Texas PUC delays decision again on CenterPoint Energy’s rates on electric bills
The Texas Public Utility Commission has yet again delayed a decision on CenterPoint Energy’s rates that we all pay on our electric bills.
Ask Amy: Why are we stuck with CenterPoint Energy? Why no competition? Can they be fired?
From electric rates to power outages, it seems like we have heard a lot lately about CenterPoint Energy. In this week’s “Ask Amy” segment, investigative reporter Amy Davis answers a question from viewer Don Conger: ”Why are we stuck with CenterPoint? Why don’t they have any competition? Can they be fired?”
CenterPoint Energy says thousands of workers ready in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi ahead of Francine
CenterPoint Energy provided an update on the company’s preparation efforts in Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi ahead of Tropical Storm Francine.
Abbott says potential power outages from Tropical Storm Francine will be restored within hours
Texas isn’t expected to take a direct hit when the storm makes landfall as a hurricane. But storm surge and dangerous winds are possible.
North Houston homeowner still waiting on CenterPoint after tree falls on powerline during Hurricane Beryl
A north Houston homeowner says he called CenterPoint Energy almost weekly -- trying to get them to remove limbs that fell on a power line in July when Hurricane Beryl hit the area.
What CenterPoint says its doing right now to prepare for Tropical Storm Francine
Officials with CenterPoint Energy has provided an update on the company’s preparation efforts ahead of Tropical Storm Francine.
Public workshop to discuss CenterPoint Energy in Houston
You may have an opinion about the recent power outages after Hurricane Beryl or rate increases – now is your chance to have your voice heard. The Texas Public Utility Commission (PUC) is coming to Houston for a public workshop on Saturday, October 5th, at 9 AM.
CenterPoint Energy gives update on company’s preparation efforts ahead of potential impacts from tropical system
Officials with CenterPoint Energy provided an update on the company’s preparation efforts ahead of potential impacts from a tropical system later this week.
CenterPoint says they are watching, preparing for potential tropical system in the Gulf
CenterPoint Energy says they are monitoring weather forecasts and are preparing for potential impacts from the system in the Gulf of Mexico later this week.
Heads Up, Houston: Your electric bill is going up!
If you live in an area serviced by CenterPoint or Texas-New Mexico Power, get ready to see a higher electric bill this month. Both companies have raised their rates starting September 1st. Some of you wrote us because you received a notification from your electric provider about the increase. KPRC 2′s Amy Davis explains what this will mean for your electric bill.
‘It was unbearable’: Woman recounts day sister dies from hyperthermia due to power outage from Hurricane Beryl
The Harris County Medical Examiner’s Office has confirmed that two more deaths are linked to Hurricane Beryl.
Ask Amy: Who picks up utility poles and wires left after Hurricane Beryl cleanup?
Who is responsible for picking up utility mess debris left behind? KPRC 2 Investigator Amy Davis works to find answers to your questions.
‘It does not look very comforting’: Students concerned about piece of utility pole hanging above busy intersection
Hundreds of students walk underneath this power pole every day
CenterPoint Energy highlights tree planting initiative to help restore public’s trust after Hurricane Beryl outages
After widespread of criticism over power outages during Hurricane Beryl, CenterPoint Energy is working to restore it’s image.
DANGLING DANGER: Chunk of utility pole replaced by CenterPoint Energy left dangling on new pole
CenterPoint Energy continues to repair its infrastructure from a double punch of the May derecho followed by Hurricane Beryl. But their work is turning some heads in the process.
Why CenterPoint Energy is accused of overcharging customers for years
A judge has denied CenterPoint Energy’s request to dismiss their rate review. The company must now return to the table with city leaders to negotiate new rates that we all pay on our electric bill. Investigative reporter Amy Davis explains why CenterPoint is accused of overcharging all of us for years.
Hot and hard work: A day in the life of a lineworker in Houston
The saying “It takes an army to build something great” couldn’t be a better fit for the work being done to strengthen the CenterPoint Energy infrastructure.
CenterPoint Energy to hold 16 open house events for customer feedback across Houston area
CenterPoint Energy will be holding 16 open house events across the Houston area to elicit customer feedback on the company’s response to Hurricane Beryl as well as what the company can do better in future storm events.
What work has CenterPoint Energy completed since launching its resiliency initiative?
As part of its August 15 deadline, CenterPoint took to social media touting its success saying it installed 640 stronger, more storm-resilient poles and trimmed/removed higher-risk vegetation from more than 900 power line miles.
CenterPoint is fighting efforts by Houston and other cities for mandatory rate review
CenterPoint Energy has asked a judge to dismiss its mandatory rate review that was already pending before Hurricane Beryl.
Got an opinion on CenterPoint’s response to Hurricane Beryl? Take this survey and tell them
CenterPoint Energy is being investigated by the state and also answering to the Texas Public Utility Commission (PUC) for its response to the historic number of power outages in the Houston area from Hurricane Beryl.
Does CenterPoint really need to raise rates again? Deadline to respond to judge is today
Today is the deadline for CenterPoint to respond to allegations that it has overcharged customers for years. KPRC 2 Investigator Amy Davis has been following the developments on this case.
Texas launches new investigation into Houston's power utility following deadly outages after Beryl
Texas has opened an investigation into a Houston area utility provider over allegations of fraud and misuse of taxpayer dollars during its botched response to Hurricane Beryl.
Texas AG investigating CenterPoint Energy’s ‘conduct’ during Hurricane Beryl
“My office is aware of concerning allegations regarding CenterPoint and how its conduct affected readiness during Hurricane Beryl, a storm that left millions of Texans without power,” Attorney General Ken Paxton said in a statement.
Mowing, maintenance, and storm debris removal underway at Houston ISD schools before students return to campuses
Many school districts are already back in session and Houston ISD is just a weekend away from its first day. However, with that in mind, some parents noticed some T.L.C. that needs to be done at some area schools and they’re taking their concerns right to the top.
Several cities, including Houston, team up demanding CenterPoint lower rates
Several cities, including Houston, are urging the Public Utility Commission to prevent CenterPoint from dropping its rate case, arguing the utility company is overcharging customers by up to $100 million annually. What are your thoughts on this issue? Share your comments below!
If you see CenterPoint Energy in your neighborhood—you may lose power
As if CenterPoint Energy hasn’t caused enough frustration across the Houston area, KPRC 2 viewers have reached out to us, saying they were told by the energy company that they may lose power—again.
CenterPoint Crews removing high risk vegetation from Acres Home neighborhood
CenterPoint Energy crews were out trimming, cutting and removing high risk vegetation in the Acres Home area as part of their new Greater Houston Resiliency Initiative.
Weeks after Hurricane Beryl, power finally restored to businesses at Westheimer plaza
CenterPoint Energy is expected to restore power to the area on Monday when KPRC 2's Rilwan Balogun was set to meet with a restaurant owner, however, neighboring business owners revealed the entire plaza has been without electricity.
‘We are taking action now’: CenterPoint Energy launches new initiative to bring about immediate resiliency
“We have heard the calls for change, and we are taking action now," CenterPoint Energy President and CEO Jason Wells said in a statement.
‘It has to get paid’: UH Energy VP suggests CenterPoint customers will pay for Hurricane Beryl costs
University of Houston VP Ramana Krishnamoorti and CEO Jason Wells indicate that the costs incurred will eventually be passed to customers, either through a future rate increase or a state bailout.
Gov. Greg Abbott tells CenterPoint to make new preparedness proposal after initial ‘inadequate’ one
Abbott met with CenterPoint Energy CEO Jason Wells and the Executive Vice President of Regulatory and Government Affairs, Jason Ryan, on Thursday to discuss their proposal to better respond to future severe weather events.
It’s here, Houston! CenterPoint’s new power outage tracker map
As promised after Hurricane Beryl's historic number of power outages in the Houston area, CenterPoint debuts its new online tool for reporting and tracking power outages.
‘Of little to no use:’ Texas Lt. Governor wants CenterPoint to pay for generators funded by ratepayers
Texas’ Lt. Governor Dan Patrick criticized CenterPoint Energy for leasing massive rate-payer funded generators instead of mobile generators which could be used more effectively in emergency situations.
5 things to know about CenterPoint’s actions ahead of Texas governor’s deadline to respond
CenterPoint Energy’s executives have been at the front center by Texans after millions in the Houston area were left without power for more than a week -- even two weeks for some -- after Hurricane Beryl.
CenterPoint Energy executive ‘no longer with the company,’ according to email
In an emailed statement to KPRC 2, CenterPoint says Lyanne Wilson, who served as Senior Vice President of Electric Business, "is no longer with the company."
CenterPoint intends to ask Texas PUC for rate increase to recoup losses from Hurricane Beryl response
“CenterPoint intends to increase their rates to recoup the cost of recovering from Hurricane Beryl, passing the cost on to the customer,” Senator Carol Alvarado said in a social media post. “That dog won’t hunt.”
‘Beryl cannot be a prelude:’ Sen. Ted Cruz questions CenterPoint’s hurricane preparedness in letter to CEO
Following Hurricane Beryl, Senator Ted Cruz has written a letter to CenterPoint CEO Jason Wells, where he reiterated his call for an after-action report from the company about what went wrong and what the company will do to improve its response in the future.
‘I take accountability’: CenterPoint Energy CEO testifies before Texas committee on Hurricane Beryl response
Centerpoint’s CEO Jason Wells’ testimony comes a week after he met with the Texas Public Utility Committee (PUC) where he apologized to Houstonians. Today, we can expect Wells to double-down on initial action plans to increase resiliency.
State lawmakers to question CenterPoint for response in aftermath of Hurricane Beryl
Lawmakers in Austin are planning to question leaders of CenterPoint Energy on the company’s performance in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Beryl in a hearing scheduled for Monday.
‘We make no excuses:’ CenterPoint CEO sends letter to customers apologizing over Beryl response
The President and Chief Executive Officer of CenterPoint Energy, Jason Wells, sent a letter to customers apologizing for the company’s response during Hurricane Beryl.
‘Talk is cheap’: Outage victims react to CenterPoint’s apologies and promises to do better
People in the Almeda Plaza neighborhood say they don’t want to hear apologies and promises from CenterPoint. They say actions speak louder than words.
How Houstonians can voice concerns to CenterPoint for ‘chaos and frustration’ during Hurricane Beryl
On Monday, lawmakers in Austin are planning to question leaders for CenterPoint Energy on the company’s performance in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Beryl.
CenterPoint Energy to release new, improved online outage tracker by Aug. 1
After the energy giant faced scrutiny for getting rid of its online outage tracker, CenterPoint Energy says it'll be unveiling a new, online and cloud-based outage tracker as it works to improve communication with customers.
Houston area customers will get to voice opinions on CenterPoint’s response to historic outages after Hurricane Beryl
The PUC is getting ready to launch an online public survey for residents and businesses.
CenterPoint CEO promises improvements as Texas scrutinizes company’s Beryl response
Jason Wells told regulators the company will launch a new outage tracker by Aug. 1. It will also trim more tree limbs near power lines and hire an executive to focus on emergency response.
Megan Thee Stallion, Houston non-profit distribute FREE generators for residents following Hurricane Beryl
“It’s been painful to watch the elderly population in Houston suffer without electricity during these devastating storms,” said Megan.
‘I think you’ll see a lot of places going down’: Restaurant owner suing CenterPoint warns of future blackouts
A Montrose restaurant owner who is part of a class-action lawsuit suing CenterPoint because of the recent power outages, is speaking to us about the impact having no power for days had on our local food industry.
‘He was known as the tamale king’: Grandfather dies after being found unresponsive in home without power in NW Houston
The sweltering heat claimed the lives of many people who were without power after Hurricane Beryl.
$50K bond set for man accused of threatening CenterPoint workers, trying to bite police officers while kicking them
A $50,000 bond was set during a man’s first court appearance after being accused of threatening CenterPoint Energy employees and assaulting police officers on Tuesday.
Community leaders discuss meeting with CenterPoint Energy regarding power outages after Hurricane Beryl
A news conference will be held Thursday afternoon at the Four Seasons Hotel regarding CenterPoint’s transparency connected to Hurricane Beryl.
Did CenterPoint do enough to clear trees in Houston before Hurricane Beryl?
Hurricane Beryl ripped down powerlines all over Houston. But what about the powerlines that already had overgrown trees and branches in the way? It didn't help the situation! KPRC 2 Investigator Amy Davis looks into who is supposed to clear out tree branches around powerlines and what you can do if you have the same issues in your neighborhood.
3 Houston area residents file lawsuit against CenterPoint after Beryl outages spoil all the food in their refrigerators
In the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, new details are surfacing involving a lawsuit where several private citizens are suing CenterPoint Energy for loss, pain and suffering during and after the storm.
CenterPoint CEO faces backlash over photo amid Hurricane Beryl recovery efforts in Houston
Hurricane Beryl has left many Houston residents without power, and a recent photo of CenterPoint Energy's CEO in front of a thermostat set to 70°F has sparked outrage.
Anger over Houston power outages after Beryl has repair crews facing threats from some residents
Houston’s prolonged outages following Hurricane Beryl has some fed-up and frustrated residents taking out their anger on repair workers who are trying to restore power across the city.
CenterPoint says power restored to 96% of impacted customers, responds to Texas governor’s letter
The company says it is on track to restore power to 98% of customers by Wednesday and all remaining customers who can receive power by Friday.
CenterPoint being held accountable? A look at Gov. Abbott’s demands from the energy company
After Hurricane Beryl, frustrations and angers grew in Texans as millions went without power for several days -- and tens of thousands are still out.
Texas PUC launches investigation into CenterPoint’s Hurricane Beryl response
The Public Utility Commission of Texas has launched an investigation into CenterPoint Energy's handling of Hurricane Beryl. Gov. Greg Abbott criticized the company's repeated failures, despite their claim of restoring power to 92% of affected customers. Houston residents continue to struggle with power outages, leading to heat-related illnesses and carbon monoxide poisoning. Mayor Whitmire has extended the disaster declaration, and a crucial meeting with CenterPoint is set for July 25.
Texas PUC launches investigation into CenterPoint’s Hurricane Beryl response
The Public Utility Commission of Texas has launched an investigation into CenterPoint Energy's handling of Hurricane Beryl. Gov. Greg Abbott criticized the company's repeated failures, despite their claim of restoring power to 92% of affected customers. Houston residents continue to struggle with power outages, leading to heat-related illnesses and carbon monoxide poisoning. Mayor Whitmire has extended the disaster declaration, and a crucial meeting with CenterPoint is set for July 25.
‘We must shoot up their headquarters’: Texas woman wanted after making threats to CenterPoint Energy on social media
"They’ll finally listen once we’ve reacted loud enough, freedom of speech does nothing, lobotomies do a lot." the woman said in a series of posts on social media.
WHOA! 😳 Satellite images show sobering view of power outages in Texas caused by Hurricane Beryl
As conversations over accountability with local, and state leadership as well as with CenterPoint Energy continue, new satellite images are giving a sobering look at the massive power outages, caused by Beryl.
CenterPoint says power restored to 92 percent of impacted customers, expects all customers to have power back by Friday
The company says it is on track to restore power to 98% of customers by Wednesday and all remaining customers who can receive power by Friday.
Texas governor criticizes Houston energy as utility says power will be mostly restored by Wednesday
The Houston area’s main utility company says it expects to have power restored to most residents by Wednesday.
‘I will be issuing an executive order’: Gov. Abbott examines CenterPoint’s future in Texas after Beryl response
Texas Governor Greg Abbott did not pull any punches Sunday afternoon in going after CenterPoint for their failures in getting the lights back on for Houstonians as well as hundreds of thousands of others in the area.
Attorney Tony Buzbee to file class-action lawsuit against CenterPoint Energy on behalf of Houston area restaurants
The Buzbee Law Firm announced that it will file a class-action case Monday against Centerpoint Energy on behalf of several Houston area restaurants.
Food spoiled because of the power outage? Here’s how to get rid of the smell in your fridge 🤢
If you’re one of the millions of Houston residents who had their food spoiled because of the power outages, you might be trying to get rid of the dead animal smell in your fridge. Here are some tips on how you can do so. What tricks have you tried to get rid of the smell?
Katy daycare left in limbo after CenterPoint only partially restored power, live wire still hanging near building
A Katy daycare has been in limbo for several days after CenterPoint Energy partially fixed its generators and hasn’t sent a lineman to finish the job.
Texans heading into a second week without electricity are battling heat, frustration and boredom
More than 200,000 CenterPoint Energy customers without power struggle with the heat one week after Hurricane Beryl swept through southeast Texas.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott demands answers as customers remain without power after Beryl
With around 270,000 homes and businesses still without power in the Houston area almost a week after Hurricane Beryl hit Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott says he’s demanding an investigation into the response of the utility that serves the Houston area.
Abbott reprimands CenterPoint and calls for an investigation into the utility’s response to Beryl blackouts
Abbott demanded that the utility company produce a plan by the end of July outlining how it will improve power reliability ahead of future storms.
Consistent storms forcing crews to stop as thousands are still without power
For those without power still from Hurricane Beryl, the focus in recent days has not only been on when someone might be on their street working to get the power back on, but also on the skies.
CenterPoint doubles down on projection to restore power to 85% of Houstonians this weekend
As many around Houston endure day six without power, CenterPoint Energy has released an additional update of their projected results for the upcoming weekend.
CenterPoint now expects 85% of impacted customers to have power restored by end of weekend
As the fifth day without power concludes for many Houstonians, CenterPoint Energy has released an additional update of their projected results for the upcoming weekend.
No backup required: Texas senior care depends on luck and wits to cope with heat after power outages
There’s no Texas requirement that nursing homes and assisted living facilities keep generators on hand to power air conditioning after storms.
‘Do not take out your anger on them’: Local officials condemn threats towards CenterPoint workers
Several city and state officials spoke up recently to address an issue they say is becoming a larger pattern: CenterPoint workers being attacked or threatened while working to restore power to the Houston area.
Power outages expected to last until next week in Matagorda, Brazoria and parts of Galveston County, CenterPoint says
As Houston enters its fifth day without power following Hurricane Beryl, CenterPoint Energy updates on restoration efforts. With over a million homes still in the dark, crews are working 16-hour shifts to rebuild damaged infrastructure. "We know we still have a lot of work to do," says CenterPoint’s Jason Ryan.
Are severe weather events like Beryl putting a strain on Houston’s community resiliency? How do we reinvigorate it?
Houston has not been known for being immune to severe weather events, but we've always prided ourselves on community resilience, and ongoing struggles like power outages and severe weather events are putting them to the test.
Harris County Judge says there are not enough resources to remove debris caused by Hurricane Beryl
As we enter the fifth day since Hurricane Beryl swept through southeast Texas, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo expects to share additional information on relief efforts for thousands of residents still without power.
Parts of Hardy Toll Rd. will be closed temporarily while crews work to restore power
As power restoration efforts continue, segments of Hardy Toll Road will be closed starting Friday, July 12 at 11 a.m.
Why are CenterPoint Energy workers sitting, waiting at staging areas?
Many Houston residents have noticed out-of-town linemen just waiting at staging areas, with no work orders from CenterPoint Energy. We went and got answers for you.
CenterPoint expects 80% of impacted customers to have power restored by Sunday
“We’re building significant momentum in our restoration efforts, which is a testament to our crews’ hard work and dedication to restoring power as safely and quickly as possible,” Lynnae Wilson, Senior Vice President, Electric Business said in a press statement.
Ask Amy: Can I get money back for internet services that are not working right now?
As power is restored to homes and businesses across our area many of you say you still don’t have internet. AT&T and Comcast Xfinity customer service are difficult to reach and when you do get a human on the phone, they don’t have any answers. Investigative reporter Amy Davis is answering your questions about what’s causing internet outages and what you can do about them.
‘CenterPointless’ graffiti painted on I-10 as Houstonians grow frustrated with power outages reaching day 4
More than 1 million CenterPoint customers are still without power four days after Hurricane Beryl hit, with temperatures soaring into the mid-90s. Despite the company's efforts to restore power and their newly launched restoration status tracker, many find the tool confusing and inaccurate. CenterPoint has brought in 12,000 additional workers and aims to restore power to hundreds of thousands by the weekend.
‘We’re good,’ Dan Patrick says Harris County Judge denied help requests ahead of Hurricane Beryl
In a fiery message, Patrick said he reached out to Hidalgo several times ahead of Hurricane Beryl making landfall, where in the final message he alleges she said simply, “We’re good.”
Half a million Houston-area homes and businesses still won't have power into next week
A utility company executive warns that about half a million Houston-area homes and businesses still won't have electricity into next week as wide outages from Hurricane Beryl drag on.
4 arrested for looting during power outages, raising crime concerns in Houston
“If you’re a criminal out there, let me send a message on behalf of everyone that can hear my voice: Don’t think about it,” Houston Mayor John Whitmire said.
CenterPoint says it has restored 1 million customer’s power, aims to have 400,000 more by the end of Friday
The company expects to have an additional 400,000 customers restored by the end of the day on Friday, July 12 and an additional 350,000 customers restored by the end of the day on Sunday, July 14.
‘We’re going to hold them accountable’: Houston Mayor’s buzzkill message for CenterPoint Energy
The mayor’s message was clear and to the point. He also later added that the city will not be letting the off the hook.
Millions still have no power days after Beryl struck Texas. Here’s how it happened
Hundreds of thousands of people in the Houston area likely won't have power restored until next week, as the city swelters in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl.