Landmark new law will help advance Minnesota’s clean energy future
Natural Gas Innovation Act offers new energy and economic opportunities
2021-07-06T05:00:00Z

​Minneapolis – July 6, 2021 – A landmark new state law will help Minnesota's natural gas utilities move forward with development of innovative clean energy resources and technologies, including made-in-Minnesota renewable natural gas and green hydrogen.

Passed with bipartisan support during the June special legislative session and signed into law by Gov. Tim Walz, the Natural Gas Innovation Act was proposed by CenterPoint Energy, Minnesota's largest natural gas utility serving more than 890,000 residential and business customers.

"Natural gas is indispensable to meeting Minnesota's energy needs," said Brad Tutunjian, CenterPoint Energy Vice President-Minnesota Region. "We're committed to delivering reliable, affordable energy while also pursuing innovative solutions to help our customers limit the climate impact of their natural gas use. This new law will help promote new Minnesota-produced, low-carbon or zero-carbon gas resources that can diversify the state's energy supply, improve waste management and support new economic development."

The law creates a state regulatory policy that offers new opportunities for a natural gas utility to provide customers access to renewable energy resources and innovative technologies that reduce the state's greenhouse gas emissions. The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission must review and approve a utility's "innovation plan," with a limit on the cost impact for ratepayers.

CenterPoint Energy will likely submit its first innovation plan under the new law as soon as next year. Examples of innovation allowed by the new law include:

  • Renewable natural gas produced by recycling biogas from organic materials such as agricultural manure, wastewater, food waste and agricultural or forest waste;
  • Green hydrogen produced by using renewable electricity to split water to create a carbon-free gas that can be blended with conventional natural gas;
  • End-use carbon capture technology that converts emissions from natural gas space or water heating equipment into a powder which can be recycled into commercial products; and
  • Leading-edge energy efficiency technologies that would not be eligible for funding through the existing Conservation Improvement Program.

A broad-based coalition of groups supported the legislation, including the Laborers' International Union of North America (LIUNA), Minnesota Pipe Trades Association, Center for Energy and Environment (CEE), Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI), Partnership on Waste and Energy, and Conservation Minnesota.

The legislation was authored by Rep. Zack Stephenson (DFL-District 36A), of Coon Rapids, and Sen. Bill Weber (R-District 22), of Luverne.

"The Natural Gas Innovation Act is a major opportunity for Minnesota to build on the important clean energy success we have already achieved," said Rep. Stephenson, who is Chair of the House Commerce Committee and a member of the House Energy and Climate Finance and Policy Committee. "This new law creates a forward-looking framework that will help our natural gas utilities innovate and invest in renewable resources to address climate change and continue Minnesota's clean energy transition."

"The Natural Gas Innovation Act provides a responsible pathway for our state's energy future by prioritizing new technology and homegrown, made-in-Minnesota resources," said Sen. Weber, who serves as Assistant Senate Majority Leader. "In particular, renewable natural gas made from agricultural waste holds great economic potential for Minnesota's farmers and rural communities, while also protecting the environment and helping Minnesota meet its energy needs."

To learn more, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/CleanEnergyMN

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 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.

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 "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "potential," "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 the anticipated impact and benefits of the Natural Gas Innovation Act, including opportunities related to the development of energy resources and technologies as well as the expected benefits to customers, climate and the economy, the timing of the submission of an innovation plan under the new law and associated regulatory approval, 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, 2020, CenterPoint Energy's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2021 and other reports CenterPoint Energy or its subsidiaries may file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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Call CenterPoint Energy for Cold Weather Rule protection

​​Minneapolis – Sept. 28, 2023 – CenterPoint Energy is reminding residential customers about Minnesota's Cold Weather Rule, which protects Minnesotans who experience difficulty paying their heating bill by preventing disconnection of their natural gas service from Oct. 1, 2023, through April 30, 2024.  

Under the Cold Weather Rule, customers are required to set up a payment plan with their utility to prevent disconnection of their service. To arrange a payment plan, CenterPoint Energy customers can call 800-245-2377 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday-Friday, or visit CenterPointEnergy.com/Assistance. 

“For any CenterPoint Energy customer who may be facing financial hardships, the most important thing to do is call us now to establish a payment plan and also see if you're eligible for energy assistance to help with your heating bills," said Christe Singleton, CenterPoint Energy's Vice President of Minnesota Gas. “As long as you follow a payment plan, the Cold Weather Rule will prevent disconnection of natural gas service and help you and your family stay safe and warm this winter." 

A payment plan takes into consideration a customer's financial situation and any other special circumstances. The payment plan must be agreeable to both the customer and CenterPoint Energy. If an agreed-upon payment plan cannot be reached, customers have a right to appeal under the Cold Weather Rule. 

CenterPoint Energy representatives can also help refer customers to programs and services that provide financial assistance for heating costs, including Minnesota's Energy Assistance Program. This federally funded program helps pay for home heating costs and furnace repairs for income-qualified households. Applications are accepted beginning Oct. 1. 

CenterPoint Energy customers may also sign up for an Average Monthly Billing Plan, which spreads natural gas costs throughout the year to help manage winter payment peaks. Customers can sign up at CenterPointEnergy.com/MyAccount or by calling 800-245-2377. 

Customers are encouraged to take advantage of energy efficiency offerings and resources to assist in managing natural gas bills this heating season. More information on rebates, energy-saving products and the Home Energy Squad® program can be found at CenterPointEnergy.com/SaveEnergy. 

CenterPoint Energy is Minnesota's largest natural gas utility, serving 900,000 residential and business customers in more than 260 communities.  ​


CenterPoint Energy declares regular Common Stock dividend of $0.2000

HOUSTON, Sept. 28, 2023 - CenterPoint Energy, Inc.'s (NYSE: CNP) Board of Directors today declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.2000 per share on the issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock payable on December 14, 2023 to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 16, 2023.

This quarterly dividend represents a $0.01 increase over the prior quarter. The increase aligns with an annual dividend of $0.77 for 2023, which represents a $0.07 increase when compared to dividends paid in 2022.

About CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
As the only investor-owned electric and natural gas utility based in Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is an energy delivery company with electric transmission and distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution operations that serve more than 7 million metered customers in Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio and Texas. As of June 30, 2023, the company owned approximately $38 billion in assets. With approximately 9,000 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.

For more information contact
Media:
Communications
Media.Relations@CenterPointEnergy.com 
Investors:
Jackie Richert/Ben Vallejo
Phone  713.207.6500

SOURCE CenterPoint Energy, Inc

Electric Reliability Council of Texas calls for Power Conservation

​Houston – Sept. 7, 2023 – The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) has issued a conservation appeal due to continued high temperatures, high demand, low wind and declining solar power generation this afternoon. As a result, ERCOT is asking consumers to conserve electricity use, if safe to do so, today from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. CT. Similar conditions are expected for tomorrow. 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. ​

Today's conservation appeal does not indicate ERCOT is experiencing emergency conditions at this time. Current forecasts are showing a potential for low reserves today because of continued high temperatures, high demand, low wind and declining solar power generation into the afternoon and evening hours.

Consumers can help the ERCOT grid by conserving energy, especially during peak hours of 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Please conserve electricity by:  

  • Raising your thermostat by a degree or two, if safe to do so.  
  • Avoid using large appliances, such as washers/dryers and dishwashers.
  • Turn off and unplug non-essential lights and appliances. 
  • Set pool pumps to run early morning or overnight; shut off during peak hours.

​If conditions worsen, ERCOT may issue a directive to curtail power delivered to customers, which requires transmission and distribution utilities like CenterPoint Energy to implement controlled outages due to power generation shortfall. Controlled outages are planned emergency measures designed to avoid potentially longer and more widespread power outages for customers. There are three levels of Energy Emergency Alerts (EEA), and 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 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 2.7 million customers across the greater Houston area and surrounding communities. 

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


Electric Reliability Council of Texas calls for Power Conservation

​Houston – Sept. 6, 2023 – The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) has issued a conservation appeal due to continued high temperatures, high demand, low wind and declining solar power generation this evening. As a result, ERCOT is asking consumers to conserve electricity use, if safe to do so, today from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. CT. 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. ​

Today's conservation appeal does not indicate ERCOT is experiencing emergency conditions at this time. Current forecasts are showing a potential for low reserves this evening because of continued high temperatures, high demand, low wind and declining solar power generation into the evening hours.

Consumers can help the ERCOT grid by conserving energy, especially during peak hours of 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Please conserve electricity by:  

  • Raising your thermostat by a degree or two, if safe to do so.  
  • Avoid using large appliances, such as washers/dryers and dishwashers.
  • Turn off and unplug non-essential lights and appliances. 
  • Set pool pumps to run early morning or overnight; shut off during peak hours.

If conditions worsen, ERCOT may issue a directive to curtail power delivered to customers, which requires transmission and distribution utilities like CenterPoint Energy to implement controlled outages due to power generation shortfall. Controlled outages are planned emergency measures designed to avoid potentially longer and more widespread power outages for customers. There are three levels of Energy Emergency Alerts (EEA), and 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 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 2.7 million customers across the greater Houston area and surrounding communities. 


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

​

Electric Reliability Council of Texas calls for Power Conservation
​Houston – Aug. 29, 2023 – The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) has issued a conservation appeal due to a high level of unexpected thermal generation outages and forecasted low wind generation. As a result, ERCOT is asking consumers to conserve electricity use, if safe to do so, today, Aug. 29, from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. CT. 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. 

Today's conservation appeal does not indicate ERCOT is experiencing emergency conditions at this time. Current forecasts are showing a potential to enter emergency operations this evening because of a high level of unexpected thermal generation outages and forecasted low wind generation.

Consumers can help the ERCOT grid by conserving energy, especially during peak hours of 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Please conserve electricity by:  

  • Raising your thermostat by a degree or two, if safe to do so.  
  • Avoid using large appliances, such as washers/dryers and dishwashers.
  • Turn off and unplug non-essential lights and appliances. 
  • Set pool pumps to run early morning or overnight; shut off during peak hours.

​If conditions worsen, ERCOT may issue a directive to curtail power delivered to customers, which requires transmission and distribution utilities like CenterPoint Energy to implement controlled outages due to power generation shortfall. Controlled outages are planned emergency measures designed to avoid potentially longer and more widespread power outages for customers. There are three levels of Energy Emergency Alerts (EEA), and 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 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 2.7 million customers across the greater Houston area and surrounding communities. 

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

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