As hurricane season intensifies, energy experts and critics are calling out CenterPoint Energy for lingering vulnerabilities in its infrastructure. After devastating storms like Hurricane Beryl and the 2024 derecho, many fear the utility’s slow progress could leave millions without power when the subsequent storm strikes.
As hurricane season intensifies and ominous weather patterns emerge in the Gulf, electric utility CenterPoint Energy faces renewed scrutiny regarding its preparedness to maintain power during the impending storm.
“There are numerous vulnerabilities in the management of the Texas grid,” cautioned Ed Hirs, an energy expert at the University of Houston, emphasizing what he perceives as CenterPoint’s persistent inability to prepare adequately.
Critics argue that CenterPoint has not addressed the ongoing issues highlighted by the disasters of last year, when both a derecho and Hurricane Beryl caused widespread power outages across Houston. Although nearly a billion dollars has been allocated for new generators, critics contend that this expenditure offers minimal benefit to the majority of Texans, as these generators fail to tackle the larger vulnerabilities within CenterPoint’s transmission and distribution framework.
“CenterPoint is making an effort to close the gap,” Hirs stated. “You can’t simply overlook a system for two decades and then expect to resolve it in an instant.” “This requires a significant investment of time, resources, and effort.”
Interestingly, Hirs pointed out, the extensive destruction brought about by Beryl and the derecho last year resulted in the removal of some overgrown vegetation near power lines, which has temporarily lowered the risk for this season. He emphasized that without sustained investment and accountability, CenterPoint remains at risk.
The level of state oversight is quite restricted, as the sole elected official with a direct link to the utility’s regulator is Governor Greg Abbott, responsible for appointing members of the Public Utility Commission. Hirs encouraged voters and customers to remain attentive to the significance of a robust grid, even if it results in increased costs.
“Relying solely on backup generators at home will not solve this issue,” he stated. “Should the infrastructure fail, we would see a loss of traffic signals, refrigeration in grocery stores, power in hospitals, and functionality at gas stations — and as evidenced during Beryl, crime rates can surge dramatically when the power is cut.”
With storms approaching from the sea, numerous residents of Houston are questioning if CenterPoint will fulfill its commitment to withstand upcoming hurricanes — or if they will once more leave countless individuals without power.
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