CenterPoint Energy continues to monitor ERCOT’s grid conditions
2021-06-15T05:00:00Z

​Houston – June 15, 2021 – CenterPoint Energy continues to closely monitor grid conditions and information from the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). According to ERCOT, as a result of unplanned power generation outages and customer demand for electricity, the ERCOT system will continue to be close to the amount of power generation available and grid conditions are expected to be tight through Friday, June 18.

  • The company thanks its customers for answering the call to conserve electricity yesterday
  • Electric grid tight conditions are expected throughout the week of June 14, customers across greater Houston area continue to be encouraged to conserve electricity, especially during peak hours

ERCOT is responsible for scheduling electric power and ensuring the reliability and adequacy of the electrical network in the ERCOT region of Texas. CenterPoint Energy does not generate electricity itself, so any shortage of electric power capacity from the electric grid is not something that the company controls.

CenterPoint Energy is asking its customers to conserve electricity this week, particularly between 3 to 7 p.m., the forecasted peak time period for customer power usage.

"We appreciate our customers and their willingness to answer the call for conservation yesterday," said Kenny Mercado, CenterPoint Energy's Executive Vice President, Electric Utility. "As we continue to expect tight grid conditions throughout the week, we encourage our customers across our electric service territory to help conserve electricity every day through Friday."

Consumers can help the ERCOT grid by conserving energy, especially until 7 p.m. by following these steps:

  • Set your thermostat to 78 degrees or higher – every degree of cooling increases your energy use by six to eight percent.
  • Turn off lights and pool pumps and avoid using large appliances like ovens, washing machines and dryers.
  • If you don't need something – please turn it off and unplug it, if possible.

If conditions worsen, ERCOT may issue a directive to CenterPoint Energy to curtail delivery of power to customers, which will require the utility to implement controlled outages due to power generation shortage. Controlled outages are planned emergency measures designed to avoid potentially longer and more widespread power outages for customers. Controlled outages are only implemented as a last resort to maintain reliability of the electric system, and they are done with the intent to rotate outages in the electric service territory based on grid and system conditions.

Houston-area customers should prepare now and have a back-up plan in place, especially those who rely on electricity for life-sustaining equipment.

ERCOT is the independent system operator for the region and manages the flow of electric power to most of Texas and more than 26 million Texas customers. CenterPoint Energy is an investor-owned electric utility and a member of ERCOT. The company manages the transmission and distribution of electricity to its approximately 2.6 million customers across the greater Houston area and surrounding communities.

CenterPoint Energy will keep customers updated through local media outlets and the company's customer communication channels, including Twitter (@CNPalerts), Facebook, Power Alert Service, Outage Tracker (Estimated Restoration Times will not be available for these types of emergencies) and the web.

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 Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma and Texas. As of March 31, 2021, the company owned approximately $36 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 9,500 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.

 

 

 Recent News

 

 
CenterPoint Energy Launches “Hurricane Safety and Preparedness Week” to Highlight Importance of Emergency Preparedness

Week-long safety and preparedness effort will highlight increased training efforts, enhanced weather detection abilities, regular communication with government officials and resources available for customers 

 Join the over 90% of CenterPoint customers who are enrolled in Power Alert Service® to stay informed and learn of outages and other vital information during emergencies

HOUSTON — August 18, 2026 — Today, CenterPoint Energy launched its “Hurricane Safety and Preparedness Week" to emphasize the importance of staying prepared throughout the next two months when hurricanes and storms are more likely. As part of this safety campaign, CenterPoint will highlight its ongoing preparedness efforts, including the historic action it has taken to strengthen grid resiliency year-round and minimize outages for its customers. Just as CenterPoint prepares for peak hurricane season, customers are encouraged to prepare too.

“Preparing for hurricanes and severe weather is a year-round priority for all of us at CenterPoint, and with peak hurricane season underway, we are determined to remain ready to support our customers throughout the coming months. We remain laser focused on minimizing the impact of extreme weather on our customers and keeping them informed before, during and after any storms," said Ed De Varona, Senior Vice President of CenterPoint Energy's Electric Business.

Starting today, CenterPoint's “Hurricane Safety and Preparedness Week" campaign will include multiple communications, including social media posts and an email to customers and stakeholders to raise awareness of the actions CenterPoint is taking to stay ready to respond to storms, and how customers can stay safe and prepared at home.

CenterPoint Energy's Hurricane Preparedness Key Actions
CenterPoint Energy has taken extensive steps to prepare for hurricane season and best serve customers across the Greater Houston area, including:

  • Expansive Emergency Training: Completed 25,000+ hours of important FEMA preparedness and response trainings across 800+ employees to maintain readiness.
  • Increased Mutual Aid Resources: Increased the number of frontline workers available to support storm response efforts by up to 20 times the normal workforce, to help restore customers as quickly and safely as possible.
  • Better Damage Assessment Model: Improved the damage assessment process to help identify damage to the grid faster and accelerate power restoration efforts.
  • Stronger Weather Detection: Installed 150 weather stations to improve situational awareness and storm preparedness.
  • New Emergency Operations Center (EOC): Opened a state-of-the-art EOC in accordance with FEMA standards to ensure effective coordination and response with emergency partners and faster restorations for customers.
  • Coordinating with government officials: Providing regular updates to federal, state, county and city officials regarding preparedness activities.
  • Communicating proactively with customers: Providing safety and preparedness information to customers via email, phone and text, across social media platforms and other channels to keep customers informed and prepared.

Actions Customers Can Take to Prepare and Get Up-To-Date Information

  • Sign Up for Power Alert Service® to stay informed, learn of outages and other vital information during emergencies. Customers will receive important updates about gas and electric service via phone call, text or email, including outage details and estimated restoration times.
  • Create a Safety Plan: CenterPoint Energy urges customers to put their safety first and prepare in advance for hurricanes by having a safety plan ready, especially for those who require electricity for life-sustaining equipment or medical needs.
  • Stay Up to Date on Local Outages with CenterPoint Energy's cloud-based Outage Tracker, available in English and Spanish, which shows outages and restoration times by county, city and zip code.
  • Visit CenterPointEnergy.com/ActionCenter for additional preparedness and safety resources.

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 June 30, 2026, the company owned approximately $48.3 billion in assets. With approximately 8,800 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com

CenterPoint Energy Foundation Donates $25,000 to Hamilton County Community Foundation to Aid Flood Recovery Efforts

Donation supports long-term recovery for Hoosier families in Hamilton County

INDIANAPOLIS – Aug. 18, 2026 – To help support families and individuals impacted by the recent flooding in central Indiana, the CenterPoint Energy Foundation announced a $25,000 donation to the Hamilton County Community Foundation's Flood Relief Fund.

“All of us at CenterPoint Energy are committed to supporting the Hoosier families and communities we're privileged to serve, and we are proud to help the Hamilton County Community Foundation in their recovery efforts," said Mike Roeder, President of CenterPoint Energy Indiana.

Hamilton County Community Foundation established the Flood Relief Fund to support long-term recovery for residents in Hamilton County, where CenterPoint delivers natural gas service to Hoosier customers. According to the organization, 100% of every gift to the fund will be used to aid local residents and families with long-term recovery. The CenterPoint Energy Foundation's contribution is  funded by CenterPoint Energy shareholders and its giving has no impact on customer rates.

How to help, and how to find help
Donations can be made at hamiltoncountycf.org/donate/.

Hoosiers who need assistance can call 211, a statewide resource that helps connect individuals and families with essential community services, including housing, food, utility assistance and health care.

CenterPoint Energy Foundation donates $10,000 to Heart of Indiana United Way to aid flood recovery efforts

​Donation supports long-term recovery for Hoosier families across Delaware, Fayette, Henry, Madison and Randolph counties

INDIANAPOLIS – Aug. 14, 2026 – To help support families and individuals impacted by the recent flooding that brought more than 11 inches of rain to east central Indiana, the CenterPoint Energy Foundation announced a $10,000 donation to the Heart of Indiana United Way's Flood Recovery Fund. CenterPoint has maintained a strong on-going relationship with Heart of Indiana United Way for more than 15 years.

“All of us at CenterPoint Energy are committed to supporting our Hoosier families and communities we serve, and we are proud to help the Heart of Indiana United Way in their recovery efforts," said Mike Roeder, President of CenterPoint Energy Indiana.

Heart of Indiana United Way established the Flood Recovery Fund to support long-term recovery for residents of Delaware, Fayette, Henry, Madison and Randolph counties, communities where CenterPoint delivers natural gas service to Hoosier customers. According to the organization, 100% of every gift to the fund will be used to aid local residents and families with long-term recovery. The assistance is also funded by CenterPoint Energy shareholders and its giving has no impact on customer rates.

How to help, and how to find help
Donations can be made at fundraise.givesmart.com/f/4p2t/n. Heart of Indiana United Way serves Delaware, Fayette, Henry, Madison and Randolph counties.

Hoosiers who need assistance can call 211, a statewide resource that helps connect individuals and families with essential community services, including housing, food, utility assistance and health care.

National 811 Day: CenterPoint Energy Reminds Nearly Two Million Texas Customers to Always Contact 811 Before Any Digging Projects

​​The free 811 national service is an essential safety step to help keep customers, workers, businesses safe and prevent damage to underground natural gas and electric lines 

HOUSTON – Aug. 11, 2026 – Today, on National 811 Day, CenterPoint Energy is reminding its approximately two million customers in Texas to always contact 811 a few business days before starting any outdoor digging project, big or small. Contacting the 811 national service is free, and is an essential safety step customers, businesses and contractors can – and must - take to prevent service interruptions and avoid potentially life-threatening damage to underground utility lines. In 2026 so far, approximately 3,500 damages have been caused to CenterPoint natural gas lines because digging occurred without underground utility lines being located and marked.

“Contacting 811 is about your safety, and the safety of the community. Whether you're planting a tree, building a fence or taking on another outdoor project, starting with 811 is one of the simplest steps you can take to keep your family, home, and neighbors safe. It is a free service and takes just a few minutes to request that underground utility lines are located and marked. Please always remember, before every digging project, know what's below and contact 811," said Vince Gaeto, Senior Vice President, Natural Gas Business at CenterPoint.

National 811 Day: Simple safety steps

Safe digging practices are essential and help prevent damage to underground natural gas, electric, communications, water and sewer lines and are required by state law. Digging without knowing the approximate location of underground utilities can result in serious injury, as well as service disruptions, fines and costly repairs. 

To prevent damage and stay safe, CenterPoint urges everyone to:

  • Plan ahead and call 811 or visit Texas811.org a few business days before starting work.
  • Confirm all utility lines are marked before beginning work.
  • Adjust project locations, as needed, to maintain a safe distance from utility lines.
  • Confirm hired contractors have contacted 811 before their work.
  • Complete digging within the timeframe required by state law. If work cannot be completed in that time, contact 811 again before continuing.  

Important Safety Reminder: Planting the right tree in the right place
In addition to urging customers to contact 811 before digging, CenterPoint Energy also requests that residents look up before planting a tree to ensure they are planted a safe distance from power lines. Residents can use this guide to learn more about safe planting distances based on the estimated mature height of the tree. Finally, CenterPoint Energy reminds residents to never attempt to trim trees near power lines and to call its forestry team at 800-332-7143 to request an inspection.

What to do if a natural gas line is struck
If a natural gas line is struck outside of a home or business, customers should:

  • 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.
  • Leave all repairs to a trained technician. 

Visit 811BeforeYouDig.com for more information about 811. To learn more about natural gas safety, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/Safety.   

Soundbites on the importance of 811 Day, along with b-roll footage and photos of CenterPoint employees marking underground utilities, can be found here: CNP Digital Asset Mgmt

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 June 30, 2026, the company owned approximately $48.3 billion in assets. With approximately 8,800 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com

National 811 Day: CenterPoint Energy Reminds Nearly 950,000 Minnesota Natural Gas Customers to Always Contact 811 Before Any Digging Projects

​The free 811 national service is an essential safety step to help keep customers, workers, businesses safe and prevent damage to underground natural gas and electric lines 

MINNEAPOLIS – Aug. 11, 2026 – Today, on National 811 Day, CenterPoint Energy is reminding its approximately 950,000 natural gas customers in Minnesota to always contact 811 a few business days before starting any outdoor digging project, big or small. Contacting the 811 national service is free, and is an essential safety step customers, businesses and contractors can – and must - take to prevent service interruptions and avoid potentially life-threatening damage to underground utility lines. In 2026 so far, approximately 3,500 damages have been caused to CenterPoint natural gas lines because digging occurred without underground utility lines being located and marked.

“Contacting 811 is about your safety, and the safety of the community. Whether you're planting a tree, building a fence or taking on another outdoor project, starting with 811 is one of the simplest steps you can take to keep your family, home, and neighbors safe. It is a free service and takes just a few minutes to request that underground utility lines are located and marked. Please always remember, before every digging project, know what's below and contact 811," said Vince Gaeto, Senior Vice President, Natural Gas Business at CenterPoint.

National 811 Day: Simple safety steps

Safe digging practices are essential and help prevent damage to underground natural gas, electric, communications, water and sewer lines and are required by state law. Digging without knowing the approximate location of underground utilities can result in serious injury, as well as service disruptions, fines and costly repairs.

To prevent damage and stay safe, CenterPoint urges everyone to:

  • Plan ahead and call 811 or visit GopherStateOneCall.org a few business days before starting work.
  • Confirm all utility lines are marked before beginning work.
  • Adjust project locations, as needed, to maintain a safe distance from utility lines.
  • Confirm hired contractors have contacted 811 before their work.
  • Complete digging within the timeframe required by state law. If work cannot be completed in that time, contact 811 again before continuing.  

What to do if a natural gas line is struck
If a natural gas line is struck outside of a home or business, customers should:

  • 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.
  • Leave all repairs to a trained technician. ​

Visit 811BeforeYouDig.com for more information about 811. To learn more about natural gas safety, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/Safety.   

Soundbites on the importance of 811 Day, along with b-roll footage and photos of CenterPoint employees marking underground utilities, can be found here: CNP Digital Asset Mgmt

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 June 30, 2026, the company owned approximately $48.3 billion in assets. With approximately 8,800 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com​