CenterPoint Energy returns to normal operations as NWS Red Flag Warning expires, weather and wind threat ends for Greater Houston region

Rhea-AI Summary

CenterPoint Energy (CNP) has successfully managed potential fire weather risks in the Greater Houston region, with 99% of customers experiencing no outages during a National Weather Service Red Flag Warning period. The company implemented several preventive measures including:

• Pre-inspections of electric and natural gas equipment
• Vegetation clearing near power lines and facilities
• Adjustment of power line safety settings in high-risk areas
• Deployment of additional response crews
• Proactive communication with approximately 330,000 customers in the Cypress, Fort Bend and Katy areas

The company has now returned to normal operations as weather conditions have improved. CenterPoint encourages customers to enroll in their Power Alert Service® for future weather-related updates and service notifications.

Positive

• 99% of customers maintained uninterrupted service during high-risk conditions
• Successful implementation of preventive safety measures across the network
• Effective emergency response system with additional crews positioned

Negative

• None.

News Market Reaction

+0.31%

1 alert

+0.31% News Effect

On the day this news was published, CNP gained 0.31%, reflecting a mild positive market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Approximately 99% of customers experienced no outages during fire weather conditions

HOUSTON, March 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- CenterPoint Energy is returning to normal operations as the National Weather Service's Red Flag Warning and risks of fire weather and strong wind end for the Greater Houston area. The company's system performed well, with less than one percent of customers experiencing an outage throughout today's high wind gusts.

Over the last several days, CenterPoint actively prepared for potentially dangerous weather conditions by conducting pre-inspections of electric and natural gas equipment, adjusting power line safety settings in higher-risk areas, communicating with customers and working with local emergency agencies.

Key Actions to Help Keep Customers Safe
Leading up to today's Red Flag Warning, CenterPoint's safety preparations included the following key actions:

• Inspected and Hardened Key Power Lines: Inspected power lines in areas of heightened fire risk, cleared hazardous vegetation near power lines and conducted repairs where needed, ahead of potential extreme weather.
• Inspected Natural Gas Facilities: Inspected gas facilities in areas of heightened fire risk and cleared hazardous vegetation near facilities ahead of potential extreme weather.
• Adjusted Safety Settings: Adjusted the settings on some power lines for safety between noon and 9 p.m. today.
• Brought on Additional Crews to Respond: Positioned CenterPoint crews and additional contractors to respond to any power outages or natural gas service interruptions that may occur.
• Coordinated with Local Emergency Partners: Proactively shared information with state, county and local leaders.
• Communicated with Customers: Proactively communicated with approximately 330,000 customers in the Cypress, Fort Bend and Katy areas by phone, text or email about the potential for temporary safety outages due to high fire danger.

"We'd like to thank our customers for their patience as some might have experienced temporary outages today as we took the necessary precautions to protect the community and our electric system from the fire weather conditions," said Tony Gardner, Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer. "While today's weather risk has passed, we encourage customers to take this opportunity to enroll in the company's Power Alert Service^® and verify contact information so that when the next weather event might impact Greater Houston area, CenterPoint can contact you with important information regarding your electric service."

CenterPoint electric customers are encouraged to enroll in the company's Power Alert Service® to receive 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.

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

 

FAQ

How many CenterPoint Energy customers were affected by outages during the recent Red Flag Warning in Houston?

Less than 1% of CenterPoint Energy customers experienced outages during the high wind conditions.

What preventive measures did CenterPoint Energy (CNP) take during the fire weather warning?

CNP inspected power lines, cleared vegetation, adjusted safety settings, positioned additional crews, and coordinated with local emergency partners.

How many customers did CenterPoint Energy notify about potential safety outages?

Approximately 330,000 customers in the Cypress, Fort Bend and Katy areas were notified about potential temporary safety outages.

What areas were primarily affected by CenterPoint Energy's preventive measures during the Red Flag Warning?

The Cypress, Fort Bend and Katy areas in the Greater Houston region were the primary focus of preventive measures.