Hurricane Beryl’s Lasting Impact on Houston
Over a year has passed since Hurricane Beryl made landfall in Houston, leaving over 2.2 million homes and businesses without power. The effects of the storm are still being felt, with many residents expressing dissatisfaction with CenterPoint Energy, the company responsible for supplying electricity to the area.
Negative Opinion of CenterPoint Energy
A recent survey conducted by the University of Houston Hobby School of Public Affairs found that 63% of respondents in Harris County have an unfavorable opinion of CenterPoint Energy. Only 33% of respondents had a favorable opinion, while 4% remained neutral. The survey highlights the ongoing concerns and frustrations of the community regarding the company’s ability to provide reliable electricity.
Hurricane Beryl’s Devastation
Hurricane Beryl made landfall on July 8, 2024, as a category 1 storm, causing widespread power outages and damage. The storm resulted in at least 42 deaths, with 22 occurring in Harris County. Ten of these deaths were attributed to hyperthermia caused by the lack of power during the hot summer months. The survey’s findings suggest that the community is still reeling from the effects of the storm and is eager to see improvements in the power grid.
Progress on Grid Resiliency
In June 2025, CenterPoint Energy reached a $3.2 billion settlement with several Houston-area municipalities to improve the power grid’s resiliency. The funds will be used over several years to implement a systemwide plan to harden the grid. However, the survey found that many residents are skeptical about the company’s progress. Only 7% of respondents believed that CenterPoint had made significant improvements, while 44% thought they had made only a little progress. A quarter of respondents felt that the company had made no improvements at all.
Concerns About Severe Weather
The survey also revealed that the vast majority of Harris County residents are worried about severe summer weather. Loss of power is the top concern, with 42% of respondents being "very worried" and 27% being "moderately worried." High wind damage and flooding are also significant concerns, with 25% and 20% of respondents being "very worried," respectively.
Survey Findings
The survey, which was conducted between July 9-18, polled 2,300 registered voters in Harris County. The margin of error was +/- 2.04%. The findings provide valuable insights into the community’s perceptions and concerns regarding CenterPoint Energy and the power grid.
Conclusion
The survey’s findings highlight the ongoing challenges and concerns faced by the Houston community in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl. While CenterPoint Energy has taken steps to improve the power grid, many residents remain skeptical about the company’s progress. As the region prepares for future severe weather events, it is essential for CenterPoint Energy to prioritize grid resiliency and communicate effectively with the community to address their concerns and build trust.
