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CenterPoint Energy's Progress in the Greater Houston Resiliency Initiative

Overview of GHRI Phase Two

CenterPoint Energy has been actively engaging in its Greater Houston Resiliency Initiative (GHRI) to prepare for the upcoming hurricane season. As of December 12, 2024, the company has successfully installed over 7,060 stronger and more resilient poles within just three months, reflecting a robust commitment to enhancing the electrical infrastructure in the Greater Houston area. The goal is to significantly reduce the duration of power outages and improve the reliability of electric service for customers.

Key Actions Taken

Phase Two of the GHRI encompasses several pivotal actions aimed at bolstering the area’s storm preparedness.
These include:

• - Installation of Resilient Poles: In less than 100 days, nearly 2,500 storm-resilient poles have been added, which are designed to withstand adverse weather conditions.
• - Vegetation Clearance: Around 400 miles of power lines have been cleared of hazardous vegetation, which is crucial for maintaining uninterrupted service during storms.
• - Undergrounding Power Lines: CenterPoint Energy has undergrounded 40 additional miles of power lines to minimize the impact from high winds and floods.
• - Self-Healing Automation Devices: The installation of 20 self-healing devices is intended to limit the impact of outages and facilitate quicker restoration times.

According to Darin Carroll, Senior Vice President of CenterPoint's Electric Business, “Our continued efforts demonstrate a commitment to not only our customers but also to enhancing the overall resilience of our communities against future storms.”

Future Plans

Looking ahead, CenterPoint will implement further improvements as part of the GHRI phase, expected to run until May 31, 2025. This includes the installation of approximately 4,500 automated reliability devices, which will help create a self-healing grid, reducing sustained interruptions during severe weather events. Furthermore, a network of 100 new weather monitoring stations will be established to enhance forecasting and response capabilities.

Additionally, CenterPoint is focused on improving communication and community engagement strategies, aiming to provide real-time updates and increased support to customers during emergencies.

Commitment to Resilience

The GHRI is part of a broader strategy by CenterPoint Energy to ensure that the Greater Houston area is among the most resilient in the nation, particularly concerning its electrical grid. Once completed, the resiliency measures from this initiative are projected to save customers over 125 million outage minutes per year.

The company has outlined its vision and proactive measures through its official website at CenterPointEnergy.com/TakingAction where real-time updates are regularly posted.

As CenterPoint strides forward in this initiative, it not only enhances customer satisfaction with reliable service but also reinforces the community's stability in the face of environmental challenges. The ongoing investments underline a crucial commitment both to the current population and to future generations living in the Greater Houston region.