As freezing polar temperatures return to Texas, CenterPoint Energy deploys its cold weather readiness plan

Rhea-AI Summary

CenterPoint Energy is implementing its cold weather readiness plan as ERCOT issues a Weather Watch for February 19-21, 2025, due to forecasted extreme cold temperatures across Texas. The watch indicates expectations of higher electrical demand and potential lower reserves, though grid conditions are expected to remain normal.

The company's Emergency Response and Meteorology teams are actively monitoring weather conditions and preparing to maintain reliable energy delivery. CenterPoint has performed pre-winter preparedness actions to strengthen and winterize its electric and natural gas infrastructure, including inspecting critical equipment. The company is also preparing to deploy cold weather mitigations and mobilize emergency response resources.

To assist customers, CenterPoint offers a Winter Energy Guide with safety and energy-saving tips, and encourages enrollment in their Power Alert Service® for outage updates. Customers can also access their improved Outage Tracker system in English and Spanish.

Positive

• Proactive infrastructure winterization and preparedness measures implemented
• Enhanced customer communication systems in place (Power Alert Service and bilingual Outage Tracker)
• Comprehensive Winter Energy Guide available for customer support

Negative

• Potential risk of service disruptions due to extreme weather conditions
• Expected higher electrical demand and possible lower reserves during Weather Watch period

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ERCOT Weather Watch issued for February 19-21 due to forecasted extreme cold weather across its region, meaning higher electrical demand and the potential for lower reserves   

CenterPoint continues to monitor forecasts and perform readiness checks for its electric and natural gas systems ahead of potential freezing temperatures impacting the company's Texas service territory

Company urges customers to have a plan and make winter weather preparations to stay safe and warm

HOUSTON, Feb. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- With extreme cold temperatures forecasted to again impact CenterPoint Energy's service territory in Texas this week, the company's Emergency Response and Preparedness and Meteorology teams are actively monitoring weather models and preparing to support safe and reliable energy delivery through cold conditions. Both electric and natural gas teams across CenterPoint's Texas footprint are engaged in coordinated efforts to maintain readiness and prepare to address potential service impacts.

ERCOT has issued a Weather Watch for Wednesday, Feb. 19 through Friday, Feb. 21 due to extreme cold weather across the ERCOT region, higher electrical demand and the potential for lower reserves. At this time, according to ERCOT, grid conditions are expected to be normal. 

"CenterPoint is actively monitoring the cold weather expected across our communities in Texas. Though current forecasts are not predicting the kind of icy precipitation or snowy conditions the Greater Houston area experienced during last month's cold snap, we will continue to monitor the weather models and prepare our response for any potential impacts from freezing temperatures. We urge our customers to take this extreme cold weather seriously, stay alert of changing weather conditions and have an emergency plan in place," said Don Daigler, CenterPoint Senior Vice President of Emergency Preparedness and Response.  

Cold weather preparations
The company has a cold weather action plan in place and has performed a series of proactive pre-winter preparedness actions to strengthen and winterize its electric and natural gas infrastructure across Texas, as well as inspect and test cold-weather critical equipment ahead of potential severe cold weather. CenterPoint is also preparing to deploy cold weather mitigations across its electric and gas infrastructure, developing plans to mobilize emergency response resources and coordinating with relevant local emergency responders and government officials in preparation.

2025 Winter Energy Guide
CenterPoint encourages customers to use the company's Winter Energy Guide, a comprehensive online resource hub that helps customers throughout the winter heating season. The guide features practical and important safety, energy savings and bill management tips to help customers stay safe and warm throughout the winter season. To learn more, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/ReadyforWinter.

Electric customers encouraged to enroll in Power Alert Service® and follow CenterPoint Texas X account
CenterPoint electric customers are encouraged to enroll in the company's Power Alert Service® to receive winter storm outage details, estimated restoration times and customer-specific restoration updates by phone call, text or email. Customers can also follow @CenterPoint_TX to receive the most up-to-date information on the company's operations in the Greater Houston area and across Texas.

In addition, customers can use CenterPoint's new and improved, cloud-based Outage Tracker, available in English and Spanish, to stay updated and see outages by county, city and zip code. 

For more information, contact
Communications
Media.Relations@CenterPointEnergy.com

FAQ

What dates has ERCOT issued a Weather Watch for CNP's Texas service area?

ERCOT has issued a Weather Watch for February 19-21, 2025, due to forecasted extreme cold weather.

What measures has CNP taken to prepare for the 2025 winter weather in Texas?

CenterPoint has winterized its infrastructure, performed equipment inspections, prepared emergency response resources, and implemented a cold weather action plan.

How can CNP customers track power outages during the winter weather event?

Customers can use CenterPoint's cloud-based Outage Tracker, enroll in Power Alert Service® for updates, and follow @CenterPoint_TX on social media.

What is the expected impact on CNP's grid conditions during the February 2025 cold snap?

According to ERCOT, grid conditions are expected to remain normal despite higher electrical demand and potential lower reserves.