#United States #Houston #CenterPoint Energy #Emergency Response #winter weather

CenterPoint Energy Enhances Customer Communications for Winter Weather Preparations

As a winter weather system approaches Texas, CenterPoint Energy is taking proactive measures to ensure that its customers are well-informed and prepared. The company is ramping up its customer communication efforts amid a substantial increase in its workforce, which now includes approximately 3,300 employees and contractors.

Comprehensive Preparations

In light of the anticipated cold temperatures and icy conditions, CenterPoint's strategies hinge on effective communication and thorough preparations. From emails to phone calls and text messages, the utility is employing various channels to disseminate crucial information on safety and preparedness. Daily operational briefings are scheduled to take place at its Emergency Operations Center to provide ongoing updates based on evolving weather patterns.

Tony Gardner, the Chief Customer Officer at CenterPoint, emphasized the importance of keeping the communities they serve informed. “We want customers to know we’re taking action and preparing to respond to any impact from this weather. Reliable electric and natural gas services are essential for our communities,” Gardner stated. He highlighted that customers are encouraged to bookmark the Action Center on their website, which offers storm-related safety tips in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, and Vietnamese.

Weather Insights and Safety Measures

The current forecasts indicate the potential for ice accumulation in Houston and surrounding areas, prompting CenterPoint to share key safety reminders with the public. Customers are advised to treat any downed power lines as energized and dangerous and are urged to maintain a safe distance while reporting such incidents to the utility.

In the event of hazardous travel conditions expected on Sunday, residents are advised to exercise caution, especially with a hard freeze projected for Monday morning. Matt Lanza, Chief Meteorologist for CenterPoint, noted that weather models are trending towards a less severe forecast but still encourage preparedness due to possible icy conditions.

Resource Activation

Preparing for the winter storm, CenterPoint activated its Emergency Operations Center and secured additional initiative workers. With more than 600 frontline workers activated, the company aims to ensure resources are effectively positioned in areas projected to be most impacted. Three staging sites have been established to host workers, equipment, and vehicles necessary for restoration.

Moreover, ongoing coordination with governmental agencies and emergency personnel exemplifies CenterPoint's commitment to ensuring community safety. The utility’s representatives are in constant communication with officials to monitor the weather situation and adapt operational strategies as dictated by changing conditions.

Community Support and Continued Initiatives

CenterPoint Energy remains dedicated not only to operational readiness but also to community resilience. Last year, the CenterPoint Energy Foundation awarded a generous grant to The Salvation Army. This funding supports their disaster response capabilities in the Greater Houston area, providing critical assistance to vulnerable populations during severe weather events.

As winter approaches, CenterPoint urges its customers to prepare adequately and develop safety plans in anticipation of potential power outages or disruptions. Resources are available at the company's Action Center, and the Outage Tracker offers customers real-time information regarding service interruptions.

Conclusion

In summary, as Texas braces for the colder months ahead, CenterPoint Energy stands ready with a robust strategy focused on customer service and community safety. By enhancing communications and reinforcing their operational capabilities, the company demonstrates its commitment to ensuring reliable energy service during periods of extreme weather. Customers are encouraged to stay informed and safe as the winter weather system approaches.

For continuous updates, follow CenterPoint on social media and visit their website for more safety resources.