CenterPoint Energy, a major electricity distributor in Texas, continues to monitor the low-pressure system Invest 93L currently located on the Florida Panhandle coast. Teams dedicated to meteorology, emergency management, and electric operations are tracking the evolution of this system, with weather models indicating a low probability of strengthening into a tropical storm.
Weather forecasts and alert system
According to the latest forecasts, Invest 93L is not expected to cause major impacts in the Greater Houston service area, apart from episodes of rain and localised thunderstorms anticipated for Friday and Saturday. CenterPoint Energy stated that, even though the risk remains limited, the company will adapt its preparedness measures if future track projections change. Matt Lanza, CenterPoint’s Manager of Meteorology, indicated that teams continue to analyse real-time data to coordinate operational response when necessary.
The company encourages customers to sign up for the Power Alert Service, which provides up-to-date information on network status, allowing users to anticipate any potential service interruptions and safeguard both customers and critical infrastructure.
Storm season action plan
Among the main measures deployed as part of the summer storm readiness plan, CenterPoint is mobilising vegetation management teams tasked with securing the areas surrounding power lines in the Greater Houston metropolitan region. The company also ensures regular communication with federal, state, and local authorities, while maintaining enhanced contact with priority customers, especially those identified as Critical Care customers.
CenterPoint has announced the reinforcement of its call centre teams to handle the anticipated increase in queries during periods of weather disruption, thus reducing waiting times for service users.
Post-Hurricane Beryl initiatives and infrastructure investments
Following the launch of the Greater Houston Resiliency Initiative after Hurricane Beryl, CenterPoint carried out a series of structural improvements across its network. More than 26,000 wind-resistant electricity poles were installed or replaced, and 400 miles of power lines were placed underground to strengthen supply resilience.
The company also added more than 5,150 automated reliability and intelligent switching devices aimed at reducing the duration and scope of outages. Nearly 6,000 miles of at-risk vegetation have been cleared, helping to prevent outages during adverse weather events.
Additionally, 21 backup generators were provided to priority sites, and a new outage tracker was launched, offering customers real-time information, in both English and Spanish, on network status and restoration operations.
Weather station network and enhanced monitoring
In preparation for the Atlantic hurricane season, CenterPoint has deployed over 100 weather stations across its service area. These strategically positioned devices record wind, humidity, temperature, and rainfall data every two to five minutes, enabling optimised planning and management of weather events.
“Our teams will continue to adjust our response according to changing conditions,” said Matt Lanza, highlighting the focus placed on network security and service continuity.
