CenterPoint Energy continues its multi-year plan to upgrade natural gas pipelines throughout Indiana

CenterPoint Energy continues its multi-year plan to upgrade natural gas pipelines throughout Indiana

Safety, reliability and a cleaner energy future remain top priorities

Evansville – March 30, 2023 – CenterPoint Energy announced today that contract crews working for the company continue replacing natural gas mains and service lines throughout its Indiana service territory as part of a multi-year program to replace approximately 1,200 miles of bare steel and cast-iron pipeline infrastructure in nearly 75 cities and towns. In 2023, 32 communities in Indiana will benefit with CenterPoint Energy investing more than $76 million and crews retiring approximately 115 miles of pipeline.

The bare steel and cast-iron infrastructure will be replaced with new industry-grade plastic. The new distribution mains, which directly supply homes and businesses, comply with all industry and federal requirements and are expected to enhance further the safety of CenterPoint Energy’s natural gas systems. Additionally, transmission pipelines will be inspected and dependent on inspection results, may be upgraded.

“Our ongoing investments in our natural gas infrastructure remain a top priority for our company as we strive to provide our customers and communities with safe and reliable service,” said Ashley Babcock, Vice President, of Indiana and Ohio Gas. “These improvements will also help reduce operational emissions as we continue our journey toward a cleaner energy future.”

As crews perform the work, natural gas mains under streets and sidewalks are replaced first, followed by service lines running directly to homes and businesses. Upon completion of the work, affected sidewalks, yards and streets will be restored as weather conditions permit. For an interactive map of projects, visit www.centerpointenergy.com/pipelinereplacement.

“We understand the construction associated with this work may temporarily inconvenience those in affected areas. While an exact timeline for each project will vary, depending on size, weather, ground and soil conditions, crews will work as safely and quickly as possible to minimize impact to customers and the community,” added Babcock.

A representative of CenterPoint Energy will contact affected customers to provide an overview of the required work. CenterPoint Energy reminds residents to exercise caution when driving through the construction zones.  Residents and their children are urged to keep a safe distance away from any work sites. Additionally, if you smell the “rotten egg” odor of natural gas, immediately leave on foot, go to a safe location and call both 911 and CenterPoint Energy at 800-227-1376. Don’t use electric switches/outlets, phones (including cell phones), drive or start a car inside or near the location or do anything that could cause a spark.

In January, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) approved the recovery of the cost of these improvement projects through the Compliance and System Improvement Adjustment (CSIA). The CSIA is updated twice per year. Customers began seeing the charge reflected on bills in January for the recovery of 80% of the investment made from January through June of last year.

Since 2008, nearly 1,000 miles of natural gas pipelines have been replaced in Indiana, which has led to a reduction in leak calls and natural gas emissions from the distribution system. For more information about CenterPoint Energy’s gas infrastructure modernization program in Indiana, visit www.centerpointenergy.com/pipelinereplacement.