Harris County voters are increasingly concerned about CenterPoint Energy's spending practices, the utility's response to recent extreme weather events, and the overall quality of life in the Greater Houston area, according to a new survey. The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) has now approved an audit of CenterPoint's use of taxpayer funds, adding to the growing calls for greater accountability and transparency from the energy provider.

Houstonians Seek Answers and Improved Service from CenterPoint Energy

CenterPoint's Proposed Rate Hike and Negotiations with City Leaders

Before the devastating Derecho and Hurricane Beryl struck the Greater Houston area, CenterPoint Energy was in the midst of negotiations to increase its rates. However, after the severe weather events, the company decided to halt those negotiations. The PUC initially agreed not to proceed with the rate review, but later directed CenterPoint to return to the negotiation table with city leaders to agree on a fair rate.City of Houston Attorney Arturo Michel stated that CenterPoint has since reached out to resume negotiations, though a specific date has not yet been set. The PUC will now wait for the outcome of these negotiations before taking any further action on the rate review.

PUC Approves Audit of CenterPoint's Use of Taxpayer Funds

During the PUC's recent meeting, the decision was made to find a third-party auditor to investigate how CenterPoint is spending taxpayer dollars. This move comes in response to a call from Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick to examine the energy giant's use of mobile generators during the October hearing in Houston.PUC Chairman Thomas Gleeson explained that the audit will allow the public to gain a better understanding of how CenterPoint evaluates customer needs for mobile generation, including a review of the company's emergency operations plan. Commissioner Courtney Hjaltman added that the audit will hopefully help rebuild trust between CenterPoint and its customers.Gleeson stated that he wants the audit report to be completed by April, and CenterPoint has expressed its commitment to transparency and accountability, welcoming the review.

CenterPoint's Response to Hurricane Beryl and Independent Review

In the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, CenterPoint Energy released an independent, third-party review of the company's response to the storm. This review, conducted by PA Consulting, found the temporary generation procurement process to be competitive and transparent.CenterPoint has stated that it has already implemented or is in the process of implementing two-thirds of the 77 recommendations made by PA Consulting. The company has also engaged PA Consulting to conduct a full review of its Hurricane Beryl response, which was released publicly last month.

Calls for Accountability and Improved Service

The growing concerns among Harris County voters regarding CenterPoint's accountability, its response to extreme weather events, and the overall quality of life in the Greater Houston area have led to increased scrutiny and demands for change.The PUC's decision to audit CenterPoint's use of taxpayer funds, coupled with the company's commitment to transparency and ongoing efforts to improve its emergency response, suggest that there is a recognition of the need for greater accountability and better service delivery to the community.As CenterPoint continues to negotiate with city leaders and implement the recommendations from the independent review, the public will be closely watching to see if the energy provider can regain the trust and confidence of the people it serves.