CenterPoint Energy Continuing to Plan and Prepare for Impacts from Tropical Storm Rafael Across its Multi-State Gulf Coast Service Area

Core Points - CenterPoint Energy is actively monitoring Tropical Storm Rafael and preparing for potential impacts across its service areas in Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi [1][2][3] - The company has urged over 2.25 million natural gas customers in the affected regions to take proactive safety measures [1] - CenterPoint is coordinating with emergency partners and local, state, and federal officials to ensure a swift response and restoration of services post-storm [2][3] Company Preparedness - CenterPoint is preparing to deploy frontline crews to clear storm debris and repair system damage to restore electricity and natural gas services [3] - The company is sharing safety information with customers and encouraging them to take necessary precautions [2][7] - CenterPoint has established a Power Alert Service® for electric customers to receive updates on outages and restoration times [6] Safety Information - Customers are advised not to turn off natural gas service at the meter to prevent water from entering the lines during flooding [4] - In case of a natural gas smell, customers should evacuate the area and contact CenterPoint for assistance [4] - CenterPoint emphasizes the importance of knowing the location of natural gas meters and keeping debris away from them [5] Communication and Resources - CenterPoint encourages customers to follow their social media for real-time updates and visit their website for storm-related safety tips [8][7] - The company has been in operation for over 150 years, serving more than 7 million metered customers across multiple states [9]