Houston Power Outages: 200,000 Still Without Power a Week After Hurricane Beryl

HOUSTON – Hurricane Beryl struck Houston a week ago, leaving over 200,000 residences and commercial establishments grappling with persistent power outages. The unexpected escalation to a full-fledged hurricane caught many off guard, including local authorities and utility providers.

Governor Abbott expressed frustration over CenterPoint Energy’s inadequate response to the crisis, issuing stern warnings of potential consequences if the company does not promptly implement improvements in hurricane preparedness.

“CenterPoint has completely dropped the ball with regard to restoring power,” Governor Abbott stated at a recent press briefing. “CenterPoint needs to step up and get the job done.”

Houston Mayor John Whitmire echoed concerns about the hurricane’s unpredictability and its severe impact on the city. “We were told we would get tropical winds and 6 to 10 inches of rain. It turned into a full-fledged hurricane,” Mayor Whitmire remarked, underscoring the challenges faced in managing the crisis effectively.

Thomas Gleeson, Chair of the Public Utility Commission, emphasized the urgency of his investigation into CenterPoint’s handling of the outage situation. “I expect these investigations to be completed during hurricane season. We are still at the beginning of hurricane season,” Gleeson affirmed, highlighting the need for swift regulatory oversight.

Governor Abbott warned of potential regulatory actions if CenterPoint fails to comply with operational improvements, including the possibility of limiting the company’s service territory. He also demanded a detailed action plan from CenterPoint by the end of July, outlining measures to enhance resilience against future natural disasters.

CenterPoint Energy projected that power restoration efforts would reach 98% completion by Wednesday, aiming to alleviate the prolonged suffering of affected residents and businesses.

As Houston continues its recovery from Hurricane Beryl, the spotlight remains on CenterPoint Energy’s response and the broader implications for disaster preparedness in the region. Governor Abbott’s insistence on accountability underscores the gravity of the situation as the city strives to regain normalcy amidst ongoing challenges.