Centerpoint Energy shows the safety focus by providing the advanced mobile leak detection technology – the Gilmer mirror

Investment in innovative technology increases earth's gas safety and achieving sustainability goals by reducing methane emissions in the company's natural gas vices

Picarro Advanced Mobile Leck recognition system identifies potential leaks faster and improves safety and reliability

Houston – February 28, 2025 – Centerpoint Energy continues to use advanced gas leaking technology to recognize methane in the air faster and more precisely than ever. The Picarro Advanced Mobile Leak Detection System, a state-of-the-art vehicle matt technology, enables centerpoint crews to find and repair potential natural gas leaks faster and to repair, which reduces methane emissions and improves the safety of the system.

The company was one of the country's first supply companies to introduce Picarro technology and piled its use in Minnesota and Texas in 2013. Now the company operates one of the world's largest fleet, with units in the company's entire natural gas footprint. In addition to other modernization initiatives, the Picarro system reflects Centerpoint's investment in innovative technology that strengthen security, reliability and sustainability.

The Picarro measurement is 1,000 -more sensitive than conventional leak detection methods and identifies the methane emissions at parts per billion (ppb) and not parts per million (ppm). The increased sensitivity of this technology enables crews to determine problems earlier and enable faster reduction and repair of potential natural gas leaks.

“This technology enables us to recognize potential leaks with greater precision and speed, which strengthens the safety of our system and is one of the many ways that we invest in the keeping of natural gas in the pipe and outside of air,” said Richard Leger, Senior Vice President of Centerpoint, natural gas business. “We continue to promote innovative solutions to offer a safe, reliable service that benefits our customers and the communities for which we serve.”

What does this mean for customers and communities

Due to the faster detection of potential leaks, the Picarro system not only improves security and reduces the risk of interruptions for services, but also plays a decisive role in reducing methane emissions and also improves environmental compatibility. As part of its broader efforts to modernize the earth's gas system, Centerpoint is working to reduce methane emissions by around 33% compared to 2021 by 2035. This progress strengthens today's system reliability and at the same time support a more sustainable energy future for customers and municipalities.

How the technology works

The Picarro system uses extended analyzes and real-time monitoring to improve the detection and reaction of leaks through the leak:

• Faster, more precise recognition: The Picarro system continuously scans air samples, while a vehicle follows a designated route, usually at night when atmospheric conditions enable a higher level of accuracy.
• Stuck potential problems and reduce disorders: The system protocol applications on the emission release and the implementation of field crews can carry out targeted inspections, determine whether there is a leak and carry out the required repairs with minimal effects on the customers if necessary.
• More intelligent, more reliable infrastructure: By reducing methane emissions and improving maintenance efficiency, Picarro plays a role in system reliability and in the process of continuing to offer customers a secure and reliable service for customers.

For more information, see Centerpointenergy.com/picarro.