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Greater Houston Resiliency Initiative Phase Two update: CenterPoint Energy completes 70% of critical resiliency work around Houston to prepare for the 2025 Hurricane Season

2025-04-19T05:00:00Z

In just seven months, CenterPoint has completed 350 miles of targeted undergrounding; installed 17,500+ stronger, more storm-resilient poles; cleared 2,900+ miles of higher-risk vegetation; and placed 3,380+ automated reliability devices to improve grid resiliency

Historic suite of Greater Houston Resiliency Initiative actions will improve customer reliability by reducing outages by more than 125 million minutes annually

HOUSTON, April 9, 2025 - Today, CenterPoint Energy released its latest progress update on the second phase of the Greater Houston Resiliency Initiative (GHRI), announcing that approximately 70 percent of this historic resiliency work is now complete and that all GHRI-related actions are expected to be complete before the official start of the 2025 hurricane season.

Since announcing the second phase of GHRI last fall, the company has prioritized a broad suite of resiliency actions, including adding thousands more automation devices capable of self-healing; clearing higher-risk vegetation across thousands of more miles of power lines; installing thousands of stronger, more storm-resistant poles; and undergrounding hundreds of miles of power lines. When complete, CenterPoint's GHRI efforts will improve overall grid resiliency and reliability and are estimated to reduce outages for customers by more than 125 million minutes annually.

Among CenterPoint's upcoming GHRI resiliency achievements are: undergrounding the 350th mile of power lines to help improve resiliency and reduce the risk of outages, and beginning the installation of the first of 100 new local weather monitoring stations by June 1 to improve situational awareness and storm preparation across Greater Houston.

"Our entire CenterPoint Houston Electric team is focused on completing this historic suite of grid resiliency actions before the start of hurricane season. That is our goal, and we will achieve it. To date, we have made significant progress as part of this historic effort, including undergrounding power lines, installing new poles, clearing hazardous vegetation and installing automation devices to reduce the impact of future storms and hurricanes." said Darin Carroll, Senior Vice President of CenterPoint's Electric Business, "We will continue to work every day to complete these critical improvements as part of our company's goal of building the most resilient coastal grid in the country."

GHRI Progress Update: Undergrounding more than 85% complete
Since CenterPoint launched Phase Two of the GHRI in September 2024, the company has made progress across an array of resiliency goals, including undergrounding nearly 350 miles of power lines to date, which is more than 85 percent toward its target of 400 miles.

In March alone, CenterPoint:

Installed an additional 3,300+ stronger, storm-resilient poles built to withstand extreme winds;
Installed 1,215 more automated reliability devices capable of self-healing to reduce the impact of outages and improve restoration times;
Cleared another 655 miles of high-risk vegetation near power lines to reduce storm-related outages; and
Undergrounded 65 more miles of power lines to improve overall resiliency.

Upcoming GHRI actions: Installing 100 new weather monitoring stations
To further improve situational awareness and storm preparation, this month, CenterPoint will begin the build out of a network of 100 new weather monitoring stations across the Greater Houston area. This new weather station network will provide 24/7 weather monitoring and vital information to help CenterPoint better prepare for and respond to upcoming storms. This work will be completed before the 2025 hurricane season.

Improving communication & preparedness
CenterPoint also continues to improve the way it communicates with customers and engages with communities before, during and after extreme weather events. The company is conducting a year-round safety and preparedness campaign to share information on its preparedness efforts, as well as tips and resources for customers. As part of its overall preparedness efforts, and to improve local emergency coordination, CenterPoint continues to meet with local officials and emergency management offices and hold exercises to evaluate and improve its emergency preparedness and response plans before hurricane season.

CenterPoint will continue to provide updates on its progress toward completing these 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 approximately 7 million metered customers in Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio and Texas. As of December 31, 2024, the company owned approximately $44 billion in assets. With approximately 8,500 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 the GHRI and longer-term resiliency plans, 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 or the date that such statement is made, as applicable. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the provided forward-looking information include risks and uncertainties relating to: (1) business strategies and strategic initiatives, restructurings, joint ventures, acquisitions or dispositions of assets or businesses involving CenterPoint Energy or its industry; (2) CenterPoint Energy's ability to fund and invest planned capital, and the timely recovery of its investments; (3) financial market and general economic conditions; (4) the timing and impact of future regulatory, legislative and political actions or developments; and (5) other factors, risks and uncertainties discussed in CenterPoint Energy's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 and 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

Recent News

Applications now open for CenterPoint Energy’s Community Safety Grants

HOUSTON – May 15, 2025 – CenterPoint Energy is currently accepting applications for this year's Community Safety Grant Program through May 31, 2025. The company will award grants of up to $2,500 for local governmental agencies to fund community safety equipment and safety-related projects within CenterPoint's electric and natural gas service areas in Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio and Texas.

Since launching the program in 2003, CenterPoint has awarded more than $3.25 million in grants for over 1,600 safety-related projects in communities throughout the company's footprint.

“At CenterPoint, safety is our top core value, and this drives every effort we take as a company for the customers and communities we are privileged to serve," said June Deadrick, CenterPoint's Vice President, Community Relations. “Through our Community Safety Grant Program, we are thrilled to recognize the work our emergency responders, local officials and many others do to help support the health and safety of our customers across the communities we, too, call home."

Through this program, the grants have enabled communities to install public AEDs (automated external defibrillators), update emergency communication equipment, purchase personal protective equipment for first responders, install traffic control signs, buy gas monitoring devices and complete many other types of safety projects.

Each community CenterPoint serves can submit one grant application with information on a safety-related problem, issue or need in the community and how a Community Safety Grant would help address those needs.

To learn more about CenterPoint's commitment to the communities it serves and to apply for a Community Safety Grant, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/Community.

About CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is a multi-state electric and natural gas delivery company serving approximately 7 million metered customers across Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, and Texas. The company is headquartered in Houston and is the only Texas-domiciled investor-owned utility. As of March 31, 2025, the company had approximately $44 billion in assets. With approximately 8,300 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been serving customers for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.

CenterPoint Energy continues its resiliency efforts across the 12-county region through its Foundation’s Community Generator Donation Program; Donates backup generator to the YET Center

HOUSTON — May 15, 2025 — Today, at an announcement in Houston with elected officials and community leaders, CenterPoint Energy leaders announced the donation of a backup generator to the Youth Education Town (YET) Center as part of its Community Generator Donation Program to support local community resiliency. Through this program, the CenterPoint Energy Foundation is donating funds for more than 20 backup generators at key locations throughout its 12-county Greater Houston region. It is expected that there will be at least one generator or other support for each county.

The company is working in close collaboration with local Offices of Emergency Management (OEMs) and other county and city leaders to identify the appropriate locations for the donated generators to be able to have the greatest impact and local benefit.

The Community Generator Donation Program is part of CenterPoint's Greater Houston Resiliency Initiative (GHRI). The backup generators will help provide support for critical community partners during major weather events or other emergencies and will be funded through a $5 million grant from the CenterPoint Energy Foundation at no cost to customers. The CenterPoint Energy Foundation is a charitable giving organization focused on strengthening the quality of life in the communities served by the company. The foundation is funded by shareholders and has no impact on customer rates. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/Foundation.

“We are committed to improving resiliency in our local communities and working closely with our community partners to achieve this important goal. Today, we are donating backup generation to support our partners in Harris County, and we look forward to sharing other locations for our Community Generator Donation Program with other counties and cities in the weeks ahead. These generators are each capable of powering an entire large building and will help make the communities we are proud to serve even more resilient during major storms and other emergency events," said Darin Carroll, CenterPoint's Senior Vice President of Electric Business.

These backup generators will provide an additional power supply during major storms and other emergency events that cause outages. Facilities that receive the donated backup generators will be able to better serve their communities during outages, acting as hubs for essential services like medical care, cooling stations, water and food distribution, charging stations for critical devices and other services.

Working with Community Partners on Locations
To support local community needs, CenterPoint worked closely with county and city officials and OEMs to identify and select the ideal locations for the donated generators, with local officials ultimately deciding which critical facilities will receive the donations.

“On behalf of Harris County residents, especially those in the Fifth Ward area, I want to thank the CenterPoint Energy Foundation for the generous donation of a generator for the Youth Education Town Center. We will be entering hurricane season in about two weeks, so the generator will help this community that really relies on the YET as an emergency shelter. In a disadvantaged neighborhood like this, we also can depend on the generator to make sure everyone is protected from extreme weather and has adequate supplies to survive, including food and water," said Rodney Ellis, Harris County Precinct 1 Commissioner.

CenterPoint will continue coordinating with local community partners to ensure the backup generators are suitable to meet the specific needs of the critical facilities they have identified. The goal is to have all generators installed by June 1, 2025, to further resiliency ahead of the 2025 hurricane season.

CenterPoint is working with other county OEMs, and county and city leaders across the Greater Houston region to make similar announcements in the coming weeks.

PHOTO: From L to R: Alexsaundra Preston, Director of Communications for the Office of Commissioner Rodney Ellis; John Robinson, Director of the YET Center; Joshua McGinty, CenterPoint Service Area Manager for Bellaire; Robert Young, CenterPoint Service Area Director for Bellaire and Spring Branch; Rodney Ellis, Harris County Precinct 1 Commissioner; Darin Carroll, CenterPoint Senior Vice President of Electric Business; June Deadrick, CenterPoint Vice President of Community Relations; Keith Stephens, CenterPoint Senior Vice President and Chief Communications and Marketing Officer

More photos: CNP Digital Asset Mgmt

About CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is a multi-state electric and natural gas delivery company serving approximately 7 million metered customers across Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, and Texas. The company is headquartered in Houston and is the only Texas-domiciled investor-owned utility. As of March 31, 2025, the company had approximately $44 billion in assets. With approximately 8,300 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been serving customers for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.

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 the GHRI and longer-term resiliency plans, 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 or the date that such statement is made, as applicable. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the provided forward-looking information include risks and uncertainties relating to: (1) business strategies and strategic initiatives, restructurings, joint ventures, acquisitions or dispositions of assets or businesses involving CenterPoint Energy or its industry; (2) CenterPoint Energy's ability to fund and invest planned capital, and the timely recovery of its investments; (3) financial market and general economic conditions; (4) the timing and impact of future regulatory, legislative and political actions or developments; and (5) other factors, risks and uncertainties discussed in CenterPoint Energy's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 and other reports CenterPoint Energy or its subsidiaries may file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

CenterPoint Energy Foundation proudly sponsors Houston Disaster Readiness and Resilience Clinic & Expo to prepare for 2025 hurricane season

HOUSTON – May 13, 2025 – As part of its ongoing efforts to prepare for the 2025 hurricane season, CenterPoint Energy today announced its Foundation's lead sponsorship of the City of Houston's Disaster Readiness and Resilience Clinic & Expo on May 17, the largest emergency preparedness event in Texas. The free community event, which is hosted by the City of Houston, Harris County and community partners, will take place at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Downtown Houston from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. and will brings thousands of Houstonians together to enhance overall resilience and emergency preparedness.

“As we all prepare for the 2025 hurricane season, the CenterPoint Energy Foundation is proud to support this critical, city-wide resiliency event alongside our city, county and community partners. We encourage all our customers around Houston to attend to learn about key resources in their communities and make an emergency plan to stay safe when extreme weather strikes," said Keith Stephens, CenterPoint's Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Officer.

The Disaster Readiness and Resilience Clinic & Expo will include interactive exhibits and educational panels with public officials, emergency response agencies and community organizations, to provide important safety information and resources to help Houstonians prepare for hurricanes and other emergencies. The event will also feature a Disaster Access and Functional Needs Clinic to provide tailored support and services for individuals with specific needs during emergencies. To learn more or sign up for the event, visit getreadyexpo.org.

Hurricane preparedness: Getting ready for the start of hurricane season
CenterPoint's local support for the Disaster Readiness and Resilience Clinic & Expo is part of a series of historic actions taken since last year, which includes the completion of the second phase of the Greater Houston Resiliency Initiative (GHRI) before June 1, 2025, or the official start of the hurricane season. Among the actions the company has taken are:

Completing historic system improvements: Through the second phase of GHRI, installing 25,000 stronger, more storm-resilient poles; installing 4,850 automated devices; clearing high-risk vegetation from 4,000 miles of power lines; undergrounding 400 miles of power lines; and installing 100 weather stations to provide real-time weather monitoring.
Working with emergency partners to get ready: Coordinating with local officials, emergency management offices and community partners to prepare for extreme weather events, including through joint emergency response exercises.
Donating and installing emergency generators to key locations through its Foundation's Community Generator Donation Program: Working with local communities to provide backup generators to critical facilities and community centers that provide essential services in emergencies.

CenterPoint will continue to provide updates on its progress toward completing its critical resiliency actions and other GHRI commitments before June 1. More information is available at CenterPointEnergy.com/TakingAction.

About CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is a multi-state electric and natural gas delivery company serving approximately 7 million metered customers across Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, and Texas. The company is headquartered in Houston and is the only Texas-domiciled investor-owned utility. As of March 31, 2025, the company had approximately $44 billion in assets. With approximately 8,300 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been serving customers for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.

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 the GHRI and longer-term resiliency plans, 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 and other emergency preparations 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, including expected benefits, speaks only as of the date of this release or the date that such statement is made, as applicable. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the provided forward-looking information include risks and uncertainties relating to: (1) business strategies and strategic initiatives, restructurings, joint ventures, acquisitions or dispositions of assets or businesses involving CenterPoint Energy or its industry; (2) CenterPoint Energy's ability to fund and invest planned capital, and the timely recovery of its investments; (3) financial market and general economic conditions; (4) the timing and impact of future regulatory, legislative and political actions or developments; and (5) other factors, risks and uncertainties discussed in CenterPoint Energy's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 and other reports CenterPoint Energy or its subsidiaries may file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

CenterPoint Energy encourages customers to take advantage of powerful new tool available to help manage their accounts

MINNEAPOLIS – May 13, 2025 – CenterPoint Energy encourages customers to use company-offered tools that can help make it easier to manage their accounts, view energy usage and receive information on bill management resources, including the newly launched CenterPoint Energy mobile app.

“At CenterPoint, we continue to explore various ways to connect with our customers and provide additional mobile-friendly tools to enhance their user experience. Through the CenterPoint Energy app, customers can conveniently manage their accounts and receive important alerts directly to their smart devices," said Tony Gardner, CenterPoint's Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer. “We look forward to continuing to provide tools that help us better serve our customers in managing their bills and energy use.”

Through the new CenterPoint Energy mobile app, customers have access to the following features:

Account management: Customers can use the app to view billing information, pay their bill through a variety of ways including Apple Pay, save multiple payment methods and request a payment extension.
Secure login: Customers who would like to quickly access their account can enable facial or fingerprint authorization in their device’s app settings.
Energy usage data: Customers can view their historical energy usage to better understand their normal usage and self-identify opportunities to adjust their usage to save energy and lower costs on a monthly basis.

The CenterPoint Energy app is available for free download in the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. Learn more at CenterPointEnergy.com/App.

Bill management resources available to customers
CenterPoint offers resources to help customers manage their bills. 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.

CenterPoint customers can also enroll in an Average Monthly Billing Plan, which spreads costs throughout the year to help manage periods of peak usage such as the winter heating season, at CenterPointEnergy.com/MyAccount or by calling 800-245-2377.

CenterPoint Energy Foundation awards grants to nearly 200 nonprofit organizations across its four-state footprint during first grant cycle of 2025

HOUSTON — May 12, 2025 — During its first grant cycle of 2025, the CenterPoint Energy Foundation awarded more than $8.6 million in grants to 199 nonprofit organizations in Texas, Minnesota, Indiana and Ohio. Grants are awarded to eligible nonprofit organizations whose primary location is in CenterPoint Energy's service areas and have programs that support the Foundation's giving priorities of community vitality and education.

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

The Foundation prioritizes programs that serve low-to-moderate income families and under-resourced communities and provide increased access to nonprofit programs and services.

“We're proud of the impact the CenterPoint Energy Foundation continues to have in helping create positive, meaningful change in the communities we're privileged to serve," said June Deadrick, Vice President, Community Relations at CenterPoint Energy. “By supporting nonprofit programs that focus on community vitality and education, we're excited to invest in making our communities more vibrant. The Foundation remains committed to initiatives enriching the lives of those living and working in communities we currently serve, while building a strong foundation for a brighter tomorrow."

Highlights of programs funded during the first cycle of 2025 include:

Whitely Community Council (Indiana): The Whitely Community Council works toward improving the quality of life of residents living in and near the Whitely neighborhood in Muncie, Ind. The CenterPoint Energy Foundation awarded a $75,000 grant to support this organization's efforts to redevelop a neighborhood property into a hub of residential resources. The Whitely Community Council's Resource Hub will connect low-to-moderate income families to vital services such as a walk-in health clinic, financial counseling, homeownership programs, education services and more, so the neighborhood and residents can thrive.

Tree Trust (Minnesota): Tree Trust works to transform lives and landscapes by engaging people to build skills for meaningful careers, inspiring people to plant trees and making communities greener, healthier places. Through a $20,000 grant, Tree Trust's Learning with Trees Program will plant trees to provide students with experiential education opportunities highlighting the environmental and energy-efficiency benefits of trees, while beautifying schoolyards. Additionally, this grant will also support Tree Trust's Summer Youth Employment program, which offers paid, entry-level summer work experience in community landscaping and construction projects.

WPCU Sunshine Community Fund (Ohio): The WPCU Sunshine Community Fund collaborates with nonprofits to support and uplift vulnerable communities through seven wellbeing building blocks, including homeownership. The CenterPoint Energy Foundation awarded $75,000 to support WPCU Sunshine Community Fund's Pathways to Homeownership program in Dayton, Ohio. This program provides homeownership opportunities to first-time, low-to-moderate income homebuyers by building new single-family homes on donated residential lots in focus neighborhoods. Prospective homeowners take courses, receive individualized coaching and prepare to become mortgage ready.

Literacy Now (Texas): Literacy Now's mission is to empower children and families through literacy and life skills. Literacy Now provides reading readiness and reading intervention programs, parent engagement and trained volunteer mentors to contribute to children's long-term success. The Foundation awarded $75,000 to support Literacy Now's 2025 Reading Intervention program, providing hundreds of struggling readers from kindergarten through sixth grade throughout Greater Houston with individualized small group reading instruction aiming to create proficient readers. Students participating in the program increase their foundational reading skills on average by 150%.

The Foundation's second grant cycle for 2025 will be open from June 16 through July 18, and all eligible organizations within CenterPoint's electric and natural gas service areas in Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio and Texas are encouraged to apply.

For more details on how the CenterPoint Energy Foundation is making a difference in the communities it serves, 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.
CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is a multi-state electric and natural gas delivery company serving approximately 7 million metered customers across Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, and Texas. The company is headquartered in Houston and is the only Texas-domiciled investor-owned utility. As of March 31, 2025, the company had approximately $44 billion in assets. With approximately 8,300 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been serving customers for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.