CenterPoint Energy Reaches $3.2 Billion Resiliency Plan Agreement with Houston-Area Cities
CenterPoint Energy has reached a $3.2 billion settlement agreement with several Houston-area municipalities for a revised systemwide resiliency plan, reducing the financial impact on customers while aiming to improve grid reliability. The agreement, which still requires approval from the Public Utility Commission of Texas, follows criticism of CenterPoint's response to Hurricane Beryl in 2024, which left over 2.2 million customers without power and was linked to dozens of storm-related deaths.
The deal includes key stakeholders such as the Gulf Coast Coalition of Cities, Houston Coalition of Cities, and the Texas Coast Utilities Coalition. It marks a scaled-back version of the original $5.75 billion proposal submitted in January.
The revised plan includes:
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Installation of automated "self-healing" devices on major power lines
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130,000 storm-resilient poles rated for 110-132 MPH winds
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A 3-year cycle of vegetation management near transmission lines
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Undergrounding of over 50% of the utility's infrastructure
According to CenterPoint CEO Jason Wells, the plan "provides customers with clear benefits now and in the future."
Cost increases will still impact customers, though to a lesser degree. From 2026-2028, bills will rise by about $1.40/month, with an additional $0.60 added in 2030.
