CenterPoint Energy provides update on restoration efforts

· Multiple rounds of severe weather, including winds topping 55 mph and large hail, caused significant widespread damage to company’s electric system

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Evansville – June 30, 2023 – Following Thursday’s severe weather which impacted CenterPoint Energy’s southwestern Indiana territory, the company’s electric system experienced extensive damage resulting in approximately 36,000 total customer outages following three separate weather events. Crews have restored more than 30,000 of those customers so far. Additional storms are expected to move through the area late Friday evening into Saturday morning which could impact the progress of repairs and cause additional outages. In some instances, customers should be prepared to be without power into the weekend.

Throughout the day, CenterPoint Energy will have more than 65 crews, including mutual assistance crews, comprised of damage assessment, linemen, apprentices, and vegetation management working to assess and restore power to impacted customers. Employees and mutual assistance resources are currently tackling widespread damage to poles, cross arms, downed wires and trees. Due to the extent of damages sustained in yesterday’s storms, the outage count is likely to fluctuate and additional outages could occur to allow for safe repairs on current outages. As of 1 p.m. CT, there were approximately 5,500 electric customers without power.

“CenterPoint Energy has activated our Emergency Operations Plan in response to this severe weather event and bring in additional resources to assist with restoration efforts. Our crews have made significant progress overnight restoring the majority of the impacted customers. However, due to the extensive damage, some outages are expected to extend throughout the weekend,” said Richard Leger, Senior Vice President, Indiana Electric at CenterPoint Energy. “We appreciate our customers’ continued patience as our restoration efforts continue.”

The City of Evansville has activated its temporary cooling shelter at the C.K. Newsome Center. It will be open until 5 p.m. on Friday.

CenterPoint Energy reminds customers if they have experienced damage to the weatherhead – the point of entry from the service drop to the home – a licensed electrician will need to make necessary repairs before power can be safely restored.

CenterPoint Energy reminds customers to remain safe and remember:

·         Stay at least 35 feet away from downed power lines and damaged electric utility equipment and report them to CenterPoint Energy at 800-227-1376. Be especially mindful of downed lines that could be hidden and treat all downed lines as if they are energized.

·         Flood waters can be hazardous. Always use extreme care when stepping into flooded areas.

·         Be cautious around work crews and give them distance to assess damages and make repairs.

·         If your power is out, don’t open freezers and refrigerators any more than absolutely necessary. Opening these appliances will allow food to thaw more quickly.

·         If you smell natural gas, get to a safe area and call both 911 and CenterPoint Energy at 800-227-1376.