CenterPoint Energy Taking Safety Actions to Address Increased Wildfire Risk in Parts of the Greater Houston Area
CenterPoint Energy Taking Safety Actions to Address Increased Wildfire Risk in Parts of the Greater Houston Area
2025-03-15T05:00:00Z

Red Flag Warning in effect for large portions of Texas and the Greater Houston area from noon to 9 p.m. on Saturday; high wind gusts, low humidity and fire risk anticipated

CenterPoint has taken a series of actions to prepare equipment and approximately 1,000 workers ready to respond today 

Company continues to communicate with customers about the potential for temporary outages in some areas due to wildfire conditions 

HOUSTON, March 15, 2025 - CenterPoint Energy is taking a series of precautionary actions to help protect customers and communities and address elevated wildfire risk in parts of the Greater Houston area, as the National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning from noon until 9 p.m. today. CenterPoint has actively prepared for potentially dangerous weather conditions, including high wind gusts, dry fuels and low humidity, by conducting pre-inspections of electric and natural gas equipment, adjusting power line safety settings in higher-risk areas, communicating with customers and working closely with local emergency agencies. Today, CenterPoint has approximately 1,000 line and vegetation workers prepared to respond to the evolving weather conditions.

Over the last day, CenterPoint has notified customers in the Cypress, Fort Bend and Katy areas through the company's Power Alert Service about the possibility that extreme weather and wind conditions could result in some temporary safety outages this afternoon or tonight.

"While we have had some precipitation with the passing front this morning, we must remain vigilant. As fire weather conditions quickly evolved and escalated across the state, CenterPoint has been actively preparing for potential impacts to the system and is ready to respond to the heightened risk today. Over the last several days, our teams have completed a series of actions to help protect our customers and communities, including inspecting critical equipment, clearing hazardous vegetation near power lines, adjusting safety settings in higher-risk areas and pre-positioning crews to quickly restore power if temporary safety outages occur. We will continue to keep customers informed of our efforts and how they can stay prepared before and during extreme weather," said Don Daigler, Senior Vice President, Emergency Planning & Response.

Key Actions to Help Keep Customers Safe
CenterPoint's safety preparations over the last several days include the following key actions:

  • Inspecting and Hardening Key Power Lines: Inspecting power lines in areas of heightened fire risk, clearing hazardous vegetation near power lines and conducting repairs where needed, ahead of potential extreme weather.
  • Inspecting Natural Gas Facilities: Inspecting gas facilities in areas of heightened fire risk and clearing hazardous vegetation near facilities ahead of potential extreme weather.
  • Adjusting Safety Settings: Adjusting the settings on some power lines for safety between noon and 9 p.m. today.
  • Bringing on Additional Crews to Respond: Positioning CenterPoint crews and additional contractors to respond to any power outages or natural gas service interruptions that may occur. Additional resources will be utilized to safely restore service as quickly as possible when conditions allow.
  • Coordinating with Local Emergency Partners: Proactively sharing information with state, county and local leaders.
  • Communicating with Customers: Proactively communicating with approximately 330,000 customers in the Cypress, Fort Bend and Katy areas by phone, text or email about the potential for temporary safety outages due to high fire danger.

Important Safety Tips for Customers

CenterPoint encourages all customers to stay informed about weather conditions and make a plan to stay safe, including during a potential power outage. Customers can also get the latest information on CenterPoint's preparedness and response efforts and view important safety tips by visiting CenterPointEnergy.com/StormCenter. Additional preparation and safety tips are available at Ready.gov. 

How to Stay Informed: Sign Up for PAS
CenterPoint electric customers are encouraged to enroll in the company's Power Alert Service® to receive outage details, estimated restoration times and customer-specific restoration updates by phone call, text or email. Customers can also stay up to date with CenterPoint's new and improved, cloud-based Outage Tracker, available in English and Spanish, which allows customers to see outages by county, city and zip code.

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 the latest weather information for the Greater Houston area, view updates from the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Houston/Galveston at weather.gov/hgx.

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