Key step in CenterPoint Energy’s long-term electric generation transition plan receives approval
Natural gas combustion turbines to provide reliable generation to complement transition to majority renewables portfolio, while reducing carbon emissions
2022-06-28T05:00:00Z

​Evansville, Ind. – June 28, 2022– CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) today announced its Indiana-based electric utility business, CenterPoint Energy Indiana South, received approval for the construction of natural gas generation from the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC), a key step in the company's long-term electric generation transition plan. CenterPoint Energy intends to construct two natural gas combustion turbines (CTs) to replace portions of its existing coal-fired generation fleet. The company's generation transition plan will significantly evolve the way the company generates power for its 150,000 customers across southwestern Indiana by combining a cleaner portfolio of renewables and complementary natural gas.

The estimated $334 million natural gas facility will provide an output of 460 megawatts (MW), sized appropriately to reliably support the anticipated electric generation needed upon the retirement of A.B. Brown units 1 and 2 in late 2023. The CTs will be constructed at the current site of the power plant in Posey County, Ind., and will assist CenterPoint Energy in delivering on its commitment to provide a cost-effective, well-balanced energy mix.

The company's 2020 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) illustrated a preferred portfolio including nearly two-thirds of energy generated from renewable resources as well as natural gas generation, which is projected to ultimately save electric customers an estimated $320 million over the 20-year planning period. Through the IRP process, CenterPoint Energy performed significant analysis and considered public input to arrive at the most reliable and cost-effective solution for customers.

"Although the majority of the proposed generation outlined in our plan comes from renewable resources, there remains a need for reliable, resilient and fast-ramping generation to operate around-the-clock when the sun and wind are insufficient to power the renewable resources," said Steve Greenley, Senior Vice President, Generation Development. "While the combustion turbines may not run constantly, it is very likely they will operate several hours each day in order to supplement our renewable generation with a lower carbon solution, when renewable facilities are not at peak generating levels."

In addition, the company recently filed for securitization of its A.B. Brown assets, which was contingent on the IURC approval of the natural gas CTs and may result in up to $60 million in additional savings to customers over the same time period.

"Today's approval will have no immediate impact on customer electric bills," added Greenley. "The recovery of the investments associated with the CTs will be requested through a future electric rate case. When combining the savings to be realized through securitization and other bill reductions associated with the added renewable investments, the average residential customer is estimated to see a bill impact of less than $10 per month for the total generation transition."

The replacement of most of the company's coal-fired generation will help mitigate costs associated with compliance of ever-evolving environmental regulations and the higher operating costs of continuing to run the aging units. By replacing much of the coal-fired generation with significantly more efficient technologies like renewables, including a large percentage of universal solar, the replacement will move CenterPoint Energy significantly forward on achieving its goal of net zero on direct carbon emissions by 2035.

For more information on CenterPoint Energy's long-term electric generation transition plan, visit www.centerpointenergy.com/smartenergyfuture.

CenterPoint Energy delivers electricity to approximately 150,000 customers in southwest Indiana in all or portions of Gibson, Dubois, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Vanderburgh and Warrick counties. 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, including anticipated timing, savings and impact to customer bills as a result of the generation transition plan, including the CT facilities, the timing of CenterPoint Energy's generation transition plan, including the anticipated retirement of the A.B. Brown facility and the construction and completion of the CT facilities and the anticipated capacity of such facilities, and the mix of renewable resources and expected financial benefits of such generation transition to customers, 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 disruption to the global supply chain; (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, 2021, CenterPoint Energy's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2022 and other reports CenterPoint Energy or its subsidiaries may file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Net Zero Disclaimer: While CenterPoint Energy believes that it has a clear path towards achieving its net zero emissions (Scope 1 and Scope 2) by 2035 goals, its analysis and path forward required it to make a number of assumptions. These goals and underlying assumptions involve risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees. Should one or more of CenterPoint Energy's underlying assumptions prove incorrect, its actual results and ability to achieve net zero emissions by 2035 could differ materially from its expectations. Certain of the assumptions that could impact its ability to meet its net zero emissions goals include, but are not limited to: emission levels, service territory size and capacity needs remaining in line with company expectations (inclusive of changes related to the sale of CenterPoint Energy's Natural Gas businesses in Arkansas and Oklahoma); regulatory approval of Indiana Electric's generation transition plan; impacts of future environmental regulations or legislation; impacts of future carbon pricing regulation or legislation, including a future carbon tax; price, availability and regulation of carbon offsets; price of fuel, such as natural gas; cost of energy generation technologies, such as wind and solar, natural gas and storage solutions; adoption of alternative energy by the public, including adoption of electric vehicles; rate of technology innovation with regards to alternative energy resources; CenterPoint Energy's ability to implement its modernization plans for its pipelines and facilities; the ability to complete and implement generation alternatives to Indiana Electric's coal generation and retirement dates of Indiana Electric's coal facilities by 2035; the ability to construct and/or permit new natural gas pipelines; the ability to procure resources needed to build at a reasonable cost, the lack of or scarcity of resources and labor, the lack of any project cancellations, construction delays or overruns and the ability to appropriately estimate costs of new generation; impact of any supply chain disruptions; changes in applicable standards or methodologies; and enhancement of energy efficiencies. In addition, because Texas is in an unregulated market, CenterPoint Energy's Scope 2 estimates do not take into account Texas electric transmission and distribution assets in the line loss calculation and exclude emissions related to purchased power between 2024E-2026E. CenterPoint Energy's Scope 3 estimates are based on the total natural gas supply delivered to residential and commercial customers as reported in the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) Form EIA-176 reports and do not take into account the emissions of transport customers and emissions related to upstream extraction. Please also review other factors, risks and uncertainties discussed in CenterPoint Energy's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, CenterPoint Energy's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2022, 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 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.

 

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CenterPoint Energy urges customers to prepare and stay safe as hurricane season begins

​Houston – June 1, 2023 – Hurricane season officially begins today, and CenterPoint Energy is encouraging customers, especially those who rely on life-sustaining equipment, to make preparations for potential service outages and consider what precautions should be taken ahead of potentially severe weather.

As always, CenterPoint Energy is committed to the safety and well-being of the communities it serves and is prepared with an Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) in which employees from across the company's service territories participate through planned assignments in their regions. With extensive experience in managing the impact of severe weather events, CenterPoint Energy reminds everyone to prepare now for potential hurricanes and related hazards.

Customers should review these essential tips to help encourage safety and minimize disruptions during the hurricane season:

  • Create a hurricane preparedness kit: Build an emergency kit that includes essential items such as non-perishable food, water, flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit and any necessary medications. Don't forget to have a battery-powered radio and a portable charger for your mobile devices.
  • Develop an emergency plan: Establish a family emergency plan and discuss it with all household members. Designate a safe meeting place, communicate evacuation routes and make sure everyone understands the plan.
  • Stay informed: Stay updated on weather conditions and any warnings or advisories issued by local authorities. Pay close attention to announcements from CenterPoint Energy through the company's Storm Center, social media channels and local news outlets for important information regarding power outages and restoration efforts. To get information on individual outages, sign up for Power Alert Service and track outages through CenterPoint Energy's Outage Tracker. 
  • Do not turn off your natural gas service at the meter: CenterPoint Energy strongly advises customers not to turn off your natural gas at the meter. The natural gas meter should be left on to maintain proper pressure in the natural gas piping within the house and to prevent water from entering the lines in the event of flooding.
  • If you wish to discontinue natural gas service, natural gas can be turned off at each appliance. Later, to restore natural gas service to an appliance, you may follow the written instructions located on the appliance for re-lighting. If you are unable to locate instructions or you don't feel comfortable re-lighting, call a qualified plumber/technician.
  • If advised to evacuate, follow the instructions of local authorities promptly.
  • Stay away from low-hanging, downed power lines or lines that could be submerged in standing water. Treat all downed power lines as if they are energized.
  • Report outages and emergencies: To report downed power lines or a power outage, contact CenterPoint Energy at 713-207-2222 or 800-332-7143 . To report a natural gas leak, call 713-659-2111 or 888-876-5786. Do not attempt to handle natural gas-related issues yourself; leave it to a qualified technician.
  • View these hurricane safety tips.

​CenterPoint Energy has implemented rigorous protocols and trained dedicated teams to respond safely and efficiently in the face of severe weather events. In the case of disruption to service, crews are ready to restore electric and natural gas services as safely and quickly as possible.

For additional information and resources on hurricane preparedness, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/stormcenter and follow @CNPAlerts for updates during inclement weather events.​


CenterPoint Energy announces plans to continue enhancement of reliability, resiliency and safety of its electric infrastructure

​Evansville – May 24, 2023 – CenterPoint Energy Inc.'s (“CenterPoint Energy") Indiana-based electric business today announced plans to further enhance the reliability, resiliency and safety of its infrastructure, filing a five-year plan with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) to continue execution of the company's electric infrastructure improvement strategy.​

The proposed nearly $455 million plan, which will fund more than 300 projects, is the next phase of the modernization work originally approved by the IURC in 2017. Over the next five years, CenterPoint Energy plans to continue making strategic long-term infrastructure investments to maintain and enhance reliability and resiliency, manage life-cycle assets from aging equipment, and modernize the grid for customer benefit, while striving to safely deliver service.

“We are continuing our modernization and infrastructure investments to enhance the reliability and resiliency of our electric grid and allow for greater flexibility to meet the current and future energy needs of our customers," said Richard Leger, Senior Vice President, Indiana Electric. “Additionally, these investments will replace aging equipment, which is expected to reduce equipment malfunction, restoration costs and the number of outages our customers experience during both blue-sky days and extreme weather events."

During the first phase of the modernization program, CenterPoint Energy replaced and installed more than 220 miles of overhead conductors, 125 miles of underground conductors and 135 substation circuit breakers. Also, more than 2,600 transmission and 8,600 distribution structures were replaced or installed, and nearly 130 miles of transmission line were upgraded or installed.

The second phase of proposed enhancements will include:  

  • Overhead 12kV circuit rebuilds to replace aged conductors, poles, hardware and equipment to satisfy more robust construction standards and incorporate looping to improve reliability and allow for alternate feeds for re-energizing customers during extended outages.
  • Distribution automation to minimize the outage impact and duration and allow for evolving distribution technology to accommodate both electric vehicles and distributed energy resources.
  • Underground rebuilds to replace aging underground bare cable with a jacketed ​cable that meets current construction standards and incorporate looping technologies to improve grid resilience to provide alternate feeds for reenergizing customers during extended outages.
  • Wood pole replacement and treatment program to utilize inspection data of approximately 11,000 poles annually with the flexibility to address urgent and emergent situations as those are identified.
  • Substation rebuilds to replace aging infrastructure and reduce the risk of failure, including catastrophic failure through the replacement of transformers, breakers, relays, and communications equipment.
  • Transmission line rebuilds to incorporate the conversion from wood poles to steel poles and reconductoring to increase the line capacity to allow for additional load without creating a new transmission line footprint. Additional Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) installation to allow modernization of communication systems to enable future automation.
  • Physical security program to increase security to protect the company's most critical assets from increased physical threat of electric grid and substation attacks.

In this proposed plan, CenterPoint Energy is requesting recovery of the capital expenditures of investments made in 2024 through 2028. State law allows energy companies to prepare and submit infrastructure modernization plans with gradual cost recovery for which the IURC has ultimate approval rights and oversight authority. If the grid modernization plan is approved as is, the typical residential customer using 1000 kWh per month is expected to see an annual increase of approximately $3 per month on bills under the Transmission, Distribution, and Storage System Improvement Charge (TDSIC). No increase is expected until November 2024.

“As we look toward our customers' future energy needs, we understand affordability is important. We are continuously modeling and balancing bill impacts, while executing on these necessary reliability and resiliency infrastructure improvements," said Leger. “These projects will allow us to utilize ever evolving technologies, which is expected to result in enhanced reliability, fewer outages and improve restoration response for years to come."

Today's filing does not impact natural gas bills, nor is it related to CenterPoint Energy's recently announced Integrated Resource Plan preferred portfolio.
 
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 approval of CenterPoint Energy's proposed plan, CenterPoint Energy's ability to executed on the proposed plan, including the proposed scope of projects and anticipated benefits,  the extent to which and timing of CenterPoint Energy's ability to recover costs to implement the proposed plan, the amount and expected impact to customer's bills, 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 pandemics, including the COVID-19 pandemic; (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) continued disruptions to the global supply chain and increases in commodity prices; (9) legislative decisions, including tax and developments related to the environment such as global climate change, air emissions, carbon and waste water discharges; (10) CenterPoint Energy's ability to execute on its initiatives, targets and goals and operations and maintenance goals and (11) other factors, risks and uncertainties discussed in CenterPoint Energy's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, CenterPoint Energy's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2023 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 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 March 31, 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.


CenterPoint Energy continues shift from coal-fired generation; renewables complemented with natural gas-fired generation forge ahead as generation portfolio
  • Proposed plan is expected to save customers nearly $80 million in the aggregate
  • Expected to reduce carbon emissions from its electric generation fleet by more than 95% over next 20 years while maintaining reliable service
  • Year-long planning process included detailed analysis and extensive public input

EVANSVILLE, Ind., April 26, 2023 - CenterPoint Energy's (NYSE: CNP) Indiana-based electric business today announced its Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) preferred portfolio to further invest in renewable generation and end its use of Indiana coal by 2027.

The IRP preferred portfolio was shared at CenterPoint Energy's fourth and final public stakeholder meeting, conducted as part of a year-long planning process involving extensive analysis and public input. The proposed plan is expected to save customers nearly $80 million in the aggregate compared to the continued use of coal while reducing carbon emissions from its electric generation fleet by more than 95% over the next 20 years. Currently, 85% of electricity generated for southwest Indiana customers comes from coal. By 2030, it is expected that more than 80% of CenterPoint Energy's electricity will be generated by solar and wind, with the remainder provided by natural gas.

"Our recommended mix of renewable and natural gas resources is expected to maintain the ability to turn on generating resources during times of greatest demand supporting reliability and continuing our strategy of providing cleaner electricity that meets customers' future energy needs," said Richard Leger, Senior Vice President, Indiana Electric. 

CenterPoint Energy's IRP is conducted every three years and submitted to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC). Based on an in-depth analysis of energy needs, public stakeholder input and many other factors which are updated and forecasted across the next 20 years, the IRP identifies a balanced plan that seeks to supply reliable and reasonably priced electricity to the utility's 150,000 customers in southwestern Indiana. The plan also is designed to comply with the new, more stringent capacity requirements set by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) to meet peak energy demand across all four seasons.

Modeling conducted within the IRP analysis points CenterPoint Energy toward the following goals:

  • Converting F.B. Culley 3, the last coal unit operated by CenterPoint Energy, to natural gas by 2027, maintaining its 270 MW capacity
    • Preserving the 270 MW of dispatchable generation is expected to maintain reliability during long duration summer and winter weather events
  • Adding 200 MW of wind and 200 MW of solar by 2030, with the potential need for an additional 400 MW of wind resources by 2032

Leger said, "Customer and stakeholder engagement were heavily considered throughout this process. We appreciate the thoughtful insights which helped us arrive at our go-forward plan that will help meet the growing demands of our residential and business customers in the region and maintain our environmental responsibilities. We continue our goal to provide a responsible, resilient and reliable energy future, which requires fast-ramping resources like natural gas turbines to keep the power flowing when renewable generation is not sufficient."

The IURC previously granted approval for the construction of two natural gas combustion turbines, with capacity of 460 MW. CenterPoint Energy also has five previously announced solar projects in various stages of development. In addition, a wind generation project has been filed and is awaiting IURC approval. The completed IRP is expected to be submitted to the IURC by June 1. A director's report, detailing the IURC's comments, will likely be issued by the second quarter of 2024. For more information on CenterPoint Energy's preferred portfolio and the IRP process, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/IRP.

Leger added, "We are confident the proposed portfolio will meet the expectations of our customers and deliver on our goal to provide a cost-effective, well-balanced energy mix. These continued investments in our generation transition plan will allow customers to benefit in the near term and leaves room for flexibility as the future of electric generation continues to evolve." 

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 ability to execute on its generation transition plan and to implement cleaner energy, the ability of CenterPoint Energy to secure sufficient capacity, or that such capacity will be sufficient to meet future customer demand, the extent and amount of, if any, of anticipated bill, anticipated savings and energy reductions, the timing of CenterPoint Energy's IRP 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 pandemics, including the COVID-19 pandemic; (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) continued disruptions to the global supply chain and increases in commodity prices; (9) legislative decisions, including tax and developments related to the environment such as global climate change, air emissions, carbon and waste water discharges; (10) CenterPoint Energy's ability to execute on its initiatives, targets and goals and operations and maintenance goals and (11) other factors, risks and uncertainties discussed in CenterPoint Energy's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 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 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 December 31, 2022, 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 Relations
Media.Relations@CenterPointEnergy.com

SOURCE CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

CenterPoint Energy reports 2023 annual shareholder meeting results

HOUSTON, April 24, 2023 - CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) announced the results of the voting by shareholders at its 2023 annual meeting. Shareholders approved the following proposals:

  • The election of Wendy Montoya Cloonan, Earl M. Cummings, Christopher H. Franklin, David J. Lesar, Raquelle W. Lewis, Martin H. Nesbitt, Theodore F. Pound, Phillip R. Smith, and Barry T. Smitherman to serve on the company's Board of Directors for one-year terms; 
  • The ratification of the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the company's independent registered public accounting firm for 2023;
  • An advisory resolution on the compensation paid to the company's named executive officers as disclosed in the proxy statement; and
  • Holding future "say-on-pay" advisory votes on executive compensation on an annual basis.

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 Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio and Texas. As of December 31, 2022, 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
Phone   713.207.6500

SOURCE CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

Assistance still available to help pay winter heating bills

​Minneapolis – April 25, 2023 – Temperatures are warming up and the piles of snow have melted away, signaling the end of the winter heating season. Also ending soon is Minnesota's Cold Weather Rule, which protects Minnesotans from having their natural gas service disconnected between Oct. 1 and April 30.

CenterPoint Energy is reminding its residential customers that assistance is still available to help pay their natural gas bills from the winter. Minnesota's Energy Assistance Program is a federally-funded program that helps cover home heating costs and furnace repairs for income-qualified households.

Both renters and homeowners can qualify, with eligibility based on income and household size. For example, a family of four could earn up to $70,552 annually and qualify to receive assistance. The deadline to apply is May 31.

Customers who have difficulty paying their winter heating bills should contact CenterPoint Energy to see if they are eligible for energy assistance and set up a payment plan to prevent disconnection of their service. A payment plan takes into consideration a customer's financial situation and any other special circumstances.

Customers can call CenterPoint Energy at 800-245-2377 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday-Friday, or visit CenterPointEnergy.com/Assistance.

In addition, any CenterPoint Energy customer may sign up for an Average Monthly Billing Plan, which spreads costs throughout the year to help manage winter payment peaks. A customer can sign up at CenterPointEnergy.com/MyAccount or by calling 800-245-2377.

There is also good news for customers in the 2023 forecast for natural gas prices.

According to the latest Short-Term Energy Outlook issued by the U.S. Energy Information Administration on April 11, national average market prices for natural gas this year are expected to be more than 50% lower than last year. The pricing trend reflects increased natural gas production, lower consumption and higher-than-normal storage inventories coming out of the winter heating season.

As a utility, CenterPoint Energy buys natural gas in the market for delivery to its customers. The price CenterPoint Energy pays for natural gas in the market is the same price it charges customers, with no markup.

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