#United States #Houston #CenterPoint Energy #Greater Houston #Community Progress Tracker

CenterPoint Energy Launches Community Progress Tracker

In a bid to enhance transparency and communicate more effectively with its customers, CenterPoint Energy recently unveiled its innovative Community Progress Tracker. This web-based tool allows residents in the Greater Houston area to gain insights into electric grid improvements that are crucial for a resilient and reliable supply of power. This initiative is part of the company's broader Greater Houston Resiliency Initiative (GHRI), which aims to bolster the electric grid in response to severe weather conditions and improve overall service reliability.

What is the Community Progress Tracker?

The Community Progress Tracker provides an interactive map that outlines the specific upgrades made within the electric infrastructure across a 12-county region surrounding Houston. Users can effortlessly localize significant upgrades, such as the installation of over 56,000 new storm resilient poles, extensive tree-trimming projects, and the implementation of more than 500 automation devices. This detailed mapping of enhancements not only highlights completed initiatives but will also evolve to show future projects aimed at further improving the grid.

Tony Gardner, Chief Customer Officer at CenterPoint, emphasized the tool's role in enhancing customer engagement, stating, _"Our new Community Progress Tracker gives our customers a clear window into the work we're doing in their local neighborhoods to improve their service and build a stronger and more resilient electric system."_

Key Features of the Tracker

The tracker is user-friendly and accessible through both mobile and desktop platforms. It includes several features designed to aid users in navigating the vast amount of information:

• - Location-specific information: Visualize updates like pole replacements and underground installations unique to each ZIP code or street address.
• - Zoom and search capabilities: Users can zoom in on specific regions or search for specific addresses, making the information easily accessible.
• - Vibrant icons: Simplified icons denote various types of projects, making it easy for users to differentiate between upgrades like storm-resilient poles, tree trimming areas, underground power lines, and more.

Commitment to Resiliency

The updates made possible through the GHRI emphasize CenterPoint's commitment to fortifying its infrastructure. Since launching the initiative in August 2024, the company has made remarkable strides. They have undergrounded approximately 430 miles of power lines to minimize storm damage risks. Furthermore, 8,000 miles of vegetation have been managed to ensure clear paths for utility lines.
This comprehensive approach to grid resiliency is designed to lessen outage impacts and hasten restoration efforts when disruptions occur.

Jesus Soto Jr., Chief Operating Officer at CenterPoint, reinforced this objective: _"Resiliency is at the heart of everything we're doing. Our goal is to build the most resilient coastal grid in the nation, and this tool will help our customers follow that journey and see the progress we are making in their communities."_

Future Enhancements

As part of the Community Progress Tracker's ongoing development, users can look forward to additional functionalities that will showcase upcoming projects. This feature will enhance public understanding of how upcoming improvements will develop over time and ensure that customers are kept informed every step of the way.

How to Access the Tracker

Interested residents can visit CenterPointEnergy.com/Progress to access the Community Progress Tracker directly. For users who may need assistance navigating the tool, an instructional video is also available to guide them through the process effectively.

About CenterPoint Energy

CenterPoint Energy, headquartered in Houston, is a multi-state electric and natural gas delivery company that serves around 7 million customers across Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, and Texas. The company also plays a crucial role in the advancement of energy resilience and customer service in the regions it serves, which speaks volumes of its commitment to providing high-quality service for more than 150 years.