CenterPoint Energy urges customers to follow important electric safety tips
Customers play an important role in staying safe at home during COVID-19
2020-05-06T05:00:00Z

​Houston – May 6, 2020 – CenterPoint Energy continues to be committed to providing customers throughout its service territory with safe and reliable electricity during COVID-19.

"We recognize that customers are facing many challenges resulting from COVID-19. Some of our customers who are staying at home are using this time to do house repairs and work in their yards," said Randy Pryor, vice president of Distribution Operations for CenterPoint Energy. "As we continue to work safely to deliver power to our customers' homes and businesses, we ask our customers to always be safe around electric appliances, equipment and power lines."

CenterPoint Energy is also commemorating National Electric Safety Month in May. The company would like to take this opportunity to share important electric safety tips with customers:

  • Stay away from downed power lines. Always assume downed lines/wires are live and potentially dangerous if contacted.
    • Do not go near downed lines or fallen wires.
    • Keep your distance from objects touching downed lines (tree limbs, vehicles, fences, etc.).
    • If someone already made contact with a power line, do not try to rescue them.
    • Report downed power lines to 713-207-2222 or 800-332-7143.
  • Be aware of and stay at least 10 feet away from overhead lines, including any objects you're holding or touching even when you're on the ground. Contact with overhead electrical lines can cause serious injuries or fatalities.
  • Before starting an outdoor project, remember to do the following:
    • Look up and become aware of overhead lines;
    • Carry long objects horizontally, whenever possible;
    • If your project could bring a person, equipment, objects or tools within 10 feet of an overhead power line, you must contact CenterPoint Energy in advance to discuss options for making the worksite safe, which may include temporary de-energization; and 
    • Be aware of underground electrical lines. Contact 811 at least 48 hours in advance if you plan to dig so that underground lines owned by utilities can be located. Note that property owners are responsible for locating customer-owned equipment, such as underground electrical drops.
  • Stay away from damaged or vandalized equipment and report it by calling 713-207-2222 or 800-332-7143.
  • Don't play near electrical equipment.
    • Never climb trees close to power lines.
    • Never climb or hang on guy wires, transformers, utility poles or transmission towers.
    • Never enter electrical substations.
  • Keep toys far from power lines.
    • Kites can conduct electricity from power lines, electrical wires or lightning.
    • Never place trampolines or swimming pools near overhead electrical lines.
    • Drones, balls, balloons and other airborne toys can damage or short-circuit electrical lines.

"By taking simple precautions, our customers can take advantage of the extra time at home while ensuring the safety of themselves and their family," added Pryor.

If customers would like to learn more about additional safety steps that the company is taking to protect them and their employees from COVID-19, visit the Safety & Reliability page. For more information and other resources:

 Recent News

 

 
As spring begins, CenterPoint Energy continues progress toward strengthening the grid across the Greater Houston area and shares tips to help customers stay safe while saving energy and money

​Houston – March 20, 2025 – With today marking the start of spring, CenterPoint Energy is continuing to strengthen the resiliency of the grid in key areas ahead of the 2025 hurricane season. To date, the company has completed more than 50 percent of several near-term critical resiliency actions and grid improvements outlined in the second phase of its Greater Houston Resiliency Initiative (GHRI), including installing stronger poles, adding more automation devices, undergrounding power lines and trimming hazardous vegetation.

As the company works to complete these steps before the start of hurricane season on June 1, CenterPoint is also helping customers prepare for the warmer weather ahead by sharing tools, easy-to-implement tips and resources to improve the energy efficiency of their homes, and staying safe as they complete projects around their homes.

“Our team remains fully focused on executing our historic effort to strengthen the grid and improve resiliency and reliability. As CenterPoint prepares for hurricane season, we want to remind customers of ways they can prepare, too. The first day of spring serves as a great reminder that warmer temperatures are coming. We encourage our customers to take steps to increase the energy efficiency of their homes so that they can continue to stay comfortable inside year-round while also reducing their energy use," said Tony Gardner, Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer at CenterPoint, "We also want to remind customers to keep safety top of mind by taking the time to contact 811 prior to starting any digging projects near their home. By taking this easy step, our customers and community members are taking a critical first step in helping keep themselves, their loved ones and neighbors safe."  

Tips, tools and resources for customers to spring into energy and cost savings

Customers can do the following to help spring into energy and cost savings:

  • Do a spring cleaning by changing or cleaning the filters in HVAC systems: Air conditioning can represent approximately 50 percent of a home's energy use as outside temperatures increase. Regular maintenance is one of the best ways to extend the life of a home's system, so swap out or clean filters to minimize costly repairs and to keep the system running efficiently. 
  • Maintain a comfortable temperature indoors year-round: To save energy and reduce cooling costs, use weatherstripping or caulk areas in and around a home where cooled air may escape such as around windows and doors or where warm air could enter.
  • Block the sun's rays during warmer days: When temperatures increase outside, keep window coverings closed when the sun is shining brightest to maintain a more comfortable indoor temperature.
  • Save hot water while maintaining comfort: Showering accounts for 40 percent of a home's hot water use, so energy-saving showerheads and faucet aerators can help lower energy costs and reduce hot water use without sacrificing comfort.
  • Upgrade to more energy efficient appliances and equipment: When replacing appliances and equipment, look for ENERGY STAR®-certified products for increased energy efficiency and cost savings over time. Energy efficiency rebates may be available for qualifying appliances.

Customers can learn more about energy savings tips and tools that help them prepare for the longer and warmer days in addition to ways to manage their monthly energy bills at CenterPointEnergy.com/SavingsTips.

GHRI Progress Milestone: More than 50% complete on several key metrics
On Sept. 30, CenterPoint announced the launch of Phase Two of the GHRI, which will strengthen the grid in advance of hurricane season, included a series of actions to strengthen resiliency, enable a self-healing power system and reduce the duration and impact of power outages. In February alone, the company made progress in key areas including:

  • Installed approximately 2,900 stronger, more storm-resilient poles built to withstand extreme winds;
  • Cleared another 417 miles of high-risk vegetation near power lines to reduce storm-related outages; and
  • Installed an additional 1,334 automated reliability devices to reduce the impact of outages and improve restoration times; and
  • Undergrounded 47 more miles of power lines to reduce the impact of extreme weather.

The resiliency actions outlined in GHRI Phase Two are expected to lead to more than 125 million fewer outage minutes annually for customers. Through early March, the company has made significant advances across its Greater Houston service area and is on track to complete its work before the start of hurricane season.

CenterPoint will continue to provide updates on its progress toward completing its critical resiliency actions and other GHRI commitments. More information and real-time updates are available at CenterPointEnergy.com/TakingAction.

Electric customers encouraged to enroll in Power Alert Service ®

In addition to reducing energy use and improving efficiency, customers are encouraged to enroll in CenterPoint Energy's Power Alert Service® to receive outage details, estimated restoration times (as available or determined) and customer-specific restoration updates in the event of a power outage. With the option to receive updates via phone call, text or email, Power Alert Service® keeps customers informed of restoration progress during an outage.

Call before you dig 

Spring is a great time to begin outdoor home improvement projects. Anyone planning a project that requires digging should contact 811 at least two days prior to starting work to have underground utilities located and marked at no cost. This includes projects done by customers or their contractors, including building a fence, planting trees, installing a deck, placing a mailbox or laying a patio. 

Visit 811BeforeYouDig.com to learn more about 811 and the process to have underground utility lines located and marked. For more information about natural gas safety, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/Safety.

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With the start of spring, CenterPoint Energy reminds customers of tips and available resources to save energy, manage bills and stay safe

Dayton – March 20, 2025 – With today marking the start of spring, CenterPoint Energy encourages customers to leverage tools, tips and resources as part of their spring cleaning and preparation. Customers can unlock energy savings through a combination of easy-to-implement tips, remain connected to company programs and stay safe as they complete projects around their homes.

“At CenterPoint, we have tips, tools and programs to help customers save energy and manage their bills. The first day of spring serves as a great reminder that warmer temperatures are approaching, and we encourage our customers to take steps to increase the energy efficiency of their homes so that they can continue to stay comfortable inside year-round while also reducing their energy use. By taking small and easy actions, customers can make a big difference in reducing their monthly energy bills," said Tony Gardner, Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer at CenterPoint. “We also want to remind customers to keep safety top of mind by taking the time to contact 811 prior to starting any digging projects near their home. By taking this easy step, our customers and community members are taking a critical first step in helping keep themselves, their loved ones and neighbors safe."

Tips, tools and resources for customers to spring into energy and cost savings

Customers can do the following to help spring into energy and cost savings: 

  • Perform a spring cleaning by changing or cleaning the filters in HVAC systems: Air conditioning can represent approximately 50 percent of a home's energy use as outside temperatures increase. Regular maintenance is one of the best ways to extend the life of a home's system, so swap out or clean filters to minimize costly repairs and keep the system running efficiently.
  • Maintain a comfortable temperature indoors year-round: To save energy and reduce cooling costs, use weatherstripping or caulk areas in and around a home where cooled air may escape, such as around windows and doors or where warm air could enter.
  • Block the sun's rays during warmer days: When temperatures increase outside, keep window coverings closed when the sun is shining brightest to maintain a more comfortable indoor temperature.
  • Save hot water while maintaining comfort: Showering accounts for 40 percent of a home's hot water use. Energy-saving showerheads and faucet aerators can help lower energy costs and reduce hot water use without sacrificing comfort. 

Customers can learn more about energy savings tips and tools that help them prepare for the longer and warmer days in addition to ways to manage their monthly energy bills at CenterPointEnergy.com/SavingsTips. ​

Call before you dig 

Spring is a great time to begin outdoor home improvement projects. Anyone planning a project that requires digging should contact 811 at least two days prior to starting work to have underground utilities located and marked at no cost. This includes projects done by customers or their contractors, including building a fence, planting trees, installing a deck, placing a mailbox or laying a patio. 

Visit 811BeforeYouDig.com to learn more about 811 and the process to have underground utility lines located and marked. For more information about natural gas safety, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/Safety. 


With the start of spring, CenterPoint Energy reminds customers of tips and available resources to save energy, manage bills and stay safe

​Minneapolis – March 20, 2025 – With today marking the start of spring, CenterPoint Energy encourages customers to leverage tools, tips and resources as part of their spring cleaning and preparation. Customers can unlock energy savings through a combination of easy-to-implement tips, remain connected to company programs and stay safe as they complete projects around their homes.

“At CenterPoint, we have tips, tools and programs to help customers save energy and manage their bills. The first day of spring serves as a great reminder that warmer temperatures are approaching, and we encourage our customers to take steps to increase the energy efficiency of their homes so that they can continue to stay comfortable inside year-round while also reducing their energy use. By taking small and easy actions, customers can make a big difference in reducing their monthly energy bills," said Tony Gardner, Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer at CenterPoint. “We also want to remind customers to keep safety top of mind by taking the time to contact 811 prior to starting any digging projects near their home. By taking this easy step, our customers and community members are taking a critical first step in helping keep themselves, their loved ones and neighbors safe."

Tips, tools and resources for customers to spring into energy and cost savings

Customers can do the following to help spring into energy and cost savings: ​

  • Perform a spring cleaning by changing or cleaning the filters in HVAC systems: Air conditioning can represent approximately 50 percent of a home's energy use as outside temperatures increase. Regular maintenance is one of the best ways to extend the life of a home's system, so swap out or clean filters to minimize costly repairs and keep the system running efficiently.
  • Maintain a comfortable temperature indoors year-round: To save energy and reduce cooling costs, use weatherstripping or caulk areas in and around a home where cooled air may escape, such as around windows and doors or where warm air could enter.
  • Block the sun's rays during warmer days: When temperatures increase outside, keep window coverings closed when the sun is shining brightest to maintain a more comfortable indoor temperature.
  • Save hot water while maintaining comfort: Showering accounts for 40 percent of a home's hot water use. Energy-saving showerheads and faucet aerators can help lower energy costs and reduce hot water use without sacrificing comfort.
  • Upgrade to more energy efficient appliances and equipment: When replacing appliances and equipment, look for ENERGY STAR®-certified products for increased energy efficiency and cost savings over time. Energy efficiency rebates may be available for qualifying appliances.​

Customers can learn more about energy savings tips and tools that help them prepare for the longer and warmer days in addition to ways to manage their monthly energy bills at CenterPointEnergy.com/SavingsTips.

Call before you dig 

Spring is a great time to begin outdoor home improvement projects. Anyone planning a project that requires digging should contact 811 at least two days prior to starting work to have underground utilities located and marked at no cost. This includes projects done by customers or their contractors, including building a fence, planting trees, installing a deck, placing a mailbox or laying a patio. ​

Visit 811BeforeYouDig.com to learn more about 811 and the process to have underground utility lines located and marked. For more information about natural gas safety, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/Safety. 


With the start of spring, CenterPoint Energy reminds customers of tips and available resources to save energy, manage bills and stay safe

​Evansville, Ind. – March 20, 2025 – With today marking the start of spring, CenterPoint Energy encourages customers to leverage tools, tips and resources as part of their spring cleaning and preparation. Customers can unlock energy savings through a combination of easy-to-implement tips, remain connected to company programs and stay safe as they complete projects around their homes.

“At CenterPoint, we have tips, tools and programs to help customers save energy and manage their bills. The first day of spring serves as a great reminder that warmer temperatures are approaching, and we encourage our customers to take steps to increase the energy efficiency of their homes so that they can continue to stay comfortable inside year-round while also reducing their energy use. By taking small and easy actions, customers can make a big difference in reducing their monthly energy bills," said Tony Gardner, Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer at CenterPoint. “We also want to remind customers to keep safety top of mind by taking the time to contact 811 prior to starting any digging projects near their home. By taking this easy step, our customers and community members are taking a critical first step in helping keep themselves, their loved ones and neighbors safe."

Tips, tools and resources for customers to spring into energy and cost savings

Customers can do the following to help spring into energy and cost savings:

  • Perform a spring cleaning by changing or cleaning the filters in HVAC systems: Air conditioning can represent approximately 50 percent of a home's energy use as outside temperatures increase. Regular maintenance is one of the best ways to extend the life of a home's system, so swap out or clean filters to minimize costly repairs and keep the system running efficiently.
  • Maintain a comfortable temperature indoors year-round: To save energy and reduce cooling costs, use weatherstripping or caulk areas in and around a home where cooled air may escape, such as around windows and doors or where warm air could enter.
  • Block the sun's rays during warmer days: When temperatures increase outside, keep window coverings closed when the sun is shining brightest to maintain a more comfortable indoor temperature.
  • Save hot water while maintaining comfort: Showering accounts for 40 percent of a home's hot water use. Energy-saving showerheads and faucet aerators can help lower energy costs and reduce hot water use without sacrificing comfort.
  • Upgrade to more energy efficient appliances and equipment: When replacing appliances and equipment, look for ENERGY STAR®-certified products for increased energy efficiency and cost savings over time. Energy efficiency rebates may be available for qualifying appliances.

Customers can learn more about energy savings tips and tools that help them prepare for the longer and warmer days in addition to ways to manage their monthly energy bills at CenterPointEnergy.com/SavingsTips.

Electric customers encouraged to enroll in Power Alert Service®

In addition to reducing energy use and improving efficiency, customers are encouraged to enroll in CenterPoint Energy's Power Alert Service® to receive outage details, estimated restoration times (as available or determined) and customer-specific restoration updates in the event of a power outage. With the option to receive updates via phone call, text or email, Power Alert Service® keeps customers informed of restoration progress during an outage.

Call before you dig 

Spring is a great time to begin outdoor home improvement projects. Anyone planning a project that requires digging should contact 811 at least two days prior to starting work to have underground utilities located and marked at no cost. This includes projects done by customers or their contractors, including building a fence, planting trees, installing a deck, placing a mailbox or laying a patio. ​

Visit 811BeforeYouDig.com to learn more about 811 and the process to have underground utility lines located and marked. For more information about natural gas safety, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/Safety. 


In celebration of Natural Gas Utility Workers Day, CenterPoint Energy honors team members who work every day to serve customers and communities

Houston – March 18, 2025 – Every year, March 18 is recognized as Natural Gas Utility Workers Day, which is a moment to pause and honor the important role natural gas utility workers play in serving as emergency responders and keeping natural gas safely flowing to the businesses and homes in the many communities CenterPoint Energy is privileged to serve. CenterPoint honors the company's employees and those who work throughout the natural gas industry for their tireless work in providing safe, reliable and resilient service to those who rely on natural gas.

CenterPoint's approximately 3,500 natural gas utility workers play a critical role in installing and maintaining natural gas infrastructure such as pipelines and meters, supporting the delivery of energy service to customers, educating the public on natural gas safety and adhering to rigorous safety standards to protect their communities and the environment.

“Our natural gas utility workforce keeps safety at the forefront of all they do. Whether installing natural gas service or responding to emergency calls from customers, our workers focus on delivering resilient, readily available energy solutions for customers. No matter the temperature outside nor the time of day, our natural gas workers are there to help meet the needs of our customers and communities to keep them safe, maintain warmth and enable possibilities to support business needs. We honor and celebrate natural gas utility workers, not just today, but for the work they do every day to help keep us all safe," said Richard Leger, CenterPoint's Senior Vice President, Gas Business.

At CenterPoint, natural gas utility workers serve more than 4.3 million customers across six states, monitor and maintain more than 75,000 miles of distribution pipeline and deploy advanced leak detection technologies to monitor more than 80% of the company's natural gas assets.

In 2024 alone, the company's natural gas utility workers helped:

  • Replace more than 470 miles of pipeline to help advance efforts to modernize the company's natural gas distribution systems using modern construction materials and installation methods, including efforts to replace cast iron infrastructure.
  • Deploy more than 250,000 natural gas smart meters across the company's service area, which include enhanced safety and communications features.
  • Complete more than 2.5 million locates of the company's natural gas facilities, which help customers and community members dig safely and mitigate potential service disruptions.

Tips for customers to stay safe

Safety is CenterPoint's top priority. In addition to the company's employees' commitment to working safely, the company would like to remind customers to always keep natural gas safety top of mind by:

  • Calling before your dig: Anyone planning a project that requires digging should contact 811 at least two days prior to their work starting to have underground utilities located at no cost.
  • Learning to recognize a natural gas leak by using one's eyes, ears and noses:
    • Look for signs of a natural gas leak including persistent bubbling in standing water and discolored or dead vegetation around a pipeline.
    • Listen for any unusual noises such as whistling, hissing or roaring sounds.
    • Smell for the distinctive, strong odor, often compared to rotten eggs or sulfur from mercaptan which is added to natural gas for safety detection purposes.
  • Immediately reporting a suspected natural gas leak: If there's a “rotten egg" odor of natural gas present, immediately leave on foot, go to a safe location and call both 911 and CenterPoint Energy. Don't use electric switches and outlets, phones (including cell phones), drive or start a car or do anything that could cause a spark inside or close to the location.

To learn more about CenterPoint's commitment to natural gas safety, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/Safety.

Images associated with this release can be found at: https://cnplibrary.canto.com/b/UJQKH. These photos are made available courtesy of CenterPoint Energy.

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