#United States #Texas #Houston #CenterPoint Energy #Winter Preparedness

CenterPoint Energy's Cold Weather Readiness Plan

As the frigid polar temperatures loom over Texas once again, CenterPoint Energy is on high alert. With forecasts predicting severe cold weather that spans from February 19 to 21, the energy provider is committed to ensuring safe and dependable energy service throughout its Texas territory.

Proactive Measures in Place

CenterPoint Energy's Emergency Response and Preparedness teams are diligently monitoring weather models, ready to tackle potential challenges posed by the impending cold front. The company has also performed thorough inspections and readiness checks on both its electric and natural gas systems to bolster its ability to cope with the cold weather's ramifications.

According to ERCOT (Electric Reliability Council of Texas), a Weather Watch was issued for the specified dates due to an anticipated increase in electricity demand paired with reduced reserves. Although ERCOT's grid conditions are presently stable, CenterPoint remains vigilant, closely observing any shifts that could impact energy delivery.

Ensuring Customer Safety

CenterPoint’s Senior Vice President of Emergency Preparedness, Don Daigler, emphasizes the need for customers to stay informed and prioritize safety during this winter weather event. He stresses the importance of having an emergency plan and encourages residents to take the cold seriously, underscoring that proactive preparations can make a significant difference.

Cold Weather Action Plan

In anticipation of the severe weather, CenterPoint Energy has already implemented a comprehensive cold weather action plan. This includes measures designed to winterize and strengthen its electric and natural gas infrastructure. Proactive testing and inspection of critical equipment are underway to ensure they can withstand the chilling impact expected to hit various regions in Texas.

The company is also set to initiate cold weather mitigation techniques across its energy networks and is coordinating with local emergency response teams to efficiently address any immediate challenges that may arise.

Resources for Customers

To assist its customers during this winter season, CenterPoint Energy has developed the 2025 Winter Energy Guide, an online resource that offers vital safety tips, energy-saving strategies, and guidance on managing energy bills. Customers are encouraged to explore this hub for practical advice on staying safe and warm through the cold months ahead. The guide can be found at CenterPointEnergy.com/ReadyforWinter.

Furthermore, electric customers are urged to enroll in the Power Alert Service®, an informative tool that provides real-time updates on outages, estimated restoration times, and alerts tailored specifically to their needs. Following CenterPoint Energy on social media, particularly @CenterPoint_TX, is also recommended for ongoing updates and communications regarding energy operations throughout Texas.

For enhanced connectivity, CenterPoint has introduced an updated Outage Tracker feature, which is cloud-based, fully bilingual, and allows customers to see outages sorted by different geographical parameters such as county, city, and zip code.

As Texas readies itself for extreme low temperatures, CenterPoint Energy is poised to respond effectively, ensuring its infrastructure is robust and ready to deliver essential services. By staying informed and prepared, customers can navigate the winter season with confidence, knowing that their energy provider is doing everything possible to support their safety and comfort.