CenterPoint went big on seldom-used mobile generators. $800 million later, it needs smaller ones

Neena Satija | Source: Houston Chronicle | Posted 07/26/2024

Less than two weeks after a Houston Chronicle report revealed that CenterPoint Energy’s $800 million fleet of massive generators mostly sat idle in the wake of Hurricane Beryl, the company now says the problem is it doesn’t have enough smaller ones. “We’re committed to increasing the [number] of our small mobile generation units,” said CenterPoint CEO Jason Wells. His comments came during a hearing on Thursday before the Texas Public Utility Commission, which is investigating the company's response to the recent Category 1 hurricane that left millions without power for days.

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In response to criticism following Hurricane Beryl, CenterPoint Energy acknowledges a shortage of smaller mobile generators, despite its previous investment in $800 million worth of idle larger generators capable of powering entire neighborhoods. The company, facing scrutiny from the Texas Public Utility Commission, now aims to increase its fleet of smaller units to better respond to emergencies like Beryl which left millions without power for days.

CenterPoint Energy's decision to focus on larger generators has drawn backlash, as critics argue that the company's emphasis should be on the transmission, not generation, of electricity. With escalating concerns about the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of their equipment choices, including assertions that the larger generators are not suitable for rapid response scenarios, CenterPoint Energy faces renewed scrutiny over its emergency preparedness and investment decisions amid ongoing regulatory hearings.

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CenterPoint went big on seldom-used mobile generators. $800 million later, it needs smaller ones

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