CenterPoint Energy braces for severe cold snap next week
- CenterPoint Energy is preparing for a major cold snap and storms expected across several states this weekend.
- The company has taken proactive actions to winterize its infrastructure and tested critical equipment.
- These efforts aim to ensure public safety and maintain reliable service during severe winter weather.
The upcoming winter weeks in January 2025 pose potential severe cold weather threats for multiple states, with specific preparations being made by CenterPoint Energy. This energy delivery company is taking proactive measures in anticipation of cold snaps and severe weather events that may affect its service territories, including Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Indiana, and Ohio. Early action has involved winterizing electric and natural gas infrastructures and ensuring that critical equipment is functional before harsh weather strikes. As forecasts predict dangerously low temperatures and the possibility of snow and ice, maintenance crews are on alert to respond swiftly to service issues and maintain reliability for customers. In particular, Indiana is noted for facing significant ice accumulation risks that could lead to power line damage. With water freezing onto lines, the added weight can cause them to sag or even break. The company emphasizes the importance of safety around downed power lines, reminding the public to treat them as potentially energized and dangerous. They recommend that anyone who notices downed lines should report them promptly to ensure swift action from the utility teams. Preparatory actions also include the submission of annual winter readiness declarations to regulatory bodies, demonstrating the completion of necessary safety and reliability checks. Investments in infrastructure across various states have been made to upgrade old systems with modern technologies. In Southwest Indiana, for instance, upgrades include enhanced power poles and smart technologies designed to shorten customer power outage durations. These upgrades reflect a commitment to enhanced utility resilience, particularly during peak demands in winter. As residents brace for the winter season and the possibility of severe weather, CenterPoint Energy has launched a Winter Energy Guide aimed at helping customers create personalized action plans. This guide serves as a resource throughout the winter heating season, offering tips for preparation and safe usage of utilities during extreme conditions. Such measures underscore CenterPoint's commitment to maintaining reliable service for over 7 million metered customers across its service areas, as well as ensuring public safety during potentially hazardous weather conditions.