CenterPoint Energy offers tips to help Ohio customers manage their energy usage in extreme temperatures
2022-12-23T06:00:00Z

Dayton – Dec. 23, 2022- CenterPoint Energy remains focused on providing safe, reliable service to its customers as the arctic cold front impacts the area. With temperatures dropping substantially CenterPoint Energy wants to encourage customers to continue to conserve, when possible, to help manage their usage and the overall system.

"Our systems are responding and performing well," stated Ashley Babcock, Vice President Indiana and Ohio Gas. "Usage increases with the extreme cold temperatures as everyone is trying to keep warm, and we want to help customers safely manage their energy consumption."

The company is offering these safety tips to help customers prepare as soon as possible:

  • Set your thermostat at 68°F or lower - every degree of extra heating will increase energy usage six to eight percent.
  • Dress warmly.
  • Use more blankets at night.
  • Set ceiling fans on reverse to re-circulate the heat that builds up near the ceiling.
  • Cover windows on winter nights with insulated curtains.
  • Open interior blinds, drapes, or shades during the day to let the sun warm your home during cooler months.

 

Natural gas:

  • Make sure your heating system is working properly. Malfunctioning home heating equipment can cause a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. Check that outside furnace vents aren't blocked by snow or ice. Keep your furnace filter clean for safe, efficient operation.
  • Use space heaters safely. Use a space heater with an automatic shut-off feature, and keep children, pets and all items at least three feet away. A space heater that uses gas, propane or wood should be vented to the outside. Stoves and ovens should never be used for space heating.
  • Check your carbon monoxide (CO) and smoke alarms. These devices are essential to warn you of a fire or dangerous condition involving a furnace, water heater, fireplace or stove. Test your alarms monthly and change batteries as recommended by the manufacturer.

 

Energy Efficiency:

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

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

  • Lowering your thermostat can help you save on your annual heating costs. Installing a programmable thermostat can help you automatically control your heat usage. Add on extra layers of clothing to keep warm.
  • Change your air filters monthly. A dirty filter restricts airflow and can increase the operating cost of your furnace by as much as 10 percent. A good reminder is to change the filter each time you receive your natural gas bill.

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

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

 

Make your home more airtight and keep cold air outside:

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

 

CenterPoint Energy also provides a safety reminder in case of a suspected natural gas leak. If you smell the "rotten egg" odor of natural gas, immediately leave on foot, go to a safe location and call both 911 and CenterPoint Energy at 800-227-1376. Don't use electric switches/outlets, phones (including cell phones), drive or start a car inside or in close proximity to the location or do anything that could cause a spark.


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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.

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About CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
As the only investor owned electric and gas utility based in Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is an energy delivery company with electric transmission and distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution operations that serve more than 7 million metered customers in Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio and Texas. As of 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.

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

CenterPoint Energy prepared for weekend winter weather in Ohio
Company monitoring conditions and has cold weather plan in place

NWS forecasting sub-zero wind chills to follow snow 

Customers encouraged to visit Winter Energy Guide

DAYTON, Ohio – Jan. 23, 2026 – With snowfall and bitter cold expected across West Central Ohio this weekend according to the National Weather Service, CenterPoint Energy has its cold weather action plan in place and is prepared to maintain safe, reliable service.  

CenterPoint prepares for winter weather through proactive measures that support reliable delivery of natural gas service. This includes:

  • checking critical systems and equipment ahead of cold weather events,
  • coordinating with local agencies and emergency responders, and
  • positioning crews to respond to potential service issues safely and quickly.

Preparing for the weekend
With snow in the forecast—and sub-zero wind-chills expected to follow—many customers may find themselves spending more time indoors over the next few days. When temperatures drop, heating systems may work harder to keep homes comfortable. A few simple steps can help manage energy use and keep homes comfortable:

  • Lower the thermostat. Small adjustments can reduce heating costs without sacrificing comfort.
  • Open blinds during the day. Sunlight provides natural warmth; close them at night to keep heat in.
  • Keep exterior vents clear. Check that outdoor vents and air intakes are not blocked by snow. Heating equipment needs proper airflow to operate safely.
  • Change the furnace filter. A clean filter helps the heating system run efficiently.
  • Have a storm kit ready. Stock up on essentials and keep flashlights handy. Avoid candles, which pose a fire risk.

Customers should keep natural gas meters clear of snow by gently brushing them off with a broom. Shovels may cause damage.

Warming center locations and hours are available through Ohio 211. Call 2-1-1 or visit Ohio211.org.

For additional safety tips and energy-saving ideas to help customers stay safe and warm this winter, visit CenterPoint's Winter Energy Guide at CenterPointEnergy.com/ReadyforWinter.​

CenterPoint Energy prepared for weekend winter weather in southwestern Indiana
Company monitoring conditions and has cold weather action plan in place

 
 NWS forecasting sub-zero wind chills to follow snow

Customers encouraged to visit Winter Energy Guide

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Jan. 23, 2026 – With significant snowfall and bitter cold expected across southwestern Indiana this weekend according to the National Weather Service, CenterPoint Energy has its cold weather action plan in place and is prepared to maintain safe, reliable service.

CenterPoint prepares for winter weather through proactive measures that support reliable delivery of electric and natural gas service. This includes:

  • checking critical systems and equipment ahead of cold weather events,
  • coordinating with local agencies and emergency responders, and
  • positioning crews to respond to potential service issues safely and quickly.

Preparing for the weekend
With heavy snow in the forecast—and sub-zero wind-chills expected to follow—many customers may find themselves spending more time indoors over the next few days. When temperatures drop, heating systems may work harder to keep homes comfortable. A few simple steps can help manage energy use and keep homes comfortable:

  • Lower the thermostat. Small adjustments can reduce heating costs without sacrificing comfort.
  • Open blinds during the day. Sunlight provides natural warmth; close them at night to keep heat in.
  • Keep exterior vents clear. Check that outdoor vents and air intakes are not blocked by snow. Heating equipment needs proper airflow to operate safely.
  • Change the furnace filter. A clean filter helps the heating system run efficiently.
  • Have a storm kit ready. Stock up on essentials and keep flashlights handy. Avoid candles, which pose a fire risk.

Customers with natural gas service should keep meters clear of snow by gently brushing them off with a broom. Shovels may cause damage.

Electric customers are encouraged to enroll in Power Alert Service® to receive outage updates, estimated restoration times and customer-specific information during severe weather. Customers can choose to receive updates via phone, text or email. Sign up at CenterPointEnergy.com/PowerAlertService.

Warming center locations and hours are available through Indiana 211. Call 2-1-1, text a ZIP code to 898-211, or visit IN211.org.

For additional safety tips and energy-saving ideas to help customers stay safe and warm this winter, visit CenterPoint's Winter Energy Guide at CenterPointEnergy.com/ReadyforWinter.