HOUSTON, Texas- CenterPoint Energy has strategically positioned dozens of utility trucks in a field near NRG Stadium in anticipation of significant snowfall and potential power outages expected on Monday, January 20. The utility company has undertaken extensive preparations, including setting up temporary facilities for the line workers who will be critical in managing the storm’s impact.
Near the entrance of the staging area, workers conducted tests on small generators, ensuring their readiness for deployment. The scene exemplified CenterPoint’s proactive approach to the impending weather event, as emphasized by Darin Carroll, the company’s Vice President of Electric Business. Carroll assured the public of their comprehensive readiness during a press briefing, highlighting the company’s intent to mitigate disruptions.
The forecasted snowfall presents a unique challenge, distinct from previous incidents like Hurricane Beryl. While snow and cold conditions typically have minimal effects on power infrastructure, the accumulation of ice poses a significant threat. Ice on tree limbs and vegetation can lead to damage and outages, with predictions indicating two to five inches of snow and minimal ice, which would help minimize disruptions.
This weather scenario contrasts the notorious freeze of 2021 when power outages were ordered by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) due to overwhelming demand. Currently, ERCOT has issued a weather watch, yet anticipates stable grid conditions, reducing the likelihood of planned outages.
CenterPoint remains vigilant, readying 3,000 workers, including 1,200 from mutual aid agreements, to respond to any service interruptions. The company has also activated its emergency operations center and established three key staging sites around Houston. These measures, coupled with mobile generator deployments to warming centers, underscore CenterPoint’s commitment to community safety.
Past experiences, such as those with Hurricane Beryl, have led CenterPoint to enhance its outage management systems, improve vegetation management across thousands of miles of power lines, and upgrade infrastructure to withstand harsh weather conditions. The company also initiated a social media platform for real-time updates.
Carroll encouraged residents to enroll in CenterPoint’s Power Alert Service for timely notifications on restoration efforts and other essential information, ensuring the community stays informed and prepared throughout the storm.