CenterPoint Energy reaches settlement agreement on landmark Systemwide Resiliency Plan to strengthen Houston electric system against extreme weather threats and future hazards
CenterPoint Energy reaches settlement agreement on landmark Systemwide Resiliency Plan to strengthen Houston electric system against extreme weather threats and future hazards
2025-06-23T05:00:00Z
  • Largest single resiliency investment in CenterPoint history will build on Greater Houston Resiliency Initiative and help address impacts of wide range of extreme weather and other threats
  • 100% of lines serving the most customers will have automation devices capable of self-healing
  • 130,000 stronger, more storm-resilient poles and braces to be installed or replaced
  • This historic investment will reduce storm-related outages by nearly 1 billion minutes
  • Spreading investments over four years vs. three years will minimize bill impacts and help keep customer bills more affordable

HOUSTON, June 13, 2025 - As part of its commitment to build and operate the most resilient coastal grid in the country, CenterPoint Energy (CenterPoint) announced yesterday that it has reached a settlement agreement with parties to its 2026-2028 Systemwide Resiliency Plan (SRP). Subject to Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) review and approval, the SRP represents the largest single grid resiliency investment in CenterPoint's history and is expected to reduce the impact of storm-related outages by nearly 1 billion (more than 913 million minutes) for its 2.8 million customers by 2029.

CenterPoint's 2026-2028 SRP will build on the progress made during the first two phases of the company's Greater Houston Resiliency Initiative (GHRI) and is designed to further address the impacts of a wide range of extreme weather threats, including more powerful storms, hurricanes, wind events like derechos, flooding, extreme temperatures, tornadoes, wildfires and winter storms.

"We are committed to continuing critical system resiliency work to help provide an electric system for the Greater Houston area that is safe, reliable, cost-effective and resilient when our customers need it most. Following constructive discussions with the Commission and intervening parties, this plan represents a landmark investment and suite of resiliency actions that will provide customers with clear benefits now and in the future," said Jason Wells, President and Chief Executive Officer of CenterPoint Energy.

"Our plan is cost-effective and will build on the progress we've made to date through the Greater Houston Resiliency Initiative. Taken together, we believe that these resiliency actions will help create a future with fewer outages that impact smaller clusters of customers, coupled with faster restoration times for our Greater Houston communities. This is another major step on our strategic roadmap to building and operating the most resilient coastal grid in the nation," said Wells.

Key improvements in CenterPoint's Systemwide Resiliency Plan
This settlement agreement reflects discussions with intervening parties following the filing of CenterPoint's enhanced SRP with the PUCT in January 2025. It includes a revised, agreed-upon investment of more than $3 billion in CenterPoint's electric distribution system. The agreement also includes the deferment of more than $240 million in SRP costs until the second half of 2029, which will help reduce the bill impact for customers by spreading costs over a four-year period instead of three years. Once approved, and while some cost recovery would be deferred into 2029, all SRP work will be completed in the proposed 2026-2028 timeframe.

Separate from the 2026-2028 SRP which is focused on the electric distribution system, CenterPoint will continue its nearly $2 billion investments planned for the electric transmission system, including rebuilding or upgrading more than 2,200 structures to better withstand extreme weather.

Customer bill impacts
Pending approval from the PUCT, CenterPoint's historic SRP investment in the electric distribution system would add approximately $1.40 per month for an average residential customer each year from 2026 through 2028, with a final $0.60 per month added in 2030 to help lessen bill impacts in previous years.

The impacts of these investment in Greater Houston's electric infrastructure are reduced over the next three years, other key components of the average residential customer bill will go down during the same period including:

  • Costs associated with the large temporary emergency generation units will start coming out of rates for Houston Electric customers this summer, and by 2027, bills will be reduced by an estimated $2 per month for the average customer.
  • As a result of the recently settled, four-year Houston Electric rate case, CenterPoint will receive approximately $50 million less revenue annually which means a reduction in electric customer bills by about $1 a month for most customers from 2025 through 2028 while also continuing to deliver support for significant local economic growth and upgrades across Greater Houston area.

Building the stronger, more resilient, self-healing electric system of the future
The investments outlined in CenterPoint's SRP are designed to benefit customers across the entire 12-county service area, with a specific focus on customers in higher-risk areas. When complete, this array of resiliency actions, combined with CenterPoint's normal operations, will achieve the following:

  • Automation Devices: 100% of lines serving the most customers will include automation devices capable of self-healing to reduce the impact of outages;
  • Stronger Distribution Poles: 130,000 stronger, more storm-resilient poles (rated to 110 mph and 132 mph) will be either installed new or replaced or braced to withstand stronger storms;
  • Vegetation Management: CenterPoint will deploy an industry-leading, three-year vegetation management cycle for transmission and distribution lines, with 100% of power lines cleared of hazardous vegetation every three years;
  • Undergrounding: More than 50% of CenterPoint's system will be undergrounded to improve resiliency; and
  • Modernized Cables: 20,150 spans of underground cables will be modernized to reduce the frequency and impact of outages.

Addressing growing energy needs and weather challenges
The resiliency actions outlined by the SRP will also help meet the energy needs of the growing population across CenterPoint's Greater Houston service area. The number of customers is expected to continue growing by approximately 2 percent annually for the foreseeable future – the equivalent of adding a city the size of Waco, Texas, every year. As Greater Houston's population, economy and energy needs continue to grow, CenterPoint's SRP will help address the increasing risk that this fast-growing region faces from extreme weather.

A Systemwide Resiliency Plan shaped by experts, stakeholders and customer feedback
The SRP incorporates important feedback from customers, elected leaders, emergency management agencies and independent experts. In preparation for filing the SRP, CenterPoint conducted 30 community meetings and listening sessions and solicited feedback on the plan during the draft stages. As part of CenterPoint's commitment to long-term affordability, the SRP is designed to provide the greatest dollar value to customers now and in the future by prioritizing proven, cost-effective resiliency actions that will ultimately prove vital to reducing future storm-related costs for the communities CenterPoint serves.

CenterPoint GHRI Phase One and Phase Two resiliency actions
Since launching GHRI in response to Hurricane Beryl last summer, CenterPoint has made progress on the historic series of critical resiliency improvements across both Phase One and Phase Two. When combined, the company has completed the following actions:

  • Installed or replaced more than 26,000 stronger, more storm-resilient poles built to withstand extreme winds;
  • Undergrounded more than 400 miles of power lines to improve overall resiliency;
  • Installed more than 5,150 more automated reliability devices and intelligent grid switching devices to reduce the impact of outages and improve restoration times;
  • Cleared more than 6,000 miles of higher-risk vegetation near power lines to reduce storm-related outages; and
  • Installed 100 weather monitoring stations to improve situational awareness and storm preparation.  

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, the words "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "goal," "intend," "may," "objective," "plan," "potential," "predict," "projection," "should," "target," "will," "would" or other similar words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements, which include statements regarding the Systemwide Resiliency Plan and the Greater Houston Resiliency Initiative, including their respective benefits, 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. 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 CenterPoint's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2025 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

 

 
While springing forward for Daylight Saving Time, CenterPoint Energy reminds customers to perform vital safety tasks and energy efficiency actions

​MINNEAPOLIS — March 6, 2026 — Daylight Saving Time begins this Sunday, March 8, and CenterPoint Energy is reminding customers not just to use the time to adjust their clocks, but as an annual reminder to practice household safety maintenance and prepare for the warmer temperatures and longer days ahead.

“With warmer weather on the way, Daylight Saving Time is a great reminder to check and replace the batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors as you move your clocks forward by one hour," said Al Payton, CenterPoint Vice President of Safety and Technical Training. “Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is potentially poisonous if inhaled, and fire fatalities occur more often in homes without working smoke alarms. Verifying detectors function properly is one of the simple ways to protect you and your loved ones."

With spring approaching, customers can also use this season reminder to perform energy saving and safety tasks around the home, such as:

  • Changing the filters in HVAC systems: Maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature can represent approximately 50% of a home's energy use. Regular maintenance is one of the best ways to extend the life of a home's system, so swap out or clean filters to minimize costly repairs and to keep the system running efficiently.
  • Cleaning dryer vents: Help prevent fires and keep a dryer running efficiently by clearing lint out

of the duct or tube that goes from the appliance to the outdoors.

  • Sealing air leaks by caulking and weather stripping: To save energy and reduce cooling

costs, take time to caulk areas in and around a home where conditioned air may escape such as
around windows and doors or where warm air could enter.

  • Installing hot water saving measures: Showering accounts for 40% of a home's hot water use,

so energy-saving showerheads and faucet aerators can help lower energy costs and reduce hot
water use without sacrificing comfort.

  • Checking and restocking emergency kits: For items like nonperishable food, water, first aid items, flashlights and other battery-powered devices, Daylight Saving Time is a great reminder to check that emergency supplies are up to date.

By taking small steps to prepare for the longer and warmer days ahead, customers can make a difference in the safety and energy efficiency of their homes, while managing their bills. For additional efficiency tips, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/SavingsTips.


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 December 31, 2025, the company owned approximately $46.5 billion in assets. With approximately 8,800 employees, CenterPoint and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years.

CenterPoint Energy activates Emergency Operations Center as teams continue monitoring severe weather forecasted across the Greater Houston area this weekend and preparing for potential impacts

​HOUSTON – March 6, 2026 – With the potential for severe weather, scattered showers, thunderstorms and lightning to impact the Greater Houston area from Friday night through Sunday evening, CenterPoint Energy has proactively activated its Emergency Operations Center. The company continues to diligently monitor forecasts, coordinate with emergency management partners and position resources to be prepared to respond to potential impacts to electric and natural gas service safely and as quickly as possible. ​

“We've been actively monitoring the weather models all week and are prepared to respond to potential impacts to our system," said Matt Lanza, CenterPoint's Manager of Meteorology. “Though the greatest potential for thunderstorms and severe weather appears to be to the north of our service territory on Saturday, we will continue tracking forecasts and adjusting our response plans tomorrow and throughout the weekend. We urge customers to stay aware of evolving weather conditions and have a plan to stay safe."

What CenterPoint is doing:

  • Readying the company's resources:More than 1,400 personnel are executing preparedness actions and will remain ready to support potential restoration efforts through Sunday.
  • Activating Emergency Operations Center: To coordinate storm response efforts throughout the weekend, the company has proactively activated its Emergency Operations Center.​
  • Monitoring 24/7: The Meteorology team continues to track forecast developments, and the company is updating response plans as conditions evolve.
  • Pre-positioning resources: Response teams are developing plans to pre-position crews across the area to respond to any electric or natural gas service interruptions safely and as quickly as possible.
  • Coordinating with local officials: Providing regular updates to local officials and emergency management partners.

“Keeping our customers informed is a top priority, especially during severe weather," said Jesus Soto Jr., CenterPoint Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “If outages from weather occur, our Outage Tracker is the best way to stay updated with real-time information, including estimated restoration times. We're committed to open communication and working safely and quickly to restore service."

What customers should do:

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 September 30, 2025, the company had approximately $45 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.​

While springing forward for Daylight Saving Time, CenterPoint Energy reminds customers to perform vital safety tasks and energy efficiency actions

​EVANSVILLE, Ind. — March 6, 2026 — Daylight Saving Time begins this Sunday, March 8, and CenterPoint Energy is reminding customers not just to use the time to adjust their clocks, but as an annual reminder to practice household safety maintenance and prepare for the warmer temperatures and longer days ahead.

“With warmer weather on the way, Daylight Saving Time is a great reminder to check and replace the batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors as you move your clocks forward by one hour," said Al Payton, CenterPoint Vice President of Safety and Technical Training. “Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is potentially poisonous if inhaled, and fire fatalities occur more often in homes without working smoke alarms. Verifying detectors function properly is one of the simple ways to protect you and your loved ones."

With spring approaching, customers can also use this season reminder to perform energy saving and safety tasks around the home, such as:

  • Changing the filters in HVAC systems: Maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature can represent approximately 50% of a home's energy use. Regular maintenance is one of the best ways to extend the life of a home's system, so swap out or clean filters to minimize costly repairs and to keep the system running efficiently.
  • Cleaning dryer vents: Help prevent fires and keep a dryer running efficiently by clearing lint out of the duct or tube that goes from the appliance to the outdoors.
  • Sealing air leaks by caulking and weather stripping: To save energy and reduce cooling costs, take time to caulk areas in and around a home where conditioned air may escape such as around windows and doors or where warm air could enter.

  • Installing hot water saving measures: Showering accounts for 40% of a home's hot water use, so energy-saving showerheads and faucet aerators can help lower energy costs and reduce hot ​water use without sacrificing comfort.

  • Checking and restocking emergency kits: For items like nonperishable food, water, first aid items, flashlights and other battery-powered devices, Daylight Saving Time is a great reminder to check that emergency supplies are up to date.

By taking small steps to prepare for the longer and warmer days ahead, customers can make a difference in the safety and energy efficiency of their homes, while managing their bills. For additional efficiency tips, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/SavingsTips.

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 December 31, 2025, the company owned approximately $46.5 billion in assets. With approximately 8,800 employees, CenterPoint and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years.


While springing forward for Daylight Saving Time, CenterPoint Energy reminds customers to perform vital safety tasks and energy efficiency actions

​DAYTON, Ohio — March 6, 2026 — Daylight Saving Time begins this Sunday, March 8, and CenterPoint Energy is reminding customers not just to use the time to adjust their clocks, but as an annual reminder to practice household safety maintenance and prepare for the warmer temperatures and longer days ahead.

“With warmer weather on the way, Daylight Saving Time is a great reminder to check and replace the batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors as you move your clocks forward by one hour," said Al Payton, CenterPoint Vice President of Safety and Technical Training. “Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is potentially poisonous if inhaled, and fire fatalities occur more often in homes without working smoke alarms. Verifying detectors function properly is one of the simple ways to protect you and your loved ones."

With spring approaching, customers can also use this season reminder to perform energy saving and safety tasks around the home, such as:

  • Changing the filters in HVAC systems: Maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature can represent approximately 50% of a home's energy use. Regular maintenance is one of the best ways to extend the life of a home's system, so swap out or clean filters to minimize costly repairs and to keep the system running efficiently.
  • Cleaning dryer vents: Help prevent fires and keep a dryer running efficiently by clearing lint out of the duct or tube that goes from the appliance to the outdoors.
  • Sealing air leaks by caulking and weather stripping: To save energy and reduce cooling costs, take time to caulk areas in and around a home where conditioned air may escape such as around windows and doors or where warm air could enter.
  • Installing hot water saving measures: Showering accounts for 40% of a home's hot water use, so energy-saving showerheads and faucet aerators can help lower energy costs and reduce hot water use without sacrificing comfort.
  • Checking and restocking emergency kits: For items like nonperishable food, water, first aid items, flashlights and other battery-powered devices, Daylight Saving Time is a great reminder to check that emergency supplies are up to date.

By taking small steps to prepare for the longer and warmer days ahead, customers can make a difference in the safety and energy efficiency of their homes, while managing their bills. For additional efficiency tips, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/SavingsTips.

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 December 31, 2025, the company owned approximately $46.5 billion in assets. With approximately 8,800 employees, CenterPoint and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years.

100 Days to World Cup matches: CenterPoint Energy performing critical electric and gas infrastructure preparedness actions ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup matches in Houston

​HOUSTON — March 4, 2026 — With 100 days before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, CenterPoint Energy's electric, natural gas, and emergency response teams continue preparedness efforts as tens of thousands of enthusiastic fans gear up to descend on Houston for seven world-class matches this summer. CenterPoint continues to coordinate with local stakeholders and leaders and perform inspections of the company's equipment serving event-zone areas, NRG Stadium, airports, key hospitality locations and more to support increased activity during the World Cup games and festivities. These preparedness efforts show CenterPoint's dedication not only to the passionate fans coming to Houston, but the company's continued commitment to the 2.9 million customers throughout the Greater Houston area who depend on safe, reliable electric and natural gas service.

Over the last several months, CenterPoint's electric operations crews have completed hazard-mitigation inspections and field reviews with public safety partners serving communities around NRG Stadium, the Downtown area, Houston's airports and other key locations affiliated with the World Cup matches in Houston. CenterPoint's Emergency Preparedness and Response teams continue working with FIFA and emergency response partners on access protocols, joint planning and exercises, as well as developing event action and staffing plans to assure readiness posture on match days.
 
“The World Cup is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Houston. Our teams are committed to powering every moment, whether it's the lights at NRG stadium, hotels hosting international guests, or the fan festivals downtown. The preparations we've been taking are crucial to making this event a success," said Jesus Soto, CenterPoint's Chief Operating Officer.

CenterPoint's natural gas operations teams are carrying out a comprehensive readiness plan to support World Cup activities. Crews are performing inspections and repairs to critical sites and conducting daily patrols in specific areas, such as major and regional airports, the Texas Medical Center, and throughout downtown Houston to detect and prevent unauthorized excavation. These groups will expand patrol coverage before matches begin in the summer.

“Crews are performing proactive infrastructure maintenance across all event‑area systems, tracking and closing out work to keep our infrastructure in top condition," said Soto. “We stand ready to deliver the safe and reliable natural gas service that will keep homes and businesses connected and thriving during this global celebration."
 
FIFA World Cup preparations
As the countdown begins, teams across CenterPoint continue to plan company-wide to provide safe and reliable service to customers and soccer enthusiasts before and during the games and the citywide celebrations.

FIFA World Cup safety and readiness actions taken by CenterPoint include:

  • Completed hazard‑mitigation inspections on all priority electric infrastructure serving NRG Stadium, airports, VIP corridors and fan/event zones to reduce outage risks;
  • Identified and scheduled all area grid resiliency work to complete upgrades before match dates and position materials ahead of deadlines;
  • Conducted supplemental field reviews with public safety partners to verify crew access, restoration capability and coordinated response routes;
  • Continued infrastructure inspections of underground infrastructure by CenterPoint's natural gas and electric crews, confirming stadium‑area reliability and underground infrastructure health;
  • Greater Houston area airports electric and natural gas infrastructure inspections;
  • Damage Prevention teams conducting patrols around airports, Texas Medical Center, downtown and other areas to prevent unauthorized digging; and
  • Emergency Preparedness and Response team leading enterprise-wide readiness, including event action plans, staffing plans and joint planning with city and county leaders and law enforcement agencies.

Important ways to stay connected to CenterPoint  
Electric customers can enroll in the company's Power Alert Service® to receive power outage details, estimated restoration times and customer-specific restoration updates via phone call, email or text. Customers can also stay up to date with CenterPoint's Outage Tracker, which allows customers to see power outages by county, city and zip code. 

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 September 30, 2025, the company had approximately $45 billion in assets. With approximately 8,300 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been serving customers for more than 150 years.​