CenterPoint Energy Entex, serving the natural gas needs of much of the Gulf Coast region, provides customers natural gas safety precautions to be taken in advance of Tropical Storm Bill.

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"I want to assure customers that we're fully prepared to respond to any emergency situation that might arise as a result of Tropical Storm Bill," said Mike Fine, vice president and general manager of CenterPoint Energy Entex's Mississippi division. "Gas lines are buried underground and are not normally affected by strong winds, high water or other abnormal weather conditions."

  Before the Storm:
  -- CenterPoint Energy Entex advises customers not to turn off their
     natural gas at the meter.  The gas meter should be left on to maintain
     proper pressure in the gas piping within the house and to prevent water
     from entering the lines should flooding occur.

  -- If a customer does wish to discontinue gas service, it is suggested
     that the gas be turned off at each appliance.  Later, to restore gas
     service to an appliance, it is only necessary to follow the written
     instructions located on the appliance for re-lighting.  If unable to
     locate instructions, call a qualified plumber.

  After the storm:
  -- If a customer smells gas upon returning home, leave the house and call
     CenterPoint Energy Entex from a neighbor's house or a remote location
     as soon as possible.

  -- For a flooded home, call a licensed plumber or a gas appliance
     technician to inspect appliances and gas piping to make sure they are
     in good operating condition before calling CenterPoint Energy Entex to
     reconnect service.  This includes outdoor gas appliances also, such as
     pool heaters, gas grills, and gas lights.

  -- If there's been no flooding in the home and the natural gas is turned
     off at the meter, please call CenterPoint Energy Entex to reconnect
     service.

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 more than $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 Entex