CenterPoint Energy Readies for Tropical Storm Francine
With Tropical Storm Francine approaching, CenterPoint Energy says it’s in full storm-preparation mode to protect its electric and natural gas customers. The company is keeping communication lines open with customers and coordinating closely with local emergency partners to share information and align response plans.
Emergency Operations Centers: Fully Active
CenterPoint’s Emergency Operations Centers are fully activated to prepare for and respond to the storm’s effects. More than 1,300 vegetation-management crews are at work trimming and removing hazardous trees and limbs, with a particular focus on the Greater Houston area. Across the Gulf Coast service area, 2,350 frontline workers are on alert and ready to begin restoration work as soon as it’s safe to do so.
Additional Preparations Under Way
Alongside mobilizing local crews, CenterPoint is deploying 1,000 mutual aid workers to support other utilities in Francine’s path—another sign of its commitment to community support during severe weather. The company has also urged more than 2.25 million natural gas customers in its service territories to take necessary precautions before landfall.
Operational Measures in Place
The Emergency Operations Center has been active since Sunday, with teams on-site closely monitoring changing conditions. Safety comes first. “We take this storm very seriously and are focused on restoring services safely and swiftly,” said Darin Carroll, Senior Vice President of Electric Business. Teams continue to track forecasts, confirm staffing, and prepare restoration plans so work can begin quickly once conditions allow.
Safety Communication and Coordination
CenterPoint has expanded outreach to keep customers informed and safe. The company has conducted a thorough campaign to reach all identified critical care residential and chronic care customers, helping ensure those who may need extra assistance are informed and supported. Regular updates are also shared with local officials to coordinate preparations and keep communities up to date.
Customer Safety Tips During Tropical Storm Francine
CenterPoint Energy aims to keep customers safe before, during, and after the storm. If you’re a natural gas customer, keep these essentials in mind:
- Don’t turn off your natural gas service at the meter. Flooding can allow water to enter gas lines.
- If you smell gas, leave the area immediately and put distance between you and the odor.
- Avoid anything that could spark—don’t flip light switches, use a cell phone, or create open flames if gas is present.
- If flooding occurs, consult a licensed technician before reconnecting any gas service or equipment.
- Know where your natural gas meter is located and keep it clear of debris. This helps prevent damage during trash collection or cleanup.
Preparedness Actions and Resources
CenterPoint encourages all customers to build a simple safety plan: how you’ll get updates, where you’ll go if you need to leave, and what you’ll do if the power goes out. Enroll in the Power Alert Service to receive timely outage and restoration updates by phone or text. The company’s new cloud-based Outage Tracker gives a streamlined way to check service interruptions in real time.
Community Commitment and Where to Find Updates
Preparedness now supports recovery later. CenterPoint serves more than 7 million metered customers across several states, including Texas, where its operations are rooted. As the situation evolves, customers can follow CenterPoint on social media for up-to-the-minute information and safety guidance.
About CenterPoint Energy
CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is the only investor-owned electric and gas utility headquartered in Texas and has operated for more than 150 years. The company remains focused on delivering reliable energy solutions while keeping customer safety and satisfaction front and center.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How is CenterPoint Energy preparing for Tropical Storm Francine?
CenterPoint has activated its Emergency Operations Centers, placed 2,350 frontline workers on alert across the Gulf Coast, and deployed more than 1,300 vegetation-management crews, with concentrated efforts in Greater Houston. The company is also coordinating with local officials and has arranged for 1,000 mutual aid workers to support utilities in the storm’s path.
2. What safety tips should customers follow during the storm?
Don’t turn off gas at the meter. If you smell gas, leave immediately. Avoid switches, phones, or anything that could spark if gas is present. If flooding occurs, contact a licensed technician before reconnecting service. Keep your gas meter visible and free of debris.
3. How can customers stay informed about outages?
Enroll in the Power Alert Service for outage and restoration updates by phone or text. You can also use the cloud-based Outage Tracker to see real-time information on service interruptions.
4. What support is available to critical care customers?
CenterPoint has proactively reached out to critical care residential and chronic care customers to share safety information and ensure they’re informed ahead of the storm. The company is also coordinating updates with local officials.
5. What additional resources does CenterPoint provide for storm readiness?
CenterPoint encourages customers to make a personal safety plan, sign up for the Power Alert Service, and use the Outage Tracker. The company also provides storm preparedness resources with safety tips and best practices.
