HOUSTON — CenterPoint Energy is assessing damage to its infrastructure following Tuesday afternoon’s severe thunderstorm that caused flooding and wind gusts of up to 75 mph – consistent with Category 1 hurricane winds – across the Houston area.
According to CenterPoint, damage from the severe weather resulted in electric service interruptions peaking at approximately 325,000 customers. As of 7:30 p.m. CT, approximately 120,000 customers are without power. As damage assessments are completed and restoration continues, CenterPoint will provide additional updates.
CenterPoint recognizes that the Houston area is still recovering from the May 16 severe weather event, and some who were without power due to that storm might be out again because of today’s weather. In addition to CenterPoint resources that have already been deployed, additional lineworkers and vegetation management professionals have been requested for mutual assistance support.
Those customers who depend on electricity for life-sustaining equipment (such as chronic condition or critical care customers) are encouraged to have an emergency plan in place as CenterPoint says it cannot ensure an uninterrupted power supply. If electricity is a necessity, customers are urged to make alternate arrangements for on-site back-up capabilities or other alternatives in the event of loss of electric service.
In addition to damaging CenterPoint’s electric infrastructure and equipment, severe weather may have caused damage to customer-owned equipment. Customers should check their weatherhead, the point where power enters the home through an electric service drop, which is often a pipe located on the side of the residence or building. If the equipment is damaged, customers will need to contact a qualified electrician to make repairs before the company is able to restore service to them.
CenterPoint urges customers to always stay at least 35 feet away from downed power lines and damaged electric utility equipment. Treat all down and damaged equipment as energized and report them to the company at 713-207-2222.
