Electric and gas utility CenterPoint Energy warns of data breach after dark web post

CenterPoint Energy faces five proposed class action lawsuits over a data breach allegedly exposing personal information of millions of customers. Lawsuits claim 6.7-7 million records were leaked, with cybercriminals accessing names, phone numbers, addresses, and Social Security numbers. CenterPoint has not verified the breach. Lawsuits allege inadequate security measures and seek damages for potential identity theft costs. A threat actor claimed to have leaked the data on Sept. 1.

Centerpoint Energy Inc reported $1.1B in net income for fiscal year 2025, a 3.2% increase from the prior year. The company's trailing 12-month net income also stands at $1.1B. The data spans 15 fiscal years, showing fluctuations in net income, with Q1 2026 net income at $316.0M, up 6.4% year-over-year.

Moody's upgraded CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp.'s rating to A2 from A3 and affirmed other ratings for CNP and Houston Electric. The outlook for CNP changed to stable due to improved financial metrics, including a 13.2% cash flow to debt ratio. CNP plans $34.2B in investments from 2026-2030 and expects to complete the sale of its Ohio Gas LDC for $2.4B in Q4 2026.

Utility Dive roundup covers US climate grants, state VPP and microgrid bills, and utility earnings and projects. It notes a divided appeals court blocked EPA efforts to reclaim $20B Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund grants. It also cites Southern Co’s 17 GW large-load contracts, Eversource’s Q2 income drop, and PJM’s capacity backstop plan amid data-center demand.

CenterPoint Energy said in its latest earnings report it raised its 10-year capital investment plan by $1.2 billion to $66.7 billion, citing growth in data center demand. The company linked the outlook to ERCOT’s Batch Zero process and projected 14GW of eligible load by 2031. It also reiterated plans to energize 8GW of Greater Houston data center load by 2029.

CenterPoint Energy (CNP) shares fell about 3% to $42.96 after Q2 results. The company reported Q2 revenue of $2,152m (up from $1,944m), net income of $244m (up from $198m), and net profit margin rising to 11.6% from 10.4%. It reiterated 2026 non-GAAP EPS guidance and reaffirmed a $66.7b 10-year capital plan, with investors weighing capex and regulatory risks.