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Simple steps can help customers stay safe and warm while controlling their energy consumption during the holidays and beyond

CenterPoint Energy would like to remind customers that now is the time to check out its newly launched Winter Energy Guide, a comprehensive online resource hub to support customers throughout the heating season.

The guide contains practical and important safety, energy saving and bill management tips to help you stay safe and warm during the holidays and winter seasons. CenterPoint has a cold weather plan in place to quickly respond to potential impacts this winter. The company encourages customers to use this helpful resource to create their own cold weather plans so they are prepared for the colder weather ahead.

The Winter Energy Guide includes several of the tips listed below to help customers:

Winter safety kit

CenterPoint encourages customers to prepare for winter weather by having an emergency winter supply kit:

· Keep a supply of water and non-perishable foods on hand. At least one gallon of water per person per day is required for an emergency. Don’t forget to also have an emergency supply of food and water for your pets.

· Have a first aid kit ready: A first aid kit should contain bandages, antiseptics, gloves, and medications, including prescription medications.

· Stock up on cold weather supplies: Have at least one blanket per person and hand warmer on hand, in addition to warm coats, hoodies and gloves.

· Make sure you have a stockpile of emergency supplies: Batteries, including batteries used to charge electronics, flashlights, and a portable radio, can help you stay safe and prepared for possible service outages.

Tips, tools and programs to save energy and money

CenterPoint offers a variety of tips, tools and programs to help customers manage their bills and save energy.

· Manage the monthly heating bill. Customers who may be experiencing financial hardship are encouraged to call CenterPoint to set up a payment plan and contact energy assistance resources.

· Track energy consumption. By managing their accounts online, customers can access an interactive chart that shows their energy consumption trends and gives them insights into ways to save energy.

· Take simple steps to reduce energy consumption. CenterPoint offers a number of free energy saving tips that can make a difference in the amount of energy used, such as: Such as adjusting thermostats, opening blinds during the day to harness the sun’s heat, and sealing air leaks.

Safety tips

CenterPoint offers customers these important tips to help them stay safe all winter long:

· Use space heaters safely. Make sure your space heater has an automatic shut-off and keep children, pets and all objects at least six feet away from it. A space heater that uses natural gas, propane, or wood should be vented to the outside. Stoves and ovens should never be used to heat rooms.

· Test your carbon monoxide (CO) and smoke detectors to ensure they are working properly. Change the batteries regularly. Alarms don’t last forever. Therefore, replace them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

· Know the signs of CO poisoning. Early symptoms such as headaches and fatigue are similar to the flu, but without fever. Prolonged exposure to CO can cause more severe headaches, dizziness, nausea, difficulty thinking clearly, and fainting. If everyone in a household experiences these symptoms, it could be CO poisoning. If you suspect you may have CO poisoning, leave the area immediately, get some fresh air, and call 911.

· Report a suspected natural gas leak immediately.If you smell the “rotten egg” smell of natural gas, Immediately walk to a safe location and call both 911 and CenterPoint Energy at 800-296-9815. Do not use electrical switches and outlets, telephones (including cell phones), drive or start a car within or near the site, or do anything that could cause sparks.

To learn more about the Winter Energy Guide and get other important tips, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/ReadyforWinter.

About CenterPoint Energy, Inc. 

CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is the only investor-owned electric and gas utility based in Texas and a power transmission and distribution, electric generation and natural gas distribution utility serving more than 7 million metered customers in Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio and Texas. With approximately 9,000 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.