Even with evolving winter weather forecasts, CenterPoint Energy continues deploying its cold weather readiness plan for electric and gas systems and will actively monitor and prepare for the situation over the holiday weekend
Even with evolving winter weather forecasts, CenterPoint Energy continues deploying its cold weather readiness plan for electric and gas systems and will actively monitor and prepare for the situation over the holiday weekend
2025-01-17T06:00:00Z

Company continues to work its cold weather readiness action plan and may consider further resource needs including mutual aid assistance, if necessary

CenterPoint urges customers to have a plan and make winter weather preparations to stay safe and warm

Forecasts and weather models continue to significantly evolve for the second cold snap of 2025 which may impact the company's service territory in Texas

In the event an ice storm materializes early next week, and ice accumulation causes outages, CenterPoint is prepared to expand its workforce to restore service safely and as quickly as possible

HOUSTON, Jan. 17, 2025 - While weather models and forecasts continue to significantly evolve for a potential severe cold and ice storm around the Martin Luther King holiday, CenterPoint Energy continues to actively monitor those weather forecasts and deploy its cold weather readiness plan across the company's Texas service territory. The company encourages customers to have a plan and make preparations for severe cold weather and potentially ice.

While updated forecasts show a range of potential impacts early next week hitting the Greater Houston area, the company's Emergency Preparedness and Response, Meteorology and Operations teams remain on alert and continue preparing to support safe and reliable energy delivery during potentially extreme cold and icy conditions.

Usually snow and cold temperatures are not major impacts on electric systems, However, ice accumulation and stronger winds can pose hazards to trees, limbs and power lines. Should those icy conditions materialize next week, there would likely be some outages related to the extreme weather. If it appears that will be the case, CenterPoint will be prepared to expand its workforce over the weekend, with additional contractors and mutual aid personnel, to meet the restoration need.

"While there are still a great deal of unknowns on what weather will actually arrive early next week, we want our customers and communities to have confidence in the cold preparations we've already executed, that we are actively monitoring the weather and our systems and that, if needed, we can marshal additional resources to help us restore those customers who may lose power, if we have significant ice accumulation and strong winds. We also want our customers to take this storm seriously, prepare for it and have emergency plan in place," said Darin Carroll, Senior Vice President of CenterPoint's Electric Business.

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 infrastructure across Texas, including inspecting and testing cold-weather critical equipment. CenterPoint is also deploying cold weather mitigations across its electric and gas infrastructure, coordinating with relevant local emergency responders and government officials and developing plans to mobilize emergency response resources, if needed. Additionally, as part of the ongoing work to increase system resiliency, CenterPoint has already trimmed approximately 3,500 miles of higher risk vegetation since Aug. 5, 2024.

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. To learn more, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/ReadyforWinter.

Energy-saving tips

  • Make sure the heating system is operating safely and efficiently. An annual inspection and tune-up by a qualified technician are recommended. 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 customers 10% on heating costs. Also, with a programmable thermostat, the heating system can work around one'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. A convenient alternative can be to roll up towels and push them against the bottom of the door's interior to help prevent heat loss. Close fireplace dampers when not in use, so you don't lose heat.

  • 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 slowly to move warm air from the ceiling to your living levels. 

Electric customers encouraged to enroll in Power Alert Service® and follow CenterPoint Texas X account
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. Customers can also follow @CenterPoint_TX to receive the most up-to-date information on the company's operations in the Greater Houston area and across Texas.

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

SOURCE CenterPoint Energy

 Recent News

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

National 811 Day: Simple safety steps

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
 As the only investor owned electric and gas utility based in Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is an energy delivery company with electric transmission and distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution operations that serve more than 7 million metered customers in Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio and Texas. As of June 30, 2026, the company owned approximately $48.3 billion in assets. With approximately 8,800 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com

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

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

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

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

National 811 Day: Simple safety steps

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
As the only investor owned electric and gas utility based in Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is an energy delivery company with electric transmission and distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution operations that serve more than 7 million metered customers in Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio and Texas. As of June 30, 2026, the company owned approximately $48.3 billion in assets. With approximately 8,800 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com​

National 811 Day: CenterPoint Energy Reminds Nearly 800,000 Hoosier Natural Gas Customers to Always Contact 811 Before Any Digging Projects

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

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Aug. 11, 2026 – Today, on National 811 Day, CenterPoint Energy is reminding its approximately 800,000 natural gas customers in Indiana to always contact 811 a few business days before starting any outdoor digging project, big or small. Contacting the 811 national service is free, and is an essential safety step customers, businesses and contractors can – and must - take to prevent service interruptions and avoid potentially life-threatening damage to underground utility lines. In 2026 so far, approximately 3,500 damages have been caused to CenterPoint natural gas lines because digging occurred without underground utility lines being located and marked.

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

National 811 Day: Simple safety steps

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

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

  • Plan ahead and call 811 or visit Indiana811.org a few business days before starting work.
  • Confirm all utility lines are marked before beginning work.
  • Adjust project locations, as needed, to maintain a safe distance from utility lines.
  • Confirm hired contractors have contacted 811 before their work.
  • Complete digging within the timeframe required by state law. If work cannot be completed in that time, contact 811 again before continuing.  

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

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

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

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

About CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
 As the only investor owned electric and gas utility based in Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is an energy delivery company with electric transmission and distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution operations that serve more than 7 million metered customers in Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio and Texas. As of June 30, 2026, the company owned approximately $48.3 billion in assets. With approximately 8,800 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com

National 811 Day: CenterPoint Energy Reminds Nearly 350,000 Ohio Natural Gas Customers to Always Contact 811 Before Any Digging Projects

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

DAYTON, Ohio – Aug. 11, 2026 – Today, on National 811 Day, CenterPoint Energy is reminding its approximately 350,000 natural gas customers in Ohio to always contact 811 a few business days before starting any outdoor digging project, big or small. Contacting the 811 national service is free, and is an essential safety step customers, businesses and contractors can – and must - take to prevent service interruptions and avoid potentially life-threatening damage to underground utility lines. In 2026 so far, approximately 3,500 damages have been caused to CenterPoint natural gas lines because digging occurred without underground utility lines being located and marked.

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

National 811 Day: Simple safety steps

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
 As the only investor owned electric and gas utility based in Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is an energy delivery company with electric transmission and distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution operations that serve more than 7 million metered customers in Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio and Texas. As of June 30, 2026, the company owned approximately $48.3 billion in assets. With approximately 8,800 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com