CenterPoint Energy helps develop a diverse, skilled workforce to support energy efficiency in Minnesota
Minnesota’s largest natural gas utility teams up with local technical colleges and nonprofit organizations to expand workforce development opportunities
2022-06-14T05:00:00Z

​Minneapolis – June 14, 2022 – CenterPoint Energy, Minnesota's largest natural gas utility, is teaming up with eight technical colleges and community nonprofit organizations to expand training opportunities for a diverse, next generation workforce to support energy efficiency in the state.

With approval from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, CenterPoint Energy's workforce development initiative has two goals: 1) to increase the number of skilled trades professionals with energy efficiency expertise, and 2) to increase the diversity of this skilled trades workforce with a focus on historically underrepresented groups.

"CenterPoint Energy has long been a leader in helping our customers improve their energy efficiency to save money and reduce their carbon footprint," said Christe Singleton, CenterPoint Energy's Vice President of Minnesota Gas. "To continue and expand this commitment, it's essential to develop a workforce equipped with the knowledge and skills to support energy efficiency in Minnesota homes and businesses."

With its Conservation Improvement Program (CIP), CenterPoint Energy in Minnesota has long been recognized as having among the foremost natural gas energy efficiency programs in the country. In addition to conserving energy, lowering customers' energy costs and reducing carbon emissions, energy efficiency programs support job creation and local economic development.

Energy efficiency is involved in a wide range of family-supporting career opportunities, including construction; energy auditing; weatherization/air sealing/insulation; and the installation and maintenance of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC-R) equipment.

Through a $2.5 million competitive grant program, CenterPoint Energy is teaming up with the following eight technical colleges and community nonprofit organizations:

Avivo (avivomn.org)

A nonprofit leader in workforce development and behavioral health for 60 years, Avivo helps more than 11,000 individuals annually overcome significant barriers and achieve economic stability and advancement. In partnership with the Regional Apprenticeship Training Center in north Minneapolis, Avivo will offer career-track training programs in HVAC-R Technician and Facilities Maintenance Engineering.  

Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) (mncee.org)

CEE is a clean energy nonprofit with special expertise in energy efficiency that stretches back nearly 40 years. Along with community partners, CEE will expand its residential energy efficiency training, internship and job placement program, with a focus on areas of concentrated poverty in suburban Hennepin County.

Dunwoody College of Technology (dunwoody.edu)

For more than 100 years, Dunwoody has trained and educated the future workforce for technical careers and applied trades. Dunwoody will provide scholarship support for students in its new Pathways to Careers program, which is designed to attract, train and graduate underserved and underrepresented populations.

Hennepin Technical College (hennepintech.edu)

Hennepin Technical College is one of the most diverse colleges in Minnesota and offers the largest HVAC-R program in the state. The College will expand the residential HVAC-R program at its Brooklyn Park campus, including acquisition of equipment for a new lab space. The College will also upgrade equipment for the HVAC-R program at its Eden Prairie campus and develop a new curriculum on automated energy management systems for commercial buildings.

Minneapolis Regional Chamber Development Foundation (mplschamber.com/foundation)

The Foundation supports the Elevate Futures initiative, including a digital platform to connect educators, employers, students and jobseekers to career exploration and job opportunities. The Foundation will develop a Careers in Energy learning module for the platform to provide information and insights into career pathways in energy efficiency.

ServeMinnesota (serveminnesota.org)

ServeMinnesota oversees all AmeriCorps service programs in Minnesota. It will expand recruitment of low-income and racially diverse individuals for one year of service as Home Energy AmeriCorps members. Each individual will be matched with an energy professional from a local Community Action Program agency to gain training, coaching and work experience in the Weatherization Assistance Program as a gateway to career opportunities in the energy sector.

StudiOne-Eighty (studio-180.org)

StudiOne-Eighty is a nonprofit organization located in south Minneapolis that operates Lake Street Works, a two-year construction skills, personal development and financial literacy training program for low-income, racially diverse 11th and 12th grade high school students. StudiOne-Eighty will remodel its building, including energy-efficient equipment, to support the Lake Street Works program.

Summit Academy OIC (saoic.org)

Summit is a nonprofit, accredited adult education center and workforce development agency with nearly 50 years of experience helping residents of the Twin Cities poorest neighborhoods acquire the skills, education and networks to obtain family-sustaining employment. Summit will develop and integrate an energy efficiency curriculum, including new equipment, into its 20-week construction training program.

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, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio and Texas. As of March 31, 2022, the company owned approximately $35 billion in assets. With approximately 8,900 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com

 Recent News

 

 
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.​

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

​EVANSVILLE, Ind. — 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.


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

​DAYTON, Ohio — 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.

100 Days to World Cup matches: CenterPoint Energy performing critical electric and gas infrastructure preparedness actions ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup matches in Houston

​HOUSTON — March 4, 2026 — With 100 days before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, CenterPoint Energy's electric, natural gas, and emergency response teams continue preparedness efforts as tens of thousands of enthusiastic fans gear up to descend on Houston for seven world-class matches this summer. CenterPoint continues to coordinate with local stakeholders and leaders and perform inspections of the company's equipment serving event-zone areas, NRG Stadium, airports, key hospitality locations and more to support increased activity during the World Cup games and festivities. These preparedness efforts show CenterPoint's dedication not only to the passionate fans coming to Houston, but the company's continued commitment to the 2.9 million customers throughout the Greater Houston area who depend on safe, reliable electric and natural gas service.

Over the last several months, CenterPoint's electric operations crews have completed hazard-mitigation inspections and field reviews with public safety partners serving communities around NRG Stadium, the Downtown area, Houston's airports and other key locations affiliated with the World Cup matches in Houston. CenterPoint's Emergency Preparedness and Response teams continue working with FIFA and emergency response partners on access protocols, joint planning and exercises, as well as developing event action and staffing plans to assure readiness posture on match days.
 
“The World Cup is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Houston. Our teams are committed to powering every moment, whether it's the lights at NRG stadium, hotels hosting international guests, or the fan festivals downtown. The preparations we've been taking are crucial to making this event a success," said Jesus Soto, CenterPoint's Chief Operating Officer.

CenterPoint's natural gas operations teams are carrying out a comprehensive readiness plan to support World Cup activities. Crews are performing inspections and repairs to critical sites and conducting daily patrols in specific areas, such as major and regional airports, the Texas Medical Center, and throughout downtown Houston to detect and prevent unauthorized excavation. These groups will expand patrol coverage before matches begin in the summer.

“Crews are performing proactive infrastructure maintenance across all event‑area systems, tracking and closing out work to keep our infrastructure in top condition," said Soto. “We stand ready to deliver the safe and reliable natural gas service that will keep homes and businesses connected and thriving during this global celebration."
 
FIFA World Cup preparations
As the countdown begins, teams across CenterPoint continue to plan company-wide to provide safe and reliable service to customers and soccer enthusiasts before and during the games and the citywide celebrations.

FIFA World Cup safety and readiness actions taken by CenterPoint include:

  • Completed hazard‑mitigation inspections on all priority electric infrastructure serving NRG Stadium, airports, VIP corridors and fan/event zones to reduce outage risks;
  • Identified and scheduled all area grid resiliency work to complete upgrades before match dates and position materials ahead of deadlines;
  • Conducted supplemental field reviews with public safety partners to verify crew access, restoration capability and coordinated response routes;
  • Continued infrastructure inspections of underground infrastructure by CenterPoint's natural gas and electric crews, confirming stadium‑area reliability and underground infrastructure health;
  • Greater Houston area airports electric and natural gas infrastructure inspections;
  • Damage Prevention teams conducting patrols around airports, Texas Medical Center, downtown and other areas to prevent unauthorized digging; and
  • Emergency Preparedness and Response team leading enterprise-wide readiness, including event action plans, staffing plans and joint planning with city and county leaders and law enforcement agencies.

Important ways to stay connected to CenterPoint  
Electric customers can enroll in the company's Power Alert Service® to receive power outage details, estimated restoration times and customer-specific restoration updates via phone call, email or text. Customers can also stay up to date with CenterPoint's Outage Tracker, which allows customers to see power outages by county, city and zip code. 

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.​