Centerpoint Energy under investigation

Attorney General Ken Paxton has opened up an investigation into CenterPoint Energy’s Conduct During Hurricane Beryl. Centerpoint, which provides natural gas to many Cass County residents, also provides utilities to the Houston area. Even though the investigation does not directly affect this area, on the chance there are fines levied against the utility company, the question needs to be asked if this area will see price increases due to future fines.

According to a release sent out from Paxton on Monday, it was announced that “Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (has) opened an investigation into CenterPoint Energy, the electrical utility company that largely covers the greater Houston area, for potential violations of Texas law relating to its conduct during Hurricane Beryl.

“The Office of the Attorney General is aware of allegations that CenterPoint’s conduct may have resulted in significant harm to Houston residents, including rate increases, outages, and lengthy delays in restoring power during Hurricane Beryl.

The investigation will examine allegations of fraud, waste, and improper use of taxpayer-provided funds.

“‘My office is aware of concerning allegations regarding CenterPoint and how its conduct affected readiness during Hurricane Beryl, a storm that left millions of Texans without power,” said Attorney General Paxton. “If the investigation uncovers unlawful activity, that activity will be met with the full force of the law.’” Senator Paul Bettencourt (R-Houston), member of the Senate Special Committee on Hurricane and Tropical Storm Preparedness, Recovery, and Electricity, released the following statement in response to the Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s Office launching an investigation into CenterPoint Energy and their response to Hurricane Beryl.

“I, for one, welcome this investigation by the Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s Office into CenterPoint Energy’s response to Hurricane Beryl, especially in the area of “…allegations of fraud, waste, and improper use of taxpayer-provided funds” per this Texas Attorney General’s Office press release.

“I have repeatedly stated that if I were an Inspector General, I would be investigating their 800-million-dollar generator contract for fraud. In recent weeks, CenterPoint has finally admitted that the 15 32 MW “mobile” generators acquired with a profit at ratepayer expense are “not” mobile, and a half dozen or more Senators repeatedly questioned this change during the 7/29 Senate Special Committee hearing chaired by Senator Charles Schwertner. The CenterPoint ratepayers and the whole community deserve to know the truth!” - Stated Senator Paul Bettencourt.!” - Stated Senator Paul Bettencourt.”

At the time of this article, Centerpoint has not released a statement concerning this action.