CenterPoint Energy offers tips for customers to stay safe and warm in cold temperatures
2022-02-01T06:00:00Z

​Houston – Feb. 1, 2022 – CenterPoint Energy continues to monitor weather conditions, as it is forecasted that the greater Houston area will be experiencing cold temperatures in the coming days. Safety is CenterPoint Energy's top priority. The company is preparing for the upcoming weather conditions and wants customers to be prepared as well.

CenterPoint Energy encourages customers to have an emergency plan, particularly if they depend on electricity for life-sustaining equipment and natural gas or electricity to heat their homes. The company is offering these tips to ensure safety and adequate heating in the coming days:

Natural gas:

  • Make sure your heating system is working properly. Malfunctioning home heating equipment can cause a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. Check outside furnace vents aren't blocked by snow or ice. Keep your furnace filter clean for safe, efficient operation.
  • Use space heaters safely. Use a space heater with an automatic shut-off feature, and keep children, pets and all items at least three feet away. A space heater using gas, propane or wood should be vented to the outside. Stoves and ovens should never be used for space heating.
  • Check your carbon monoxide (CO) and smoke alarms. These devices are essential to warn you of a fire or dangerous condition involving a furnace, water heater, fireplace or stove. Test your alarms monthly and change batteries as recommended by the manufacturer.
  • Immediately report a suspected natural gas leak. If you smell the "rotten egg" odor of natural gas, immediately leave on foot, go to a safe location and call both 911 and CenterPoint Energy at 713-659-2111 or 800-752-8036. Don't use electric switches/outlets, phones (including cell phones), drive or start a car inside or in close proximity to the location, or do anything that could cause a spark.

Energy Efficiency

Cold temperatures also mean increased energy usage. CenterPoint Energy recommends the following tips for more efficient heating:

Furnace: A furnace is the largest natural gas-consuming appliance.

  • Set your thermostat no higher than 68 degrees. If possible, set it at 65 degrees when you are home and 60 degrees when you are away from home.
  • Lowering your thermostat can help you save on your annual heating costs. Installing a programmable thermostat can help you automatically control your heat usage. Add on extra layers of clothing to keep warm.
  • Change your air filters monthly. A dirty filter restricts airflow and can increase the operating cost of your furnace by as much as 10 percent. A good reminder is to change the filter each time you receive your natural gas bill.

Other appliances: Although they consume less natural gas, you can still maximize their efficiency.

  • Run your washing machine, dish washer and gas dryer only with full loads.

Make your home more airtight and keep cold air outside:

  • Seal leaks around doors, windows, and other openings such as pipes or ducts, with caulk or weather-stripping. The most common places where air escapes in homes are floors, walls, ceilings, ducts, fireplaces, plumbing penetrations, doors, windows, fans, vents and electrical outlets.
  • If it has been a while, consider adding more insulation in your attic.
  • On sunny days, open draperies and blinds to let the sun's warmth in. Close them at night to insulate against the cold air outside.

Electric:

Winter weather can result in downed power lines in isolated areas. Always assume downed lines or wires are energized and potentially dangerous if contacted.

  • Do not go near downed lines or fallen wires.
  • Keep your distance from objects touching downed lines (tree limbs, vehicles, fences, etc.).
  • If someone is actively being shocked due to contact with a power line, do not try to rescue them – you can't help if you become a victim. Instead, call 911 immediately.
  • Report downed power lines to 713-207-2222 or 800-332-7143.
  • Never use an electricity generator inside your home or any other building.

Since the February 2021 winter storm, CenterPoint Energy has taken additional steps and measures to ensure the company is ready and prepared for winter weather across greater Houston and surrounding communities. In addition, CenterPoint Energy is closely monitoring grid conditions and information from the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT).

For the latest information on power outages:

 

 Recent News

 

 
Centerpoint Energy’s expanded workforce remains prepared and ready to respond to potential severe weather across the Greater Houston area this evening and overnight

Emergency Operations Center remains activated ahead of tonight's forecasted storms

Frontline workers and contractors continue executing preparedness actions across the system and remain ready to support potential restoration efforts

HOUSTON – May 10, 2026 – CenterPoint Energy's Emergency Operations Center remains activated ahead of forecasted potentially severe weather across the Greater Houston area this evening and overnight into Monday morning. The company's expanded workforce of frontline employees and contractors stands prepared and ready to respond to any impacts to electric or natural gas service.

Thunderstorms are forecasted to impact parts of the Greater Houston area this evening and continue through the early morning hours of Monday. CenterPoint's Meteorology team continues to diligently monitor evolving forecasts and help optimize response plans throughout the weekend. Frontline workers and contractors will be responding overnight and restoring any outages that may occur.  

“Our crews have remained on alert all weekend and continue to be ready to safely restore service if outages from weather occur. This evening and overnight into Monday, our teams will be out there responding and focusing on restoring service to the customers and communities we're privileged to serve," said Jason Fabre, CenterPoint's Vice President of Special Response and Incident Commander. “We have been communicating all weekend and are committed to keeping our customers informed ahead of and during tonight's storms. We urge customers to register for Power Alert Service® so that if outages from weather do occur, they can receive restoration updates directly via phone, text and email."

Prepared for Severe Weather: Key Actions
As part of its storm preparedness efforts, CenterPoint is taking the following actions:

  • Readying the company's workforce and resources: Preparing personnel to support potential restoration efforts.
  • Activating Emergency Operations Center: To coordinate storm response efforts, the company has proactively activated its Emergency Operations Center. 
  • Monitoring severe weather 24/7: The Meteorology team continues to track weather forecast developments, and the company is updating response efforts as conditions evolve.
  • Coordinating with local officials: CenterPoint is reaching out to local officials and emergency management partners to provide updates on continued preparedness efforts.

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. 
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 March 31, 2026, the company owned approximately $47.8 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 activates Emergency Operations Center ahead of forecasted severe weather across the Greater Houston area this afternoon and through the weekend

Company continues monitoring forecasts and preparing for three days of potential strong thunderstorms, with heavy rain, flooding and strong winds of 40 - 50 mph

More than 1,600 personnel ready to respond and support potential restoration efforts

HOUSTON – May 8, 2026 – With potentially severe weather forecasted to impact the Greater Houston area starting this afternoon and continuing through Saturday and Sunday night, CenterPoint Energy has proactively activated its Emergency Operations Center. More than 1,600 frontline employees and contractors are prepared to respond, as the company continues to closely monitor forecasts, coordinate with emergency management partners and position resources to support safe and timely response to any potential impacts to electric and natural gas service.

Thunderstorms are forecasted to impact parts of the Greater Houston area mainly north of I-10 starting this afternoon and continuing through the evening and into Saturday morning. Weather models also show potential rounds of stronger thunderstorms on Saturday evening and overnight Sunday night into Monday morning. CenterPoint's Meteorology team continues to diligently monitor evolving forecasts and help optimize response plans throughout the weekend.

“Our crews are prepared to respond to any impacts to our system. If any outages from weather occur, our crews will be out inspecting damage and restoring customers as soon as it's safe to do so" said Jason Fabre, CenterPoint's Vice President of Special Response and Incident Commander. “We've been actively monitoring forecasts all week and have activated our Emergency Operations Center to coordinate resources and continue tracking weather models and adjusting response plans as needed. We urge customers to stay aware of evolving weather conditions and have a plan to stay safe."

Prepared for Severe Weather: Key Actions
As part of its storm preparedness efforts, CenterPoint is taking the following actions:

  • Readying the company's workforce and resources: Preparing more than 1,600 personnel to support potential restoration efforts.
  • Activating Emergency Operations Center: To coordinate storm response efforts, the company has proactively activated its Emergency Operations Center. 
  • Monitoring severe weather 24/7: The Meteorology team continues to track weather forecast developments, and the company is updating response efforts as conditions evolve.
  • Coordinating with local officials: CenterPoint is reaching out to local officials and emergency management partners to provide updates on continued preparedness efforts.

What customers should do:

  • Sign up for Power Alert Service®: Get outage updates and restoration times.
  • Track outages: Bookmark the 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.

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 March 31, 2026, the company owned approximately $47.8 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 joins local hurricane season preparedness events in Fort Bend and Montgomery Counties to continue strengthening community resiliency across the Greater Houston area

As part of Hurricane Preparedness Week, CenterPoint will be sharing how the company is preparing for hurricane season and extreme weather events as well as important safety tips, preparedness resources and customer tools at disaster and emergency preparedness events

HOUSTON — May 8, 2026 — The first week of May is National Hurricane Preparedness Week, and CenterPoint Energy is teaming up with community organizations, emergency response agencies and public officials for disaster and emergency preparedness events across the Greater Houston area this weekend. These free events will feature giveaways, safety demonstrations and resources to help customers make a plan and prepare ahead of Atlantic hurricane season, which officially starts on June 1.  

“With the 2026 hurricane season arriving soon, we want our customers and communities to know that CenterPoint has a plan in place to address extreme weather events and that everyday our frontline teams are working hard to harden our electric infrastructure with more storm-resilient poles, more miles of higher risk vegetation removed, and more automation to help us restore customer outages quicker. As we all continue preparing for the 2026 hurricane season and the rest of the year, CenterPoint is proud to join these critical preparedness events alongside our emergency management partners and community organizations, reinforcing our shared focus on safety, readiness and protecting the communities we are privileged to serve." said Keith Stephens, CenterPoint's Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Officer.  

Community members are encouraged to attend these free preparedness events to learn more about how CenterPoint Energy prepares for hurricane season, what customers can expect before, during and after a storm, and the safety tools and resources available to support readiness at home. CenterPoint team members will be on site to share information, answer questions and provide guidance on planning ahead for extreme weather.

Throughout the summer, CenterPoint Energy will continue participating in hurricane and emergency preparedness events across other parts of the Greater Houston area as part of its ongoing commitment to strengthening community resiliency ahead of the Atlantic hurricane season.

For more information about upcoming events, hurricane preparedness tips, and CenterPoint's storm response efforts, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/StormCenter.

 

Montgomery County Disaster Preparedness Expo

When:Saturday, May 9 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
 
Where: Lone Star Convention & Expo Center
9055 Airport Rd.,
Conroe, TX 77303
 
Learn more: 1st Annual Montgomery County Disaster Preparedness Expo

 

2026 Ready Fort Bend EXPO

When:Saturday, May 9 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
 
Where: Fort Bend County Fairgrounds
4310 Texas 36
#S Rosenberg, TX 77471
 
Learn more: 2026 Ready Fort Bend EXPO

 
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 March 31, 2026, the company owned approximately $47.8 billion in assets. With approximately 8,800 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years.​

In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, CenterPoint Energy’s Foundation launches signature grant opportunity to enhance veteran resilience

​HOUSTON — May 6, 2026 — In celebration of the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States of America, the CenterPoint Energy Foundation is launching a new and unique grant opportunity to support nonprofit organizations that serve and focus on our U.S veterans in CenterPoint Energy's four state service area in Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio and Texas.

Through this special grant opportunity, the Foundation plans to invest up to $250,000 in the states the company serves, with individual grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000. Grants will be awarded to eligible nonprofit organizations with a primary location within CenterPoint's service areas and whose programs support veterans and individuals connected to the military.

“As our nation approaches its 250th anniversary, this grant opportunity reflects our deep respect for the men and women who serve and have served, and our privilege to support them beyond their time in uniform," said Jason Ryan, Executive Vice President, Regulatory Services and Government Affairs at CenterPoint and United States Navy veteran.

“We see the value every day of our veteran workforce. We have more than 700 employees who once served in uniform and who are today working to deliver safe and reliable energy services to nearly 7 million customers. Through the CenterPoint Energy Foundation, we appreciate being able to give back to veterans by supporting nonprofit organizations that provide critical resources for mental health, housing stability and everyday needs. It's an honor to invest in programs that help veterans and their families thrive in the communities we are proud to serve," Ryan added.

Grant funding will focus on nonprofit programs working to strengthen veteran resilience through:

  • Mental health and peer support services.
  • Transitional and stable housing assistance.
  • Daily living support, including transportation, benefits navigation and basic needs.

Funded separately and financially independent from the utility, the CenterPoint Energy Foundation strives to be a catalyst for good by leveraging everyday opportunities and resources to strengthen communities. This grant opportunity for veteran-serving organizations expands on the Foundation's two main strategic giving areas of community vitality and education to help address critical challenges facing veterans and their families.

CenterPoint employs more than 700 veterans across its four-state service area, who continue their commitment to service by strengthening the communities where they live and work by helping provide vital electric and natural gas service.

In 2025, the CenterPoint Energy Foundation awarded more than $15 million to support nonprofit organizations focused on increasing community vitality and investing in education.  

To learn more about this program and to apply for a grant, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/Community.
 

About the CenterPoint Energy Foundation
The CenterPoint Energy Foundation provides philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where CenterPoint Energy customers live and work. The Foundation is funded by shareholders and has no impact on customer rates. More information about the Foundation can be found at CenterPointEnergy.com/Foundation.

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 customers surpass annual energy savings goal – decreasing energy use, saving money and reducing emissions

CenterPoint's 2025 annual status report highlights customer energy, cost and emissions reductions 

Customers have reduced emissions by 18.1 million metric tons and saved $2.6 billion over the last 32 years

MINNEAPOLIS – May 4, 2026 – CenterPoint Energy recently filed its 2025 Energy Conservation and Optimization (ECO) Status Report with the Minnesota Department of Commerce and the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission reporting a decrease in customer energy use of 1.35% related to overall energy use. Residential and business customers exceeded the company's annual energy savings goal through participation in energy efficiency programs.

This marks the seventeenth year CenterPoint customers have surpassed the annual energy savings target, reflecting the company's commitment to help Minnesotans use energy more efficiently, save money and reduce the emissions attributed to their energy use. Filed in 2023, CenterPoint's 2024-2026 ECO Plan is expected to decrease total customer emissions by approximately 1.29% each year, with CenterPoint customers surpassing this goal in 2025 by achieving a 1.35% decrease.

Customer participation in CenterPoint's Minnesota energy efficiency programs has reduced emissions by nearly 18.8 million metric tons over the last 32 years and saved customers approximately $2.6 billion.    

“At CenterPoint, we're proud of our more than 30-year history of connecting our Minnesota customers with opportunities to enhance the energy efficiency of their homes and businesses. Our energy efficiency programs help our customers lower their energy use, reduce their personal emissions and keep more money in their pockets. We look forward to continuing to work with customers on ways to save to benefit our share communities," said Brad Steber, Vice President of Minnesota Gas at CenterPoint.

Several key programs helped drive energy savings and emissions reductions in 2025, including:

  • Residential insulation rebates: Customers participated in programs to upgrade insulation within their homes to help them maintain a comfortable indoor temperature year-round and reduce energy waste. Residential customers can receive rebates of up to $3,000 for work completed by a qualifying contractor. 
  • Programs for income-qualified customers: The company offers a variety of programs for customers who meet income qualifications including audit programs to identify areas of energy waste and for owners of multi-family properties who serve qualifying customers including through appliance rebates and incentives to making energy efficiency improvements.
  • Rebates for commercial and industrial customers: CenterPoint's rebates programs are tailored to the needs of commercial and industrial customers. Customers took advantage of rebates for high-efficiency commercial foodservice equipment and upgrades to water heaters and heaters.  

CenterPoint also offers various energy efficiency programs at a reduced rate or no cost for customers who qualify.

Customers can learn more about available Minnesota energy efficiency programs and how to participate by visiting: CenterPointEnergy.com/SaveEnergy.

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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 March 31, 2026, the company owned approximately $47.8 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.