The Edison Electric Institute (EEI) announced CenterPoint Energy as a recipient of six EEI’s Emergency Response Awards, for the company’s work following hurricanes Delta, Hannah, Isaias, Laura, Sally and Zeta. Presented to EEI member companies, Emergency Response Awards recognize recovery and assistance efforts of electric companies following service disruptions caused by extreme weather or other natural events. The winners were chosen by a panel of judges following an international nomination process, and the awards were presented during EEI’s virtual Winter Board and Chief Executives Meeting.
“These awards reflect CenterPoint Energy’s commitment to always being there for communities in need. In 2020, 800 mutual assistance employees, contractors and support personnel helped restore power to customers in Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, New York and Texas,” said Kenny Mercado, CenterPoint Energy’s Executive Vice President, Electric Utility.
CenterPoint Energy is part of electric utility mutual assistance programs that provide access to thousands of linemen and tree trimmers from around the country to lend a hand during widespread power outage emergencies. Coming to the aid of other utilities is nothing new to CenterPoint Energy employees. Over the years, crews have responded and restored power to hundreds of thousands of customers throughout the country who have been left in the dark following hurricanes, ice storms, tornadoes and severe thunderstorms.
“Over the past year, many of our nation’s electric companies and their customers have endured historic storms and wildfires and other significant weather-related events,” said EEI President Tom Kuhn. “Working around the clock to restore power safely and quickly to customers and deploying mutual assistance crews to support impacted companies are hallmarks of the electric power industry. When disasters strike, impacted and neighboring electric companies are quick to assess damage and to respond and assist with restoration.
“I congratulate and applaud CenterPoint Energy for demonstrating continued commitment to the customers and to the communities it serves. In the midst of a global pandemic and often in the most hazardous of conditions, CenterPoint Energy and its frontline employees worked around-the-clock to restore service safely and quickly. CenterPoint Energy is exceptionally deserving of this prestigious award.”
