- 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
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 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 (TDU) for the Houston area, meaning they only deliver electricity, they don’t sell directly to homes (you 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):
| Provider | Best For | Plan Types | Renewable Options | Perks & Notes | Early Termination Fee (ETF) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reliant Energy | Rewards & reliability | Fixed, Variable, Prepaid, Free Nights/Saturdays | Partial to 100% renewable | Free smart thermostat, bill credits, outage alerts | Usually $150-300 (varies by plan) |
| TXU Energy | Long-term stability & solar users | Fixed, Solar Buyback, Time-of-Use | Solar buyback available | Free nights, energy efficiency tools | Up to $300 (depends on plan) |
| Direct Energy | Bundling (electricity + home services) | Fixed, Variable, Month-to-Month | Some green plans | Discounts when bundled with security | Often $0 for month-to-month plans |
| Green Mountain Energy | Eco-conscious customers | 100% Wind/Solar plans | 100% renewable (wind/solar) | Carbon offsets, green energy advocacy | Typically $150-200 |
| Gexa Energy | Budget-friendly green plans | Fixed, Variable, Free Weekends | 100% renewable options | Free weekends, low-deposit options | Around $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.
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?
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!