CenterPoint Energy Announces Leadership Transition
- Current Director John W. Somerhalder II appointed interim President and Chief Executive Officer, succeeding prior President and Chief Executive Officer Scott M. Prochazka
2020-02-20T06:00:00Z

HOUSTON, Feb. 19, 2020 - CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) today announced that its board of directors has appointed John W. Somerhalder II as interim President and Chief Executive Officer to succeed Scott M. Prochazka, who has stepped down as President and Chief Executive Officer, and as a member of the board of directors.

CenterPoint Energy logo. (PRNewsFoto)

Mr. Somerhalder is a 40-year energy industry veteran, including as Chief Executive and a Director of AGL Resources Inc., a natural gas utility. He has served as a Director of CenterPoint Energy, Inc. since 2016 and also serves as Director and Trustee on the boards of numerous non-profit organizations. The company has commenced a process to identify a permanent CEO and has formed a sub-committee of the board to support the selection process. These changes are effective immediately.

Milton Carroll, Executive Chairman, said, "On behalf of the board of directors and CenterPoint Energy's employees, I would like to thank Scott for his meaningful contributions to the company during his distinguished career. Scott led CenterPoint Energy through significant growth and transformation and, under his leadership, we made progress in our journey to achieve our vision to lead the nation in delivering energy, service, and value."

Mr. Carroll added, "The board has determined that now is the right time for a new leader with a fresh strategic perspective to lead the company though its next phase of growth and value creation. We are fortunate to have found in John an outstanding energy industry executive with vast utility experience and the skills to ensure that we continue our momentum during the search process."

Mr. Somerhalder said, "I am privileged to step in and lead this company and its talented employees to ensure that we remain focused on meeting our commitments. As interim President and CEO, I am intent on delivering strong performance, continuous dividend growth, and a strengthened balance sheet, while enhancing our business risk profile, earnings quality, and earnings growth for the benefit of our stakeholders."

Mr. Somerhalder added, "Our Chief Financial Officer Xia Liu and I look forward to discussing our strong 2019 performance, as well as providing our 2020 EPS guidance and utility EPS growth target during our upcoming earnings call on February 27. I also look forward to working alongside the leadership team in the exciting next phase of the company's future."

About John W. Somerhalder II

John W. Somerhalder II has been a Director of CenterPoint Energy, Inc. since October 2016. Mr. Somerhalder is a private investor. He most recently served as Interim President and Chief Executive Officer of Colonial Pipeline Company, a privately held company that operates a refined liquid petroleum products pipeline system, from February 2017 to October 2017. Prior to joining Colonial Pipeline Company, Mr. Somerhalder served as President, Chief Executive Officer and as a director of AGL Resources Inc., a former publicly traded energy services holding company, which was acquired by Southern Company, whose principal business is the distribution of natural gas, from March 2006 through December 2015 and as Chairman of the Board of AGL Resources Inc. from November 2007 through December 2015. Prior to joining AGL Resources Inc., he served in a number of roles with El Paso Corporation, a publicly traded natural gas and related energy products provider, and its subsidiaries since 1977, including as Executive Vice President, and as President of El Paso Pipeline Group. He has served as a director of Crestwood Equity GP LLC, the general partner of Crestwood Equity Partners LP, and he served as a director of SunCoke Energy Partners, L.P. from 2017 to July 2019. He currently serves as director and trustee on the boards of numerous non-profit organizations.

About CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

Headquartered in Houston, Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. 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 approximately $35 billion in assets, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.

This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. 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 earnings, and future financial performance and results of operations, including, but not limited to earnings guidance, targeted dividend growth rate 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.

For more information contact
Media:
Alicia Dixon
Phone 713.207.5885
Investors:
Dave Mordy
Phone 713.207.6500

SOURCE CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

 Recent News

 

 
CenterPoint Energy prepares for cold weather ahead of forecasted wintry precipitation across Texas and continues to closely monitor potential for severe winter conditions

HOUSTON – Jan. 20, 2026 – With winter precipitation and freezing temperatures in the low 20s forecasted to impact CenterPoint Energy’s service territory in Texas over the weekend and into next week, the company’s Emergency Response & Preparedness, Electric Operations, Gas Operations and Meteorology teams continue actively monitoring weather models and preparing for cold and potentially icy conditions. Both Electric and Natural Gas teams across CenterPoint’s Texas footprint are engaged in coordinated efforts to maintain readiness and address potential service impacts.

“We continue to diligently monitor the evolving weather forecasts across the communities we serve in Texas ahead of this weekend’s potential winter weather. Our teams are well prepared, executing work in advance and will be ready to respond to any impacts from the forecasted conditions, including icy weather, high winds and wintry precipitation,” said Don Daigler, CenterPoint’s Senior Vice President, Emergency Preparedness and Response. “We will remain alert throughout the week and continue to coordinate with local officials as our communities take steps to prepare. We urge our customers to stay weather alert as conditions continue to develop and have an emergency plan in place.”

Cold weather preparations
The company is prepared to respond to cold weather and has performed a series of proactive pre-winter preparedness actions to strengthen and winterize its electric and natural gas infrastructure across Texas, as well as inspect and test cold-weather critical equipment ahead of potential severe cold weather. CenterPoint is also deploying cold weather mitigations across its electric and gas infrastructure, developing plans to mobilize emergency response resources and coordinating with relevant local emergency responders and government officials in preparation. 

The pre-winter safety and readiness actions taken by CenterPoint include:

  • Inspecting and testing critical equipment, including all 270 electric substations, to prepare for high demand and cold temperatures;
  • Communicating and coordinating with the Texas Public Utility Commission and ERCOT about statewide energy needs;
  • Hardening electric and natural gas infrastructure across the Greater Houston area, including installing heaters and devices to prevent ice damage or buildup;
  • Maintaining freeze protection equipment and enclosures for cold-weather critical components;
  • Repairing thermal insulation and water-proofing materials;
  • Positioning Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks to be deployed to supplement the natural gas system, if needed;
  • Coordinating and communicating with the Railroad Commission of Texas to identify and support operations of critical gas infrastructure for natural gas reliability;
  • Monitoring more than 100 weather stations across the Greater Houston area to enhance situational awareness and storm preparation;
  • Donated and installed more than 20 emergency backup generators at key locations across Greater Houston to improve local emergency preparedness and response efforts; and
  • Conducted more than 19,000 total hours of emergency training in 2025 for hundreds of operational, emergency response and other personnel and contractors to strengthen severe weather preparation and response efforts.

The current weather forecast for CenterPoint’s Houston electric service territory indicates the potential for ice accumulation next weekend, subject to updated forecasts. The company reminds customers and community members to always assume downed lines or wires are energized and potentially dangerous if contacted. Stay at least 35 feet away from downed power lines or fallen wires and keep a safe distance from objects touching downed lines (tree limbs, vehicles, fences, etc.) and immediately report downed power lines to CenterPoint. 

Winter Energy Guide
CenterPoint’s Winter Energy Guide is a comprehensive online resource hub featuring safety, energy savings and bill management tips to help customers stay safe and warm throughout the winter season. CenterPoint encourages customers to use this helpful resource to create their own cold weather plans and stay prepared. To learn more, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/ReadyforWinter.

Stay informed with Power Alert Service®
CenterPoint electric customers are encouraged to enroll in the company's Power Alert Service® to receive winter storm outage details, estimated restoration times and customer-specific restoration updates by phone call, text or email.

Have a plan and stay safe
CenterPoint encourages customers to prepare and have a plan to stay safe during severe winter weather. Customers can get storm-related safety tips at CenterPointEnergy.com/ActionCenter — available in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.

Customers can also stay up to date on outages with CenterPoint’s Outage Tracker, available in English and Spanish. The Outage Tracker is built to handle increased traffic during storms, is mobile-friendly, accessible for those with disabilities and allows customers to see outages by county, city and zip code.

For the latest updates, follow CenterPoint on X and visit CenterPointEnergy.com/ActionCenter. 

 

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 September 30, 2025, the company owned approximately $45 billion in assets. With approximately 8,300 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.

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As part of its commitment to helping support local communities, CenterPoint Energy Foundation opens its first grant cycle of 2026

DAYTON, Ohio — Jan. 15, 2026 — The CenterPoint Energy Foundation is currently accepting applications through Feb. 13 for nonprofit programs and initiatives focused on education including literacy, science-technology-engineering-mathematics (STEM) and workforce development.

Grants are available for eligible nonprofit organizations whose primary location is in CenterPoint Energy's service areas and have programs supporting the Foundation's giving priorities. The Foundation prioritizes programs serving low-to-moderate income families and under-resourced communities.  

Funded separately and financially independent from the utility, the CenterPoint Energy Foundation strives to be a catalyst for good by leveraging everyday opportunities and resources to increase the vibrancy in the communities it serves.   

“The CenterPoint Energy Foundation creates positive, meaningful change within the communities where we have the privilege to provide electric and natural gas service," said June Deadrick, Vice President, Community Relations at CenterPoint Energy. “The Foundation remains committed to initiatives and programs enriching the lives of those living and working within our service areas, while powering possibilities for a better tomorrow. We encourage qualified nonprofit organizations focusing on education to apply for a grant through Feb. 13." 

During its two grant cycles in 2025, the CenterPoint Energy Foundation awarded more than $13.9 million for approximately 430 grants to nonprofit organizations in Texas, Minnesota, Indiana and Ohio, with efforts expected to:

  • Supply nearly 2 million free books to kids.
  • Support more than 625,000 hours of tutoring for students.
  • Enable approximately 42,000 students to receive a certificate or credential for career pathways.
  • Deliver over 120,000 science-technology-engineering-math (STEM) kits and projects to students.
  • Fund more than 3,700 career exposure or exploration events.

 
The second Foundation grant cycle of the year will open in June 2026 and focus on community vitality initiatives, such as affordable housing, environmental stewardship and enhancing community outdoor spaces.

To learn more and apply for a grant, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/Foundation. 

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About the CenterPoint Energy Foundation
The CenterPoint Energy Foundation provides philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where CenterPoint Energy customers live and work. The Foundation is funded by shareholders and has no impact on customer rates. More information about the Foundation can be found at CenterPointEnergy.com/Foundation.
 

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 September 30, 2025, the company owned approximately $45 billion in assets. With approximately 8,300 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.​

As part of its commitment to helping support local communities, CenterPoint Energy Foundation opens its first grant cycle of 2026

​MINNEAPOLIS — Jan. 15, 2026 — The CenterPoint Energy Foundation is currently accepting applications through Feb. 13 for nonprofit programs and initiatives focused on education including literacy, science-technology-engineering-mathematics (STEM) and workforce development.

Grants are available for eligible nonprofit organizations whose primary location is in CenterPoint Energy's service areas and have programs supporting the Foundation's giving priorities. The Foundation prioritizes programs serving low-to-moderate income families and under-resourced communities.  

Funded separately and financially independent from the utility, the CenterPoint Energy Foundation strives to be a catalyst for good by leveraging everyday opportunities and resources to increase the vibrancy in the communities it serves.   

“The CenterPoint Energy Foundation creates positive, meaningful change within the communities where we have the privilege to provide electric and natural gas service," said June Deadrick, Vice President, Community Relations at CenterPoint Energy. “The Foundation remains committed to initiatives and programs enriching the lives of those living and working within our service areas, while powering possibilities for a better tomorrow. We encourage qualified nonprofit organizations focusing on education to apply for a grant through Feb. 13." 

During its two grant cycles in 2025, the CenterPoint Energy Foundation awarded more than $13.9 million for approximately 430 grants to nonprofit organizations in Texas, Minnesota, Indiana and Ohio, with efforts expected to:

  • Supply nearly 2 million free books to kids.
  • Support more than 625,000 hours of tutoring for students.
  • Enable approximately 42,000 students to receive a certificate or credential for career pathways.
  • Deliver over 120,000 science-technology-engineering-math (STEM) kits and projects to students.
  • Fund more than 3,700 career exposure or exploration events.

 
The second Foundation grant cycle of the year will open in June 2026 and focus on community vitality initiatives, such as affordable housing, environmental stewardship and enhancing community outdoor spaces.

To learn more and apply for a grant, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/Foundation. 

###

About the CenterPoint Energy Foundation
The CenterPoint Energy Foundation provides philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where CenterPoint Energy customers live and work. The Foundation is funded by shareholders and has no impact on customer rates. More information about the Foundation can be found at CenterPointEnergy.com/Foundation.

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 September 30, 2025, the company owned approximately $45 billion in assets. With approximately 8,300 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.

As part of its commitment to helping support local communities, CenterPoint Energy Foundation opens its first grant cycle of 2026

HOUSTON — Jan. 15, 2026 — The CenterPoint Energy Foundation is currently accepting applications through Feb. 13 for nonprofit programs and initiatives focused on education including literacy, science-technology-engineering-mathematics (STEM) and workforce development.

Grants are available for eligible nonprofit organizations whose primary location is in CenterPoint Energy's service areas and have programs supporting the Foundation's giving priorities. The Foundation prioritizes programs serving low-to-moderate income families and under-resourced communities.  

Funded separately and financially independent from the utility, the CenterPoint Energy Foundation strives to be a catalyst for good by leveraging everyday opportunities and resources to increase the vibrancy in the communities it serves.   

“The CenterPoint Energy Foundation creates positive, meaningful change within the communities where we have the privilege to provide electric and natural gas service," said June Deadrick, Vice President, Community Relations at CenterPoint Energy. “The Foundation remains committed to initiatives and programs enriching the lives of those living and working within our service areas, while powering possibilities for a better tomorrow. We encourage qualified nonprofit organizations focusing on education to apply for a grant through Feb. 13." 

During its two grant cycles in 2025, the CenterPoint Energy Foundation awarded more than $13.9 million for approximately 430 grants to nonprofit organizations in Texas, Minnesota, Indiana and Ohio, with efforts expected to:

  • Supply nearly 2 million free books to kids.
  • Support more than 625,000 hours of tutoring for students.
  • Enable approximately 42,000 students to receive a certificate or credential for career pathways.
  • Deliver over 120,000 science-technology-engineering-math (STEM) kits and projects to students.
  • Fund more than 3,700 career exposure or exploration events.

The second Foundation grant cycle of the year will open in June 2026 and focus on community vitality initiatives, such as affordable housing, environmental stewardship and enhancing community outdoor spaces.

To learn more and apply for a grant, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/Foundation. 

###

About the CenterPoint Energy Foundation
The CenterPoint Energy Foundation provides philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where CenterPoint Energy customers live and work. The Foundation is funded by shareholders and has no impact on customer rates. More information about the Foundation can be found at CenterPointEnergy.com/Foundation.

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 September 30, 2025, the company owned approximately $45 billion in assets. With approximately 8,300 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com. ​

As part of its commitment to helping support local communities, CenterPoint Energy Foundation opens its first grant cycle of 2026

EVANSVILLE, Ind. — Jan. 15, 2026 — The CenterPoint Energy Foundation is currently accepting applications through Feb. 13 for nonprofit programs and initiatives focused on education including literacy, science-technology-engineering-mathematics (STEM) and workforce development.

Grants are available for eligible nonprofit organizations whose primary location is in CenterPoint Energy's service areas and have programs supporting the Foundation's giving priorities. The Foundation prioritizes programs serving low-to-moderate income families and under-resourced communities.  

Funded separately and financially independent from the utility, the CenterPoint Energy Foundation strives to be a catalyst for good by leveraging everyday opportunities and resources to increase the vibrancy in the communities it serves.   

“The CenterPoint Energy Foundation creates positive, meaningful change within the communities where we have the privilege to provide electric and natural gas service," said Mike Roeder, President of CenterPoint Energy Indiana. “The Foundation remains committed to initiatives and programs enriching the lives of those living and working within our service areas, while powering possibilities for a better tomorrow. We encourage qualified nonprofit organizations focusing on education to apply for a grant through Feb. 13." 

During its two grant cycles in 2025, the CenterPoint Energy Foundation awarded more than $13.9 million for approximately 430 grants to nonprofit organizations in Texas, Minnesota, Indiana and Ohio, with efforts expected to:

  • Supply nearly 2 million free books to kids.
  • Support more than 625,000 hours of tutoring for students.
  • Enable approximately 42,000 students to receive a certificate or credential for career pathways.
  • Deliver over 120,000 science-technology-engineering-math (STEM) kits and projects to students.
  • Fund more than 3,700 career exposure or exploration events.

The second Foundation grant cycle of the year will open in June 2026 and focus on community vitality initiatives, such as affordable housing, environmental stewardship and enhancing community outdoor spaces.

To learn more and apply for a grant, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/Foundation. 

###

About the CenterPoint Energy Foundation
The CenterPoint Energy Foundation provides philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where CenterPoint Energy customers live and work. The Foundation is funded by shareholders and has no impact on customer rates. More information about the Foundation can be found at CenterPointEnergy.com/Foundation.

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 September 30, 2025, the company owned approximately $45 billion in assets. With approximately 8,300 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.