To help manage winter heating bills, CenterPoint Energy encourages customers to use available resources and programs
Payment assistance is available for Minnesotans throughout the winter heating season
2026-01-29T06:00:00Z

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.

 Recent News

 

 
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.​

CenterPoint Energy reports improved electric reliability, fewer outages in southwestern Indiana heading into peak storm season

Customers experienced fewer outages, shorter outage durations and fewer repeat outages in 2025 compared to 2024

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – April 3, 2026 – CenterPoint Energy's Indiana electric system is entering peak storm season with improved reliability across several key performance measures. In 2025, customers experienced fewer outages, shorter outage times and fewer repeat outages compared to the prior year, reflecting years of infrastructure investments to strengthen the electric grid serving the region's approximately 154,000 electric customers.

CenterPoint measures reliability using industry-standard benchmarks, the same measures used by electric utilities across the country to track performance. In 2024, those measures placed CenterPoint's Indiana electric system among the top-performing utilities nationally, including the lowest system average outage duration among Indiana utilities, a top-25% ranking nationwide for fewest customers experiencing repeat outages and a top-half ranking for outage frequency and duration.

In 2025, the company further improved on key measures, including:

  • Fewer outages: The average number of outages customers experienced dropped by nearly 10% compared to 2024, continuing a trend of year-over-year improvement since 2022.
  • Shorter outages: When outages did occur, the system's average duration decreased by 14%, meaning power was restored sooner for customers across the service territory.
  • Fewer repeat outages: The number of customers who experienced four or more outages in a year dropped by 10%, driven by a targeted program that identifies areas with repeated outages and prioritizes improvements.

Additionally, outage minutes attributed to equipment failure have dropped 57% since 2019 as the company has continued to replace and upgrade infrastructure through its grid modernization program.

 “Our customers count on reliable electric service, and that's what we're focused on delivering. The system serving southwestern Indiana is well-positioned heading into peak storm season," said Mike Roeder, President of CenterPoint Energy Indiana.

Preparing for storm season
CenterPoint encourages customers to take steps to prepare for severe weather:

  • Bookmark the Outage Tracker: Provides real-time outage conditions across southwestern Indiana by county and ZIP code
  • Sign up for Power Alert Service: CenterPoint's Power Alert Service sends outage notifications by text, email or phone, including estimated restoration times and updates.
  • Prepare an emergency kit: Keep flashlights, extra batteries, a portable phone charger, a first aid kit, essential medications and a multi-day supply of water and non-perishable food in an accessible location.
  • Stay safe around downed power lines: Stay at least 35 feet away from downed power lines and assume they are energized. Never touch a downed line or anything in contact with it. If a power line falls on your vehicle, stay inside. To report a downed line, call 911 and CenterPoint.

More resources and tips can be found at CenterPointEnergy.com/ActionCenter.

Ongoing commitment to customers 
CenterPoint's prudent investments in reliability are part of a broader commitment to southwestern Indiana customers that includes prioritizing affordability. Over the past year, the company has taken a series of actions to manage costs for customers, including cancelling nearly $1 billion in generation projects that were no longer economical, saving residential customers approximately $18 per month in avoided costs through 2027. 

In October 2025, CenterPoint launched an initial 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 and customer protections as part of the Indiana Electric rate case settlement, such as annual late fee waivers upon request, reduced reconnection fees and additional safeguards for medically vulnerable customers. The company expects to announce additional customer resources in the coming weeks.