CenterPoint Energy Overview
CenterPoint Energy is the primary transmission and distribution service provider (TDSP) for the Houston metropolitan area and surrounding communities in Southeast Texas. As one of the largest electric utilities in Texas, CenterPoint delivers electricity to more than 2.5 million customers across a 5,000-square-mile service territory.
Service Area Coverage
CenterPoint Energy's service territory encompasses the heart of Southeast Texas, including:
- Houston: The fourth-largest city in the United States
- Harris County: The most populous county in Texas
- Surrounding Counties: Fort Bend, Montgomery, Galveston, and more
- Coastal Communities: Galveston, Texas City, and other Gulf Coast areas
CenterPoint Energy delivers the electricity to your home or business, but you choose your retail electric provider (REP) to purchase your energy plan and set your rates.
Why CenterPoint's Infrastructure Matters
When you choose an electricity plan in CenterPoint's service area, you benefit from their extensive infrastructure investments:
Smart Grid Technology
CenterPoint has deployed advanced smart meters across their entire service territory, providing:
- Real-time energy usage monitoring
- Faster outage detection and restoration
- Remote meter reading (no more estimated bills)
- Support for time-of-use pricing plans
Storm Hardening & Reliability
Living on the Gulf Coast means preparing for severe weather. CenterPoint has invested heavily in:
- Stronger Poles & Lines: Upgraded infrastructure to withstand high winds
- Vegetation Management: Proactive tree trimming to prevent outages
- Underground Lines: Strategic undergrounding in flood-prone areas
- Rapid Response: Dedicated storm response teams and mutual aid agreements
Grid Modernization
CenterPoint continues to modernize the Houston-area grid with:
- Automated switching systems for faster outage restoration
- Enhanced monitoring and control systems
- Integration of renewable energy sources
- Support for electric vehicle charging infrastructure
Understanding Your Electricity Bill
Your electricity bill in CenterPoint's service area has two main components:
1. CenterPoint Delivery Charges (Regulated)
These charges are the same regardless of which retail electric provider you choose:
- Customer Charge: Fixed monthly fee for meter and service
- Energy Delivery Charge: Per-kWh charge for delivering electricity
- TDSP Charges: Various regulatory and infrastructure charges
2. Retail Electric Provider Charges (Competitive)
These charges vary by provider and plan:
- Energy Charge: The rate your REP charges per kWh
- Base Charge: Monthly service fee (if applicable)
- Additional Fees: Varies by provider and plan
Pro Tip: When comparing plans, always look at the total price per kWh at your expected usage level. The advertised rate may not reflect your actual cost.
Outage Reporting & Customer Service
Report an Outage
If you experience a power outage in CenterPoint's service area:
- Online: Visit CenterPointEnergy.com and use the outage tracker
- Mobile App: Download the CenterPoint Energy app for iOS or Android
- Phone: Call 1-800-332-7143 (available 24/7)
- Text: Text "OUT" to 48368 (CENTE) after registering your phone number
Outage Map
CenterPoint provides a real-time outage map showing:
- Current outages across the service area
- Number of customers affected
- Estimated restoration times
- Crew locations and status updates
Emergency Preparedness
Living in hurricane-prone Southeast Texas requires preparation:
- Keep CenterPoint's outage number saved in your phone
- Have a backup power plan for extended outages
- Know your REP's contact information for billing questions
- Sign up for outage alerts via text or email
Finding the Best Plans in CenterPoint Territory
All retail electric providers in CenterPoint's service area pay the same delivery charges, so the difference in your total bill comes from:
- Energy rates: The price per kWh your REP charges
- Plan structure: Fixed-rate, variable-rate, or indexed plans
- Contract terms: Length, early termination fees, and renewal terms
- Additional fees: Base charges, minimum usage fees, etc.
Popular Plan Types
Fixed-Rate Plans: Lock in your energy rate for the contract term (typically 6-36 months). Best for budget stability.
Variable-Rate Plans: Rates change monthly based on market conditions. More flexibility but less predictability.
Time-of-Use Plans: Different rates for peak and off-peak hours. Best if you can shift usage to off-peak times.
100% Renewable Plans: Support wind and solar energy. Often competitively priced with traditional plans.
Compare all available plans in CenterPoint's service area →
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose any electric provider in CenterPoint's area?
Yes! Texas' deregulated electricity market allows you to choose from dozens of retail electric providers. CenterPoint delivers the electricity regardless of which provider you choose.
Does CenterPoint offer electricity plans?
No, CenterPoint only delivers electricity. You must choose a retail electric provider (REP) to purchase your electricity plan. Browse available plans above.
How do CenterPoint's delivery charges compare to other TDSPs?
CenterPoint's delivery charges are regulated by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) and are competitive with other major TDSPs. The charges are the same regardless of which REP you choose.
What should I do during a hurricane or severe weather?
- Report outages immediately through CenterPoint's app or website
- Stay away from downed power lines
- Have a backup power plan (generator, battery backup)
- Keep your phone charged to receive outage updates
- Follow CenterPoint's social media for restoration updates
Can I get solar panels with CenterPoint?
Yes! CenterPoint supports distributed generation (rooftop solar). You'll need to work with a solar installer and your REP to set up net metering. CenterPoint handles the interconnection process.
How do I start or stop service?
Contact your chosen retail electric provider (REP) to start or stop service. They will coordinate with CenterPoint to connect or disconnect your meter. CenterPoint does not handle service requests directly.
Additional Resources
- CenterPoint Energy Website: www.centerpointenergy.com
- Outage Tracker: outagemap.centerpointenergy.com
- Customer Service: 1-800-332-7143
- Emergency Gas Leaks: 1-888-876-5786
Last updated: January 2026
