Improving Grid Resilience in Houston: CenterPoint Energy Takes Action
Responding to Feedback from Gov. Greg Abbott
CenterPoint Energy announced that it is accelerating its efforts to strengthen the infrastructure in the Houston area following feedback from Gov. Greg Abbott. The company shared plans to complete more than 40 tasks aimed at improving grid resilience and reducing the risk of outages during future storms.
Enhancing Infrastructure and Communication
As part of its Greater Houston Resilience Plan, CenterPoint is focusing on immediate actions to strengthen the entire community’s infrastructure. This includes replacing wooden power poles with stronger fiberglass poles, clearing vegetation from power lines, and installing automation equipment to minimize outage impact. CenterPoint is committed to improving customer communications and emergency coordination to better prepare for the next hurricane season.
Key Initiatives and Progress
CenterPoint has made significant progress in implementing the plan, with 15 of the 40 actions already completed. The company is working on initiatives such as vegetation management, grid investment, crew deployment, and prioritizing high-risk Texans in critical care facilities. By prioritizing these initiatives, CenterPoint aims to enhance grid resiliency and ensure a more robust response to future storm events.
Meeting Customer Needs and Feedback
CenterPoint is actively engaging with customers through community listening sessions and open house-style events in every county they serve. By gathering feedback and suggestions, the company is working to improve its communication, response times, and overall service quality. Additionally, CenterPoint is launching new initiatives, such as a cloud-based outage tracker and a campaign to increase the capacity of its electricity warning services.
Conclusion
In conclusion, CenterPoint Energy is taking proactive steps to improve grid resilience and emergency response in Houston. By prioritizing infrastructure upgrades, enhancing communication efforts, and engaging with customers, the company is working towards becoming the most resilient coastal utility in the country. With a focus on continuous improvement and customer feedback, CenterPoint is committed to ensuring a more reliable and efficient energy system for the community.
