NOTICE DATE:  February 16, 2021

NOTICE TYPE:  Update


SHORT DESCRIPTION: The Texas electric system continues to face an unprecedented power shortage due to extreme winter weather.



INTENDED AUDIENCE:  All Market Participants


DAY AFFECTED:  Monday, February 16, 2021



LONG DESCRIPTION: The Texas electric system continues to face an unprecedented power shortage due to extreme winter weather. Because the state’s current power generation has fallen short of demand, significant electricity outages have resulted across Texas and are lasting longer than previously planned. CenterPoint Energy is required to comply with ERCOT’s directive to suspend electric service to a portion of its customers. The company does not generate electricity itself, so the current shortage of power capacity from the grid is not something that CenterPoint Energy directly controls.



Due to the continued issues with power generators’ ability to produce electricity, CenterPoint Energy’s customers need to be prepared to be without power, potentially for the duration of the generation shortage event, which could last several more days.



CenterPoint Energy continues to navigate this historic weather event to provide for the stabilization of its electric delivery system and the reliability of its natural gas infrastructure. The company’s transmission and distribution systems handled the severe weather well, and CenterPoint Energy is prepared to serve its customers when generating capacity from third-party generators is available.



As an electric transmission and delivery company serving the Greater Houston area, CenterPoint Energy depends on electricity that is provided by third-party electricity generators and received through the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), which is responsible for managing and scheduling power on the electric grid in Texas.



“We are ready to restore power as soon as it is available to be delivered; however, there is not enough electricity from third-party generators,” said Dave Lesar, President and CEO, CenterPoint Energy. “CenterPoint Energy continues to communicate with the Electric Reliability Council of Texas and other stakeholders on the power shortage, but we have no control over the generators’ ability to provide power, nor are we able to predict when they will resume their generation. As soon as power is delivered to us, we will be ready to begin to deliver that power to our customers.”



ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: CenterPoint Energy understands the significant challenges facing customers who have lost power and appreciates their patience as the company continues to follow ERCOT’s directive to implement controlled outages to help reach a balance between power supply and demand in the state.



CenterPoint Energy’s Executive Vice President, Electric Utility, Kenny Mercado added, “Given uncertain timing and the ongoing public safety risks due to the severe weather conditions in Houston and surrounding areas, CenterPoint Energy advises all of its electric customers to be prepared to be without power, potentially for the duration of the generation shortage event, which could last several more days. We encourage all our customers and to take precautions for their personal safety.”



CenterPoint Energy will continue to update customers through local media outlets, its website (centerpointenergy.com<https://www.centerpointenergy.com/>) and its social media channels, Twitter<https://twitter.com/@cnpalerts> (@CNPalerts) and Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/CenterPointEnergy/>.


Electric Safety

  *   CenterPoint Energy takes the safety and security concerns of its customers very seriously. Unfortunately, from time to time, people attempt to impersonate utility company employees in order to gain access to someone’s home.



  *   All CenterPoint Energy employees and contractors carry identification badges. If the badges are not visible, they will show them upon request.


  *   ​​Customers should know the following:
     *   All CenterPoint Energy vehicles are marked with the CenterPoint Energy logo.
     *   All vehicles being used by CenterPoint Energy contractors are marked with the CenterPoint Energy logo.
     *   All CenterPoint Energy employees and contractors carry identification badges. If the badges are not visible, they will show them upon request.
     *   If a customer has any doubts whether someone is a CenterPoint Energy employee, they should ask to see their ID badge.
     *   If there is a still doubt or any other issue, even after seeing an ID badge, customers should call local law enforcement.



  *   In most cases, it is NOT necessary for CenterPoint Energy employees to enter a customer’s home or apartment, since most work is done outside on power and natural gas lines. However, when restoring natural gas service, it IS necessary for CenterPoint Energy’s natural gas employees to enter a home or business to relight pilots and ensure that it is safe to resume natural gas service.




Competitive Retailer Relations
CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC


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