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CenterPoint Energy's Winter Weather Preparedness

As winter approaches, CenterPoint Energy, a leading provider of electric and gas services in Texas, is taking proactive measures to ensure safety and reliability during the upcoming cold weather. With forecasts predicting severe cold conditions and the possibility of an ice storm, the company is activating its cold weather readiness plan across its service areas.

Proactive Measures and Customer Safety

In anticipation of the harsh winter weather, CenterPoint has mobilized its Emergency Preparedness and Response teams in tandem with Meteorology and Operations experts. Their goal is to monitor evolving weather conditions closely and to prepare for any disruptions that may impact energy delivery. CenterPoint is urging residents to create their emergency plans and prepare adequately for the cold snap.

"While snow and chill typically don't adversely affect our electric systems, conditions like ice accumulation and high winds can pose serious threats to infrastructure such as trees and power lines," explained Darin Carroll, Senior Vice President of CenterPoint's Electric Business. "In the event that severe storms occur, we stand ready to augment our workforce and call in additional support to restore services swiftly and safely."

Enhancing Infrastructure Resilience

To ensure a robust energy supply during these challenging times, CenterPoint Energy has conducted extensive pre-winter checks of its critical cold-weather infrastructure. This involves regular inspections and necessary equipment testing to mitigate any potential risks. The company has notably trimmed around 3,500 miles of vegetation to reduce the likelihood of outages caused by falling branches or other debris.

CenterPoint is also increasing its cold weather readiness by coordinating with local emergency responders and government authorities to streamline emergency responses should the need arise. By putting these strategies in place, the company aims to ensure that its systems can withstand extreme cold and provide safe, reliable service to its customers.

The 2025 Winter Energy Guide

This winter, CenterPoint has introduced the 2025 Winter Energy Guide, an online resource that offers customers valuable information about energy management during the heating season. The guide is filled with practical tips on safety, energy savings, and how to manage heating costs effectively. Customers are encouraged to visit CenterPointEnergy.com/ReadyforWinter to access these resources and prepare adequately for the winter months ahead.

Energy Conservation Tips

Alongside its readiness plans, CenterPoint has shared straightforward energy-saving tips for the winter season:
1. Regular Heating System Checks: Ensure your heating system is running efficiently with an annual inspection. Changing the furnace filter can also enhance performance.
2. Adjust Your Thermostat: Lower your thermostat by 7-10 degrees at night or when you’re away from home for extended periods. This simple action can lead to significant savings on heating bills.
3. Weatherproof Your Home: Use caulk or weather-stripping to seal gaps in doors and windows to prevent heat loss. Simple solutions like rolled towels at door bottoms can provide immediate benefits.
4. Utilize Sunlight: Open your window coverings during sunny days to allow natural warmth into your home and close them at night to retain heat.
5. Ceiling Fan Usage: Set ceiling fans clockwise to circulate warm air from the ceiling, helping to maintain an even temperature throughout the space.

Stay Updated and Prepared

CenterPoint urges its electric customers to enroll in the Power Alert Service®, which provides real-time updates on potential outages and restoration efforts via phone, text, or email. Customers can also follow the company on social media for the latest updates, especially concerning operations in the Greater Houston area.

By taking these precautions and staying informed, customers can significantly improve their winter preparedness plans, ensuring both safety and comfort during what could be a challenging season ahead.