As Rafael Intensifies into Category 3 Hurricane, CenterPoint Energy Remains Vigilant and Prepared for Impacts Across Multi-State, Gulf Coast Service Area

Core Points - CenterPoint Energy is actively preparing for potential impacts from Hurricane Rafael, which has intensified to a Category 3 storm with maximum sustained winds of 115 mph [1] - The company has suspended natural gas disconnections in Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi to focus on emergency preparedness [4] - CenterPoint has mobilized over 13,000 mutual assistance resources to support emergency response efforts [1] Emergency Preparedness - Enhanced staffing plans and pre-landfall emergency protocols are being implemented to address potential impacts on electric and natural gas networks [1][3] - The company is coordinating with emergency responders and sharing safety information with customers across its Gulf Coast service area [2][3] Customer Safety Measures - CenterPoint encourages customers to take proactive safety measures and stay vigilant as the storm approaches [3][8] - Safety tips for electric customers include avoiding opening freezers and refrigerators unnecessarily, using generators safely, and reporting downed power lines [5][7] Communication and Updates - Customers are encouraged to enroll in the Power Alert Service® for real-time updates on outages and restoration efforts [7] - CenterPoint provides resources and safety tips on its website and through social media for ongoing updates [9][10]