Houston – April 22, 2020 – CenterPoint Energy, a leading U.S. energy delivery company, continues to build on its commitment to a clean energy future by working with partners, customers, employees and other stakeholders to reduce carbon emissions across its service territory.
In March 2020, the company announced goals to reduce its operational emissions by 70% by 2035 and emissions attributable to natural gas usage in heating, appliances and equipment within the residential and commercial sectors by 20 to 30% by 2040. The reduction goals are based on its 2005 emissions. CenterPoint Energy is among the first energy delivery companies to issue such a commitment across a multi-state footprint, establishing a new natural gas utility standard. The company's goals are aligned with the recently announced Houston Climate Action Plan.
"CenterPoint Energy has a long history of environmental commitment and we are proud to be a leader in the transition to a cleaner energy future," said John W. Somerhalder II, CenterPoint Energy's interim president and chief executive officer. "Further reductions in our carbon footprint align with this commitment, and we look forward to bringing new, innovative technologies to the emissions-reduction effort, while maintaining affordability, reliability and quality of life."
CenterPoint Energy is a proud sponsor of the Houston Climate Action Plan. This initiative is a science-based, community-driven strategy for the city of Houston to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and lead a global energy transition. CenterPoint Energy also helped fund the Houston Advanced Research Center and C40 Cities, a climate leadership group, which provided technical support for the development of the plan.
The company applauds Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner for focusing on reducing emissions in transportation, energy transition, building optimization and materials management. These areas generate most of the region's GHG emissions. To achieve its reduction goals, CenterPoint Energy will focus on:
- Partnering with customers to offer affordable conservation and energy efficiency programs;
- Continuing to develop alternative fuel programs;
- Collaborating with our suppliers to lower their methane emissions; and
- Piloting and supporting innovation.
As a leading energy partner, CenterPoint Energy will continue to invest in and utilize innovative technologies to reduce emissions and expand alternative fuel programs. One example is EVolve Houston, a coalition to accelerate clean transportation with a focus on improving regional air quality and reducing GHG emissions. EVolve Houston was cofounded by CenterPoint Energy as a key initiative of the Houston Climate Action Plan planning process.
"By leveraging electric vehicles and other available technologies, such as renewable natural gas and methane leak detection, utilities have helped lead the transition to a lower carbon emission energy system," said Jason Ryan, CenterPoint Energy's senior vice president and general counsel. "It is important to support the continued development of technologies and fuels that enable widespread access to energy that is clean, affordable, reliable and resilient."
CenterPoint Energy continues its infrastructure modernization projects, such as smart meters, cast-iron pipe replacement and other proven technologies. Smart meters have reduced the need for truck rolls and enabled Power Alert Service to restore electric service to over 2.5 million customers without a single phone call. The company's commitment to eliminate cast-iron pipe in its service territory has helped to significantly lower operational GHG emissions across its footprint. All these projects are executed while CenterPoint Energy invests in local communities and delivers reliable natural gas and electric service.
For more information about CenterPoint Energy's commitment to the environment, please visit the company's Environmental Responsibility page.
