New CenterPoint outage tracker is online ahead of Tropical Storm Francine – Houston Public Media

New CenterPoint outage tracker is online ahead of Tropical Storm Francine – Houston Public Media

CenterPoint Energy

CenterPoint outage tracker map along closed segment of Hardy Toll Road

CenterPoint’s new and improved power outage tracker is now online after the previous version left customers in the dark.

The old power outage map went offline in the wake of Hurricane Beryl as millions of Houstonians were left with no power and little to no information from CenterPoint about when it would be restored.

Customers had to turn to alternative methods, like using the Whataburger app as a makeshift electricity tracker.

“We certainly know that we need to re-earn our customers’ trust, and we are hopeful that with these new opportunities and communications that will address their concerns,” said Michelle Hundley, a representative for CenterPoint, on Monday.

The updated map promises to communicate an estimated time for power restoration within 24 hours of a tropical storm or hurricane and update those estimates daily. The map will also show whether or not a CenterPoint crew has been assigned to an outage.

The map also has weather integration, so customers can see in more detail how their area is being impacted.

In addition to the new outage tracker, CenterPoint is calling for people to sign up for their Power Alert Service to receive customer-specific outage details and updates via phone, text, or email. Customers will be able to add up to five people to an account.

“The outage tracker and the power alert service go hand-in-hand to give the customer the most information about their location,” said Hundley.

CenterPoint says they will “remain vigilant and prepared for storm response” ahead of Tropical Storm Francine, which is expected to develop into a full-fledged hurricane before it makes landfall.