Houston - March 25, 2020 - CenterPoint Energy continues to be committed to providing its customers throughout its service territory with safe and reliable service during the current Coronavirus situation. During this challenging time, CenterPoint Energy is committed to serving its customers and keeping them informed as the situation continues to evolve.
CenterPoint Energy's natural gas crews will continue to provide service by responding to calls and completing work orders. If you see CenterPoint Energy crews performing work, please avoid approaching them and continue to practice social distancing.
CenterPoint Energy will continue to support those customers who may need payment assistance, arrangements or extensions during the Coronavirus situation. In addition, the company has temporarily suspended natural gas service disconnections for nonpayment. There have been reports of scams following the COVID-19 outbreak, so customers are reminded that CenterPoint Energy would never call and demand payment over the phone or by prepaid debit card to avoid disconnection. Customers who would like to discuss payment options should call 866-275-5252 (North Louisiana) or 800-477-0177 (South Louisiana), or visit the company's website [centerpointenergy.com].
"We are committed to the safety and well-being of our customers, employees, contractors and communities as the Coronavirus situation continues to evolve," said Christe Singleton, CenterPoint Energy's vice president of Regional Operations in Louisiana. "CenterPoint Energy has activated its Pandemic Preparedness Plan and we continue to monitor updates and follow protocols from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO) and state and local officials. We are also working closely with all regulatory agencies, government entities and emergency management organizations across our service territory."
CenterPoint Energy has implemented additional measures to protect the safety and health of its customers, employees and contractors, as well as to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus. These safety measures include:
- Equipping employees with additional personal protective equipment (PPE);
- Directing field employees to attempt to resolve service issues without entering homes or businesses;
- Following social distancing guidelines and wearing PPE if entering customers' homes, businesses and property to provide service;
- Implementing a telework approach for employees who can perform their job responsibilities from home or a remote location;
- Increasing cleaning and disinfecting frequency of facilities and vehicles;
- Leveraging technology to minimize face-to-face contact and meetings; and
- Emphasizing good hygiene, including washing and sanitizing hands.
