CenterPoint Energy prepares for active hurricane season with major infrastructure upgrades

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CenterPoint Energy has taken significant steps to enhance its infrastructure and improve service reliability ahead of the upcoming hurricane season, following widespread criticism over power outages during severe weather events last year. The company faced backlash after a derecho and Hurricane Beryl caused extensive outages, prompting a formal review by the Public Utility Commission of Texas. In response, CenterPoint launched the Greater Houston Resiliency Plan, completing major upgrades in less than nine months, including the installation of 25,000 fiberglass power poles and the burial of 400 miles of power lines.

Additionally, CenterPoint has implemented advanced technology, such as 4,500 automation devices known as TripSavers, which can automatically restore power after temporary faults. The utility has also established its own weather system with 100 industrial-grade weather stations to provide real-time data for better storm response. With an above-average hurricane season predicted, CenterPoint aims to restore customer confidence by improving communication during outages and providing timely updates on power restoration timelines.