As we head into winter, CenterPoint Energy wants to make sure Houston and the surrounding areas are ready for anything Mother Nature throws our way.
The company announced its steps to prepare for extreme cold weather on Thursday, aiming to keep customers safe and the power on—even if a winter storm rolls through.
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So, what’s CenterPoint doing to get ready?
1. Checking every detail: CenterPoint says they have been inspecting and testing critical equipment across its network, including all 270 substations. They’ve also installed heaters and other devices to protect against ice damage and freezing temperatures.
Additionally, the company has repaired insulation and waterproofing materials to shield equipment from the elements and made sure cold-weather-critical components are in good condition.
2. Winter ready—officially: CenterPoint has submitted its annual “winter readiness” declaration to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) and the Railroad Commission of Texas. It’s a sign that the company has met all the state’s requirements for preparing electric and natural gas infrastructure for winter storms.
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3. Training for the unexpected: Emergencies can strike at any time, CenterPoint has been training hundreds of employees and contractors to handle severe winter weather. The company recently participated in a joint exercise with ERCOT and other utility partners to run through what-if scenarios and fine-tune their response plans.
4. Sharing safety tips with you: Soon, CenterPoint will launch a campaign to help you prepare for extreme winter weather. Keep an eye out for more information or visit their website.
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Why it matters: CenterPoint says these efforts are all part of a larger goal: building a grid that’s not just ready for winter storms, but for extreme weather all year round.
Darin Carroll, the company’s Senior Vice President of Electric Business, put it best: “Our goal is to be ready to respond to any emergency, even as we build the most resilient and reliable coastal grid in the country.”
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