CenterPoint Energy reports Q2 2020 earnings of $0.11 per diluted share; $0.21 diluted EPS on a guidance basis, with $0.18 diluted EPS from utility operations, inclusive of $0.06 COVID-19 impact, and $0.03 diluted EPS from midstream investments
Utilities led company with strong second quarter results in spite of $0.06 COVID-19 impact; Reiterate 2020 Utility EPS guidance range of $1.10 - $1.20 and 5 - 7% Utility EPS CAGR, inclusive of anticipated COVID-19 impacts
2020-08-06T05:00:00Z

Houston - Aug. 6, 2020 - CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) today reported income available to common shareholders of $59 million, or $0.11 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2020, compared to income available to common shareholders of $165 million, or $0.33 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2019.

On a guidance basis, second quarter 2020 earnings were $0.21 per diluted share, with $0.18 per diluted share from utility operations, inclusive of $0.06 unfavorable COVID-19 impact, and $0.03 per diluted share from midstream investments. Second quarter 2019 earnings, on a guidance basis, were $0.23 per diluted share from utility operations and $0.09 per diluted share from midstream investments. See "Reconciliation of Consolidated income (loss) available to common shareholders and diluted earnings (loss) per share (GAAP) to adjusted income and adjusted diluted earnings per share (Non-GAAP)" below.

"Our second quarter results demonstrate our employees' resilience and dedication to safely serving our customers during these unique and challenging times," said Dave Lesar, President and Chief Executive Officer of CenterPoint Energy. "I would especially like to thank our operations personnel for their unwavering commitment and tireless efforts to deliver on CenterPoint Energy's brand promise of being 'Always There' for our customers.

"Despite the challenges brought on by COVID-19, our utilities delivered strong second quarter results driven by customer growth, rate relief and disciplined O&M management," said Lesar. "We are reiterating CenterPoint Energy's 2020 Utility EPS guidance range of $1.10 - $1.20 and expected 5 - 7% 5-year guidance basis Utility EPS CAGR, including the anticipated full year impacts of $0.10 - $0.15 related to COVID-19."

Lesar added, "As CEO and also Chairman of the Business Review and Evaluation Committee of the Board (the "Committee"), I am driving a process dedicated to thoroughly assessing opportunities to accomplish the objective of creating sustainable value for our stakeholders. The comprehensive review by the Committee is an on-going and robust process to unlock the potential of our Company, business and investments. Formal recommendations to the Board are expected in October 2020.

"I believe that CenterPoint Energy is a strong company with great regulated assets and attractive opportunities to invest incremental capital across premier organic growth jurisdictions," said Lesar. "I am greatly energized about the future of this company and will work tirelessly to drive maximum value for all of our stakeholders."

Business Segments

Houston Electric - Transmission & Distribution

The Houston electric - transmission & distribution segment reported net income of $87 million for the second quarter of 2020, compared with $100 million for the second quarter of 2019. Net income for the second quarter of 2020 included $2 million of after-tax merger-related expenses. On a guidance basis, second quarter 2020 net income was $89 million, compared with $100 million for the second quarter of 2019.  Results for the second quarter of 2020 benefited primarily from customer growth and lower operations and maintenance expense. These benefits were more than offset by lower commercial and industrial usage, primarily due to the effects of COVID-19, increased depreciation and amortization and other taxes expense, lower equity return, primarily due to the annual true-up of transition charges, and lower net revenues as a result of the most recent Houston Electric rate case.

Indiana Electric – Integrated

The Indiana electric - integrated segment reported net income of $19 million for the second quarter of 2020, compared with $16 million for the second quarter of 2019. Results for the second quarter of 2020 benefited primarily from lower operations and maintenance expense, partially offset by lower usage, primarily due to the effects of COVID-19.

Natural Gas Distribution

The natural gas distribution segment reported net income of $33 million for the second quarter of 2020, compared with $23 million for the second quarter of 2019. Net income for the second quarter of 2020 includes $2 million of after-tax merger-related expenses and severance costs. On a guidance basis, second quarter 2020 net income was $35 million, compared with $23 million for the second quarter of 2019. Results for the second quarter of 2020 benefited primarily from rate relief, lower operations and maintenance expense and customer growth. These increases were partially offset by lower usage and miscellaneous fee revenues due to the effects of COVID-19 and increased depreciation and amortization and other taxes expense.

Midstream Investments

The midstream investments segment reported net income of $24 million for the second quarter of 2020, compared with $50 million for the second quarter of 2019.  For further detail, please refer to Enable's investor materials provided during its second quarter 2020 earnings call on August 5, 2020.

Corporate and Other

The corporate and other segment reported a net loss of $28 million for the second quarter of 2020, compared with a net loss of $38 million for the second quarter of 2019.  The net loss for the second quarter of 2020 included $5 million of after-tax merger-related expenses and severance costs. The net loss for the second quarter of 2019 included $27 million of after-tax merger-related expenses.

Discontinued Operations - Energy Services and Infrastructure Services

Discontinued operations reported a net loss of $30 million for the second quarter of 2020, compared with net income of $44 million for the second quarter of 2019.  Results related to discontinued operations are excluded from the company's guidance basis results.

Earnings Outlook

To provide greater transparency on utility earnings, 2020 guidance will be presented in two components, a guidance basis Utility EPS range and a Midstream Investments EPS expected range.

  • Reiterate 2020 guidance basis Utility EPS range of $1.10 - $1.20
  • 2020 - 2024 target of 5 - 7% compound annual guidance basis Utility EPS growth, using the 2020 range of $1.10 - $1.20 as the starting EPS, assuming the COVID-19 scenario range described below
  • 2020 Midstream Investments EPS expected range is $0.15 - $0.18

Utility EPS Guidance Range

  • Utility EPS guidance range includes net income from Houston Electric, Indiana Electric and Natural Gas Distribution segments, as well as after tax operating income from the Corporate and Other segment.
  • The 2020 Utility EPS guidance range considers operations performance to date and assumptions for certain significant variables that may impact earnings, such as customer growth (approximately 2% for electric operations and 1% for natural gas distribution) and usage including normal weather, throughput, recovery of capital invested through rate cases and other rate filings, effective tax rates, financing activities and related interest rates, regulatory and judicial proceedings, anticipated cost savings as a result of the merger and reflects dilution and earnings as if the Series C preferred stock were issued as common stock.  In addition, the Utility EPS guidance range incorporates a COVID-19 scenario range of $0.10 - $0.15 which assumes reduced demand levels and miscellaneous revenues with the second quarter as the peak and reflects anticipated deferral and recovery of certain incremental expenses, including bad debt. The COVID-19 scenario range also assumes a gradual re-opening of the economy in CenterPoint Energy's service territories, with anticipated reduced demand and lower miscellaneous revenues over the remainder of 2020.  To the extent actual recovery deviates from these COVID-19 scenario range assumptions, the 2020 Utility EPS guidance range may not be met and our projected full-year guidance range may change.  The Utility EPS guidance range also assumes an allocation of corporate overhead based upon its relative earnings contribution. Corporate overhead consists of interest expense, preferred stock dividend requirements, income on Enable preferred units and other items directly attributable to the parent along with the associated income taxes.
  • Utility EPS guidance excludes:
    • Certain expenses associated with merger integration and Business Review and Evaluation Committee activities
    • Severance cost
    • Midstream Investments and allocation of associated corporate overhead
    • Results related to Infrastructure Services and Energy Services, including costs and impairment resulting from the sale of those businesses
    • Earnings or losses from the change in value of ZENS and related securities

In providing this 2020 guidance, CenterPoint Energy uses a non-GAAP measure of adjusted diluted earnings per share that does not consider the items noted above and other potential impacts such as any changes in accounting standards, impairments or other unusual items, which could have a material impact on GAAP reported results for the applicable guidance period.  CenterPoint Energy is unable to present a quantitative reconciliation of forward looking adjusted diluted earnings per share because changes in the value of ZENS and related securities are not estimable as they are highly variable and difficult to predict due to various factors outside of management's control.

Midstream Investments EPS Expected Range

The 2020 Midstream Investments EPS expected range is $0.15 - $0.18. In providing this EPS range for Midstream Investments, the company assumes a 53.7 percent ownership of Enable's common units and includes the amortization of its basis differential in Enable and assumes an allocation of CenterPoint Energy corporate overhead based upon Midstream Investments relative earnings contribution. The Midstream Investments EPS expected range reflects dilution and earnings as if CenterPoint Energy's Series C preferred stock were issued as common stock. The Midstream Investments EPS expected range takes into account such factors as Enable's most recent public outlook for 2020 dated August 5, 2020, and effective tax rates. The company does not include other potential impacts such as any changes in accounting standards, impairments or Enable's unusual items.

Filing of Form 10-Q for CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

Today, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2020. A copy of that report is available on the company's website, under the Investors section. Investors and others should note that we may announce material information using SEC filings, press releases, public conference calls, webcasts, and the Investor Relations page of our website.  In the future, we will continue to use these channels to distribute material information about the company and to communicate important information about the company, key personnel, corporate initiatives, regulatory updates and other matters.  Information that we post on our website could be deemed material; therefore we encourage investors, the media, our customers, business partners and others interested in our company to review the information we post on our website.

Webcast of Earnings Conference Call

CenterPoint Energy's management will host an earnings conference call on Thursday, August 6, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. Central time/11:00 a.m. Eastern time. Interested parties may listen to a live audio broadcast of the conference call on the company's website under the Investors section. A replay of the call can be accessed approximately two hours after the completion of the call and will be archived on the website for at least one year.

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 Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma and Texas. As of June 30, 2020, the company owned approximately $32 billion in assets and also owned 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" 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 capital investments, future earnings, and future financial performance and results of operations, including, but not limited to earnings guidance, impact of COVID-19, including with respect to regulatory actions and the COVID-19 scenario range discussed in this news release, the Business Review and Evaluation Committee activities and any outcome of its review process, value creation 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.

Risks Related to CenterPoint Energy

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 performance of Enable Midstream Partners, LP (Enable), the amount of cash distributions CenterPoint Energy receives from Enable, Enable's ability to redeem the Enable Series A Preferred Units in certain circumstances and the value of CenterPoint Energy's interest in Enable, and factors that may have a material impact on such performance, cash distributions and value, including factors such as: (A) competitive conditions in the midstream industry, and actions taken by Enable's customers and competitors, including drilling, production and capital spending decisions of third parties and the extent and timing of the entry of additional competition in the markets served by Enable; (B) the timing and extent of changes in the supply of natural gas and associated commodity prices, particularly prices of natural gas and natural gas liquids (NGLs), the competitive effects of the available pipeline capacity in the regions served by Enable, and the effects of geographic and seasonal commodity price differentials, including the effects of these circumstances on re-contracting available capacity on Enable's interstate pipelines and its commodity risk management activities; (C) economic effects of the recent actions of Saudi Arabia,  Russia and other oil-producing countries, which have resulted in a substantial decrease in oil and natural gas prices and the combined impact of these events and COVID-19 on commodity prices; (D) the demand for crude oil, natural gas, NGLs and transportation and storage services; (E) environmental and other governmental regulations, including the availability of drilling permits and the regulation of hydraulic fracturing; (F) recording of goodwill, long-lived asset or other than temporary impairment charges by or related to Enable; (G) the timing of payments from Enable's customers under existing contracts, including minimum volume commitment payments; (H) changes in tax status; and (I) access to debt and equity capital; (2) CenterPoint Energy's expected benefits of the merger with Vectren Corporation (Vectren) and integration, including the outcome of shareholder litigation filed against Vectren that could reduce anticipated benefits of the merger, as well as the ability to successfully integrate the Vectren businesses and to realize anticipated benefits and commercial opportunities; (3) the recording of impairment charges; (4) industrial, commercial and residential growth in CenterPoint Energy's service territories and changes in market demand, including the demand for CenterPoint Energy's non-utility products and services and effects of energy efficiency measures and demographic patterns; (5) timely and appropriate rate actions that allow recovery of costs and a reasonable return on investment; (6) future economic conditions in regional and national markets and their effect on sales, prices and costs; (7) weather variations and other natural phenomena, including the impact of severe weather events on operations and capital; (8) the COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on CenterPoint Energy's and Enable's operations, business and financial condition, the industries and communities they serve, U.S. and world financial markets and supply chains, potential regulatory actions and changes in customer and stakeholder behaviors relating thereto; (9) volatility and a substantial recent decline in the markets for oil and natural gas as a result of the actions of crude-oil exporting nations and the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and reduced worldwide consumption due to the COVID-19 pandemic; (10) state and federal legislative and regulatory actions or developments affecting various aspects of CenterPoint Energy's and Enable's businesses, including, among others, energy deregulation or re-regulation, pipeline integrity and safety and changes in regulation and legislation pertaining to trade, health care, finance and actions regarding the rates charged by our regulated businesses; (11) tax legislation, including the effects of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the comprehensive tax reform legislation informally referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (which includes but is not limited to any potential changes to tax rates, tax credits and/or interest deductibility) and uncertainties involving state commissions' and local municipalities' regulatory requirements and determinations regarding the treatment of excess deferred income taxes and CenterPoint Energy's rates; (12) CenterPoint Energy's ability to mitigate weather impacts through normalization or rate mechanisms, and the effectiveness of such mechanisms; (13) actions by credit rating agencies, including any potential downgrades to credit ratings; (14) problems with regulatory approval, legislative actions, construction, implementation of necessary technology or other issues with respect to major capital projects that result in delays or cancellation or in cost overruns that cannot be recouped in rates; (15) the availability and prices of raw materials and services and changes in labor for current and future construction projects and operations and maintenance costs, including CenterPoint Energy's ability to control such costs; (16) local, state and federal legislative and regulatory actions or developments relating to the environment, including, among others, those related to global climate change, air emissions, carbon, waste water discharges and the handling and disposal of coal combustion residuals (CCR) that could impact the continued operation, and/or cost recovery of generation plant costs and related assets; (17) the impact of unplanned facility outages or other closures; (18) any direct or indirect effects on CenterPoint Energy's or Enable's facilities, operations and financial condition resulting from terrorism, cyber-attacks, data security breaches or other attempts to disrupt CenterPoint Energy's businesses or the businesses of third parties, or other catastrophic events such as fires, ice, earthquakes, explosions, leaks, floods, droughts, hurricanes, tornadoes, pandemic health events or other occurrences; (19) CenterPoint Energy's ability to invest planned capital and the timely recovery of CenterPoint Energy's investments, including those related to Indiana Electric's Integrated Resource Plan; (20) CenterPoint Energy's ability to successfully construct and operate electric generating facilities, including complying with applicable environmental standards and the implementation of a well-balanced energy and resource mix, as appropriate; (21) the sufficiency of CenterPoint Energy's insurance coverage, including availability, cost, coverage and terms and ability to recover claims; (22) the investment performance of CenterPoint Energy's pension and postretirement benefit plans; (23) changes in interest rates and their impact on CenterPoint Energy's costs of borrowing and the valuation of its pension benefit obligation; (24) commercial bank and financial market conditions, CenterPoint Energy's access to capital, the cost of such capital, and the results of CenterPoint Energy's financing and refinancing efforts, including availability of funds in the debt capital markets; (25) changes in rates of inflation; (26) inability of various counterparties to meet their obligations to CenterPoint Energy; (27) non-payment for CenterPoint Energy's services due to financial distress of its customers; (28) the extent and effectiveness of CenterPoint Energy's and Enable's risk management and hedging activities, including but not limited to, financial and weather hedges; (29) timely and appropriate regulatory actions, which include actions allowing securitization, for any future hurricanes or natural disasters or other recovery of costs; (30) the ability of retail electric providers (REPs), including REP affiliates of NRG Energy, Inc. and Vistra Energy Corp., formerly known as TCEH Corp., to satisfy their obligations to CenterPoint Energy and its subsidiaries; (31) CenterPoint Energy's or Enable's potential business strategies and strategic initiatives, including restructurings, joint ventures and acquisitions or dispositions of assets or businesses, which CenterPoint Energy and Enable cannot assure will be completed or will have the anticipated benefits to CenterPoint Energy or Enable; (32) acquisition and merger activities involving CenterPoint Energy or its competitors, including the ability to successfully complete merger, acquisition and divestiture plans; (33) CenterPoint Energy's or Enable's ability to recruit, effectively transition and retain management and key employees and maintain good labor relations; (34) the outcome of litigation; (35) the development of new opportunities and the performance of projects undertaken by ESG, including, among other factors, the level of success in bidding contracts and cancellation and/or reductions in the scope of projects by customers, and obligations related to warranties and guarantees; (36) changes in technology, particularly with respect to efficient battery storage or the emergence or growth of new, developing or alternative sources of generation; (37) the impact of alternate energy sources on the demand for natural gas; (38) the timing and outcome of any audits, disputes and other proceedings related to taxes; (39) the effective tax rates; (40) the transition to a replacement for the LIBOR benchmark interest rate; (41) the effect of changes in and application of accounting standards and pronouncements; and (42) 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 quarters ended March 31, 2020 and June 30, 2020 and other reports CenterPoint Energy or its subsidiaries may file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures by CenterPoint Energy in Providing Guidance

In addition to presenting its financial results in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), including presentation of income (loss) available to common shareholders and diluted earnings (loss) per share, CenterPoint Energy also provides guidance based on adjusted income and adjusted diluted earnings per share, which are non-GAAP financial measures.  Generally, a non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of a company's historical or future financial performance that excludes or includes amounts that are not normally excluded or included in the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.

To provide greater transparency on utility earnings, CenterPoint Energy's 2020 guidance will be presented in two components, a guidance basis Utility EPS range and a Midstream Investments EPS expected range. The 2020 Utility EPS guidance range includes net income from Houston Electric, Indiana Electric and Natural Gas Distribution business segments, as well as after tax operating income from the Corporate and Other segment. The 2020 Utility EPS guidance range considers operations performance to date and assumptions for certain significant variables that may impact earnings, such as customer growth (approximately 2% for electric operations and 1% for natural gas distribution) and usage including normal weather, throughput, recovery of capital invested through rate cases and other rate filings, effective tax rates, financing activities and related interest rates, regulatory and judicial proceedings, anticipated cost savings as a result of the merger and reflects dilution and earnings as if the Series C preferred stock were issued as common stock.  In addition, the 2020 Utility EPS guidance range incorporates a COVID-19 scenario range of $0.10 - $0.15 which assumes reduced demand levels and miscellaneous revenues with the second quarter as the peak and reflects anticipated deferral and recovery of certain incremental expenses, including bad debt. The COVID-19 scenario range also assumes a gradual re-opening of the economy in CenterPoint Energy's service territories, with anticipated reduced demand and lower miscellaneous revenues over the remainder of 2020.  To the extent actual recovery deviates from these COVID-19 scenario range assumptions, the 2020 Utility EPS guidance range may not be met and our projected full-year guidance range may change.  The 2020 Utility EPS guidance range also assumes an allocation of corporate overhead based upon its relative earnings contribution. Corporate overhead consists of interest expense, preferred stock dividend requirements, income on Enable preferred units and other items directly attributable to the parent along with the associated income taxes. Utility EPS guidance excludes (a) certain expenses associated with merger integration and Business Review and Evaluation Committee activities, (b) severance costs, (c) Midstream Investments and associated allocation of corporate overhead, (d) results related to Infrastructure Services and Energy Services, including costs and impairment resulting from the sale of those businesses, and (e) earnings or losses from the change in value of ZENS and related securities. In providing this guidance, CenterPoint Energy uses a non-GAAP measure of adjusted diluted earnings per share that does not consider other potential impacts, such as changes in accounting standards, impairments or unusual items, which could have a material impact on GAAP reported results for the applicable guidance period.  CenterPoint Energy is unable to present a quantitative reconciliation of forward looking adjusted diluted earnings per share because changes in the value of ZENS and related securities are not estimable as they are highly variable and difficult to predict due to various factors outside of management's control.

The 2020 Midstream Investments EPS expected range assumes a 53.7 percent ownership of Enable's common units and includes the amortization of the Company's basis differential in Enable and assumes an allocation of CenterPoint Energy corporate overhead based upon Midstream Investments relative earnings contribution. The Midstream Investments EPS expected range reflects dilution and earnings as if the CenterPoint Energy Series C preferred stock were issued as common stock.  The Midstream Investments EPS expected range takes into account such factors as Enable's most recent public outlook for 2020 dated August 5, 2020, and effective tax rates. The company does not include other potential impacts such as any changes in accounting standards, impairments or Enable's unusual items.

Management evaluates the company's financial performance in part based on adjusted income and adjusted diluted earnings per share. Management believes that presenting these non-GAAP financial measures enhances an investor's understanding of CenterPoint Energy's overall financial performance by providing them with an additional meaningful and relevant comparison of current and anticipated future results across periods. The adjustments made in these non-GAAP financial measures exclude items that Management believes do not most accurately reflect the company's fundamental business performance. These excluded items are reflected in the reconciliation tables of this news release, where applicable. CenterPoint Energy's adjusted income and adjusted diluted earnings per share non-GAAP financial measures should be considered as a supplement to, and not as a substitute for, or superior to, income available to common shareholders and diluted earnings per share, which respectively are the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures. These non-GAAP financial measures also may be different than non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies.

 Recent News

 

 
CenterPoint Energy continues its resiliency efforts across the 12-county region through its Foundation’s Community Generator Donation Program; Donates trailer generator to the Liberty County Office of Emergency Management

​HOUSTON — June 6, 2025 — Yesterday, at an event in Liberty, Texas, CenterPoint Energy leaders joined local elected officials and community leaders to announce the donation of a trailer generator to the Liberty County Office of Emergency Management as part of the company's Community Generator Donation Program to support local community resiliency. Through this program, the CenterPoint Energy Foundation is donating funds for more than 20 backup generators at key locations throughout its 12-county Greater Houston region, with at least one generator or other support provided for each county.  

The company worked in close collaboration with local Offices of Emergency Management (OEMs) and other county and city leaders to identify the appropriate locations for the donated generators to be able to have the greatest impact and local benefit. 

The Community Generator Donation Program is part of CenterPoint's Greater Houston Resiliency Initiative (GHRI). The backup generators will help provide support for critical community partners during major weather events or other emergencies and will be funded through a $5 million grant from the CenterPoint Energy Foundation at no cost to customers. The CenterPoint Energy Foundation is a charitable giving organization focused on strengthening the quality of life in the communities served by the company. The foundation is funded by shareholders and has no impact on customer rates. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/Foundation. 

“We are committed to improving resiliency in our local communities and working closely with our community partners to achieve this important goal. Today, we are donating backup generation to support our partners in Liberty County. The donated generators are each capable of powering an entire large building and will help make the communities we are proud to serve even more resilient during major storms and other emergency events," said Alicia Dixon, CenterPoint's Director of Community Relations. 

These backup generators will provide an additional power supply during major storms and other emergency events that cause outages. Facilities that receive the donated backup generators will be able to better serve their communities during outages, acting as hubs for essential services like medical care, cooling stations, water and food distribution, charging stations for critical devices and other services.  

Working with Community Partners on Locations 
To support local community needs, CenterPoint worked closely with county and city officials and OEMs to identify and select the ideal locations for the donated generators, with local officials ultimately deciding which critical facilities will receive the donations. 

CenterPoint will continue coordinating with local community partners to ensure the backup generators are suitable to meet the specific needs of the critical facilities they have identified.  

 

PHOTO: From L to R: Shelton Mitchell, CenterPoint Service Area Director for Baytown and South Houston; Carlton Porter, CenterPoint Service Area Manager for Baytown; Paul Lock, CenterPoint Director of Local Government Affairs; Jay Knight, Liberty County Judge; Antwyne “AJ" Johnson, Liberty County Emergency Management Coordinator; Alicia Dixon, CenterPoint Director of Community Relations; Madison Gonzalez, Liberty County Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator; William “Billy" Knox, Liberty County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy; Robert “Bobby" Rader, Liberty County Sheriff

More photos: CNP Digital Asset Mgmt 
 
About CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is a multi-state electric and natural gas delivery company serving approximately 7 million metered customers across Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, and Texas. The company is headquartered in Houston and is the only Texas-domiciled investor-owned utility. As of March 31, 2025, the company had approximately $44 billion in assets. With approximately 8,300 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been serving customers for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.

Forward-looking statements
This news release, as well as the website pages related to the GHRI, includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this news release or the website pages related to the GHRI, 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, which include statements regarding the GHRI and longer-term resiliency plans, including effectiveness, timing and related matters, 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 or the website pages related to the GHRI regarding future events that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement contained in this news release or the website pages related to the GHRI speaks only as of the date of this release or the date that such statement is made, as applicable. 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) business strategies and strategic initiatives, restructurings, joint ventures, acquisitions or dispositions of assets or businesses involving CenterPoint Energy or its industry; (2) CenterPoint Energy's ability to fund and invest planned capital, and the timely recovery of its investments; (3) financial market and general economic conditions; (4) the timing and impact of future regulatory, legislative and political actions or developments; and (5) other factors, risks and uncertainties discussed in CenterPoint Energy's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 and other reports CenterPoint Energy or its subsidiaries may file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
​

CenterPoint Energy continues its resiliency efforts across the 12-county region through its Foundation’s Community Generator Donation Program; Donates backup generator to the Richard and Meg Weekley Community Center

​HOUSTON — June 6, 2025 — Yesterday, at an announcement in Cypress, Texas with elected officials and community leaders, CenterPoint Energy leaders announced the donation of a backup generator to the Richard and Meg Weekley Community Center as part of its Community Generator Donation Program to support local community resiliency. Through this program, the CenterPoint Energy Foundation is donating funds for more than 20 backup generators at key locations throughout its 12-county Greater Houston region, with at least one generator or other support provided for each county.  

The company worked in close collaboration with local Offices of Emergency Management (OEMs) and other county and city leaders to identify the appropriate locations for the donated generators to be able to have the greatest impact and local benefit. 

The Community Generator Donation Program is part of CenterPoint's Greater Houston Resiliency Initiative (GHRI). The backup generators will help provide support for critical community partners during major weather events or other emergencies and will be funded through a $5 million grant from the CenterPoint Energy Foundation at no cost to customers. The CenterPoint Energy Foundation is a charitable giving organization focused on strengthening the quality of life in the communities served by the company. The foundation is funded by shareholders and has no impact on customer rates. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/Foundation. 

“We are committed to improving resiliency in our local communities and working closely with our community partners to achieve this important goal. Today, we are donating backup generation to support our partners here in Harris County Precinct 4. These donated generators are each capable of powering an entire large building and will help make the communities we are proud to serve even more resilient during major storms and other emergency events," said Jason Ryan, CenterPoint's Executive Vice President of Regulatory Services at Government Affairs.

The backup generators will provide an additional power supply during major storms and other emergency events that cause outages. Facilities that receive the donated backup generators will be able to better serve their communities during outages, acting as hubs for essential services like medical care, cooling stations, water and food distribution, charging stations for critical devices and other services.  

Working with Community Partners on Locations 
To support local community needs, CenterPoint worked closely with county and city officials and OEMs to identify and select the ideal locations for the donated generators, with local officials ultimately deciding which critical facilities will receive the donations. 

“Hurricane season is here, and in Harris County we know it's not a matter of if the next big storm will hit, but when. My Precinct 4 team and I work year-round to ensure we can deliver resources effectively and efficiently in the aftermath of disaster. This new backup generator at Weekley Community Center will significantly enhance our extreme weather resilience. Thanks to the power of partners like CenterPoint, we stand ready to serve our community before, during, and after any storm," said Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones.

CenterPoint will continue coordinating with local community partners to ensure the backup generators are suitable to meet the specific needs of the critical facilities they have identified.  

 

PHOTO: From L to R: Michelle Hundley, CenterPoint Local Government Relations Manager; Jason Ryan, CenterPoint Executive Vice President of Regulatory Services at Government Affairs; Lesley Briones, Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner; Johnnie Johnson, CenterPoint Service Area Director for Cypress and Katy; Jeffery Ledet, CenterPoint Service Area Manager for Cypress
 
More photos: CNP Digital Asset Mgmt 
 
About CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is a multi-state electric and natural gas delivery company serving approximately 7 million metered customers across Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, and Texas. The company is headquartered in Houston and is the only Texas-domiciled investor-owned utility. As of March 31, 2025, the company had approximately $44 billion in assets. With approximately 8,300 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been serving customers for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.

Forward-looking statements
This news release, as well as the website pages related to the GHRI, includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this news release or the website pages related to the GHRI, 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, which include statements regarding the GHRI and longer-term resiliency plans, including effectiveness, timing and related matters, 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 or the website pages related to the GHRI regarding future events that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement contained in this news release or the website pages related to the GHRI speaks only as of the date of this release or the date that such statement is made, as applicable. 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) business strategies and strategic initiatives, restructurings, joint ventures, acquisitions or dispositions of assets or businesses involving CenterPoint Energy or its industry; (2) CenterPoint Energy's ability to fund and invest planned capital, and the timely recovery of its investments; (3) financial market and general economic conditions; (4) the timing and impact of future regulatory, legislative and political actions or developments; and (5) other factors, risks and uncertainties discussed in CenterPoint Energy's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 and other reports CenterPoint Energy or its subsidiaries may file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.​


CenterPoint Energy reminds customers, contractors and community members to dial 811 before digging or starting outdoor projects
​​HOUSTON – June 5, 2025 – CenterPoint Energy is reminding everyone to contact 811 before starting any outdoor digging project. Anyone planning to dig — including gardening, building or repairing a fence, planting trees, installing a deck, placing a mailbox or laying a patio — should contact 811 at least three business days (excluding weekends and holidays) before starting their project. 811 is a free service that community members can use to have utility lines located and marked.

According to the Common Ground Alliance, a member-driven association of nearly 3,800 damage prevention professionals in the underground utility industry, utility lines are damaged every few minutes because digging occurred prior to contacting 811. In 2024 alone, CenterPoint experienced more than 3,100 natural gas line damages within its service territory because 811 was not contacted before digging.

“As temperatures continue to warm up, our customers and community members are working on more outdoor projects around their homes. While they take advantage of the warmer temperatures, we want to remind everyone of the importance of having utilities located and marked prior to digging. By contacting 811, everyone takes a critical first step in helping keep themselves, their loved ones and communities safe," said Al Payton, CenterPoint's Vice President of Safety and Technical Training. “No matter how shallow or minor a project, everyone can help prevent safety incidents and loss of utility service for their communities by contacting 811 to have underground utility lines located and marked."

Safe digging practices are required by state laws and help prevent damage to underground natural gas, electric, communications, water and sewer lines. Utility lines can be buried as shallow as inches below the surface. Digging without knowing the approximate location of underground utilities can result in serious injury, including death, as well as service disruptions, fines and costly repairs.

Safe digging steps
To prevent damage and stay safe, CenterPoint urges everyone to follow these steps before any digging project:

  • Plan ahead! Contact 811 at least three business days before starting work.
  • Make the request early in the week for weekend projects.
  • Confirm all utility lines are marked before beginning work.
  • Adjust plans if needed. Relocate projects that are too close to marked utility lines.
  • If using a contractor, verify they have contacted 811 before their work.

Smell natural gas? Act fast
If a natural gas line is struck outside of a home or business, customers are reminded to:

  • Leave the area immediately on foot. Do not attempt to restart or move powered equipment or use your mobile device or any other item that could cause a spark.
  • Go to a safe location, then call 911 and CenterPoint.
  • Remain in a safe area until directed by emergency personnel to do otherwise.
  • Don't try to repair a natural gas leak. Leave all repairs to a trained technician.

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

About CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is a multi-state electric and natural gas delivery company serving approximately 7 million metered customers across Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, and Texas. The company is headquartered in Houston and is the only Texas-domiciled investor-owned utility. As of March 31, 2025, the company had approximately $44 billion in assets. With approximately 8,300 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been serving customers for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.​

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CenterPoint Energy continues its resiliency efforts across the 12-county region through its Foundation’s Community Generator Donation Program; Donates trailer generator to the Chambers County Office of Emergency Management

HOUSTON — June 4, 2025 — Yesterday, during the 2025 Chambers County Hurricane Workshop, CenterPoint Energy leaders joined local elected officials and community leaders to announce the donation of a trailer generator to the Chambers County Office of Emergency Management as part of the company's Community Generator Donation Program to support local community resiliency. Through this program, the CenterPoint Energy Foundation is donating funds for more than 20 backup generators at key locations throughout its 12-county Greater Houston region. It is expected that there will be at least one generator or other support for each county.

The company worked in close collaboration with local Offices of Emergency Management (OEMs) and other county and city leaders to identify the appropriate locations for the donated generators to be able to have the greatest impact and local benefit. 

The Community Generator Donation Program is part of CenterPoint's Greater Houston Resiliency Initiative (GHRI). The backup generators will help provide support for critical community partners during major weather events or other emergencies and will be funded through a $5 million grant from the CenterPoint Energy Foundation at no cost to customers. The CenterPoint Energy Foundation is a charitable giving organization focused on strengthening the quality of life in the communities served by the company. The foundation is funded by shareholders and has no impact on customer rates. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/Foundation. 

“We are committed to improving resiliency in our local communities and working closely with our community partners to achieve this important goal. Today, we are donating backup generation to support our partners in Chambers County. These donated generators are each capable of powering an entire large building and will help make the communities we are proud to serve even more resilient during major storms and other emergency events," said Alicia Dixon, CenterPoint's Director of Community Relations. 

These backup generators will provide an additional power supply during major storms and other emergency events that cause outages. Facilities that receive the donated backup generators will be able to better serve their communities during outages, acting as hubs for essential services like medical care, cooling stations, water and food distribution, charging stations for critical devices and other services.  

Working with Community Partners on Locations 
To support local community needs, CenterPoint worked closely with county and city officials and OEMs to identify and select the ideal locations for the donated generators, with local officials ultimately deciding which critical facilities will receive the donations. 

“This vital equipment will enhance our preparedness and response capabilities, ensuring that we can better serve our residents during emergencies and power outages. A huge 'thank you' to CenterPoint Energy for your commitment to community safety! We appreciate your support in helping us keep Chambers County safe and resilient," said Chambers County Judge Jimmy Sylvia.

CenterPoint will continue coordinating with local community partners to ensure the backup generators are suitable to meet the specific needs of the critical facilities they have identified.  

 

PHOTO: From L to R: Ryan Dagley, Chambers County Precinct 4 Commissioner; Paul Lock, CenterPoint Director of Local Government Affairs; Ryan Holzaepfel, Chambers County Emergency Management Coordinator; Jimmy Sylvia, Chambers County Judge; Quinten Adams, Chambers County Field Operations Support Division Chief; Alicia Dixon, CenterPoint Director of Community Relations; Jeffery Choate, Chambers County Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator and Safety Officer; Haley Hernandez,  Chambers County Emergency Services Support Specialist; Sarah Phelps, Chambers County Emergency Services Administrative Assistant; Jimmy Gore, Chambers County Precinct 1 Commissioner

More photos: CNP Digital Asset Mgmt 
 
About CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is a multi-state electric and natural gas delivery company serving approximately 7 million metered customers across Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, and Texas. The company is headquartered in Houston and is the only Texas-domiciled investor-owned utility. As of March 31, 2025, the company had approximately $44 billion in assets. With approximately 8,300 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been serving customers for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.

Forward-looking statements
This news release, as well as the website pages related to the GHRI, includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this news release or the website pages related to the GHRI, 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, which include statements regarding the GHRI and longer-term resiliency plans, including effectiveness, timing and related matters, 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 or the website pages related to the GHRI regarding future events that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement contained in this news release or the website pages related to the GHRI speaks only as of the date of this release or the date that such statement is made, as applicable. 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) business strategies and strategic initiatives, restructurings, joint ventures, acquisitions or dispositions of assets or businesses involving CenterPoint Energy or its industry; (2) CenterPoint Energy's ability to fund and invest planned capital, and the timely recovery of its investments; (3) financial market and general economic conditions; (4) the timing and impact of future regulatory, legislative and political actions or developments; and (5) other factors, risks and uncertainties discussed in CenterPoint Energy's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 and other reports CenterPoint Energy or its subsidiaries may file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season: CenterPoint Energy emphasizes preparedness with critical resiliency efforts completed before June 1; urges customers to have an emergency plan and practice that plan

Historic series of Greater Houston Resiliency Initiative key improvements completed ahead of schedule to strengthen the grid and reduce the impact of outages from major storms

Joint emergency response exercise completed; community safety and preparedness events continue with emergency officials and local partners

CenterPoint continues proactive outreach and communication efforts across Greater Houston service area to help customers prepare for upcoming storm season

HOUSTON, June 3, 2025 - With the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season officially underway, CenterPoint Energy is reinforcing the resiliency and preparedness efforts the company already completed to strengthen grid resiliency, improve local emergency coordination and help communities and customers better prepare for potential severe weather.

Last month, CenterPoint held its 2025 emergency response exercise as part of a coordinated effort with public officials, emergency response managers and community partners to improve local cooperation and response efforts. The company continues to work with communities to donate and install more than 20 backup generators for critical facilities and other key locations across its 12-county service area and has been hosting a series of community and customer outreach events across the Greater Houston area to share important safety information and preparation updates.

"Ahead of this year's hurricane season, CenterPoint has been fully engaged in completing a series of historic resiliency improvements and preparedness activities to enhance how we prepare for and respond to hurricanes and other severe weather events," said Tony Gardner, CenterPoint Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer. "While we've accomplished a great number of milestones ahead of the start of hurricane season, we won't stop there. We will continue diligently monitoring the weather, making more improvements and investments, and maintaining our storm preparedness efforts while we work every day to achieve our goal of building the most resilient coastal grid in the country."

2025 Hurricane Season Preparedness: Getting Ready for Extreme Weather
CenterPoint has been conducting and helping coordinate a series of important preparedness activities over the last several months, including:

  • Completing historic grid improvements: As part of the Greater Houston Resiliency Initiative (GHRI), CenterPoint has completed a series of critical resiliency actions ahead of schedule, including:
    • Installing 26,000 stronger, more storm-resilient poles;
    • Installing 5,150 automated devices;
    • Clearing high-risk vegetation from 6,000 miles of power lines;
    • Undergrounding more than 400 miles of power lines; and
    • Installing 100 weather stations to provide real-time weather monitoring.
  • Leveraging AI and emerging technologies: Collaborating with industry-leading technology providers, including Neara and Technosylva, to better predict and prepare for extreme weather impacts.
  • Working with emergency partners to get ready: Coordinating with local officials, emergency management offices and community partners to prepare for extreme weather events, including through joint emergency response exercises.
  • Donating and installing emergency generators to key locations: Working with local communities to provide backup generators to critical facilities and community centers that provide medical care, food and water, cooling and other essential services in emergencies.
  • Hosting customer and community hurricane preparedness events: Holding a series of community preparedness events and webinars to provide updates about CenterPoint's preparations for hurricane season, important safety tips and key resources for customers.
  • Enhancing critical storm response tools: Implemented sophisticated damage modeling to help expedite critical decision making before and during an event, as well as adopted a new storm management software program to more efficiently onboard and deploy mutual assistance crews in support of CenterPoint's emergency response efforts.
  • Upgrading CenterPoint's Outage Tracker: Launched a new and improved, cloud-based Outage Tracker to provide real-time updates on outages and restoration efforts, available in English and Spanish.

CenterPoint will continue to provide updates on its critical resiliency actions. More information is available at CenterPointEnergy.com/TakingAction.

About CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is a multi-state electric and natural gas delivery company serving approximately 7 million metered customers across Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, and Texas. The company is headquartered in Houston and is the only Texas-domiciled investor-owned utility. As of March 31, 2025, the company had approximately $44 billion in assets. With approximately 8,300 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been serving customers for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.

Forward-looking statements
This news release, as well as the website pages related to the GHRI, includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this news release or the website pages related to the GHRI, 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, which include statements regarding the GHRI and longer-term resiliency plans, including effectiveness, timing and related matters, 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 or the website pages related to the GHRI regarding future events that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement contained in this news release or the website pages related to the GHRI speaks only as of the date of this release or the date that such statement is made, as applicable. 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) business strategies and strategic initiatives, restructurings, joint ventures, acquisitions or dispositions of assets or businesses involving CenterPoint Energy or its industry; (2) CenterPoint Energy's ability to fund and invest planned capital, and the timely recovery of its investments; (3) financial market and general economic conditions; (4) the timing and impact of future regulatory, legislative and political actions or developments; and (5) other factors, risks and uncertainties discussed in CenterPoint Energy's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 and other reports CenterPoint Energy or its subsidiaries may file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

SOURCE CenterPoint Energy