CenterPoint Energy to improve Houston’s electric distribution system resiliency in wake of Hurricane Beryl
(UI) – CenterPoint Energy, Inc. reported its second quarter 2024 earnings, reaffirmed its 2024 earnings guidance, and provided an update on its response to Hurricane Beryl, including the actions the company is taking to improve its emergency preparedness and response and customer communications.
“We are privileged to serve one of the most dynamic cities in the United States. We understand with that privilege comes the responsibility of supporting and communicating clearly with our customers during emergency events such as Hurricane Beryl,” said CenterPoint President and CEO Jason Wells.
CenterPoint’s plan, which was submitted to the Public Utility Commission of Texas last week, focuses on three classes of priorities and details a series of initial actions that the company will take both immediately and long-term, including:
Resiliency investments: By accelerating adoption of the latest construction standards, retrofitting existing assets on an accelerated basis, and using predictive modeling, AI and other advanced technologies, CenterPoint will harden its distribution system and speed restoration.
Best-in-class customer communications: To ensure customers have the information they need when they need it, CenterPoint will launch a new and more customer-oriented outage tracker by August 1. This online tool will provide better and more complete information during storms and is designed to handle increased demand during such events.
Strengthened partnerships: Effective emergency preparedness and response requires close coordination with government officials. CenterPoint will hire a seasoned emergency response leader to help the company rapidly accelerate its planning capabilities and develop close community partnerships to ease the burden of storm events on more vulnerable communities.
“We have already begun implementing solutions to improve customer outcomes, but we have more work to do. We will be taking further steps as we continue to learn from engagement with customers, community stakeholders and regulators, as well as complete broader after-action reviews,” said Wells.
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