We’re only a few days past the official commencement of summer, and it’s already appearing to be a blistering season in numerous regions of the United States. While the eastern segment of the nation endures a spell of hazardous heat and humidity, a prominent Texas utility is gearing up for what lies ahead.
Foreseeing a generation deficiency near San Antonio, Texas, this summer, CenterPoint Energy has dispatched the initial five of 15 large temporary emergency generation units from the Greater Houston area to the San Antonio region to fulfill immediate power demands. The remaining units, which vary in capacity from 27 to 32 megawatts (MW), will be rolled out in three consecutive phases over the coming two months. Each can power approximately 30,000 residences.
The temporary emergency generation units will be deployed in the field for up to two years as part of a strategy formulated in partnership with the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), elected officials, regulators, and industry associates over the past six months. CenterPoint acquired the generators following Winter Storm Uri, which resulted in the deaths of at least 246 Texans in 2021, initially burdening ratepayers with part of the expense until resolving a rate case in February that absolved them as of May 1, 2025. The Public Utilities Commission authorized CenterPoint to charge its customers to assist in offsetting the cost of the $800 million generators while generating a profit. CenterPoint anticipates the average subscriber will experience a reduction in their bill by about $2 by 2027.
“This innovative, collaborative approach is advancing to help address our great state’s substantial energy requirements and enhance reliability throughout Texas. This unparalleled contribution of value from CenterPoint to the state will aid in minimizing the risk of energy deficiencies in San Antonio and will immediately decrease monthly bills for our Houston-area customers,” remarked Jason Ryan, CenterPoint Energy’s executive vice president of regulatory services and government relations. The investor-owned utility estimates the state contribution to be around $200 million.
During its response to Hurricane Beryl last summer, CenterPoint was criticized for not deploying the massive generators, which were specifically designed to prevent extended outages. In the February rate case settlement, the utility proposed relocating the emergency generators to the San Antonio area for two years to assist ERCOT in managing generation deficiencies. CenterPoint will receive no revenue or profit from the 15 large units sent to San Antonio, per an agreement with ERCOT.
CenterPoint is an electric transmission and distribution enterprise serving the 12-county Greater Houston area of Texas, indicating that the company does not own any power facilities in the state. Apart from the leased temporary generation units, CenterPoint does not produce any electricity in the state and does not procure electricity on behalf of its customers in Texas.
Summertime and the livin’ is easy
CenterPoint Energy is urging its customers to prepare for the rising temperatures ahead by utilizing company-provided tools, suggestions, and resources to unlock savings through simple energy efficiency actions and programs.
Customers can consider the following to remain comfortable while conserving energy and finances:
- Adjust the thermostat when away from home: Elevate the temperature a few degrees when absent from home for energy conservation. With a smart or programmable thermostat, a cooling system can operate according to a customer’s timetable.
- Replace or clean filters in HVAC systems: Air conditioning constitutes approximately 50% of a residence’s energy consumption during warmer months. Regular upkeep can prolong the lifespan of a home’s system; thus, replacing or cleaning filters is essential for efficient operation.
- Eliminate energy vampires: Energy drainers – commonly referred to as “energy vampires” – are electronic devices and appliances that consume electricity while in standby or ready mode without being fully powered off. Conserve energy by turning off unnecessary electric appliances, equipment, and lights when not in use.
- Utilize ceiling fans to circulate cool air: Setting ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise aids in circulating cool air and maintaining a pleasant room temperature.
- Prevent warm air infiltration: Use weather stripping or caulking in areas within and around a home where cooled air might escape, such as around windows and doors or where warm air could enter.
- Shield against the sun’s rays: When outside temperatures rise, keep window coverings closed during the sunniest times to sustain a more comfortable indoor climate.
- Upgrade appliances and equipment: When replacing appliances and equipment, opt for models with higher energy efficiency ratings for long-term financial savings. Rebates may be available for qualifying appliances.
