#United States #Houston #CenterPoint Energy #Resiliency Initiative

Update on Greater Houston Resiliency Initiative

CenterPoint Energy has announced critical progress regarding the Greater Houston Resiliency Initiative (GHRI), highlighting that it has achieved over 50% completion of significant resilience actions. This initiative, which began its second phase in Fall 2024, aims to fortify the energy grid in anticipation of adverse conditions during the upcoming hurricane season in 2025.

Key Milestones in Phase Two

As part of its ongoing efforts, CenterPoint Energy has taken several impactful actions:

• - Installation of Resilient Utility Poles: More than 14,200 robust poles designed to withstand storm conditions have been erected across the region. These poles are a crucial feature in limiting damage during severe weather.
• - Vegetation Management: The company has cleared over 2,200 miles of high-risk vegetation, significantly reducing potential outage risks associated with falling branches and flood debris. This proactive maintenance is vital for uninterrupted service during storms.
• - Automation of the Grid: Around 2,170 automated reliability devices have been installed. These devices help swiftly detect outages and enable rapid restoration of services, ensuring a more responsive power grid.
• - Underground Power Lines: Over 280 miles of overhead power lines have been placed underground, minimizing the impact of wind and severe weather on power delivery.

These actions collectively aim to enhance the reliability of the power supply, projected to avoid over 125 million outage minutes annually for customers.

Future Plans and Community Engagement

CenterPoint Energy’s commitment to the GHRI does not stop at installation. Upcoming enhancements include:

• - Weather Monitoring Stations: A network of 100 new weather monitoring stations will be installed throughout the Greater Houston region. This network is slated to begin operations in April 2025, further enhancing the company’s ability to respond to weather-related disruptions.
• - Improved Customer Communication: The company is also focused on better engagement with customers and local communities. Through a year-round safety and preparedness campaign, they aim to share critical information before, during, and after severe weather events. CenterPoint representatives will actively participate in community events, providing resources and safety tips.

In the words of Darin Carroll, Senior Vice President of CenterPoint's Electric Business, “The team is committed to building the most resilient coastal grid in the nation. Our focus remains on strengthening our systems to effectively navigate the challenges posed by hurricanes.”

Conclusion

As the 2025 hurricane season approaches, the ongoing efforts by CenterPoint Energy under the GHRI serve as a critical investment in the future resilience of Houston's energy infrastructure. By enhancing their systems through advanced technology and community engagement, they aim to safeguard their customers against potential outages and ensure a reliable power supply during challenging weather conditions. As updates progress, additional information will be available via CenterPointEnergy.com/TakingAction.