Greater Houston Resiliency Initiative Phase Two Update: CenterPoint Energy completes nearly 90% of critical resiliency actions to strengthen the grid ahead of 2025 hurricane season
Greater Houston Resiliency Initiative Phase Two Update: CenterPoint Energy completes nearly 90% of critical resiliency actions to strengthen the grid ahead of 2025 hurricane season
2025-05-07T05:00:00Z

Over the last eight months, CenterPoint has installed 21,975 stronger, more storm-resilient poles; undergrounded 401 miles of power lines; added 4,472 automation devices; cleared 3,741 miles of high-risk vegetation; and installed 84 weather monitoring stations around the Greater Houston area

100% of strategic undergrounding goal completed ahead of schedule

Company on pace to complete historic suite of Greater Houston Resiliency Initiative actions by June 1, which will improve reliability for customers and reduce outages by more than 125 million minutes annually

HOUSTON, May 7, 2025 - Today, as part of the second phase of the Greater Houston Resiliency Initiative (GHRI), CenterPoint Energy announced that it has completed nearly 90 percent of all planned grid resiliency improvements ahead of hurricane season. CenterPoint has completed or is on track to finish key actions by June 1 including installing 25,000 stronger, storm-resilient poles; undergrounding 400+ miles of power lines; adding 4,850 automated devices capable of self-healing; clearing 4,000 miles of higher-risk vegetation; and installing 100+ advanced weather monitoring stations across the Greater Houston area. 

As previously announced this week, the company has completed its undergrounding goal of installing 400 miles of underground power lines ahead of schedule. Overall, these resiliency actions are expected to reduce outages for customers by more than 125 million minutes annually. 

"As part of our ongoing resiliency efforts and preparations for hurricane season, the CenterPoint team has reached another key milestone in our Greater Houston Resiliency Initiative. Through the end of April, we've completed nearly 90 percent of our overall grid resiliency improvements, from installing stronger poles and automation devices to clearing hazardous vegetation and undergrounding power lines, and we're on track to finish this critical work before June 1. The actions we are taking today to build a more resilient and reliable grid will enable us to better serve our customers when powerful storms and other extreme weather strike," said Nathan Brownell, CenterPoint's Vice President of Resilience and Capital Delivery.

CenterPoint completing all GHRI resiliency actions by June 1
Since launching Phase Two of the GHRI in September 2024, CenterPoint has made progress on the historic series of critical resiliency improvements across the Greater Houston area. Over the last month alone, the company has completed the following actions:

  • Installing an additional 4,442 stronger, more storm-resilient poles built to withstand extreme winds;
  • Undergrounding another 52 miles of power lines to improve overall resiliency;
  • Installing 1,086 more automated reliability devices to reduce the impact of outages and improve restoration times;
  • Clearing an additional 822 miles of higher-risk vegetation near power lines to reduce storm-related outages; and
  • Installing 84 weather monitoring stations to improve situational awareness and storm preparation.

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

About CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
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.

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

SOURCE CenterPoint Energy

 Recent News

 

 
CenterPoint Energy encourages Ohio customers to explore bill management options to benefit sooner

​​​Current bills to reflect January’s extreme cold

Payment assistance, flexible billing options and energy-saving resources available

DAYTON, Ohio – Feb. 3, 2026 – As CenterPoint Energy customers continue receiving February bills reflecting January’s extreme weather, the company is encouraging those who may need help managing their energy costs to explore available resources now to manage potential bill assistance needs.

January 2026 brought record-breaking snowfall to the region during Winter Storm Fern. The National Weather Service reported the longest streak of consecutive days below freezing since 2017-18. It marks the sixth time since 1893 the region has experienced an extended freeze of this magnitude. When temperatures fall this dramatically, heating systems work harder to maintain indoor comfort, resulting in increased energy usage reflected in monthly bills.

Natural gas commodity prices also rose sharply during the storm as severe weather disrupted production in key supply regions nationwide. These costs, set by national markets, are passed through to customers dollar-for-dollar without markup. Every year, the company procures gas on behalf of customers using tools to mitigate most of the exposure to large, demand-based market swings. CenterPoint does not control or profit from the price of natural gas.

“We understand that colder weather drove more heating use which is generating challenging higher bills,” said Mike Wilson, CenterPoint’s VP, Ohio Gas. “We want customers to know that help is available. Our Resource Hub brings together assistance programs, payment options and energy-saving tools, all in one place.”

The company also offers Budget Billing, which spreads energy costs evenly across the year for more predictable monthly bills.

Customers can sign up for Budget Billing and explore other resources by visiting CenterPoint’s improved Resource Hub at CenterPointEnergy.com/ResourceHub or call 800-227-1376.

As cold weather continues, CenterPoint reminds customers to be aware of the warning signs of carbon monoxide poisoning. Early symptoms such as headache and fatigue are similar to the flu, but without a fever. Continued CO exposure can lead to more severe headaches, dizziness, nausea, difficulty thinking clearly and fainting. If everyone in a household is experiencing these symptoms, it could be CO poisoning. If CO poisoning is suspected, leave the area immediately, get fresh air and call 911.


CenterPoint Energy encourages Indiana customers to explore bill management options to benefit sooner

​Current bills to reflect January’s extreme cold

Payment assistance, flexible billing options and energy-saving resources available

INDIANAPOLIS – Feb. 3, 2026 – As CenterPoint Energy customers continue receiving current bills reflecting January’s extreme weather, the company is encouraging those who may need help managing their energy costs to explore available resources now to manage potential bill assistance needs.

January 2026 brought the region’s heaviest snowfall in over a decade during Winter Storm Fern, with wind chills plunging 20 to 25 degrees below zero. The National Weather Service reported the longest streak of consecutive days below freezing since 2017-18. It marks only the sixth time since 1871 the region has experienced an extended freeze of this magnitude. When temperatures fall this dramatically, heating systems work harder to maintain indoor comfort, resulting in increased energy usage reflected in monthly bills.

Natural gas commodity prices also rose sharply during the storm as severe weather disrupted production in key supply regions nationwide. These costs, set by national markets, are passed through to customers dollar-for-dollar without markup. Every year, the company procures gas on behalf of customers using tools to mitigate most of the exposure to large, demand-based market swings. CenterPoint does not control or profit from the price of natural gas.

“We understand the colder weather drove more heating use which is generating challenging higher bills,” said Mike Roeder, President of CenterPoint Energy Indiana. “We want customers to know that help is available. Our Resource Hub brings together assistance programs, payment options and energy-saving tools, all in one place.”

The company also offers Budget Billing, which spreads energy costs evenly across the year for more predictable monthly bills.

Customers can sign up for Budget Billing and explore other resources by visiting CenterPoint’s improved Resource Hub at CenterPointEnergy.com/ResourceHub or call 800-227-1376.

As cold weather continues, CenterPoint also reminds customers to be aware of the warning signs of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Early symptoms such as headache and fatigue are similar to the flu, but without a fever. Continued CO exposure can lead to more severe headaches, dizziness, nausea, difficulty thinking clearly and fainting. If everyone in a household is experiencing these symptoms, it could be CO poisoning. If CO poisoning is suspected, leave the area immediately, get fresh air and call 911.

CenterPoint Energy encourages southwestern Indiana customers to explore bill management options to benefit sooner
​​Current bills to reflect January’s extreme cold
Payment assistance, flexible billing options and energy-saving resources available

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Feb. 3, 2026 – As CenterPoint Energy customers continue receiving current bills reflecting January’s extreme weather, the company is encouraging those who may need help managing their energy costs to explore available resources now to manage potential bill assistance needs.

January 2026 brought significant snowfall and dangerously cold wind chills to the region during Winter Storm Fern, with temperatures dropping well below zero. The National Weather Service reported the longest streak of consecutive days below freezing since 2021. When temperatures fall this dramatically, heating systems work harder to maintain indoor comfort, resulting in increased energy usage reflected in monthly bills. 

Natural gas commodity prices also rose sharply during the storm as severe weather disrupted production in key supply regions nationwide. These costs, set by national markets, are passed through to customers dollar-for-dollar without markup. Every year, the company procures gas on behalf of customers using tools to mitigate most of the exposure to large, demand-based market swings. CenterPoint does not control or profit from the price of natural gas.

“We understand the colder weather drove more heating use which is generating challenging higher bills,” said Mike Roeder, President of CenterPoint Energy Indiana. “We want customers to know that help is available. Our Resource Hub brings together assistance programs, payment options and energy-saving tools, all in one place.”

The company also offers Budget Billing, which spreads energy costs evenly across the year for more predictable monthly bills.

Customers can sign up for Budget Billing and explore other resources by visiting CenterPoint’s improved Resource Hub at CenterPointEnergy.com/ResourceHub or call 800-227-1376.

In October 2025, CenterPoint launched a series of Community Affordability Actions​, including the CenterPoint Energy Foundation’s $5 million Community Energy Improvement Fund​. Since then, the company has introduced additional bill management tools and programs for southwestern Indiana customers, including the Home Repair & Care program​—which provides major home repairs at no cost to qualifying households—and TimeWise, a voluntary pilot program offering residential electric customers a pricing option that may help them save by shifting energy use to lower-cost hours.

As cold weather continues, CenterPoint also reminds customers to be aware of the warning signs of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Early symptoms such as headache and fatigue are similar to the flu, but without a fever. Continued CO exposure can lead to more severe headaches, dizziness, nausea, difficulty thinking clearly and fainting. If everyone in a household is experiencing these symptoms, it could be CO poisoning. If CO poisoning is suspected, leave the area immediately, get fresh air and call 911.​

To help manage winter heating bills, CenterPoint Energy encourages customers to use available resources and programs

MINNEAPOLIS – Jan. 29, 2026 – CenterPoint Energy encourages residential customers to use tools and resources that may be available to help manage their natural gas bills. Throughout the year, but especially in the winter months when home heating costs are historically higher, CenterPoint urges customers facing hardship to call the company now to find out about payment arrangements, energy efficiency programs and external agency resources.​

“For customers needing payment assistance resources, we offer various tools and programs to help them manage their natural gas bills and provide pathways to reducing energy use. Our representatives work with each customer to identify programs that may be available throughout the winter heating season. We encourage customers that need support in managing their bills to contact us now to set up a payment plan and find out more about energy assistance programs," said Brad Steber, CenterPoint Energy's Vice President, Minnesota Gas. 

Cold weather protections for residential customers
Under Minnesota's Cold Weather Rule, residential customers having difficulty paying their heating bills are required to set up a payment plan with their utility. Setting up and maintaining a payment plan helps prevent disconnection of service through April 30, 2026.

CenterPoint customers can call 800-245-2377 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday-Friday, or visit CenterPointEnergy.com/PaymentAssistance to arrange a payment plan. A payment agreement must consider a customer's financial situation and any extenuating household circumstances.

Payment assistance and bill management resources
CenterPoint representatives can also refer customers to external resources that provide financial assistance for heating costs such as Minnesota's Energy Assistance Program. This program helps pay for home heating costs and furnace repairs for income-eligible households. Applications are being accepted for this program, and funds remain to assist Minnesotans this heating season. 

CenterPoint customers can also enroll in an Average Monthly Billing Plan, which spreads costs throughout the year to balance out payments and helps customers manage winter payment peaks, at CenterPointEnergy.com/MyAccount or by calling 800-245-2377.

Energy efficiency programs support customers in reducing their energy use
Various energy efficiency programs are available for residential customers, including renters. For qualifying customers, these programs may be available at a reduced rate or at no cost. Programs include:

  • Home energy assessment: The Home Energy Squad® is a home energy assessment program provided by CenterPoint and Xcel Energy that provides customers with a personalized energy savings plan and support in identifying qualified contractors and rebates. Through Jan. 31, customers scheduling their visit will receive half off with discount code NEWYEAR50. Schedule a visit at: CenterPointEnergy.com/HomeEnergySquad.
  • Visit the online Energy Efficiency Store: CenterPoint offers a variety of free and discounted products through its online Energy Efficiency Store including smart and programmable thermostats, window insulation kits, weatherstripping, low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators.
  • Air sealing and insulation rebates: By weatherizing a home through air sealing and insulation efforts, customers can prevent heat loss from their homes and reduce their energy use. Residential customers can receive rebates of up to $3,000 for work completed by a qualifying contractor. 

 Learn more about energy efficiency programs at CenterPointEnergy.com/SaveEnergy.

CenterPoint Energy urges Minnesota natural gas customers to continue taking actions to conserve energy

Customers that lower their thermostat can save energy and money as natural gas prices rise due to increased demand across the country 

MINNEAPOLIS – Jan. 27, 2026– Due to the ongoing extreme cold across much of the country, increased demand for natural gas is causing a short-term increase in natural gas prices. CenterPoint Energy is continuing to urge its Minnesota customers to take actions to help conserve energy, including temporarily lowering their thermostat settings, health permitting. The price that CenterPoint pays for natural gas is the same price charged to customers with no mark-up, and the company does not profit from the overall cost of natural gas.

Starting today and potentially through at least Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, CenterPoint is asking its customers, if possible, to reduce their thermostat settings to 65 degrees during the day when at home and lower the setting an additional five degrees when they are asleep or away from home. Home heating costs represent roughly 50% of a customer's monthly energy bill, and this energy conservation step can limit the impact of higher natural gas prices on customers' bills.

CenterPoint reminds customers that it is actively working across the company's Minnesota service area to continue providing safe, reliable and resilient energy. The company urges customers to have a personal cold weather plan in place to stay safe and warm.

Actions customers can take to reduce energy use
CenterPoint encourages customers to use these additional energy-saving tips to help manager their bill and energy use:

  • Lower the temperature setting on the water heater. Water heating accounts for approximately 20% of a home's overall energy use. Reducing a water heater's temperature to 120 degrees F from 140 degrees can help reduce water heating costs by 10% while also preventing scalding.
  • Check the furnace filter. Change or clean the filter to maximize the efficiency of the furnace.
  • Use window coverings and blinds effectively. If it's sunny outside, open window coverings during the day to capture warmth from the sun, and close coverings at night to keep warmth inside. If the sun's not shining, keep window coverings closed. 
  • Keep cold air out. Use caulk or weather-stripping to seal leaks around doors, windows and other openings such as pipes or ducts. Close fireplace dampers when not in use to trap the heat. 
  • Use a ceiling fan smartly. Set a ceiling fan to turn clockwise, and slowly, to move heat from near the ceiling to living levels to increase comfort.

Visit CenterPointEnergy.com/ReadyForWinter for more energy-saving tips and resources for customers to stay safe and warm.

Payment assistance resources for customers
CenterPoint encourages those who believe they may have trouble paying their bill to call the company now to find out about payment arrangements, energy efficiency programs and agency resources. Resources are available this heating season for qualifying customers. To learn more, customers should call 800-245-2377 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday - Friday, or visit CenterPointEnergy.com/PaymentAssistance.
 
Smell natural gas? Act fast!
CenterPoint also wants to provide a safety reminder to customers on actions to take if they suspect a natural gas leak. If there's a rotten egg or sulfur odor of natural gas present, immediately leave the area on foot, go to a safe location, and call both 911 and CenterPoint at 800-296-9815. Don't use electric switches/outlets, phones (including cell phones), drive or start a car inside or close to the location or do anything that could cause a spark.

Strategic natural gas procurement plan to keep customers safe and warm
CenterPoint has a strategic natural gas procurement plan that includes purchasing from multiple natural gas suppliers as well as buying and storing a substantial portion of its fuel supply before the winter heating season to work to mitigate costs customers pay. Due to the increased demand during the winter heating season, additional purchases may be required to be made in the daily market to support customer needs for natural gas.

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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.