Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into CenterPoint Energy following Hurricane Beryl's chaotic aftermath in Houston. As per the official announcement, the inquiry is looking into possible violations of Texas law by the utility company, which could include price gouging, prolonged outages, and delays in power restoration.

Paxton's office intends to closely scrutinize the situation to potentially bring to light any instances of fraud or misuse of taxpayer funds. "My office is aware of concerning allegations regarding CenterPoint and how its conduct affected readiness during Hurricane Beryl, a storm that left millions of Texans without power," Paxton stated. Allegations have surfaced suggesting that CenterPoint's responses were perhaps neither swift nor sufficiently efficient in the face of the hurricane's devastation.

The scrutiny comes on the heels of Beryl, which inflicted severe damage and left swathes of the Houston population in the dark. Critics have raised questions about the speed of CenterPoint's response and the sudden spike in customer bills following the storm. The investigation will aim to ensure that if any unlawful actions were taken, they will be met with appropriate consequences.

Investigative efforts seek to delve comprehensively into the company's handling of both the preparatory and responsive measures during the hurricane. Paxton assured Texans that any illicit activities uncovered will "be met with the full force of the law."