CenterPoint Energy receives approval for 400 megawatts of renewable energy serving southwestern Indiana
CenterPoint Energy receives approval for 400 megawatts of renewable energy serving southwestern Indiana
2021-10-27T05:00:00Z

EVANSVILLE, Ind., Oct. 27, 2021 - CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) today announced its Indiana-based electric and natural gas business, CenterPoint Energy Indiana South, received approval from the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission to acquire a 300-megawatt (MW) solar array, as well as enter into a power purchase agreement (PPA) for an additional 100 MWs of solar energy as part of the company's long-term electric generation transition plan.

CenterPoint Energy entered into an agreement with Arevon Energy Management, the company that will build the utility-owned project in Posey County, Ind. The agreement required approval by the Commission.  Arevon Energy Management and energy company Tenaska are co-developing the project. CenterPoint Energy will also purchase additional solar power from Clēnera, which is developing a solar project in Warrick County, Ind., under a 25-year contract.

Together, the approval of these renewable energy projects solidifies the next component of CenterPoint Energy's long-term electric generation transition plan, meeting stakeholder sustainability goals, and implementing the most economic path forward as outlined in the company's Integrated Resource Plan. The continued build out of renewable resources is reflective of CenterPoint Energy's commitment to renewable resources and its net-zero carbon by 2035 emissions goals. More information on the company's net-zero goals can be found at www.sustainability.centerpointenergy.com

"We're pleased to receive regulatory approval to move forward with these significant renewable resources, which will serve our local electric customers, providing a cost-effective, stable energy option," said Steve Greenley, Senior Vice President, Indiana Electric Operations for CenterPoint Energy. "We look forward to the continued work with these companies to bring the Posey County solar array to fruition and provide additional clean energy to our customers through the Warrick County PPA."  

Construction of the solar project with Arevon Energy Management is scheduled to be in service by 2023. The initial construction phase will require establishing a sub-station to interconnect with CenterPoint Energy's power grid. The solar array is anticipated to generate enough power to meet the needs of more than 50,000 households per year, while also helping large customers achieve their individual sustainability goals.

Clēnera projects its solar array will be in service by 2023. CenterPoint Energy's PPA entitles it to 100 MW of the array, which will generate enough power to meet the needs of more than 18,500 homes per year.

Programs and services are operated under the brand CenterPoint Energy by Southern Indiana Gas and Electric Company d/b/a CenterPoint Energy Indiana South. 

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 long-term electric generation transition plan and expected timing, benefits and generation mix resulting therefrom, expected timing of completion and power to be generated from the solar projects related to the solar array and PPA, the ability to meet CenterPoint Energy's net zero goals on the timeline indicated, 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; (8) growth in CenterPoint Energy's service territory and changes in market demand; (9) CenterPoint Energy's ability to execute on operations initiatives, targets and goals; and (10) 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 Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2021 and June 30, 2021 and other reports CenterPoint Energy or its subsidiaries may file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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, 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.

For more information, contact
Media Relations
Media.Relations@CenterPointEnergy.com

 

SOURCE CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

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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.​

CenterPoint Energy urges Merryville customers to be safe when returning home following devastating wildfire

​Houston – Aug. 28, 2023 – In the wake of the recent wildfire in Tiger Island, near the town of Merryville, Louisiana, CenterPoint Energy – in collaboration with emergency responders and local authorities – has been working tirelessly to help keep the community safe and respond effectively to the situation.

CenterPoint Energy's technicians have begun visiting customers' residences to restore service. Crews will need access to customer homes to relight pilot lights on any natural gas appliances. If technicians visit a home and no one over the age of 18 is present, a door hanger with details on how to contact the company to schedule a relight will be left on the door. Our crews and contractors wear identification badges and will show them to you upon request.

“Our thoughts are with impacted community members as they bravely battled the Tiger Island Fire in Beauregard Parish," said Bo Murphy, Vice President, Louisiana and Mississippi Gas at CenterPoint Energy. “The devastating impact of this wildfire reaches far beyond the natural gas system, and we will continue to support Merryville in its recovery during this difficult time." 

Important actions taken by the company include:

  1. Monitoring and shut-off: Technicians actively monitored the wildfire's progression and were ready to initiate emergency shut-offs of natural gas supply lines where necessary. This proactive approach was aimed at minimizing the risk of natural gas-related incidents as a result of the wildfire. In coordination with local authorities, the company temporarily suspended natural gas service to prevent potential natural gas leaks or hazards.
  2. System assessments: Technicians continuously checked the natural gas system to ensure customers can safely return to the Merryville area.
  3. Expedited service restoration: Following the evacuation mandate, CenterPoint Energy technicians have returned to the area to restore service.

Safety tips for Merryville residents returning home

As Merryville residents begin to return to their homes in the aftermath of the wildfire, CenterPoint Energy urges everyone to follow these crucial safety guidelines:

Be alert for natural gas leaks. If you smell natural gas – which has a distinctive, strong odor, often compared to rotten eggs or sulfur – leave the area immediately on foot and tell others to leave, too. Do not turn the lights on or off, smoke, strike a match, use a phone or operate anything that might cause a spark, including a flashlight or a generator. Once safely away from the area, call 911 and CenterPoint Energy, and the company will send a trained service technician immediately.

  • Do not attempt to turn natural gas valves on or off. For your safety, do not turn any valves or tamper with the natural gas meter. If the smell of gas is present, leave the area immediately and tell others to leave, too. Call 911 then call CenterPoint Energy at 888-876-5786.
  • Identify the location of the natural gas meter. As you are putting out debris for heavy trash pick-up, please make sure it is placed away from the meter. In some areas the meter may be located near the curb. Trash collectors are using mechanized equipment to pick up heavy debris, and if the debris is near a natural gas meter, the equipment could pull up the meter damaging it, and causing a potentially hazardous situation. If this does happen, please leave the area immediately and call CenterPoint Energy.
  • Call a licensed plumber or a natural gas appliance technician to inspect your appliances. If you believe natural gas lines may have been damaged in the fire, call a professional to inspect your appliances prior to requesting a service reconnection. Don't forget to check outdoor appliances, such as pool heaters and gas grills.
  • While conducting clean-up, call 811 to locate utility lines prior to digging on your property.

We appreciate your patience as we work as safely and as quickly as possible to resume gas service to homes and businesses.​

Electric Reliability Council of Texas calls for Power Conservation
Houston – Aug. 27, 2023 – The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) has issued a Conservation Appeal due to low wind and potential low solar generation and high demand. The grid operator is asking consumers and businesses to conserve electricity use, if safe to do so, today from 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. 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. 

Similar to yesterday, 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 expected low wind and potential low solar generation and high demand.

Consumers can help the ERCOT grid by conserving energy, especially during peak hours of 4 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.​