CenterPoint Energy launches cold weather communications campaign to help customers address Energy Information Administration Forecast of increases in winter gas costs
Natural gas utilities across Indiana encourage customers to save and take steps to prepare this winter; CenterPoint to promote a series of payment assistance and energy savings programs available to eligible southwestern Indiana customers
2025-10-15T05:00:00Z

​EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Oct. 15, 2025 – Today, as part of its commitment to supporting its customers in its Indiana South natural gas service territory, CenterPoint Energy is launching a customer communication campaign encouraging eligible customers to take advantage of a series of support programs, including energy efficiency and bill assistance resources ahead of this winter heating season.

CenterPoint, as well as other Indiana natural gas utilities, is taking action in response to nationwide industry forecasts, including the U.S Energy Information Administration (EIA) annual Winter Heating Outlook , that indicate that gas customers across the Midwest will see higher residential bills compared to last year, as a result of rising fuel costs. The campaign, which will include social media and direct outreach to customers, is aimed at helping customers plan and prepare for the potential impact of rising fuel costs nationwide.

While the agency anticipates stable year-over-year pricing nationally, the EIA projects higher gas prices in the Midwest due to higher expenditures.


“Given seasonal forecasts, including EIA’s, of an increase to the cost of natural gas we are concerned about the potential for rising fuel prices to impact our customers’ bills this winter. While CenterPoint doesn’t control the price of natural gas or determine how fuel costs impact customer bills, we are committed to supporting our customers, especially those who may need help paying their energy bill. We encourage all those who may have difficulty paying their bill to plan ahead and take advantage of our customer support programs and energy-saving resources during the winter heating season,” said Mike Roeder, CenterPoint’s Senior Vice President, External Affairs.

Financial Assistance and Customer Support Programs
CenterPoint encourages customers to take advantage of payment assistance options and energy-saving programs to help manage their winter bills, including: 

  • Customer Assistance Fund (CAF): Direct bill support is available to eligible southwestern Indiana customers who may be facing financial challenges. Administered in partnership with The Salvation Army Indiana Division and supported by CenterPoint, the CAF features an easy and accessible application process. More information is available at CenterPointEnergy.com/CAF.
  • Energy Assistance Program (EAP): Income-eligible customers can apply through their local community action agency or online at eap.ihcda.in.gov or call 1-800-872-0371 to find their nearest agency.
  • Universal Service Program (USP): Customers who apply and qualify for EAP are automatically enrolled for additional bill reductions.
  • CenterPoint Payment Assistance Program: Customers who may need special payment plans to temporarily keep their service connected and better manage energy costs can explore available resources at CenterPointEnergy.com/PaymentAssistance.
  • Budget Bill: Learn about reducing seasonal bill impacts by spreading costs across the year at CenterPointEnergy.com/BudgetBilling.
  • Energy Efficiency Resources: Rebates, tips and tools for lowering natural gas bills can be found at CenterPointEnergy.com/SmartSavings.

Additional details about these customer support programs can be found at CenterPointEnergy.com/ResourceHub or call us at 800-227-1376. 

Summary of Key Facts

  • Utilities are not permitted to mark up the cost of natural gas. Natural gas is a commodity traded in a national, deregulated market, where prices fluctuate daily with supply and demand.
  • CenterPoint does not control or profit from the cost of natural gas. CenterPoint purchases natural gas on behalf of its customers and then passes those costs on to customers through the gas cost adjustment, which is listed on the bill as “Gas Cost Charge.” Only gas costs actually incurred and approved by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission are recovered from customers. Natural gas costs are calculated separately from electric bills.
  • Industry forecasts, including the Energy Information Administration (EIA) annual Winter Heating Outlook point to higher residential bills this year compared to last.
  • Due to the forecasted increase in natural gas commodity prices, CenterPoint estimates the average residential household could expect to pay an average of approximately $141 per month over the five-month heating season (November-March), compared to approximately $127 per month last year – an increase of approximately 10% due to the price of natural gas. Actual bills vary with home size and age, number of gas appliances, thermostat settings, insulation and weather.
  • Natural gas continues to be one of the most affordable heating sources for most customers in Indiana. In fact, CenterPoint gas customers in the utility’s Indiana South territory who heated their homes with natural gas last year saved up to $704, compared to those who heated their homes with propane.

CenterPoint Energy’s Indiana South territory delivers natural gas to approximately 115,000 customers in Daviess, Gibson, Knox, Martin, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Vanderburgh and Warrick counties.

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 June 30, 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 Statement: 
This news release 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" or other similar words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements 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 regarding future events, such as the potential increases in natural gas prices, potential increases in customers’ natural gas bills, potential savings that customers may achieve, including through the use of natural gas, and any other statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement contained in this news release 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, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties relating to:  (1) business strategies and strategic initiatives, 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 June 30, 2025 and other reports CenterPoint Energy or its subsidiaries may file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 

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 Recent News

 

 
CenterPoint Energy expands affordability efforts with no-cost smart thermostats to help southwestern Indiana customers

​​EVANSVILLE, Ind. – April 16, 2026 – As part of its continued focus on customer affordability, CenterPoint Energy customers can lower their energy usage by ordering a smart thermostat at no cost through the company's Online Energy Efficiency Store, with eligible rebates applied automatically at checkout.

How smart thermostats help customers save
Smart thermostats give customers more control over their cooling and heating by allowing them to:

  • Set schedules based on daily and weekly routines
  • Adjust temperatures remotely
  • Track cooling and heating activity to identify ways to save

“Our customers have told us managing energy costs is their top priority. That is why we are focused on helping them take control of their energy use and lower their bills," said Mike Roeder, President of CenterPoint Energy Indiana. “A smart thermostat is one of the most practical steps a customer can take to start saving, and it's one of the many ways we're working to help customers manage their energy costs."

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostats save an average of 8% on cooling and heating costs annually.

Customers can also monitor their overall energy use through CenterPoint's mobile app, available for free in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, to identify usage patterns and find additional ways to save.

Bill credits through Smart Cycle
CenterPoint Indiana Electric customers who have a smart thermostat can take an additional step to lower their bills by enrolling in Smart Cycle, a voluntary program that provides bill credits while helping support grid reliability during periods of high demand.

Enrolled customers can earn:

  • A one-time $75 credit after registering​
  • A $7.50 monthly bill credit across the nine-month season from March through November ($67.50 total)

That’s up to $142.50 in potential first-year savings per device, on top of the cooling and heating savings a smart thermostat provides.

Customers can check eligibility and enroll at CenterPointEnergy.com/SmartCycle.

Additional offerings through the Online Energy Efficiency Store
The Online Energy Efficiency Store offers customers multiple ways to reduce energy costs. The store also offers discounted LED lighting and water-saving fixtures. For a limited time, customers who purchase a qualifying dehumidifier will receive a free tabletop air purifier while supplies last.

Customers can browse all available products and seasonal deals at CenterPointEnergy.com/Shop.

Continued focus on customer affordability
CenterPoint's Online Energy Efficiency Store, launched in November 2024, is one of several resources available to help customers manage energy costs. Since announcing its initial Community Affordability Actions in October 2025, the company has continued to expand programs and bill management tools for southwestern Indiana customers.

Those additional resources are available through the Resource Hub at CenterPointEnergy.com/ResourceHub.

Local governmental agencies and first responder organizations within CenterPoint Energy’s footprint encouraged to apply for a Community Safety Grant

​EVANSVILLE, Ind. – April 9, 2026 – Local governmental agencies across CenterPoint Energy's service areas in Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio and Texas are invited to apply for the company's annual Community Safety Grant Program. Grants support local safety equipment and safety‑related projects that aim to make a meaningful difference within the communities the company serves. Applications are now open online through April 30, 2026.

CenterPoint awards grants of up to $2,500 to eligible local governmental agencies to support community safety needs within its service areas. Since launching the program in 2003, CenterPoint has awarded approximately $3.5 million in grants to help fund nearly 1,700 safety projects, supporting communities in enhancing public safety and wellbeing.

“At CenterPoint, safety is our top core value, and this drives every effort we take for the customers and communities we are privileged to serve. We know that safer communities are stronger communities, and that's why we appreciate being able to give back to enhance the safety of the locations where we live and work," said Jesus Soto, CenterPoint's Chief Operating Officer. “Through our Community Safety Grant Program, we're proud to support our local governmental agencies, emergency responders and local officials who work every day to improve the health and safety of our neighbors across the communities we serve."

Community Safety Grants have enabled a wide range of projects to enhance public safety, including installing public automated external defibrillators (AEDs), upgrading emergency communication equipment, purchasing personal protective equipment for first responders, enhancing a community's disaster preparedness efforts and purchasing utility locating devices.

Each community CenterPoint serves that is interested in this program should submit a grant application with information outlining a community safety project and how grant funding would help address that need.

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.

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.​

Local governmental agencies and first responder organizations within CenterPoint Energy’s footprint encouraged to apply for a Community Safety Grant

Approximately $3.5 million has been awarded to support nearly 1,700 safety projects since grant program launched

DAYTON, Ohio – April 8, 2026 – Local governmental agencies across CenterPoint Energy's service areas in Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio and Texas are invited to apply for the company's annual Community Safety Grant Program. Grants support local safety equipment and safety‑related projects that aim to make a meaningful difference within the communities the company serves. Applications are now open online through April 30, 2026.

CenterPoint awards grants of up to $2,500 to eligible local governmental agencies to support community safety needs within its service areas. Since launching the program in 2003, CenterPoint has awarded approximately $3.5 million in grants to help fund nearly 1,700 safety projects, supporting communities in enhancing public safety and wellbeing.

“At CenterPoint, safety is our top core value, and this drives every effort we take for the customers and communities we are privileged to serve. We know that safer communities are stronger communities, and that's why we appreciate being able to give back to enhance the safety of the locations where we live and work," said Jesus Soto, CenterPoint's Chief Operating Officer. “Through our Community Safety Grant Program, we're proud to support our local governmental agencies, emergency responders and local officials who work every day to improve the health and safety of our neighbors across the communities we serve."

Community Safety Grants have enabled a wide range of projects to enhance public safety, including installing public automated external defibrillators (AEDs), upgrading emergency communication equipment, purchasing personal protective equipment for first responders, enhancing a community's disaster preparedness efforts and purchasing utility locating devices.

Each community CenterPoint serves that is interested in this program should submit a grant application with information outlining a community safety project and how grant funding would help address that need.

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.

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.​​

Local governmental agencies and first responder organizations within CenterPoint Energy’s footprint encouraged to apply for a Community Safety Grant

Approximately $3.5 million has been awarded to support nearly 1,700 safety projects since grant program launched​

MINNEAPOLIS – April 8, 2026 – Local governmental agencies across CenterPoint Energy's service areas in Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio and Texas are invited to apply for the company's annual Community Safety Grant Program. Grants support local safety equipment and safety‑related projects that aim to make a meaningful difference within the communities the company serves. Applications are now open online through April 30, 2026.

CenterPoint awards grants of up to $2,500 to eligible local governmental agencies to support community safety needs within its service areas. Since launching the program in 2003, CenterPoint has awarded approximately $3.5 million in grants to help fund nearly 1,700 safety projects, supporting communities in enhancing public safety and wellbeing.

“At CenterPoint, safety is our top core value, and this drives every effort we take for the customers and communities we are privileged to serve. We know that safer communities are stronger communities, and that's why we appreciate being able to give back to enhance the safety of the locations where we live and work," said Jesus Soto, CenterPoint's Chief Operating Officer. “Through our Community Safety Grant Program, we're proud to support our local governmental agencies, emergency responders and local officials who work every day to improve the health and safety of our neighbors across the communities we serve."

Community Safety Grants have enabled a wide range of projects to enhance public safety, including installing public automated external defibrillators (AEDs), upgrading emergency communication equipment, purchasing personal protective equipment for first responders, enhancing a community's disaster preparedness efforts and purchasing utility locating devices.

Each community CenterPoint serves that is interested in this program should submit a grant application with information outlining a community safety project and how grant funding would help address that need.

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.

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 delivering on Affordability Actions for southwestern Indiana customers six months after initial commitments

​EVANSVILLE, Ind. – April 6, 2026 – CenterPoint Energy made a public commitment to prioritize affordability for its southwestern Indiana customers in October 2025. Six months later, the company has delivered a series of actions to reduce bill impacts, launch new customer programs, improve billing transparency and bring support directly into the community.

“Our customers and stakeholders have made one thing clear: affordability continues to be the top priority for many households and businesses. We've been laser-focused on delivering on that pledge to help lessen bill impacts, and we're not finished," said Mike Roeder, President of CenterPoint Energy Indiana. “Every program we launch, every event we hold and every tool we build is part of the same commitment we made last fall. We'll continue working alongside our customers and stakeholders to prioritize affordability while delivering the reliable energy southwestern Indiana depends on."

Community Affordability Actions
In October 2025, CenterPoint announced an initial series of Community Affordability Actions designed to prioritize customer affordability while balancing the future energy needs of southwestern Indiana, including:

  • Keeping electric base rates stable by targeting any rate change below or near the rate of inflation through 2027.
  • Cancelling nearly $1 billion in previously approved projects that had become non-economical, an action that equates to savings for residential customers of approximately $18 per month of avoided costs through 2027.
  • Continuing to support regional growth that benefits customers, including jobs, tax base and economic development for southwestern Indiana.

Community Energy Improvement Fund
In October 2025, the CenterPoint Energy Foundation announced the Community Energy Improvement Fund, a $5 million commitment to support weatherization, energy efficiency and cost-saving programs and local economic development efforts across the Evansville region:

Community Connect
CenterPoint hosted five initial Community Connect events across southwestern Indiana in November 2025 as part of its commitment to listen to customer feedback, highlight local energy improvements and address customer priorities:

  • In 2026, the company expanded the program, hosting five events so far this year and connecting more than 150 customers and community members with one-on-one account assistance, information on available programs and direct access to local CenterPoint teams.
  • For the first time in years, CenterPoint welcomed customers back into CenterPoint Energy Plaza in Downtown Evansville for in-person support.
  • CenterPoint is on track to host more than 30 Community Connect events throughout 2026, meeting customers in their neighborhoods, workplaces and community gathering spaces.

The next Community Connect event will be held at the CenterPoint Energy Plaza, 211 NW Riverside Dr., Evansville, on Wednesday, April 8.
 
Tools and resources
CenterPoint has introduced and expanded tools and resources to help customers better understand and manage their energy use and bills:

  • A redesigned electric bill format that breaks monthly charges into four clear categories, with definitions printed directly on each bill
  • An expanded Customer Resource Hub bringing billing tools, payment options, energy efficiency programs and financial assistance resources together in one place
  • The TimeWise pilot, a new voluntary time-of-use pricing program approved by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission that allows participating customers to save by shifting energy use to lower-cost hours
  • New customer protections through the Indiana Electric rate case settlement, including annual late-fee waivers upon request, reduced reconnection fees and safeguards for medically vulnerable customers

What's ahead
CenterPoint is pursuing additional steps to further reduce bill impacts for customers:

  • Working with stakeholders to attract large load customers to southwest Indiana to help lower bills
  • Developing new tools such as weekly personalized energy use updates to help customers manage consumption
  • Initiating a proceeding later this year to combine the rates of its two Indiana natural gas service territories to benefit southwestern Indiana customers

Customers looking for help managing energy costs can visit CenterPointEnergy.com/ResourceHub or call 1-800-227-1376. Upcoming Community Connect dates and locations are available at CenterPointEnergy.com/CommunityConnect.​