#United States #Houston #CenterPoint Energy #Texas Cold Weather #Energy Reliability

CenterPoint Energy's Cold Weather Preparedness

As winter sets in, CenterPoint Energy is executing its cold weather preparedness plans across Texas, particularly as forecasts predict a significant drop in temperatures. The company has activated its Emergency Response and Preparedness teams to ensure the safety and reliability of energy delivery during this challenging weather period.

Emergency Plan Activation

In anticipation of freezing temperatures, CenterPoint's dedicated teams are meticulously monitoring weather patterns and are poised to respond effectively to potential service disruptions. With proactive preparations initiated as early as last December, both electric and natural gas divisions are in full readiness mode, conducting thorough checks across all systems.

Proactive Measures Taken

CenterPoint Energy has taken numerous pre-emptive actions to fortify its infrastructure, including:

• - In-depth Inspections: Every one of the 270 substations across the Greater Houston area has undergone inspections and tests to prepare for increased demand that typically accompanies colder weather.
• - Vegetation Management: Since August 2024, nearly 3,500 miles of vegetation near power lines have been trimmed to reduce risks of outages caused by falling branches during storms or severe winds.
• - Equipment Hardening: Critical components have been reinforced with heating devices and protective measures to prevent damage from freezing conditions.

The Role of the Meteorology Team

CenterPoint’s Meteorology Manager, Matt Lanza, emphasized the importance of continual weather monitoring. “We are closely watching a major winter storm that could affect the Greater Houston area starting on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Our customers should also stay aware of the changing weather forecasts,” he said. Safety remains a top priority; customers are reminded to maintain distance from downed power lines and report any incidents immediately to CenterPoint.

Collaborating with Local Officials

The Emergency Response and Preparedness teams are also working in close collaboration with local emergency responders and government officials. Regular updates on readiness activities are disseminated to ensure everyone's preparedness during this impending cold snap.

Natural Gas System Readiness

In addition to electric service preparations, CenterPoint is deploying strategies focused on its natural gas systems. This includes positioning Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks for rapid deployment when needed and validating that all systems are aligned with their cold weather operations.

Community Safety and Resources

CenterPoint is urging customers to prepare for potential freezing temperatures by developing an emergency plan and utilizing resources such as its recently launched Winter Energy Guide, which offers essential tips for safety and energy management during colder months

For additional support, electric customers can enroll in the Power Alert Service®, which provides real-time updates and information about outages.

Conclusion

As the cold snap approaches, CenterPoint Energy assures its customers that it is well-prepared to respond to any disruptions and restore services as swiftly as possible. “Our teams are here to keep you safe and warm during this winter season,” stated Darin Carroll, Senior Vice President of Electric Business.

For more information, customers can visit CenterPointEnergy.com/ReadyforWinter for guidance on staying safe and managing energy usage amidst winter challenges.