CenterPoint Energy Mobilizes Crews in Preparation for Winter Storm Enzo's Impact on Gulf Coast and Greater Houston Area
Winter Storm Enzo is set to hit the Gulf Coast and Greater Houston area with freezing temperatures, snow, and icy conditions, prompting CenterPoint Energy to activate its emergency operations center. In anticipation of the storm’s arrival, the company has established three staging sites and mobilized approximately 1,200 mutual aid workers to aid in any restoration efforts that may be needed due to power outages, according to a press release.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Storm Warning for southeast Texas, forecasting snow, sleet, and freezing rain starting at 6 p.m. today and lasting through 6 p.m. tomorrow. These hazardous conditions are expected to impact travel, power infrastructure, and overall safety in the region.
CenterPoint Energy has been closely monitoring the storm’s development since last week, ensuring that its operations are ready to handle potential disruptions to power. The company’s proactive cold weather preparedness actions include inspecting and winterizing critical infrastructure and securing additional resources, such as 1,200 mutual aid workers. These crews, along with CenterPoint’s own teams, will be strategically positioned across the service area before the precipitation begins, allowing for a rapid response to power outages.
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"Our CenterPoint teams are prepared and ready to respond to any impacts from Winter Storm Enzo," said Darin Carroll, Senior Vice President of CenterPoint’s Electric Business. "We’ve activated our emergency operations center, and our crews, along with mutual aid partners, will be pre-positioned across our service territory ahead of the storm’s arrival."
CenterPoint has also enhanced its call center operations and prepared support platforms for the anticipated increase in customer inquiries. As the storm progresses, customers are encouraged to stay updated on weather forecasts and follow local government guidance to remain safe. Carroll emphasized the importance of taking travel advisories seriously, noting, "We ask our customers and the public to take seriously the pleas from elected leaders and local officials to not travel on Tuesday."
To assist customers in preparing for the storm, CenterPoint encourages them to visit the company's Storm Center for safety tips, real-time updates, and emergency resources. Additionally, customers can enroll in the Power Alert Service® to receive outage alerts and restoration updates.
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In response to potential grid demand increases, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) has issued a Weather Watch for the region, with expectations of higher electrical demand and potential lower reserves. Although grid conditions are expected to remain normal for now, CenterPoint Energy remains prepared to act quickly if any grid-related issues arise, according to the company.
As Winter Storm Enzo moves toward the region, it is crucial for residents to take proactive measures to stay safe. CenterPoint Energy urges customers to monitor the storm's progression and follow all safety protocols to minimize the storm's impact on both people and power infrastructure.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
