Electricity:
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) has instructed companies to conserve electricity due to a power capacity issue. This is a statewide problem and not controlled by the City, County, or CenterPoint. ERCOT can be contacted directly by calling 1-866-870-8124.
CenterPoint Energy is required to comply with ERCOT’s directive to suspend electric service to a portion of its customers. The company does not generate electricity itself, so the current shortage of power capacity from the grid is not something that CenterPoint Energy directly controls.
At this time there is no estimate for when power will be fully restored to City of Houston residents. All CenterPoint employees are working diligently to make sure as soon as ample power is available it is delivered as quickly as possible. Residents are asked to conserve energy whenever possible.
Lighting in downtown buildings will be reduced wherever possible however please keep in mind the George R. Brown Convention Center is a warming center and many of the hotels downtown are full.
Additionally, we have checked in with local school districts to make sure their buildings are also conserving energy by turning off of any unnecessary lighting.
If you have electricity, please do your best to conserve energy.
- Keep thermostat at 68 degrees
- Do not use large appliances
- Unplug unnecessary appliances
Water:
Water pressure is very low, but a boil water notice has not been issued at this time. In preparation for another hard freeze tonight, it is recommended that you fill a bath tub with water that can be utilized in the event pipes freeze to flush toilets and other menial tasks until water service can be fully restored.
Medical Concerns:
Unfortunately CenterPoint cannot prioritize households with medical needs at this time. If you need electricity for medical concerns, please call 3-1-1. There is a very long wait at this time. If you have an emergency, please call 9-1-1.
Warming Centers:
The George R. Brown Convention Center is the warming center for the City at the moment.
Roads:
The roads in the Kingwood and Clear Lake Areas seemed to improve with the sun this afternoon, bringing much of District E above freezing, however conditions will change as more bad weather is expected this evening. Please do your best to stay off roadways unless absolutely necessary.
