CenterPoint went big on seldom-used mobile generators. $800 million later, it needs smaller ones

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In response to criticism following Hurricane Beryl, CenterPoint Energy acknowledges a shortage of smaller mobile generators, despite its previous investment in $800 million worth of idle larger generators capable of powering entire neighborhoods. The company, facing scrutiny from the Texas Public Utility Commission, now aims to increase its fleet of smaller units to better respond to emergencies like Beryl which left millions without power for days.

CenterPoint Energy's decision to focus on larger generators has drawn backlash, as critics argue that the company's emphasis should be on the transmission, not generation, of electricity. With escalating concerns about the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of their equipment choices, including assertions that the larger generators are not suitable for rapid response scenarios, CenterPoint Energy faces renewed scrutiny over its emergency preparedness and investment decisions amid ongoing regulatory hearings.