Linemen Safety Threatened in Houston Hurricane Beryl Aftermath

Houston, Texas – CenterPoint Energy is urging Houstonians to assist in keeping linemen safe amid a series of violent attacks as they work to restore power to those affected by Hurricane Beryl. The company’s CEO, Jason Wells, expressed concerns in a video about the threats faced by linemen. Over 100 linemen were evacuated following reports of shots fired at the restoration crews, resulting in one arrest by law enforcement.

Reports indicated that during the restoration efforts, a gun was brandished and rocks were thrown at CenterPoint crews by individuals engaging in criminal behavior. The company emphasized the safety of its employees, contractors, and support personnel as their top priority. Wells acknowledged the frustrations of customers without power and highlighted the dedication of the crews working tirelessly in challenging conditions to expedite power restoration.

While many Houstonians have shown understanding and patience during the outage, incidents of violence or threats against restoration crews have been reported. Wells emphasized that such actions are unacceptable and counterproductive, leading to delays in the restoration process. He urged the public to allow crews the space they need to work safely and efficiently.

Government officials, including Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, condemned the violence and emphasized the importance of ceasing such behavior. Abbott stressed that threats or intimidation towards linemen only hinder the power restoration process, while Patrick vowed to increase penalties for such crimes. Multiple incidents of violence, including gunfire and physical attacks, have been reported against CenterPoint crews in recent days.

The company’s spokesperson confirmed escalating violence against crews, including drive-by shootings and incidents of guns being pulled on workers. CenterPoint is actively coordinating with law enforcement and government authorities to ensure the safety of its personnel. The company called for support from communities and leaders to safeguard the linemen who are working diligently to bring back power to households across the region.

As tensions rise and incidents of violence continue, CenterPoint Energy remains committed to prioritizing the safety of its employees and those assisting in the power restoration efforts. The community’s cooperation and support are crucial in ensuring the protection and well-being of the men and women dedicating themselves to rebuilding after the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl.