#United States #Houston #CenterPoint Energy #Emergency Response #Texas Wildfire

CenterPoint Energy's Proactive Measures Against Wildfire Threats

HOUSTON, March 14, 2025 - As changing weather conditions enhance wildfire risks across Texas, CenterPoint Energy is stepping up its preparedness actions to protect its customers and infrastructure. The National Weather Service has issued a Fire Weather Watch for significant portions of Texas, particularly in the Greater Houston area, indicating that strong winds and fire danger will prevail from noon to 9 PM on Saturday.

In light of these warnings, CenterPoint Energy is implementing several precautionary strategies aimed at mitigating potential wildfire impacts. The company is closely watching evolving weather patterns and has initiated outreach to inform customers in areas likely to be affected. Safety remains a priority, and CenterPoint is actively preparing to respond to any outages that may arise as a result of extreme conditions.

Key Actions Taken by CenterPoint Energy

1. Monitoring Weather Conditions: CenterPoint is diligently tracking the weather for risks that include high winds and dry conditions. This proactive monitoring will help in timely decision-making regarding its operations.

2. Safety Inspections: Crews are inspecting key power lines situated in areas designated as high fire risk. Actions taken include clearing away hazardous vegetation and performing necessary repairs. These steps are crucial for enhancing safety and minimizing fire risks.

3. Adjusting Equipment Settings: In anticipation of the elevated fire threat, adjustments are being made to power line safety settings, particularly during peak risk hours.

4. Mobilizing Additional Resources: CenterPoint is preparing its teams and external contractors for rapid response to any incidents. This includes positioning resources strategically in case of power outages or natural gas service interruptions.

5. Coordinating with Local Authorities: The company is collaborating closely with local emergency management officials to ensure a cohesive response to the expected conditions, sharing valuable information for public safety.

6. Communicating with Customers: CenterPoint is undertaking extensive communication efforts, particularly in areas like Cypress, Fort Bend, and Katy, to inform customers about the ongoing risk and potential service interruptions.

Customer Safety Awareness

CenterPoint Energy strongly encourages its customers to stay informed and prepared. The company advises all residents to develop a safety plan and remain alert to changing conditions. For essential updates, customers can access information through CenterPointEnergy.com/StormCenter and can sign up for the Power Alert Service, which provides real-time updates about outages and safety measures via phone calls, text messages, or emails.

Moreover, updates regarding weather conditions in the Greater Houston area are available through the National Weather Service Forecast Office portal at weather.gov/hgx.

As Don Daigler, Senior Vice President of Emergency Planning & Response, states, "Our primary focus is the safety of the communities we serve. While current fire risks are relatively lower in our areas compared to other regions in Texas, proactive measures are crucial in case weather conditions escalate. Our team is committed to restoring services safely and efficiently in the event of any temporary outages."

The coming days will require vigilance as CenterPoint Energy carries out its preparedness plans in a proactive effort to safeguard its community during this critical weather period.