CenterPoint Energy continues to invest in the safety, reliability and resiliency of its natural gas system to benefit customers
CenterPoint Energy continues to invest in the safety, reliability and resiliency of its natural gas system to benefit customers
2024-11-25T06:00:00Z

The company filed a settlement agreement with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission reached with intervenors on its 2023 rate case

MINNEAPOLIS, Nov. 25, 2024 - Today, CenterPoint Energy filed a settlement agreement with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (Commission) for its rate case submitted in November 2023, to adjust natural gas distribution service rates in 2024 and 2025. The company reached a settlement agreement with all intervening parties including: Minnesota Department of Commerce, Minnesota Office of Attorney General – Residential Utilities Division, Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota, International Union of Operating Engineers Local 49, LIUNA of Minnesota and North Dakota, and Suburban Rate Authority.

If approved by the Commission, CenterPoint's rate adjustment will enable the company to:

  • Continue to maintain the safety, resiliency and integrity of its natural gas distribution system to benefit the company's more than 920,000 customers in over 260 local Minnesota communities.
  • Continue to support the advancement of low- and zero-carbon technologies, including recovering certain costs for the company's innovation plan approved in July 2024 by the Commission under Minnesota's Natural Gas Innovation Act for investments in innovative technologies and low- and zero-carbon energy resources.
  • Conduct infrastructure projects to replace or upgrade existing pipelines, provide safe and reliable service, comply with federal pipeline regulations and relocate facilities to enable projects by government agencies such as roads, bridges, drainage and other infrastructure.
  • Accommodate the increased investments to operate, maintain and deliver natural gas through the company's distribution system.

"From the outset, we were determined to use a collaborative approach with state agencies and all intervenors to reach a settlement agreement that worked for all parties. This agreement prioritizes the safety, reliability and resiliency of the energy system for the benefit of our customers and communities throughout Minnesota," said Brad Steber, CenterPoint's Vice President of Minnesota Gas. "The agreement meaningfully plans for current and anticipated near-term future investments to continue to serve our customers' needs for readily available energy resources. These proposed investments will enhance our ability to deliver energy when customers need it most to help them withstand the coldest days of winter and to keep them safe and warm."

The Commission will review and decide upon the filed settlement agreement. A decision is expected in 2025.

Meaningful investments in the company's natural gas system
A rate case is a forward-looking proposal to plan for the continued needs of customers for energy service. CenterPoint plans to continue to make investments in the safety and resiliency of the company's natural gas distribution system to benefit its customers including:

  • Replacing natural gas lines using modern construction methods and materials.
  • Relocating natural gas meters inside residential customer's homes to outside for improved access in case of an emergency and for enhanced customer safety.
  • Deploying smart natural gas meters for residential customers, which have enhanced safety and communications features.
  • Using methane detection vehicles that have a higher level of detection capability to monitor methane emissions and more efficiently conduct leak detection operations, allowing for faster mitigation and repair of natural gas leaks.
  • Leveraging vacuum-like technology, also known as cross-compression, during repair, replacement and inspection of a natural gas line to help prevent natural gas from going into the air. Instead, the natural gas is temporarily stored or placed in another segment of natural gas line.

Rate adjustment proposal
As identified in the proposed settlement agreement, CenterPoint is requesting adjustments to the delivery charge, or the cost to deliver natural gas. The delivery charge accounts for approximately 50% of a typical residential customer's monthly bill. The remaining approximately 50% of a customer's bill is the cost of natural gas which is passed through at cost. CenterPoint does not profit from the overall cost of natural gas.

The requested increase is approximately 4.7% or $60.8 million for 2024 and approximately 3.1% or $42.7 million for 2025. The requested increase will add $2.70 to the average residential customer's monthly bill in 2024 and an additional $1.27 to an average residential customer's monthly bill in 2025.

While the rate case is under consideration, interim rates are in effect. Interim rates started with the January 2024 billing cycle and added approximately $4 per month to the average residential bill. It is anticipated that interim rates for 2025 would begin with the January 2025 billing cycle and be approximately $2 more per month for an average residential customer's bill as the Commission reviews the settlement agreement.

Interim rates are applied as an equal percentage across all customer types. After final rates have been approved by the Commission, and if interim rates are set higher than final approved rates, CenterPoint will calculate a refund to customers for the difference in interim rates and final rates. The refund will be based on actual customer usage while interim rates were in effect, including interest, and will be issued as a credit on a monthly bill.

CenterPoint offers various programs, tools and tips to help customers manage their bills and save energy. The company encourages those facing hardship to call CenterPoint to find out about payment arrangements and be referred to resources that may be available. To learn more, call 800-245-2377 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday-Friday or visit CenterPointEnergy.com/PaymentAssistance.

More details about the rate case can be found at CenterPointEnergy.com/RateCase.

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, such as approval by the Commission of the settlement agreement and timing thereof, the anticipated benefits of the rate adjustment, investments in the company's natural gas system and the anticipated benefits thereof, the amount and expected impact to customer's bills, and any other statements 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.

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

SOURCE CenterPoint Energy, Inc

 Recent News

 

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

Broll of energy efficiency and safety tips is found here.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Smart actions to stay safe

  • Use space heaters safely. Make sure a space heater has an automatic shut-off, and keep children, pets and all items at least three feet away from it. A space heater using natural gas, propane or wood should be vented to the outside. Stoves and ovens should never be used for space heating.
  • Test carbon monoxide (CO) and smoke alarms to make sure they work properly. Change batteries regularly. Alarms don’t last forever, so replace them according to the manufacturer’s instructions. 
  • Know the signs of CO poisoning. Early symptoms such as headache and fatigue are similar to the flu, but without a fever. Continued CO exposure can lead to more severe headaches, dizziness, nausea, difficulty thinking clearly and fainting. If everyone in a household is experiencing these symptoms, it could be CO poisoning. If someone suspects they could have CO poisoning, leave the area immediately, get fresh air and call 911.
  • Smell gas? Act fast! Natural gas has a distinctive rotten egg smell. If anyone detects this odor, they should leave their location immediately without using electrical switches or phones. Once in a safe location, call 911 and CenterPoint Energy.

Payment assistance resources and support available for customers

CenterPoint is dedicated to supporting customers who may have difficulty paying their energy bill. Throughout the year, but especially in the winter months when home heating costs are historically higher, CenterPoint encourages those facing hardship to call CenterPoint to find out about payment arrangements, energy efficiency programs and agency resources that may be available. To learn more, customers should call 800-245-2377 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday-Friday, or visit CenterPointEnergy.com/PaymentAssistance.​
CenterPoint Energy, Enel launch program to help southwestern Indiana businesses earn incentives for flexible energy use

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

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

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

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

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

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

 
About CenterPoint Energy, Inc. 
CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is a multi-state electric and natural gas delivery company serving approximately 7 million metered customers across Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, and Texas. The company is headquartered in Houston and is the only Texas-domiciled investor-owned utility. As of September 30, 2025, the company had approximately $45 billion in assets. With approximately 8,300 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been serving customers for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.
 
Enel North America, part of the Enel Group, is a proven renewables leader delivering clean, flexible and sustainable energy solutions. The company develops, builds, owns and operates renewable power plants and demand response solutions, with 12 gigawatts (GW) of installed wind, solar and energy storage capacity and nearly 5 GW of demand response capacity in the US and Canada. Enel is a top-five industry leader for clean power, demand response and utility-scale battery storage capacity in the United States. Learn more at enelnorthamerica.com and on LinkedIn and YouTube.  ​​​

CenterPoint Energy completes vast majority of restoration efforts in Carlos and Alexandria

  • Majority of service restored in less than 24 hours 
  • Remaining locations include seasonal cabins and commercial businesses 
  • City Hall remains staging area  ​

MINNEAPOLIS — Dec. 5, 2025 — CenterPoint Energy has completed the vast majority of its restoration efforts for the natural gas outage impacting customers in the Carlos and Alexandria areas following yesterday’s third-party vehicle strike to an above-ground natural gas regulator station near Carlos. 

 

In less than 24 hours, CenterPoint Energy crews responded to the emergency, assessed the major damage, made repairs, and restored the majority of necessary services. As of this morning, service has been restored to nearly all impacted customers, with only a limited number of remaining locations—a mix of commercial businesses and seasonal cabins—awaiting relight. Crews will complete these remaining relights today, with businesses expected to be restored promptly this morning as daylight hours allow easier access and coordination. 

 

As of 8 a.m., Carlos City Hall is no longer serving as a warming center but will remain the staging area for restoration crews until all work is complete. CenterPoint Energy extends its sincere thanks to Douglas County, the City of Carlos, the Carlos Fire Department, and the many community members who have stepped up to provide food, supplies, and support throughout this restoration effort. Their efforts and generosity have been invaluable in helping impacted customers stay safe and warm. 

 

Safety remains CenterPoint Energy’s core value, and all personnel are working to keep safety at the forefront during the repair and restoration process. If you smell natural gas, leave immediately on foot. Once safely away from the area, report the possible natural gas leak to 911 and to CenterPoint Energy at 800-296-9815. 

 

CenterPoint Energy appreciates the continued patience and support of its customers and communities as it finalizes its work to safely restore service as quickly as possible. 

CenterPoint Energy submits Indiana generation plan to prioritize long-term reliability, economic growth and customer affordability

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Dec. 5, 2025 – CenterPoint Energy’s Indiana Electric business today submitted its 2025 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) that focuses on customer affordability while also providing reliable service now and in the future across southwestern Indiana. The 2025 IRP, which was developed following a series of public meetings and stakeholder discussions since March 2025, is a vital strategic roadmap that defines the appropriate mix of generation required to meet the region’s future energy needs and support potential economic growth, while also prioritizing customer affordability.

“We have listened closely to stakeholders across southwestern Indiana and worked together to address our customers’ and the community’s future energy needs and priorities. Our 2025 IRP reflects this shared focus on reliability and affordability for the Hoosier families we are privileged to serve. Most importantly, it provides a flexible path forward to support southwestern Indiana’s energy and economic needs for decades to come,” said Mike Roeder, President of CenterPoint Energy Indiana.

2025 IRP: Key Benefits for Southwestern Indiana
CenterPoint’s 2025 IRP is a forward-looking, 20-year generation plan, which all Indiana electric utilities are required to submit to the IURC. As part of a commitment to build a more reliable, safer and affordable energy future, CenterPoint’s 2025 IRP includes the following key provisions and benefits for its 150,000 electric customers across southwestern Indiana:

  • Limits near-term rate impacts. Helps minimize any rate increase in the near term for southwestern Indiana customers.
  • Uses existing and planned resources. Leverages existing and previously approved generation resources to meet customers’ energy needs.
  • Defers higher-cost projects. Delays moving forward on certain higher-cost projects that would increase near-term customer bills.
  • Provides flexibility for future growth. Includes an alternate preferred portfolio to support scalable system expansion to help accommodate potential new load growth while working to minimize impact to existing customers.
  • Provides current and future customer savings. As part of CenterPoint’s affordability efforts, includes cancellation of nearly $1 billion in non-economical renewable projects, saving customers approximately $18/month in current and future costs.

2025 IRP: Engaged with Stakeholders to Incorporate Varying Perspectives
Throughout the planning of its 2025 IRP, CenterPoint has worked closely with stakeholders across southwestern Indiana and the state. The new IRP addresses stakeholder and community feedback and helps achieve a realistic and responsible generation resource plan that best serves southwestern Indiana’s energy future. The scope of local outreach and public engagement efforts included:

  • Holding four public stakeholder meetings, with in-person and virtual options, bringing together customers and representatives from more than 30 organizations to share feedback and discuss local needs and priorities.
  • Responding to various stakeholder requests and questions through public meetings and technical sessions and using that feedback to help refine the plan.
  • Using stakeholder input to refine elements of the planning process by incorporating varying perspectives to develop a well-rounded plan.

As part of the ongoing regulatory process, the IURC and stakeholders will review the IRP and provide additional feedback. CenterPoint will continue to engage customers, local and state officials and community organizations as it implements the plan and its previously announced affordability actions. To view the 2025 IRP and related documents, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/IRP.

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 September 30, 2025, the company owned approximately $45 billion in assets. With approximately 8,300 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," “would" 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, such as CenterPoint Energy's ability to execute on the proposed plan, the anticipated benefits of the plan (including in relation to reliability, economic growth and affordability), the amount and expected impact to rates and customer's bills, and any other statements 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) business strategies and strategic initiatives, acquisitions or dispositions of assets or businesses involving CenterPoint Energy or its industry; (2) CenterPoint Energy's ability to fund and invest planned capital, and the timely recovery of its investments; (3) financial market and general economic conditions; (4) the timing and impact of future regulatory, legislative and political actions or developments; 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, 2024 and CenterPoint Energy's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2025, June 30, 2025 and September 30, 2025 and other reports CenterPoint Energy or its subsidiaries may file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
CenterPoint Energy assessing damage caused by vehicle hitting its natural gas infrastructure near Carlos, Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS — DEC. 4, 2025 — CenterPoint Energy crews are responding to a vehicle hitting its above ground natural gas regulator station near Carlos, Minnesota. This vehicle strike by a third-party unrelated to the company is expected to cause an outage for approximately 525 customers in the Carlos and Alexandria area.

With below zero temperatures expected today and ongoing cold over the coming days, CenterPoint wants to assure customers that the company will work quickly to safely make repairs and restore service as soon as possible. The company encourages customers to use their personal emergency plan to stay safe and warm today and potentially overnight.

CenterPoint is assessing the damage to its system and is working with local officials and emergency first responders to make the area safe. The company is working to repair its infrastructure safely and as quickly as possible to minimize the number and duration of outages. Currently, the company expects that efforts to repair its system and restore affected customers could continue into tomorrow, Dec. 5, 2025.

Safety is CenterPoint's core value, and the company works to keep safety at the forefront during all repairs. If you smell natural gas, leave immediately on foot. Once safely away from the area, report the possible natural gas leak to 911 and to CenterPoint at 800-296-9815.

CenterPoint appreciates the community's patience as it works to repair its system. 
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