Key step in CenterPoint Energy's long-term electric generation transition plan receives approval
Key step in CenterPoint Energy's long-term electric generation transition plan receives approval
2022-09-16T05:00:00Z

Natural gas combustion turbines to provide reliable generation to complement transition to majority renewables portfolio, while reducing carbon emissions

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.

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

 

SOURCE CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

 Recent News

 

 
Midcontinent Independent System Operator issues conservation alert
​Evansville, Ind. – Jan. 24, 2026 – The Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), CenterPoint Energy’s Indiana electric grid operator, has declared a conservation alert. Due to colder than normal temperatures and potential shortfalls in electric generation, CenterPoint and other utilities’ residential and business customers within the MISO footprint are being asked to reduce their electricity use as much as possible.

“CenterPoint has sufficient energy supply to serve our service territory and customer load,” said Shane Bradford, CenterPoint’s Vice President, Indiana Electric. “As the grid operator, MISO is experiencing shortages across its multi-state footprint, and we are following their guidance to encourage customers to conserve energy.” 

Customers can assist by utilizing these tips to conserve energy:
  • Set thermostats a few degrees lower; set programmable thermostats to a lower temperature (health permitting). 
  • Avoid using large appliances, such as ovens and washing machines. 
  • Turn off and unplug non-essential lights and appliances. 
  • Businesses should minimize the use of electric lighting and electricity-consuming equipment as much as possible.  
  • Larger, commercial electric customers should consider reducing non-essential production processes. 

If conditions worsen, MISO may issue a directive to curtail power delivered to customers. This would require member utilities, including CenterPoint, to implement controlled outages. These outages are planned, temporary shutoffs of power to prevent longer or more widespread outages. They are an emergency measure only implemented as a last resort to maintain reliability of the electric system. If ordered, these outages will rotate in intervals across the service territory. 

Customers are encouraged to prepare in advance and have a back-up plan in place, especially those who rely on electricity for life-sustaining equipment. 
 
CenterPoint will continue to keep customers informed of any developments. Customers are encouraged to follow the company’s communication channels, including the company’s state-specific X account (@CenterPoint_IN​), Facebook, Pow​er Alert Service®​ and the web​.
CenterPoint Energy's 3,300-person expanded electric workforce pre-positioned at area staging sites and ready to mobilize ahead of late-night winter weather

​Download photos and videos of CenterPoint's preparedness efforts here

100% of employees and contract resources will be in place by 12 p.m. Saturday 

Approximately 700 natural gas workers and contractors ready to support response 

Company encourages the public to heed state and local elected officials' guidance to stay off road Saturday night through Monday

Customers urged to have a plan and prepare for freezing temperatures, strong winds and potential ice accumulation

HOUSTON, Jan. 24, 2026 - In preparation to support its customers and communities during the first major winter weather system of the season, which is forecasted to impact Southeast Texas tonight, CenterPoint Energy continues to mobilize emergency preparedness and response resources. 100% of CenterPoint's 3,300 line skills workers, vegetation management professionals and contract crews will be in place, mobilized and ready to respond at the Emergency Operations Center and two staging sites, both strategically placed in the northeastern Greater Houston area based on weather forecasts shifting northward of the Greater Houston area, as weather forecasts indicate the highest probability of ice impacts in this area.

CenterPoint Energy logo. (PRNewsFoto)  

 

The company's Emergency Operations Center — which has been fully activated and staffed since Wednesday with approximately 200 personnel — will remain open and operational through the storm's full impact as CenterPoint continues carrying out its cold weather action plans. The company is also deploying more than 700 gas workers and contractors to support the weekend response.

"Prioritizing our customers and communities is central to how we plan and prepare for severe weather. We have already pre-positioned our personnel, equipment, and resources needed to support our customers throughout this weekend's forecasted freezing temperatures, strong winds, and potential ice accumulations. Based on current forecasts, we've reallocated people, materials and supplies to the two north Houston staging areas which are expected to see the most significant impacts from the incoming weather. The actions we're taking reflect our commitment to restoring impacted customers safely and quickly in the areas where the need could be most significant. We urge customers to remain weather alert, activate their emergency plan and please stay off area roads and highways," said Nathan Brownell, Vice President of Resilience and Capital Delivery.

Safety reminder: Wires down 
The company reminds customers and community members to always assume downed lines or wires are energized and potentially dangerous if contacted. Stay at least 35 feet away from downed power lines or fallen wires and keep a safe distance from objects touching downed lines (tree limbs, vehicles, fences, etc.) and immediately report downed power lines to CenterPoint. 

Electric and Gas cold weather preparations
The pre-winter safety and readiness actions taken by CenterPoint include:

  • Positioning 17 compressed natural gas (CNG) trailers to provide additional supply for our customers, if needed, adding an additional trailer today to help strengthen preparedness; 
  • Staging more than 700 frontline natural gas workers to respond safely and quickly around the clock to any gas emergency calls and service interruptions;
  • Inspecting nearly 200 natural gas regulator stations and installing heaters on equipment to prevent ice damage;
  • Prepping and pre-staging electric restoration equipment at staging sites, including
    • More than 9,200 distribution poles;
    • More than 11,500 transformers; and
    • More than 100,000 cable splices;
  • Activating its Emergency Operations Center to coordinate response and restoration efforts;
  • Inspecting and testing critical electric equipment, including all 270 electric substations, executing enhanced tree trimming and conducting inspections to prepare for wintery precipitation and cold temperatures;
  • Monitoring more than 100 weather stations across the Greater Houston area to enhance situational awareness and storm preparation;
  • Coordinating with the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) about statewide energy needs;
  • Communicating with customers to provide safety and preparedness information directly via email and help keep customers informed and prepared;
  • Conducting outreach to critical care customers by email, phone or text;
  • Donated and installed more than 20 emergency backup generators at key locations across Greater Houston to improve local emergency preparedness and response efforts; and
  • Conducted more than 19,000 total hours of emergency training in 2025 for hundreds of operational, emergency response and other personnel and contractors to strengthen severe weather preparation and response efforts.

Stay informed with Power Alert Service®
CenterPoint electric customers are encouraged to enroll in the company's Pow​er Alert Service®​ to receive winter storm outage details, estimated restoration times and customer-specific restoration updates by phone call, text or email.

Have a plan and stay safe
CenterPoint encourages customers to prepare and have a plan to stay safe during severe winter weather. Customers can get storm-related safety tips at CenterPointEnergy.com/ActionCenter — available in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.

Customers can also stay up to date on outages with CenterPoint's Outage Tracker, available in English and Spanish. The Outage Tracker is built to handle increased traffic during storms, is mobile-friendly, accessible for those with disabilities and allows customers to see outages by county, city and zip code.

For the latest updates, follow CenterPoint on X and visit 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 September 30, 2025, the company owned approximately $45 billion in assets. With approximately 8,300 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:
Communications
Media.Relations@CenterPointEnergy.com

SOURCE CenterPoint Energy

CenterPoint Energy urges Minnesota natural gas customers to conserve energy, like lowering thermostats, during the extreme cold snap

MINNEAPOLIS – Jan. 23, 2026– Due to the extreme cold across much of the country, the increased demand for natural gas is expected to cause a short-term rise in natural gas prices. CenterPoint Energy is encouraging its Minnesota customers to take quick actions to save energy, including temporarily lowering their thermostat settings, health permitting, to help conserve energy and save money. The price that CenterPoint pays for natural gas is the same price charged to customers with no mark-up, and the company does not profit from the overall cost of natural gas.

Starting today and potentially through Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, CenterPoint is asking its customers, if possible, to reduce their thermostat settings to 65 degrees during the day when at home and lower the setting an additional five degrees when they are asleep or away from home. With home heating costs representing roughly 50% of a customer's monthly energy bill, this energy conservation step can limit the impact of higher natural gas prices on customers' bills.

CenterPoint reminds customers that it is actively working across the company's Minnesota service area to provide safe, reliable and resilient energy. The company urges customers to have a personal cold weather plan in place to stay safe and warm.

Easy steps customers can take to reduce energy use
CenterPoint offers these additional energy-saving tips for customers:

  • Lower the temperature setting on the water heater. Water heating accounts for approximately 20% of a home's overall energy use. Reducing a water heater's temperature to 120 degrees F from 140 degrees can help reduce water heating cost by 10% while preventing scalding.
  • Check the furnace filter. Change or clean the filter to maximize the efficiency of the furnace.
  • Use window coverings and blinds effectively. If it's sunny outside, open window coverings during the day to capture warmth from the sun, and close coverings at night to keep warmth inside. If the sun's not shining, keep window coverings closed.
  • Keep cold air out. Use caulk or weather-stripping to seal leaks around doors, windows and other openings such as pipes or ducts. Close fireplace dampers when not in use to trap the heat.
  • Use a ceiling fan smartly. Set a ceiling fan to turn clockwise, and slowly, to move heat from near the ceiling to living levels to increase comfort.

Visit CenterPointEnergy.com/ReadyForWinter for more energy-saving tips and resources for customers to stay safe and warm.

Payment assistance resources for customers
CenterPoint urges those facing hardship to call the company now to find out about payment arrangements, energy efficiency programs and agency resources. Resources are available this heating season for qualifying customers. To learn more, customers should call 800-245-2377 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday - Friday, or visit CenterPointEnergy.com/PaymentAssistance.
 
Smell natural gas? Act fast!
CenterPoint also wants to provide a safety reminder to customers on actions to take if they suspect a natural gas leak. If there's a rotten egg or sulfur odor of natural gas present, immediately leave the area on foot, go to a safe location, and call both 911 and CenterPoint at 800-296-9815. Don't use electric switches/outlets, phones (including cell phones), drive or start a car inside or close to the location or do anything that could cause a spark.

Strategic natural gas procurement plan to keep customers safe and warm
CenterPoint has a strategic natural gas procurement plan that includes purchasing from multiple natural gas suppliers as well as buying and storing a substantial portion of its fuel supply before the winter heating season to work to mitigate costs customers pay. Due to the increased demand during the winter heating season, additional purchases may be required to be made in the daily market to support customer needs for natural gas.

###

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 September 30, 2025, the company owned approximately $45 billion in assets. With approximately 8,300 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 staging sites and begins onboarding additional emergency response resources as preparations continue ahead of this weekend's approaching winter weather conditions

​Approximately 3,300 CenterPoint electric employees and contract workers are pre-staged for storm preparation and potential restoration efforts across Southeast Texas

Approximately 700 natural gas workers and contractors support response as well

State of Texas issues disaster declaration ahead of potential impacts

Customers urged to have a plan and prepare for freezing temperatures, high winds and potential ice accumulation

HOUSTON, Jan. 23, 2026 - In preparation for forecasted winter weather heading towards Southeast Texas, CenterPoint Energy continues to monitor the approaching system. With 3,300 frontline workers, support personnel and contractors, CenterPoint stands ready to support its customers and communities. Additionally, the company has stood up three staging sites at strategic locations across the Greater Houston area to pre-position resources to support potential restoration efforts. The company's Emergency Operations Center is also open, fully staffed, and will remain operational through the weekend as CenterPoint continues executing its cold weather action plan.

CenterPoint Energy logo. (PRNewsFoto)  

 

During the company's first daily operational briefing at its Emergency Operations Center, CenterPoint leaders emphasized the company's continued commitment to delivering for our customers and communities.

"We want our customers to be confident in the numerous cold weather preparations CenterPoint has executed from our winter readiness plan and to know we have plans in place to support customers during this weekend's forecasted freezing temperatures, high winds, and potential ice accumulation. We also want to urge our customers to stay weather alert, have an emergency plan in place and take steps now to prepare," said Nathan Brownell, Vice President of Resilience and Capital Delivery.

Yesterday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration ahead of potential impacts, and CenterPoint continues to work closely with government officials and emergency agencies to prepare for the approaching weather system.

What our experts are saying
"Weather forecasts continue to trend toward less icing risk in the Houston area. We continue to actively monitor internal and publicly available weather modeling resources to track forecast changes and adjust our preparations as needed. We encourage our customers and communities to remain prepared for cold weather that will impact the area Sunday and Monday," said Matt Lanza, CenterPoint's Chief Meteorologist.

The current weather forecast for CenterPoint's Houston electric service territory indicates the potential for ice accumulation this weekend, subject to updated forecasts. The company reminds customers and community members to always assume downed lines or wires are energized and potentially dangerous if contacted. Stay at least 35 feet away from downed power lines or fallen wires and keep a safe distance from objects touching downed lines (tree limbs, vehicles, fences, etc.) and immediately report downed power lines to CenterPoint.

"Our Natural Gas teams are prepared to respond to critical issues that may be caused by the weather. We've placed Compressed Natural Gas trucks at 13 strategic locations across Texas to support our system and have frontline gas workers on hand who are ready 24/7 to respond to any service interruptions. We've also strengthened our natural gas infrastructure with added hardening measures and heaters to prevent ice damage," said Richard Leger, CenterPoint's Senior Vice President of Natural Gas Business.

Staging sites and additional resources
CenterPoint activated its Emergency Operations Center on Thursday morning and secured more than 600 additional frontline workers for an expanded workforce of 3,300 workers and personnel to address the approaching winter storm. In addition to CenterPoint's Emergency Operations Center staff of 200 personnel and on-system workforce of approximately 2,500 internal line workers, local contractors and vegetation management resources, the company has secured an additional approximately 600 frontline workers including more line workers, vegetation management resources, and damage assessors.

The company is also deploying more than 700 gas workers and contractors to support the weekend response.

The company's three staging sites will host hundreds of workers and help pre-position crews, vehicles, equipment and materiel needed for restoration across its service territory. These staging sites are strategically placed to position resources in locations where the winter weather system's impact is forecasted to be the most severe.

Cold weather preparations
The pre-winter safety and readiness actions taken by CenterPoint include:

  • Activating its Emergency Operations Center to coordinate response and restoration efforts;
  • Coordinating with the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) about statewide energy needs;
  • Communicating with customers to provide safety and preparedness information directly via email and help keep customers informed and prepared;
  • Conducting outreach to critical care customers by email, phone or text;
  • Inspecting and testing critical electric equipment, including all 270 electric substations, executing enhanced tree trimming and conducting inspections to prepare for wintery precipitation and cold temperatures;
  • Positioning Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks at 13 strategic locations to be deployed to supplement the natural gas system, if needed;
  • Monitoring more than 100 weather stations across the Greater Houston area to enhance situational awareness and storm preparation;
  • Donated and installed more than 20 emergency backup generators at key locations across Greater Houston to improve local emergency preparedness and response efforts; and
  • Conducted more than 19,000 total hours of emergency training in 2025 for hundreds of operational, emergency response and other personnel and contractors to strengthen severe weather preparation and response efforts.

Stay informed with Power Alert Service®
CenterPoint electric customers are encouraged to enroll in the company's Power Alert Service® to receive winter storm outage details, estimated restoration times and customer-specific restoration updates by phone call, text or email.

Have a plan and stay safe
CenterPoint encourages customers to prepare and have a plan to stay safe during severe winter weather. Customers can get storm-related safety tips at CenterPointEnergy.com/ActionCenter — available in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.

Customers can also stay up to date on outages with CenterPoint's Outage Tracker, available in English and Spanish. The Outage Tracker is built to handle increased traffic during storms, is mobile-friendly, accessible for those with disabilities and allows customers to see outages by county, city and zip code.

For the latest updates, follow CenterPoint on X and visit 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 September 30, 2025, the company owned approximately $45 billion in assets. With approximately 8,300 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:
Communications
Media.Relations@CenterPointEnergy.com

SOURCE CenterPoint Energy

CenterPoint Energy ramps up customer communications as 3,300-person expanded workforce continues preparations and emergency response efforts ahead of winter weather system forecasted to impact Texas

Approximately 3,300 CenterPoint employees and contract workers supporting storm preparation and potential restoration efforts across Houston and parts of Southeast Texas

Emergency Operations Center fully staffed and operating; three staging sites activating today

First daily operational briefing scheduled for this afternoon at the company's Emergency Operations Center

State of Texas issues disaster declaration ahead of potential impacts; ERCOT Weather Watch issued for Saturday to Tuesday; grid conditions expected to be normal

HOUSTON, Jan. 22, 2026 - To help its customers and communities stay informed and prepared ahead of this weekend's forecasted winter weather system, CenterPoint Energy is ramping up customer communications as the company continues executing its cold weather readiness plan. CenterPoint is sharing information with customers through a number of channels (emails, phone calls, text messages, and many others). It will also begin hosting daily operational briefings at its Emergency Operations Center this afternoon to provide an update on evolving weather models and give an in-depth overview of the company's expanded response efforts.

"We are focused on delivering for our customers and communities and we want them to know  we're taking action now and preparing to respond to any impacts from this weather to our system, because we know how important it is for the communities we serve to have reliable electric and natural gas service they expect and deserve. Right now, as conditions continue to evolve, staying informed is one of the most important things we can do to keep our customers and their loved ones safe," said Tony Gardner, CenterPoint's Chief Customer Officer. "We urge customers to prepare now and to bookmark our Action Center for storm-related safety tips in English, Spanish and Vietnamese and to make sure they're enrolled in Power Alert Service® to receive winter storm outage details, estimated restoration times and customer-specific restoration updates."

Weather update
"Weather models have generally trended toward a somewhat less impactful forecast outcome in the Houston area since yesterday. While those trends are positive and continue, we are continuing to use both internal and publicly available weather model guidance to shape our forecast expectations and will adjust as needed," said Matt Lanza, CenterPoint's Chief Meteorologist. "Still, with cold and at least some ice expected in the region, we encourage customers and communities to be prepared for hazardous travel on Sunday and a hard freeze, especially Monday morning."

The current weather forecast for CenterPoint's Houston electric service territory indicates the potential for ice accumulation this weekend, subject to updated forecasts. The company reminds customers and community members to always assume downed lines or wires are energized and potentially dangerous if contacted. Stay at least 35 feet away from downed power lines or fallen wires and keep a safe distance from objects touching downed lines (tree limbs, vehicles, fences, etc.) and immediately report downed power lines to CenterPoint. 

Additional resources
Following several days of actively preparing for this weekend's forecasted severe winter weather system, CenterPoint Energy activated its Emergency Operations Center yesterday morning and secured more than 600 additional frontline workers for an expanded workforce of 3,300 workers and personnel to address the approaching winter storm.

Staging sites
The company's three staging sites are strategically placed to pre-position resources in locations where the winter weather system's impact is forecasted to be the most severe. These sites will host approximately 3,300 workers and help pre-position crews, vehicles, equipment and materiel needed for restoration across its service territory.

Public Official Coordination
CenterPoint continues to work closely with government officials and emergency agencies to prepare for the approaching winter weather system and continues to diligently monitor weather models and deploy cold weather mitigations across its electric and gas infrastructure. CenterPoint is also actively working to mobilize emergency response resources and coordinating with relevant local emergency responders and government officials in preparation for this weekend's weather.

Cold weather preparations
The pre-winter safety and readiness actions taken by CenterPoint include:

  • Activating its Emergency Operations Center to coordinate response and restoration efforts;
  • Coordinating with the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) about statewide energy needs;
  • Communicating with customers to provide safety and preparedness information directly via email and help keep customers informed and prepared;
  • Conducting outreach to critical care customers by email, phone or text;
  • Inspecting and testing critical electric equipment, including all 270 electric substations, executing enhanced tree trimming and conducting inspections to prepare for wintery precipitation and cold temperatures;
  • Positioning Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks at 13 strategic locations to be deployed to supplement the natural gas system, if needed;
  • Monitoring more than 100 weather stations across the Greater Houston area to enhance situational awareness and storm preparation;
  • Donated and installed more than 20 emergency backup generators at key locations across Greater Houston to improve local emergency preparedness and response efforts; and
  • Conducted more than 19,000 total hours of emergency training in 2025 for hundreds of operational, emergency response and other personnel and contractors to strengthen severe weather preparation and response efforts.

Supporting community preparedness
As part of its ongoing commitment to supporting community preparedness and resilience, the CenterPoint Energy Foundation awarded a $1 million, five‑year grant to The Salvation Army last year to support disaster response capabilities across the Greater Houston area. This grant supports operations at The Salvation Army's Multi‑Purpose Distribution Center in Houston, a critical regional hub that coordinates emergency relief efforts and delivers essential services to vulnerable populations — including families, youth, seniors, and individuals experiencing homelessness — during hurricanes and other severe weather events. Funded separately and financially independent from the utility, the CenterPoint Energy Foundation continues to serve as a catalyst for good by leveraging its resources to enhance the safety, resilience and vibrancy of the communities CenterPoint serves. Learn more at CenterPointEnergy.com/Foundation.

Have a plan and stay safe
CenterPoint encourages customers to prepare and have a plan to stay safe during severe winter weather. Customers can get storm-related safety tips at CenterPointEnergy.com/ActionCenter — available in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.

Customers can also stay up to date on outages with CenterPoint's Outage Tracker, available in English and Spanish. The Outage Tracker is built to handle increased traffic during storms, is mobile-friendly, accessible for those with disabilities and allows customers to see outages by county, city and zip code.

For the latest updates, follow CenterPoint on X and visit 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 September 30, 2025, the company owned approximately $45 billion in assets. With approximately 8,300 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:
Communications
Media.Relations@CenterPointEnergy.com

SOURCE CenterPoint Energy