CenterPoint readies for second major cold snap of 2025 and is deploying its cold weather readiness plan

Rhea-AI Summary

CenterPoint Energy is implementing its cold weather readiness plan for the second major cold snap of 2025 expected to impact its Texas service territory over the holiday weekend. The company has completed pre-winter preparations and is actively monitoring weather forecasts through its Emergency Response and Meteorology teams.

Key preparedness actions include:

• Inspection of all 270 substations and critical equipment
• Installation of heaters and ice prevention devices
• Completion of approximately 3,500 miles of high-risk tree trimming since August 2024
• Deployment of cold weather mitigations across electric and gas infrastructure

The forecast indicates potential ice and snow accumulation in the Greater Houston area beginning on MLK Day. CenterPoint has submitted its annual winter readiness declarations to both ERCOT and the Railroad Commission of Texas, demonstrating compliance with regulatory requirements adopted in 2021.

Positive

• Completed comprehensive winter preparedness actions across 270 substations
• Executed 3,500 miles of high-risk vegetation management since August 2024
• Implemented enhanced emergency response protocols and coordination with local authorities

Negative

• None.

Insights

Energy Infrastructure Expert

The extensive winter preparedness measures detailed by CenterPoint Energy demonstrate a robust approach to infrastructure resilience, particularly noteworthy given the lessons learned from previous winter storms in Texas. The completion of 3,500 miles of high-risk vegetation management since August 2024 is a substantial preventive measure against potential outages. The inspection of 270 substations and implementation of comprehensive winterization protocols indicates strong operational readiness.

The deployment of CNG trucks as backup for natural gas system support shows strategic planning for potential supply disruptions. The dual-focused approach on both electric and natural gas infrastructure reflects an integrated utility management strategy essential for maintaining service reliability during extreme weather events. The preventive measures, including thermal insulation upgrades and cold-weather critical component protection, align with post-2021 regulatory requirements and industry best practices.

Meteorology Analyst

The forecasted winter storm system presents notable operational risks, with particular concern for the Greater Houston area starting MLK Day. The timing and potential for ice accumulation are critical factors that could impact infrastructure reliability. Historical weather patterns suggest that consecutive cold snaps, as mentioned being the second major one of 2025, can pose compounded challenges to utility systems.

The pre-emptive mobilization of emergency response resources ahead of the forecasted conditions demonstrates appropriate risk management. The weather monitoring and response coordination system appears well-structured, with regular updates to relevant agencies indicating strong situational awareness and communication protocols.

Utility Operations Analyst

The comprehensive winter preparation strategy includes critical operational elements that address both regulatory compliance and practical resilience needs. The dual declarations of winter readiness to ERCOT and the Railroad Commission of Texas indicate full regulatory alignment. The company's position as a transmission and distribution utility, without generation assets, means its primary focus is on infrastructure reliability rather than power supply.

The establishment of the Winter Energy Guide and Power Alert Service® represents proactive customer communication initiatives. These digital tools, combined with the emergency response protocols and coordination with local officials, create a multi-layered approach to winter storm management. The emphasis on customer education and engagement through these platforms shows recognition of the importance of public preparedness in overall system resilience.

Pre-winter readiness actions completed by the company in December; crews performing readiness checklists for electric and natural gas systems

Customers urged to have a plan and make preparations for potential freezing temperatures and wintry precipitation

Since August 2024, CenterPoint has conducted approximately 3,500 miles of higher risk tree trimming and vegetation across the Greater Houston area

HOUSTON, Jan. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- With cold temperatures again expected to impact CenterPoint Energy's service territory in Texas over the holiday weekend and into next week, the company's Emergency Response and Preparedness and Meteorology teams are actively monitoring weather forecasts and preparing to support safe and reliable energy delivery during cold and potentially icy conditions. Both electric and natural gas teams across CenterPoint's Texas footprint are engaged in coordinated efforts to maintain readiness and address potential service impacts.

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 deploying 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. 

Additionally, as part of its on-going work to increase the resiliency of its system, CenterPoint teams and contractors have already trimmed approximately 3,500 miles of higher risk vegetation since August 5, 2024.

CenterPoint's enhanced Emergency Response and Preparedness team continues to lead the company's preparedness efforts and coordination with public agencies and community leaders. The team provides regular updates to relevant agencies and government officials to communicate the company's pre-storm activities and readiness posture and provide critical updates.

"We're continuing to monitor the severe cold weather expected across the communities we serve in Texas. We're keeping a particularly close watch on the potential for a major winter storm that could impact the Greater Houston area beginning on MLK Day and into next week. We will continue to actively monitor the models for any severe weather and urge our customers to stay alert in anticipation of quickly changing weather conditions," said Matt Lanza, CenterPoint's Meteorology Manager and member of CenterPoint's Emergency Preparedness and Response team.

The current weather forecast for CenterPoint's Houston electric service territory indicates the potential for ice and snow accumulation early next week subject to updated forecasts., The company reminds customers and community members to always assume downed lines or wires are energized and potentially dangerous if contacted. Stay at least 35 feet away from downed power lines or fallen wires and keep a safe distance from objects touching downed lines (tree limbs, vehicles, fences, etc.). Immediately report downed power lines to CenterPoint.

Critical winter electric and gas readiness actions taken in the Greater Houston area
CenterPoint Texas submitted its annual declarations of winter readiness to both the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) and the Railroad Commission of Texas. These declarations demonstrate that CenterPoint has completed the regulatory requirements that were adopted in 2021 to prepare electric and natural gas infrastructure for winter storms and extreme cold weather.

The pre-winter safety and readiness actions taken by CenterPoint include:

• Inspecting and testing critical equipment, including all 270 substations, to prepare for high demand and cold temperatures;
• Hardening electric and natural gas infrastructure across the Greater Houston area, including installing heaters and devices to prevent ice damage or buildup;
• Maintaining freeze protection equipment and enclosures for cold-weather critical components;
• Repairing damaged or degraded thermal insulation and water-proofing materials; and
• Conducting emergency training for hundreds of operational personnel and contractors to prepare for, mitigate and respond to the impacts of severe winter weather.

"Our teams are well-prepared and ready to respond to any potential impacts from the forecasted colder temperatures. We have enhanced staffing plans in place and crews stationed across the communities we serve, so that our teams can safely and quickly restore service to any impacted customers. We will remain alert throughout the next week and continue to coordinate with local officials as our communities take steps to prepare. We urge our customers to stay weather alert and have an emergency plan in place," said Darin Carroll, CenterPoint's Senior Vice President of Electric Business.

Natural gas system preparedness in Texas
CenterPoint strives to provide natural gas service safely and reliably to its customers and initiates winter preparedness strategies to help protect its natural gas system. These include:

• Positioning Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks to be deployed to supplement the natural gas system, if needed. 
• Reinforcing reliability by validating that all station set points are aligned with their cold weather settings and have technicians on standby coordinating closely with engineering and natural gas control.
• Coordinating and communicating with the Railroad Commission of Texas to identify and ensure operations of critical gas infrastructure for natural gas reliability.

CenterPoint's Energy role in Texas
In Texas, CenterPoint Energy transports electricity across its transmission and distribution wires. Other parties bill for electric service. CenterPoint does not own any power plants and does not generate electricity in the state. On the natural gas front, CenterPoint buys gas, transports it and bills customers for both the gas cost and delivery charge.

2025 Winter Energy Guide
CenterPoint recently launched its 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. CenterPoint has a cold weather plan in place to respond quickly to potential impacts this winter, and the company encourages customers to use this helpful resource to create their own cold weather plans so that they're prepared for the colder weather ahead. To learn more about the Winter Energy Guide and to receive more important tips, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/ReadyforWinter.

Electric customers encouraged to enroll in Power Alert Service®
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.

About CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
As the only investor-owned electric and gas utility based in Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is an energy delivery company with electric transmission and distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution operations that serve more than 7 million metered customers in Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio and Texas. With approximately 9,000 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com. 

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

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SOURCE CenterPoint Energy

FAQ

What winter preparedness actions has CenterPoint Energy (CNP) completed for 2025?

CenterPoint has inspected 270 substations, installed heaters and ice prevention devices, maintained freeze protection equipment, and completed 3,500 miles of high-risk tree trimming since August 2024.

How is CenterPoint Energy (CNP) preparing for the MLK Day 2025 winter storm?

CenterPoint is deploying cold weather mitigations, mobilizing emergency response resources, and coordinating with local emergency responders and government officials in preparation for potential ice and snow.

What regulatory requirements has CenterPoint Energy (CNP) met for winter 2025?

CenterPoint has submitted winter readiness declarations to ERCOT and the Railroad Commission of Texas, meeting regulatory requirements adopted in 2021 for winter storm preparation.

How many miles of vegetation management has CenterPoint Energy (CNP) completed since August 2024?

CenterPoint has completed approximately 3,500 miles of higher risk tree trimming and vegetation management across the Greater Houston area since August 2024.