#United States #Houston #CenterPoint Energy #Houston Resiliency Initiative #electric reliability

CenterPoint Energy Implements Greater Houston Resiliency Initiative

In a significant announcement on July 23, 2025, CenterPoint Energy revealed notable advancements in the reliability of its electric service for customers in the Greater Houston area. The company reported an impressive reduction of approximately 45% in total outage minutes during the first half of 2025, compared to the same timeframe in 2024. This substantial improvement is primarily attributed to the ongoing efforts of the Greater Houston Resiliency Initiative (GHRI), which aims to fortify the electric system against more extreme weather conditions while enhancing reliability for customers across the region.

The GHRI has led to a consistent monthly decrease in customer outage minutes, showcasing a commitment to quality service. Specifically, more than 20 million less outage minutes were experienced per month, translating to a remarkable 45% drop in the duration of outages for individual customers. Furthermore, the average number of outage minutes for the year to date remains significantly below the five-year average, indicating a trend toward improved reliability.

The GHRI focuses on minimizing disruption caused by fallen trees, branches, and other vegetation interference with electric lines. Throughout the first half of 2025, there was a notable 33% decrease in outages linked to such issues compared to 2024. The recent changes result from a series of strategic initiatives taken by CenterPoint to enhance its infrastructure and service capabilities.

Actions Taken to Strengthen the System

Key efforts implemented under the GHRI include:

• - Installation of Stronger Poles: Over 32,000 storm-resistant poles have been installed, designed to withstand extreme wind conditions, thereby reducing the likelihood of outages.
• - Vegetation Management: CenterPoint has proactively cleared hazardous vegetation near more than 7,000 miles of power lines, diminishing risks associated with natural growth interfering with electrical equipment.
• - Automated Devices: More than 5,150 self-healing automation devices have been integrated within the electric grid. These devices are pivotal in restoring power quickly during outages.
• - Underground Power Lines: The initiative also includes the undergrounding of over 400 miles of power lines, which lessens the vulnerability of electrical infrastructure to severe weather events.

Darin Carroll, Senior Vice President of CenterPoint's Electric Business, expressed pride in the results, stating, "The 45% decrease in outage minutes reflects the significant and real progress being felt by our communities across Greater Houston. Our goal is to keep enhancing the reliability of our electric service while preparing for the future challenges posed by extreme weather."

Future Outlook: The Commitment to Resilience

Looking forward, CenterPoint Energy remains dedicated to further improving electric service reliability in the Houston area. The company has laid out a $3.2 billion Systemwide Resiliency Plan (SRP), projecting a significant advancement in mitigating the effects of extreme weather while also targeting a reduction of outages by nearly one billion minutes by the year 2029. This initiative aims to establish the most resilient coastal grid in the United States.

The sustained commitment by CenterPoint to infrastructure enhancement, coupled with strategic investments, assures customers of a robust electrical grid capable of withstanding future challenges. As the company moves forward, their focus remains clear: to provide reliable electric service that prioritizes customer satisfaction and community resilience.

For individuals interested in more details about CenterPoint's ongoing efforts to fortify their electric system and improve service reliability, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/TakingAction.

About CenterPoint Energy

CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE CNP) is an electric and natural gas delivery company that operates across several states, serving approximately 7 million metered customers. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, the company boasts a legacy of over 150 years of customer service. With a robust asset portfolio valued at approximately $44 billion as of March 31, 2025, CenterPoint Energy is dedicated to maintaining high standards of service and sustainability.