Ahead of an Arctic cold front that could bring ice and snow to Houston, CenterPoint Energy is deploying its cold weather action plan.
ERCOT issues Weather Watch ahead of arctic blast, possible snow
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“We’re continuing to monitor the severe cold weather expected across the communities we serve in Texas,” said Matt Lanza, CenterPoint’s Meteorology Manager. “We’re keeping a particularly close watch on the potential for a major winter storm that could impact the Greater Houston area. We urge our customers to stay alert in anticipation of quickly changing weather conditions.
CenterPoint has implemented several measures to prepare its electric and natural gas systems for extreme cold. These actions include:
- Inspecting and testing all 270 critical substations.
- Installing heaters and ice-prevention devices on infrastructure.
- Maintaining freeze protection equipment and repairing thermal insulation.
- Conducting emergency training for operational personnel and contractors.
In December, the company completed pre-winter preparations and has trimmed approximately 3,500 miles of high-risk vegetation since August 2024 to reduce the risk of power outages caused by falling branches.
“Our teams are well-prepared and ready to respond to any potential impacts from the forecasted colder temperatures,” said Darin Carroll, CenterPoint’s Senior Vice President of Electric Business. “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.”
CenterPoint said it has bolstered its natural gas infrastructure, initiating strategies to protect its systems during freezing conditions.
CenterPoint also offers a Winter Energy Guide on its website, which includes energy-saving tips, safety advice, and bill management tools.