CenterPoint Energy Inc.
08/14/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/14/2026 11:30
CenterPoint Energy Foundation donates $10,000 to Heart of Indiana United Way to aid flood recovery efforts[D
2026-08-14T05:00:00Z
Donation supports long-term recovery for Hoosier families across Delaware, Fayette, Henry, Madison and Randolph counties
INDIANAPOLIS - Aug. 14, 2026 - To help support families and individuals impacted by the recent flooding that brought more than 11 inches of rain to east central Indiana, the CenterPoint Energy Foundation announced a $10,000 donation to the Heart of Indiana United Way's Flood Recovery Fund. CenterPoint has maintained a strong on-going relationship with Heart of Indiana United Way for more than 15 years.
"All of us at CenterPoint Energy are committed to supporting our Hoosier families and communities we serve, and we are proud to help the Heart of Indiana United Way in their recovery efforts," said Mike Roeder, President of CenterPoint Energy Indiana.
Heart of Indiana United Way established the Flood Recovery Fund to support long-term recovery for residents of Delaware, Fayette, Henry, Madison and Randolph counties, communities where CenterPoint delivers natural gas service to Hoosier customers. According to the organization, 100% of every gift to the fund will be used to aid local residents and families with long-term recovery. The assistance is also funded by CenterPoint Energy shareholders and its giving has no impact on customer rates.
How to help, and how to find help
Donations can be made at fundraise.givesmart.com/f/4p2t/n. Heart of Indiana United Way serves Delaware, Fayette, Henry, Madison and Randolph counties.
Hoosiers who need assistance can call 211, a statewide resource that helps connect individuals and families with essential community services, including housing, food, utility assistance and health care.
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National 811 Day: CenterPoint Energy Reminds Nearly Two Million Texas Customers to Always Contact 811 Before Any Digging Projects
The free 811 national service is an essential safety step to help keep customers, workers, businesses safe and prevent damage to underground natural gas and electric lines
HOUSTON - Aug. 11, 2026 - Today, on National 811 Day, CenterPoint Energy is reminding its approximately two million customers in Texas to always contact 811 a few business days before starting any outdoor digging project, big or small. Contacting the 811 national service is free, and is an essential safety step customers, businesses and contractors can - and must - take to prevent service interruptions and avoid potentially life-threatening damage to underground utility lines. In 2026 so far, approximately 3,500 damages have been caused to CenterPoint natural gas lines because digging occurred without underground utility lines being located and marked.
"Contacting 811 is about your safety, and the safety of the community. Whether you're planting a tree, building a fence or taking on another outdoor project, starting with 811 is one of the simplest steps you can take to keep your family, home, and neighbors safe. It is a free service and takes just a few minutes to request that underground utility lines are located and marked. Please always remember, before every digging project, know what's below and contact 811," said Vince Gaeto, Senior Vice President, Natural Gas Business at CenterPoint.
National 811 Day: Simple safety steps
Safe digging practices are essential and help prevent damage to underground natural gas, electric, communications, water and sewer lines and are required by state law. Digging without knowing the approximate location of underground utilities can result in serious injury, as well as service disruptions, fines and costly repairs.
To prevent damage and stay safe, CenterPoint urges everyone to:
- Plan ahead and call 811 or visit Texas811.org a few business days before starting work.
- Confirm all utility lines are marked before beginning work.
- Adjust project locations, as needed, to maintain a safe distance from utility lines.
- Confirm hired contractors have contacted 811 before their work.
-
Complete digging within the timeframe required by state law. If work cannot be completed in that time, contact 811 again before continuing.
Important Safety Reminder: Planting the right tree in the right place
In addition to urging customers to contact 811 before digging, CenterPoint Energy also requests that residents look up before planting a tree to ensure they are planted a safe distance from power lines. Residents can use this guide to learn more about safe planting distances based on the estimated mature height of the tree. Finally, CenterPoint Energy reminds residents to never attempt to trim trees near power lines and to call its forestry team at 800-332-7143 to request an inspection.
What to do if a natural gas line is struck
If a natural gas line is struck outside of a home or business, customers should:
- Leave the area immediately on foot. Do not attempt to restart or move powered equipment or use your mobile device or any other item that could cause a spark.
- Go to a safe location, then call 911 and CenterPoint.
- Remain in a safe area until directed by emergency personnel to do otherwise.
-
Leave all repairs to a trained technician.
Visit 811BeforeYouDig.com for more information about 811. To learn more about natural gas safety, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/Safety.
Soundbites on the importance of 811 Day, along with b-roll footage and photos of CenterPoint employees marking underground utilities, can be found here: CNP Digital Asset Mgmt
About CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
As the only investor owned electric and gas utility based in Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is an energy delivery company with electric transmission and distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution operations that serve more than 7 million metered customers in Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio and Texas. As of June 30, 2026, the company owned approximately $48.3 billion in assets. With approximately 8,800 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com
National 811 Day: CenterPoint Energy Reminds Nearly 950,000 Minnesota Natural Gas Customers to Always Contact 811 Before Any Digging Projects
The free 811 national service is an essential safety step to help keep customers, workers, businesses safe and prevent damage to underground natural gas and electric lines
MINNEAPOLIS - Aug. 11, 2026 - Today, on National 811 Day, CenterPoint Energy is reminding its approximately 950,000 natural gas customers in Minnesota to always contact 811 a few business days before starting any outdoor digging project, big or small. Contacting the 811 national service is free, and is an essential safety step customers, businesses and contractors can - and must - take to prevent service interruptions and avoid potentially life-threatening damage to underground utility lines. In 2026 so far, approximately 3,500 damages have been caused to CenterPoint natural gas lines because digging occurred without underground utility lines being located and marked.
"Contacting 811 is about your safety, and the safety of the community. Whether you're planting a tree, building a fence or taking on another outdoor project, starting with 811 is one of the simplest steps you can take to keep your family, home, and neighbors safe. It is a free service and takes just a few minutes to request that underground utility lines are located and marked. Please always remember, before every digging project, know what's below and contact 811," said Vince Gaeto, Senior Vice President, Natural Gas Business at CenterPoint.
National 811 Day: Simple safety steps
Safe digging practices are essential and help prevent damage to underground natural gas, electric, communications, water and sewer lines and are required by state law. Digging without knowing the approximate location of underground utilities can result in serious injury, as well as service disruptions, fines and costly repairs.
To prevent damage and stay safe, CenterPoint urges everyone to:
- Plan ahead and call 811 or visit GopherStateOneCall.org a few business days before starting work.
- Confirm all utility lines are marked before beginning work.
- Adjust project locations, as needed, to maintain a safe distance from utility lines.
- Confirm hired contractors have contacted 811 before their work.
-
Complete digging within the timeframe required by state law. If work cannot be completed in that time, contact 811 again before continuing.
What to do if a natural gas line is struck
If a natural gas line is struck outside of a home or business, customers should:
- Leave the area immediately on foot. Do not attempt to restart or move powered equipment or use your mobile device or any other item that could cause a spark.
- Go to a safe location, then call 911 and CenterPoint.
- Remain in a safe area until directed by emergency personnel to do otherwise.
-
Leave all repairs to a trained technician.
Visit 811BeforeYouDig.com for more information about 811. To learn more about natural gas safety, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/Safety.
Soundbites on the importance of 811 Day, along with b-roll footage and photos of CenterPoint employees marking underground utilities, can be found here: CNP Digital Asset Mgmt
About CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
As the only investor owned electric and gas utility based in Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is an energy delivery company with electric transmission and distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution operations that serve more than 7 million metered customers in Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio and Texas. As of June 30, 2026, the company owned approximately $48.3 billion in assets. With approximately 8,800 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com
National 811 Day: CenterPoint Energy Reminds Nearly 800,000 Hoosier Natural Gas Customers to Always Contact 811 Before Any Digging Projects
The free 811 national service is an essential safety step to help keep customers, workers, businesses safe and prevent damage to underground natural gas and electric lines
EVANSVILLE, Ind. - Aug. 11, 2026 - Today, on National 811 Day, CenterPoint Energy is reminding its approximately 800,000 natural gas customers in Indiana to always contact 811 a few business days before starting any outdoor digging project, big or small. Contacting the 811 national service is free, and is an essential safety step customers, businesses and contractors can - and must - take to prevent service interruptions and avoid potentially life-threatening damage to underground utility lines. In 2026 so far, approximately 3,500 damages have been caused to CenterPoint natural gas lines because digging occurred without underground utility lines being located and marked.
"Contacting 811 is about your safety, and the safety of the community. Whether you're planting a tree, building a fence or taking on another outdoor project, starting with 811 is one of the simplest steps you can take to keep your family, home, and neighbors safe. It is a free service and takes just a few minutes to request that underground utility lines are located and marked. Please always remember, before every digging project, know what's below and contact 811," said Vince Gaeto, Senior Vice President, Natural Gas Business at CenterPoint.
National 811 Day: Simple safety steps
Safe digging practices are essential and help prevent damage to underground natural gas, electric, communications, water and sewer lines and are required by state law. Digging without knowing the approximate location of underground utilities can result in serious injury, as well as service disruptions, fines and costly repairs.
To prevent damage and stay safe, CenterPoint urges everyone to:
- Plan ahead and call 811 or visit Indiana811.org a few business days before starting work.
- Confirm all utility lines are marked before beginning work.
- Adjust project locations, as needed, to maintain a safe distance from utility lines.
- Confirm hired contractors have contacted 811 before their work.
-
Complete digging within the timeframe required by state law. If work cannot be completed in that time, contact 811 again before continuing.
What to do if a natural gas line is struck
If a natural gas line is struck outside of a home or business, customers should:
- Leave the area immediately on foot. Do not attempt to restart or move powered equipment or use your mobile device or any other item that could cause a spark.
- Go to a safe location, then call 911 and CenterPoint.
- Remain in a safe area until directed by emergency personnel to do otherwise.
-
Leave all repairs to a trained technician.
Visit 811BeforeYouDig.com for more information about 811. To learn more about natural gas safety, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/Safety.
Soundbites on the importance of 811 Day, along with b-roll footage and photos of CenterPoint employees marking underground utilities, can be found here: CNP Digital Asset Mgmt
About CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
As the only investor owned electric and gas utility based in Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is an energy delivery company with electric transmission and distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution operations that serve more than 7 million metered customers in Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio and Texas. As of June 30, 2026, the company owned approximately $48.3 billion in assets. With approximately 8,800 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com
National 811 Day: CenterPoint Energy Reminds Nearly 350,000 Ohio Natural Gas Customers to Always Contact 811 Before Any Digging Projects
The free 811 national service is an essential safety step to help keep customers, workers, businesses safe and prevent damage to underground natural gas and electric lines
DAYTON, Ohio - Aug. 11, 2026 - Today, on National 811 Day, CenterPoint Energy is reminding its approximately 350,000 natural gas customers in Ohio to always contact 811 a few business days before starting any outdoor digging project, big or small. Contacting the 811 national service is free, and is an essential safety step customers, businesses and contractors can - and must - take to prevent service interruptions and avoid potentially life-threatening damage to underground utility lines. In 2026 so far, approximately 3,500 damages have been caused to CenterPoint natural gas lines because digging occurred without underground utility lines being located and marked.
"Contacting 811 is about your safety, and the safety of the community. Whether you're planting a tree, building a fence or taking on another outdoor project, starting with 811 is one of the simplest steps you can take to keep your family, home, and neighbors safe. It is a free service and takes just a few minutes to request that underground utility lines are located and marked. Please always remember, before every digging project, know what's below and contact 811," said Vince Gaeto, Senior Vice President, Natural Gas Business at CenterPoint.
National 811 Day: Simple safety steps
Safe digging practices are essential and help prevent damage to underground natural gas, electric, communications, water and sewer lines and are required by state law. Digging without knowing the approximate location of underground utilities can result in serious injury, as well as service disruptions, fines and costly repairs.
To prevent damage and stay safe, CenterPoint urges everyone to:
- Plan ahead and call 811 or visit OUPS.org a few business days before starting work.
- Confirm all utility lines are marked before beginning work.
- Adjust project locations, as needed, to maintain a safe distance from utility lines.
- Confirm hired contractors have contacted 811 before their work.
-
Complete digging within the timeframe required by state law. If work cannot be completed in that time, contact 811 again before continuing.
What to do if a natural gas line is struck
If a natural gas line is struck outside of a home or business, customers should:
- Leave the area immediately on foot. Do not attempt to restart or move powered equipment or use your mobile device or any other item that could cause a spark.
- Go to a safe location, then call 911 and CenterPoint.
- Remain in a safe area until directed by emergency personnel to do otherwise.
-
Leave all repairs to a trained technician.
Visit 811BeforeYouDig.com for more information about 811. To learn more about natural gas safety, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/Safety.
Soundbites on the importance of 811 Day, along with b-roll footage and photos of CenterPoint employees marking underground utilities, can be found here: CNP Digital Asset Mgmt
About CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
As the only investor owned electric and gas utility based in Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is an energy delivery company with electric transmission and distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution operations that serve more than 7 million metered customers in Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio and Texas. As of June 30, 2026, the company owned approximately $48.3 billion in assets. With approximately 8,800 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com
Greater Houston Resiliency Initiative (GHRI) Historic Milestone: CenterPoint Energy Completes 500 Miles of Strategic Power Line Hardening
Miles of CenterPoint hardened power lines greater than the distance from Houston to Midland
Suite of GHRI resiliency actions includes installing stronger, storm-resilient poles and automation devices, undergrounding power lines and clearing high-risk vegetation across Greater Houston
HOUSTON - August 4, 2026 - CenterPoint Energy announced it has now reached a key milestone as part of its Greater Houston Resiliency Initiative (GHRI), with more than 500 miles of power lines strategically hardened across Greater Houston and is on track to reach its goal of hardening 750 miles of power lines by the end of 2026. Hardening power lines involves strengthening and upgrading key equipment, including poles, wires and transformers, to better withstand extreme weather and improve reliability. To date, CenterPoint has hardened more miles of power lines than the distance from Houston to Midland. As part of its overall commitment to build the most resilient coastal grid in the nation and improve day-to-day reliability, CenterPoint's GHRI efforts have also included installing 75,000+ stronger poles, 750+ automation devices and undergrounding 850+ miles of power lines, remaining on track to deliver more than 150 million customer outage minutes avoided by the end of 2026.
"All across Greater Houston, our GHRI efforts are focused on building a stronger, more resilient and reliable energy system that can better withstand more powerful storms and extreme weather now and in the future. We are making historic progress, and we will not stop until we will achieve our goal of building the most resilient coastal grid in the country," said Nathan Brownell, CenterPoint Energy's Vice President of Resilience and Capital Delivery.
GHRI 2026 Progress to Date: Critical Resiliency Improvements Completed
Since launching GHRI in August 2024, CenterPoint has completed a series of resiliency actions and grid improvements across the Greater Houston area, including:
- Installing 75,500+ stronger, more storm-resilient poles to better withstand extreme weather;
- Trimming and clearing 13,000+ miles of high-risk trees and vegetation near power lines to reduce storm-related outages;
- Installing 750+ automation devices capable of self-healing to reduce the impact of outages and improve restoration times; and
- Undergrounding 850+ miles of power lines to improve overall grid resiliency.
Together, these critical resiliency actions will improve reliability and help our customers avoid more than 150 million outage minutes by the end of 2026.
To view completed GHRI work in your community, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/Progress. More information about GHRI is also available at CenterPointEnergy.com/TakingAction.
About CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
As the only investor owned electric and gas utility based in Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is an energy delivery company with electric transmission and distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution operations that serve more than 7 million metered customers in Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio and Texas. As of June 30, 2026, the company owned approximately $48.3 billion in assets. With approximately 8,800 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.
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Use of this site constitutes agreement to our Online Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
Download the new CenterPoint Energy mobile app
CenterPoint Energy Inc. published this content on August 14, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on August 14, 2026 at 17:30 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]