CenterPoint Energy has restored power to 92% of impacted customers
2024-07-15T05:00:00Z

​​Houston — July 15, 2024 – CenterPoint Energy has now restored power to 92% of impacted customers and remains on track to restore electricity to approximately 98% of impacted customers by the end of day on Wednesday, July 17. The company now expects to restore power to all customers who can receive power by Friday, July 19.

“We are grateful to our crews who have restored power to our customers at a stronger pace than we have been able to in any hurricane in our history, despite the difficult conditions," Lynnae Wilson, Senior Vice President, Electric Business. “We continue to work around-the-clock to get our remaining customers back online."

In addition to damaging CenterPoint's electric infrastructure, Hurricane Beryl may have caused damage to customer-owned equipment. Specifically, 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, crews cannot safely restore service to the home until a licensed electrician has made the necessary repairs. Customers who are served by an underground service will not have a weatherhead, but there may still be damage to their equipment that could require servicing.

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Supporting Our Communities

CenterPoint has continued to support the communities it serves throughout this challenging time and beyond. Since Hurricane Beryl made landfall, the CenterPoint Energy Foundation has contributed nearly $1.7 million to disaster relief organizations, including: United Way Relief Fund, Salvation Army, Houston Food Bank, Red Cross Coastal Bend, Red Cross Coastal Plains, and many others. Through the contribution to Salvation Army, specifically, CenterPoint is enabling them to serve 83,000 meals to people in need. The company has also provided more than 90,000 bottles of water to cooling centers and other distribution centers throughout the greater Houston area and is continuing to deliver supplies to meet other immediate needs. CenterPoint has also continued to work hand-in-hand with community partners to position mobile generation at water treatment plants, medical facilities, water facilities, warming and cooling centers and senior living facilities throughout the Greater Houston area.

CenterPoint's electric customers are encouraged to enroll in Power Alert Service® to receive outage details and community-specific restoration updates as they become available. For information and updates, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/StormCenter and follow @CenterPoint for updates during inclement weather events.


 Recent News

 

 
CenterPoint Energy Foundation launches new Community Generator Donation Program for Greater Houston Region

Company donating 21 backup generators and other support in designated locations across 12 counties to support community resiliency as part of a $5 million grant from the CenterPoint Energy Foundation

HOUSTON, Oct. 10, 2024 - Today, at a first unveiling event in Galveston County with elected officials and community leaders, CenterPoint Energy leaders announced the donation of two backup generators to Galveston County as part of a new Community Generator Donation Program to support local community resiliency. Through the new program, the CenterPoint Energy Foundation will donate funds for 21 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 county and city leaders to identify the appropriate locations for the donated generators to be able to have the greatest impact and local benefit.

The new 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 the first of two generators for Galveston County, and we look forward to sharing other locations for our new Community Generator Donation Program with other counties and cities in the weeks and months ahead. These 21 generators are each capable of powering an entire large building and will help make the communities we are proud to serve are even more resilient during major storms and other emergency events," said Jason Wells, President and CEO of CenterPoint.

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.

"CenterPoint Energy's generous donation of a backup generator to the Bayside Community Center is a critical investment in the safety and resilience of Galveston County. This partnership between CenterPoint, the City of Galveston, and our Galveston County Office of Emergency Management ensures our community is better prepared for emergencies," said Texas House District 23 Rep. Terri Leo Wilson. "We are incredibly grateful to CenterPoint Energy and CEO Jason Wells for their commitment to supporting the needs of our residents."

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.

"Strong community partnerships are a critical aspect of response efforts, and we are proud to have partnered with CenterPoint to identify where these generator donations would provide the biggest impact and benefit to our community," said Galveston County Precinct 1 Commissioner Darrell Apffel. "We look forward to continuing to strengthen this partnership over the coming months as we work to build resiliency for Galveston ahead of the 2025 hurricane season."

Over the next eight 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.

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. 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, which include statements regarding the timing and impact of the donation and installation of donated generators, as well as our resiliency investments and timing, 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 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; 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, 2023 and CenterPoint's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2024 and June 30, 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 and partners sending more than 300 personnel to Florida as part of mutual aid contingent to prepare to respond to Hurricane Milton

Houston – Oct. 9, 2024 – As the 2024 hurricane season continues, CenterPoint Energy is focused on helping other utility companies in need of mutual aid support. This morning, approximately 50 CenterPoint workers boarded busses in Houston to first retrieve company trucks and equipment from crews assisting with Hurricane Helene restoration efforts in the Carolinas. Next, those team members will be heading to pre-staged locations in and around Florida to prepare for efforts that are likely to be needed after Hurricane Milton makes landfall. Restoration efforts in the hardest-hit areas may take several days or longer.

Also, today, nearly 300 additional CenterPoint workers and contractors from Houston and Evansville, Ind. are headed directly to pre-staged areas in Florida to help support the effort, bringing the total mutual aid contingent to nearly 350 personnel.

For the last two weeks, at peak, 300 CenterPoint's frontline workers and contractors have been in Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas providing mutual aid assistance in some of the hardest-hit regions from Hurricane Helene. The remaining team members are returning home from out of state today.

“We are proud of our team members and contractors who have been in Florida and the Carolinas for the last two weeks supporting the power restoration efforts in the wake of Hurricane Helene," said Darin Carroll, Senior Vice President of Electric Business. “They have been doing around-the-clock heroic work and we are grateful for their dedication and perseverance. We look forward to welcoming them home."

“Additionally, we always answer the call when our peer companies in other parts of the country make these requests. Hurricane Milton is another one of those opportunities to help others. It's who we are as individuals and an industry. We want to thank all our team members heading out today and know they will make us proud. As those colleagues support restoration efforts, we remain prepared and ready to respond to any operational needs in our electric service territories in Houston and Evansville," concluded Carroll.

CenterPoint is a proud supporter of the mutual assistance program, which is a hallmark of the utility industry and serves as an effective — and critical — restoration resource. As always, the safety of customers, communities, and crews is a top priority during any power restoration process.

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. 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.

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CenterPoint Energy urges customers to prepare for winter heating season

​​Indianapolis – Oct. 9, 2024 – CenterPoint Energy is encouraging customers in its Indiana North natural gas territory to prepare for an increase in natural gas bills this heating season. Last winter, customers benefited from lower wholesale natural gas prices due to a less volatile natural gas market. However, this year, natural gas commodity costs are projected to increase over last year's heating season as demand is projected to continue to grow. These factors may lead to higher bills compared to last year. Yesterday, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) issued its 2024-2025 winter outlook forecasting heating bills. As a reminder, CenterPoint does not make any profit from the overall cost of natural gas; it is passed on to customers at cost.

This year, based upon projected natural gas commodity costs and normal winter weather, customers can expect to pay on average $107 a month, over the 5-month heating season of November through March. By comparison, last year's average bill amount for the 5-month period was around $97 a month.

“With natural gas prices projected to increase this winter, we encourage customers to explore all available resources as soon as they can," said Ashley Babcock, Vice President, Indiana and Ohio Gas. “For customers who may be facing financial hardship, we have tips, tools and programs to help them manage their bills and save energy."

Utilities are not allowed to markup the purchase and sale of natural gas. Natural gas is a commodity bought and sold in a national deregulated market where prices fluctuate daily due to supply and demand pressures.

Only gas costs actually incurred and approved by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission are recovered from customers. CenterPoint purchases natural gas on behalf of its customers and then passes those costs on to customers through the gas cost adjustment, which is listed on the bill as “Gas Cost Charge."

Even with these increases, natural gas continues to be one of the most affordable heating sources for most customers in Indiana. In fact, CenterPoint natural gas customers in the utility's Indiana North territory who heated their homes with natural gas last year saved up to $1,039 compared to those who heated their homes with propane and up to $371 to $1,237 compared to those who heated with an electric heat pump or electric furnace, respectively.​

It is important to remember bills will vary by customer depending on the size and age of the home, number of gas appliances, number of people in the household, thermostat settings and levels of insulation.

Customers are encouraged to take advantage of CenterPoint's array of payment assistance options as well as energy-saving tips and energy efficiency programs to help mitigate the impact on bills. 

  • Energy Assistance Program (EAP): State and federal utility assistance dollars are available for income-eligible customers. Those that fall within 60 percent of state median income should visit their local community action agency to sign up for the EAP. To apply for the EAP, customers should call 1-800-872-0371 to locate their nearest community action agency. Customers may also apply any time at the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority website at www.EAP.ihcda.in.gov.
  • Universal Service Program (USP): All eligible natural gas heating customers who apply and qualify for EAP will automatically be enrolled in the USP, which provides additional gas bill reductions that range from 15 to 32 percent of the total bill received (not including EAP benefits) in the months of December through May. The USP, which has been in place since 2005, is the result of a collaborative effort by CenterPoint, Citizens Energy Group, the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor, Citizens Action Coalition and a group representing industrial customers.
  • Due Date Extension and Payment Arrangement: These are two free offerings available to customers in need of a special payment plan to temporarily keep their service connected and better manage energy costs.
  • Energy Efficiency Resources: CenterPoint offers energy efficiency tips, appliance rebates and energy-saving tools to help customers lower their natural gas bills. All Indiana residential and small commercial natural gas customers are eligible. Visit CenterPointEnergy.com/SmartSavings or call 1-866-240-8476 for a list of rebates, qualifying appliances and energy efficiency tips.
  • Budget Bill: Under this billing plan, a customer's estimated costs for gas service are spread in equal amounts throughout the year. This leveling of monthly bill amounts reduces the need to pay the full amount in the winter and spreads some of those higher bill charges into the non-heating months. Customers can learn more and enroll for free at CenterPointEnergy.com or by calling 1-800-227-1376.

Customers needing further financial assistance are also encouraged to apply for programs available through local community action agencies and local non-profits. 

CenterPoint Energy's Indiana North territory delivers natural gas to approximately 652,000 customers in Adams, Allen, Bartholomew, Blackford, Boone, Clark, Clay, Clinton, Decatur, Delaware, Fayette, Floyd, Fountain, Grant, Greene, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Henry, Huntington, Jackson, Jay, Jefferson, Johnson, Lawrence, Madison, Marion, Martin, Miami, Monroe, Montgomery, Morgan, Orange, Owen, Parke, Putnam, Randolph, Rush, Shelby, Tippecanoe, Tipton, Vermillion, Vigo, Wabash, Warren, Wayne, Wells and White counties.


Forward Looking Statement:
This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this news release, the words "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "goal," "intend," "may," "objective," "plan," "potential," "predict," "projection," "should," "target," "will" or other similar words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions of management which are believed to be reasonable at the time made and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual events and results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Any statements in this news release regarding future events, such as the potential increases in natural gas prices, potential increases in customers' natural gas bills, potential savings that customers may achieve, including through the use of natural gas, 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: 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 Energy's business strategies and strategic initiatives; (2) changes in market demand; (3) CenterPoint Energy's ability to fund and invest planned capital and the timely recovery of CenterPoint Energy's investments; (4) financial market conditions; (5) general economic and political conditions; (6) the timing and impact of regulatory proceedings and actions and legal proceedings; (7) effects of competition; (8) catastrophic events including public health threats; (9) weather variations and the impact of climate change; (10) changes in business plans; (11) continued disruptions to the global supply chain including volatility in commodity prices; (12) changes in technology; (13) legislative actions, 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; (14) CenterPoint Energy's ability to execute on its initiatives, targets and goals and operations and maintenance goals and (15) other factors discussed CenterPoint Energy's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 and CenterPoint Energy's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2024 and June 30, 2024, 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.

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CenterPoint Energy urges customers to prepare for winter heating season

Evansville, Ind. – Oct. 9, 2024 – CenterPoint Energy is encouraging customers in its Indiana South natural gas territory to prepare for an increase in natural gas bills this heating season. Last winter, customers benefited from lower wholesale natural gas prices due to a less volatile natural gas market. However, this year, natural gas commodity costs are projected to increase over last year's heating season as demand is projected to continue to grow. These factors may lead to higher bills compared to last year. Yesterday, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) issued its 2024-2025 winter outlook forecasting heating bills. As a reminder, CenterPoint does not make any profit from the overall cost of natural gas; it is passed on to customers at cost.

This year, based upon projected natural gas commodity costs and normal winter weather, customers can expect to pay on average $129 a month, over the 5-month heating season of November through March. By comparison, last year's average bill amount for the 5-month period was around $110 a month.

“With natural gas prices projected to increase this winter, we encourage customers to explore all available resources as soon as they can," said Ashley Babcock, Vice President, Indiana and Ohio Gas. “For customers who may be facing financial hardship, we have tips, tools and programs to help them manage their bills and save energy."​

CenterPoint utilities are not allowed to markup from the purchase and sale of natural gas. Natural gas is a commodity bought and sold in a national deregulated market where prices fluctuate daily due to supply and demand.

Only natural gas costs actually incurred and approved by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission are recovered from customers. CenterPoint purchases natural gas on behalf of its customers and then passes those costs on to customers through the gas cost adjustment, which is listed on the bill as “Gas Cost Charge."

Even with these increases, natural gas continues to be one of the most affordable heating sources for most customers in Indiana. In fact, CenterPoint gas customers in the utility's Indiana South territory who heated their homes with natural gas last year saved up to $790 compared to those who heated their homes with propane.

It is important to remember bills will vary by customer depending on the size and age of the home, number of gas appliances, number of people in the household, thermostat settings and levels of insulation. ​

Customers are encouraged to take advantage of CenterPoint's array of payment assistance options as well as energy-saving tips and energy efficiency programs to help mitigate the impact on bills.

 

  • Energy Assistance Program (EAP): State and federal utility assistance dollars are available for income-eligible customers. Those that fall within 60 percent of state median income should visit their local community action agency to sign up for the EAP. To apply for the EAP, customers should call 1-800-872-0371 to locate their nearest community action agency. Customers may also apply any time at the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority website at www.EAP.ihcda.in.gov.
  • Universal Service Program (USP): All eligible natural gas heating customers who apply and qualify for EAP will automatically be enrolled in the USP, which provides additional gas bill reductions that range from 15 to 32 percent of the total bill received (not including EAP benefits) in the months of December through May. The USP, which has been in place since 2005, is the result of a collaborative effort by CenterPoint Energy, Citizens Energy Group, the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor, Citizens Action Coalition and a group representing industrial customers.
  • Due Date Extension and Payment Arrangement: These are two free offerings available to customers in need of a special payment plan to temporarily keep their service connected and better manage energy costs.
  • Energy Efficiency Resources: CenterPoint offers energy efficiency tips, appliance rebates and energy-saving tools to help customers lower their natural gas bills. All Indiana residential and small commercial natural gas customers are eligible. Visit CenterPointEnergy.com/SmartSavings or call 1-866-240-8476 for a list of rebates, qualifying appliances and energy efficiency tips.
  • Budget Bill: Under this billing plan, a customer's estimated costs for gas service are spread in equal amounts throughout the year. This leveling of monthly bill amounts reduces the need to pay the full amount in the winter and spreads some of those higher bill charges into the non-heating months. Customers can learn more and enroll for free at CenterPointEnergy.com or by calling 1-800-227-1376.

Customers needing further financial assistance are also encouraged to apply for programs available through local community action agencies and local non-profits. 

CenterPoint Energy's Indiana South territory delivers natural gas to approximately 115,000 customers in Daviess, Gibson, Knox, Martin, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Vanderburgh and Warrick counties.

Forward Looking Statement:
This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this news release, the words "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "goal," "intend," "may," "objective," "plan," "potential," "predict," "projection," "should," "target," "will" or other similar words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions of management which are believed to be reasonable at the time made and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual events and results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Any statements in this news release regarding future events, such as the potential increases in natural gas prices, potential increases in customers' natural gas bills, potential savings that customers may achieve, including through the use of natural gas, 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: 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 Energy's business strategies and strategic initiatives; (2) changes in market demand; (3) CenterPoint Energy's ability to fund and invest planned capital and the timely recovery of CenterPoint Energy's investments; (4) financial market conditions; (5) general economic and political conditions; (6) the timing and impact of regulatory proceedings and actions and legal proceedings; (7) effects of competition; (8) catastrophic events including public health threats; (9) weather variations and the impact of climate change; (10) changes in business plans; (11) continued disruptions to the global supply chain including volatility in commodity prices; (12) changes in technology; (13) legislative actions, 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; (14) CenterPoint Energy's ability to execute on its initiatives, targets and goals and operations and maintenance goals and (15) other factors discussed CenterPoint Energy's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 and CenterPoint Energy's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2024 and June 30, 2024, 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.

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CenterPoint Energy urges customers to prepare for winter heating season

Dayton – Oct. 9, 2024 – CenterPoint Energy is encouraging customers in its Ohio natural gas territory to prepare for potential increases in natural gas bills this heating season. Last winter, customers benefited from lower wholesale natural gas prices due to a less volatile natural gas market. However, this year, natural gas commodity costs are projected to increase over last year's heating season as demand is projected to continue to grow. These factors may lead to higher bills compared to last year. Yesterday, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) issued its 2024-2025 winter outlook forecasting heating bills.

The average CenterPoint customer paid $94 per month for natural gas service during the 2023-2024 heating season for a five-month total (November – March) of about $470.

“With natural gas prices projected to increase this winter, we encourage customers to explore all available resources as soon as they can," said Ashley Babcock, CenterPoint's Vice President, Indiana and Ohio Gas. “For customers who may be facing financial hardship, we have tips, tools and programs to help them manage their bills and save energy."

It is important to remember CenterPoint is not a natural gas supplier. The customer's natural gas supplier and corresponding price per unit of gas can significantly influence bill amounts. Customers can choose a fixed price that won't fluctuate over the winter months. Since natural gas represents nearly half of customers' bills during the winter months, now could be a good time for customers to explore supplier pricing options.

Even with these increases, natural gas continues to be one of the most affordable heating sources for most customers in Ohio. In fact, CenterPoint Ohio gas customers who heated their homes with natural gas last year saved up to $1,229 compared to those who heated their homes with propane and up to $697 to $2,595 compared to those who heated with an electric heat pump or electric furnace, respectively. Bills will vary by customer depending on the size and age of the home, number of gas appliances, number of people in the household, thermostat settings and levels of insulation.

CenterPoint has several tools to help customers manage their energy bills.​

  • Choice Program: Through CenterPoint's natural gas Choice Program, customers can choose a natural gas supplier that's right for them. Competing suppliers offer more pricing options for consumers, such as locking in a fixed rate, which allows them to comparison shop for energy the way they do for other products and services. Customers who do not choose a third-party supplier are served by one of five default Standard Choice Offer suppliers at a variable rate. Visit CenterPointEnergy.com/Choice for a list of suppliers and up-to-date prices.
  • Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP): State and federal utility assistance dollars are available for income-eligible customers. Households must fall at or below 175 percent of federal poverty guidelines to apply. Visit development.ohio.gov or call (800) 282-0880 to learn more.
  • HEAP Winter Crisis Program: The HEAP Winter Crisis Program provides assistance once per heating season to eligible households that are disconnected or are threatened with disconnection. Households must fall at or below 175 percent of federal poverty guidelines to apply. Visit development.ohio.gov or call (800) 282-0880 to learn more.
  • Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP Plus): PIPP Plus calls for a qualified household to pay 5 percent of its monthly income for gas service throughout the year. To be eligible for the PIPP Plus program, a customer must receive his or her primary or secondary heat source from a company regulated by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, must have a total household income which is at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty level and must apply for all energy assistance programs for which he or she is eligible.
  • Due Date Extension and Payment Arrangement: These are two free offerings available to customers in need of a special payment plan to temporarily keep their service connected and better manage energy costs.
  • Energy Efficiency Resources: CenterPoint offers energy efficiency tips, appliance rebates and energy-saving tools to help customers lower their natural gas bills. All Ohio residential natural gas customers are eligible to submit rebates by November 1, 2024. Visit CenterPointEnergy.com/SmartSavings or call 1-800-227-1376 for additional information.
  • Budget Bill: Under this billing plan, a customer's estimated costs for gas service are spread in equal amounts throughout the year. This leveling of monthly bill amounts reduces the need to pay the full amount in the winter and spreads some of those higher bill charges into the non-heating months. Customers can learn more and enroll for free at CenterPointEnergy.com or by calling 1-800-227-1376.
  • Home Weatherization: CenterPoint's home weatherization program helps qualifying Ohio customers implement energy efficiency improvements to their homes at no cost. Households must fall within 300 percent of federal poverty guidelines to apply. Visit miamivalleycap.org to learn more.

CenterPoint Energy's Ohio natural gas service territory delivers natural gas to approximately 333,000 customers in all or portions of Auglaize, Champaign, Clark, Clinton, Darke, Fayette, Greene, Highland, Logan, Madison, Miami, Montgomery, Pickaway, Preble, Shelby and Warren counties.

Forward Looking Statement:
This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this news release, the words "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "goal," "intend," "may," "objective," "plan," "potential," "predict," "projection," "should," "target," "will" or other similar words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions of management which are believed to be reasonable at the time made and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual events and results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Any statements in this news release regarding future events, such as the potential increases in natural gas prices, potential increases in customers' natural gas bills, potential savings that customers may achieve, including through the use of natural gas, 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: 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 Energy's business strategies and strategic initiatives; (2) changes in market demand; (3) CenterPoint Energy's ability to fund and invest planned capital and the timely recovery of CenterPoint Energy's investments; (4) financial market conditions; (5) general economic and political conditions; (6) the timing and impact of regulatory proceedings and actions and legal proceedings; (7) effects of competition; (8) catastrophic events including public health threats; (9) weather variations and the impact of climate change; (10) changes in business plans; (11) continued disruptions to the global supply chain including volatility in commodity prices; (12) changes in technology; (13) legislative actions, 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; (14) CenterPoint Energy's ability to execute on its initiatives, targets and goals and operations and maintenance goals and (15) other factors discussed CenterPoint Energy's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 and CenterPoint Energy's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2024 and June 30, 2024, 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.

 

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