CenterPoint Energy continues damage assessment, ramps up repairs and restoration following severe storms   

Evansville – Aug. 2, 2022 – CenterPoint Energy has issued the following update as restoration efforts continue in southwestern Indiana:

Following the first line of storms yesterday evening, outages peaked at more than 30,000 customers without power, with incremental progress made overnight as high winds and lightning continued through the early morning hours.

As of 9:00 a.m., there are 398 outages with 21,500 total estimated electric customers without power. All outages of 200 customers or greater currently have crews assigned and working on restoration.

The heaviest hit areas are on the eastside of Evansville, with a significant number of trees, limbs and wires down. As CenterPoint Energy crews working overnight are being relieved by replacement crews this morning, damage assessment and debris clearing efforts will continue to ramp up.

“Our crews have worked through the night assessing damage and troubleshooting major outages as safely as possible,” said Richard Leger, Senior Vice President, Indiana Electric. “Due to ongoing heavy storms throughout the night and this morning, progress has been slow-going; however, as conditions continue to improve, we will deploy additional crews.”

Leger added, “We continue to ask for patience as we evaluate the extent of damage to the system and work as safely and quickly as possible to make repairs and restore service. As larger outages will take priority to get as many customers restored at a time, those tied to smaller outages should expect to be out through the day and likely into tomorrow.”

As assessments and restoration efforts continue, CenterPoint Energy is working with the City of Evansville and The American Red Cross on assistance efforts.

The restoration process begins with facilities vital to safety, health and welfare, such as hospitals, water treatment plants and public service facilities. After key facilities, the company follows its priority restoration process by making repairs to electrical facilities that will return power to the largest number of customers first, then continue the restoration process by prioritizing repairs to benefit the greatest number of customers until power is returned to everyone.

CenterPoint Energy Reminds All Customers:

• Stay away from downed power lines. Be especially mindful of downed lines that could be hidden and treat all downed lines as if they are energized.
• Be cautious around work crews and give them the distance to assess damages and make repairs.
• If you smell gas, get to a safe area and call both 911 and CenterPoint Energy at (800) 227-1376.
• Don’t open freezers and refrigerators any more than absolutely necessary. Opening these appliances will allow food to thaw more quickly.
• Consider checking with others who may benefit from your assistance.
• Report any downed lines or damage to 800-227-1376.

For The Latest Information On Power Outages:

• Report outages by texting the word “OUT” to 83212
• Sign up for Power Alert Service for information on individual outages
• Follow @CNPAlerts Indiana and visit our outage map for general outage locations; and
• Visit CenterPoint Energy’s Electric Outage Center for electric safety tips and other resources.