- In deregulated areas like Houston, CenterPoint delivers electricity but doesn’t sell plans, you’ll need to choose a separate retail provider (REP) for supply.
- They maintain the power grid and offer real-time outage maps, alerts, and fast restoration, ranked among Texas’ most reliable utilities.
- Offers rebates for energy-efficient upgrades (like smart thermostats or HVAC systems) and budget billing options.
- Their free mobile app lets you pay bills, track usage, and report outages instantly.
About CenterPoint Energy
CenterPoint Energy is one of the nation’s leading utility companies, headquartered in Houston, Texas. The company’s roots stretch back to the late 1800s, and today it serves millions of customers across several states including Texas, Indiana, Ohio, Louisiana, Minnesota, and Mississippi. CenterPoint provides both electricity and natural gas, depending on the region, and is known for maintaining strong, reliable infrastructure and responsive customer service.
In Texas, CenterPoint operates primarily as the local utility for the Houston area. That means they manage the power lines, poles, and meters that deliver electricity to your home, while you choose a separate Retail Electric Provider (REP) for your energy plan. In other states, CenterPoint may handle both the supply and delivery of natural gas. This structure makes them a key player in the energy industry, trusted for both reliability and scale.
CenterPoint Coverage Areas
CenterPoint Energy’s footprint spans multiple states, with different roles depending on location. In Texas they operate the electric delivery utility for the Houston metro and also provide natural gas in parts of the state. In the Midwest they provide regulated natural gas service in Indiana and Minnesota. They have also served customers in Ohio, and in October 2025 the company announced plans to sell its Ohio natural gas distribution business, with the transaction expected to close in 2026. Earlier in 2025, CenterPoint completed the sale of its Louisiana and Mississippi gas systems, so those states are no longer part of its current operations.
Texas
CenterPoint is the electric delivery utility for the Houston metropolitan area, which includes Houston and many nearby communities. Examples include Sugar Land, Galveston, Katy, Cypress, Humble, Baytown, Bellaire, Deer Park, Friendswood, Jersey Village, Webster, Texas City, and Conroe.
Minnesota
CenterPoint provides natural gas across the Twin Cities region and many surrounding communities. Major cities include Minneapolis and Saint Paul, along with a wide range of suburbs such as Apple Valley, Anoka, Bloomington, and others.
Indiana
CenterPoint provides regulated natural gas service in Indiana, with Evansville a key city in their territory. Their Midwest site and company overview reference this service footprint for residential customers.
Ohio
CenterPoint has provided natural gas delivery in west-central Ohio with Dayton as a notable city. The company began the process to sell its Ohio gas business in 2025, and by October 2025 announced an agreement with closing targeted for the fourth quarter of 2025.
No longer served by CenterPoint for gas
CenterPoint’s natural gas distribution systems in Louisiana and Mississippi were sold in April 2025 to Delta Utilities. If you are in Baton Rouge, Gulfport, or other Louisiana or Mississippi cities, you will now work with the acquiring utility for gas service.
Fun Fact: CenterPoint serves over 7 million customers across its territories, leveraging a workforce of 8,800+ employees to maintain reliability
Choosing a Retail Electric Provider (REP)
If you’re in a deregulated energy market (like most of Texas), that means you have the power to choose your Retail Electric Provider (REP), pretty cool, right? While CenterPoint Energy handles the poles, wires, and keeping your lights on, your REP determines your rates, contract terms, and plan perks. Picking the right one can save you money, give you better customer service, or even help you go green!
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Why Choose a REP?
In deregulated areas, REPs compete for your business, which means more options, better deals, and flexibility. You might pick one because:
- Lower rates: Some providers offer cheaper electricity than the standard utility price.
- Renewable energy options: Want wind or solar power? Many REPs specialize in green energy.
- Rewards & perks: Cashback, smart thermostats, or free nights, some plans come with sweet bonuses.
- Better customer service: Not all providers are created equal; some have top-rated support.
Top Retail Electric Providers in CenterPoint’s Service Area
Here are five REPs with strong visibility in the Houston/CNP delivery territory, along with what helps them stand out:
- TXU Energy: One of the larger, long-established providers in Texas. Known for a wide variety of plans, including fixed-rate and time-of-use options.
- Pros: good plan variety, trusted name.
- Great if you want a large company with many options.
- Check for any signup promos or bill-credit features.
- Gexa Energy: Based in Houston, and notable for offering 100% renewable energy plans in many cases.
- Pros: strong if you care about green energy.
- Good if you’re comfortable committing to a term and may pay a little premium.
- Check what “100% renewable” means in the local plan terms.
- Reliant Energy: A large provider, part of a major energy group. Known for fixed-rate plans and responsive customer service in many markets.
- Pros: big company infrastructure, many plan options.
- Perfect if you want flexibility and established brand.
- Review the contract length and termination fee (if any).
- 4Change Energy: A provider that differentiates itself with charitable commitments (donating a portion of profits) and simpler, fixed-rate plans.
- Pros: aligns with community-oriented values, straightforward pricing.
- Ideal if you like a provider with social mission and clarity in billing.
- Make sure the rate is competitive compared with the market.
- Frontier Utilities: Offers competitive rates and plan variety in Houston. Highlighted in comparison sites for strong value on fixed-rate plans.
- Pros: strong rate offers at times, good for cost-sensitive consumers.
- Great if you are looking primarily for lowest cost and are okay with switching when the term ends.
- Check customer service and reviews before locking a longer term.
How to Make the Best Choice of REP
- Check your usage pattern (monthly kWh) and use that to compare true yearly costs rather than just the “¢/kWh” for 1 000 kWh if you use more or less.
- Decide upfront whether you want a fixed-rate contract (predictability) or a variable-rate plan (potential savings but more risk).
- Look closely at hidden fees, early termination fees, deposit requirements, and whether the contract has usage minimums or credits that require you to use a certain amount of kWh.
- If renewable energy matters, check what percent is renewable and whether there is a premium.
- Near the end of your contract, make a note to shop again and compare new offers rather than just allowing automatic renewal at a possibly higher rate. Many providers offer their best rates to new customers.
- Ensure you understand that while CenterPoint handles delivery (wires, poles, meter, outages), your chosen REP handles supply, pricing, and contract terms. Your bill will still include CenterPoint’s delivery charges plus whatever your REP supply cost is.
Checking for CenterPoint Outages & Helpful Tools
Nobody likes a power outage, but CenterPoint makes it easy to stay informed. You can:
- Check outages online: Visit their Outage Center for real-time maps and updates.
- Report an outage: Call their 24/7 customer service or use their mobile app (available for iOS and Android) to report issues quickly.
- Get alerts: Sign up for text or email notifications to stay updated on restoration times.
The CenterPoint Energy App
CenterPoint’s mobile app, called My Account, gives customers convenient access to their energy information. Through the app, users can pay bills, set up automatic payments, monitor energy usage, and report or track outages. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices.
The online account portal offers the same features along with options to manage multiple addresses, update contact information, and view billing history. These tools make it easy to handle your account without calling customer service, which is especially helpful during outages or when moving to a new home.
Deposits, Credit Checks, and Cancellation Policies
When starting service with CenterPoint Energy, a deposit may be required depending on your credit history or payment record. For customers without prior utility experience or with low credit scores, CenterPoint can request a refundable security deposit. You can often avoid this by providing a letter of credit from another utility or using a guarantor. Deposits are typically refunded after twelve months of on-time payments.
Credit checks are standard when opening new service. The purpose is to determine whether a deposit is needed. CenterPoint treats this information confidentially and uses it only to establish service eligibility.
CenterPoint does not charge cancellation fees for basic utility service. If you move, you can close your account online, and any remaining deposit will be refunded after your final bill is paid. However, if you are under a retail energy contract through another provider, early termination fees may apply through that company.
CenterPoint Energy Efficiency Rebates & Incentives
Looking to lower your energy bills while making your home more efficient? CenterPoint Energy offers a variety of rebates, discounts, and incentive programs to help customers reduce energy waste and save money. Whether you’re upgrading appliances, improving insulation, or installing smart thermostats, these programs can put cash back in your pocket while reducing your environmental footprint.
For electric customers, CenterPoint frequently provides rebates on ENERGY STAR® certified appliances like HVAC systems, water heaters, and even smart thermostats that help optimize energy use. Some programs offer instant discounts at participating retailers, making it easy to save upfront on qualifying purchases. Home energy audits, sometimes available at little to no cost, can also identify where your home may be losing energy, with personalized recommendations for improvements.
Natural gas customers may qualify for rebates on high-efficiency furnaces, tankless water heaters, and weatherization upgrades like insulation or duct sealing. Seasonal promotions sometimes include free energy-saving kits with LED bulbs, smart power strips, and water-saving showerheads.
CenterPoint also partners with local organizations to offer low-income assistance programs, including free weatherization services and bill-payment assistance for eligible households. These initiatives help ensure all customers can benefit from energy efficiency, regardless of budget.
To explore current offers:
- Visit CenterPoint’s website and check the “Energy Savings” section.
- Call their customer service line to ask about local rebates.
- Inquire with contractors, many are trained to help you apply for rebates during installations.
Why Choose CenterPoint Energy?
Even if you pick a different retail provider in deregulated areas, CenterPoint remains the backbone of your energy delivery, ensuring reliable service. They invest in smart meters, storm recovery, and energy efficiency programs, making them a leader in grid innovation. Plus, their customer service is known for being responsive and helpful.
f you live in an area served by CenterPoint Energy, you are working with one of the most experienced and dependable utility companies in the country. They provide reliable infrastructure, clear billing, and easy-to-use account tools. Their long history and large customer base demonstrate a strong track record of service.
Customers who value stability and accountability appreciate that CenterPoint’s rates are regulated and published, and that the company continues to modernize its grid and invest in technology that supports renewable energy. For homeowners who want added peace of mind, the home service and protection plans offer convenient coverage for major repairs.
FAQs About CenterPoint Energy
Is CenterPoint Gas or Electric?
Does CenterPoint have an app?
How can I check for an outage?
How can I report an outage?
What payment options does CenterPoint offer?
Can I Choose My Own Electricity Provider with CenterPoint?
What Should I Do in a Gas Emergency?
– Leave the area immediately, don’t turn lights on/off or use anything that could spark.
– Call CenterPoint’s 24/7 emergency line or 911 from a safe distance.
– Don’t try to fix it yourself, let the pros handle it!
Does CenterPoint Offer Energy Efficiency Programs?
– Rebates for energy-efficient appliances (like HVAC systems).
– Free energy audits to help you save money.
– Smart meter tools to track and reduce usage.
Check their website for current programs, it’s a great way to cut bills and help the planet!
If I choose a new REP, will my service or reliability change?
What happens if there’s a power outage? Who do I call?
About the Author
David has been an integral part of some of the biggest utility sites on the internet, including InMyArea.com, HighSpeedInternet.com, BroadbandNow.com, and U.S. News. He brings over 15 years of experience writing about, compiling and analyzing utility data.