CenterPoint Energy Faces Scrutiny After Hurricane Beryl Leaves Millions Without Power, Sparking Calls for Utility Reform.

The aftermath of Hurricane Beryl in Houston, Texas, has caused a political controversy over CenterPoint Energy’s handling of the aftermath of the storm, which left more than 2 million customers without power for three days and hundreds of thousands without electricity for a week. The company, which has been under investigation by Texas lawmakers, regulators, and the state’s Republican attorney general, is facing a deadline to produce documents about its storm response. Critics argue that CenterPoint’s failure to adequately protect the local grid from severe weather could change how electric utilities operate for decades. This could lead to a shift in how privately owned electric utilities are allowed to make money in Texas’ main power region, potentially leading to more oversight. The lessons from Houston’s latest energy crisis could also be learned beyond the state.