CenterPoint Energy Prepares for Severe Cold Weather and Ice Threats in Houston
As freezing temperatures loom over Houston with forecasts predicting severe cold and icy conditions, CenterPoint Energy is mobilizing to confront the challenges ahead. The company has activated nearly 1,200 mutual aid workers and is implementing emergency preparations to ensure the safety and reliability of energy delivery.
The atmosphere of uncertainty surrounding the upcoming weather prompted ERCOT (Electric Reliability Council of Texas) to issue a Weather Watch from January 20 through January 23. This will lead to increased electrical demand and a potential drop in reserves as the region braces for extreme cold. The forecasts indicate a significant possibility of ice and snow in the Greater Houston area over the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend and into the week.
CenterPoint's teams are closely monitoring these weather developments and have set up work sites, staged crews, and prepared equipment in anticipation of potential outages. They anticipate that if icy conditions do occur, the incidence of power outages could rise, necessitating the swift restoration of services through their expanded workforce.
To mitigate the potential impacts of the severe cold, CenterPoint has established a comprehensive cold weather action plan. This plan emphasizes proactive measures such as inspecting and winterizing critical infrastructure, as well as deploying additional personnel specialized in vegetation management and lines maintenance.
"If the forecasted icy conditions prevail, we could encounter outages due to the extreme weather. This is why we are proactively bringing in around 1,200 extra mutual aid staff, who will support us in fulfilling restoration needs swiftly and safely," stated Darin Carroll, Senior Vice President of CenterPoint's Electric Business.
Together with their internal Emergency Preparedness and Response teams, CenterPoint is employing advanced weather modeling and drawing from historical data to assess risks and prepare adequately for the anticipated impact on electricity supply.
In light of the impending weather threats, CenterPoint urges customers to remain vigilant and adopt safety measures during winter storms. Some essential reminders include:
To assist customers during the challenging winter season, CenterPoint has introduced the 2025 Winter Energy Guide. This online resource hub provides essential safety tips, energy-saving strategies, and advice on managing heating bills. Customers can access it at CenterPointEnergy.com/ReadyforWinter.
CenterPoint emphasizes that winter preparations are vital, and customers should have a detailed emergency plan in place. They encourage electric customers to enrol in the Power Alert Service to receive timely updates regarding outages, restoration times, and specific alerts tailored to their needs. Stay informed by following @CenterPoint_TX for real-time operational updates across Texas.
As the region braces for potential severe winter weather, CenterPoint Energy remains dedicated to ensuring reliable service and enhancing community safety through proactive measures and preparedness strategies.
Preparation Amid Evolving Weather Conditions
The atmosphere of uncertainty surrounding the upcoming weather prompted ERCOT (Electric Reliability Council of Texas) to issue a Weather Watch from January 20 through January 23. This will lead to increased electrical demand and a potential drop in reserves as the region braces for extreme cold. The forecasts indicate a significant possibility of ice and snow in the Greater Houston area over the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend and into the week.
CenterPoint's teams are closely monitoring these weather developments and have set up work sites, staged crews, and prepared equipment in anticipation of potential outages. They anticipate that if icy conditions do occur, the incidence of power outages could rise, necessitating the swift restoration of services through their expanded workforce.
Cold Weather Action Measures
To mitigate the potential impacts of the severe cold, CenterPoint has established a comprehensive cold weather action plan. This plan emphasizes proactive measures such as inspecting and winterizing critical infrastructure, as well as deploying additional personnel specialized in vegetation management and lines maintenance.
"If the forecasted icy conditions prevail, we could encounter outages due to the extreme weather. This is why we are proactively bringing in around 1,200 extra mutual aid staff, who will support us in fulfilling restoration needs swiftly and safely," stated Darin Carroll, Senior Vice President of CenterPoint's Electric Business.
Together with their internal Emergency Preparedness and Response teams, CenterPoint is employing advanced weather modeling and drawing from historical data to assess risks and prepare adequately for the anticipated impact on electricity supply.
Safety Measures for Customers
In light of the impending weather threats, CenterPoint urges customers to remain vigilant and adopt safety measures during winter storms. Some essential reminders include:
- - Stay Clear of Downed Power Lines: Maintain a safe distance from downed lines and report them immediately.
- - Use Generators Safely: Never operate generators indoors to avoid carbon monoxide exposure.
- - Safety Around Work Crews: Give work crews ample space to manage repairs and assessments after storms.
- - Preserve Food During Outages: Minimize the opening of refrigerators and freezers during power outages to help maintain food integrity.
- - Gas Safety: If a natural gas leak is suspected due to a strong odor, leave the area immediately and contact emergency services.
Resources for Customers
To assist customers during the challenging winter season, CenterPoint has introduced the 2025 Winter Energy Guide. This online resource hub provides essential safety tips, energy-saving strategies, and advice on managing heating bills. Customers can access it at CenterPointEnergy.com/ReadyforWinter.
CenterPoint emphasizes that winter preparations are vital, and customers should have a detailed emergency plan in place. They encourage electric customers to enrol in the Power Alert Service to receive timely updates regarding outages, restoration times, and specific alerts tailored to their needs. Stay informed by following @CenterPoint_TX for real-time operational updates across Texas.
As the region braces for potential severe winter weather, CenterPoint Energy remains dedicated to ensuring reliable service and enhancing community safety through proactive measures and preparedness strategies.
Topics Energy）
【About Using Articles】
You can freely use the title and article content by linking to the page where the article is posted.
※ Images cannot be used.
【About Links】
Links are free to use.