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CenterPoint Energy Plans, Outage Tools & Rebates

Compare electricity, natural gas, water, internet and trash companies for your home.


Written By: LaLeesha Haynes | Updated On: May 2nd, 2025

About CenterPoint Energy

If you’re shopping for a reliable energy provider, let us introduce you to CenterPoint Energy, a company that’s been keeping homes and businesses powered for over 150 years! Known for its strong commitment to safety, innovation, and customer service, CenterPoint Energy delivers electricity and natural gas to millions of customers across the U.S. Whether you’re looking for dependable service, flexible plans, or helpful tools to manage your energy usage, CenterPoint has a lot to offer.

CenterPoint Coverage Areas & Types of Energy

Centerpoint Energy Coverage Map

CenterPoint Energy serves customers in several states, with a strong presence in Texas, Indiana, Ohio, Minnesota, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Louisiana. In Texas, they’re especially known as the transmission and distribution utility for the Houston area, meaning they deliver electricity to homes (though you can choose your own retail electric provider for supply). For natural gas, they cover parts of several states, providing warmth and energy for cooking, heating, and more.

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!

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 some well-known REPs available in the CenterPoint coverage zones (especially Houston):

ProviderBest ForPlan TypesRenewable OptionsPerks & NotesEarly Termination Fee (ETF)
Reliant EnergyRewards & reliabilityFixed, Variable, Prepaid, Free Nights/SaturdaysPartial to 100% renewableFree smart thermostat, bill credits, outage alertsUsually $150-300 (varies by plan)
TXU EnergyLong-term stability & solar usersFixed, Solar Buyback, Time-of-UseSolar buyback availableFree nights, energy efficiency toolsUp to $300 (depends on plan)
Direct EnergyBundling (electricity + home services)Fixed, Variable, Month-to-MonthSome green plansDiscounts when bundled with securityOften $0 for month-to-month plans
Green Mountain EnergyEco-conscious customers100% Wind/Solar plans100% renewable (wind/solar)Carbon offsets, green energy advocacyTypically $150-200
Gexa EnergyBudget-friendly green plansFixed, Variable, Free Weekends100% renewable optionsFree weekends, low-deposit optionsAround $150-250

What to Consider When Choosing a REP

Before signing up, ask yourself:

  • Fixed or variable rate? Fixed = stability, Variable = flexibility (but risk of price spikes).
  • Contract length? 12-month plans are common, but longer terms may have lower rates.
  • Early termination fees? Some charge $150+ if you cancel early, check the fine print!
  • Renewable energy options? If going green matters, look for wind/solar plans.
  • Customer reviews? Check the BBB, Google, or the Texas PUC’s Power to Choose website for ratings.
  • Hidden fees? Some plans have base charges or minimum usage fees, read the EFL (Electricity Facts Label)!

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

Speaking of apps, yes, they have one! The CenterPoint Energy mobile app lets you:

  • Pay your bill in seconds
  • Track energy usage in real time
  • Report outages and check restoration status
  • Contact customer support easily

It’s a must-have for managing your energy on the go!

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.
Pro tip: Act fast! Many rebates are first-come, first-served or have limited funding. A few small upgrades could lead to big savings on your energy bills year-round.

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.

If you’re looking for a utility company with a long-standing reputation, strong infrastructure, and great tools to manage your energy, CenterPoint Energy is a solid choice. And if you’re in a deregulated area, pairing their reliable delivery with a competitive retail plan could be the perfect combo for your home.

FAQs About CenterPoint Energy

Is CenterPoint Gas or Electric?

CenterPoint Energy actually provides both services depending on your location. In their Texas service areas like Houston, they primarily operate as the electric transmission and distribution company, they’re the ones who maintain the poles and wires that deliver electricity to your home, though you’ll need to choose a separate retail provider for your actual electricity supply. For customers in Indiana, Ohio, Minnesota, Mississippi, Oklhaoma, and Louisiana, CenterPoint focuses on delivering natural gas service for heating, cooking and other home uses. So whether you’re powering your AC in summer or heating your home in winter, there’s a good chance CenterPoint is involved in keeping your energy flowing.

Does CenterPoint have an app?

CenterPoint offers a very handy mobile app available for both iOS and Android devices that makes managing your energy service a breeze. Through the app you can conveniently pay your bill, monitor your daily energy usage patterns, report power outages with just a few taps, and receive important alerts about service interruptions or emergency situations. It’s designed to give you complete control over your account right from your smartphone, with features like outage maps and estimated restoration times when severe weather hits. Many customers find it’s the easiest way to stay on top of their energy service.

How can I check for an outage?

When the power goes out unexpectedly, CenterPoint provides several easy ways to check outage status in your area. Their online outage tracker on the CenterPoint website shows a real-time map with color-coded zones indicating affected neighborhoods and estimated repair times. If you’ve downloaded their mobile app, you’ll get push notifications with updates about your specific outage. Customers can also opt in to receive text or email alerts about restoration progress. For those who prefer phone support, their 24/7 customer service line can provide outage details, though wait times may be longer during major storms when many customers are calling at once.

How can I report an outage?

Reporting a power outage is quick and simple with CenterPoint. The fastest method is using their mobile app, which allows you to submit an outage report in seconds with your pre-registered account information. You can also call their dedicated outage hotline (the number is printed on your monthly bill and listed on their website), where automated systems can log your outage even during high call volume periods. Their website also has an outage reporting portal if you have internet access. Remember, if you see downed power lines or other dangerous situations, you should stay far away and call CenterPoint’s emergency line or 911 immediately rather than trying to report it through normal channels.

What payment options does CenterPoint offer?

CenterPoint provides multiple convenient payment methods to fit different customer preferences. You can pay online through their website’s secure portal, via the mobile app, by phone through their automated system, or by mailing a check. Many customers enroll in automatic payments for worry-free bill processing each month. They also offer payment extensions for qualified customers experiencing temporary financial hardship, as well as budget billing programs that spread annual energy costs into predictable monthly amounts. For in-person payments, authorized payment centers are available in their service areas, though locations have become more limited in recent years.

Can I Choose My Own Electricity Provider with CenterPoint?

If you’re in a deregulated area (like most of Texas), yes! CenterPoint delivers the electricity, but you can shop around for a Retail Electric Provider (REP) to supply it. This means you can pick a plan with better rates, renewable energy, or perks like free nights. In regulated states, CenterPoint is your full-service utility for both delivery and supply.

What Should I Do in a Gas Emergency?

If you smell rotten eggs (a sign of a gas leak), act fast:
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?

They often provide:
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!