CenterPoint Energy
Contents
- 1 CenterPoint Energy
- 2 CenterPoint Energy Power Outage
- 3 CenterPoint Energy Bill Pay
- 4 CenterPoint Energy Efficiency Programs
- 5 Texas Power to Choose
- 6 Choosing an Electric Supplier
- 7 Frequently Asked Questions
- 8 What is the Electricity Facts Label (EFL)?
- 9 Can I Change Utility Companies?
- 10 What is the Supply Charge?
- 11 Who is my Current Energy Supplier?
- 12 Texas Utilities
- 13 Clean Energy
- 14 Electricity Rates
CenterPoint Energy is the only investor-owned utility company in Texas, responsible for managing and maintaining the infrastructure or power lines that deliver electricity to homes and businesses within its service area. The utility company’s service area expands to areas that include the south and east Texas. CenterPoint Energy delivers power to more than 2.5 million customers in the greater Houston area along with Bastrop, Katy, Texarkana, and Sugar Land just to name a few. The company is committed to performing at a level to make it one of America’s top delivery service companies.
CenterPoint Energy Power Outage
Thanks to advancements in technology and billions invested in the power grid system, CenterPoint Energy can detect issues and divert power outages before they can occur. However, if you do experience a power outage, then you will need to contact the utility company.
- CenterPoint Energy Customer Service: 1-800-752-8036
CenterPoint Energy Bill Pay
Homes and businesses that reside in the utility’s service area can easily manage their payments online. CenterPoint Energy bill pay allows customers to enroll online to easily manage electric bills, check past payments, and manage future payments. Sign up for automatic bill-pay and never worry about missing a payment again.
CenterPoint Energy Efficiency Programs
Not only is CenterPoint Energy dedicated to maintaining a reliable power grid system that you can depend on, but they are also dedicated to finding ways to help you save on energy. Energy usage can easily increase by 30% or more during those hot Texas summers. Finding ways to cut down on energy consumption during those times can help put money back in your wallet. CenterPoint Energy’s Efficiency Programs can provide discounts on energy-saving products so you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for savings.
Keeping products maintained can increase the efficiency along with the life span of the product. Your A/C is no different. Properly maintained A/C’s can improve performance leading to lower energy bills. Qualified applicants will receive a free A/C tune-up.
The program provides builders and contractors with support and reviews to encourage the construction of homes to meet energy efficiency standards. Education is also provided to home buyers on the benefits of buying an energy-efficient home.
This program is designed for low-income customers that reside in CenterPoint Energy’s service area. Qualified applicants can receive low-cost or free energy-saving products and services such as LED light bulbs, water-saving devices (showerheads), and weatherization. Qualified applicants must have an annual household income of 200% or less of current federal poverty guidelines.
This program is designed for developers, property owners, and property managers of affordable-housing units who install energy-saving products such as LED lights, water heater pipe wrap, and low-flow showerheads.
Texas Power to Choose
Texas deregulated most of its electricity markets in 2002 paving the way for lower energy prices and the customer’s right to choose. Texas Senate Bill 7 (SB7) unbundled the responsibilities of the utility companies and opened the door to energy suppliers that now have to compete to earn the customer’s business. Before energy deregulation, the utility companies had a monopoly on the generation, distribution, and transmission of power to all customers in their service area. If a customer was unhappy with the supply rate they were paying, there was little they could do to change. Energy choice has given more power to the customers and has helped Texas become the model for other states to follow.
Choosing an Electric Supplier
If you plan on relocating to CenterPoint Energy’s service area, then you can shop around for an electric supplier and lower the supply rate on the electric bill. There are well over a dozen energy suppliers based in Texas and that provide services to homes and businesses in CenterPoint Energy’s service area. With so many energy suppliers and different energy plans to choose from the process might seem overwhelming. However, understanding the Electricity Facts Label (EFL) of each plan can help you make an informed decision so you can feel confident with the electric supplier you select.
Energy suppliers that provide services in the state of Texas must be licensed by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT). The PUCT website will include a list of qualified energy suppliers that are licensed to provide services in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Electricity Facts Label (EFL)?
The Electricity Facts Label (EFL) is the terms and conditions of the energy plan. The EFL will lay out the details of the plan including the energy rate, term length, early cancellation fees, and any other monthly charges. The energy supplier is required to provide customers the EFL. Reading and understanding the EFL will help you compare energy plans.
Can I Change Utility Companies?
A CenterPoint Energy customer will not be able to change utility companies for the delivery services. The delivery charge, known in Texas as the Transmission and Distribution Utility (TDU) charge, represents the regulated section of the electric bill. Given the logistics involved, it will not be possible to receive delivery services from another utility company.
What is the Supply Charge?
The supply charge represents the deregulated section of the electric bill. The supply charge is the generation cost of electricity the customer is estimated to use during a time frame. Energy choice allows a customer to shop around for a lower supply rate.
Who is my Current Energy Supplier?
Your current energy supplier will be shown on the electric bill under the supply charges. If you’re still having issues, then you will need to contact CenterPoint Energy and they will be able to confirm your current energy supplier.