Winter Not Over Yet — Stay Safe, Warm

Not many groups are more impacted by cold weather than seniors. And even though colder temperatures are expected to improve, we still have a ways to go this winter. CenterPoint Energy wants to remind customers it has a cold weather action plan in place and urges customers to also have a cold weather plan in place to stay safe and warm. 

Natural gas preparedness actions in Indiana 

CenterPoint prepares year-round for cold weather through proactive steps that support safe and reliable delivery of natural gas service to Indiana communities. The company’s efforts include: 

• Monitoring the natural gas systems 24/7 and implementing cold weather action plans to support delivery of service. 
• Conducting infrastructure projects to modernize the company’s natural gas distribution systems. 
• Checking critical systems and equipment ahead of extreme winter weather to prepare for high demand and cold temperatures. 
• Staging staff across the company’s service area, ready to respond to potential service issues safely and as quickly as possible. 

Payment assistance resources are available for customers 

Colder weather may require customers to use more energy to maintain a comfortable temperature inside their homes. That’s why CenterPoint offers programs, tools and tips to help customers manage their bills and save energy. The company encourages those facing hardship to call CenterPoint to find out about payment arrangements and be referred to resources that may be available. To learn more, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/PaymentAssistance. 

Energy-saving tips 

CenterPoint encourages customers to consider implementing easy tips that can help make a big difference on a monthly energy bill, including: 

• Make sure the heating system is operating safely and efficiently. Change or clean the furnace filter regularly to help maximize the furnace’s efficiency and life. 
• Turn down the thermostat. Lowering the thermostat at night or when away for at least eight hours can potentially save on heating costs. With a programmable thermostat, a heating system can work around a customer’s schedule. 
• Keep warm air in and cold air out of the home. Use caulk or weather-stripping to seal leaks around doors, windows and other openings such as pipes or ducts. Towels can also be rolled up and pushed against the bottom of a door’s interior. Close fireplace dampers when not in use to prevent heat loss. 
• Use window coverings and blinds effectively. If it’s sunny outside, open window coverings during the day to capture warmth from the sun, and close coverings at night to keep warmth inside. 
• Circulate warm air with ceiling fans. Set ceiling fans to turn clockwise and slowly to move warm air from the ceiling to living levels. 

Safety tips 

CenterPoint encourages customers to keep safety at the forefront of their minds as they heat their homes: 

• Immediately report a suspected natural gas leak. If there’s a “rotten egg” odor of natural gas present, immediately leave on foot, go to a safe location and call both 911 and CenterPoint Energy. Don’t use electric switches and outlets, phones (including cell phones), drive or start a car inside or close to the location or do anything that could cause a spark. 
• Keep natural gas meters clear. Use a broom to gently remove snow, but avoid using a shovel, which can cause damage. If ice builds up, let it melt naturally rather than trying to chip or melt it away. Keep the area around the meter clear of snow piles to allow safe access in an emergency. 
• Use space heaters safely. Make sure a space heater has an automatic shut-off, and keep children, pets and all items at least three 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 for space heating. 
• Test carbon monoxide (CO) and smoke alarms to make sure they work properly. Change batteries regularly. Alarms don’t last forever, so replace them according to the manufacturer’s instructions. 
• Know the signs of CO poisoning. Early symptoms such as headache and fatigue are similar to the flu, but without a fever. Continued CO exposure can lead to more severe headaches, dizziness, nausea, difficulty thinking clearly and fainting. If everyone in a household is experiencing these symptoms, it could be CO poisoning. If CO poisoning is suspected, leave the area immediately, get fresh air and call 911.