CenterPoint Energy proposes tapping Minnesota-made renewable natural gas
Farms, landfills and wastewater facilities could send gas into pipeline system
2020-04-24T05:00:00Z

Minneapolis – April 24, 2020 – To promote the production of made-in-Minnesota renewable natural gas (RNG) and supply the increasing demand for this clean energy resource, CenterPoint Energy is seeking to open its Minnesota pipeline system to natural gas created from organic materials such as agricultural manure, landfill waste, wastewater and commercial food waste.

CenterPoint Energy has submitted an "interconnection" proposal to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission that would allow the utility to accept Minnesota-produced RNG into its distribution system. RNG suppliers will pay for the interconnection service, with no cost to the utility's customers.

Initially, the RNG is expected to pass through to interstate pipelines for use in other states, but CenterPoint Energy ultimately hopes to make RNG available to its customers in Minnesota. CenterPoint Energy is the state's largest natural gas utility, serving more than 860,000 customers in 260 communities.

"CenterPoint Energy is committed to pursuing clean energy innovations like RNG," said Brad Tutunjian, CenterPoint Energy Vice President-Minnesota Region. "RNG has significant potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while using our existing natural gas distribution system. By adding RNG to our system, we can diversify our gas supply away from fossil fuels while also benefiting local economies, especially in rural areas."

When biogas generated from organic waste is refined into RNG, it is interchangeable with conventional natural gas. Known as "green gas," RNG can provide a double environmental benefit because it offers a productive use for waste methane gas that might otherwise be released directly into the atmosphere and it replaces conventional fossil-fuel natural gas with a renewable resource.

CenterPoint Energy is already in discussions with RNG producers and project developers interested in the opportunity to access the utility's Minnesota pipeline system.

"Amp America supports CenterPoint Energy's proposed tariff that will allow interconnections for RNG projects into CenterPoint Energy's pipeline network," said Grant Zimmerman, CEO of Amp Americas, LLC. "RNG is the lowest carbon transportation fuel available and important to reducing emissions of our transportation fleet. The biggest barrier to America tapping the full potential of its RNG resources is the pipeline interconnection.  As one of the only developers of RNG from dairy waste, Amp knows this firsthand.  This initiative by CenterPoint Energy is an important step in making the interconnection faster and cheaper to bring more low-carbon fuel to market, develop Minnesota's RNG industry and create high-paying jobs in rural communities.  We look forward to working with CenterPoint Energy on future Minnesota RNG projects."

Hennepin County Commissioner Debbie Goettel, Chair of the Partnership on Waste and Energy, which includes Hennepin, Ramsey and Washington counties said, "Recycling organic waste material into a biofuel like RNG is an exciting economic and waste management opportunity for Minnesota communities. To make the most of this opportunity, access to the existing natural gas distribution system is essential to ensure that Minnesota-made RNG can reach end-use customers and supply the growing market demand for this new clean energy resource."

In 2018, CenterPoint Energy filed a proposal with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission for a pilot program that would have offered an RNG option to its Minnesota customers. The Commission declined to approve the specific proposal, but acknowledged the potential benefits of RNG and expressed support for encouraging Minnesota-produced RNG. As recommended by the Commission, CenterPoint Energy has continued to work with stakeholders to explore RNG opportunities in Minnesota.

If approved by the Commission, the new interconnection proposal could promote Minnesota RNG production by making it easier for producers to sell their product to existing markets. For example, federal energy policy and policies in states like California provide incentives for using RNG in natural gas-powered vehicles, making transportation the current primary market for RNG. Some natural gas utilities have also begun to offer RNG to their customers, representing a large potential market.

As part of the interconnection process, CenterPoint Energy would require RNG producers to meet gas quality standards, including ongoing testing, to ensure that RNG entering the utility's system is interchangeable with conventional natural gas.

In a related development, CenterPoint Energy also recently proposed the Natural Gas Innovation Act at the Minnesota Legislature. It would allow a natural gas utility to submit an alternative resource plan to the Public Utilities Commission to offer its customers alternative fuels, such as RNG, as well as new energy-efficiency and carbon-capture technologies to reduce or avoid greenhouse gas emissions from natural gas use.

 Recent News

 

 

CenterPoint Energy Earns 2024 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year Award for Sustained Excellence

Houston – March 28, 2024 — CenterPoint Energy is proud to announce that it has received the 2024 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Award for Sustained Excellence from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

“We are proud to receive this honor for the 19th consecutive year," said Rina Harris, CenterPoint Energy's Vice President of Strategic Business Growth and Engagement. “This award highlights the tireless efforts of our teams across our service territory to deliver innovative and effective energy efficiency programs that deliver value to our customers."

Each year, the ENERGY STAR program honors a select group of businesses and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to energy efficiency and the transition to a clean energy economy. ENERGY STAR award winners lead their industries in the production, sale and adoption of energy-efficient products, homes, buildings, services and strategies. These efforts have saved more than 5 trillion kilowatt-hours of electricity over the past 30 years.

“I congratulate this year's ENERGY STAR award winners for their innovation and leadership, in delivering cost-effective energy efficient solutions that create jobs, address climate change, and contribute to a healthier environment for all," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan.

Winners are selected from a network of thousands of ENERGY STAR partners. For a complete list of 2024 winners and more information about ENERGY STAR's awards program, visit energystar.gov/awardwinners.

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. As of December 31, 2023, the company owned approximately $39 billion in assets. 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.

About ENERGY STAR

ENERGY STAR® is the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency, providing simple, credible, and unbiased information that consumers and businesses rely on to make well-informed decisions. Since 1992, ENERGY STAR and its partners helped American families and businesses avoid more than $500 billion in energy costs and achieve more than 4 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas reductions. More background information about ENERGY STAR's impacts can be found at www.energystar.gov/impacts

CenterPoint Energy completes natural gas service restoration in Ohio

Dayton, Ohio – March 25, 2024 – Following a devastating F3 tornado that severely impacted customers in Lakeview and Russells Point, Ohio, CenterPoint Energy has restored natural gas service to all customers who have provided the company access to perform safety checks and relight pilots.

Customers who received a door hanger and are still without service can call the phone number listed on the door tag. The relighting process requires CenterPoint Energy employees to have access to each location to light pilots and verify it is safe to resume service.

CenterPoint Energy recognizes the significant impact on customers whose homes have been severely damaged or destroyed. The company continues to work closely with local emergency services to provide support and timely updates. Additionally, the CenterPoint Energy Foundation has donated $50,000 to the United Way of Logan County Indian Lake Tornado Relief Fund. The utility remains dedicated to supporting the community throughout the restoration effort.

If you smell natural gas, leave immediately on foot. Once you are safely away from the area, report the possible natural gas leak to 911 and to CenterPoint Energy at 1-800-227-1376.

For updates, follow CenterPoint Energy on X, formerly known as Twitter: @CenterPoint and Facebook: Facebook.com/CenterPointEnergy.

About CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
As the only investor-owned electric and natural 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. As of

December 31, 2023, the company owned approximately $39 billion in assets. 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.



CenterPoint Energy begins relighting process for impacted customers in Lakeview and Russells Point, Ohio

Dayton, Ohio – March 21, 2024 – Following the devastating impact of an F3 tornado and severe weather last week, CenterPoint Energy has begun the relighting process for customers in Lakeview and Russells Point, Ohio.

"Last week, we temporarily shut off natural gas service at a single delivery point ahead of Orchard Island and Wolf Island to allow emergency personnel and electric utility crews to perform their essential work," said Ashley Babcock, Vice President of Gas Operations, Indiana and Ohio. “Additionally, we completed the process of turning off each customer's natural gas meter. Our service technicians performed a series of safety checks to verify that it is safe to restore natural gas service. With that done, and with safety as our top priority, we are moving forward with the relighting process to restore service to our customers as soon as possible."

At this time, no action is required on the part of the customer. If an adult over the age of 18 is not at the service address when a technician arrives, the company will leave a door hanger with instructions. All CenterPoint Energy technicians and contractors wear badges and will gladly show them to customers upon request before entering a home or business. The utility expects most service to be restored by the end of the day.

CenterPoint Energy recognizes the significant impact on customers whose homes have been severely damaged or destroyed. The company continues to work closely with local emergency services to provide support and timely updates. Additionally, the CenterPoint Energy Foundation has donated $50,000 to the United Way of Logan County Indian Lake Tornado Relief Fund. The utility remains dedicated to supporting the community throughout the restoration effort.

If you smell natural gas, leave immediately on foot. Once you are safely away from the area, report the possible natural gas leak to 911 and to CenterPoint Energy at 1-800-227-1376.

For updates, follow CenterPoint Energy on X, formerly known as Twitter: @CenterPoint and Facebook: Facebook.com/CenterPointEnergy.

About CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
As the only investor-owned electric and natural 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. As of

December 31, 2023, the company owned approximately $39 billion in assets. 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.

 

CenterPoint Energy initiates natural gas service restoration in Ohio

​​Dayton, Ohio. March 19, 2024 In response to the devastating impact of an F3 tornado and severe weather last Thursday, CenterPoint Energy is actively working to restore natural gas service in Lakeview and Russells Point, Ohio. This effort follows a service interruption that has affected more than 460 customers.

Natural gas service to the Orchard Island and Wolf Island areas has been temporarily shut off. Following essential work over the weekend by emergency personnel and electric utility crews, CenterPoint Energy teams have isolated the natural gas system and are assessing which areas can be quickly restored. The current estimate for completing the restoration of service is by March 27, 2024.

“Safety is our number-one priority as we work to restore natural gas service," said Ashley Babcock, Vice President of Gas Operations, Indiana and Ohio. “We appreciate our customers' patience as our teams work to ensure that service is restored as quickly as possible."

More than 70 company employees, contractors and mutual assistance crews have been called to help support the restoration process.

Qualified service technicians are in the process of visiting customers' homes or businesses to turn off the service at the meter before gas can be systematically restored. Following this, technicians will conduct a safety check before turning the natural gas service back on for each customer. If an adult over 18 is not at the service address when a technician arrives, the company will leave a door hanger with instructions. All CenterPoint Energy technicians and contractors wear badges and will gladly show them to customers upon request before entering a home or business.

CenterPoint Energy urges customers for safety reasons not to turn any valves or tamper with the natural gas meter. Opening or turning any valves could allow air to enter the natural gas lines, which would hinder the restoration process. Additionally, customers are advised to exercise caution when clearing debris around their natural gas meter and above-ground piping.

CenterPoint Energy recognizes the significant impact on customers whose homes have been severely damaged or destroyed. The company is coordinating closely with local emergency services to provide support and timely updates. Additionally, the CenterPoint Energy Foundation has donated $50,000 to the United Way of Logan County Indian Lake Tornado Relief Fund. The utility remains dedicated to supporting the community throughout the restoration effort.

If you smell natural gas, leave immediately on foot. Once you are safely away from the area, report the possible natural gas leak to 911 and to CenterPoint Energy at 1-800-227-1376.

For updates, follow CenterPoint Energy on X, formerly known as Twitter: @CenterPoint and Facebook: Facebook.com/CenterPointEnergy.

About CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
As the only investor-owned electric and natural 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. As of December 31, 2023, the company owned approximately $39 billion in assets. 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. ​


CenterPoint Energy Announces 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders

Meeting to be held Friday, April 26 at 9 a.m. CT

HOUSTON, March 15, 2024 - CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) today announced its 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be held on Friday, April 26, 2024, at 9 a.m. CT in the CenterPoint Energy Tower auditorium, 1111 Louisiana Street, Houston, Texas. Shareholders who hold shares of CenterPoint Energy Common Stock at the close of business on March 1, 2024, will receive notice of the meeting and will be eligible to vote.

About CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
As the only investor-owned electric and natural 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. As of December 31, 2023, the company owned approximately $39 billion in assets. 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.

For more information contact
Media:
Media Relations
Media.Relations@centerpointenergy.com

Investors:
Jackie Richert/Ben Vallejo
Phone 713.207.6500

SOURCE CenterPoint Energy, Inc