With freezing temperatures and potential wintry precipitation forecasted to impact CenterPoint Energy's Texas service areas over the holiday weekend and into next week, the company has activated its cold weather readiness plan. CenterPoint’s Emergency Response, Preparedness, and Meteorology teams are closely monitoring weather conditions and coordinating efforts to ensure safe and reliable energy delivery.
Proactive Cold Weather Preparations
In December, CenterPoint completed a series of pre-winter readiness actions, including inspecting and testing critical electric and natural gas equipment. The company has implemented additional cold weather mitigations across its infrastructure, developed plans to mobilize emergency response resources, and is actively coordinating with local emergency responders and government officials.
Key winterization measures include:
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Inspecting and testing critical equipment across 270 substations to prepare for high demand and low temperatures.
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Installing heaters and ice prevention devices on electric and gas infrastructure.
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Maintaining freeze protection equipment and repairing damaged insulation.
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Conducting emergency training for operational personnel and contractors.
Since August 2024, CenterPoint crews and contractors have trimmed approximately 3,500 miles of higher-risk vegetation across the Greater Houston area to reduce the potential for power outages caused by fallen tree limbs.
Enhanced Emergency Coordination
CenterPoint’s Emergency Response and Preparedness team is leading efforts to ensure readiness and maintain communication with public agencies and community leaders. Regular updates are being provided to government officials, emphasizing pre-storm activities and safety protocols.
“We’re closely monitoring weather models and preparing for the possibility of significant winter weather in the Greater Houston area starting on Martin Luther King Jr. Day and into next week,” said Matt Lanza, CenterPoint’s Meteorology Manager. “We urge customers to stay alert as conditions can change rapidly.”
Natural Gas System Preparedness
To ensure reliable natural gas service during cold weather, CenterPoint has:
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Positioned Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks to supplement the natural gas system, if needed.
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Validated that all station set points align with cold weather settings.
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Coordinated with the Railroad Commission of Texas to support critical gas infrastructure.
“Our teams are well-prepared to respond to potential impacts from the forecasted cold temperatures,” said Darin Carroll, Senior Vice President of Electric Business. “We have enhanced staffing plans and crews strategically stationed across our service areas to quickly restore service, if needed. We encourage customers to stay weather-aware and have an emergency plan in place.”
