CenterPoint readies for second major cold snap of 2025 and is deploying its cold weather readiness plan
CenterPoint readies for second major cold snap of 2025 and is deploying its cold weather readiness plan
2025-01-15T06:00:00Z

Pre-winter readiness actions completed by the company in December; crews performing readiness checklists for electric and natural gas systems

Customers urged to have a plan and make preparations for potential freezing temperatures and wintry precipitation

Since August 2024, CenterPoint has conducted approximately 3,500 miles of higher risk tree trimming and vegetation across the Greater Houston area

HOUSTON, Jan. 15, 2025 - With cold temperatures again expected to impact CenterPoint Energy's service territory in Texas over the holiday weekend and into next week, the company's Emergency Response and Preparedness and Meteorology teams are actively monitoring weather forecasts and preparing to support safe and reliable energy delivery during cold and potentially icy conditions. Both electric and natural gas teams across CenterPoint's Texas footprint are engaged in coordinated efforts to maintain readiness and address potential service impacts.

Cold weather preparations
The company has a cold weather action plan in place and has performed a series of proactive pre-winter preparedness actions to strengthen and winterize its electric and natural gas infrastructure across Texas, as well as inspect and test cold-weather critical equipment ahead of potential severe cold weather. CenterPoint is also deploying cold weather mitigations across its electric and gas infrastructure, developing plans to mobilize emergency response resources and coordinating with relevant local emergency responders and government officials in preparation. 

Additionally, as part of its on-going work to increase the resiliency of its system, CenterPoint teams and contractors have already trimmed approximately 3,500 miles of higher risk vegetation since August 5, 2024.

CenterPoint's enhanced Emergency Response and Preparedness team continues to lead the company's preparedness efforts and coordination with public agencies and community leaders. The team provides regular updates to relevant agencies and government officials to communicate the company's pre-storm activities and readiness posture and provide critical updates.

"We're continuing to monitor the severe cold weather expected across the communities we serve in Texas. We're keeping a particularly close watch on the potential for a major winter storm that could impact the Greater Houston area beginning on MLK Day and into next week. We will continue to actively monitor the models for any severe weather and urge our customers to stay alert in anticipation of quickly changing weather conditions," said Matt Lanza, CenterPoint's Meteorology Manager and member of CenterPoint's Emergency Preparedness and Response team.

The current weather forecast for CenterPoint's Houston electric service territory indicates the potential for ice and snow accumulation early next week subject to updated forecasts., The company reminds customers and community members to always assume downed lines or wires are energized and potentially dangerous if contacted. Stay at least 35 feet away from downed power lines or fallen wires and keep a safe distance from objects touching downed lines (tree limbs, vehicles, fences, etc.). Immediately report downed power lines to CenterPoint.

Critical winter electric and gas readiness actions taken in the Greater Houston area
CenterPoint Texas submitted its annual declarations of winter readiness to both the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) and the Railroad Commission of Texas. These declarations demonstrate that CenterPoint has completed the regulatory requirements that were adopted in 2021 to prepare electric and natural gas infrastructure for winter storms and extreme cold weather.

The pre-winter safety and readiness actions taken by CenterPoint include:

  • Inspecting and testing critical equipment, including all 270 substations, to prepare for high demand and cold temperatures;
  • Hardening electric and natural gas infrastructure across the Greater Houston area, including installing heaters and devices to prevent ice damage or buildup;
  • Maintaining freeze protection equipment and enclosures for cold-weather critical components;
  • Repairing damaged or degraded thermal insulation and water-proofing materials; and
  • Conducting emergency training for hundreds of operational personnel and contractors to prepare for, mitigate and respond to the impacts of severe winter weather.

"Our teams are well-prepared and ready to respond to any potential impacts from the forecasted colder temperatures. We have enhanced staffing plans in place and crews stationed across the communities we serve, so that our teams can safely and quickly restore service to any impacted customers. We will remain alert throughout the next week and continue to coordinate with local officials as our communities take steps to prepare. We urge our customers to stay weather alert and have an emergency plan in place," said Darin Carroll, CenterPoint's Senior Vice President of Electric Business.

Natural gas system preparedness in Texas
CenterPoint strives to provide natural gas service safely and reliably to its customers and initiates winter preparedness strategies to help protect its natural gas system. These include:

  • Positioning Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks to be deployed to supplement the natural gas system, if needed. 
  • Reinforcing reliability by validating that all station set points are aligned with their cold weather settings and have technicians on standby coordinating closely with engineering and natural gas control.
  • Coordinating and communicating with the Railroad Commission of Texas to identify and ensure operations of critical gas infrastructure for natural gas reliability.

CenterPoint's Energy role in Texas
In Texas, CenterPoint Energy transports electricity across its transmission and distribution wires. Other parties bill for electric service. CenterPoint does not own any power plants and does not generate electricity in the state. On the natural gas front, CenterPoint buys gas, transports it and bills customers for both the gas cost and delivery charge.

2025 Winter Energy Guide
CenterPoint recently launched its Winter Energy Guide, a comprehensive online resource hub that helps customers throughout the winter heating season. The guide features practical and important safety, energy savings and bill management tips to help customers stay safe and warm throughout the winter season. CenterPoint has a cold weather plan in place to respond quickly to potential impacts this winter, and the company encourages customers to use this helpful resource to create their own cold weather plans so that they're prepared for the colder weather ahead. To learn more about the Winter Energy Guide and to receive more important tips, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/ReadyforWinter.

Electric customers encouraged to enroll in Power Alert Service®
CenterPoint electric customers are encouraged to enroll in the company's Power Alert Service® to receive winter storm outage details, estimated restoration times and customer-specific restoration updates by phone call, text or email.

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 provides tips to help Ohio customers stay safe and warm during upcoming cold snap

Dayton – Feb. 17, 2025 – With colder temperatures expected across Ohio this week, including highs in the teens and 20s and lows in the single digits, CenterPoint Energy wants to remind customers it has a cold weather action plan in place and urges customers to also have a cold weather plan in place to stay safe and warm.​

Natural gas preparedness actions in Ohio

CenterPoint prepares year-round for cold weather through proactive steps that support safe and reliable delivery of natural gas service to Ohio communities. The company's efforts include:

  • Monitoring the natural gas systems 24/7 and implementing cold weather action plans to support delivery of service.
  • Conducting infrastructure projects to modernize the company's natural gas distribution systems.
  • Checking critical systems and equipment ahead of extreme winter weather to prepare for high demand and cold temperatures.
  • Staging staff across the company's service area, ready to respond to potential service issues safely and as quickly as possible.

Payment assistance resources are available for customers
Colder weather may require customers to use more energy to maintain a comfortable temperature inside their homes. That's why CenterPoint offers 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, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/PaymentAssistance.


Energy-saving tips
CenterPoint encourages customers to consider implementing easy tips that can help make a big difference on a monthly energy bill, including:

  • Make sure the heating system is operating safely and efficiently. Change or clean the furnace filter regularly to help maximize the furnace's efficiency and life.
  • Turn down the thermostat. Lowering the thermostat at night or when away for at least eight hours can potentially save on heating costs. With a programmable thermostat, a heating system can work around a customer's schedule.
  • Keep warm air in and cold air out of the home. Use caulk or weather-stripping to seal leaks around doors, windows and other openings such as pipes or ducts. Towels can also be rolled up and pushed against the bottom of a door's interior. Close fireplace dampers when not in use to prevent heat loss.
  • Use window coverings and blinds effectively. If it's sunny outside, open window coverings during the day to capture warmth from the sun, and close coverings at night to keep warmth inside.
  • Circulate warm air with ceiling fans. Set ceiling fans to turn clockwise and slowly to move warm air from the ceiling to living levels.

Safety tips

CenterPoint encourages customers to keep safety at the forefront of their minds as they heat their homes:

  • Immediately report a suspected natural gas leak. If there's a “rotten egg" odor of natural gas present, immediately leave on foot, go to a safe location and call both 911 and CenterPoint Energy at 800-296-9815. Don't use electric switches and outlets, phones (including cell phones), drive or start a car inside or close to the location or do anything that could cause a spark.
  • Keep natural gas meters clear. Use a broom to gently remove snow, but avoid using a shovel, which can cause damage. If ice builds up, let it melt naturally rather than trying to chip or melt it away. Keep the area around the meter clear of snow piles to allow safe access in an emergency.
  • 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 that uses 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 CO poisoning is suspected, leave the area immediately, get fresh air and call 911.​

CenterPoint Energy provides tips to help southwestern Indiana customers stay safe and warm during upcoming cold snap

Evansville, Ind. – Feb. 17, 2025 – With colder temperatures expected across southwestern Indiana this week, including highs in the teens and 20s and lows in the single digits, CenterPoint Energy wants to remind customers it has a cold weather action plan in place and urges customers to also have a cold weather plan in place to stay safe and warm.​

Electric and natural gas preparedness actions in southwestern Indiana

CenterPoint prepares year-round for cold weather through proactive steps that support safe and reliable delivery of electric and natural gas service to southwestern Indiana communities. The company's efforts include:

  • Monitoring the electric and natural gas systems 24/7 and implementing cold weather action plans to support delivery of service.
  • Conducting infrastructure projects to modernize the company's electric and natural gas distribution systems.
  • Checking critical systems and equipment ahead of extreme winter weather to prepare for high demand and cold temperatures.
  • Staging staff across the company's service area, ready to respond to potential service issues safely and as quickly as possible.

Safety tips
CenterPoint encourages customers to keep safety at the forefront of their minds as they heat their homes:

  • ​​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 that uses 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 CO poisoning is suspected, leave the area immediately, get fresh air and call 911.
  • Immediately report a suspected electric outage or downed power lines. Customers should never approach downed lines and should assume they are live. If a downed line is spotted, leave the area and call 911 and CenterPoint Energy at 800-227-1376.
  • Immediately report a suspected natural gas leak. If there's a “rotten egg" odor of natural gas present, immediately leave on foot, go to a safe location and call both 911 and CenterPoint Energy at 800-296-9815. Don't use electric switches and outlets, phones (including cell phones), drive or start a car inside or close to the location or do anything that could cause a spark.
  • Keep natural gas meters clear. Use a broom to gently remove snow, but avoid using a shovel, which can cause damage. If ice builds up, let it melt naturally rather than trying to chip or melt it away. Keep the area around the meter clear of snow piles to allow safe access in an emergency. 

Energy-saving tips
CenterPoint encourages customers to consider implementing easy tips that can help manage energy usage, including:

  • Make sure the heating system is operating safely and efficiently. Change or clean the furnace filter regularly to help maximize the furnace's efficiency and life.
  • Turn down the thermostat. Lowering the thermostat at night or when away for at least eight hours can potentially save on heating costs. With a programmable thermostat, a heating system can work around a customer's schedule.
  • Keep warm air in and cold air out of the home. Use caulk or weather-stripping to seal leaks around doors, windows and other openings such as pipes or ducts. Towels can also be rolled up and pushed against the bottom of a door's interior. Close fireplace dampers when not in use to prevent heat loss.
  • Use window coverings and blinds effectively. If it's sunny outside, open window coverings during the day to capture warmth from the sun, and close coverings at night to keep warmth inside.
  • Circulate warm air with ceiling fans. Set ceiling fans to turn clockwise and slowly to move warm air from the ceiling to living levels.

Payment assistance resources are available for customers
Colder weather may require customers to use more energy to maintain a comfortable temperature inside their homes. That's why CenterPoint offers 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, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/PaymentAssistance.​

Greater Houston Resiliency Initiative Phase Two Update: CenterPoint Energy continues delivering progress by deploying 750 automated reliability devices in January and progressing toward goal of 4,500 by June 1, 2025; technology will help reduce number ...

Company has installed more than 11,000 stronger, more storm-resilient poles across the region in five months, in addition to clearance of more vegetation miles and undergrounding of more power lines   

When complete, GHRI Phase Two actions will improve reliability by saving customers more than 125 million fewer outage minutes annually

HOUSTON, Feb. 12, 2025 - Today, as part of the second phase of its Greater Houston Resiliency Initiative (GHRI), CenterPoint Energy shared its latest monthly progress update with new action milestones including the installation of more than 750 automated reliability devices, which will reduce both sustained interruptions and restoration times in storm events.

This new deployment of automated reliability technology began in January. The company plans to install 4,500 of these devices across the Greater Houston area by June 1, 2025, which are capable of "self-healing" when outages occur which will help minimize impact to customers during storm events.

Since the launch of GHRI Phase Two five months ago, and in preparation for the 2025 hurricane season, CenterPoint continues to make good progress on the suite of additional resiliency actions, including new pole installations and replacements, as well as trimming thousands of miles of higher-risk vegetation in recent months. The latest program updates are available at CenterPointEnergy.com/TakingAction.

In addition to the 750 automated reliability devices, in the last four weeks alone, CenterPoint has:

  • Installed an additional approximately 1,800 more storm-resilient poles,
  • Completed the clearance of approximately 400 more miles of power lines with high-risk vegetation,
  • Undergrounded 40 more miles of power lines to reduce the impact of extreme weather, and
  • Installed an additional 13 Intelligent Grid Switching Devices to minimize the impact of outages and help improve overall restoration times.

When completed, the resiliency actions outlined in GHRI Phase Two are expected to lead to more than 125 million fewer outage minutes annually for customers.

"The many critical resiliency actions we are taking all across the Greater Houston area reflect CenterPoint's commitment to better positioning our customers and our communities to withstand the next major storm or hurricane. From installing thousands of poles and hundreds of automated reliability devices to undergrounding more power lines and trimming more hazardous areas of vegetation around our lines, our teams continue working toward our goal of building the most resilient coastal grid in the country and providing the more reliable day-to-day service that our customers expect and deserve," said Darin Carroll, Senior Vice President of CenterPoint's Electric Business.

GHRI Phase Two: Significant progress to date
On September 30, CenterPoint announced the launch of Phase Two of the GHRI, which included a series of actions to strengthen resiliency, enable a self-healing system and reduce the duration and impact of power outages. Through early February, the company has made significant advances across its Greater Houston service area, including:  

GHRI Phase Two: More weather monitoring stations coming soon
CenterPoint teams will be taking additional actions as part of the second phase of GHRI, which runs through May 31, 2025, including establishing a network of 100 new weather monitoring stations. These improvements are on track to begin early this year and are expected to be completed before the start of the 2025 hurricane season.

The company is also working to expand and improve the way it communicates with customers and engages with communities before, during and after emergencies, including through a year-round safety and preparedness campaign. CenterPoint representatives will continue to be in the community in the months leading up to hurricane season to share information on its preparedness efforts as well as preparedness tips and resources for its customers.

CenterPoint will continue to provide updates on its progress toward completing its critical resiliency actions and other GHRI commitments. More information and real-time updates are available at CenterPointEnergy.com/TakingAction.

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, as well as the website pages related to the GHRI, includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this news release or the website pages related to the GHRI, 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, which include statements regarding our resiliency investments, and the GHRI, including effectiveness, timing and related matters, 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 or the website pages related to the GHRI regarding future events that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement contained in this news release, or the website pages related to the GHRI 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) the impact of pandemics, including the COVID-19 pandemic; (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 Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2024June 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

CenterPoint Energy encourages Minnesota customers to take action to save energy during the extreme cold snap

Minneapolis – Feb. 16, 2025 – The bitter cold across Minnesota that is expected to continue throughout the week may cause customers to use more energy to keep their homes at a comfortable temperature. CenterPoint Energy is encouraging its Minnesota customers to take small and easy actions to save energy including temporarily lowering their thermostat settings, health permitting, to help reduce energy use and save money.

CenterPoint wants to remind customers it has a cold weather action plan in place that aims to provide safe, reliable and resilient energy. The company urges customers to also have a cold weather plan in place to stay safe and warm.

“Our employees work around-the-clock to provide safe, reliable and resilient energy service to our customers in Minnesota and are positioned throughout our service area to respond to potential needs. While our workers will be focused on delivering energy to our customers, we know that customers may want to find out more about ways to manage energy more efficiently. We encourage our customers to take easy steps to help reduce their energy use and save money even as the temperatures start to drop, while keeping their loved ones safe and warm," said Brad Steber, CenterPoint's Vice President of Minnesota Gas.

Quick and Easy Tips to Save Energy and Money
CenterPoint encourages customers to follow these easy tips that can make a difference on monthly heating bills:

  • Turn down the thermostat. Lowering the thermostat by 7-10 degrees at night, or when away for at least eight hours, can potentially save 10% on heating costs. With a programmable thermostat, a heating system can work around a customer's schedule.  
  • Check the furnace filter. Change or clean the filter to maximize the efficiency of the furnace.
  • Use window coverings and blinds effectively. If it's sunny outside, open window coverings during the day to capture warmth from the sun, and close coverings at night to keep warmth inside. If the sun's not shining, keep window coverings closed to hold warmth inside. 
  • Keep warm air in and cold air out of the home. Use caulk or weather-stripping to seal leaks around doors, windows and other openings such as pipes or ducts. Close fireplace dampers when not in use to prevent heat loss.
     
  • Lower the temperature setting on the water heater by 10 degrees. Limit hot water use.

CenterPoint also wants to provide a safety reminder to customers on actions to take if they suspect a natural gas leak. If there's a “rotten egg" odor of natural gas present, immediately leave the area on foot, go to a safe location, and call both 911 and CenterPoint at 800-296-9815. Don't use electric switches/outlets, phones (including cell phones), drive or start a car inside or close to the location or do anything that could cause a spark.

Winter Energy Guide
CenterPoint recently launched its Winter Energy Guide, a comprehensive online resource hub that helps customers throughout the winter heating season. The guide features practical and important safety, energy savings and bill management tips to help customers stay safe and warm throughout the winter season. CenterPoint has a cold weather plan in place to respond quickly to potential impacts this winter, and the company encourages customers to use this helpful resource to create their own cold weather plans so that they're prepared for the colder weather ahead. Learn more at CenterPointEnergy.com/ReadyforWinter.

CenterPoint Energy is Minnesota's largest natural gas utility, serving the energy needs of more than 920,000 residential and business customers.

With an extended bitter cold deep freeze of below zero temperatures and windy conditions expected across Minnesota, CenterPoint Energy provides vital tips to help customers stay safe and warm

Minneapolis – Feb. 14, 2025 – Starting as early as this weekend and throughout next week, bitter cold is expected in Minnesota with temperatures that could be experienced around -20 degrees and a possibility of “feels like" temperatures as low as –40 degrees. CenterPoint wants to remind customers it has a cold weather action plan in place and urges customers to also have a cold weather plan in place to stay safe and warm.

Natural gas preparedness actions in Minnesota
CenterPoint prepares year-round for cold weather in Minnesota through proactive actions that aim to provide safe, reliable and resilient energy service. The company's efforts include:

  • Monitoring the natural gas system 24/7 and implementing cold weather action plans to support delivery of service.
  • Conducting infrastructure projects to modernize the company's natural gas distribution system.
  • Leveraging natural gas, propane and/or liquefied natural gas stored ahead of the winter heating season that can be used to increase the available supply within the system to support customer needs.
  • Staging staff across the company's service area that is ready to respond to potential service issues safely and as quickly as possible.

Payment Assistance Resources Are Available for Customers
Colder weather may require customers to use more energy to maintain a comfortable temperature inside their homes. That's why CenterPoint offers 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, customers should call 800-245-2377 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday-Friday, or visit CenterPointEnergy.com/PaymentAssistance.

Energy-saving Tips
CenterPoint encourages customers to consider implementing easy tips that can help make a big difference on a monthly heating bill including:

  • Make sure the heating system is operating safely and efficiently. Change or clean the furnace filter regularly to help maximize the furnace's efficiency and life.
  • Turn down the thermostat. Lowering the thermostat by 7-10 degrees at night or when away for at least eight hours can potentially save 10% on heating costs. With a programmable thermostat, a heating system can work around a customer's schedule.  
  • Keep warm air in and cold air out of the home. Use caulk or weather-stripping to seal leaks around doors, windows and other openings such as pipes or ducts. Towels can also be rolled up and pushed against the bottom of a door's interior. Close fireplace dampers when not in use to prevent heat loss.
  • Use window coverings and blinds effectively. If it's sunny outside, open window coverings during the day to capture warmth from the sun, and close coverings at night to keep warmth inside.
  • Circulate warm air with ceiling fans. Set ceiling fans to turn clockwise and slowly to move warm air from the ceiling to living levels.

 
Safety Tips
CenterPoint encourages customers to keep safety at the forefront of their minds as they heat their homes:

  • 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 that uses 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 CO poisoning is suspected, leave the area immediately, get fresh air and call 911.
  • Immediately report a suspected natural gas leak. If there's a “rotten egg" odor of natural gas present, immediately leave on foot, go to a safe location and call both 911 and CenterPoint Energy at 800-296-9815. Don't use electric switches and outlets, phones (including cell phones), drive or start a car inside or close to the location or do anything that could cause a spark.

CenterPoint is Minnesota's largest natural gas utility, serving the energy needs of more than 920,000 residential and business customers.