CenterPoint Energy is monitoring Gulf of Mexico weather and preparing for potential tropical system
CenterPoint Energy is monitoring Gulf of Mexico weather and preparing for potential tropical system
2024-09-09T05:00:00Z
  • CenterPoint has been monitoring tropical developments and preparing this weekend
  • Company is in the process of securing work sites, preparing crews and equipment, and securing additional frontline resources from mutual assistance companies
  • Company's new and improved outage tracker is live with greater functionality
  • 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

HOUSTON, Sept. 7, 2024 - CenterPoint Energy has been closely monitoring weather forecasts and preparing for potential impacts from a Gulf of Mexico tropical system (Invest 91L), which has the potential to make landfall on the Texas coast in the coming days. Greater clarity on the weather situation is expected from the National Hurricane Center tomorrow.

In preparation for potential severe weather across the Texas coast and Greater Houston area, CenterPoint is in the process of securing work sites, preparing crews and equipment, and securing additional frontline resources from mutual assistance companies. The company is also reminding customers to develop an emergency plan and assemble a storm preparedness kit that includes essential items such as nonperishable food, water, flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, any necessary medications, a battery-powered radio, and a portable charger for mobile devices. 

"We have a plan to address this potential storm, and we are executing our plan," said Darin Carroll, Senior Vice President, Electric Business. "Although the exact path and intensity of this potential storm are still unclear, we want to assure our customers that we are preparing for impact. We encourage everyone across the Greater Houston area and the larger Gulf Coast region to get their plans in place now for their families, loved ones, homes and businesses."

Carroll added, "Following Hurricane Beryl's devastating impact on the Greater Houston area, we heard the calls for change and to do better, and we have taken the feedback seriously. We are determined to re-earn the trust of the customers and communities we are privileged to serve. While no two storms and their impact are ever alike, we believe our actions since Beryl will help improve our response should this tropical disturbance impact our service territory."

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.

Call to Action: 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 during a severe weather event, 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. The company also recommends that customers follow these important natural gas and electric 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

 

 
Storm restoration update: 96% of CenterPoint Energy customers not impacted by significant weather as restoration efforts continue; Crews mobilized and responding to localized impacts across Greater Houston area

​HOUSTON – May 20, 2026 – As significant rain and thunderstorms continue to impact the Greater Houston area, CenterPoint Energy is actively responding to weather-related outages for its customers and will continue responding to further storm impacts. Approximately 96% of CenterPoint's 2.9 million customers were not impacted by the overnight waves of storms. CenterPoint crews and contractors have restored power to approximately 95,000 customers since storm conditions began Tuesday evening. The average restoration time per outage was less than 79 minutes. ​

As of 5 a.m. Wednesday, crews continue working to restore the less than 15,000 customers without power and will continue working until every customer is restored.

Emergency response efforts are being coordinated from CenterPoint's Emergency Operations Center (EOC), and CenterPoint's enhanced workforce of frontline workers and contractors are focused on restoring power to the remaining impacted customers safely and as quickly as possible.

“We know how disruptive outages can be for our customers. That's why our focus remains on restoring service for those affected by this storm event safely and as quickly as possible. Our Emergency Operations Center will remain activated as our crews continue working around the clock to respond to isolated outages across the Greater Houston area," said John Cornelius, CenterPoint's Vice President of Distribution Operations and Overnight Incident Commander.

Actions CenterPoint is Taking to Respond

To prepare for severe storms and respond to severe weather impacts for its customers, CenterPoint has taken the following actions:

  • Activating Emergency Operations Center: To coordinate storm response efforts for its customers, CenterPoint proactively activated its Emergency Operations Center at 8 a.m. yesterday morning.
  • Mobilizing frontline crews: Frontline personnel are actively responding to impacted areas and will remain ready to support further restoration efforts.
  • ​ Monitoring weather conditions 24/7: The meteorology team continues to track forecast developments, and the company is updating response plans as conditions evolve.
  • Pre-positioning resources: Response teams were pre-positioned crews across the area to respond to any electric or natural gas service interruptions safely and as quickly as possible.
  • Coordinating with local officials: The Incident Command team is providing regular updates to local officials and emergency management partners.
  • Keeping customers informed: CenterPoint is providing information directly to customers via email, phone, text and other channels to keep them informed and prepared.

Commitment to Keeping Customers Informed

CenterPoint will continue to provide proactive updates about the actions it's taking to prepare for and respond to the impacts of the severe weather in the Greater Houston area. Electric customers are encouraged to enroll in Power Alert Service® to receive outage details and customer-specific restoration updates by phone, text or email.

Customers can also stay up to date on local outages with CenterPoint's Outage Tracker (available in English & Spanish and mobile-friendly), which allows customers to see outages and restoration times by county, city and zip code.

Public Safety Message 

CenterPoint is urging the public to put their safety first. Customers are urged to stay away from low-hanging or downed power lines. To report downed lines or another electrical emergency that requires immediate attention, please call 911 if necessary, then immediately contact CenterPoint at 713-207-2222. 

Be alert for the smell of natural gas. If you smell natural gas, leave the area immediately on foot. Do not attempt to turn gas valves on or off; instead, call 1-888-876-5786 and CenterPoint will send a technician.   

For additional information and safety tips, follow CenterPoint on social media and visit CenterPointEnergy.com/ActionCenter.

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, Minnesota, Ohio and Texas. As of March 31, 2026, the company owned approximately $47.8 billion in assets. With approximately 8,800 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.

Essentially all CenterPoint Energy customers impacted by overnight and early morning storms have been restored across the Greater Houston area

As of 2 p.m., approximately 180 CenterPoint customers are without power from overnight storms

CenterPoint's Emergency Operations Center will remain in an elevated state of readiness given forecasted severe weather through the Memorial Day holiday weekend

HOUSTON – May 20, 2026 – As thunderstorms traveled across CenterPoint Energy's electric service territory overnight Tuesday and into Wednesday morning, more than 95% of its 2.9 million customers across the Greater Houston area experienced no impacts to their electric service. Essentially all CenterPoint customers who were impacted by the storms and can safely receive power have now been restored. Approximately 133,000 customers have been impacted since a line of storms began moving through the area around 9 p.m. on Tuesday. As of 2 p.m. today, approximately 180 customers are without power from the overnight storms. Crews continue actively working to restore those remaining impacted customers safely and as quickly as possible.

Scattered thunderstorms moved through parts of the Greater Houston area, with the strongest activity taking place between 9 p.m. last night and 11 a.m. this morning. The average restoration time per outage was approximately 170 minutes.  ​

The company's Emergency Operations Center will maintain an elevated state of readiness through Memorial Day holiday weekend as we closely monitor evolving weather conditions.

“We appreciate the dedication of our outstanding frontline crews and contractors, as well as our customers' patience and understanding as we worked to restore power," said Jason Fabre, CenterPoint's Vice President of Special Response and Incident Commander. “Our customers expect and deserve reliable power, and our teams worked around the clock through significant rainfall and wind to safely restore service to customers who were impacted by significant weather as quickly as possible."

CenterPoint took the following actions ahead of Monday's significant weather:

  • Activated Emergency Operations Center: To coordinate storm response efforts, the company proactively activated its Emergency Operations Center on Tuesday and remained ready to respond.
  • Monitored weather 24/7: The Meteorology team continued to track forecast developments, and the company updated response plans as conditions evolved.
  • Pre-positioned resources: Response teams were pre-positioned in areas where storms were forecasted to impact and remained ready to respond to any electric or natural gas service interruptions safely and as quickly as possible.
  • Coordinated with local officials: The company provided updates to local officials and emergency management partners.

Commitment to Keeping Customers Informed

CenterPoint will continue to provide proactive updates about the actions it's taking to prepare for and respond to the impacts of the severe weather in the Greater Houston area. Electric customers are encouraged to enroll in Power Alert Service® to receive outage details and customer-specific restoration updates by phone, text or email.

Customers can also stay up to date on local outages with CenterPoint's Outage Tracker (available in English & Spanish and mobile-friendly), which allows customers to see outages and restoration times by county, city and zip code.

Public Safety Message 

CenterPoint urges the public to put their safety first. Customers should stay away from low-hanging or downed power lines. To report downed lines or another electrical emergency that requires immediate attention, please call 911 if necessary, then immediately contact CenterPoint at 713-207-2222. 

Be alert for the smell of natural gas. If you smell natural gas, leave the area immediately on foot. Do not attempt to turn gas valves on or off; instead, call 1-888-876-5786 and CenterPoint will send a technician.   

For additional information and safety tips, follow CenterPoint on social media and visit CenterPointEnergy.com/ActionCenter.

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, Minnesota, Ohio and Texas. As of March 31, 2026, the company owned approximately $47.8 billion in assets. With approximately 8,800 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com. 

CenterPoint Energy activates Emergency Operations Center as it continues monitoring and preparing for potential impacts of severe thunderstorms across the Greater Houston area

​HOUSTON – May 19, 2026 – To support its customers and communities, CenterPoint Energy has activated its Emergency Operations Center and is actively monitoring and preparing for an incoming line of potentially severe thunderstorms forecast to impact the Greater Houston area starting Tuesday night. Storms could bring locally heavy rain, isolated minor flooding, small hail, frequent lightning, and the potential for wind gusts between 45 to 55 mph to the company's service territory. CenterPoint's workforce is prepared to respond to potential impacts to its electric and gas service, and the company continues to communicate and coordinate with local government officials ahead of this week's forecast.

“Our Emergency Preparedness and Response team is monitoring the potential for severe thunderstorms to impact the Greater Houston area Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning," said Lena Dziechowski, CenterPoint's Chief of Meteorology. “We have activated our storm preparedness plans and crews stand ready to respond to any service impacts for our customers. We are closely monitoring the weather models as conditions continue to evolve and urge our customers to stay alert in anticipation of quickly changing weather conditions."

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

  • Activating Emergency Operations Center: Preparing for potential storm impacts and coordinating local preparedness efforts.
  • Readying the company's workforce and resources: Preparing personnel to support potential restoration efforts.
  • Monitoring severe weather 24/7: The Meteorology team continues to track weather forecast developments, and the company is updating response efforts as conditions evolve.
  • Coordinating with local officials: CenterPoint is coordinating with local officials and emergency management partners on continued preparedness efforts.
  • Communicating proactively with customers: Providing safety and preparedness information directly with customers via email, phone and text, across social media platforms and other channels.

Emergency Communications: Sign Up for Power Alert Service® 

To help prepare for the impact of the severe weather, CenterPoint is encouraging its customers to enroll in Power Alert Service® to receive outage details, estimated restoration times and customer-specific restoration updates via phone call, text or email. As part of CenterPoint's overall emergency communications efforts, customers can stay up to date on local outages with CenterPoint's cloud-based Outage Tracker, available in English and Spanish, which allows customers to see outages and restoration times by county, city and zip code.  

Emergency Preparations: What Customers Can Do to Stay Safe 

CenterPoint urges the public to put their safety first and prepare in advance for extreme weather by having a safety plan ready, especially for those who rely on electricity for life-sustaining equipment or medical needs. Customers can find safety tips to help them prepare at CenterPointEnergy.com/ActionCenter. 

For the latest updates, follow CenterPoint on social media and visit CenterPointEnergy.com/ActionCenter. 

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, Minnesota, Ohio and Texas. As of March 31, 2026, the company owned approximately $47.8 billion in assets. With approximately 8,800 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com. ​

CenterPoint Energy continues taking action to prepare for potential impacts from severe weather across the Greater Houston area

​HOUSTON – May 19, 2026 – CenterPoint continues to take actions to respond to the potential impacts of the severe thunderstorms expected in the Greater Houston area, including closely monitoring conditions, coordinating with emergency management partners and proactively mobilizing frontline crews to restore power for impacted customers safely and as quickly as possible. The severe weather is forecasted to impact the Greater Houston area through the Memorial Day weekend, with the potential for heavy rain, flooding, hail and strong isolated wind gusts between 45 to 55 mph. ​

“Our team is taking a series of critical actions for our customers and stands ready to respond to any outages or impacts caused by the severe weather forecasted for the Greater Houston area through the holiday weekend. As we continue to make the necessary preparations, we urge our customers and their families to make a plan to stay safe, including making sure their emergency kit is fully stocked," said Jason Fabre, CenterPoint's Vice President of Special Response and Incident Commander.  

Actions CenterPoint is Taking to Respond

To prepare for the storms, CenterPoint has taken the following actions for its customers:

  • Activating Emergency Operations Center: To coordinate storm response efforts throughout the weekend, the company proactively activated its Emergency Operations Center at 8 a.m. this morning.
  • Mobilizing frontline crews: Frontline personnel are executing preparedness actions and will remain ready to support potential restoration efforts.
  • Monitoring weather conditions 24/7: The meteorology team continues to track forecast developments, and the company is updating response plans as conditions evolve.
  • Pre-positioning resources: Response teams are developing plans to pre-position crews across the area to respond to any electric or natural gas service interruptions safely and as quickly as possible.
  • Coordinating with local officials: The Incident Command team is providing regular updates to local officials and emergency management partners.
  • Keeping customers informed: CenterPoint is providing information directly to customers via email, phone, text and other channels to keep them informed and prepared.

Commitment to Keeping Customers Informed

CenterPoint will continue to provide proactive updates about the actions it's taking to prepare for and respond to the impacts of the severe weather in the Greater Houston area. Electric customers are encouraged to enroll in Power Alert Service® to receive outage details and customer-specific restoration updates by phone, text or email. Customers can also stay up to date on local outages with CenterPoint's Outage Tracker (available in English & Spanish and mobile-friendly), which allows customers to see outages and restoration times by county, city and zip code.

Emergency Preparations: What Customers Can Do to Stay Safe

To help ensure their safety, CenterPoint is encouraging all its customers and their families to prepare in advance for severe weather by making sure their emergency kit is stocked and having a safety plan ready, especially those who rely on electricity for life-sustaining equipment or medical needs. Customers can find specific safety tips to help them prepare at CenterPointEnergy.com/ActionCenter.

For the latest updates, follow CenterPoint on social media and visit CenterPointEnergy.com/ActionCenter.

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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, Minnesota, Ohio and Texas. As of March 31, 2026, the company owned approximately $47.8 billion in assets. With approximately 8,800 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.

Home Repair & Care continues to deliver critical upgrades to CenterPoint Energy southwestern Indiana customers

CenterPoint Energy Foundation investing across southwestern Indiana through the Community Energy Improvement Fund and Optimize programs

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – May 14, 2026 – CenterPoint Energy customers across southwestern Indiana continue to receive critical home repairs through the Home Repair & Care program. Funded by the CenterPoint Energy Foundation through its $5 million Community Energy Improvement Fund and implemented by local nonprofit Community One, the program launched in January 2026.

For Grace Strange, a retired Evansville resident, that meant a new furnace for her home, built in 1895. Before retiring in 2024, Grace had completed the maintenance she could on her home, including new windows, basement work and a new roof. During a recent maintenance appointment, her longtime HVAC technician told her that her furnace was close to the end of its useful life. A full replacement was the project she'd been putting off.

“I'd worked hard to take care of the house before I retired. The furnace was the one thing I'd been putting off," said Strange. “The Home Repair & Care program came through at the right moment. The house is more comfortable than it's been in years, our bills came down, and that money can go to gasoline and groceries. That means a lot when you've just retired."

Grace's furnace was replaced with a new high-efficiency unit at no cost through the program.

Critical repairs delivered across southwestern Indiana
Home Repair & Care was designed for homeowners whose incomes fall above no-cost weatherization thresholds but who still face large, one-time repair costs that prevent safer, more efficient homes. To date, 183 home projects are underway or completed across 68 households. Upgrades include:

  • 48 window projects
  • 40 exterior door projects
  • 32 new or repaired furnaces or HVAC systems
  • 27 insulation upgrades
  • 21 roof repairs or replacements
  • 11 new water heaters
  • 4 siding repairs

Continued community investment under the Community Energy Improvement Fund
Home Repair & Care was the first initiative launched under the CenterPoint Energy Foundation's $5 million Community Energy Improvement Fund, established in October 2025 to support weatherization, energy efficiency and cost-saving programs across southwestern Indiana. The Fund is supported by the CenterPoint Energy Foundation by company shareholders and has no impact on customer rates. Several additional Foundation programs are now advancing under the Fund, each providing up to $25,000 in matching grant funding for energy efficiency upgrades:

  • Optimize for Local: Applications have been received and are under review. Optimize for Local supports locally owned independent restaurants and retailers across southwestern Indiana with funding for energy efficiency upgrades such as HVAC, refrigeration and lighting improvements.
  • Optimize for Growth: Applications are currently open. Optimize for Growth supports small industrial businesses, including manufacturers, processors and fabricators, with funding for facility energy efficiency improvements that reduce operating costs and strengthen the region's economic base.
  • Optimize for Good: Applications will open later this spring. Optimize for Good supports southwestern Indiana nonprofits with funding for facility energy efficiency improvements, allowing organizations to redirect limited resources toward the community missions they serve.

Additional program details, eligibility and application information are available at CenterPointEnergy.com/Optimize.

The Community Energy Improvement Fund is part of CenterPoint's broader Community Affordability Actions, a series of steps taken since October 2025 to support southwestern Indiana customers, including expanded customer programs and proposed customer protections such as annual late fee waivers, reduced reconnection fees and additional safeguards for medically vulnerable customers. Additional Community Energy Improvement Fund initiatives are expected to be announced in the months ahead.