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Start Your Year with Energy Efficiency

As we welcome 2025, CenterPoint Energy invites its customers to consider a checklist of New Year's resolutions aimed at enhancing safety and energy efficiency at home. These resolutions are designed to help you save money while ensuring a safer environment for you and your family. Let's explore some simple yet effective tips that can lead to significant improvements.

Power Up Your Energy Efficiency

1. Begin the Journey: Engage in energy efficiency programs that CenterPoint has to offer. These programs not only guide you on how to save energy but can also lead to substantial financial savings for you.

2. Choose Smarter Lighting: By switching to ENERGY STAR® certified LED light bulbs, you can significantly reduce your energy consumption. Over time, this switch will make a noticeable difference in your electricity bills.

3. Upgrade Your Appliances: If your household is still using older appliances, now is the perfect time to upgrade to newer, energy-efficient models. Not only do they function more effectively, but many states offer appliance rebates that provide additional financial relief.

4. Embrace Technology: Installing a smart thermostat can optimize your home’s heating and cooling, ensuring comfort while maintaining energy efficiency.

5. Seal and Insulate: Weatherizing your home by sealing air leaks and adding insulation can prevent unnecessary energy loss. This small investment can result in substantial savings on your utility bills.

6. Maintain Your System: Regularly changing your HVAC filters is crucial to keeping air quality high and enhancing system performance. A clean system runs more efficiently and uses less energy.

For detailed energy-saving tips, tools, and available rebates, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/SmartSavings.

Manage Your Utility Bills with Ease

Good financial habits start with managing your utility expenses wisely:

• - Seek Assistance: If financial hardship strikes, don't hesitate to contact CenterPoint Energy. They can assist you in setting up a manageable payment plan and may direct you to helpful resources.

• - Go Paperless: Enroll in paperless billing. It saves trees and simplifies your financial life.

• - Balance Your Bills: Budget Billing is an excellent way to smooth out seasonal spikes in energy costs. This program allows you to pay a consistent monthly amount, making budgeting easier.

• - Set Up Automatic Payments: With automatic payments, you won’t have to worry about late fees or missed payments.

• - Monitor Usage: Use online tools to track your energy consumption. Understanding your usage patterns can help identify new ways to save energy.

Explore more tips and resources at CenterPointEnergy.com/ResourceHub.

Prioritize Safety

Safety is paramount in any household, especially as we embrace the new year:

• - Use Space Heaters with Care: Keep space heaters at a minimum three feet from flammable materials. Never use cooking appliances to heat your home.

• - Check Your Detectors Regularly: Make it a habit to test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors; replace their batteries as recommended. Ensure alarms are replaced according to guidelines.

• - Recognize CO Poisoning Symptoms: Be vigilant about the early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, such as headaches, fatigue, and nausea. If suspected, evacuate immediately, seek fresh air, and call 911.

• - Report Gas Leaks Promptly: If you detect the unmistakable 'rotten egg' smell of gas, leave the area immediately and contact 911 and CenterPoint. Avoid actions that could generate sparks.

• - Dig Safely: Always contact 811 before digging to avoid accidentally damaging underground utility lines.

For further safety resources, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/Safety.

These resolutions can not only lead to financial savings but significantly enhance your quality of life throughout the year. May 2025 be your most energy-efficient and safe year yet!