CenterPoint Energy updates on power restoration after winds comparable to a Category 1 Hurricane tear through Houston area (2024)

by: Rachel Estrada

Posted: May 17, 2024 / 11:49 AM CDT

Updated: May 17, 2024 / 12:20 PM CDT

HOUSTON (KIAH) — CenterPoint Energy is intensifying its power restoration efforts following the severe weather event that struck Thursday evening. A powerful storm system, with wind speeds reaching up to 85 miles per hour, caused deadly damage to the company’s electric infrastructure, affecting residential and commercial areas including Bellaire, Cypress, Baytown, Greenspoint, Humble, and Spring Branch.

Because of the widespread outages, CenterPoint Energy has deployed over 2,000 employees and contractors, and has asked for more support, including around 4,000 line workers and 1,000 vegetation professionals, to assist in restoration efforts across the local area.

Crews worked overnight, successfully restoring power to more than 180,000 of the initially reported 2 million who were without power. As of 9:30 a.m., 72% of CenterPoint Energy’s customers, or 2 million people, have had their power restored. However, nearly 922,000 customers experienced outages at the peak of the storm between 6-7 p.m. Thursday evening.

However, the damage remains extensive and the infrastructure is worse in some areas. Our restoration efforts are expected to take several days in parts of our service area with significant damage. Some of the hardest-hit areas may take longer. We are mobilizing all available resources, including mutual assistance from nearby utility companies, to restore power as quickly and safely as possible. We appreciate our customers’ patience and understanding.
Lynnae Wilson, Senior Vice President of CenterPoint Energy’s Electric Business

Damage is so bad in some areas, that mobile generation resources at certain substations to temporarily restore power in affected areas, have been deployed. The storm caused extensive damage, with wind gusts between 65-85 mph and sustained winds comparable to a Category 1 Hurricane, particularly in downtown Houston and eastward toward northern Galveston Bay. The 290 corridor from Jersey Village to Waller was particularly hard hit, likely due to a tornado indicated by Doppler radar data.

For ongoing updates on power restoration:

Follow @CenterPoint on social media
Visit the Outage Tracker for general outage locations
Check https://www.centerpointenergy.com/StormCenter for safety tips and resources.

Restoration efforts are expected to continue through the weekend and into early next week. CenterPoint Energy will provide specific area updates as repairs progress. CenterPoint Energy has programs in place for mutual assistance to boost restoration progress. Including thousands more line workers and vegetation crews from across the country during widespread outages. However, customers relying on power for life-sustaining equipment should have an emergency plan, as CenterPoint Energy cannot guarantee uninterrupted power supply. Arrangements for backup power or alternative solutions should be made to ensure safety during outages.

The company also advises customers to inspect their weatherheads, where power enters their homes, for damage. If damaged, customers need to contact a qualified electrician for repairs before power can be restored. For safety, customers should stay at least 35 feet away from downed power lines and damaged utility equipment, treating them as energized. Report downed lines and damaged equipment to CenterPoint Energy at (713) 207-2222.

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