As weather models start to align toward freezing precipitation and ERCOT issues Weather Watch, CenterPoint Energy continues preparations and secures additional mutual aid support
As weather models start to align toward freezing precipitation and ERCOT issues Weather Watch, CenterPoint Energy continues preparations and secures additional mutual aid support
2025-01-18T06:00:00Z

Company continues monitoring the evolving weather situation over the MLK Jr Holiday weekend and is activating nearly 1,200 additional mutual aid workers to help execute potential restoration work

ERCOT has issued a Weather Watch for January 20-23 due to extreme cold weather across its region, meaning higher electrical demand, and the potential for lower reserves

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

In the event of ice or freezing precipitation early next week causing outages, the expanded workforce will be utilized to restore service safely and as quickly as possible

HOUSTON, Jan. 17, 2025 - With weather models and forecasts staring to align and show a strong chance of severe cold weather and icy precipitation and even snow impacting the Greater Houston area over the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday weekend and into next week, CenterPoint Energy is preparing for potential impacts by readying work sites, staging crews and equipment, and securing an additional 430 vegetation management workers and 750 line workers to support potential restoration efforts.

Forecasts continue to show a range of potential scenarios early next week across the Greater Houston area, with ERCOT issuing a Weather Watch for Jan. 20 though Jan. 23 due to extreme cold weather across the ERCOT region, higher electrical demand and the potential for lower reserves. At this time, according to ERCOT, grid conditions are expected to be normal.

CenterPoint's Emergency Preparedness and Response, Meteorology and Operations teams remain on alert and are actively preparing to support safe and reliable energy delivery during potential extreme cold and icy conditions. Teams are utilizing in-house weather modeling and historical data from previous weather events to consider and plan for all potential impacts to CenterPoint's system.

"If forecasted icy conditions materialize, we will likely see outages related to the extreme weather across the Greater Houston area. That's why we've made the call to proactively bring on approximately 1,200 additional mutual aid personnel, to help us meet the potential restoration need and handle any service issues as quickly and safely as possible. Mutual aid is a hallmark of our industry, and we want to thank these additional crews for their help to support our local communities," said Darin Carroll, Senior Vice President of CenterPoint's Electric Business. 

"We want our customers to have confidence in the cold preparations we've already executed and know that we are actively monitoring the weather and our systems. We also want to urge them to take this storm seriously, prepare for it and have an emergency plan in place," Carroll added.

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. In addition to requesting an additional 1,200 mutual aid resources to assist with restoration efforts, CenterPoint is also deploying cold weather mitigations across its electric and gas infrastructure, coordinating with relevant local emergency responders and government officials and making plans to mobilize emergency response resources.

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.

Safety reminders
CenterPoint reminds customers to stay safe during and after winter storms:

  • Downed power lines: Stay at least 35 feet away from downed power lines and report them to CenterPoint at 713-207-2222. Be especially mindful of downed lines that could be hidden and treat all downed lines as if they are energized.

  • Work crew safety: Be cautious around work crews and give them plenty of room to safely assess damage and make repairs.

  • Portable generators: Only use a portable generator in a well-ventilated area and never run it inside or in a garage to avoid carbon monoxide fumes, which can be deadly.

  • Use space heaters safely: Make sure space heaters have 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.

  • Electric system safety: Never connect a portable electric generator directly to a building's electrical system during a power outage; electricity could back-feed into the power lines, potentially endangering CenterPoint workers.

  • Preserving food during outages: Avoid opening freezers and refrigerators during outages to preserve food.

  • Natural gas safety: Natural gas is odorized with a distinctive, strong odor, often compared to rotten eggs or sulfur. If a natural gas odor is detected inside a home or building, leave immediately on foot. Do not use electric switches, telephones (including cell phones), or anything that could cause a spark. Once in a safe location, call both CenterPoint Energy and 911. Do not use email or the Internet to report the leak and never attempt to repair a natural gas leak yourself—leave all repairs to trained technicians. For leaks outside, leave the area on foot and move in an upwind direction away from the leak or vapor cloud to a location where the smell of gas is no longer present. Warn others to stay away from the leak and abandon any equipment being used in or near the area. Once in a safe location, call both CenterPoint Energy and 911 to report the leak.

  • 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 symptoms suggest CO poisoning, leave the area immediately, get fresh air and call 911.

  • Gas meter maintenance: Remove large icicles hanging over meter assemblies and appliance vents. Use a broom – not a shovel – to clear snow from the meter. If the gas meter is encased in ice, do not attempt to melt and/or chip the ice, as this could cause damage to the meter. Allow the ice to melt on its own.

  • Call before digging: Call 811 to locate utility lines prior to digging on a property.

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
communication
Media.Relations@CenterPointEnergy.Com 

SOURCE CenterPoint Energy

 Recent News

 

 
CenterPoint Energy prepares for cold weather ahead of forecasted wintry precipitation across Texas and continues to closely monitor potential for severe winter conditions

HOUSTON – Jan. 20, 2026 – With winter precipitation and freezing temperatures in the low 20s forecasted to impact CenterPoint Energy’s service territory in Texas over the weekend and into next week, the company’s Emergency Response & Preparedness, Electric Operations, Gas Operations and Meteorology teams continue actively monitoring weather models and preparing for 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.

“We continue to diligently monitor the evolving weather forecasts across the communities we serve in Texas ahead of this weekend’s potential winter weather. Our teams are well prepared, executing work in advance and will be ready to respond to any impacts from the forecasted conditions, including icy weather, high winds and wintry precipitation,” said Don Daigler, CenterPoint’s Senior Vice President, Emergency Preparedness and Response. “We will remain alert throughout the week and continue to coordinate with local officials as our communities take steps to prepare. We urge our customers to stay weather alert as conditions continue to develop and have an emergency plan in place.”

Cold weather preparations
The company is prepared to respond to cold weather 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. 

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

  • Inspecting and testing critical equipment, including all 270 electric substations, to prepare for high demand and cold temperatures;
  • Communicating and coordinating with the Texas Public Utility Commission and ERCOT about statewide energy needs;
  • 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 thermal insulation and water-proofing materials;
  • Positioning Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks to be deployed to supplement the natural gas system, if needed;
  • Coordinating and communicating with the Railroad Commission of Texas to identify and support operations of critical gas infrastructure for natural gas reliability;
  • Monitoring more than 100 weather stations across the Greater Houston area to enhance situational awareness and storm preparation;
  • Donated and installed more than 20 emergency backup generators at key locations across Greater Houston to improve local emergency preparedness and response efforts; and
  • Conducted more than 19,000 total hours of emergency training in 2025 for hundreds of operational, emergency response and other personnel and contractors to strengthen severe weather preparation and response efforts.

The current weather forecast for CenterPoint’s Houston electric service territory indicates the potential for ice accumulation next weekend, 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.) and immediately report downed power lines to CenterPoint. 

Winter Energy Guide
CenterPoint’s Winter Energy Guide is a comprehensive online resource hub featuring safety, energy savings and bill management tips to help customers stay safe and warm throughout the winter season. CenterPoint encourages customers to use this helpful resource to create their own cold weather plans and stay prepared. To learn more, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/ReadyforWinter.

Stay informed with 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.

Have a plan and stay safe
CenterPoint encourages customers to prepare and have a plan to stay safe during severe winter weather. Customers can get storm-related safety tips at CenterPointEnergy.com/ActionCenter — available in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.

Customers can also stay up to date on outages with CenterPoint’s Outage Tracker, available in English and Spanish. The Outage Tracker is built to handle increased traffic during storms, is mobile-friendly, accessible for those with disabilities and allows customers to see outages by county, city and zip code.

For the latest updates, follow CenterPoint on X and visit CenterPointEnergy.com/ActionCenter. 

 

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.

​
As part of its commitment to helping support local communities, CenterPoint Energy Foundation opens its first grant cycle of 2026

DAYTON, Ohio — Jan. 15, 2026 — The CenterPoint Energy Foundation is currently accepting applications through Feb. 13 for nonprofit programs and initiatives focused on education including literacy, science-technology-engineering-mathematics (STEM) and workforce development.

Grants are available for eligible nonprofit organizations whose primary location is in CenterPoint Energy's service areas and have programs supporting the Foundation's giving priorities. The Foundation prioritizes programs serving low-to-moderate income families and under-resourced communities.  

Funded separately and financially independent from the utility, the CenterPoint Energy Foundation strives to be a catalyst for good by leveraging everyday opportunities and resources to increase the vibrancy in the communities it serves.   

“The CenterPoint Energy Foundation creates positive, meaningful change within the communities where we have the privilege to provide electric and natural gas service," said June Deadrick, Vice President, Community Relations at CenterPoint Energy. “The Foundation remains committed to initiatives and programs enriching the lives of those living and working within our service areas, while powering possibilities for a better tomorrow. We encourage qualified nonprofit organizations focusing on education to apply for a grant through Feb. 13." 

During its two grant cycles in 2025, the CenterPoint Energy Foundation awarded more than $13.9 million for approximately 430 grants to nonprofit organizations in Texas, Minnesota, Indiana and Ohio, with efforts expected to:

  • Supply nearly 2 million free books to kids.
  • Support more than 625,000 hours of tutoring for students.
  • Enable approximately 42,000 students to receive a certificate or credential for career pathways.
  • Deliver over 120,000 science-technology-engineering-math (STEM) kits and projects to students.
  • Fund more than 3,700 career exposure or exploration events.

 
The second Foundation grant cycle of the year will open in June 2026 and focus on community vitality initiatives, such as affordable housing, environmental stewardship and enhancing community outdoor spaces.

To learn more and apply for a grant, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/Foundation. 

###

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 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.​

As part of its commitment to helping support local communities, CenterPoint Energy Foundation opens its first grant cycle of 2026

​MINNEAPOLIS — Jan. 15, 2026 — The CenterPoint Energy Foundation is currently accepting applications through Feb. 13 for nonprofit programs and initiatives focused on education including literacy, science-technology-engineering-mathematics (STEM) and workforce development.

Grants are available for eligible nonprofit organizations whose primary location is in CenterPoint Energy's service areas and have programs supporting the Foundation's giving priorities. The Foundation prioritizes programs serving low-to-moderate income families and under-resourced communities.  

Funded separately and financially independent from the utility, the CenterPoint Energy Foundation strives to be a catalyst for good by leveraging everyday opportunities and resources to increase the vibrancy in the communities it serves.   

“The CenterPoint Energy Foundation creates positive, meaningful change within the communities where we have the privilege to provide electric and natural gas service," said June Deadrick, Vice President, Community Relations at CenterPoint Energy. “The Foundation remains committed to initiatives and programs enriching the lives of those living and working within our service areas, while powering possibilities for a better tomorrow. We encourage qualified nonprofit organizations focusing on education to apply for a grant through Feb. 13." 

During its two grant cycles in 2025, the CenterPoint Energy Foundation awarded more than $13.9 million for approximately 430 grants to nonprofit organizations in Texas, Minnesota, Indiana and Ohio, with efforts expected to:

  • Supply nearly 2 million free books to kids.
  • Support more than 625,000 hours of tutoring for students.
  • Enable approximately 42,000 students to receive a certificate or credential for career pathways.
  • Deliver over 120,000 science-technology-engineering-math (STEM) kits and projects to students.
  • Fund more than 3,700 career exposure or exploration events.

 
The second Foundation grant cycle of the year will open in June 2026 and focus on community vitality initiatives, such as affordable housing, environmental stewardship and enhancing community outdoor spaces.

To learn more and apply for a grant, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/Foundation. 

###

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 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.

As part of its commitment to helping support local communities, CenterPoint Energy Foundation opens its first grant cycle of 2026

HOUSTON — Jan. 15, 2026 — The CenterPoint Energy Foundation is currently accepting applications through Feb. 13 for nonprofit programs and initiatives focused on education including literacy, science-technology-engineering-mathematics (STEM) and workforce development.

Grants are available for eligible nonprofit organizations whose primary location is in CenterPoint Energy's service areas and have programs supporting the Foundation's giving priorities. The Foundation prioritizes programs serving low-to-moderate income families and under-resourced communities.  

Funded separately and financially independent from the utility, the CenterPoint Energy Foundation strives to be a catalyst for good by leveraging everyday opportunities and resources to increase the vibrancy in the communities it serves.   

“The CenterPoint Energy Foundation creates positive, meaningful change within the communities where we have the privilege to provide electric and natural gas service," said June Deadrick, Vice President, Community Relations at CenterPoint Energy. “The Foundation remains committed to initiatives and programs enriching the lives of those living and working within our service areas, while powering possibilities for a better tomorrow. We encourage qualified nonprofit organizations focusing on education to apply for a grant through Feb. 13." 

During its two grant cycles in 2025, the CenterPoint Energy Foundation awarded more than $13.9 million for approximately 430 grants to nonprofit organizations in Texas, Minnesota, Indiana and Ohio, with efforts expected to:

  • Supply nearly 2 million free books to kids.
  • Support more than 625,000 hours of tutoring for students.
  • Enable approximately 42,000 students to receive a certificate or credential for career pathways.
  • Deliver over 120,000 science-technology-engineering-math (STEM) kits and projects to students.
  • Fund more than 3,700 career exposure or exploration events.

The second Foundation grant cycle of the year will open in June 2026 and focus on community vitality initiatives, such as affordable housing, environmental stewardship and enhancing community outdoor spaces.

To learn more and apply for a grant, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/Foundation. 

###

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 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. ​

As part of its commitment to helping support local communities, CenterPoint Energy Foundation opens its first grant cycle of 2026

EVANSVILLE, Ind. — Jan. 15, 2026 — The CenterPoint Energy Foundation is currently accepting applications through Feb. 13 for nonprofit programs and initiatives focused on education including literacy, science-technology-engineering-mathematics (STEM) and workforce development.

Grants are available for eligible nonprofit organizations whose primary location is in CenterPoint Energy's service areas and have programs supporting the Foundation's giving priorities. The Foundation prioritizes programs serving low-to-moderate income families and under-resourced communities.  

Funded separately and financially independent from the utility, the CenterPoint Energy Foundation strives to be a catalyst for good by leveraging everyday opportunities and resources to increase the vibrancy in the communities it serves.   

“The CenterPoint Energy Foundation creates positive, meaningful change within the communities where we have the privilege to provide electric and natural gas service," said Mike Roeder, President of CenterPoint Energy Indiana. “The Foundation remains committed to initiatives and programs enriching the lives of those living and working within our service areas, while powering possibilities for a better tomorrow. We encourage qualified nonprofit organizations focusing on education to apply for a grant through Feb. 13." 

During its two grant cycles in 2025, the CenterPoint Energy Foundation awarded more than $13.9 million for approximately 430 grants to nonprofit organizations in Texas, Minnesota, Indiana and Ohio, with efforts expected to:

  • Supply nearly 2 million free books to kids.
  • Support more than 625,000 hours of tutoring for students.
  • Enable approximately 42,000 students to receive a certificate or credential for career pathways.
  • Deliver over 120,000 science-technology-engineering-math (STEM) kits and projects to students.
  • Fund more than 3,700 career exposure or exploration events.

The second Foundation grant cycle of the year will open in June 2026 and focus on community vitality initiatives, such as affordable housing, environmental stewardship and enhancing community outdoor spaces.

To learn more and apply for a grant, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/Foundation. 

###

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 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.