CenterPoint Energy Activates Emergency Response for Tropical Storm

CenterPoint Energy Prepares for Tropical Storm Impacts

As Tropical Storm Francine approaches, CenterPoint Energy remains vigilant and proactive in safeguarding its electric and natural gas customers. The company continues to maintain open lines of communication with its consumers and coordinate effectively with local emergency partners.

Activation of Emergency Operations Centers

Emergency Operations Centers are fully activated, geared to prepare for and respond to the storm's effects. Over 1,300 crews dedicated to vegetation management are working tirelessly to trim and remove any potentially hazardous vegetation, particularly in the Greater Houston region. CenterPoint has stationed 2,350 frontline workers on alert across its Gulf Coast service area, ready to perform restoration work as needed.

Proactive Preparation Activities

In addition to mobilizing local crews, CenterPoint is deploying 1,000 mutual aid workers to assist other utilities in the storm's path. This commitment highlights CenterPoint's dedication to community support when facing natural disasters. The company has also urged over 2.25 million natural gas customers in its service territories to take necessary precautions ahead of the storm's landfall.

Operational Measures in Place

CenterPoint's Emergency Operations Center has been active since Sunday, and teams are on-site monitoring the situation closely. Safety is the main priority as officials urge customers to stay vigilant and prepared. "We take this storm very seriously and are focused on restoring services safely and swiftly," stated Darin Carroll, Senior Vice President of Electric Business.

Safety Communication and Coordination Efforts

The company has implemented multiple outreach initiatives to ensure customer safety. They've conducted a thorough outreach campaign to all critical care residential and chronic care customers, ensuring that those who might need additional assistance remain informed and secure. Regular updates are shared with local officials to keep them in the loop about CenterPoint's pre-storm preparations.

Customer Safety Tips During Tropical Storm Francine

CenterPoint Energy is committed to keeping everyone safe prior to, during, and after the storm. Here are some critical tips for natural gas customers:

• Do not turn off your natural gas service at the meter as flooding may occur, allowing water into gas lines.
• Stay aware of any gas smells; leave the area immediately if detected.
• Avoid any actions that could cause sparks, like turning lights on/off or using a cell phone, if gas is present.
• For flooding inquiries, contact a licensed technician before reconnecting services.
• Be aware of your natural gas meter's location. Keep it clear of debris to prevent damage during trash collection.

Preparedness Actions and Resources

CenterPoint encourages all customers to prepare a safety plan for the storm. They recommend enrolling in the Power Alert Service to receive timely updates via phone or text about outages and restoration statuses. A new cloud-based Outage Tracker also provides an efficient way for customers to track service interruptions in real time.

Community Commitment and Further Information

In addition to immediate preparedness, CenterPoint emphasizes the importance of ongoing community support. The energy company serves over 7 million metered customers across several states, including Texas, where their operations are rooted. As the situation unfolds, customers can follow CenterPoint on social media for real-time updates and further safety guidance.

About CenterPoint Energy

CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) stands as the only investor-owned electric and gas utility headquartered in Texas, effectively operating for over 150 years. The company is dedicated to delivering energy solutions while ensuring customer safety and satisfaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How is CenterPoint Energy preparing for Tropical Storm Francine?

CenterPoint has activated Emergency Operations Centers, mobilized frontline workers, and coordinated with local authorities to ensure prompt responses to the storm's impacts.

2. What safety tips should customers follow during the storm?

Customers should not turn off their gas service at the meter, remain vigilant for gas odors, and keep clear of any natural gas meters to avoid potential hazards.

3. How can customers stay informed about outages?

Customers are encouraged to enroll in the Power Alert Service for updates and to utilize CenterPoint's new Outage Tracker for real-time outage information.

4. What support is available to critical care customers?

CenterPoint has proactively reached out to all identified critical care customers, providing them with information and resources to help ensure their safety during the storm.

5. What additional resources does CenterPoint provide for storm readiness?

CenterPoint encourages customers to visit their storm preparedness site for safety tips and best practices to equip themselves for the storm.

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