CenterPoint Energy files request to recover investments in pipeline safety and modernization in west central Ohio
Significant capital investments include pipeline replacement, modern meters and advanced leak detection as part of commitment to improve safety and modernize service
2024-10-29T05:00:00Z

​Dayton – Oct. 29, 2024 – CenterPoint Energy's Ohio-based natural gas business today filed an application with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) to recover costs incurred to build a safer and more modern natural gas system for more than 333,000 customers in its 16-county service area in West Central Ohio. The company's proposal includes recovery of costs for critical and continued investments in gas safety, reliability and infrastructure improvements.

“Our top priority is to continue to strengthen the safety and reliability of the natural gas service we provide to our customers and communities," said Ashley Babcock, CenterPoint's Vice President of Gas Operations, Indiana and Ohio. “From installing new industry-grade pipes and more advanced meters, to improving leak detection and meeting the needs of our customers, these investments support our ability to deliver the level of service that our customers expect and deserve."

Ongoing gas system safety improvements

To meet the region's needs, CenterPoint has invested $830 million in its Ohio natural gas infrastructure since 2018. Key benefits to customers from investments have included:  ​

  • Pipeline replacement: Nearly 400 miles of bare steel and cast-iron pipes, along with approximately 70 miles of coated steel, have been replaced.
  • System modernization: Approximately 30,000 new advanced meters have been installed to enhance measurement accuracy and integrate safety features.
  • Leak detection and mitigation: The deployment of Picarro leak detection technology has improved safety by identifying leaks earlier and reduced methane emissions.
  • Service expansion: New service lines and more than 12,500 new gas service installations have been completed, expanding access in residential and business communities while supporting economic growth and development.
    • CenterPoint has collaborated with local leaders on transformative projects, such as extending natural gas service to support the Menards manufacturing facility in Fayette County, which brought an $81.5 million investment and 150 new jobs, and the Royal Canin pet food facility in Preble County, attracting $390 million and 224 jobs.
  • Transmission line upgrades: Large high-pressure pipelines have been upgraded to meet regulatory standards.

​CenterPoint's proposal, which represents the first time in six years the company has sought a rate adjustment, would result in an increase of approximately $23 per month for the average residential customer. The PUCO's review of CenterPoint's request is expected to take several months, with a final decision expected by early 2026. During this time, CenterPoint is committed to engaging with its customers and welcomes public input as part of its commitment to meet the current and future needs of its natural gas customers.

A commitment to supporting our customers
CenterPoint is committed to supporting its customers with a variety of programs, as well as tips and tools that provide assistance for those facing financial hardship, while also providing help to all customers to better manage bills and save energy. Among the programs, tips and tools available include:

  • 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 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.

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 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) CenterPoint Energy's business strategies and strategic initiatives; (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 Report on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2024, June 30, 2024, and September 30, 2024 and other reports CenterPoint Energy or its subsidiaries may file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


 Recent News

 

 
CenterPoint Energy expands affordability efforts with no-cost smart thermostats to help southwestern Indiana customers

​​EVANSVILLE, Ind. – April 16, 2026 – As part of its continued focus on customer affordability, CenterPoint Energy customers can lower their energy usage by ordering a smart thermostat at no cost through the company's Online Energy Efficiency Store, with eligible rebates applied automatically at checkout.

How smart thermostats help customers save
Smart thermostats give customers more control over their cooling and heating by allowing them to:

  • Set schedules based on daily and weekly routines
  • Adjust temperatures remotely
  • Track cooling and heating activity to identify ways to save

“Our customers have told us managing energy costs is their top priority. That is why we are focused on helping them take control of their energy use and lower their bills," said Mike Roeder, President of CenterPoint Energy Indiana. “A smart thermostat is one of the most practical steps a customer can take to start saving, and it's one of the many ways we're working to help customers manage their energy costs."

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostats save an average of 8% on cooling and heating costs annually.

Customers can also monitor their overall energy use through CenterPoint's mobile app, available for free in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, to identify usage patterns and find additional ways to save.

Bill credits through Smart Cycle
CenterPoint Indiana Electric customers who have a smart thermostat can take an additional step to lower their bills by enrolling in Smart Cycle, a voluntary program that provides bill credits while helping support grid reliability during periods of high demand.

Enrolled customers can earn:

  • A one-time $75 credit after registering​
  • A $7.50 monthly bill credit across the nine-month season from March through November ($67.50 total)

That’s up to $142.50 in potential first-year savings per device, on top of the cooling and heating savings a smart thermostat provides.

Customers can check eligibility and enroll at CenterPointEnergy.com/SmartCycle.

Additional offerings through the Online Energy Efficiency Store
The Online Energy Efficiency Store offers customers multiple ways to reduce energy costs. The store also offers discounted LED lighting and water-saving fixtures. For a limited time, customers who purchase a qualifying dehumidifier will receive a free tabletop air purifier while supplies last.

Customers can browse all available products and seasonal deals at CenterPointEnergy.com/Shop.

Continued focus on customer affordability
CenterPoint's Online Energy Efficiency Store, launched in November 2024, is one of several resources available to help customers manage energy costs. Since announcing its initial Community Affordability Actions in October 2025, the company has continued to expand programs and bill management tools for southwestern Indiana customers.

Those additional resources are available through the Resource Hub at CenterPointEnergy.com/ResourceHub.

Local governmental agencies and first responder organizations within CenterPoint Energy’s footprint encouraged to apply for a Community Safety Grant

​EVANSVILLE, Ind. – April 9, 2026 – Local governmental agencies across CenterPoint Energy's service areas in Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio and Texas are invited to apply for the company's annual Community Safety Grant Program. Grants support local safety equipment and safety‑related projects that aim to make a meaningful difference within the communities the company serves. Applications are now open online through April 30, 2026.

CenterPoint awards grants of up to $2,500 to eligible local governmental agencies to support community safety needs within its service areas. Since launching the program in 2003, CenterPoint has awarded approximately $3.5 million in grants to help fund nearly 1,700 safety projects, supporting communities in enhancing public safety and wellbeing.

“At CenterPoint, safety is our top core value, and this drives every effort we take for the customers and communities we are privileged to serve. We know that safer communities are stronger communities, and that's why we appreciate being able to give back to enhance the safety of the locations where we live and work," said Jesus Soto, CenterPoint's Chief Operating Officer. “Through our Community Safety Grant Program, we're proud to support our local governmental agencies, emergency responders and local officials who work every day to improve the health and safety of our neighbors across the communities we serve."

Community Safety Grants have enabled a wide range of projects to enhance public safety, including installing public automated external defibrillators (AEDs), upgrading emergency communication equipment, purchasing personal protective equipment for first responders, enhancing a community's disaster preparedness efforts and purchasing utility locating devices.

Each community CenterPoint serves that is interested in this program should submit a grant application with information outlining a community safety project and how grant funding would help address that need.

To learn more about CenterPoint's commitment to the communities it serves and to apply for a Community Safety Grant, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/Community.  

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 December 31, 2025, the company owned approximately $46.5 billion in assets. With approximately 8,800 employees, CenterPoint and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years.​

Local governmental agencies and first responder organizations within CenterPoint Energy’s footprint encouraged to apply for a Community Safety Grant

Approximately $3.5 million has been awarded to support nearly 1,700 safety projects since grant program launched

DAYTON, Ohio – April 8, 2026 – Local governmental agencies across CenterPoint Energy's service areas in Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio and Texas are invited to apply for the company's annual Community Safety Grant Program. Grants support local safety equipment and safety‑related projects that aim to make a meaningful difference within the communities the company serves. Applications are now open online through April 30, 2026.

CenterPoint awards grants of up to $2,500 to eligible local governmental agencies to support community safety needs within its service areas. Since launching the program in 2003, CenterPoint has awarded approximately $3.5 million in grants to help fund nearly 1,700 safety projects, supporting communities in enhancing public safety and wellbeing.

“At CenterPoint, safety is our top core value, and this drives every effort we take for the customers and communities we are privileged to serve. We know that safer communities are stronger communities, and that's why we appreciate being able to give back to enhance the safety of the locations where we live and work," said Jesus Soto, CenterPoint's Chief Operating Officer. “Through our Community Safety Grant Program, we're proud to support our local governmental agencies, emergency responders and local officials who work every day to improve the health and safety of our neighbors across the communities we serve."

Community Safety Grants have enabled a wide range of projects to enhance public safety, including installing public automated external defibrillators (AEDs), upgrading emergency communication equipment, purchasing personal protective equipment for first responders, enhancing a community's disaster preparedness efforts and purchasing utility locating devices.

Each community CenterPoint serves that is interested in this program should submit a grant application with information outlining a community safety project and how grant funding would help address that need.

To learn more about CenterPoint's commitment to the communities it serves and to apply for a Community Safety Grant, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/Community.  

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 December 31, 2025, the company owned approximately $46.5 billion in assets. With approximately 8,800 employees, CenterPoint and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years.​​

Local governmental agencies and first responder organizations within CenterPoint Energy’s footprint encouraged to apply for a Community Safety Grant

Approximately $3.5 million has been awarded to support nearly 1,700 safety projects since grant program launched​

MINNEAPOLIS – April 8, 2026 – Local governmental agencies across CenterPoint Energy's service areas in Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio and Texas are invited to apply for the company's annual Community Safety Grant Program. Grants support local safety equipment and safety‑related projects that aim to make a meaningful difference within the communities the company serves. Applications are now open online through April 30, 2026.

CenterPoint awards grants of up to $2,500 to eligible local governmental agencies to support community safety needs within its service areas. Since launching the program in 2003, CenterPoint has awarded approximately $3.5 million in grants to help fund nearly 1,700 safety projects, supporting communities in enhancing public safety and wellbeing.

“At CenterPoint, safety is our top core value, and this drives every effort we take for the customers and communities we are privileged to serve. We know that safer communities are stronger communities, and that's why we appreciate being able to give back to enhance the safety of the locations where we live and work," said Jesus Soto, CenterPoint's Chief Operating Officer. “Through our Community Safety Grant Program, we're proud to support our local governmental agencies, emergency responders and local officials who work every day to improve the health and safety of our neighbors across the communities we serve."

Community Safety Grants have enabled a wide range of projects to enhance public safety, including installing public automated external defibrillators (AEDs), upgrading emergency communication equipment, purchasing personal protective equipment for first responders, enhancing a community's disaster preparedness efforts and purchasing utility locating devices.

Each community CenterPoint serves that is interested in this program should submit a grant application with information outlining a community safety project and how grant funding would help address that need.

To learn more about CenterPoint's commitment to the communities it serves and to apply for a Community Safety Grant, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/Community.  

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 December 31, 2025, the company owned approximately $46.5 billion in assets. With approximately 8,800 employees, CenterPoint and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years.​​

CenterPoint Energy delivering on Affordability Actions for southwestern Indiana customers six months after initial commitments

​EVANSVILLE, Ind. – April 6, 2026 – CenterPoint Energy made a public commitment to prioritize affordability for its southwestern Indiana customers in October 2025. Six months later, the company has delivered a series of actions to reduce bill impacts, launch new customer programs, improve billing transparency and bring support directly into the community.

“Our customers and stakeholders have made one thing clear: affordability continues to be the top priority for many households and businesses. We've been laser-focused on delivering on that pledge to help lessen bill impacts, and we're not finished," said Mike Roeder, President of CenterPoint Energy Indiana. “Every program we launch, every event we hold and every tool we build is part of the same commitment we made last fall. We'll continue working alongside our customers and stakeholders to prioritize affordability while delivering the reliable energy southwestern Indiana depends on."

Community Affordability Actions
In October 2025, CenterPoint announced an initial series of Community Affordability Actions designed to prioritize customer affordability while balancing the future energy needs of southwestern Indiana, including:

  • Keeping electric base rates stable by targeting any rate change below or near the rate of inflation through 2027.
  • Cancelling nearly $1 billion in previously approved projects that had become non-economical, an action that equates to savings for residential customers of approximately $18 per month of avoided costs through 2027.
  • Continuing to support regional growth that benefits customers, including jobs, tax base and economic development for southwestern Indiana.

Community Energy Improvement Fund
In October 2025, the CenterPoint Energy Foundation announced the Community Energy Improvement Fund, a $5 million commitment to support weatherization, energy efficiency and cost-saving programs and local economic development efforts across the Evansville region:

Community Connect
CenterPoint hosted five initial Community Connect events across southwestern Indiana in November 2025 as part of its commitment to listen to customer feedback, highlight local energy improvements and address customer priorities:

  • In 2026, the company expanded the program, hosting five events so far this year and connecting more than 150 customers and community members with one-on-one account assistance, information on available programs and direct access to local CenterPoint teams.
  • For the first time in years, CenterPoint welcomed customers back into CenterPoint Energy Plaza in Downtown Evansville for in-person support.
  • CenterPoint is on track to host more than 30 Community Connect events throughout 2026, meeting customers in their neighborhoods, workplaces and community gathering spaces.

The next Community Connect event will be held at the CenterPoint Energy Plaza, 211 NW Riverside Dr., Evansville, on Wednesday, April 8.
 
Tools and resources
CenterPoint has introduced and expanded tools and resources to help customers better understand and manage their energy use and bills:

  • A redesigned electric bill format that breaks monthly charges into four clear categories, with definitions printed directly on each bill
  • An expanded Customer Resource Hub bringing billing tools, payment options, energy efficiency programs and financial assistance resources together in one place
  • The TimeWise pilot, a new voluntary time-of-use pricing program approved by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission that allows participating customers to save by shifting energy use to lower-cost hours
  • New customer protections through the Indiana Electric rate case settlement, including annual late-fee waivers upon request, reduced reconnection fees and safeguards for medically vulnerable customers

What's ahead
CenterPoint is pursuing additional steps to further reduce bill impacts for customers:

  • Working with stakeholders to attract large load customers to southwest Indiana to help lower bills
  • Developing new tools such as weekly personalized energy use updates to help customers manage consumption
  • Initiating a proceeding later this year to combine the rates of its two Indiana natural gas service territories to benefit southwestern Indiana customers

Customers looking for help managing energy costs can visit CenterPointEnergy.com/ResourceHub or call 1-800-227-1376. Upcoming Community Connect dates and locations are available at CenterPointEnergy.com/CommunityConnect.​