CenterPoint Energy Continuing to Plan and Prepare for Impacts from Tropical Storm Rafael Across its Multi-State Gulf Coast Service Area
CenterPoint Energy Continuing to Plan and Prepare for Impacts from Tropical Storm Rafael Across its Multi-State Gulf Coast Service Area
2024-11-05T06:00:00Z
  • CenterPoint continuing to monitor the latest weather updates and forecasts to be ready to respond to the potential effects of Tropical Storm Rafael
  • Company continuing to communicate to electric and natural gas customers in Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi and coordinate with emergency partners
  • More than 2.25 million natural gas customers in Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi have been urged to take proactive safety measures

HOUSTON, Nov. 5, 2024 - With Tropical Storm Rafael continuing to organize today and grow stronger, CenterPoint Energy is diligently monitoring the weather and preparing for potential responses to impacts, which may occur in Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. The company has been coordinating closely with emergency and agency partners, sharing safety information with customers and mobilizing resources across its service area in preparation for impacts and outages across its multi-state Gulf Coast service area.  

"We remain vigilant as Tropical Storm Rafael's path becomes more defined, and we are prepared to respond to any potential impacts on both our electric and natural gas networks. CenterPoint will continue to coordinate with our emergency partners as we focus on getting ready to restore service to customers as safely and quickly as possible following the storm's impact. We will also continue sharing important safety information with our customers, and we urge everyone in the path of the storm to take the necessary preparation steps to keep themselves and their loved ones safe," said Richard Leger, CenterPoint's Senior Vice President of Gas Business.

"We have been monitoring the storm's potential path and preparing our employees, resources and equipment for a potential storm event and sharing safety messages with our customers and communities along the Gulf Coast. We will continue to coordinate with local, state and federal officials, first responders and emergency management agencies as we prepare for Tropical Storm Rafael's impact. Our focus is clear: to get ready to respond and restore service to our impacted customers," said Bo Murphy, CenterPoint's Vice President of Louisiana and Mississippi Natural Gas.

Responding to potential impacts across Gulf Coast service territory
Across its service areas in Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas, CenterPoint is carefully monitoring Tropical Storm Rafael and taking immediate preparedness actions. The company will continue preparing to deploy frontline crews to efficiently clear storm debris, repair system damage and restore electricity and natural gas service to impacted customers.

Safety Tips for Natural Gas Customers
CenterPoint is reminding customers to stay safe prior to, during and after Tropical Storm Rafael by following these natural gas safety tips: 

  • Do not turn off your natural gas service at the meter in advance of the storm; doing so could allow water to enter the natural gas lines should flooding occur. If you wish to discontinue gas service, turn off the natural gas at each appliance.
  • Always be alert for the smell of natural gas. If you smell natural gas, leave the area immediately on foot and tell others to leave, too.
  • If you smell natural gas, do not turn the lights on or off, smoke, strike a match, use a cell phone or operate anything that might cause a spark, including a flashlight or a generator.
  • Do not attempt to turn natural gas valves on or off.
  • Once safely away from the area, call 1-888-876-5786 and CenterPoint will send a trained service technician.
  • If your home is flooded, call a licensed plumber or natural gas appliance technician to inspect your appliances and gas piping to make sure they are in good operating condition before calling CenterPoint to reconnect service. This includes outdoor natural gas appliances including pool heaters, gas grills and gas lights.
  • If you are planning any digging or clearing as part of your pre- or post-hurricane activities, please call 811, the nationwide Call Before You Dig number, to locate underground natural gas lines and other underground utility lines.
  • Know where your natural gas meter is located. As debris is put out for heavy trash pickup, make sure it is placed away from the meter. In many areas the meter may be located near the curb. If debris is near a natural gas meter, the mechanized equipment used by trash collectors could pull up the meter, damaging it and causing a potentially hazardous situation. If this happens, leave the area immediately and call CenterPoint at 1-888-876-5786.

Important Information for Electric Customers
At this time, the Greater Houston area is not expected to be heavily impacted by Tropical Storm Rafael's potential impacts, but storms are unpredictable, conditions can change rapidly and storm-related outages could occur. CenterPoint electric 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 encourages all customers to have a plan to stay safe
CenterPoint is encouraging all of its customers to prepare and have a plan to stay safe during Tropical Storm Rafael. Customers can get storm-related electric, natural gas and flooding safety tips at CenterPointEnergy.com/StormCenter. Additional preparation best practices are available at Ready.gov. 

For the latest updates, follow CenterPoint on X (formerly Twitter) for real-time updates. For more information and other resources, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/NaturalGasSafety. 

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.

Media contact:
Media.Relations@CenterPointEnergy.com 

SOURCE CenterPoint Energy

 Recent News

 

 
100 Days to World Cup matches: CenterPoint Energy performing critical electric and gas infrastructure preparedness actions ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup matches in Houston

​HOUSTON — March 4, 2026 — With 100 days before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, CenterPoint Energy's electric, natural gas, and emergency response teams continue preparedness efforts as tens of thousands of enthusiastic fans gear up to descend on Houston for seven world-class matches this summer. CenterPoint continues to coordinate with local stakeholders and leaders and perform inspections of the company's equipment serving event-zone areas, NRG Stadium, airports, key hospitality locations and more to support increased activity during the World Cup games and festivities. These preparedness efforts show CenterPoint's dedication not only to the passionate fans coming to Houston, but the company's continued commitment to the 2.9 million customers throughout the Greater Houston area who depend on safe, reliable electric and natural gas service.

Over the last several months, CenterPoint's electric operations crews have completed hazard-mitigation inspections and field reviews with public safety partners serving communities around NRG Stadium, the Downtown area, Houston's airports and other key locations affiliated with the World Cup matches in Houston. CenterPoint's Emergency Preparedness and Response teams continue working with FIFA and emergency response partners on access protocols, joint planning and exercises, as well as developing event action and staffing plans to assure readiness posture on match days.
 
“The World Cup is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Houston. Our teams are committed to powering every moment, whether it's the lights at NRG stadium, hotels hosting international guests, or the fan festivals downtown. The preparations we've been taking are crucial to making this event a success," said Jesus Soto, CenterPoint's Chief Operating Officer.

CenterPoint's natural gas operations teams are carrying out a comprehensive readiness plan to support World Cup activities. Crews are performing inspections and repairs to critical sites and conducting daily patrols in specific areas, such as major and regional airports, the Texas Medical Center, and throughout downtown Houston to detect and prevent unauthorized excavation. These groups will expand patrol coverage before matches begin in the summer.

“Crews are performing proactive infrastructure maintenance across all event‑area systems, tracking and closing out work to keep our infrastructure in top condition," said Soto. “We stand ready to deliver the safe and reliable natural gas service that will keep homes and businesses connected and thriving during this global celebration."
 
FIFA World Cup preparations
As the countdown begins, teams across CenterPoint continue to plan company-wide to provide safe and reliable service to customers and soccer enthusiasts before and during the games and the citywide celebrations.

FIFA World Cup safety and readiness actions taken by CenterPoint include:

  • Completed hazard‑mitigation inspections on all priority electric infrastructure serving NRG Stadium, airports, VIP corridors and fan/event zones to reduce outage risks;
  • Identified and scheduled all area grid resiliency work to complete upgrades before match dates and position materials ahead of deadlines;
  • Conducted supplemental field reviews with public safety partners to verify crew access, restoration capability and coordinated response routes;
  • Continued infrastructure inspections of underground infrastructure by CenterPoint's natural gas and electric crews, confirming stadium‑area reliability and underground infrastructure health;
  • Greater Houston area airports electric and natural gas infrastructure inspections;
  • Damage Prevention teams conducting patrols around airports, Texas Medical Center, downtown and other areas to prevent unauthorized digging; and
  • Emergency Preparedness and Response team leading enterprise-wide readiness, including event action plans, staffing plans and joint planning with city and county leaders and law enforcement agencies.

Important ways to stay connected to CenterPoint  
Electric customers can enroll in the company's Power Alert Service® to receive power outage details, estimated restoration times and customer-specific restoration updates via phone call, email or text. Customers can also stay up to date with CenterPoint's Outage Tracker, which allows customers to see power outages by county, city and zip code. 

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.​

CenterPoint Energy encourages Minnesotans to use available payment assistance resources to help manage winter heating bills

MINNEAPOLIS – March 2, 2026 – As winter weather continues, CenterPoint Energy understands that colder weather can create financial strain for many Minnesota households. Customers are encouraged to reach out now to explore options to help manage their natural gas bills and find out about support programs that may be available.
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“Whether experiencing temporary or ongoing challenges, our team is available to help guide customers through options available to them. From payment arrangements to payment assistance to energy efficiency programs, customers can use available tools and programs to manage their bills and reduce their energy use. Reaching out now can make a difference in keeping customers and their loved ones safe and warm throughout the heating season," said Brad Steber, CenterPoint Energy's Vice President, Minnesota Gas. 

Cold weather protections for residential customers
Under Minnesota's Cold Weather Rule, residential customers having difficulty paying their heating bills can prevent disconnection of their service by setting up and maintaining a payment plan with their utility.

CenterPoint customers can arrange a payment plan by calling 800-245-2377 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday-Friday, or visiting CenterPointEnergy.com/PaymentAssistance. Payment agreements consider a customer's current financial situation, including recent changes.

Payment assistance and bill management resources
Customers can work with CenterPoint representatives to be referred to assistance through Minnesota's Energy Assistance Program, which helps income-eligible households with home heating costs and furnace repairs. Funds are available to Minnesotans this season. 

Customers can also opt in to an Average Monthly Billing Plan to help spread costs throughout the year to balance out payments and manage winter payment peaks, at CenterPointEnergy.com/MyAccount or by calling 800-245-2377.

Energy efficiency programs help reduce energy use and manage costs
Residential customers, including renters, are encouraged to take part in CenterPoint's efficiency programs, such as:

  • Home energy assessment: CenterPoint and Xcel Energy's Home Energy Squad® provides customers with a home energy assessment that includes a personalized energy savings plan and support in identifying qualified contractors and rebates. Schedule a visit at: CenterPointEnergy.com/HomeEnergySquad.
  • Visit the online Energy Efficiency Store: Customers can access free and discounted products including smart and programmable thermostats, weatherstripping, low-flow showerheads and more at CenterPoint's online Energy Efficiency Store.
  • Air sealing and insulation rebates: Upgrading air sealing and insulation can reduce energy waste and improve home comfort. Residential customers can receive rebates of up to $3,000 for insulation work completed by a qualifying contractor. 

For qualifying customers, programs may be available at a reduced rate or at no cost. Learn more about energy efficiency programs at CenterPointEnergy.com/SaveEnergy.​

CenterPoint Energy renews commitment to keep its Indiana Electric rates stable through 2027; Completes final phase of first rate case since 2009

Completed rate case, phased in over 13 months, supported historic, decade-long infrastructure improvements, and has already reduced outage frequency and duration in 2025
 
Final phase of rate case will result in increase of approximately $6.86 per month for residential customers, impact to decrease to less than $4.50 per month 

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – March 2, 2026 – CenterPoint Energy today reaffirmed its commitment to keeping electric base rates stable for southwestern Indiana customers through 2027, as it concludes the final phase of the first rate case brought forward by the company since 2009. The 2023 rate case, which was approved by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) in February of last year, supported a historic series of critical, decade-long infrastructure investments and reliability improvements across the southwestern Indiana region. To date, these critical system improvements strengthened overall reliability by reducing outage frequency by nearly 10%, and shrinking outage duration by 14%, over the last year alone.

“Our highest priority is continuing to deliver safe, reliable power that our southwestern Indiana customers expect and deserve. Today we are reaffirming our commitment to keeping rates stable through 2027, while recognizing the importance of investing in the region's electric system that will continue to deliver meaningful improvements to reliability, resiliency and safety to our Hoosier customers, their families and our local businesses," said Mike Roeder, President of CenterPoint Energy Indiana.​

Investing In Indiana: Strengthening reliability and resiliency

The 2023 rate case supported a series of critical investments in reliability and resiliency. These actions include:

  • Upgrading 11,000+ new and stronger poles, transmission towers and enhancing related infrastructure to ensure better reliability and resiliency
  • Clearing 7,000+ miles of vegetation to reduce storm-related outages
  • Deploying 159,000+ smart meters to improve restoration times and give customers more control of their energy usage
  • Adding more than 650 MW of new generation in Posey County with 460 MW of natural gas generation and 191 MW of solar to reliably serve the region for decades to come

To date, the series of investments made over the last decade has improved overall reliability by:

  • Preventing 8 million outage minutes since 2021
  • Reducing the frequency of outages nearly 10% over the last 12 months
  • Lowering the duration of outages by 14% over the last 12 months
  • Achieving a 23% decrease in customers experiencing four or more outages in a year
  • Reducing the average frequency of outages by 44% since 2011
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Final phase of 2025 rate case
Today, CenterPoint submitted its final rate case adjustment that funded these critical reliability investments and improvements over several years, resulting in a final increase, beginning in March of 2026, of approximately $6.86 per month for the average residential customer that uses 799 kWh. As part of its affordability commitments, CenterPoint estimates that this initial increase will be reduced by approximately $2.45 in the spring of this year following the approval of a rate case-related rider adjustment, translating into a total rate case adjustment for this final phase of approximately $4.41 per month. As previously outlined, CenterPoint has made a commitment to keep electric base rates stable for southwestern Indiana customers this year and next year.

Taking Action to Prioritize Customer Affordability
As part of its commitment to customer affordability initially announced in fall of 2025, CenterPoint continues to prioritize a series of Community Affordability Actions to reduce rate impacts, promote energy and cost savings programs for customers and support local community development. Among these important actions include:

  • Keeping rates stable through 2027
  • Canceling nearly $1 billion in generation projects, resulting in customers saving approximately $18 per month through 2027
  • Saving customers $5 monthly through implementing the only securitization pilot in the state beginning in 2023

“We will continue to be available to customers through our upcoming Community Connects to continue the conversation and listening to the community," Roeder said. “We know these bills are not easy to manage and I want to build on what we heard last fall and continue to make incremental improvements based on feedback."

Customer support programs and resources

Financial assistance and cost and energy saving programs and resources are available to CenterPoint customers, including seasonal energy assistance programs, subsidized rates, payment plans and rebates. Customers looking for help managing energy costs can visit the Customer Resource Hub at CenterPointEnergy.com/ResourceHub or call 1-800-227-1376 to learn more about these programs and resources.

New CenterPoint Energy Foundation programs help local nonprofits and small businesses cut energy costs and reinvest in community services

​EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Feb. 27, 2026 – Nonprofits, small businesses and local manufacturers across southwestern Indiana will soon have new opportunities to lower their energy bills and strengthen their operations through three customer‑focused programs announced today by the CenterPoint Energy Foundation. The new initiatives — Optimize for Good, Optimize for Local and Optimize for Growth — will offer up to $25,000 in matching grant funding.

These programs are the next phase of the Foundation's $5 million Community Energy Improvement Fund (CEIF), launched in October 2025 to support energy efficiency, weatherization and economic development across the region. Today's announcement marks the next phase of that commitment.

“We are continuing our commitment to be a community partner and provide new tools for all customer types," said Mike Roeder, President of CenterPoint Energy Indiana. “These three new programs put real resources behind the local nonprofits, small businesses and small manufacturers that make southwestern Indiana what it is — helping them cut energy costs so they can focus on what they do best."

Optimize for Good: Helping nonprofits reinvest in their communities
Optimize for Good will help southwestern Indiana nonprofits lower facility energy costs. Each participating organization will receive a professional facility assessment with improvement recommendations and will be eligible for up to $25,000 in matching grant funding to implement a priority project — such as upgrading lighting, HVAC systems or building insulation. By reducing energy expenses, nonprofits can redirect limited dollars toward the community missions they serve.

Optimize for Local: Lowering energy usage and costs for neighborhood businesses
Optimize for Local will help locally owned independent restaurants and retailers make energy efficiency upgrades — such as improved HVAC, refrigeration or lighting — with up to $25,000 each in matching grant funding. The program supports the neighborhood businesses customers see and visit every day across southwestern Indiana.

Optimize for Growth: Strengthening local industry and regional growth
Optimize for Growth will help small industrial businesses — including small manufacturers, processors and fabricators — complete energy efficiency improvements with up to $25,000 in matching grant funding. Supporting these businesses helps strengthen the region's economic base and the ability of the businesses to scale and compete.

For all three programs, matching grant funding means the CEIF shares the cost of approved projects with participating organizations. Participants will be selected through an application process, with applications expected to open this spring. Program details, eligibility and application information will be available at CenterPointEnergy.com/Optimize. Optimize participants may also be eligible for additional rebates on qualifying equipment through CenterPoint's existing commercial energy efficiency programs. More information is available at CenterPointEnergy.com/INBusinessRebates.

Ongoing commitment to affordability 
The three new programs join the CEIF's first initiative, the Home Repair & Care program, which launched in January in partnership with Community One to help homeowners make critical repairs that reduce energy waste and improve efficiency. Since its launch, Home Repair & Care is currently serving 36 households, with more on the way.

The CEIF is part of CenterPoint's broader Community Affordability Actions, a series of steps taken since October 2025 to support southwestern Indiana customers. Since then, the company has introduced additional bill management tools, expanded customer support programs and implemented additional protections as part of the Indiana Electric rate case settlement – such as annual late-fee waivers upon request, reduced reconnection fees and safeguards for medically vulnerable customers.

Residential customers looking for ways to manage energy costs can explore energy efficiency programs, bill assistance and other resources at CenterPointEnergy.com/ResourceHub.​

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New Home Repair & Care program helps southwestern Indiana families save money and complete essential home repairs

​EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Feb. 26, 2026 – CenterPoint Energy's southwestern Indiana customers are already seeing meaningful savings as a result of the company's new Home Care & Repair program. Since launching in January, more than 850 applications have been received, with 36 households receiving essential repairs and many more in progress.

When Evansville retiree Bill Sigler and his wife bought their home seven years ago, it came with a water heater that was already showing its age. The 23-year-old unit would pop and gurgle each time it kicked on, a sign of heavy sediment buildup after years without maintenance.  Living on a fixed income, Bill and his wife knew it would need to be replaced eventually but had been putting it off.

“I was always thinking, that thing's going to go out anytime," Sigler said. “We're retired and on a fixed income. A major repair like that isn't something you can just absorb."

Then Sigler received an email about the Home Repair & Care program, backed by the CenterPoint Energy Foundation's $5 million Community Energy Improvement Fund (CEIF) and implemented by Community One. He applied, and within days, a representative from Community One visited his home to assess the project. By the following Monday, the aging unit was replaced with a new, more energy-efficient 40-gallon water heater at no cost to the family.

“I was surprised that we qualified," Sigler said. “There aren't a lot of programs out there for people in our situation. This saved us money and now we have peace of mind. We don't have to worry about the water heater going out."

A program designed to fill the gap
Since launching, Home Repair & Care has helped CenterPoint customers who may not have qualified for existing assistance programs make critical repairs that reduce energy waste and save money over time.

“Bill's story is exactly why Home Repair & Care exists. Whether it's a new, more efficient water heater, a roof repair or added insulation, these projects are designed to help customers use less energy while making their homes safer and more comfortable," said Mike Roeder, President of CenterPoint Energy Indiana. “We made a commitment to take meaningful action to support our customers and communities, and I'm proud of our local team and the team at Community One for delivering on that promise, helping families make their homes safer, more comfortable and more energy efficient."
 
Strong demand across region
Since January, the program has seen strong demand from customers across the region:

  • 855 applications received from CenterPoint Energy customers
  • 521 applications submitted in the first 48 hours
  • 36 homes already receiving repairs, with more underway

This high demand reflects significant home repair and energy efficiency needs across the region. Due to the volume of applications, Community One will pause new applications in April to focus on delivering quality improvements for current eligible applicants.

“This program is reaching homeowners who have real repair needs but haven't had a way to address them. When a major home repair is completed it provides neighbors with peace of mind and contributes to their overall stability and wellbeing," said Jessica Welcher, Executive Director of Community One.
 
Continued commitment to customers
Home Repair & Care is the first initiative to launch under the CEIF, CenterPoint Energy Foundation's $5 million commitment to support weatherization, energy efficiency and cost-saving programs across southwestern Indiana. The Foundation expects to announce additional initiatives soon.

The program builds on a series of Community Affordability Actions CenterPoint launched in October 2025. Since then, the company has introduced additional bill management tools and programs for southwestern Indiana customers and proposed customer protections as part of the Indiana Electric rate case settlement, such as annual late fee waivers upon request, reduced reconnection fees and additional safeguards for medically vulnerable customers.

As repairs are completed, CenterPoint and Community One will share additional customer impact stories in the coming months.

More ways for customers to save
CenterPoint customers can explore additional energy efficiency programs and tools to help manage energy costs at CenterPointEnergy.com/ResourceHub.​

About the CenterPoint Energy Foundation 
The CenterPoint Energy Foundation provides philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where CenterPoint Energy customers live and work. The Foundation is funded by shareholders and has no impact on customer rates. More information about the Foundation can be found at CenterPointEnergy.com/Foundation. 

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 Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.    

About Community One 
Community One is a Christian nonprofit that is transforming the city of Evansville from the inside out by helping neighbors love their neighbors. They do this by connecting and mobilizing people from every corner of the community to serve one another through tangible acts of love. By coming together and helping one another, every neighbor and neighborhood can experience social, physical, and spiritual restoration. To learn more about Community One or to join their efforts through volunteering, donating, or sponsoring a project, visit their website at community1.org or email info@community1.org.