CenterPoint Energy's Pipeline Services unit was selected by Alon USA to develop Alon's pipeline integrity plans for nearly 1,300 miles of pipeline assets located in Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma. CenterPoint Energy Pipeline Services include:

  --  identification of segments which might affect High Consequence Areas,
  --  an index-based risk assessment and prioritization of Alon's identified
      pipeline segments,
  --  a baseline assessment plan which will include the description of
      processes for determining the optimum methodology for inspection of
      the pipeline segments and a baseline assessment schedule, and
  --  a written integrity management framework and supporting procedures.

"Alon selected CenterPoint Energy to provide services for our Pipeline Integrity Management program because of their responsiveness, pipeline knowledge, and ability to provide a program that will allow for ongoing expansion and development," said Randy Hillman, manager of Pipelines and Terminals for Alon USA. More information about Alon USA is available on their website at www.alonusa.com .

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CenterPoint Energy's Pipeline Services unit provides comprehensive integrity management & compliance services and project management services for clients throughout the United States. The company also operates nearly 9,000 miles of natural gas and liquids pipelines in 9 states and offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. More information is available on their website: http://www.ps.centerpointenergy.com/ .

CenterPoint Energy, Inc., headquartered in Houston, Texas, is a domestic energy delivery company that includes electric transmission and distribution, natural gas distribution and sales, interstate pipeline and gathering operations, and more than 14,000 megawatts of power generation in Texas. The company serves nearly five million customers primarily in Arkansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas. Assets total approximately $20 billion. CenterPoint Energy became the new holding company for the regulated operations of the former Reliant Energy, Incorporated in August 2002. With more than 11,000 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 130 years. For more information, visit the Web site at www.CenterPointEnergy.com .

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SOURCE: CenterPoint Energy