The Houston community, still reeling from the devastating blow dealt by Hurricane Beryl, convened with CenterPoint Energy executives on Thursday in a highly anticipated conversation to address the calamitous aftermath. Bishop James Dixon, alongside a robust assembly of public servants and community leaders, emerged from this vital discussion underwhelmed and resolute in their disappointment. According to KHOU 11, Dixon, not mincing words, conveyed the severity of CenterPoint's failures in the wake of destruction that left over one million people without power amid suffocating heat.
With Houston's elected representatives, including Rep. Al Green and Rep. Sylvia Garcia, at the frontlines of accountability, CenterPoint CEO Jason Wells conceded the company's shortcomings. Garcia, channeling the collective ire of the community, articulated the three critical areas where the public utility stumbled: communication, coordination, and command. "To their credit, he [Wells] did use the words, he said, ‘We failed the community’ and I agree with him and they failed miserably," Garcia told KHOU 11.
In response to the fatalities, including those who succumbed to hyperthermia because of the unabating outages, LULAC's Mary Ramos underscored the dire needs of the elderly, particularly those in nursing homes devoid of power. Green characterized the exchange with CenterPoint executives as frank and candid, and though they were "humbled" and willing to take responsibility, he emphasized the critical need for more than just words: action is paramount.
The coalition, which included notable figures like Bishop Johnny Tates, Dr. Sam Gilbert, and representatives from the Greater Houston Justice Coalition, also met CenterPoint senior staff and government relations at the Four Seasons Hotel, as reported by Click2Houston. The aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, which disrobed the infrastructure efficacies of CenterPoint, has equally displayed the fortitude of community centers like Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church that, despite its losses, managed to provide sustenance to thousands.
Meanwhile, state leadership has taken note of the fiasco, with Governor Greg Abbott dispatching a missive outlining improvements he expects CenterPoint to implement. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick also announced a special senate committee dedicated to probing the mishandling of the storm's response. As CenterPoint bears the brunt of scrutiny, the community demands not only introspection but actionable steps to safeguard against future calamities.
