MINNEAPOLIS - August 27, 2014 - For more than 40 years, CenterPoint Energy has been a proud supporter of the Minnesota State Fair, and this year the company is excited to be part of the opening of a new exhibit that highlights best practices for energy efficient building.

The exhibit, located in the Eco Experience, showcases the U.S. Department of Energy's "Zero Energy Ready Home" and displays four different approaches to high-performance building. Attendees of the new exhibit can learn about CenterPoint Energy's Whole Home Program, which promotes energy efficiency in the original construction of new homes and offers home builders the tools and expertise to maximize energy efficiency from the design stage through construction.

Natural gas equipment is also on display to show fairgoers what the inside of an aging furnace and water heater look like in order to highlight the importance of equipment maintenance and safety. "We want fairgoers to see what can happen inside an aging furnace; in this case a cracked heat exchanger is on display to show just how undetectable a crack can be without proper maintenance," said Amber Viehauser, energy programs product manager for CenterPoint Energy.

Natural gas vehicles (NGVs) located outside the entrance of the Eco Experience give visitors the opportunity to learn about the benefits of NGVs, including reduced fuel costs, and emissions.

CenterPoint Energy can also be found at the Blue Flame Lodge where attendees can:
·Learn about the benefits of natural gas through videos, natural gas appliance displays and other informational pieces.
·Cool down and learn about how to stay safe around natural gas pipelines.
·Get the chance to meet the company's beloved mascot, Buddy Blue Flame on Thursday and Friday.
·Receive the popular Gopher State One Call colored yard sticks that demonstrate the required two-foot tolerance zone that must be maintained for safe digging - a popular attraction at the fair.

To learn more about what CenterPoint Energy is doing in the community, visit CenterPoint Energy.com/Community.

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