electric transmission & distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution businesses, the company serves more than 7 million metered customers in Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma and Texas. CenterPoint Energy's competitive energy businesses include natural gas marketing and energy-related services; energy efficiency, sustainability and infrastructure modernization solutions; and construction and repair services for pipeline systems, primarily natural gas. The company also owns 53.7 percent of the common units representing limited partner interests in Enable Midstream Partners, LP, a publicly traded master limited partnership that owns, operates and develops strategically located natural gas and crude oil infrastructure assets. With approximately 14,000 employees and nearly $35 billion in assets, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.

PowerTeam Services, LLC, based in Atlanta, Ga., is an industry-leading provider of integrated infrastructure services to the natural gas and electric industries across 20 states. PowerTeam employs more than 4,000 people throughout the United States and its operating companies include KS Energy Services, Southeast Connections, Volt Power and Hydro-X. For more information, visit http://www.powerteamservices.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. 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. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to benefits of the sale, the timing of the closing and the relative contribution of CenterPoint Energy's core energy delivery business after closing. Each forward-looking statement contained in this press 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)  the timing of the expiration or termination of the Hart-Scott-Rodino waiting period or any other commitment to not close before a certain date under a timing agreement with the United States Federal Trade Commission or the Antitrust Division of the United States Department of Justice, (2) 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, (3) the risk that a condition to the closing of the proposed transactions may not be satisfied, (4) the outcome of any legal proceedings, regulatory proceedings or enforcement matters that may be instituted relating to the proposed transactions, (5) the timing to consummate the proposed transactions, (6) disruption from the proposed transactions making it more difficult to maintain relationships with customers, employees, regulators or suppliers, (7) the diversion of management time and attention on the proposed transactions  and (8) other factors discussed in CenterPoint Energy's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, CenterPoint Energy's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2019, June 30, 2019 and September 30, 2019 and other reports CenterPoint Energy or its subsidiaries may file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

CenterPoint Communications

CenterPoint Investor Relations


PowerTeam Services

Natalie Hedde: 812.491.5105

David Mordy: 713.207.6284


Abernathy MacGregor

Natalie.hedde@centerpointenergy.com 

David.mordy@centerpointenergy.com 


Blair Hennessy: 212.371.5999




bth@abmac.com

Miller Pipeline Communications



Christen Bagley: 713.999.8057

Laura Morrow: 317.653.5284



cdb@abmac.com

Laura.morrow@millerpipeline.com 




 

SOURCE CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

 Recent News

 

 
CenterPoint Energy expands affordability efforts with no-cost smart thermostats to help southwestern Indiana customers

​​EVANSVILLE, Ind. – April 16, 2026 – As part of its continued focus on customer affordability, CenterPoint Energy customers can lower their energy usage by ordering a smart thermostat at no cost through the company's Online Energy Efficiency Store, with eligible rebates applied automatically at checkout.

How smart thermostats help customers save
Smart thermostats give customers more control over their cooling and heating by allowing them to:

  • Set schedules based on daily and weekly routines
  • Adjust temperatures remotely
  • Track cooling and heating activity to identify ways to save

“Our customers have told us managing energy costs is their top priority. That is why we are focused on helping them take control of their energy use and lower their bills," said Mike Roeder, President of CenterPoint Energy Indiana. “A smart thermostat is one of the most practical steps a customer can take to start saving, and it's one of the many ways we're working to help customers manage their energy costs."

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostats save an average of 8% on cooling and heating costs annually.

Customers can also monitor their overall energy use through CenterPoint's mobile app, available for free in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, to identify usage patterns and find additional ways to save.

Bill credits through Smart Cycle
CenterPoint Indiana Electric customers who have a smart thermostat can take an additional step to lower their bills by enrolling in Smart Cycle, a voluntary program that provides bill credits while helping support grid reliability during periods of high demand.

Enrolled customers can earn:

  • A one-time $75 credit after registering​
  • A $7.50 monthly bill credit across the nine-month season from March through November ($67.50 total)

That’s up to $142.50 in potential first-year savings per device, on top of the cooling and heating savings a smart thermostat provides.

Customers can check eligibility and enroll at CenterPointEnergy.com/SmartCycle.

Additional offerings through the Online Energy Efficiency Store
The Online Energy Efficiency Store offers customers multiple ways to reduce energy costs. The store also offers discounted LED lighting and water-saving fixtures. For a limited time, customers who purchase a qualifying dehumidifier will receive a free tabletop air purifier while supplies last.

Customers can browse all available products and seasonal deals at CenterPointEnergy.com/Shop.

Continued focus on customer affordability
CenterPoint's Online Energy Efficiency Store, launched in November 2024, is one of several resources available to help customers manage energy costs. Since announcing its initial Community Affordability Actions in October 2025, the company has continued to expand programs and bill management tools for southwestern Indiana customers.

Those additional resources are available through the Resource Hub at CenterPointEnergy.com/ResourceHub.

Local governmental agencies and first responder organizations within CenterPoint Energy’s footprint encouraged to apply for a Community Safety Grant

​EVANSVILLE, Ind. – April 9, 2026 – Local governmental agencies across CenterPoint Energy's service areas in Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio and Texas are invited to apply for the company's annual Community Safety Grant Program. Grants support local safety equipment and safety‑related projects that aim to make a meaningful difference within the communities the company serves. Applications are now open online through April 30, 2026.

CenterPoint awards grants of up to $2,500 to eligible local governmental agencies to support community safety needs within its service areas. Since launching the program in 2003, CenterPoint has awarded approximately $3.5 million in grants to help fund nearly 1,700 safety projects, supporting communities in enhancing public safety and wellbeing.

“At CenterPoint, safety is our top core value, and this drives every effort we take for the customers and communities we are privileged to serve. We know that safer communities are stronger communities, and that's why we appreciate being able to give back to enhance the safety of the locations where we live and work," said Jesus Soto, CenterPoint's Chief Operating Officer. “Through our Community Safety Grant Program, we're proud to support our local governmental agencies, emergency responders and local officials who work every day to improve the health and safety of our neighbors across the communities we serve."

Community Safety Grants have enabled a wide range of projects to enhance public safety, including installing public automated external defibrillators (AEDs), upgrading emergency communication equipment, purchasing personal protective equipment for first responders, enhancing a community's disaster preparedness efforts and purchasing utility locating devices.

Each community CenterPoint serves that is interested in this program should submit a grant application with information outlining a community safety project and how grant funding would help address that need.

To learn more about CenterPoint's commitment to the communities it serves and to apply for a Community Safety Grant, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/Community.  

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, Minnesota, Ohio and Texas. As of December 31, 2025, the company owned approximately $46.5 billion in assets. With approximately 8,800 employees, CenterPoint and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years.​

Local governmental agencies and first responder organizations within CenterPoint Energy’s footprint encouraged to apply for a Community Safety Grant

Approximately $3.5 million has been awarded to support nearly 1,700 safety projects since grant program launched

DAYTON, Ohio – April 8, 2026 – Local governmental agencies across CenterPoint Energy's service areas in Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio and Texas are invited to apply for the company's annual Community Safety Grant Program. Grants support local safety equipment and safety‑related projects that aim to make a meaningful difference within the communities the company serves. Applications are now open online through April 30, 2026.

CenterPoint awards grants of up to $2,500 to eligible local governmental agencies to support community safety needs within its service areas. Since launching the program in 2003, CenterPoint has awarded approximately $3.5 million in grants to help fund nearly 1,700 safety projects, supporting communities in enhancing public safety and wellbeing.

“At CenterPoint, safety is our top core value, and this drives every effort we take for the customers and communities we are privileged to serve. We know that safer communities are stronger communities, and that's why we appreciate being able to give back to enhance the safety of the locations where we live and work," said Jesus Soto, CenterPoint's Chief Operating Officer. “Through our Community Safety Grant Program, we're proud to support our local governmental agencies, emergency responders and local officials who work every day to improve the health and safety of our neighbors across the communities we serve."

Community Safety Grants have enabled a wide range of projects to enhance public safety, including installing public automated external defibrillators (AEDs), upgrading emergency communication equipment, purchasing personal protective equipment for first responders, enhancing a community's disaster preparedness efforts and purchasing utility locating devices.

Each community CenterPoint serves that is interested in this program should submit a grant application with information outlining a community safety project and how grant funding would help address that need.

To learn more about CenterPoint's commitment to the communities it serves and to apply for a Community Safety Grant, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/Community.  

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, Minnesota, Ohio and Texas. As of December 31, 2025, the company owned approximately $46.5 billion in assets. With approximately 8,800 employees, CenterPoint and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years.​​

Local governmental agencies and first responder organizations within CenterPoint Energy’s footprint encouraged to apply for a Community Safety Grant

Approximately $3.5 million has been awarded to support nearly 1,700 safety projects since grant program launched​

MINNEAPOLIS – April 8, 2026 – Local governmental agencies across CenterPoint Energy's service areas in Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio and Texas are invited to apply for the company's annual Community Safety Grant Program. Grants support local safety equipment and safety‑related projects that aim to make a meaningful difference within the communities the company serves. Applications are now open online through April 30, 2026.

CenterPoint awards grants of up to $2,500 to eligible local governmental agencies to support community safety needs within its service areas. Since launching the program in 2003, CenterPoint has awarded approximately $3.5 million in grants to help fund nearly 1,700 safety projects, supporting communities in enhancing public safety and wellbeing.

“At CenterPoint, safety is our top core value, and this drives every effort we take for the customers and communities we are privileged to serve. We know that safer communities are stronger communities, and that's why we appreciate being able to give back to enhance the safety of the locations where we live and work," said Jesus Soto, CenterPoint's Chief Operating Officer. “Through our Community Safety Grant Program, we're proud to support our local governmental agencies, emergency responders and local officials who work every day to improve the health and safety of our neighbors across the communities we serve."

Community Safety Grants have enabled a wide range of projects to enhance public safety, including installing public automated external defibrillators (AEDs), upgrading emergency communication equipment, purchasing personal protective equipment for first responders, enhancing a community's disaster preparedness efforts and purchasing utility locating devices.

Each community CenterPoint serves that is interested in this program should submit a grant application with information outlining a community safety project and how grant funding would help address that need.

To learn more about CenterPoint's commitment to the communities it serves and to apply for a Community Safety Grant, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/Community.  

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, Minnesota, Ohio and Texas. As of December 31, 2025, the company owned approximately $46.5 billion in assets. With approximately 8,800 employees, CenterPoint and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years.​​

CenterPoint Energy delivering on Affordability Actions for southwestern Indiana customers six months after initial commitments

​EVANSVILLE, Ind. – April 6, 2026 – CenterPoint Energy made a public commitment to prioritize affordability for its southwestern Indiana customers in October 2025. Six months later, the company has delivered a series of actions to reduce bill impacts, launch new customer programs, improve billing transparency and bring support directly into the community.

“Our customers and stakeholders have made one thing clear: affordability continues to be the top priority for many households and businesses. We've been laser-focused on delivering on that pledge to help lessen bill impacts, and we're not finished," said Mike Roeder, President of CenterPoint Energy Indiana. “Every program we launch, every event we hold and every tool we build is part of the same commitment we made last fall. We'll continue working alongside our customers and stakeholders to prioritize affordability while delivering the reliable energy southwestern Indiana depends on."

Community Affordability Actions
In October 2025, CenterPoint announced an initial series of Community Affordability Actions designed to prioritize customer affordability while balancing the future energy needs of southwestern Indiana, including:

  • Keeping electric base rates stable by targeting any rate change below or near the rate of inflation through 2027.
  • Cancelling nearly $1 billion in previously approved projects that had become non-economical, an action that equates to savings for residential customers of approximately $18 per month of avoided costs through 2027.
  • Continuing to support regional growth that benefits customers, including jobs, tax base and economic development for southwestern Indiana.

Community Energy Improvement Fund
In October 2025, the CenterPoint Energy Foundation announced the Community Energy Improvement Fund, a $5 million commitment to support weatherization, energy efficiency and cost-saving programs and local economic development efforts across the Evansville region:

Community Connect
CenterPoint hosted five initial Community Connect events across southwestern Indiana in November 2025 as part of its commitment to listen to customer feedback, highlight local energy improvements and address customer priorities:

  • In 2026, the company expanded the program, hosting five events so far this year and connecting more than 150 customers and community members with one-on-one account assistance, information on available programs and direct access to local CenterPoint teams.
  • For the first time in years, CenterPoint welcomed customers back into CenterPoint Energy Plaza in Downtown Evansville for in-person support.
  • CenterPoint is on track to host more than 30 Community Connect events throughout 2026, meeting customers in their neighborhoods, workplaces and community gathering spaces.

The next Community Connect event will be held at the CenterPoint Energy Plaza, 211 NW Riverside Dr., Evansville, on Wednesday, April 8.
 
Tools and resources
CenterPoint has introduced and expanded tools and resources to help customers better understand and manage their energy use and bills:

  • A redesigned electric bill format that breaks monthly charges into four clear categories, with definitions printed directly on each bill
  • An expanded Customer Resource Hub bringing billing tools, payment options, energy efficiency programs and financial assistance resources together in one place
  • The TimeWise pilot, a new voluntary time-of-use pricing program approved by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission that allows participating customers to save by shifting energy use to lower-cost hours
  • New customer protections through the Indiana Electric rate case settlement, including annual late-fee waivers upon request, reduced reconnection fees and safeguards for medically vulnerable customers

What's ahead
CenterPoint is pursuing additional steps to further reduce bill impacts for customers:

  • Working with stakeholders to attract large load customers to southwest Indiana to help lower bills
  • Developing new tools such as weekly personalized energy use updates to help customers manage consumption
  • Initiating a proceeding later this year to combine the rates of its two Indiana natural gas service territories to benefit southwestern Indiana customers

Customers looking for help managing energy costs can visit CenterPointEnergy.com/ResourceHub or call 1-800-227-1376. Upcoming Community Connect dates and locations are available at CenterPointEnergy.com/CommunityConnect.​