#United States #Houston #CenterPoint Energy #winter storm

CenterPoint Energy Winter Storm Update

As the Greater Houston area experiences the effects of a winter storm, CenterPoint Energy has been working diligently to restore power to its customers following weather-related outages. Reports indicate that over 99% of the company's customer base has had their electricity restored, a significant achievement considering the challenging conditions that have been in place.

Impact of Recent Weather Conditions

The winter storm brought icy and freezing conditions that began affecting the area overnight. With temperatures plummeting and precipitation causing disruptions, the utility company has mobilized an expanded workforce to address the issues swiftly. As of this morning, the number of affected customers stands under 2,000, representing less than 1% of the 2.9 million customers served by CenterPoint across 12 counties.

Throughout the storm, CenterPoint has restored power to approximately 27,000 customers since early Saturday. Nathan Brownell, Vice President of Resilience and Capital Delivery, emphasized their commitment to customer service: “Any outage is one too many for us and that’s why our expanded team of 3,300 workers remain focused on our customers and communities.” His statement underlines the company’s priority to respond effectively during extreme weather situations.

Safety Precautions and Notifications

Alongside restoration efforts, CenterPoint Energy has issued critical safety reminders regarding downed power lines. They advise customers to assume any fallen wires are energized and to maintain a safe distance of at least 35 feet. Residents are encouraged to report downed lines immediately to ensure swift action can be taken.

Proactive Measures and Preparations

CenterPoint Energy has activated its Emergency Operations Center since January 21, preparing comprehensively for potential weather impacts. They have readied a 3,300-person workforce to manage and mitigate the effects of the winter weather, effectively addressing equipment damage and outages.

Among the preparations are:

• - Staging Frontline Workers: More than 700 natural gas responders are prepared for immediate action.
• - Communication Efforts: The company has kept the public informed through social media and direct outreach, sharing safety information and readiness measures.
• - Equipment Preparation: Extensive checks on critical electric infrastructure, including all 270 substations, have been conducted to prevent failures during icy conditions.
• - Resource Staging: The utility has prepositioned thousands of equipment pieces, including distribution poles and transformers.
• - Critical Care Customer Outreach: Special attention is given to electricity-dependent individuals, ensuring they receive necessary assistance.

The preparation actions build on the winter readiness conducted since fall 2025, which adhere to regulations laid out by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas and Railroad Commission. Among these actions are the donation of emergency backup generators and inspections on natural gas regulator stations to safeguard against ice damage.

Stay Informed and Engage

Customers are encouraged to enroll in CenterPoint Energy’s Power Alert Service to receive timely updates on outages and restoration efforts. The Outage Tracker, available in both English and Spanish, allows users to monitor current outages by various geographic metrics, ensuring clarity during crisis situations.

For detailed information on storm-related safety tips and further updates, CenterPoint has made resources available at their Action Center webpage. As one of Texas's major energy suppliers, CenterPoint Energy remains committed to serving its vast customer base, reflecting a history of over 150 years in the energy sector.

For ongoing updates and specifics about service restoration, customers can refer to CenterPointEnergy.com. Ultimately, the company aims to ensure every household and business can rely on stable energy even in the face of severe winter weather, demonstrating resilience and community dedication throughout the process.

About CenterPoint Energy

CenterPoint Energy operates as the leading investor-owned electric and gas utility based in Texas, servicing over 7 million customers across states like Indiana and Minnesota as well. With assets nearing $45 billion and a robust workforce of around 8,300 employees, they remain a pillar in energy delivery, committed to safety and customer satisfaction.