CenterPoint Energy provides restoration update
2024-05-19T05:00:00Z

​Houston – May 19, 2024 – As of 9:30 p.m. CT, CenterPoint Energy has restored approximately 115,000 additional customers on Sunday as restoration efforts continue. Nearly 700,000 customers, or 75% of customers who were impacted, have been restored in the 72 hours since Category 2 hurricane-like winds and tornadoes devastated parts of its Greater Houston service area on Thursday, May 16. While today's restoration progress was affected by extensive damage and difficult restorations as repairs continued, the company remains on track to be substantially complete with restoration by Wednesday evening.

  • Company restorations total 700,000 customers, or approximately 75% of those impacted by last week's severe weather event
  • Significant progress made toward goal of being substantially complete by Wednesday evening
  • Targeting Monday evening for approximately 85% of customer outages resulting from storm to be restored ​

"We appreciate the continued patience of our customers who lost electricity, especially given the higher temperatures and humidity across our area," said Lynnae Wilson, Senior Vice President, Electric Business. “We know it has been a difficult 72 hours for them and we will continue to work around-the-clock to restore their service."

As restoration continues for the approximately 240,000 customers without power, CenterPoint continues to make steady progress, while tackling areas of the system with the most significant damage and difficult restorations. In all, the company anticipates clearing thousands of trees by the end of the restoration event. CenterPoint expects to restore approximately 85% of the customers impacted by Thursday's storms by Monday evening.

CenterPoint reminds customers that severe weather may have caused damage to customer-owned equipment. It is critical that customers should check their weatherhead, the point where power enters the home through an electric service drop, which is often a pipe located on the side of the residence or building. If the weatherhead is damaged, customers will need to contact a qualified electrician to make repairs before the company can restore service to them.

Earlier this evening, the company posted an updated and more detailed customer restoration map by area on its website. It can be accessed at CenterPointEnergy.com/StormCenter. CenterPoint is also utilizing its Power Alert Service® tool to continue targeted restoration updates to customers. 

For the latest information on power outages:

  • Follow @CenterPoint; and


 Recent News

 

 
As weather models start to align toward freezing precipitation and ERCOT issues Weather Watch, CenterPoint Energy continues preparations and secures additional mutual aid support

Company continues monitoring the evolving weather situation over the MLK Jr Holiday weekend and is activating nearly 1,200 additional mutual aid workers to help execute potential restoration work

ERCOT has issued a Weather Watch for January 20-23 due to extreme cold weather across its region, meaning higher electrical demand, and the potential for lower reserves

CenterPoint urges customers to have a plan and make winter weather preparations to stay safe and warm

In the event of ice or freezing precipitation early next week causing outages, the expanded workforce will be utilized to restore service safely and as quickly as possible

HOUSTON, Jan. 17, 2025 - With weather models and forecasts staring to align and show a strong chance of severe cold weather and icy precipitation and even snow impacting the Greater Houston area over the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday weekend and into next week, CenterPoint Energy is preparing for potential impacts by readying work sites, staging crews and equipment, and securing an additional 430 vegetation management workers and 750 line workers to support potential restoration efforts.

Forecasts continue to show a range of potential scenarios early next week across the Greater Houston area, with ERCOT issuing a Weather Watch for Jan. 20 though Jan. 23 due to extreme cold weather across the ERCOT region, higher electrical demand and the potential for lower reserves. At this time, according to ERCOT, grid conditions are expected to be normal.

CenterPoint's Emergency Preparedness and Response, Meteorology and Operations teams remain on alert and are actively preparing to support safe and reliable energy delivery during potential extreme cold and icy conditions. Teams are utilizing in-house weather modeling and historical data from previous weather events to consider and plan for all potential impacts to CenterPoint's system.

"If forecasted icy conditions materialize, we will likely see outages related to the extreme weather across the Greater Houston area. That's why we've made the call to proactively bring on approximately 1,200 additional mutual aid personnel, to help us meet the potential restoration need and handle any service issues as quickly and safely as possible. Mutual aid is a hallmark of our industry, and we want to thank these additional crews for their help to support our local communities," said Darin Carroll, Senior Vice President of CenterPoint's Electric Business. 

"We want our customers to have confidence in the cold preparations we've already executed and know that we are actively monitoring the weather and our systems. We also want to urge them to take this storm seriously, prepare for it and have an emergency plan in place," Carroll added.

Cold weather preparations
The company has a cold weather action plan in place and has performed a series of proactive pre-winter preparedness actions to strengthen and winterize its infrastructure across Texas, including inspecting and testing cold-weather critical equipment. In addition to requesting an additional 1,200 mutual aid resources to assist with restoration efforts, CenterPoint is also deploying cold weather mitigations across its electric and gas infrastructure, coordinating with relevant local emergency responders and government officials and making plans to mobilize emergency response resources.

2025 Winter Energy Guide
CenterPoint recently launched its Winter Energy Guide, a comprehensive online resource hub that helps customers throughout the winter heating season. The guide features practical and important safety, energy savings and bill management tips to help customers stay safe and warm throughout the winter season. To learn more, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/ReadyforWinter.

Safety reminders
CenterPoint reminds customers to stay safe during and after winter storms:

  • Downed power lines: Stay at least 35 feet away from downed power lines and report them to CenterPoint at 713-207-2222. Be especially mindful of downed lines that could be hidden and treat all downed lines as if they are energized.

  • Work crew safety: Be cautious around work crews and give them plenty of room to safely assess damage and make repairs.

  • Portable generators: Only use a portable generator in a well-ventilated area and never run it inside or in a garage to avoid carbon monoxide fumes, which can be deadly.

  • Use space heaters safely: Make sure space heaters have an automatic shut-off, and keep children, pets and all items at least three feet away from it. A space heater that uses natural gas, propane or wood should be vented to the outside. Stoves and ovens should never be used for space heating.

  • Electric system safety: Never connect a portable electric generator directly to a building's electrical system during a power outage; electricity could back-feed into the power lines, potentially endangering CenterPoint workers.

  • Preserving food during outages: Avoid opening freezers and refrigerators during outages to preserve food.

  • Natural gas safety: Natural gas is odorized with a distinctive, strong odor, often compared to rotten eggs or sulfur. If a natural gas odor is detected inside a home or building, leave immediately on foot. Do not use electric switches, telephones (including cell phones), or anything that could cause a spark. Once in a safe location, call both CenterPoint Energy and 911. Do not use email or the Internet to report the leak and never attempt to repair a natural gas leak yourself—leave all repairs to trained technicians. For leaks outside, leave the area on foot and move in an upwind direction away from the leak or vapor cloud to a location where the smell of gas is no longer present. Warn others to stay away from the leak and abandon any equipment being used in or near the area. Once in a safe location, call both CenterPoint Energy and 911 to report the leak.

  • Know the signs of CO poisoning: Early symptoms such as headache and fatigue are similar to the flu, but without a fever. Continued CO exposure can lead to more severe headaches, dizziness, nausea, difficulty thinking clearly and fainting. If everyone in a household is experiencing these symptoms, it could be CO poisoning. If symptoms suggest CO poisoning, leave the area immediately, get fresh air and call 911.

  • Gas meter maintenance: Remove large icicles hanging over meter assemblies and appliance vents. Use a broom – not a shovel – to clear snow from the meter. If the gas meter is encased in ice, do not attempt to melt and/or chip the ice, as this could cause damage to the meter. Allow the ice to melt on its own.

  • Call before digging: Call 811 to locate utility lines prior to digging on a property.

Electric customers encouraged to enroll in Power Alert Service® and follow CenterPoint Texas X account
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. Customers can also follow @CenterPoint_TX to receive the most up-to-date information on the company's operations in the Greater Houston area and across Texas.

For more information, contact
communication
Media.Relations@CenterPointEnergy.Com 

SOURCE CenterPoint Energy

CenterPoint Energy mobilizes to respond to winter storm projected to impact the Greater Houston area

Forecasts converge on freezing precipitation and accumulation

Approximately 1,200 additional mutual aid workers will arrive by Monday

to support potential restoration efforts

National Weather Service issued Winter Storm Watch for the entire region

ERCOT Weather Watch issued for January 20 – 23 due to extreme cold weather across its region

CenterPoint customers urged to be weather alert and have a plan to stay safe and warm through freezing temperatures

HOUSTON, Jan. 18, 2025 - As weather models and forecasts for next week begin to converge, confidence is increasing in the potential for significant wintry precipitation and accumulation impacting the Greater Houston area starting Monday evening and continuing into next week. CenterPoint Energy continues to execute the company's cold weather readiness plan and is actively monitoring the evolving forecasts. CenterPoint has secured an additional 1,200 mutual aid workers who will arrive Monday. The company is also standing up three staging sites and pre-positioning crews to support potential restoration efforts.

Forecasts continue to align on a range of potential scenarios early next week across the Greater Houston area, with most models anticipating a sharp drop in temperatures and freezing precipitation overnight on Monday and through Tuesday afternoon. CenterPoint's Emergency Preparedness and Response, Meteorology and Operations teams remain on alert and are utilizing in-house and third-party weather modeling and historical data from previous weather events to plan for all potential impacts to CenterPoint's system.

In preparation for the mixture of snow, sleet and freezing rain anticipated to impact the region, the National Weather Service has now issued a Winter Storm Watch for Southeast Texas beginning at 6:00 p.m. Monday through 6:00 p.m. Tuesday. On Friday, ERCOT issued a Weather Watch for Jan. 20 through Jan. 23 due to extreme cold weather across the ERCOT region, higher electrical demand and the potential for lower reserves. At this time, according to ERCOT, grid conditions are expected to be normal, but CenterPoint teams remain ready to respond if that should change.

"Our CenterPoint teams have already executed numerous cold weather preparations from our winter readiness plan and we will continue to diligently monitor the weather and our systems as we stand up these staging sites and begin onboarding the approximately 1,200 mutual assistance workers who've answered the call to support potential restoration efforts. We have plans in place and are stationing crews across the communities we serve so our teams can handle any service issues safely and as quickly as possible. We urge our customers to stay weather alert, have an emergency plan in place and take steps now to prepare," said Darin Carroll, Senior Vice President of CenterPoint's Electric Business. 

Cold weather preparations
The company has a cold weather action plan in place and has performed a series of proactive pre-winter preparedness actions to strengthen and winterize its infrastructure across Texas, including inspecting and testing cold-weather critical equipment. In addition to requesting an additional 1,200 mutual aid resources to assist with restoration efforts, CenterPoint is also deploying cold weather mitigations across its electric and gas infrastructure, coordinating with relevant local emergency responders and government officials and making plans to mobilize emergency response resources.

2025 Winter Energy Guide
CenterPoint recently launched its Winter Energy Guide, a comprehensive online resource hub that helps customers throughout the winter heating season. The guide features practical and important safety, energy savings and bill management tips to help customers stay safe and warm throughout the winter season. To learn more, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/ReadyforWinter.

Safety reminders
CenterPoint reminds customers to stay safe during and after winter storms:

  • Downed power lines: Stay at least 35 feet away from downed power lines and report them to CenterPoint at 713-207-2222. Be especially mindful of downed lines that could be hidden and treat all downed lines as if they are energized.
  • Work crew safety: Be cautious around work crews and give them plenty of room to safely assess damage and make repairs.
  • Portable generators: Only use a portable generator in a well-ventilated area and never run it inside or in a garage to avoid carbon monoxide (CO) fumes, which can be deadly.
  • Use space heaters safely: Make sure space heaters have an automatic shut-off, and keep children, pets and all items at least three feet away from it. A space heater that uses natural gas, propane or wood should be vented to the outside. Stoves and ovens should never be used for space heating.
  • Electric system safety: Never connect a portable electric generator directly to a building's electrical system during a power outage; electricity could back-feed into the power lines, potentially endangering CenterPoint workers.
  • Preserving food during outages: Avoid opening freezers and refrigerators during outages to preserve food.
  • Natural gas safety: Natural gas is odorized with a distinctive, strong odor, often compared to rotten eggs or sulfur. If a natural gas odor is detected inside a home or building, leave immediately on foot. Do not use electric switches, telephones (including cell phones), or anything that could cause a spark. Once in a safe location, call both CenterPoint Energy and 911. Do not use email or the Internet to report the leak and never attempt to repair a natural gas leak yourself—leave all repairs to trained technicians. For leaks outside, leave the area on foot and move in an upwind direction away from the leak or vapor cloud to a location where the smell of gas is no longer present. Warn others to stay away from the leak and abandon any equipment being used in or near the area. Once in a safe location, call both CenterPoint Energy and 911 to report the leak.
  • Know the signs of CO poisoning: Early symptoms such as headache and fatigue are similar to the flu, but without a fever. Continued CO exposure can lead to more severe headaches, dizziness, nausea, difficulty thinking clearly and fainting. If everyone in a household is experiencing these symptoms, it could be CO poisoning. If symptoms suggest CO poisoning, leave the area immediately, get fresh air and call 911.
  • Gas meter maintenance: Remove large icicles hanging over meter assemblies and appliance vents. Use a broom – not a shovel – to clear snow from the meter. If the gas meter is encased in ice, do not attempt to melt and/or chip the ice, as this could cause damage to the meter. Allow the ice to melt on its own.
  • Call before digging: Call 811 to locate utility lines prior to digging on a property.

Electric customers encouraged to enroll in Power Alert Service® and follow CenterPoint Texas X account
While CenterPoint continues to provide information around this weather event, including issuing preparedness communications to critical care customers, the company also encourages all electric customers 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.

Customers can also follow @CenterPoint_TX to receive the most up-to-date information on the company's operations in the Greater Houston area and across Texas.

For the latest weather information for the Greater Houston area, see updates from the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Houston/Galveston at www.weather.gov/hgx.

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

SOURCE CenterPoint Energy

CenterPoint Energy mobilizes to respond to winter storm projected to impact the Greater Houston area

Forecasts converge on freezing precipitation and accumulation

Approximately 1,200 additional mutual aid workers will arrive by Monday

to support potential restoration efforts

National Weather Service issued Winter Storm Watch for the entire region

ERCOT Weather Watch issued for January 20 – 23 due to extreme cold weather across its region

CenterPoint customers urged to be weather alert and have a plan to stay safe and warm through freezing temperatures

HOUSTON, Jan. 18, 2025 - As weather models and forecasts for next week begin to converge, confidence is increasing in the potential for significant wintry precipitation and accumulation impacting the Greater Houston area starting Monday evening and continuing into next week. CenterPoint Energy continues to execute the company's cold weather readiness plan and is actively monitoring the evolving forecasts. CenterPoint has secured an additional 1,200 mutual aid workers who will arrive Monday. The company is also standing up three staging sites and pre-positioning crews to support potential restoration efforts.

Forecasts continue to align on a range of potential scenarios early next week across the Greater Houston area, with most models anticipating a sharp drop in temperatures and freezing precipitation overnight on Monday and through Tuesday afternoon. CenterPoint's Emergency Preparedness and Response, Meteorology and Operations teams remain on alert and are utilizing in-house and third-party weather modeling and historical data from previous weather events to plan for all potential impacts to CenterPoint's system.

In preparation for the mixture of snow, sleet and freezing rain anticipated to impact the region, the National Weather Service has now issued a Winter Storm Watch for Southeast Texas beginning at 6:00 p.m. Monday through 6:00 p.m. Tuesday. On Friday, ERCOT issued a Weather Watch for Jan. 20 through Jan. 23 due to extreme cold weather across the ERCOT region, higher electrical demand and the potential for lower reserves. At this time, according to ERCOT, grid conditions are expected to be normal, but CenterPoint teams remain ready to respond if that should change.

"Our CenterPoint teams have already executed numerous cold weather preparations from our winter readiness plan and we will continue to diligently monitor the weather and our systems as we stand up these staging sites and begin onboarding the approximately 1,200 mutual assistance workers who've answered the call to support potential restoration efforts. We have plans in place and are stationing crews across the communities we serve so our teams can handle any service issues safely and as quickly as possible. We urge our customers to stay weather alert, have an emergency plan in place and take steps now to prepare," said Darin Carroll, Senior Vice President of CenterPoint's Electric Business. 

Cold weather preparations
The company has a cold weather action plan in place and has performed a series of proactive pre-winter preparedness actions to strengthen and winterize its infrastructure across Texas, including inspecting and testing cold-weather critical equipment. In addition to requesting an additional 1,200 mutual aid resources to assist with restoration efforts, CenterPoint is also deploying cold weather mitigations across its electric and gas infrastructure, coordinating with relevant local emergency responders and government officials and making plans to mobilize emergency response resources.

2025 Winter Energy Guide
CenterPoint recently launched its Winter Energy Guide, a comprehensive online resource hub that helps customers throughout the winter heating season. The guide features practical and important safety, energy savings and bill management tips to help customers stay safe and warm throughout the winter season. To learn more, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/ReadyforWinter.

Safety reminders
CenterPoint reminds customers to stay safe during and after winter storms:

  • Downed power lines: Stay at least 35 feet away from downed power lines and report them to CenterPoint at 713-207-2222. Be especially mindful of downed lines that could be hidden and treat all downed lines as if they are energized.
  • Work crew safety: Be cautious around work crews and give them plenty of room to safely assess damage and make repairs.
  • Portable generators: Only use a portable generator in a well-ventilated area and never run it inside or in a garage to avoid carbon monoxide (CO) fumes, which can be deadly.
  • Use space heaters safely: Make sure space heaters have an automatic shut-off, and keep children, pets and all items at least three feet away from it. A space heater that uses natural gas, propane or wood should be vented to the outside. Stoves and ovens should never be used for space heating.
  • Electric system safety: Never connect a portable electric generator directly to a building's electrical system during a power outage; electricity could back-feed into the power lines, potentially endangering CenterPoint workers.
  • Preserving food during outages: Avoid opening freezers and refrigerators during outages to preserve food.
  • Natural gas safety: Natural gas is odorized with a distinctive, strong odor, often compared to rotten eggs or sulfur. If a natural gas odor is detected inside a home or building, leave immediately on foot. Do not use electric switches, telephones (including cell phones), or anything that could cause a spark. Once in a safe location, call both CenterPoint Energy and 911. Do not use email or the Internet to report the leak and never attempt to repair a natural gas leak yourself—leave all repairs to trained technicians. For leaks outside, leave the area on foot and move in an upwind direction away from the leak or vapor cloud to a location where the smell of gas is no longer present. Warn others to stay away from the leak and abandon any equipment being used in or near the area. Once in a safe location, call both CenterPoint Energy and 911 to report the leak.
  • Know the signs of CO poisoning: Early symptoms such as headache and fatigue are similar to the flu, but without a fever. Continued CO exposure can lead to more severe headaches, dizziness, nausea, difficulty thinking clearly and fainting. If everyone in a household is experiencing these symptoms, it could be CO poisoning. If symptoms suggest CO poisoning, leave the area immediately, get fresh air and call 911.
  • Gas meter maintenance: Remove large icicles hanging over meter assemblies and appliance vents. Use a broom – not a shovel – to clear snow from the meter. If the gas meter is encased in ice, do not attempt to melt and/or chip the ice, as this could cause damage to the meter. Allow the ice to melt on its own.
  • Call before digging: Call 811 to locate utility lines prior to digging on a property.

Electric customers encouraged to enroll in Power Alert Service® and follow CenterPoint Texas X account
While CenterPoint continues to provide information around this weather event, including issuing preparedness communications to critical care customers, the company also encourages all electric customers 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.

Customers can also follow @CenterPoint_TX to receive the most up-to-date information on the company's operations in the Greater Houston area and across Texas.

For the latest weather information for the Greater Houston area, see updates from the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Houston/Galveston at www.weather.gov/hgx.

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

SOURCE CenterPoint Energy

Even with evolving winter weather forecasts, CenterPoint Energy continues deploying its cold weather readiness plan for electric and gas systems and will actively monitor and prepare for the situation over the holiday weekend

Company continues to work its cold weather readiness action plan and may consider further resource needs including mutual aid assistance, if necessary

CenterPoint urges customers to have a plan and make winter weather preparations to stay safe and warm

Forecasts and weather models continue to significantly evolve for the second cold snap of 2025 which may impact the company's service territory in Texas

In the event an ice storm materializes early next week, and ice accumulation causes outages, CenterPoint is prepared to expand its workforce to restore service safely and as quickly as possible

HOUSTON, Jan. 17, 2025 - While weather models and forecasts continue to significantly evolve for a potential severe cold and ice storm around the Martin Luther King holiday, CenterPoint Energy continues to actively monitor those weather forecasts and deploy its cold weather readiness plan across the company's Texas service territory. The company encourages customers to have a plan and make preparations for severe cold weather and potentially ice.

While updated forecasts show a range of potential impacts early next week hitting the Greater Houston area, the company's Emergency Preparedness and Response, Meteorology and Operations teams remain on alert and continue preparing to support safe and reliable energy delivery during potentially extreme cold and icy conditions.

Usually snow and cold temperatures are not major impacts on electric systems, However, ice accumulation and stronger winds can pose hazards to trees, limbs and power lines. Should those icy conditions materialize next week, there would likely be some outages related to the extreme weather. If it appears that will be the case, CenterPoint will be prepared to expand its workforce over the weekend, with additional contractors and mutual aid personnel, to meet the restoration need.

"While there are still a great deal of unknowns on what weather will actually arrive early next week, we want our customers and communities to have confidence in the cold preparations we've already executed, that we are actively monitoring the weather and our systems and that, if needed, we can marshal additional resources to help us restore those customers who may lose power, if we have significant ice accumulation and strong winds. We also want our customers to take this storm seriously, prepare for it and have emergency plan in place," said Darin Carroll, Senior Vice President of CenterPoint's Electric Business.

Cold weather preparations
The company has a cold weather action plan in place and has performed a series of proactive pre-winter preparedness actions to strengthen and winterize its infrastructure across Texas, including inspecting and testing cold-weather critical equipment. CenterPoint is also deploying cold weather mitigations across its electric and gas infrastructure, coordinating with relevant local emergency responders and government officials and developing plans to mobilize emergency response resources, if needed. Additionally, as part of the ongoing work to increase system resiliency, CenterPoint has already trimmed approximately 3,500 miles of higher risk vegetation since Aug. 5, 2024.

2025 Winter Energy Guide
CenterPoint recently launched its Winter Energy Guide, a comprehensive online resource hub that helps customers throughout the winter heating season. The guide features practical and important safety, energy savings and bill management tips to help customers stay safe and warm throughout the winter season. To learn more, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/ReadyforWinter.

Energy-saving tips

  • Make sure the heating system is operating safely and efficiently. An annual inspection and tune-up by a qualified technician are recommended. Change or clean the furnace filter regularly to help maximize the furnace's efficiency and life.

  • Turn down the thermostat. Lowering the thermostat by 7-10 degrees at night or when away for at least eight hours, can potentially save customers 10% on heating costs. Also, with a programmable thermostat, the heating system can work around one's schedule.

  • Keep warm air in and cold air out of the home. Use caulk or weather-stripping to seal leaks around doors, windows and other openings such as pipes or ducts. A convenient alternative can be to roll up towels and push them against the bottom of the door's interior to help prevent heat loss. Close fireplace dampers when not in use, so you don't lose heat.

  • 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.

  • Circulate warm air with ceiling fans. Set ceiling fans to turn clockwise slowly to move warm air from the ceiling to your living levels. 

Electric customers encouraged to enroll in Power Alert Service® and follow CenterPoint Texas X account
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. Customers can also follow @CenterPoint_TX to receive the most up-to-date information on the company's operations in the Greater Houston area and across Texas.

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

SOURCE CenterPoint Energy

With a multi-day cold snap forecasted over the coming days, CenterPoint Energy provides tips to help customers save energy while staying safe and warm

​Minneapolis – Jan. 17, 2025 – Over the weekend and into next week, significantly colder weather is expected throughout Minnesota, with several parts of the state forecasted to experience temperatures below zero. CenterPoint Energy wants to remind customers it has a cold weather action plan in place and is prepared for potential impacts. The company urges customers to have a cold weather plan in place as well.

Colder weather may require customers to use more energy to maintain a comfortable temperature inside their homes, so CenterPoint is highlighting energy-saving and safety resources to help lower heating bills, while keeping safe and warm.

Natural gas preparedness actions in Minnesota
CenterPoint prepares year-round for cold weather conditions in Minnesota through proactive actions that aim to provide safe, reliable and resilient energy service. The company's efforts include:

  • Conducting infrastructure projects to modernize the company's natural gas distribution system.
  • Leveraging natural gas, propane and/or liquefied natural gas stored ahead of the winter heating season that can be used to increase the available supply within the system to support customer service.
  • Staging crews across the company's service area that are ready to respond to potential service issues safely and as quickly as possible.

Winter Energy Guide
CenterPoint recently launched its Winter Energy Guide, a comprehensive online resource hub that helps customers throughout the winter heating season. The guide features practical and important safety, energy savings and bill management tips to help customers stay safe and warm throughout the winter season.  

Energy-saving Tips

  • Make sure the heating system is operating safely and efficiently. An annual inspection and tune-up by a qualified technician are recommended. Change or clean the furnace filter regularly to help maximize the furnace's efficiency and life.
  • Turn down the thermostat. Lowering the thermostat by 7-10 degrees at night or when away for at least eight hours can potentially save 10% on heating costs. With a programmable thermostat, the heating system can work around one's schedule.  
  • Keep warm air in and cold air out of the home. Use caulk or weather-stripping to seal leaks around doors, windows and other openings such as pipes or ducts. A convenient alternative can be to roll up towels and push them against the bottom of the door's interior to help prevent heat loss. Close fireplace dampers when not in use to trap the heat.
  • 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.
  • Circulate warm air with ceiling fans. Set ceiling fans to turn clockwise slowly to move warm air from the ceiling to your living levels.

Safety Tips

  • Use space heaters safely. Make sure space heaters have an automatic shut-off, and keep children, pets and all items at least three feet away from it. A space heater that uses natural gas, propane or wood should be vented to the outside.
  • Natural gas appliances should only be used for their intended purpose. Do not use gas appliances such as an oven, range or clothes dryer to heat the home. 
  • Test carbon monoxide (CO) and smoke alarms to make sure they work properly. Change batteries regularly. Alarms don't last forever, so replace them according to the manufacturer's instructions. 
  • Know the signs of CO poisoning. Early symptoms such as headache and fatigue are similar to the flu, but without a fever. Continued CO exposure can lead to more severe headaches, dizziness, nausea, difficulty thinking clearly and fainting. If everyone in a household is experiencing these symptoms, it could be CO poisoning. If CO poisoning is suspected, leave the area immediately, get fresh air and call 911.
  • Immediately report a suspected natural gas leak. If there's a “rotten egg" odor of natural gas present, immediately leave on foot, go to a safe location and call both 911 and CenterPoint Energy at 800-296-9815. Don't use electric switches and outlets, phones (including cell phones), drive or start a car inside or close to the location or do anything that could cause a spark.

Payment Assistance Resources Are Available for Customers
CenterPoint offers programs, tools and tips to help customers manage their bills and save energy. The company encourages those facing hardship to call CenterPoint to find out about payment arrangements and be referred to resources that may be available. To learn more, customers should call 800-245-2377 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday-Friday, or visit CenterPointEnergy.com/PaymentAssistance.

CenterPoint is Minnesota's largest natural gas utility, serving the energy needs of more than 920,000 residential and business customers.