Thomas Webb to serve as Senior Advisor to CenterPoint Energy
Former CFO with 40 years of experience will advise CEO and Business Review and Evaluation Committee of the Board of Directors
2020-08-24T05:00:00Z

HOUSTON, Aug. 24, 2020 - CenterPoint Energy (NYSE: CNP) today announced that Thomas Webb, a highly respected utility industry executive and chief financial officer with more than 40 years of experience, will serve as a Senior Advisor to the company, effective immediately. Webb will advise the Business Review and Evaluation Committee (BREC) of the Board of Directors on its work as it continues to look at all options available to drive stakeholder value, maximize the company's value proposition and financial strength, and enhance shareholder engagement. In this capacity, Webb will also work with BREC Chairman and company President and CEO Dave Lesar on the hiring of a CFO.

"Tom will be an astute and valuable advisor to the BREC as we progress our recommendations to the full Board on potential value-maximizing strategic actions related to CenterPoint Energy's businesses, assets and other ownership interests and prepare to communicate those actions at our Investor Day," said Lesar.

Lesar added, "Tom's reputation, track record, outstanding relationships with investors and analysts, and extensive experience as a CFO across multiple business sectors are second-to-none. I am confident that Tom's services will not only enable me to find the ideal person for this important CFO leadership role, but will also ensure that our CFO will already have in place the key building blocks from which to hit the ground running and make an immediate positive impact for our shareholders."

Webb said, "With a clear utility-focused strategy, strong regulated utility assets across diversified, premium jurisdictions, and a commitment to maximize value for all of our stakeholders, I believe that CenterPoint Energy is poised to unlock the power and potential within the company. I look forward to partnering with Dave and the BREC to identify ways to build continued confidence, trust and value in the company, as well as working closely with Dave to find a CFO with the right skillset for CenterPoint Energy."

Ranked as the #1 utility industry CFO among buy/sell side analysts five times by Institutional Investor, Webb has had a distinguished and highly successful career. He served as CMS Energy's and Consumers Energy's Executive Vice President and CFO from 2002 to 2017. In addition, Webb was responsible for CMS Enterprises, which encompasses all of CMS Energy's businesses outside of the Michigan utility.

Webb also formerly served as Executive Vice President and CFO for Kellogg Company, a $9 billion revenue, 26,000 employee consumer goods company. Webb led the $4.6 billion acquisition of Keebler, at the time the largest acquisition in the food sector.

Webb began his career at Ford Motor Company in 1977, holding finance and management positions of increasing responsibility over 22 years in the United States and in Europe. His leadership roles included Vice President and CFO of Visteon, an $18 billion automotive component manufacturer; Controller of one of the company's five Vehicle Centers, a $32 billion business; Controller of the Electronics Division, which had production in nine countries; and various other senior financial positions.

Webb currently serves as the Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee of Southwest Michigan First, an organization of privately funded economic development advisors who act as catalysts for economic success in Southwest Michigan. Webb also serves on the Board of Otter Tail Corporation, a company with interests in diversified operations that include an electric utility and manufacturing businesses. He received his bachelor's degree in finance and an MBA, both from George Mason University in Virginia. In 1998, the university named him Alumnus of the Year.

Kristie Colvin has served as interim Executive Vice President and CFO since April 2020. The company previously announced that it will seek an external candidate for the CFO position, after which time Colvin will continue to serve as Chief Accounting Officer with CenterPoint Energy.

About CenterPoint Energy
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.

Forward Looking Statement
This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this news release, the words "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "goal," "intend," "may," "objective," "plan," "potential," "predict," "projection," "should," "target," "will" or other similar words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions of management which are believed to be reasonable at the time made and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual events and results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Any statements in this news release regarding future events, such as CenterPoint Energy's potential business strategies and initiatives, any recommendations and outcomes of the review process of the Business Review and Evaluation Committee of CenterPoint Energy's Board of Directors, including value creation, opportunities and expectations related to other ownership interests, and any other statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement contained in this news release speaks only as of the date of this release. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the provided forward-looking information include risks and uncertainties relating to: (1) the impact of COVID-19; (2) financial market conditions; (3) general economic conditions; (4) the timing and impact of future regulatory and legislative decisions; (5) effects of competition; (6) weather variations; (7) changes in business plans; and (8) other factors, risks and uncertainties discussed in CenterPoint Energy's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, CenterPoint Energy's Quarterly Reports 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.

For more information contact
Media:
John Sousa
Phone        713.619.5143
Investors:
Dave Mordy
Phone        713.207.6500

SOURCE CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

 Recent News

 

 
Weekend Storm Wrap-up: More than 97% of CenterPoint Energy customers experienced no impacts during weekend storms; Company monitoring forecast for potential midweek severe weather

​HOUSTON – March 8, 2026 – Following a stormy Saturday and Sunday morning in CenterPoint Energy's electric service territory, more than 97% of its 2.9 million customers across the Greater Houston area experienced no impacts to electric service during the weather event. As of 5 p.m., essentially all customers have been restored from the weekend storms. Approximately 83,500 customers have been restored since the storms arrived at 5 p.m. Saturday evening. ​

Northern areas of the company's electric service territory in Cypress, Humble and Katy experienced thunderstorms with heavy rainfall, flooding, and frequent lightning – approximately 15,800 cloud-to-ground lightning strikes were recorded across the Greater Houston area from 12 a.m. on Saturday to 12 p.m. today. The average time to restore customers who experienced storm-related outages was approximately 60 minutes and the vast majority of customers were restored in less than five hours. The company's Emergency Operation Center was activated ahead of the storms, and more than 1,400 frontline workers and contractor crews responded to isolated outages throughout the company's service area.

The company will return to normal operations at 8 p.m.

“We are committed to restoring service safely and as quickly as possible to those remaining customers who experienced power interruptions from the lightning and storms. We know that any outage is one too many for customers, and we won't stop until all customers are restored," said Jason Fabre, CenterPoint's Vice President, Special Response Team and Incident Commander. “We will continue to quickly address any additional outages that may occur as a result of Sunday's ongoing weather activity."

CenterPoint took the following actions for this weekend's event:

  • Deployed the company's resources: More than 1,400 personnel responded to outages and supported preparedness actions ahead of restoration efforts.
  • Activated Emergency Operations Center: To coordinate storm response efforts throughout the weekend, the company proactively activated its Emergency Operations Center on Friday and remains ready to respond.
  • ​ Monitored weather 24/7: The Meteorology team continues to track forecast developments, and the company is updating response plans as conditions evolve.
  • Pre-positioned resources: Response teams were pre-positioned in areas where storms were forecasted to impact and remain ready to respond to any electric or natural gas service interruptions safely and as quickly as possible.
  • Coordinated with local officials: The company provided updates to local officials and emergency management partners.

Monitoring mid-week for next wave of potentially severe weather

CenterPoint's Emergency Preparedness and Response and Meteorology teams continue to diligently monitor remaining Sunday storm activity and the potential of another wave of severe weather forecasted for midweek. The company remains positioned to support restoration efforts and respond to potential impacts to electric and natural gas service safely and as quickly as possible.

“For the last several days, our Emergency Preparedness and Response team has been monitoring the potential for another spring storm system that could bring another chance of strong and potentially severe thunderstorms to the area in the middle of the week," said Matt Lanza, CenterPoint's Manager of Meteorology. “Our crews will be fully prepared for the possibility of another round of severe weather this week and stand ready to respond. We will continue to actively monitor for any severe weather and urge our customers to stay alert in anticipation of quickly changing weather conditions."

What customers should do:

About CenterPoint Energy, Inc.  
CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is a multi-state electric and natural gas delivery company serving more than 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 December 31, 2025, the company had approximately $46.5 billion in assets. With approximately 8,800 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been serving customers for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com. 

​

CenterPoint Energy continues preparedness actions and positions resources ahead of potential severe weather in the Greater Houston area beginning Saturday afternoon and into Sunday

HOUSTON – March 7, 2026 – CenterPoint Energy's Emergency Operations Center remains activated today as the company continues executing preparedness actions ahead of potential severe weather across the Greater Houston area Saturday afternoon and evening, including scattered showers, thunderstorms and lightning. The company is monitoring forecasts, coordinating with emergency management partners and positioning resources to be prepared to respond to potential impacts to electric and natural gas service safely and as quickly as possible.

“We've been actively monitoring the weather models all week and are prepared to respond to potential impacts to our system," said Matt Lanza, CenterPoint's Manager of Meteorology. “Though the greatest potential for thunderstorms and severe weather appears to be to the north of our electric service territory on Saturday, we will continue tracking forecasts and adjusting our response plans. We urge customers to stay aware of evolving weather conditions and have a plan to stay safe."

What CenterPoint is doing:

  • Readying the company's resources:More than 1,400 personnel continue executing preparedness actions and will remain ready to support potential restoration efforts through Sunday.
  • Activated Emergency Operations Center: To coordinate storm response efforts throughout the weekend, the company proactively activated its Emergency Operations Center yesterday and remains ready to respond.
  • ​ Monitoring 24/7: The Meteorology team continues to track forecast developments, and the company is updating response plans as conditions evolve.
  • Pre-positioning resources: Response teams are developing plans to pre-position crews across the area to respond to any electric or natural gas service interruptions safely and as quickly as possible.
  • Coordinating with local officials: The company is providing updates to local officials and emergency management partners.

“Our crews are pre-positioned and ready to safely and quickly restore service in the event the forecasted severe weather has an impact on our system," said Jason Fabre, CenterPoint's Vice President, Special Response Team and Incident Commander. “We are committed to keeping our customers aware and informed, especially during potentially severe weather events. We urge all customers to register for Power Alert Service®, so that if outages from weather occur they can receive restoration updates directly via phone, text and email."​

What customers should do:

  • Sign up for Power Alert Service®: Get outage updates and restoration times.
  • Track outages: Bookmark our new Outage Tracker (available in English & Spanish and mobile-friendly) to see outage information in your area.
  • Stay safe: Visit Ready.gov for storm safety tips.
  • ​ Follow us: Real-time updates will be available on X and at CenterPointEnergy.com/ActionCenter.

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 September 30, 2025, the company had approximately $45 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. ​

More than 99.8% of CenterPoint Energy customers experienced no impacts during Saturday afternoon and evening storms; Company remains ready to respond to additional storms overnight and Sunday

​HOUSTON – March 7, 2026 – As today's wave of thunderstorms moved through the Greater Houston area, more than 99.8% of CenterPoint Energy's 2.9 million customers experienced no impacts to electric service as a result of this afternoon's severe weather. At the peak of today's storm activity, approximately 11,000 customers were without service. Since 5 p.m., crews have restored approximately 7,000 customers. As of 9:30 p.m., approximately 4,000 customers are currently without power — less than 1% of CenterPoint's 2.9 million electric customers. These numbers may continue to fluctuate as additional storms move through the area overnight and Sunday.​​

Crews have been pre-positioned across the area and are actively restoring customers experiencing outages in the areas most impacted, including northern areas of the company's electric service territory in Cypress, Humble and Katy, which experienced thunderstorms with frequent lightning and heavy rainfall.

The company's Operations Center remains activated as crews respond to outages and continue executing preparedness actions ahead of any weather impacts tomorrow. The company continues to diligently monitor forecasts, coordinate with emergency management partners and position resources to continue supporting restoration efforts and respond to any system impacts safely and as quickly as possible.

“We are committed to getting the lights back on for those customers experiencing outages following today's storms. Our crews are out right now across the Greater Houston area working to safely and quickly restore customers, while also preparing for another round of severe weather tomorrow afternoon," said Jason Fabre, CenterPoint's Vice President, Special Response Team and Incident Commander.

“As heavy rainfall continues and the threat of flooding remains across the area, we urge customers to stay prepared. We urge customers to stay aware and alert to the dangers of flood waters – and stay away from downed power lines that could be submerged in standing water. If you see a downed power line, stay at least 35 feet away and call us at 713-207-2222 to report."

CenterPoint has taken the following actions:

  • Deployed the company's resources: More than 1,400 personnel are responding to outages and supporting preparedness actions ahead of potential restoration efforts tomorrow.
  • Activated Emergency Operations Center: To coordinate storm response efforts throughout the weekend, the company proactively activated its Emergency Operations Center yesterday and remains ready to respond.
  • ​ Continued monitoring of weather 24/7: The Meteorology team continues to track forecast developments, and the company is updating response plans as conditions evolve.
  • Pre-positioned resources: Response teams have been pre-positioned in areas where storms are forecasted to impact and remain respond to any electric or natural gas service interruptions safely and as quickly as possible.
  • Continued coordination with local officials: The company is providing updates to local officials and emergency management partners.

What customers should do:

  • Sign up for Power Alert Service®: Get outage updates and restoration times.
  • Track outages: Bookmark our new Outage Tracker (available in English & Spanish and mobile-friendly) to see outage information in your area.
  • Stay safe: Visit Ready.gov for storm safety tips.
  • Follow us: Real-time updates will be available on X and at CenterPointEnergy.com/ActionCenter.

About CenterPoint Energy, Inc.  
CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is a multi-state electric and natural gas delivery company serving more than 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 December 31, 2025, the company had approximately $46.5 billion in assets. With approximately 8,800 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been serving customers for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com. ​

While springing forward for Daylight Saving Time, CenterPoint Energy reminds customers to perform vital safety tasks and energy efficiency actions

​MINNEAPOLIS — March 6, 2026 — Daylight Saving Time begins this Sunday, March 8, and CenterPoint Energy is reminding customers not just to use the time to adjust their clocks, but as an annual reminder to practice household safety maintenance and prepare for the warmer temperatures and longer days ahead.

“With warmer weather on the way, Daylight Saving Time is a great reminder to check and replace the batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors as you move your clocks forward by one hour," said Al Payton, CenterPoint Vice President of Safety and Technical Training. “Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is potentially poisonous if inhaled, and fire fatalities occur more often in homes without working smoke alarms. Verifying detectors function properly is one of the simple ways to protect you and your loved ones."

With spring approaching, customers can also use this season reminder to perform energy saving and safety tasks around the home, such as:

  • Changing the filters in HVAC systems: Maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature can represent approximately 50% of a home's energy use. 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.
  • Cleaning dryer vents: Help prevent fires and keep a dryer running efficiently by clearing lint out

of the duct or tube that goes from the appliance to the outdoors.

  • Sealing air leaks by caulking and weather stripping: To save energy and reduce cooling

costs, take time to caulk areas in and around a home where conditioned air may escape such as
around windows and doors or where warm air could enter.

  • Installing hot water saving measures: Showering accounts for 40% 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.

  • Checking and restocking emergency kits: For items like nonperishable food, water, first aid items, flashlights and other battery-powered devices, Daylight Saving Time is a great reminder to check that emergency supplies are up to date.

By taking small steps to prepare for the longer and warmer days ahead, customers can make a difference in the safety and energy efficiency of their homes, while managing their bills. For additional efficiency tips, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/SavingsTips.


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, Minnesota, Ohio and Texas. As of December 31, 2025, the company owned approximately $46.5 billion in assets. With approximately 8,800 employees, CenterPoint and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years.

CenterPoint Energy activates Emergency Operations Center as teams continue monitoring severe weather forecasted across the Greater Houston area this weekend and preparing for potential impacts

​HOUSTON – March 6, 2026 – With the potential for severe weather, scattered showers, thunderstorms and lightning to impact the Greater Houston area from Friday night through Sunday evening, CenterPoint Energy has proactively activated its Emergency Operations Center. The company continues to diligently monitor forecasts, coordinate with emergency management partners and position resources to be prepared to respond to potential impacts to electric and natural gas service safely and as quickly as possible. ​

“We've been actively monitoring the weather models all week and are prepared to respond to potential impacts to our system," said Matt Lanza, CenterPoint's Manager of Meteorology. “Though the greatest potential for thunderstorms and severe weather appears to be to the north of our service territory on Saturday, we will continue tracking forecasts and adjusting our response plans tomorrow and throughout the weekend. We urge customers to stay aware of evolving weather conditions and have a plan to stay safe."

What CenterPoint is doing:

  • Readying the company's resources:More than 1,400 personnel are executing preparedness actions and will remain ready to support potential restoration efforts through Sunday.
  • Activating Emergency Operations Center: To coordinate storm response efforts throughout the weekend, the company has proactively activated its Emergency Operations Center.​
  • Monitoring 24/7: The Meteorology team continues to track forecast developments, and the company is updating response plans as conditions evolve.
  • Pre-positioning resources: Response teams are developing plans to pre-position crews across the area to respond to any electric or natural gas service interruptions safely and as quickly as possible.
  • Coordinating with local officials: Providing regular updates to local officials and emergency management partners.

“Keeping our customers informed is a top priority, especially during severe weather," said Jesus Soto Jr., CenterPoint Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “If outages from weather occur, our Outage Tracker is the best way to stay updated with real-time information, including estimated restoration times. We're committed to open communication and working safely and quickly to restore service."

What customers should do:

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 September 30, 2025, the company had approximately $45 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.​