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About 2.3 million of CenterPoint's customers lost power last
week after Hurricane Beryl knocked down trees and electricity
infrastructure with its 80 mph winds. About 93,000 remained
without power on Tuesday, eight days after the hurricane.
The case alleges that CenterPoint, the state's largest power
provider, has failed for years to invest in infrastructure, and
to inspect, maintain and upgrade equipment and to train
personnel.
It also alleges that the utility did not have a competent storm
plan in place and failed to adequately respond to the storm once
it impacted the area.
Tony Buzbee, a lawyer on behalf of the plaintiffs, said in an
Instagram post the case makes claims for negligence and gross
negligence for "CenterPoint's repeated failure to do what any
reasonable and competent electricity provider would do and
should do."
CenterPoint said it remains focused on restoration efforts,
adding that the company does not comment on potential
litigation.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott on Tuesday sent a letter to
CenterPoint's chief executive officer directing him to improve
the company's preparation and response practices for the next
severe weather event in Southeast Texas.
Abbott requested that CenterPoint provide his office with a plan
by July 31 to address power issues including ways to eliminate
vegetation, ensure sufficient number of pre-staged workers,
accelerate electric pole replacements and improve communication
with customers.
He said he will issue an executive order that imposes certain
requirements on CenterPoint if it fails to submit a plan by that
date.
(Reporting by Arathy Somasekhar in Houston, Editing by Franklin
Paul and Matthew Lewis)
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