Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions
CenterPoint Energy is a leading energy partner with an ongoing commitment to ensuring access to affordable, reliable and sustainable energy, while leveraging innovative technology to continue reducing emissions. In 2020, we announced new carbon policy goals to reduce our operational emissions by 70% by 2035 and emissions attributable to natural gas usage within the residential and commercial sectors by 20-30% by 2040. Today, our ambitions go further and faster. CenterPoint Energy has announced a bold goal to be the first combined electric and natural gas utility with electric generating assets to achieve Net Zero by 2035. Additionally, we have advanced our goal to reduce emissions from natural gas end use by 20-30% from 2040 to 2035.
To achieve a clean energy future and reduce greenhouse (GHG) emissions, CenterPoint Energy is:
- Enacting our long-term electric generation transition plan.
- Investing in research and development projects, infrastructure modernization and renewables, like solar and wind energy.
- Offering effective and affordable energy conservation and energy efficiency programs.
- Providing more consumer choices for alternative transportation fuels and expanding electric vehicle infrastructure in Indiana and Texas.
- Partnering with our natural gas suppliers to take meaningful steps to lower methane emissions across the natural gas value chain.
- Investing in Methane Reduction Technologies
- We are employing innovative, environmentally responsible technology called ZEVAC® (Zero Emission Vacuum and Compressor) to transfer natural gas between two pipelines, saving natural gas along the way.
- We have the world’s largest fleet of state-of-the-art Picarro Surveyor™ leak survey technology, which is far more sensitive and faster at locating methane leaks than traditional methods.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Scope 1, 2, and 3 GHG Emissions (million metric tons of CO₂ equivalent)
2020 GHG Emissions by Scope and Source
Scope 1
16.4%
88.5%
ELECTRIC GENERATION
10%
NATURAL GAS OPERATIONS1
1%
FLEET VEHICLES
0.5%
SF6 EMISSIONS2
Scope 2
0.2%
76%
FACILITY
ELECTRICITY USE
24%
POWER LINE LOSSES3
Scope 3
83.4%
100%
NATURAL GAS SUPPLIED TO
END USE CUSTOMERS4
- Natural Gas Local Distribution Company (LDC) operations Subpart W GHG emissions are determined using emissions factors and calculations as required by the USEPA mandatory GHG report rule.
- Electric Transmission Substation and Distribution Equipment Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the form of SF6 are determined using emission factors and calculations as required by the USEPA mandatory GHG reporting rule.
- Does not include line loss attributable to CenterPoint Energy’s Houston Electric transmission and distribution assets.
- Subpart NN Indirect Emissions are GHG Emissions Reported to the USEPA Based on the Amount of Natural Gas Supplied to end use Customers.
Climate Modeling for 2° and 1.5° Scenarios
The actions being taken today as part of our electric generation transition plan are expected to meet both the short-and long-term targets set by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) to limit global temperature increases to 2° Celsius by 2100, as well as the alternative short-term target aimed at limiting global warming to 1.5° Celsius. We will continue to assess steps to achieve the IPCC’s target of limiting global warming to 1.5° Celsius.
Mitigating SF6 Emissions
Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), a greenhouse gas (GHG), is an insulating gas used in high-voltage electric transmission and distribution switchgear equipment. Since 1999, CenterPoint Energy’s electric operations business has been actively involved in SF6 emission reduction efforts through our participation in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) SF6 Emissions Reduction Partnership for Electric Power Systems. We have lowered our rate through a strong leak detection strategy, a tracking procedure for natural gas inventory, employee training and SF6-containing equipment.
Participating in the Methane Challenge
The EPA Natural Gas STAR Program provides a framework for partner companies with U.S. oil and natural gas operations to implement methane reducing technologies and practices, as well as to document their voluntary emission reduction activities. CenterPoint Energy joined the program in 1997 and submits its reports annually.
Scope 3 Customer End Use Goal by 2035
*As measured from Form EIA-176 for residential and commercial customers.
Scope 1 GHG Emissions from the Direct Operations of CenterPoint Energy Assets
| Emissions Source |
2018 (metric tons CO2e) |
2019 (metric tons CO2e) |
2020 (metric tons CO2e) |
| Electric Generation | 5,961,697 | 6,071,283 | 4,620,963 |
| Electric Transmission and Distribution Equipment (SF6) | 1,053 | 3,625 | 24,633 |
| Natural Gas LDC Operations | 605,074 | 540,975 | 533,572 |
| Fleet | 76,872 | 68,171 | 58,105 |
