HOUSTON — CenterPoint Energy is deploying its cold weather readiness plan as frigid temperatures are looking more and more likely for much of Texas coming up next week. An arctic front is expected to pass through the Houston area, ushering in the coldest air of the season for the beginning of next week.
The company said it has strengthened and winterized its electric and natural gas infrastructures across the state as well as inspected and tested critical equipment.
CenterPoint is also developing plans to mobilize emergency response resources and coordinate with local emergency responders and government officials.
To improve resiliency, the company said it has already trimmed about 3,500 miles of “high-risk” vegetation since Aug. 5, 2024.
“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.
CenterPoint’s pre-winter safety and readiness actions include the following:
- Strengthening and winterizing electric and natural gas infrastructure.
- Inspecting and testing critical equipment, including 270 substations.
- Deploying freeze protection measures and repairing insulation.
- Training personnel to respond to severe weather impacts.
With forecasts predicting potential ice and snow in the Greater Houston area, CenterPoint advises residents to:
- Stay at least 35 feet away from downed power lines or objects in contact with them.
- Report downed lines immediately to CenterPoint.
- Have an emergency plan ready in case of power outages.
To maintain reliable natural gas service, CenterPoint has:
- Positioned Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks for emergency use.
- Validated cold weather settings on critical equipment.
- Coordinated with the Railroad Commission of Texas to secure critical infrastructure.
“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.
CenterPoint’s 2025 Winter Energy Guide, which helps customers with tips on how to make the most of their energy dollars this winter and more, can be found here.