CenterPoint Energy is Taking Key Actions to Prepare and Respond To Impact of Tropical Storm Francine
CenterPoint Energy is Taking Key Actions to Prepare and Respond To Impact of Tropical Storm Francine
2024-09-09T05:00:00Z

CenterPoint is preparing staging sites, mobilizing crews and equipment, communicating safety and preparedness tips to its customers, and securing additional frontline resources from mutual assistance partners.

  • CenterPoint Energy has activated the company's Emergency Operations Center and is executing its plan to address Tropical Storm Francine.
  • CenterPoint has 600 vegetation workers conducting pre-storm vegetation management, with another 700 workers arriving today.
  • CenterPoint has 1,850 frontline workers pre-staged and has identified an additional 1,625 frontline workers.

HOUSTON, Sept. 9, 2024 - In response to developing weather conditions, CenterPoint Energy is taking a series of actions to monitor, prepare, and respond to Tropical Storm Francine and its potential landfall in the Greater Houston area or broader Gulf Coast. Across its service area, CenterPoint is preparing staging sites, mobilizing crews and equipment, communicating safety and preparedness tips to its customers, and securing additional frontline resources from mutual assistance partners. The company remains in contact with federal, state, county and city leaders about CenterPoint's preparation activities and readiness posture.

CenterPoint Energy logo. (PRNewsFoto)  

 

"We are monitoring, planning, and preparing to respond to Tropical Storm Francine's impact on our communities. We are taking the necessary steps to prepare, even as we communicate with our customers and coordinate closely with our local and statewide emergency partners. Our focus is very clear: to get ready to respond and restore power as safely and as quickly as possible," said Darin Carroll, Senior Vice President of Operations for CenterPoint.

As of Monday afternoon, CenterPoint has undertaken the following preparation actions:

  • Activated Emergency Operations Center (EOC): CenterPoint's EOC Activated at 8PM CT Sunday, September 8.
  • Mobilizing 1,300+ Vegetation Management Workers: Deployed 600+ local personnel to clear hazardous vegetation from power lines ahead of storm landfall and secured an additional 700 mutual assistance vegetation management workers.
  • Activating frontline distribution workers: Readied 1,850 local frontline workers and identified 1,625 mutual assistance workers. CenterPoint has also identified more than 5,000 additional mutual aid frontline workers, if needed for response.
  • Preparing staging sites: Preparing four crew staging sites to help ensure a rapid response once conditions have cleared. CenterPoint is securing additional hotel rooms for mutual assistance workers.
  • Informing government officials: Conducted an update call with federal, state, county and city officials to communicate company's pre-storm activities and readiness posture and provide critical updates.
  • Conducting operational update for media and public: Conducting a press briefing at 5 PM CT to provide important updates related to company's pre-storm activities, readiness posture and latest meteorological updates.
  • Conducting outreach to Critical Care Residential and Chronic Care customers: Conducted outreach to all 3,000 identified Critical Care Residential and Chronic Care customers by email, phone or text.
  • Organizing additional call center staffing: Secured additional call center staff to handle higher volume of calls during storm and limit wait times.
  • Coordinating temporary generation: Coordinating closely with local government and community stakeholder partners to identify locations for temporary generation deployment.
  • Sharing customer communications: Shared safety and preparedness actions with CenterPoint customers across social media and other platforms to help residents of the Greater Houston area formulate a plan.

Important Information for Customers
CenterPoint customers are encouraged to enroll in the company's Power Alert Service® to receive outage details, estimated restoration times and customer-specific restoration updates via phone call, text or email. Customers can also stay up-to-date on outages with CenterPoint's new and improved, cloud-based Outage Tracker, which allows customers to see outages by county, city and zip code. The new tracker is capable of handling increased traffic during storms and is ADA- and mobile-friendly.

CenterPoint is encouraging its customers in the Greater Houston area to make preparations and have a plan to stay safe during Tropical Storm Francine. Customers can get storm-related electric, natural gas and flooding safety tips at CenterPointEnergy.com/StormCenter. Additional preparations best practices are available at Ready.gov.

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 Launches “Hurricane Safety and Preparedness Week” to Highlight Importance of Emergency Preparedness

Week-long safety and preparedness effort will highlight increased training efforts, enhanced weather detection abilities, regular communication with government officials and resources available for customers 

 Join the over 90% of CenterPoint customers who are enrolled in Power Alert Service® to stay informed and learn of outages and other vital information during emergencies

HOUSTON — August 18, 2026 — Today, CenterPoint Energy launched its “Hurricane Safety and Preparedness Week" to emphasize the importance of staying prepared throughout the next two months when hurricanes and storms are more likely. As part of this safety campaign, CenterPoint will highlight its ongoing preparedness efforts, including the historic action it has taken to strengthen grid resiliency year-round and minimize outages for its customers. Just as CenterPoint prepares for peak hurricane season, customers are encouraged to prepare too.

“Preparing for hurricanes and severe weather is a year-round priority for all of us at CenterPoint, and with peak hurricane season underway, we are determined to remain ready to support our customers throughout the coming months. We remain laser focused on minimizing the impact of extreme weather on our customers and keeping them informed before, during and after any storms," said Ed De Varona, Senior Vice President of CenterPoint Energy's Electric Business.

Starting today, CenterPoint's “Hurricane Safety and Preparedness Week" campaign will include multiple communications, including social media posts and an email to customers and stakeholders to raise awareness of the actions CenterPoint is taking to stay ready to respond to storms, and how customers can stay safe and prepared at home.

CenterPoint Energy's Hurricane Preparedness Key Actions
CenterPoint Energy has taken extensive steps to prepare for hurricane season and best serve customers across the Greater Houston area, including:

  • Expansive Emergency Training: Completed 25,000+ hours of important FEMA preparedness and response trainings across 800+ employees to maintain readiness.
  • Increased Mutual Aid Resources: Increased the number of frontline workers available to support storm response efforts by up to 20 times the normal workforce, to help restore customers as quickly and safely as possible.
  • Better Damage Assessment Model: Improved the damage assessment process to help identify damage to the grid faster and accelerate power restoration efforts.
  • Stronger Weather Detection: Installed 150 weather stations to improve situational awareness and storm preparedness.
  • New Emergency Operations Center (EOC): Opened a state-of-the-art EOC in accordance with FEMA standards to ensure effective coordination and response with emergency partners and faster restorations for customers.
  • Coordinating with government officials: Providing regular updates to federal, state, county and city officials regarding preparedness activities.
  • Communicating proactively with customers: Providing safety and preparedness information to customers via email, phone and text, across social media platforms and other channels to keep customers informed and prepared.

Actions Customers Can Take to Prepare and Get Up-To-Date Information

  • Sign Up for Power Alert Service® to stay informed, learn of outages and other vital information during emergencies. Customers will receive important updates about gas and electric service via phone call, text or email, including outage details and estimated restoration times.
  • Create a Safety Plan: CenterPoint Energy urges customers to put their safety first and prepare in advance for hurricanes by having a safety plan ready, especially for those who require electricity for life-sustaining equipment or medical needs.
  • Stay Up to Date on Local Outages with CenterPoint Energy's cloud-based Outage Tracker, available in English and Spanish, which shows outages and restoration times by county, city and zip code.
  • Visit CenterPointEnergy.com/ActionCenter for additional preparedness and safety resources.

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 June 30, 2026, the company owned approximately $48.3 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 Foundation Donates $25,000 to Hamilton County Community Foundation to Aid Flood Recovery Efforts

Donation supports long-term recovery for Hoosier families in Hamilton County

INDIANAPOLIS – Aug. 18, 2026 – To help support families and individuals impacted by the recent flooding in central Indiana, the CenterPoint Energy Foundation announced a $25,000 donation to the Hamilton County Community Foundation's Flood Relief Fund.

“All of us at CenterPoint Energy are committed to supporting the Hoosier families and communities we're privileged to serve, and we are proud to help the Hamilton County Community Foundation in their recovery efforts," said Mike Roeder, President of CenterPoint Energy Indiana.

Hamilton County Community Foundation established the Flood Relief Fund to support long-term recovery for residents in Hamilton County, where CenterPoint delivers natural gas service to Hoosier customers. According to the organization, 100% of every gift to the fund will be used to aid local residents and families with long-term recovery. The CenterPoint Energy Foundation's contribution is  funded by CenterPoint Energy shareholders and its giving has no impact on customer rates.

How to help, and how to find help
Donations can be made at hamiltoncountycf.org/donate/.

Hoosiers who need assistance can call 211, a statewide resource that helps connect individuals and families with essential community services, including housing, food, utility assistance and health care.

CenterPoint Energy Foundation donates $10,000 to Heart of Indiana United Way to aid flood recovery efforts

​Donation supports long-term recovery for Hoosier families across Delaware, Fayette, Henry, Madison and Randolph counties

INDIANAPOLIS – Aug. 14, 2026 – To help support families and individuals impacted by the recent flooding that brought more than 11 inches of rain to east central Indiana, the CenterPoint Energy Foundation announced a $10,000 donation to the Heart of Indiana United Way's Flood Recovery Fund. CenterPoint has maintained a strong on-going relationship with Heart of Indiana United Way for more than 15 years.

“All of us at CenterPoint Energy are committed to supporting our Hoosier families and communities we serve, and we are proud to help the Heart of Indiana United Way in their recovery efforts," said Mike Roeder, President of CenterPoint Energy Indiana.

Heart of Indiana United Way established the Flood Recovery Fund to support long-term recovery for residents of Delaware, Fayette, Henry, Madison and Randolph counties, communities where CenterPoint delivers natural gas service to Hoosier customers. According to the organization, 100% of every gift to the fund will be used to aid local residents and families with long-term recovery. The assistance is also funded by CenterPoint Energy shareholders and its giving has no impact on customer rates.

How to help, and how to find help
Donations can be made at fundraise.givesmart.com/f/4p2t/n. Heart of Indiana United Way serves Delaware, Fayette, Henry, Madison and Randolph counties.

Hoosiers who need assistance can call 211, a statewide resource that helps connect individuals and families with essential community services, including housing, food, utility assistance and health care.

National 811 Day: CenterPoint Energy Reminds Nearly Two Million Texas Customers to Always Contact 811 Before Any Digging Projects

​​The free 811 national service is an essential safety step to help keep customers, workers, businesses safe and prevent damage to underground natural gas and electric lines 

HOUSTON – Aug. 11, 2026 – Today, on National 811 Day, CenterPoint Energy is reminding its approximately two million customers in Texas to always contact 811 a few business days before starting any outdoor digging project, big or small. Contacting the 811 national service is free, and is an essential safety step customers, businesses and contractors can – and must - take to prevent service interruptions and avoid potentially life-threatening damage to underground utility lines. In 2026 so far, approximately 3,500 damages have been caused to CenterPoint natural gas lines because digging occurred without underground utility lines being located and marked.

“Contacting 811 is about your safety, and the safety of the community. Whether you're planting a tree, building a fence or taking on another outdoor project, starting with 811 is one of the simplest steps you can take to keep your family, home, and neighbors safe. It is a free service and takes just a few minutes to request that underground utility lines are located and marked. Please always remember, before every digging project, know what's below and contact 811," said Vince Gaeto, Senior Vice President, Natural Gas Business at CenterPoint.

National 811 Day: Simple safety steps

Safe digging practices are essential and help prevent damage to underground natural gas, electric, communications, water and sewer lines and are required by state law. Digging without knowing the approximate location of underground utilities can result in serious injury, as well as service disruptions, fines and costly repairs. 

To prevent damage and stay safe, CenterPoint urges everyone to:

  • Plan ahead and call 811 or visit Texas811.org a few business days before starting work.
  • Confirm all utility lines are marked before beginning work.
  • Adjust project locations, as needed, to maintain a safe distance from utility lines.
  • Confirm hired contractors have contacted 811 before their work.
  • Complete digging within the timeframe required by state law. If work cannot be completed in that time, contact 811 again before continuing.  

Important Safety Reminder: Planting the right tree in the right place
In addition to urging customers to contact 811 before digging, CenterPoint Energy also requests that residents look up before planting a tree to ensure they are planted a safe distance from power lines. Residents can use this guide to learn more about safe planting distances based on the estimated mature height of the tree. Finally, CenterPoint Energy reminds residents to never attempt to trim trees near power lines and to call its forestry team at 800-332-7143 to request an inspection.

What to do if a natural gas line is struck
If a natural gas line is struck outside of a home or business, customers should:

  • Leave the area immediately on foot. Do not attempt to restart or move powered equipment or use your mobile device or any other item that could cause a spark.
  • Go to a safe location, then call 911 and CenterPoint.
  • Remain in a safe area until directed by emergency personnel to do otherwise.
  • Leave all repairs to a trained technician. 

Visit 811BeforeYouDig.com for more information about 811. To learn more about natural gas safety, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/Safety.   

Soundbites on the importance of 811 Day, along with b-roll footage and photos of CenterPoint employees marking underground utilities, can be found here: CNP Digital Asset Mgmt

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 June 30, 2026, the company owned approximately $48.3 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

National 811 Day: CenterPoint Energy Reminds Nearly 950,000 Minnesota Natural Gas Customers to Always Contact 811 Before Any Digging Projects

​The free 811 national service is an essential safety step to help keep customers, workers, businesses safe and prevent damage to underground natural gas and electric lines 

MINNEAPOLIS – Aug. 11, 2026 – Today, on National 811 Day, CenterPoint Energy is reminding its approximately 950,000 natural gas customers in Minnesota to always contact 811 a few business days before starting any outdoor digging project, big or small. Contacting the 811 national service is free, and is an essential safety step customers, businesses and contractors can – and must - take to prevent service interruptions and avoid potentially life-threatening damage to underground utility lines. In 2026 so far, approximately 3,500 damages have been caused to CenterPoint natural gas lines because digging occurred without underground utility lines being located and marked.

“Contacting 811 is about your safety, and the safety of the community. Whether you're planting a tree, building a fence or taking on another outdoor project, starting with 811 is one of the simplest steps you can take to keep your family, home, and neighbors safe. It is a free service and takes just a few minutes to request that underground utility lines are located and marked. Please always remember, before every digging project, know what's below and contact 811," said Vince Gaeto, Senior Vice President, Natural Gas Business at CenterPoint.

National 811 Day: Simple safety steps

Safe digging practices are essential and help prevent damage to underground natural gas, electric, communications, water and sewer lines and are required by state law. Digging without knowing the approximate location of underground utilities can result in serious injury, as well as service disruptions, fines and costly repairs.

To prevent damage and stay safe, CenterPoint urges everyone to:

  • Plan ahead and call 811 or visit GopherStateOneCall.org a few business days before starting work.
  • Confirm all utility lines are marked before beginning work.
  • Adjust project locations, as needed, to maintain a safe distance from utility lines.
  • Confirm hired contractors have contacted 811 before their work.
  • Complete digging within the timeframe required by state law. If work cannot be completed in that time, contact 811 again before continuing.  

What to do if a natural gas line is struck
If a natural gas line is struck outside of a home or business, customers should:

  • Leave the area immediately on foot. Do not attempt to restart or move powered equipment or use your mobile device or any other item that could cause a spark.
  • Go to a safe location, then call 911 and CenterPoint.
  • Remain in a safe area until directed by emergency personnel to do otherwise.
  • Leave all repairs to a trained technician. ​

Visit 811BeforeYouDig.com for more information about 811. To learn more about natural gas safety, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/Safety.   

Soundbites on the importance of 811 Day, along with b-roll footage and photos of CenterPoint employees marking underground utilities, can be found here: CNP Digital Asset Mgmt

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 June 30, 2026, the company owned approximately $48.3 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​