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CenterPoint Energy Remains Vigilant and Prepared for Storm Response as Tropical Activity in the Gulf of Mexico Continues to Strengthen

2024-09-08T05:00:00Z

Storm system moving through Gulf is strengthening and has a 90% chance of tropical development, according to the National Weather Service
CenterPoint's ongoing planning includes preparing staging sites, crews and equipment, communicating safety actions to customers, and continuing to secure additional frontline resources from mutual assistance companies
Company has already secured approximately 700 additional vegetation management personnel to help with pre-storm work and has identified more than 5,000 additional frontline workers if needed for response
Customers in the Greater Houston area, including those who depend on electricity for life-sustaining equipment, are encouraged to begin their planning and preparations as soon as possible; all customers encouraged to register for Power Alert Service

HOUSTON, Sept. 8, 2024 - CenterPoint Energy continues to closely monitor weather forecasts and prepare for potential storm impacts from the Gulf of Mexico tropical system Invest 91L. According to the National Weather Service, the system has a 90% chance of tropical development, with increasing likelihood of a tropical storm or hurricane.

In preparation for potential severe weather across the Gulf coast including the Greater Houston area, Louisiana and Mississippi, CenterPoint's ongoing planning includes preparing staging sites, crews and equipment, as well as continuing to secure additional frontline resources from mutual assistance companies. The company has 2,000 frontline workers and 600-plus vegetation management personnel actively conducting pre-storm activities. CenterPoint has already secured approximately 700 additional vegetation management personnel to help with pre-storm work and identified more than 5,000 additional frontline workers if needed for response.

"While our weather experts work to determine the path, intensity and timing of the tropical activity, we remain vigilant and are fully focused on executing on our storm preparation plan. We are in the process of mobilizing all of our available resources and mutual assistance resources from other utility companies so we will be prepared to safely and quickly restore power to our customers should this tropical system impact our area," said Darin Carroll, Senior Vice President, Electric Business.

Call to Action: Sign up for Power Alert Service
Customers should remember that a storm is a powerful force of nature that can cause significant damage and widespread, lengthy electricity outages. Conditions can also change unexpectedly and for the worse.

Customers are encouraged to enroll in Power Alert Service® to receive outage details, estimated restoration times, as available or determined, and customer-specific restoration updates in the event of severe weather. With the option to receive updates via phone call, text or email, Power Alert Service® helps keep customers informed of restoration progress during an outage event. Customers can also find additional resources at CenterPointEnergy.com/StormCenter.

New and Improved Outage Tracker with Greater Web Resiliency
Within 24 hours of a tropical storm or hurricane exiting our service area, CenterPoint will communicate an estimated time for restoration for the entire system and will update the estimated times of restoration at least daily thereafter. The new and improved Outage Tracker will be used to update individual customers on their expected restoration date as soon as possible after restoration expectations are determined.

To learn more about Outage Tracker's new features and functionality, watch the demonstration video.

For an in-depth, step-by-step guide to using the Outage Tracker, click here.

Customers with Critical Needs
Because CenterPoint Energy cannot guarantee an uninterrupted, regular or continuous power supply, customers who depend on electricity for life-sustaining equipment are encouraged to make alternate arrangements for on-site backup capabilities or other alternatives in the event of loss of electric service.

During pre-storm preparations and post-storm recovery efforts, CenterPoint urges customers to stay informed of weather conditions and warnings or advisories issued by local authorities by paying close attention to announcements from local news outlets for important information regarding ongoing conditions and recovery efforts.

Greater Houston Resiliency Initiative
Across Greater Houston, CenterPoint is taking action now to improve resiliency and help reduce the risk of outages this hurricane season.

As part of the first phase of its Greater Houston Resiliency Initiative, throughout August CenterPoint crews and contractors installed more than 1,100 stronger and more resilient fiberglass poles, trimmed vegetation along more than 2,000 miles of power lines and installed more than 300 automation devices in neighborhoods all over Houston. The company's next step is taking the boldest series of resiliency actions in its nearly 160-year history, including additional system hardening, strategic undergrounding, self-healing grid technology, and further enhancements to its outage tracker.

The company also recommends that customers follow these important electric and natural gas safety tips:

Important Safety Reminders
Electric

If you experience an electric outage, do not open freezers and refrigerators any more than necessary, as opening these appliances will allow food to thaw more quickly.
Only use a portable generator in a well-ventilated outdoor area and never run it inside your residence or in a garage to avoid carbon monoxide fumes, which can be deadly.
Never connect a portable electric generator directly to your building's electrical system during a power outage; electricity could back feed into the power lines and potentially endanger utility workers, emergency responders or members of the public.
Have your weatherhead, which connects the overhead power line to your home or business, checked for damage. Any weatherhead problems will need to be repaired by a licensed electrician prior to service being restored.
Stay away from low-hanging, downed power lines or lines that could be submerged in standing water. Treat downed power lines and damaged electric utility equipment as if they are energized. Report any low-hanging or downed power lines and damaged electric utility equipment to CenterPoint Energy by calling 713-207-2222.
Water poses a potential electric safety threat because it's a good conductor. Always be careful not to touch water, or anything in contact with it, near a downed power line.
Any amount of water, including a puddle, can become energized. If you see a downed power line near water, retreat to a safe distance, then call CenterPoint Energy immediately at 713-207-2222 to report it.
Flood water can be hazardous. Always use extreme care when stepping into flooded areas. Submerged outlets or electrical cords can energize water, even from a distance.
Boats or other vehicles being used in high water can expose you to danger from power lines at their normal height. Be aware and stay away.
If water has risen above the electrical outlets, contact a licensed electrician before turning on the main circuit breaker.

Natural Gas

If you smell natural gas — which has a distinctive, strong odor, often compared to rotten eggs or sulfur — leave the area immediately on foot, and tell others to leave, too. Do not turn the lights on or off, smoke, strike a match, use a phone or operate anything that might cause a spark, including a flashlight or a generator. Once safely away from the area, call 911 and CenterPoint Energy, and we will send a trained service technician immediately.
Do not turn off your natural gas at the meter; your natural gas meter should be left on to maintain proper pressure in the natural gas piping within the house and to prevent water from entering the lines should flooding occur.
Natural gas can be turned off at each appliance. Later, to restore natural gas service to an appliance, you may follow the written instructions located on the appliance for re-lighting. If you are unable to locate the instructions or don't feel comfortable re-lighting, call a qualified plumber or technician.
While conducting exterior clean-up and/or repairs, call 811 to locate utility lines prior to digging on your property.
If your home is flooded, call a licensed plumber or a natural gas appliance technician to inspect your appliances prior to requesting a service reconnection.
Be cautious around line workers and give them plenty of room to safely assess damage and make repairs.

As this storm moves toward CenterPoint Energy's electric and natural gas service territories, additional updates will be provided as needed. For additional information on hurricane preparedness, visit

CenterPointEnergy.com/StormCenter and follow @CenterPoint for updates during inclement weather events. The following resources are also available on CenterPoint Energy's dedicated storm page:

How you can prepare for a storm
How CenterPoint prepares for a storm
How CenterPoint restores service following a storm

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.

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

SOURCE CenterPoint Energy

Recent News

CenterPoint Energy provides tips to help Indiana customers stay safe and warm during upcoming cold snap

Indianapolis – Dec. 12, 2025 – With colder temperatures expected across Indiana this weekend, including highs in the teens and lows below zero, CenterPoint Energy reminds customers that it has a comprehensive cold weather action plan in place and is prepared for potential impacts from the colder weather. CenterPoint teams are monitoring conditions, coordinating with agencies and emergency responders, as appropriate, and remain ready to deploy resources as needed to maintain safe and reliable service. The company encourages customers to have their cold weather plan in place as well.

Natural gas preparedness actions in Indiana
CenterPoint prepares year-round for cold weather through proactive steps that support safe and reliable delivery of natural gas service to Indiana communities. The company's efforts include:

Monitoring the natural gas systems 24/7 and implementing cold weather action plans to support delivery of service.
Conducting infrastructure projects to modernize the company's natural gas distribution systems.
Checking critical systems and equipment ahead of extreme winter weather to prepare for high demand and cold temperatures.
Staging staff across the company's service area, ready to respond to potential service issues safely and as quickly as possible.

Safety tips
CenterPoint encourages customers to keep safety at the forefront of their minds as they heat their homes:

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 800-227-1376. 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.
Keep natural gas meters clear. Use a broom to gently remove snow, but avoid using a shovel, which can cause damage. If ice builds up, let it melt naturally rather than trying to chip or melt it away. Keep the area around the meter clear of snow piles to allow safe access in an emergency.
Use space heaters safely. Make sure a space heater has 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.
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.

Energy-saving tips
CenterPoint encourages customers to consider implementing easy tips that can help manage energy usage, including:

Make sure the heating system is operating safely and efficiently. Change or clean the furnace filter regularly to help maximize the furnace's efficiency and life.
Turn down the thermostat. Lowering the thermostat at night or when away for at least eight hours can potentially save on heating costs. With a programmable thermostat, a heating system can work around a customer'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. Towels can also be rolled up and pushed against the bottom of a door's interior. Close fireplace dampers when not in use to prevent heat loss.
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 and slowly to move warm air from the ceiling to living levels.

Resource Hub available for customers
To help customers manage energy use and bills during cold weather, CenterPoint offers an online Customer Resource Hub. The hub provides easy access to billing tools, energy efficiency programs and tips and other resources. To learn more, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/ResourceHub.

CenterPoint Energy provides tips to help southwestern Indiana customers stay safe and warm during upcoming cold snap

Evansville, Ind. – Dec. 12, 2025 – With colder temperatures expected across southwestern Indiana this weekend, including highs in the teens and lows in the single digits, CenterPoint Energy reminds customers that it has a comprehensive cold weather action plan in place and is prepared for potential impacts from the colder weather. CenterPoint teams are monitoring conditions, coordinating with agencies and emergency responders, as appropriate, and remain ready to deploy resources as needed to maintain safe and reliable service. The company encourages customers to have their cold weather plan in place as well.

Electric and natural gas preparedness actions in southwestern Indiana
CenterPoint prepares year-round for cold weather through proactive steps that support safe and reliable delivery of electric and natural gas service to southwestern Indiana communities. The company's efforts include:

Monitoring the electric and natural gas systems 24/7 and implementing cold weather action plans to support delivery of service.
Conducting infrastructure projects to modernize the company's electric and natural gas distribution systems.
Checking critical systems and equipment ahead of extreme winter weather to prepare for high demand and cold temperatures.
Staging staff across the company's service area, ready to respond to potential service issues safely and as quickly as possible.

Safety tips
CenterPoint encourages customers to keep safety at the forefront of their minds as they heat their homes:

Use space heaters safely. Make sure a space heater has 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.
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 electric outage or downed power lines. Customers should never approach downed lines and should assume they are live. If a downed line is spotted, leave the area and call 911 and CenterPoint Energy at 800-227-1376.
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 800-227-1376. 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.
Keep natural gas meters clear. Use a broom to gently remove snow, but avoid using a shovel, which can cause damage. If ice builds up, let it melt naturally rather than trying to chip or melt it away. Keep the area around the meter clear of snow piles to allow safe access in an emergency.

Energy-saving tips
CenterPoint encourages customers to consider implementing easy tips that can help manage energy usage, including:

Make sure the heating system is operating safely and efficiently. Change or clean the furnace filter regularly to help maximize the furnace's efficiency and life.
Turn down the thermostat. Lowering the thermostat at night or when away for at least eight hours can potentially save on heating costs. With a programmable thermostat, a heating system can work around a customer'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. Towels can also be rolled up and pushed against the bottom of a door's interior. Close fireplace dampers when not in use to prevent heat loss.
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 and slowly to move warm air from the ceiling to living levels.

CenterPoint Energy provides tips to help Ohio customers stay safe and warm during upcoming cold snap

Dayton, Ohio – Dec. 12, 2025 – With colder temperatures expected across Ohio this weekend, including highs in the teens and lows in the single digits, CenterPoint Energy reminds customers that it has a comprehensive cold weather action plan in place and is prepared for potential impacts from the colder weather. CenterPoint teams are monitoring conditions, coordinating with agencies and emergency responders, as appropriate, and remain ready to deploy resources as needed to maintain safe and reliable service. The company encourages customers to have their cold weather plan in place as well.

Natural gas preparedness actions in Ohio
CenterPoint prepares year-round for cold weather through proactive steps that support safe and reliable delivery of natural gas service to Ohio communities. The company's efforts include:

Monitoring the natural gas systems 24/7 and implementing cold weather action plans to support delivery of service.
Conducting infrastructure projects to modernize the company's natural gas distribution systems.
Checking critical systems and equipment ahead of extreme winter weather to prepare for high demand and cold temperatures.
Staging staff across the company's service area, ready to respond to potential service issues safely and as quickly as possible.

Safety tips
CenterPoint encourages customers to keep safety at the forefront of their minds as they heat their homes:

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 800-227-1376. 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.
Keep natural gas meters clear. Use a broom to gently remove snow, but avoid using a shovel, which can cause damage. If ice builds up, let it melt naturally rather than trying to chip or melt it away. Keep the area around the meter clear of snow piles to allow safe access in an emergency.
Use space heaters safely. Make sure a space heater has 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.
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.

Energy-saving tips
CenterPoint encourages customers to consider implementing easy tips that can help manage energy usage, including:

Make sure the heating system is operating safely and efficiently. Change or clean the furnace filter regularly to help maximize the furnace's efficiency and life.
Turn down the thermostat. Lowering the thermostat at night or when away for at least eight hours can potentially save on heating costs. With a programmable thermostat, a heating system can work around a customer'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. Towels can also be rolled up and pushed against the bottom of a door's interior. Close fireplace dampers when not in use to prevent heat loss.
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 and slowly to move warm air from the ceiling to living levels.

With subzero temperatures expected across Minnesota, CenterPoint Energy provides important reminders to help customers save energy while staying safe and warm

Broll of energy efficiency and safety tips is found here.

MINNEAPOLIS – DEC. 11, 2025 – Over the coming days, subzero temperatures are expected throughout Minnesota. CenterPoint Energy reminds customers that it has a comprehensive cold weather action plan in place and is prepared for potential impacts from the colder weather. CenterPoint teams are monitoring conditions, coordinating with agencies and emergency responders, as appropriate, and remain ready to deploy resources as needed to maintain safe and reliable service. The company encourages customers to have their cold weather plan in place as well.

CenterPoint is highlighting important energy-saving and safety resources to help lower heating bills, while keeping customers safe and warm.

Preparedness actions in Minnesota
CenterPoint prepares year-round for cold weather in Minnesota through proactive efforts, such as:

Staging crews across the company’s service area to respond to potential service issues safely and as quickly as possible.
Monitoring the natural gas system 24/7 and implementing cold weather action plans.
Leveraging natural gas, propane and/or liquefied natural gas stored ahead of the winter heating season.

Winter Energy Guide
CenterPoint provides its Winter Energy Guide, an online resource hub for customers throughout the winter heating season, featuring important safety, energy savings and bill management tips to help customers stay safe and warm. CenterPoint encourages customers to use this helpful resource to create their own cold weather plans so to stay prepared for the colder weather ahead.

Tips customers can take to save energy and money
CenterPoint encourages customers to use these easy tips to make a difference on monthly heating bills:

Lowering the thermostat by 7-10 degrees at night, or when away for at least eight hours, can potentially save 10% on heating costs. Customers using a programmable thermostat to have the heating system work around their schedule.
Changing or cleaning the furnace filter to maximize efficiency.
Using window coverings and blinds effectively. If it’s sunny outside, open window coverings, and close coverings at night to keep warmth inside. If the sun’s not shining, keep window coverings closed.
Sealing leaks with caulk or weather-stripping around doors, windows and other openings such as pipes or ducts. Close fireplace dampers when not in use to prevent heat loss.
Circulating warm air with ceiling fans by setting them to turn clockwise slowly to move warm air to living levels.

Smart actions to stay safe

Use space heaters safely. Make sure a space heater has an automatic shut-off, and keep children, pets and all items at least three feet away from it. A space heater using natural gas, propane or wood should be vented to the outside. Stoves and ovens should never be used for space heating.
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 someone suspects they could have CO poisoning, leave the area immediately, get fresh air and call 911.
Smell gas? Act fast! Natural gas has a distinctive rotten egg smell. If anyone detects this odor, they should leave their location immediately without using electrical switches or phones. Once in a safe location, call 911 and CenterPoint Energy.

Payment assistance resources and support available for customers

CenterPoint is dedicated to supporting customers who may have difficulty paying their energy bill. Throughout the year, but especially in the winter months when home heating costs are historically higher, CenterPoint encourages those facing hardship to call CenterPoint to find out about payment arrangements, energy efficiency programs and agency 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 Energy, Enel launch program to help southwestern Indiana businesses earn incentives for flexible energy use

Evansville, Ind., and Andover, Mass., December 11, 2025 – CenterPoint Energy and Enel North America have launched a new demand response program for commercial, institutional, and industrial organizations in southwestern Indiana. This initiative, called the CenterPoint Energy Aggregated Demand Response Program, enables organizations to earn incentive payments for making targeted energy reductions that help CenterPoint Indiana Electric maintain local grid reliability.

“Our focus remains on delivering reliable service to our customers and communities every day," said Muss Akram, Vice President of Utility Strategy at CenterPoint. “Through this program, we're working with Enel to strengthen reliability, manage demand and provide our customers an opportunity to be compensated for supporting the grid when it's needed most."

Demand response programs provide an opportunity for organizations to earn incentive payments while helping maintain a reliable electric system. When utilities or grid operators experience supply and demand constraints, they dispatch local organizations that have agreed to reduce energy usage during these times of high demand.

Commercial, institutional and industrial organizations in the CenterPoint Indiana Electric service territory are eligible to enroll in the new program. As the exclusive demand response provider for this program, Enel will work with organizations to define participation strategies, manage enrollment and execution, and maximize revenue from participating. During a demand response dispatch, the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) will instruct Enel's network of participants to curtail electricity usage in anticipation of emergency conditions on the grid. Common reduction strategies include modifying manufacturing processes, adjusting HVAC equipment and reducing non-essential lighting.

This program builds on CenterPoint's existing Smart Cycle demand response program for residential customers. Those participating in the Smart Cycle program can earn a one-time $75 enrollment credit and a $7.50 bill credit each month from March through November for participation. To learn more about this program, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/SmartCycle.

Enel is the world's largest demand response provider. In North America, Enel's demand response customers have earned over $1.9 billion in payments since 2011.

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 September 30, 2025, the company had approximately $45 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.

Enel North America, part of the Enel Group, is a proven renewables leader delivering clean, flexible and sustainable energy solutions. The company develops, builds, owns and operates renewable power plants and demand response solutions, with 12 gigawatts (GW) of installed wind, solar and energy storage capacity and nearly 5 GW of demand response capacity in the US and Canada. Enel is a top-five industry leader for clean power, demand response and utility-scale battery storage capacity in the United States. Learn more at enelnorthamerica.com and on LinkedIn and YouTube.