Attorney General Paxton Opens Investigation Into CenterPoint Energy’s Conduct During Beryl
August 12, 2024 | Austin, TX
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.”
Texas Senator Paul Bettencourt (SD 7) said, “I welcome this investigation by the Texas Attorney General’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.” 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 July 29 Senate Special Committee hearing chaired by Senator Charles Schwertner. The CenterPoint ratepayers and the whole community deserve to know the truth!”