CenterPoint Energy provides updates to Louisiana customers concerning service during the Coronavirus situation
2020-03-25T05:00:00Z

​Houston – March 25, 2020 – CenterPoint Energy continues to be committed to providing its customers throughout its service territory with safe and reliable service during the current Coronavirus situation. During this challenging time, CenterPoint Energy is committed to serving its customers and keeping them informed as the situation continues to evolve.

CenterPoint Energy's natural gas crews will continue to provide service by responding to calls and completing work orders. If you see CenterPoint Energy crews performing work, please avoid approaching them and continue to practice social distancing.

CenterPoint Energy will continue to support those customers who may need payment assistance, arrangements or extensions during the Coronavirus situation. In addition, the company has temporarily suspended natural gas service disconnections for nonpayment. There have been reports of scams following the COVID-19 outbreak, so customers are reminded that CenterPoint Energy would never call and demand payment over the phone or by prepaid debit card to avoid disconnection. Customers who would like to discuss payment options should call 866-275-5252 (North Louisiana) or 800-477-0177 (South Louisiana), or visit the company's website.

"We are committed to the safety and well-being of our customers, employees, contractors and communities as the Coronavirus situation continues to evolve," said Christe Singleton, CenterPoint Energy's vice president of Regional Operations in Louisiana. "CenterPoint Energy has activated its Pandemic Preparedness Plan and we continue to monitor updates and follow protocols from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO) and state and local officials. We are also working closely with all regulatory agencies, government entities and emergency management organizations across our service territory."

CenterPoint Energy has implemented additional measures to protect the safety and health of its customers, employees and contractors, as well as to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus. These safety measures include:

  • Equipping employees with additional personal protective equipment (PPE);
  • Directing field employees to attempt to resolve service issues without entering homes or businesses;
  • Following social distancing guidelines and wearing PPE if entering customers' homes, businesses and property to provide service;
  • Implementing a telework approach for employees who can perform their job responsibilities from home or a remote location;
  • Increasing cleaning and disinfecting frequency of facilities and vehicles;
  • Leveraging technology to minimize face-to-face contact and meetings; and
  • Emphasizing good hygiene, including washing and sanitizing hands.

     
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CenterPoint Energy along with HomeServe USA bringing optional home protection plans to Arkansas

Houston – July 6, 2020 – Today, CenterPoint Energy (NYSE: CNP) and HomeServe USA Corp. (HomeServe), a provider of emergency home repair programs to homeowners nationwide, are announcing an extension of their business relationship to bring home protection plans to CenterPoint Energy’s Arkansas natural gas customers. Since launching June 2018 in other markets, CenterPoint Energy customers have already purchased optional HomeServe plans, saving more than $10.1 million in repair costs.

The program from HomeServe, introduced by CenterPoint Energy, will offer a suite of optional plans covering repairs to a variety of energy-consuming and home systems, including customer-owned natural gas lines, heating and cooling systems, interior and exterior electric lines, water heaters, and exterior water and sewer service lines.

The service plans are designed to protect homeowners from the inconvenience and unexpected expenses associated with repairs to these critical household systems. Another benefit is plans will help repair or maintain energy-consuming appliances, which will help them use energy more efficiently.

“CenterPoint Energy prides itself on being a trusted energy advisor, so we are pleased to work with HomeServe to provide our customers access to these new, optional services,” said James Copeland, CenterPoint Energy’s Home Service Business Leader. “CenterPoint Energy provides high-quality, highly rated energy delivery to our customers. In fact, J.D. Power has ranked us #1 in Customer Satisfaction with Residential Natural Gas Service in the South among Large Utilities, 3 Years in a Row.* These new, optional plans from HomeServe are a natural service extension, and we believe they will provide homeowners with a low-cost, peace-of mind alternative for unexpected repairs to covered systems.”

The Gas Line service plan, for example, will offer homeowners protection against the expense and inconvenience of repairs to the customer-owned natural gas line from the CenterPoint Energy meter up to and including the connectors to each natural gas appliance inside the home. The plan would also cover repairs to the piping leading to connectors to natural gas appliances outside around the property, such as a natural gas grill or natural gas pool heater.

“HomeServe shares the same level of commitment to quality customer service as CenterPoint Energy,” said John Kitzie, CEO of HomeServe. “Our cost-effective service plans provide a better way for customers to secure and pay for repairs through our reliable network of qualified local contractors.”

For more information on these plans, call CenterPoint Energy at 833-273-4663 or visit ProtectYourPipes.com.

*CenterPoint Energy received the highest score in the South Large segment of the J.D. Power 2017‐2019 Gas Utility Residential Customer Satisfaction Studies (tied in 2017) of customers’ satisfaction with their residential gas provider. Visit jdpower.com/awards.
 
For more information:
 
CenterPoint Energy
Ross Corson                            
Media Access Line: 713-619-5143
 
HomeServe USA
Myles Meehan                                                 
Phone: 203-356-4259                                       
 

CenterPoint Energy Names David J. Lesar President and CEO

HOUSTON, June 30, 2020 - CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed David J. Lesar as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective July 1, 2020.  He succeeds John W. Somerhalder II, who has served as interim president and chief executive officer of CenterPoint Energy since February 2020 and a director since 2016. 

Milton Carroll, Executive Chairman, said, "The Board determined in February that it was the right time for CenterPoint Energy to name an experienced executive leader with a fresh strategic perspective, proven achievement in shareholder and stakeholder value creation and a track record of delivering results to lead the company through its next phase of growth.  After a thorough search process that included external candidates, we are delighted to have found that leader in Dave Lesar and welcome him as our next president and CEO. 

"Over the past three decades, Dave has built an enviable track record of vision, strategy implementation, execution capability, financial sophistication and operational experience. During his 17 years leading Halliburton, he was the architect of how that company ultimately led the industry in growth, margins and returns. He will work with the Board and the entire CenterPoint Energy team to evaluate, refine and advance our strategy, and then position us to execute on our robust capital plans and seize attractive growth opportunities.  He will help us ensure that CenterPoint Energy achieves our potential and promise, building on the company's impressive service territories and strong regulatory position," Mr. Carroll concluded.

Mr. Lesar said, "We are committed to unlocking the power and potential within this company and its premium regulated utilities and to maintaining our earnings growth rate.  We have a dedicated team with the right skills to position us to create attractive value, building on a base of strong utility assets.  Our utility-focused strategy, combined with our newly strengthened financial position, enables us to focus on how best to optimize and drive return on our assets.  We need to ensure that the financial community, our employees and other key stakeholders can clearly see and understand our strategy.  With respect to current – and potential – investors, my number one near-term goal is to achieve greater shareholder confidence by setting, communicating and working tirelessly to achieve our financial and business goals. Throughout my career, I have worked to maximize sustainable shareholder value and build strong relationships with the constituencies that are central to the success and sustainability of the companies I have led. I am honored by the trust the Board has placed in me, and excited to immediately start in this new role, working alongside our dedicated and talented team members who make a tremendous difference for customers every day.

"CenterPoint Energy is a backbone, supporting economic vitality in the state of Texas and the other states it serves.  We will continue to strive to meet the energy delivery needs of our customers and communities safely and reliably. We will also build on our proven ability to innovate and utilize the vast creativity of our people to drive value for all of the stakeholders who rely, trust and invest in us," continued Mr. Lesar.

Mr. Lesar stated, "I am dedicated to accelerating the company's environmental commitments and leadership in emissions reduction, infrastructure modernization and delivering sustainable and cleaner energy.  CenterPoint Energy is also steadfast about building on our long history of investing in the communities in which we operate.  I am devoted  to having our employees— including our leadership—and our suppliers reflect those diverse communities, and inclusion is an important part of my vision for how CenterPoint Energy will lead."

Mr. Carroll added, "On behalf of the Board of Directors and CenterPoint Energy's employees, I would also like to thank John for serving as interim CEO during a time of significant change and transition for our company and the country and for his prior service as a director.  We have all valued and benefited from John's substantial contributions, leadership and support and wish him well."

CenterPoint Energy also announced that Earl M. Cummings has been appointed to serve as a new independent member of the company's Board of Directors.  He fills the vacancy created by Mr. Somerhalder's departure from the Board as of June 30, 2020.  With Mr. Cummings' appointment, the Board comprises directors with independence, relevant skills, expertise and a valuable diversity reflective of the company and customers, constituencies and communities served. 

Mr. Carroll said, "We are delighted to have Earl join the Board as a new outside director.  His experience, leadership and commitment to creating value for all our stakeholders will further strengthen our Board's oversight and contributions to CenterPoint Energy."

New director Earl Cummings added, "I am pleased to be joining the distinguished board of such an important and outstanding company.  I look forward to working with CenterPoint Energy, our new CEO and my fellow directors to capitalize on the opportunities ahead and uphold our commitments to service, safety, inclusion and performance."

Mr. Lesar, who recently joined the CenterPoint Energy Board, has chaired the Board's Business Review and Evaluation Committee since its formation in early May 2020.  CenterPoint Energy intends to host an investor day by early 2021 to update stakeholders on the company's vision and plans.

About David J. Lesar 
Dave Lesar joined CenterPoint Energy as a director in May 2020.  He served as interim CEO of Health Care Service Corporation, the largest privately-held health insurer in the U.S., from July 2019 through June 1, 2020, having joined the company's board of directors in 2018.  He was the Chairman of the Board and CEO of Halliburton Company from 2000 to 2017 and Executive Chairman of the Board from June 2017 until December 2018.  Mr. Lesar joined Halliburton in 1993 and served in a variety of other roles, including executive vice president of Finance and Administration for Halliburton Energy Services, a Halliburton business unit, CFO of Halliburton from 1995 through May 1997, President and Chief Operating Officer from May 1997 through August 2000. He has also served on the board of directors of several companies, most recently Agrium, Inc. as well as Lyondell Chemical Co., Southern Co., Cordant Technologies, and Mirant. A Certified Public Accountant, Mr. Lesar was previously a partner at Arthur Andersen. He received both his B.S. and MBA from the University of Wisconsin.

About Earl Cummings
Since 2012, Mr. Cummings has served as Managing Partner of MCM Houston Properties, LLC, a real estate fund that invests in single family residential properties in Houston, Texas.  In his role as Managing Partner, he is responsible for overall capital raising, investment, acquisition, and business strategies of the fund and its assets. Mr. Cummings also serves as Chief Executive Officer of The BTS Team, which began as an information technology and staffing firm providing solutions and services across various regions and evolved into a company that also invested financial resources in various industries to create value for shareholders and other stakeholders, and he previously served as its Chief Information Officer and Chairman of its board.  He also served as Chief Executive Officer of BestAssets, Inc., a private company providing real estate portfolio management and related services. Active across communities and in non-profit board service, Mr. Cummings has served on the boards of the University of Houston Board of Visitors, C-STEM Robotics (where he was founding Chairman of the Executive Board for C-STEM), Yellowstone Academy and has also served on the advisory boards for KIPP Academy and Texas Southern University School of Business.  Mr. Cummings holds a BBA of Management Information Systems from the University of Houston and an MBA from Pepperdine University.

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 & distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution operations that serve more than 7 million metered customers in Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma and Texas. As of March 31, 2020, the company owns approximately $33 billion in assets and 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 9,600 employees, CenterPoint Energy 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. 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," "can" 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 the company's prospects or potential or the intentions of management or the board, capital investment plans, future financial and business goals, earnings growth rates or financial condition, growth or business opportunities, stakeholder (including shareholder) value creation, environmental and sustainability commitments including emissions reductions, social goals including relating to diversity, activities of the board's business review and evaluation committee, future investor days hosted by the Company,  inclusion, strategic initiatives, future financial performance and results of operations, , 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) the impact of COVID-19; (2) financial market conditions; (3) general economic conditions; (4) the timing and impact of future regulatory and legislative decisions; (5) effects of competition; (6) weather variations; (7) changes in business plans; and (8) other factors discussed in CenterPoint Energy's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, CenterPoint Energy's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2020 and other reports CenterPoint Energy or its subsidiaries may file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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

 

SOURCE CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

CenterPoint Energy urges customers to be on alert for utility service disconnection scam

​Houston – June 17, 2020 – CenterPoint Energy is alerting Houston-area customers that its Property Rights Hot Line number (713) 207-6348 is being used to call customers threatening to disconnect their service. Calls are being made in English and Spanish.

Be aware that scammers often use Caller ID spoofing software to misrepresent the source of a phone call or provide you with a fake "verification" phone number. If you need to verify your account status, call Customer Service at the number listed on your bill or log in to your account on our website.

While CenterPoint Energy bills customers for natural gas service, we do not send electric bills and we do not demand credit or debit card information or cash payments when collecting on past due accounts.

Additionally:

  • If you receive a suspicious call, hang up immediately. 
  • If you need to verify your account status you may call customer service at the number listed on your bill or log in to your account on our website.
  • Do not send money in any form until you have verified your account status with Customer Service. 

If you believe you have been a victim of a scam, you may:


CenterPoint Energy urge a los clientes a estar alerta para estafa de desconexión del servicio público

Houston – 17 de junio de 2020– CenterPoint Energy está alertando a los clientes del área de Houston que su número de Línea Directa de Derechos de Propiedad (713) 207-6348 se está utilizando para llamar a los clientes y amenazar con desconectar su servicio. Las llamadas se están realizando en inglés y español.

Tenga en cuenta que los estafadores a menudo usan software de falsificación de identidad de llamadas para falsificar la fuente de una llamada telefónica o proporcionarle un número de teléfono falso de "verificación". Si necesita verificar el estado de su cuenta, llame a Servicio al Cliente al número que aparece en su factura o inicie sesión en su cuenta en nuestro sitio web.

Mientras que CenterPoint Energy factura a los clientes por el servicio de gas natural, no enviamos facturas de electricidad y no exigimos información de tarjetas de crédito o débito o pagos en efectivo al cobrar en cuentas atrasadas.

Adicionalmente:

  • Si recibe una llamada sospechosa, cuelgue de inmediato.
  • Si necesita verificar el estado de su cuenta, puede llamar al servicio al cliente al número que aparece en su factura o iniciar sesión en su cuenta en nuestro sitio web.
  • No envíe dinero de ninguna forma hasta que haya verificado el estado de su cuenta con el Servicio al Cliente.

Si cree que ha sido víctima de una estafa, puede:

  • Presentar una denuncia con en el departamento de policía local
  • Presentar una denuncia ante el FBI en https://www.ic3.gov
  • Presentar una queja ante la Comisión Federal de Comercio en https://www.ftc.gov
Vectren's integrated resource plan selects significant renewables; diversified generation portfolio designated as low-cost customer solution

EVANSVILLE, Ind., June 15, 2020 - Today, during its final Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) public stakeholder meeting, Vectren, a CenterPoint Energy company, (Vectren) presented a preferred portfolio to diversify its electric generation fleet in the coming years. The plan ensures reliability and mitigates risk, while saving electric customers an estimated $320 million over the 20-year planning period. Nearly two-thirds of the energy included in the new plan will be generated from renewable resources, reducing reliance on carbon fuels and lowering carbon emissions by nearly 75% from 2005 levels. The plan replaces some older coal generation units with significant renewables, including a large percentage of universal solar. Vectren's fourth and final public stakeholder meeting was conducted as part of the year-long integrated resource planning process, which is overseen by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC).

"The IRP considers a broad range of potential conditions and variables to determine a preferred fuel mix which allows Vectren to meet future electric energy demand in a safe and reliable manner," said Lynnae Wilson, chief business officer, Indiana Electric. "Over the next several months, we will finalize our generation plan, taking into consideration cost, COVID-19 impacts, efficiency and reliability while recognizing the need for flexibility given ever-advancing technology in a rapidly evolving industry."

Vectren's IRP, submitted every three years to the IURC, demonstrates how the company plans to generate and deliver safe, reliable and reasonably priced electricity to its southwestern Indiana customers through a forecast spanning 20 years. This plan, which considers public stakeholder input, the outcomes of an All-Source RFP, and a wide variety of economic variables is the second consecutive IRP to demonstrate the utility should move toward resource diversity. Modeling conducted within the analysis points Vectren to:

  • Retiring or exiting agreements involving 730 megawatts (MW) of coal generation, thereby avoiding investments estimated at $700 million to comply with strict environmental regulations
  • Adding 700-1,000 megawatts (MW) of solar (some connected to battery energy storage) and 300 MW of wind renewable resources, which would allow all Vectren electric customers access to solar and wind-powered energy at significantly lower costs; and reduce carbon emissions by nearly 75%
  • Adding 460 MW of natural gas combustion turbines; approximately half the natural gas capacity of the combined cycle gas turbine proposed in the previous IRP and designed to back up the renewable resources that supply the majority of customers' energy needs

"Using what we have learned from this IRP process, we will be pursuing a much larger percentage of renewable energy, as well as continuing to offer energy efficiency programs to ensure customers have options to use energy wisely," continued Wilson. "Customer and stakeholder engagement were focal points throughout this very important process, and we appreciate the thoughtful insights offered which helped us realize this plan. We are committed to developing a transition plan that is responsive to our customers and the direction received from the IURC in its 2019 Order which considers the various risks and economic impacts of each step. We are confident this plan will assist in keeping customer rates reasonable while leaving room for flexibility as the future of electric generation continues to evolve."

Last April, the IURC granted partial approval of Vectren's electric generation transition plan which included the retrofitting of Vectren's largest, most-efficient 270 MW coal-fired unit. The request to begin construction of a 50 MW universal solar array was also approved by the IURC last year, and its construction is underway.

The completed IRP will be submitted to the IURC on June 30. A director's report, detailing the IURC's comments, will likely be issued by the end of the year. Information about Vectren's IRP process can be found at www.vectren.com/irp.

"The proposed future portfolio further ensures southwestern Indiana remains in attainment for air quality and promotes additional economic development in our region where we live and work," stated Wilson. "Avoiding future coal maintenance investments will ensure local generation has a responsible renewable-to-carbon balance while ensuring the reliability our customers expect. We are incredibly sensitive to customer impact, and with stakeholder input, we feel this planning process has produced a cost-effective plan that moves us toward a future built on cleaner generation."

Vectren delivers electricity to approximately 145,000 customers in all or portions of Gibson, Dubois, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Vanderburgh and Warrick counties.

Forward Looking Statement
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 future regulatory filings, actions and decisions, including the timing and impact of such actions and decisions, the timing of completion of the projects identified in the IRP, the benefits derived from the preferred generation portfolio in the IRP, including resource diversification, estimated customer savings and carbon emission reduction targets, 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) the impact of COVID-19; (2) financial market conditions; (3) general economic conditions; (4) the timing and impact of future regulatory and legislative decisions; (5) effects of competition; (6) weather variations; (7) changes in business plans; and (8) other factors, risks and uncertainties discussed in CenterPoint Energy's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, CenterPoint Energy's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2020 and other reports CenterPoint Energy or its subsidiaries may file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Headquartered in Houston, Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is an energy delivery company with electric transmission & distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution operations that serve more than 7 million metered customers in Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma and Texas. CenterPoint Energy's competitive energy businesses include energy-related services, energy efficiency and sustainability solutions, and owning and operating intrastate natural gas pipeline systems that help fund utility operations. As of March 31, 2020, the company owns approximately $33 billion in assets and 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 9,600 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.

About the Integrated Resource Planning (IRP)
The practice of conducting an IRP is a three-year process. Vectren's IRP takes into consideration the public's interest and is formed with respect to federal and state energy and environmental policy, both of which are rapidly changing for utilities. The utility conducted four public meetings between the months of April 2019 and June 2020, taking input from many key stakeholders. Learn more at www.vectren.com/irp.

Media contact: Natalie Hedde, (812) 491-5105 or natalie.hedde@centerpointenergy.com
Investor contact: Dave Mordy, (713) 207-6500 or david.mordy@centerpointenergy.com

SOURCE Vectren, a CenterPoint Energy Company

CenterPoint Energy statement

​HOUSTON – June 12, 2020 – CenterPoint Energy has well-trained, experienced crews at the scene of the explosion at Almeda and Southmore.

The company is ready to assist emergency officials to ensure the area is safe and to assess our natural gas system to ensure the integrity of the system was not compromised as a result of the incident.

Always be alert for the smell of natural gas. If you smell gas, leave the area immediately on foot and tell others to leave, too. Once safely away from the area, call 911 and CenterPoint Energy.