CenterPoint Energy urges customers to conserve electricity and natural gas

KTRK logo
Thursday, February 18, 2021
CenterPoint optimistic most power will be restored by weekend
A spokesperson details what needs to be done to be everyone back online.

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) has notified CenterPoint Energy of additional power generation capacity.

SEE MORE: No, frozen wind turbines aren't the main culprit for Texas' power outages

As more power generation is available, the company is prepared to re-energize portions of the electric system that have been without power. During the service restoration process, CenterPoint Energy urges customers who already have electric and/or natural gas service to scale back conserve electricity and natural gas as much as possible over the next several hours.

"This is an unprecedented situation for our communities in that the demand for electric and natural gas reached record levels simultaneously," said Kenny Mercado, CenterPoint Energy's executive vice president of electric utility. "We are ready to restore service to our customers. Introducing this demand too rapidly could result in additional service interruptions and safety risks for both electric and natural gas customers."

"Let's come together and help our neighbors who have been without power for an extended period of time," said Scott Doyle, CenterPoint Energy's CenterPoint Energy's executive vice president over natural gas distribution. "This in an immediate call to action for our customers."

SEE MORE: Gov. Greg Abbott calls on ERCOT leadership to resign during ABC13 one-on-one interview

The governor appeared visibly frustrated when asked about the response to the state's power outage crisis by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas. Watch the full interview in the video above.