CenterPoint Energy provides update on winter storm impacts in Indiana and electric power restoration efforts

Natural gas system across Indiana and Ohio operating safely and without disruption

Evansville, Ind. – Jan. 5, 2025 – Significant winter weather in CenterPoint Energy’s southwestern Indiana service area has caused widespread electric outages due to heavy ice and snow. Outages have increased steadily through the evening, with approximately 5,000 customers without power at 5:30 p.m. to approximately 37,700 as of 9:30 p.m. The increase in outages is largely due to ice accumulation and falling tree limbs impacting power lines. Crews have been working to assess damage and restore power as quickly and as safely as possible and have restored approximately 4,300 customers.

CenterPoint has deployed internal, contractor and mutual aid resources to assist with power restoration efforts. Additional crews arrived Sunday morning and early afternoon and received onboarding and training to be deployed as soon as needed. In restoring power, the company prioritizes facilities vital to safety, health and welfare, such as hospitals, water treatment plants and public service facilities. After addressing these critical needs, crews will focus on repairs that restore power to the largest number of customers first, continuing until all customers have power restored.

“Conditions across southwestern Indiana have been challenging due to ice accumulation and freezing rain. Our crews are working safely and making steady restoration progress, but the weather is creating recurring outages in some areas shortly after power is restored, as additional tree limbs and ice impact power lines,” said Shane Bradford, CenterPoint’s Vice President, Indiana Electric. “We appreciate the patience and understanding of our customers as we work to restore power as safely and quickly as possible.As hazardous conditions continue, crews are prioritizing safety as weather continues to impact our service area.”

Gas system operations

CenterPoint’s natural gas system is operating as normal, and crews remain prepared to respond to any potential issues that may arise during the ongoing winter weather.

Safety reminders

CenterPoint reminds customers to stay safe during and after winter storms:

• ·       Downed power lines: Stay at least 35 feet away from downed power lines and report them to CenterPoint at 800-227-1376. Be especially mindful of downed lines that could be hidden and treat all downed lines as if they are energized.
• ·       Work crew safety: Be cautious around work crews and give them plenty of room to safely assess damage and make repairs.
• ·       Portable generators: Only use a portable generator in a well-ventilated area and never run it inside or in a garage to avoid carbon monoxide fumes, which can be deadly.
• ·       Use space heaters safely: Make sure space heaters have an automatic shut-off, and keep children, pets and all items at least three feet away from it. A space heater that uses natural gas, propane or wood should be vented to the outside. Stoves and ovens should never be used for space heating.
• ·       Electric system safety: Never connect a portable electric generator directly to a building’s electrical system during a power outage; electricity could back-feed into the power lines, potentially endangering CenterPoint workers.
• ·       Preserving food during outages: Avoid opening freezers and refrigerators during outages to preserve food.
• ·       Natural gas safety: Natural gas is oderized with a distinctive, strong odor, often compared to rotten eggs or sulfur. If a natural gas odor is detected inside a home or building, leave immediately on foot. Do not use electric switches, telephones (including cell phones), or anything that could cause a spark. Once in a safe location, call both CenterPoint Energy and 911. Do not use email or the Internet to report the leak and never attempt to repair a natural gas leak yourself—leave all repairs to trained technicians. For leaks outside, leave the area on foot and move in an upwind direction away from the leak or vapor cloud to a location where the smell of gas is no longer present. Warn others to stay away from the leak and abandon any equipment being used in or near the area. Once in a safe location, call both CenterPoint Energy and 911 to report the leak.
• ·       Know the signs of CO poisoning: Early symptoms such as headache and fatigue are similar to the flu, but without a fever. Continued CO exposure can lead to more severe headaches, dizziness, nausea, difficulty thinking clearly and fainting. If everyone in a household is experiencing these symptoms, it could be CO poisoning. If symptoms suggest CO poisoning, leave the area immediately, get fresh air and call 911.
• ·       Gas meter maintenance: Remove large icicles hanging over meter assemblies and appliance vents. Use a broom – not a shovel – to clear snow from the meter. If the gas meter is encased in ice, do not attempt to melt and/or chip the ice, as this could cause damage to the meter. Allow the ice to melt on its own.
• ·       Call before digging: Call 811 to locate utility lines prior to digging on a property.