HOUSTON, Aug. 30, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As Louisiana residents along the coast prepare for Hurricane Gustav, CenterPoint Energy recommends the following natural gas safety tips:

    * The company strongly advises customers NOT to turn off their
      natural gas at the meter. The gas meter should be left on to
      maintain proper pressure in the gas piping within the house and
      to prevent water from entering the lines should flooding occur.

    * If a customer does wish to discontinue gas service, it is
      suggested that the gas be turned off at each appliance. Later,
      to restore gas service to an appliance, it is only necessary to
      follow the written instructions located on the appliance for
      relighting. If unable to locate instructions, call a qualified
      plumber.

    * Though CenterPoint Energy's gas lines are buried underground and
      are not normally affected by strong winds, high water or other
      abnormal weather conditions, the company is fully prepared to
      respond to any emergency situation that might arise during a
      hurricane. To report natural gas emergencies, call 888-876-5786.

CenterPoint Energy, Inc., headquartered in Houston, Texas, is a domestic energy delivery company that includes electric transmission & distribution, natural gas distribution, competitive natural gas sales and services, interstate pipelines and field services operations. The company serves more than five million metered customers primarily in Arkansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas. Assets total over $17 billion. With about 8,600 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 130 years. For more information, visit the Web site at http://www.CenterPointEnergy.com.

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          CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
          Media Relations
          Pager: 713.619.5143