50 Facts About Centerpoint Energy

CenterPoint Energy: A Brief Overview

CenterPoint Energy is a major player in the American utility sector, providing essential services to millions. Let's dive into some key facts about this influential company.

1. Company Overview: CenterPoint Energy delivers electric transmission, distribution, power generation, and natural gas services to over 7 million metered customers across six states: Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, and Texas.

2. Headquarters: The company is based in the CenterPoint Energy Tower at 1111 Louisiana Street in Downtown Houston, Texas.

3. History: Founded in 1866 as the Houston Gas Light Company, it initially supplied gas made from oyster shells and coal for street lights in a small coastal village in Texas.

4. Predecessor Companies: Over the years, it has been known as Reliant Energy, NorAm Energy, Houston Industries, and HL&P (Houston Lighting & Power).

5. Employee Count: As of 2023, CenterPoint Energy employs around 9,000 people.

6. Assets: The company owns approximately $39 billion in assets as of December 31, 2023.

Service Areas and Infrastructure

CenterPoint Energy's reach and infrastructure are vast, ensuring reliable energy delivery to its customers.

7. Service Areas: The company serves customers in Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, and Texas, with a significant presence in Houston and southwestern Indiana.

8. Electric Transmission & Distribution: It owns and maintains the wires, poles, and electric infrastructure for about 2.9 million metered customers in the Houston area and southwestern Indiana.

9. Power Generation: CenterPoint Energy operates approximately 700 megawatts of electric generation capacity in Indiana, using both power plants and renewable energy resources.

10. Natural Gas Distribution: The company owns around 84,000 miles of distribution and transmission mains, making it one of the top three natural gas utilities in pipeline miles.

11. Competitive Energy Business: This includes owning and operating intrastate natural gas pipeline systems.

Commitment to Sustainability

CenterPoint Energy is dedicated to reducing its environmental impact and promoting sustainable practices.

12. Sustainability Efforts: The company aims to reduce emissions and modernize its natural gas infrastructure, working to eliminate remaining cast-iron pipes.

13. Corporate Sustainability: CenterPoint Energy provides detailed information about its sustainability activities, showcasing its business strategies and operations.

14. Affordable Conservation Programs: Various energy-efficiency programs help customers reduce energy consumption and promote sustainability.

15. Renewables and Alternative Fuel Programs: The company supports the transition to renewable energy sources, including promoting electric vehicles.

16. Pilot Programs and Innovative Technologies: CenterPoint Energy adopts new technologies like smart meters to enhance energy efficiency and customer engagement.

Technological Advancements

CenterPoint Energy has been at the forefront of technological innovation in the energy sector.

17. Sustainable Infrastructure: Investments in modernizing infrastructure ensure resilience and efficiency in meeting changing energy demands.

18. Smart Meter Deployment: In 2009, the company started a five-year smart meter deployment program, significantly enhancing energy savings for residential customers.

19. Electric Vehicle Partnership: In 2010, CenterPoint Energy partnered with Ford Motor Company to promote electric vehicle adoption, including consumer outreach and education programs.

Community and Environmental Contributions

CenterPoint Energy actively engages with communities and supports various environmental initiatives.

20. 2021 Texas Power Outages: During the February 2021 cold-weather event, the company implemented controlled outages in Houston due to a 34,000 MW shortfall in generation, advising customers to conserve power and natural gas.

21. Community Engagement: The company supports various initiatives, including partnerships with organizations like The Nature Conservancy and The Arbor Day Foundation.

22. Environmental Contributions: In 2021, the CenterPoint Energy Foundation announced $1 million in contributions to The Nature Conservancy and The Arbor Day Foundation.

23. Responsible Company Recognition: Named to Newsweek's Most Responsible Companies List in 2021 and 2022, highlighting its commitment to corporate responsibility.

24. Green Hydrogen Project: In 2022, CenterPoint Energy launched a green hydrogen project in Minnesota, advancing its renewable energy efforts.

25. Carbon-Capture Technology: Partnered with Radisson Blu Mall of America in 2023 to install carbon-capture technology, CarbinX.

26. Sale of Energy System Group: In 2023, CenterPoint Energy agreed to sell its sustainable energy solutions business, Energy System Group, to Oaktree Capital Management.

Ethical Practices and Diversity

CenterPoint Energy emphasizes ethical practices and diversity in its workforce and supplier relationships.

27. Regulatory Compliance: The company follows strict ethics and compliance policies, ensuring transparency and accountability.

28. Workforce Diversity: Promotes diversity through various programs aimed at recruiting and retaining diverse talent.

29. Supplier Diversity: Encourages diverse suppliers to participate in its procurement processes.

30. Environmental Initiatives: Engages in numerous initiatives, including energy conservation programs and renewable energy projects.

31. Community Relations: Actively involved in supporting local events and initiatives that benefit the communities it serves.

Customer and Stakeholder Focus

CenterPoint Energy prioritizes customer satisfaction and transparent stakeholder engagement.

32. Customer Focus: Provides safe, reliable, and resilient delivery of electricity and natural gas to its customers.

33. Stakeholder Engagement: Engages with stakeholders through transparent reporting and regular updates on its sustainability activities.

Historical Milestones

CenterPoint Energy has a rich history marked by significant milestones and strategic decisions.

34. Historical Milestones: Key events include the merger with NorAm Energy in 1997 and adopting the name Reliant Energy in 1999.

35. Restructuring in Texas: In 2002, the company restructured, spinning off its retail electric business as Reliant Resources and later adopting the name CenterPoint Energy.

36. Master Limited Partnership: In 2013, teamed up with ArcLight Capital Partners LLC and OGE Energy Corp. to create a large master limited partnership.

37. Vectren Merger: In 2018, merged with Vectren Corporation, forming a leading energy delivery, infrastructure, and services company.

38. Indiana Electric and Houston Electric Combination: In 2020, combined its Indiana Electric and Houston Electric operations into one organization.

39. Sale of Energy Capital Partners: Completed the sale of CenterPoint Energy Services to Energy Capital Partners in 2020.

Recent Developments

CenterPoint Energy continues to evolve with recent initiatives and recognitions.

40. Environmental Contributions in 2021: Announced $1 million in contributions to The Nature Conservancy and The Arbor Day Foundation.

41. Newsweek Recognition: Named to Newsweek’s Most Responsible Companies List in 2021 and 2022.

42. Green Hydrogen Project Launch: In 2022, launched a green hydrogen project in Minnesota.

43. Carbon-Capture Technology Installation: Partnered with Radisson Blu Mall of America to install carbon-capture technology, CarbinX, in 2023.

44. Sale of Sustainable Energy Solutions Business: Entered into an agreement with Oaktree Capital Management for the sale of its sustainable energy solutions business, Energy System Group, in 2023.

Ethical and Inclusive Practices

CenterPoint Energy maintains high ethical standards and promotes inclusivity.

45. Regulatory Compliance Policies: Adheres to strict ethics and compliance policies.

46. Workforce Diversity Programs: Promotes diversity through various programs.

47. Supplier Diversity Initiatives: Supports diverse suppliers in its procurement processes.

48. Environmental Initiatives: Engages in numerous environmental initiatives.

49. Community Relations Activities: Actively supports local events and initiatives.

50. Customer-Centric Approach: Prioritizes customer satisfaction and transparent stakeholder engagement.

CenterPoint Energy: A Legacy of Reliability and Innovation

CenterPoint Energy stands out as a major player in the energy sector. With over 150 years of history, they've evolved from the Houston Gas Light Company to a modern energy giant. Serving over 7 million customers across six states, their reach is impressive. They focus on electric transmission, power generation, and natural gas distribution, ensuring reliable service.

Their commitment to sustainability is evident in their efforts to reduce emissions and modernize infrastructure. From smart meters to green hydrogen projects, they're at the forefront of innovation. Community engagement and environmental contributions highlight their dedication to corporate responsibility. Recognized by Newsweek for their efforts, CenterPoint Energy continues to make strides in the energy industry.

Their journey from street lights powered by oyster shells to cutting-edge renewable energy solutions showcases their adaptability and forward-thinking approach. CenterPoint Energy remains a cornerstone of reliable and sustainable energy delivery.