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CenterPoint Energy Prepares for Possible Storm Impacts from Invest 93L

As a low-pressure system identified as Invest 93L traverses southeastern Louisiana, CenterPoint Energy is actively monitoring the situation to ensure readiness for any storm impacts. The company's Meteorology, Emergency Planning & Response, and Electric Operations teams are at the forefront of assessing the system that may result in scattered showers and thunderstorms in the Greater Houston area over the coming days.

Monitoring and Preparedness

While significant effects from Invest 93L are not anticipated, the company is maintaining an enhanced staffing strategy aimed at addressing any outages that might occur. This proactive approach includes not only monitoring weather patterns but also working closely with local authorities to keep the public informed.

Darin Carroll, the Senior Vice President of Electric Business at CenterPoint, emphasizes the importance of preparedness. "Our top priorities are the safety of our customers, restoring power safely and swiftly, and delivering accurate and timely information regarding outages and safety tips."

Actions Taken

CenterPoint’s preparation strategies consist of several critical actions:

• - Mobilizing Vegetation Management: Workers are deployed to clear any hazardous vegetation that could pose a risk to power lines, minimizing potential outages.
• - Government Coordination: The company is engaged in continuous communication with federal, state, county, and city officials to keep them informed about the company’s pre-storm activities and overall readiness.
• - Customer Outreach: CenterPoint is reaching out to customers identified as Critical Care Residential and those with chronic conditions, ensuring they have the necessary support during adverse weather.
• - Communication of Safety Information: Using various channels, including social media, email, and text messages, CenterPoint provides customers with essential safety and preparedness tips.
• - Call Center Support: Anticipating a higher volume of inquiries during storms, additional call center staff has been organized, ensuring that customer wait times are minimized.

Post-Hurricane Beryl Initiatives

In the wake of Hurricane Beryl, CenterPoint launched the Greater Houston Resiliency Initiative (GHRI) to enhance the infrastructure and resilience of its service area, resulting in a series of significant improvements:

• - Over 26,000 stronger and storm-resilient poles have been installed.
• - More than 400 miles of power lines have been moved underground to bolster resilience against severe weather.
• - An installation of over 5,150 automated reliability devices has been completed to mitigate outage impacts and speed up restoration time.
• - Clearance of approximately 6,000 miles of high-risk vegetation around power lines has been accomplished to diminish storm-related outages.
• - The installation of over 100 weather monitoring stations across the service area improves situational awareness and preparedness.

Staying Informed and Safe

CenterPoint encourages all customers to sign up for the Power Alert Service, which provides real-time updates and outage information via phone, email, or text. Additionally, customers are advised to develop their emergency preparedness plans and familiarize themselves with storm safety tips available at CenterPointEnergy.com/ActionCenter.

Conclusion

With the potential for weather disturbances like Invest 93L, CenterPoint Energy remains vigilant, prepared, and committed to ensuring the safety and stability of electricity service for the Greater Houston area. By implementing effective preparedness strategies and bolstering their infrastructure, they aim to mitigate any impact from storms, enhancing customer confidence.

To stay updated on the situation, follow CenterPoint on social media and check their website for further information. CenterPoint Energy stands ready to serve its community, dedicated to maintaining power through any storm.