CenterPoint Energy files request to recover investments in electric infrastructure to support system safety, reliability and resiliency
2024-03-06T06:00:00Z

Houston – March 6, 2024 – CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric (CenterPoint Energy) today filed an application with the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) and municipal regulatory authorities requesting an adjustment to its base rates and charges through a process known as a base rate case.

  • Significant capital investments support continued strengthening of electric system across Greater Houston area for the benefit of customers and communities
  • Customers' rates have remained relatively flat over the past decade due to cost management and sustained customer growth
  • Request is expected to result in an average increase of less than 1% on a customer's total bill

CenterPoint Energy's service territory covers approximately 5,000-square-miles across Houston and surrounding communities and includes nearly 60,000 circuit miles of transmission and distribution lines, serving approximately 2.8 million metered customers across its electric system. The 2.8 million represents nearly 300,000 more metered customers than when the company filed its most recent rate case in 2019.

While the Greater Houston area comprises about 2% of the geographic area of Texas, CenterPoint Energy's metered customers account for approximately 25% of the total electric load in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) region. This area includes the City of Houston — the largest city in Texas and the fourth largest in the country — and is home to the largest medical and petrochemical complexes in the world, as well as one of the largest container ports in the nation.

To help meet the region's ever-increasing electric demands, CenterPoint Energy has invested more than $6 billion in its electric grid since the 2019 rate case. Key benefits to customers from these investments have included:  ​

  • Nearly 2,200 miles of new distribution lines and more than 100 miles of new transmission lines installed to meet the needs of a strong economy;
  • Six new distribution substations and two new transmission substations constructed to support regional growth and increased load needs;
  • 25 new generation resources interconnected to the grid;
  • 11 substations elevated to aid in flood mitigation and improve the resiliency of CenterPoint Energy's system; and
  • 437 Intelligent Grid Switching Devices installed to help prevent and reduce sustained customer outages, resulting in more than 80 million minutes of customer outages avoided in 2023.

​In addition to investments that support the continued growth and development of the Greater Houston area, the company has also focused on maintaining stable rates below the historic level of inflation for the average residential customer. Today's proposal, factoring in all of CenterPoint Energy's bill components, will result in a 0.7% increase for the average residential customer's total bill.

“The portion of customer electric bills attributable to CenterPoint Energy was an average of $49 a month a decade ago, and it remains about $49 a month on average today, despite billions of dollars in investments in our system over that period," said Jason Ryan, CenterPoint Energy's Executive Vice President of Regulatory Services and Government Affairs. “Being able to continue to keep rates relatively flat even with the rate change proposed today reflects the hard work we are doing to maintain affordable service for our customers, while we make material investments to improve system safety, reliability and resiliency."

CenterPoint Energy is asking the PUCT and municipal regulatory authorities to review its investments that have not already been reviewed through other rate adjustment mechanisms, consider the value customers are receiving, and approve the proposed rates. The process is expected to take several months to complete, with a decision anticipated no earlier than September of 2024.

“We have been serving the Houston area and surrounding communities for nearly 160 years, and during that time we have strived to build a proven track record of doing our work as safely, responsibly and cost-efficiently as possible," said Lynnae Wilson, CenterPoint Energy's Senior Vice President, Electric Business. “As our region continues to experience strong economic growth, industrial and business expansion, and population increases, it is imperative that we are equipped to continue meeting the demands of our customers and the electric grid. The approval of the request will enable CenterPoint Energy's continued investment in our transmission and distribution electric system to help support our customers' long-term energy needs, support regional growth and increase electrification."

More information about the rate case can be found at CenterPointEnergy.com/EnergyForTheFuture.

About CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
As the only investor-owned electric and gas utility based in Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is an energy delivery company with electric transmission and distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution operations that serve more than 7 million metered customers in Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio and Texas. As of December 31, 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. Examples of forward-looking statements in this news release, include future legislative and regulatory filings, actions and decisions, including the timing and impact of such actions and decisions, the amount and timing of, and expected benefits derived from, proposed investments, the expected impact and timing of the proposed rate adjustments on customer bills, the performance and expected benefits of various projects, the projected impact 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, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties relating to: (1) CenterPoint's business strategies and strategic initiatives, restructurings, joint ventures and acquisitions or dispositions of assets or businesses, including the announced sale of our Natural Gas businesses in Louisiana and Mississippi, and the completed sale of Energy Systems Group, LLC, which we cannot assure you will have the anticipated benefits to us; (2) industrial, commercial and residential growth in CenterPoint's service territories and changes in market demand; (3) CenterPoint's ability to fund and invest planned capital, and the timely recovery of its investments; (4) financial market and general economic conditions, including access to debt and equity capital and inflation, interest rates and instability of banking institutions, and their effect on sales, prices and costs; (5) continued disruptions to the global supply chain and increases in commodity prices; (6) actions by credit rating agencies, including any potential downgrades to credit ratings; (7) the timing and impact of regulatory proceedings and actions and legal proceedings, including those related to Houston Electric's mobile generation and the February 2021 winter storm event; (8) legislative decisions, including tax and developments related to the environment such as global climate change, air emissions, carbon, waste water discharges and the handling of coal combustion residuals, among others, and CenterPoint's net zero and carbon emissions reduction goals; (9) the impact of pandemics, including the COVID-19 pandemic; (10) the recording of impairment charges; (11) weather variations and CenterPoint's ability to mitigate weather impacts, including the approval and timing of securitization issuances; (12) changes in business plans; (13) CenterPoint's ability to execute on its initiatives, targets and goals, including its net zero and carbon emissions reduction goals and operations and maintenance goals; and (14) other factors discussed CenterPoint's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, including in the “Risk Factors" and “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information" sections of such reports, and other reports CenterPoint or its subsidiaries may file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

​

 Recent News

 

 
Greater Houston Resiliency Initiative Phase Two update: CenterPoint Energy completes 70% of critical resiliency work around Houston to prepare for the 2025 Hurricane Season

In just seven months, CenterPoint has completed 350 miles of targeted undergrounding; installed 17,500+ stronger, more storm-resilient poles; cleared 2,900+ miles of higher-risk vegetation; and placed 3,380+ automated reliability devices to improve grid resiliency

Historic suite of Greater Houston Resiliency Initiative actions will improve customer reliability by reducing outages by more than 125 million minutes annually

HOUSTON, April 9, 2025 - Today, CenterPoint Energy released its latest progress update on the second phase of the Greater Houston Resiliency Initiative (GHRI), announcing that approximately 70 percent of this historic resiliency work is now complete and that all GHRI-related actions are expected to be complete before the official start of the 2025 hurricane season.

Since announcing the second phase of GHRI last fall, the company has prioritized a broad suite of resiliency actions, including adding thousands more automation devices capable of self-healing; clearing higher-risk vegetation across thousands of more miles of power lines; installing thousands of stronger, more storm-resistant poles; and undergrounding hundreds of miles of power lines. When complete, CenterPoint's GHRI efforts will improve overall grid resiliency and reliability and are estimated to reduce outages for customers by more than 125 million minutes annually.

Among CenterPoint's upcoming GHRI resiliency achievements are: undergrounding the 350th mile of power lines to help improve resiliency and reduce the risk of outages, and beginning the installation of the first of 100 new local weather monitoring stations by June 1 to improve situational awareness and storm preparation across Greater Houston.

"Our entire CenterPoint Houston Electric team is focused on completing this historic suite of grid resiliency actions before the start of hurricane season. That is our goal, and we will achieve it. To date, we have made significant progress as part of this historic effort, including undergrounding power lines, installing new poles, clearing hazardous vegetation and installing automation devices to reduce the impact of future storms and hurricanes." said Darin Carroll, Senior Vice President of CenterPoint's Electric Business, "We will continue to work every day to complete these critical improvements as part of our company's goal of building the most resilient coastal grid in the country."

GHRI Progress Update: Undergrounding more than 85% complete
Since CenterPoint launched Phase Two of the GHRI in September 2024, the company has made progress across an array of resiliency goals, including undergrounding nearly 350 miles of power lines to date, which is more than 85 percent toward its target of 400 miles.

In March alone, CenterPoint:

  • Installed an additional 3,300+ stronger, storm-resilient poles built to withstand extreme winds;
  • Installed 1,215 more automated reliability devices capable of self-healing to reduce the impact of outages and improve restoration times;
  • Cleared another 655 miles of high-risk vegetation near power lines to reduce storm-related outages; and
  • Undergrounded 65 more miles of power lines to improve overall resiliency.

Upcoming GHRI actions: Installing 100 new weather monitoring stations
To further improve situational awareness and storm preparation, this month, CenterPoint will begin the build out of a network of 100 new weather monitoring stations across the Greater Houston area. This new weather station network will provide 24/7 weather monitoring and vital information to help CenterPoint better prepare for and respond to upcoming storms. This work will be completed before the 2025 hurricane season.

Improving communication & preparedness
CenterPoint also continues to improve the way it communicates with customers and engages with communities before, during and after extreme weather events. The company is conducting a year-round safety and preparedness campaign to share information on its preparedness efforts, as well as tips and resources for customers. As part of its overall preparedness efforts, and to improve local emergency coordination, CenterPoint continues to meet with local officials and emergency management offices and hold exercises to evaluate and improve its emergency preparedness and response plans before hurricane season.

CenterPoint will continue to provide updates on its progress toward completing these critical resiliency actions and other GHRI commitments. More information and real-time updates are available at CenterPointEnergy.com/TakingAction.

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 approximately 7 million metered customers in Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio and Texas. As of December 31, 2024, the company owned approximately $44 billion in assets. With approximately 8,500 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, as well as the website pages related to the GHRI, includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this news release or the website pages related to the GHRI, 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, which include statements regarding the GHRI and longer-term resiliency plans, including effectiveness, timing and related matters, 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 or the website pages related to the GHRI regarding future events that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement contained in this news release or the website pages related to the GHRI speaks only as of the date of this release or the date that such statement is made, as applicable. 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) business strategies and strategic initiatives, restructurings, joint ventures, acquisitions or dispositions of assets or businesses involving CenterPoint Energy or its industry; (2) CenterPoint Energy's ability to fund and invest planned capital, and the timely recovery of its investments; (3) financial market and general economic conditions; (4) the timing and impact of future regulatory, legislative and political actions or developments; and (5) other factors, risks and uncertainties discussed in CenterPoint Energy's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 and other reports CenterPoint Energy or its subsidiaries may file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 

For more information, contact:
Communications
Media.Relations@CenterPointEnergy.com

SOURCE CenterPoint Energy

CenterPoint Energy continues its resiliency efforts across the 12-county region through its Foundation’s Community Generator Donation Program; Donates first backup generators to City of Houston at the Acres Homes Multi-Service Center

​HOUSTON – April 18, 2025 – Today, at an announcement in Houston with elected officials and community leaders, CenterPoint Energy leaders announced the donation of two backup generators to the Acres Homes Multi-Service Center as part of its Community Generator Donation Program to support local community resiliency. Through this program, the CenterPoint Energy Foundation is donating funds for more than 20 backup generators at key locations throughout its 12-county Greater Houston region. It is expected that there will be at least one generator or other support for each county.  

The company is working in close collaboration with local Offices of Emergency Management (OEMs) and other city and county leaders to identify the appropriate locations for the donated generators to be able to have the greatest impact and local benefit. 

The Community Generator Donation Program is part of CenterPoint's Greater Houston Resiliency Initiative (GHRI). The backup generators will help provide support for critical community partners during major weather events or other emergencies and will be funded through a $5 million grant from the CenterPoint Energy Foundation at no cost to customers. The CenterPoint Energy Foundation is a charitable giving organization focused on strengthening the quality of life in the communities served by the company. The foundation is funded by shareholders and has no impact on customer rates. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/Foundation. 

“We are committed to improving resiliency in our local communities and working closely with our community partners to achieve this important goal. Today, we are announcing the donation of backup generation to support our partners in Houston, and we look forward to sharing other locations for our Community Generator Donation Program with other counties and cities in the weeks and months ahead. These generators are capable of powering an entire large building and will help make the communities we are proud to serve even more resilient during major storms and other emergency events," said June Deadrick, CenterPoint's Vice President of Community Relations. 

These backup generators will provide an additional power supply during major storms and other emergency events that cause outages. Facilities that receive the donated backup generators will be able to better serve their communities during outages, acting as hubs for essential services like medical care, cooling stations, water and food distribution, charging stations for critical devices and other services.  

Working with Community Partners on Locations 
To support local community needs, CenterPoint is working closely with county and city officials and OEMs to identify and select the ideal locations for the donated generators, with local officials ultimately deciding which critical facilities will receive the donations. 

“The City of Houston is very grateful for our partnership with CenterPoint and their proactive program for assisting us with backup generation in case of emergencies. With weather related catastrophes becoming more common, this partnership is vital for the wellbeing and resiliency of our community," said Sallie Alcorn, At-Large Houston City Council Member for Position 5. 

Over the next several months, CenterPoint will be coordinating with local community partners to ensure the backup generators are suitable to meet the specific needs of the critical facility they have identified. The goal is to have all generators installed and operational by June 1, 2025, to further resiliency ahead of the 2025 hurricane season.  

CenterPoint is working with other county OEMs, and county and city leaders across the Greater Houston region to make similar announcements in the coming weeks and months. ​

​

PHOTO: Sallie Alcorn, At-Large Houston City Council Member for Position 5; June Deadrick, CenterPoint Vice President of Community Relations; Demetta Landry, Community Liaison for the Acres Homes Multi-Service Center; Charlene Ward Johnson, Texas State Representative serving District 139
 
More photos: CenterPoint Energy Digital Asset Management 

About CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is a multi-state electric and natural gas delivery company serving approximately 7 million metered customers across Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, and Texas. The company is headquartered in Houston and is the only Texas-domiciled investor-owned utility.  As of December 31, 2024, the company had approximately $44 billion in assets. With approximately 8,300 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been serving customers for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.​


CenterPoint Energy urges customers to be cautious on roadways as part of Distracted Driving Awareness Month

​​HOUSTON – April 17, 2025 – With roadside construction increasing this spring, CenterPoint Energy reminds drivers to stay focused and avoid distractions—especially near work zones. The company is highlighting the safety risks and potential service disruptions that can result from distracted driving in and around construction areas as part of Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

“Driving near and through work zones means navigating potential traffic changes and keeping clear of crews and equipment," said Al Payton, CenterPoint's Vice President, Safety and Technical Training. “When we say safety is our top core value, that commitment extends beyond our company. It's also a message for the communities we serve. Staying alert and slowing down helps create a safer environment for everyone on the road."

CenterPoint crews and contractors are completing modernization projects that can take place in and near roads. These activities are vital for safety, reliability and resilient service and are often performed alongside motorists, cyclists and pedestrian traffic.

Vehicle crashes that involve hitting infrastructure such as utility poles and aboveground natural gas meters can result in significant disruptions to service.

“When drivers are distracted or fail to notice changing road conditions in and around work zones, the risk of damaging nearby utility infrastructure increases," Payton added. “These incidents can cause extended outages, lead to road closures for emergency repairs, disruption to neighbors and place themslves and others in harm's way. By practicing defensive driving and staying alert, everyone can help prevent unsafe environments for themselves, crews and their communities."

To support safer conditions and protect crews and fellow community members, CenterPoint encourages drivers to:

  • Slow down, and approach work areas with caution,
  • Follow the “Move Over Law” by changing lanes to provide safe clearance for crews working,​
  • Watch for signage, cones and workers nearby,
  • Follow directions from workers and traffic flaggers, and
  • Avoid texting, calling or using apps while driving.

For more tips and safety information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/Safety.​


CenterPoint Energy launches Outage Tracker for southwestern Indiana electric customers

Evansville, Ind. – April 17, 2025 – CenterPoint Energy today launched Outage Tracker, a new online outage map for its southwestern Indiana electric customers. The tool displays current outage conditions, includes new features such as a mobile-friendly interface, weather overlays and Spanish language access and is designed to handle increased traffic during severe weather events.

“When the power goes out, we know customers want answers," said Tony Gardner, CenterPoint's Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer. “With more features and a mobile-friendly design, Outage Tracker gives our customers updates with the latest information so they can make informed decisions for themselves, their households or businesses when experiencing a disruption to their electric service."

The new tool includes several upgrades to improve usability and accessibility, especially during widespread outages:

  • Outage Tracker is supported by an enhanced cloud-based platform designed to handle increased traffic during severe weather and widespread outages.
  • The tool is mobile-friendly by design and offers a cleaner, easier experience on phones and tablets.
  • Weather overlays provide real-time information on current conditions, helping customers understand how weather events might be impacting service.
  • The enhanced satellite view provides a visual of vegetation density and surroundings, helping customers see how trees or other vegetation may be contributing to outages in their area.
  • A new Spanish-language option allows users to toggle between English and Spanish, making outage information accessible to Spanish-speaking customers.
  • Outage information can be viewed by county and ZIP code, offering customers a better understanding where service interruptions are occurring.
  • Customers can also report outages directly through the tool.

Helping customers stay connected
In addition to the Outage Tracker as a source for details, customers can stay informed about outages, restoration times and other details by enrolling in the Power Alert Service® and following CenterPoint's social media platforms.

To explore the new Outage Tracker or report an outage, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/OutageTracker and select Indiana as the service area. and select Indiana as the service area.​

CenterPoint Energy Declares Regular Common Stock Dividend of $0.2200

HOUSTON, April 16, 2025 - CenterPoint Energy, Inc.'s (NYSE: CNP) Board of Directors today declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.2200 per share on the issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock payable on June 12, 2025, to shareholders of record at the close of business on May 15, 2025.

About CenterPoint Energy, Inc. 
CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is a multi-state electric and natural gas delivery company serving approximately 7 million metered customers across Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, and Texas. The company is headquartered in Houston and is the only Texas-domiciled investor-owned utility.  As of December 31, 2024, the company had approximately $44 billion in assets. With approximately 8,300 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been serving customers for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.

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

SOURCE CenterPoint Energy