#United States #Houston #CenterPoint Energy #winter storm #Houston Area

CenterPoint Energy Activates Emergency Operations Center for Winter Storm Enzo Response

As the winter storm named Enzo prepares to hit the Greater Houston area, CenterPoint Energy has proactively activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to coordinate an effective response and restoration effort. In anticipation of heavy precipitation and freezing temperatures, the utility company has mobilized nearly 3,000 personnel, including 1,200 mutual aid workers, all geared up to restore power and address potential outages. The storm is expected to bring significant snow and ice accumulation, particularly on Tuesday and Wednesday, which may affect road accessibility and prolong outage restoration efforts.

The EOC will serve as the hub for all response activities, allowing CenterPoint to effectively coordinate with local and state emergency partners engaged in managing the impending winter conditions. The utility has already taken crucial steps to deploy additional electric workers to staging areas in the region, ensuring crew positioning for swift deployment when needed. CenterPoint officials have implored customers to limit traveling during the storm and to stay away from downed power lines. It is vital to develop a safety plan and stock up on essentials to prepare for potential service interruptions.

"We have been working diligently for over a week in preparation for the Winter Storm Enzo. Our teams and mutual aid partners are strategically positioned to swiftly address any issues arising from the storm," said Darin Carroll, Senior Vice President of CenterPoint's Electric Business. Carroll emphasized the challenges that accompany such storms, citing unpredictable weather conditions, icy roads, and public safety concerns as dominant factors in their response strategy.

Preparedness Actions for the Storm

In readiness for Winter Storm Enzo, CenterPoint has undertaken several precautionary measures:

• - Deployment of Winter Weather Readiness Plans: As early as the previous week, CenterPoint activated its winter weather readiness plan and closely monitored the storm's progress.
• - Mobilization of Additional Workers: The addition of mutual aid personnel alongside local frontline workers aims to bolster response capabilities and minimize potential outages.
• - Supporting Warming Centers: CenterPoint is collaborating with local authorities to deploy small power generators to community warming centers, helping to ensure residents have access to heat amid sub-zero temperatures.
• - Customer Communication: CenterPoint uses direct communication channels including emails, texts, auto-dial messages, and social media to share safety information and updates with customers.
• - Outreach to Critical Care Customers: The company is prioritizing communication with customers relying on electricity for critical health needs.
• - Coordination with Government Officials: Regular updates are being shared with government representatives to assess the situation and implement customer support strategies during the storm.
• - Public Operational Briefings: Briefings are conducted to keep the public informed about CenterPoint's preparation and responses to the storm.

Winter Readiness and Infrastructure Measures

CenterPoint's preparations for Winter Storm Enzo follow extensive winter readiness steps conducted over the past months. This includes:

• - Equipment Inspections: All 270 substations have undergone thorough inspections and testing in preparation for heightened demand and low temperatures.
• - Infrastructure Hardening: The company has fortified electric and natural gas infrastructure across the area to minimize damages caused by ice and freezing conditions.
• - Employee Training: Emergency training drills for personnel have been conducted to ensure readiness for severe winter weather events.

Customers are encouraged to enroll in CenterPoint’s Power Alert Service® to receive important updates regarding outages and restoration, along with information on their specific restoration timelines. Additionally, CenterPoint has introduced a cloud-based Outage Tracker accessible in multiple languages, allowing customers to stay informed about outages by geographical specifics.

For further updates on storm preparedness and response, or to access essential resources, customers can visit CenterPointEnergy.com/StormCenter or follow @CenterPoint_TX on social media platforms. Regular updates regarding the storm's impact in the Greater Houston area can also be followed through the National Weather Service forecast updates specific to the region. Stay safe and prepared during this challenging winter weather period.