CenterPoint Energy Indiana Electric files request to advance modernization investments, continue transition to a balanced generation portfolio
First base rate case in more than 14 years supports continued reliability and resiliency of system; supports economic growth of southwestern Indiana region
2023-12-05T06:00:00Z

Evansville – Dec. 5, 2023 – CenterPoint Energy's Indiana Electric business today filed a petition with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) requesting an adjustment to base rates and charges. The regulatory filing, known as a base rate case, is the utility's first request since 2009.

The regulatory filing requests an increase to recover incurred costs associated with completed capital projects over the past 14 years to support safe and reliable service to the company's 150,000 customers, including:

  • Transmission and distribution system upgrades to replace aging infrastructure and modernization of the energy grid;
  • Automated metering technology that has reliably served customers for several years; and
  • Projects needed to comply with federally mandated environmental requirements.

Additionally, the request is needed to recover costs associated with CenterPoint Energy's transition from a majority coal generation portfolio to one led with renewables, which includes the Posey Solar facility and two new, natural gas combustion turbines expected to be in service in 2025. With a continued focus on sustainability and cost-effectiveness, these projects are part of the previously announced generation transition plan to retire 700 megawatts of the company's aging coal operations through 2025.

“This request is based on the need to maintain a safe, resilient and reliable system to further meet the current and future energy needs of the southwestern Indiana region, said Richard Leger, Senior Vice President, Indiana Electric. “Our greatest commitment to our 150,000 customers is to maintain the level of service they have come to expect – reliably, safely and in a cost-effective manner." 

Some key benefits southwestern Indiana electric customers have experienced as a result of the investments made since the last rate case filed in 2009 include:

  • Since 2016, Indiana Electric has inspected and treated more than 80 percent of its wood pole population. Through this process, poles that have reached the end of their useful service life have been replaced, and the life of serviceable poles extended, thus ultimately reducing customer outages resulting from pole failures.
  • Vegetation trimmed around nearly 7,000 miles of electric distribution lines, reducing the number of customer outages caused from vegetation contact.
  • Additional distribution substations have been constructed to support regional customer and industrial growth and increased load needs. Significant investment examples include:
    • Upgrades to serve growth to the Evansville Regional Airport
    • Investments to support customer growth in Warrick County
    • Infrastructure enhancements to retain and grow jobs and support increased electric load near Toyota's Gibson County manufacturing plant
  • As a result of hardening the electric system by replacing aging infrastructure, while the number of storm events in the area have increased, the average outage duration associated with equipment failure has dropped by approximately 25% over the last five years.
  • Smart meter technology and distribution automation investments work together to detect and restore customer outages automatically. Since 2021, our distribution automation system has allowed us to avoid nearly 4 million cumulative minutes of customer outages.

 
Leger said, “We have worked diligently and responsibly in the 14 years since our last base rate case to make prudent investments and minimize the impact to customers as we continue to perform our essential work. Since 2011 – the last time base rates were modified – CenterPoint Energy's total electric bill has only increased an average of 0.5% per year, which is well below the rate of inflation."

The total requested increase, which directly results from the base rate case filing, of $118.8 million is expected to impact customer bills no sooner than the fourth quarter of 2024. To prevent the increase from impacting customers all at once, CenterPoint Energy has proposed a phased approach. If approved, a typical residential customer would experience an estimated increase of $10.07 (6.5%) in late 2024, an additional $5.85 (3.6%) in early 2025, and finally $12.46 (7.3%) in early 2026 due to the request in the rate case. Once all phases are implemented including the full cost of service, which includes projects that would be recovered through current billing mechanisms, the expected total monthly bill will be approximately $200, based on average residential consumption of 799 kilowatt hours.

Leger added, “We recognize the economic challenges that many of our customers continue to face, and CenterPoint Energy provides a variety of options to help customers manage their bills, including energy bill assistance, home weatherization and billing assistance programs."

CenterPoint Energy is asking the IURC to review its investments, consider the value customers have received, and approve the proposed recovery of these costs. The regulatory process, which will include a comprehensive review by the IURC as well as the opportunity for the public to provide input, will take several months to complete, with a decision anticipated late in 2024.

More details about the rate case can be found at CenterPointEnergy.com/SmartEnergyFuture to provide customers with information on the rate case process and elements of the filing. Other resources to assist in managing bills year-round can also be found on the site.

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 September 30, 2023, the company owned approximately $39 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. 

Forward Looking Statements

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 plans, including the timing and extent of CenterPoint Energy's retirement of coal facilities, the anticipated timing of and impact of the base rate case on customer bills, IURC approval of CenterPoint Energy's base rate case and phase-in plan, 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 CenterPoint's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2023, June 30, 2023 and September 30, 2023, and other reports CenterPoint Energy or its subsidiaries may file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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 Recent News

 

 
CenterPoint Energy monitoring and prepared for cold front with strong winds across Greater Houston area

​​​Wind gusts in 35 – 45+ mph range forecasted to impact Greater Houston area Sunday night into Monday morning

Enhanced frontline workforce prepared and ready to respond to potential impacts on system

HOUSTON – March 14, 2026  – CenterPoint Energy is monitoring and prepared for an incoming cold front forecasted to impact the Greater Houston area Sunday night and Monday morning, bringing with it strong winds with potential gusts in the range of 35 – 45+ mph. The company's enhanced workforce of more than 900 CenterPoint frontline workers is prepared to respond to any impacts on electric service. CenterPoint continues to communicate and coordinate with local government officials ahead of Sunday's forecast.

During this week's storms, approximately 97.5% of CenterPoint's 2.9 million customers across the Greater Houston area had uninterrupted service. Customers who experienced storm-related outages were restored on average within approximately 54 minutes. The vast majority of customers were restored within 3 hours or less.

“As a cold front is expected to move through the area, our CenterPoint team has been monitoring the potential for strong winds with gusts of at least 35 – 45+ mph or higher across our service territory," said Matt Lanza, CenterPoint's Manager of Meteorology. “Our crews are prepared for the possibility of another round of very strong winds starting Sunday evening, and our frontline workers stand ready to respond. We will continue to actively monitor for any severe weather and urge our customers to stay alert in anticipation of quickly changing weather conditions."

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

  • Readying t​he company's workforce and resources:More than 900 personnel remain ready to support potential restoration efforts throughout the week.
  • Monitoring severe weather 24/7: The Meteorology team continues to track weather forecast developments, and the company is updating response efforts as conditions evolve.
  • Coordinating with local officials: CenterPoint is providing updates to local officials and emergency management partners.

What customers should do:

About CenterPoint Energy, Inc.  
CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is a multi-state electric and natural gas delivery company serving more than 7 million metered customers across Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, and Texas. The company is headquartered in Houston and is the only Texas-domiciled investor-owned utility. As of December 31, 2025, the company had approximately $46.5 billion in assets. With approximately 8,800 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been serving customers for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.

CenterPoint Energy continues monitoring severe weather and remains prepared as additional storms forecast for southwestern Indiana

​​​CenterPoint's electric infrastructure performed well and had minimal customer impacts during this week's storms and stands ready for another round of severe weather expected Sunday 

Customers encouraged to stay safe and maintain emergency plans

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – March 13, 2026 – CenterPoint Energy is monitoring another round of potentially severe thunderstorms forecast to move through southwestern Indiana on Sunday. According to the National Weather Service, damaging winds, heavy rain and isolated tornadoes are possible Sunday afternoon through the evening hours.

The company has remained in a heightened posture since storms moved through the region on Tuesday and Wednesday. CenterPoint is preparing crews and coordinating with local government officials ahead of Sunday's forecast.

During this week's storms, the company's electric system performed well with minimal outages that peaked at approximately 900 customers out of the approximately 154,000 electric customers CenterPoint serves in the region.

“More than 99% of our customers had uninterrupted service during this week's storms, and we remain fully prepared as another system moves into our area," said Mike Roeder, President of CenterPoint Energy Indiana. “Our teams stand ready to respond."

CenterPoint encourages customers to prepare for severe weather: 

  • Track outages: Bookmark Outage Tracker (available in English and Spanish and mobile-friendly) to see the latest outage information.
  • Stay safe: Visit Ready.gov for storm safety tips. 
  • ​Follow us: Real-time updates will be available on X and at CenterPointEnergy.com/ActionCenter. ​

CenterPoint Energy offers expanded support for southwestern Indiana customers as state’s winter disconnection moratorium ends

​EVANSVILLE, Ind. – March 12, 2026 – As part of its commitment to affordability and supporting our local communities, CenterPoint Energy is encouraging customers to take advantage of available payment options, assistance programs and one-on-one support ahead of Indiana's winter disconnection moratorium ending on March 15.

Under Indiana law, customers who receive Energy Assistance Program (EAP) assistance or who are eligible and have applied for the program are protected from service disconnection between December 1 and March 15. As that protection period ends, CenterPoint wants customers to know that help is available and that reaching out is the first step. The company has taken a series of steps over the past year to expand resources and support available to customers managing energy costs.

“We know that affordability is the top issue for many of our customers and we want you to know that there are resources available to help you manage your energy use and bills. Please reach out to us," said Mike Roeder, President of CenterPoint Energy Indiana. “Our teams are here to help and work with you. We can connect you with assistance programs, set up a payment plan or help you find ways to reduce your energy costs. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can help you find a path forward."

Steps customers can take now

Financial assistance programs are available to help customers manage energy costs:

  • ​Payment arrangements: Allow customers who are having difficulty paying their bill in full to set up a plan to pay in smaller increments over time
  • Energy Assistance Program: Provides financial help to income-eligible households and is accepting applications through April 20, 2026
  • Universal Service Fund: Helps natural gas customers who have received EAP save between 15% and 32% on their bills through May 31.
  • Township trustee assistance: Available year-round, with eligibility and support levels determined by local trustee offices

Customers can also sign up for Budget Bill to level out monthly payments, schedule a no-cost Home Energy Assessment or visit the Online Energy Efficiency Store to access discounted energy-saving products.

More ways to connect and get help

As part of its ongoing commitment to affordability, CenterPoint has made it easier for customers to connect and find support. Guided by direct feedback from customers and stakeholders, the company has expanded resources across southwestern Indiana, including:

  • One-on-one support through Community Connect events happening throughout the region
  • A redesigned Customer Resource Hub, making it simpler to find billing support, assistance programs and energy-saving resources in one place

The next Community Connect event is scheduled for March 18 at CenterPoint Energy Plaza, 211 NW Riverside Drive in Evansville, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., where customers can meet with CenterPoint team members and get help with any of the programs and resources listed above.

For more information or to explore available resources, customers can visit CenterPointEnergy.com/ResourceHub or call 1-800-227-1376.

Ongoing commitment to affordability

In October 2025, CenterPoint launched its initial series of Community Affordability Actions, including the CenterPoint Energy Foundation's $5 million Community Energy Improvement Fund. Since then, the company has introduced additional bill management tools, expanded customer support programs and implemented additional protections as part of the Indiana Electric rate case settlement – such as annual late-fee waivers upon request, reduced reconnection fees and safeguards for medically vulnerable customers. Additional customer resources are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

CenterPoint Energy offers support for Indiana customers as state’s winter disconnection moratorium ends

INDIANAPOLIS – March 12, 2026 – CenterPoint Energy is encouraging customers to take advantage of available payment options, assistance programs and one-on-one support ahead of Indiana's winter disconnection moratorium ending on March 15.

Under Indiana law, customers who receive Energy Assistance Program (EAP) assistance or who are eligible and have applied for the program are protected from service disconnection between December 1 and March 15. As that protection period ends, CenterPoint wants customers to know that help is available and that reaching out is the first step.

“We know that affordability is the top issue for many of our customers and we want you to know that there are resources available to help you manage your energy use and bills. Please reach out to us," said Mike Roeder, President of CenterPoint Energy Indiana. “Our teams are here to work with you. We can connect you with assistance programs, set up a payment plan or help you find ways to reduce your energy costs. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can help you find a path forward."

Steps customers can take now

Financial assistance programs are available to help customers manage energy costs:

  • Payment arrangements: Allow customers who are having difficulty paying their bill in full to set up a plan to pay in smaller increments over time
  • Energy Assistance Program: Provides financial help to income-eligible households and is accepting applications through April 20, 2026
  • Universal Service Fund: Helps natural gas customers who have received EAP save between 15% and 32% on their bills through May 31
  • Township trustee assistance: Available year-round, with eligibility and support levels determined by local trustee offices

Customers can also sign up for Budget Billing to level out monthly payments or visit the Online Energy Efficiency Store to access discounted energy-saving products.

For more information or to explore available resources, customers can visit CenterPointEnergy.com/ResourceHub or call 1-800-227-1376.​​

Less than 2.5% of CenterPoint Energy customers impacted during midweek storms

Average restoration for a customer was about 54 minutes, with the vast majority of customers restored in 3 hours or less 

 

Essentially all customers impacted by Wednesday afternoon’s storms have now been restored, with crews working diligently to restore remaining 700 customers 

 

 Frontline workers and contractors supported ongoing restoration and continue responding to localized outages 

  

HOUSTON – March 11, 2026 – After Wednesday afternoon’s storms traveled across CenterPoint Energy’s electric service territory, approximately 2.5% of its 2.9 million customers across the Greater Houston area experienced impacts to electric service during the weather event. With more than 70,000 customers impacted since storms started to move through the area around noon, approximately 69,000 customers have been restored since the storms arrived this afternoon. As of 9:45 p.m., approximately 700 customers are currently without power. 

 

The company's Emergency Operation Center was activated ahead of the storms, and more than 1,400 frontline workers and contractor crews were available to respond to isolated outages throughout the company's 12-county service area. The average time to restore customers who experienced storm-related outages was approximately 54 minutes, and the vast majority of customers were restored in 3 hours or less. 

 

The company is expected to return to normal operations tomorrow morning. 

 

“Severe weather and storms are something we prepare for year‑round, and our crews train continuously so we’re ready ahead of the storms reaching our communities,” said Jason Fabre, CenterPoint’s Vice President, Special Response Team and Incident Commander. “We understand how disruptive any outages can be, and our crews work safely and as quickly as possible until every customer is restored. We will monitor the weather the rest of the night and be prepared to respond immediately to any additional outages.” 

 

CenterPoint took the following actions for today’s event: 

 

  • Deployed the company's resources: Had 1,400 personnel ready to respond to outages and support preparedness actions ahead of restoration efforts. 
  • Activated Emergency Operations Center: To coordinate storm response efforts throughout the day, the company proactively activated its Emergency Operations Center on Tuesday and remained ready to respond. 
  • Monitored weather 24/7: The Meteorology team continues to track forecast developments, and the company is updating response plans as conditions evolve. 
  • Pre-positioned resources: Response teams were pre-positioned in areas where storms were forecasted to impact and remain ready to respond to any electric or natural gas service interruptions safely and as quickly as possible. 
  • Coordinated with local officials: The company provided updates to local officials and emergency management partners. 

 

About CenterPoint Energy, Inc.   
CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is a multi-state electric and natural gas delivery company serving more than 7 million metered customers across Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, and Texas. The company is headquartered in Houston and is the only Texas-domiciled investor-owned utility. As of December 31, 2025, the company had approximately $46.5 billion in assets. With approximately 8,800 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been serving customers for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.  ​

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