CenterPoint Outage: What You Need to Know in 2025

When the lights suddenly go out, the first thing many Texans wonder is: Is it another CenterPoint outage? With millions of customers depending on CenterPoint Energy for electricity and natural gas, any disruption can cause frustration, confusion, and even safety risks. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about CenterPoint outages, why they happen, how to report them, and the smartest ways to stay safe and informed during power interruptions.

What Is a CenterPoint Outage?

A CenterPoint outage occurs when the electric grid or gas supply managed by CenterPoint Energy is disrupted. CenterPoint Energy serves more than 7 million customers across Texas and several other U.S. regions. The most common causes of these outages include:

• Severe weather (thunderstorms, hurricanes, or heatwaves)
• Equipment failure or maintenance work
• Downed power lines due to accidents or fallen trees
• Grid overloads during extreme temperature spikes

CenterPoint Energy’s infrastructure is designed to handle heavy demand, but natural disasters or technical faults can still lead to temporary service interruptions.

How to Check for a CenterPoint Outage in Your Area

If you suspect a power outage in your area, checking the CenterPoint Outage Map should be your first step. The outage map provides real-time information about:

• Current outages
• Estimated restoration times
• The number of affected customers
• Causes of outages (if known)

You can visit CenterPointEnergy.com/Outage or download the CenterPoint Energy app to track outages instantly.

Tip: Bookmark the outage map on your phone or computer so you can access it quickly during emergencies.

How to Report a CenterPoint Outage

If your power goes out but doesn’t appear on the outage map, you can easily report it. Here’s how:

• Online: Go to the official CenterPoint Energy website and submit an outage report.
• By Phone: Call 713-207-2222 (Houston area) or your local CenterPoint contact number.
• Via Text: Text “OUT” to 83212 if you’re registered with CenterPoint Energy’s outage alert system.

Reporting outages helps the company pinpoint problems faster, improving restoration times for everyone in your area.

Why CenterPoint Outages Happen

Understanding what causes outages can help you prepare better. Here are the most common reasons:

1. Extreme Weather Conditions

Heavy rain, ice storms, high winds, and hurricanes can damage power lines and transformers. In Texas, hurricane season often triggers widespread CenterPoint outages.

2. Equipment Failure

Aging infrastructure and overworked transformers can lead to equipment breakdowns, especially during high-demand months.

3. Scheduled Maintenance

Sometimes, power interruptions are planned to allow crews to upgrade or maintain equipment safely.

4. Accidents and Wildlife

Squirrels, birds, or vehicle collisions with utility poles can also trigger unexpected outages.

What to Do During a CenterPoint Outage

If you’re experiencing a CenterPoint power outage, follow these safety and comfort tips:

1. Stay Calm and Check Updates – Visit the outage map or social media channels for real-time updates.
2. Avoid Downed Power Lines – Never touch or approach fallen wires.
3. Use Flashlights, Not Candles – Prevent fire risks by using battery-powered lights.
4. Preserve Your Phone Battery – Switch to low-power mode and avoid unnecessary use.
5. Unplug Sensitive Electronics – Protect appliances from potential power surges when electricity returns.
6. Keep Refrigerator Closed – This helps preserve food for up to 4 hours during short outages.
7. How CenterPoint Restores Power

CenterPoint Energy follows a systematic approach to restore power efficiently:

1. Critical Infrastructure First – Hospitals, emergency services, and water facilities are prioritized.
2. High-Impact Areas Next – Crews then focus on repairs that restore service to the largest number of customers.
3. Individual Repairs Last – Finally, they address smaller or isolated outages.

CenterPoint uses advanced smart grid technology to detect issues faster and reroute power around damaged sections. This helps minimize downtime and improve reliability.

Preventing Future CenterPoint Outages

While some outages are inevitable, CenterPoint Energy continues investing in technology and infrastructure improvements to reduce their frequency. Efforts include:

• Installing automated smart switches for faster rerouting
• Upgrading underground power lines in vulnerable zones
• Expanding storm hardening projects to prevent damage
• Encouraging customers to use energy-efficient devices to balance grid demand

Customer Compensation and Claims

If you experienced property damage due to a CenterPoint outage, you may qualify for compensation under specific conditions. Customers can file claims for power surge damage through the official website. However, eligibility depends on proof of damage and confirmation that CenterPoint was at fault (not due to natural disasters).

Stay Prepared for the Next CenterPoint Outage

Preparation is your best defense. Create a simple emergency kit that includes:

• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Portable phone chargers
• Bottled water and non-perishable food
• First aid supplies
• A printed list of emergency contacts

You can also register for CenterPoint Energy Alerts to receive outage notifications and restoration updates via text or email.

Final Thoughts

The next time a CenterPoint outage hits, you don’t have to panic. By staying informed, reporting quickly, and following basic safety tips, you can minimize disruptions and protect your household. Power outages are part of modern life, but with CenterPoint’s growing investment in smart technology and customer communication, getting the lights back on is faster and more reliable than ever.

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