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You finally picked an electricity plan, and now your bill has a line from CenterPoint Energy on it. Who are they, and why are you paying them? Short answer: CenterPoint is the company that delivers power across the Houston area. It doesn’t sell you electricity, but it does keep the lights on.
Key takeaways
- CenterPoint Energy is the TDU (utility) for Houston and much of the surrounding region.
- It maintains the grid, reads meters and restores power after outages.
- CenterPoint’s delivery charges are regulated and the same with every provider.
- You can’t switch away from CenterPoint, but you can choose your retail provider and plan.
CenterPoint is the delivery driver of electricity
If your retail provider is the restaurant, CenterPoint is the delivery driver. You didn’t order from them directly, but you still need them to bring the power to your home.
What does CenterPoint Energy do?
CenterPoint doesn’t sell electricity plans to homes. Instead, it:
- Maintains the power lines, poles and transformers
- Reads your meter and reports usage to your provider
- Restores power during outages and after storms
- Charges delivery fees (TDU charges) that show up on your electric bill
So when the lights go out during a storm, it’s CenterPoint you contact, not your provider.
Where does CenterPoint operate?
CenterPoint serves Harris County and large parts of Fort Bend, Montgomery, Brazoria, Galveston and nearby counties. If you live in the Houston metro area, there’s a good chance CenterPoint is your utility. Some nearby pockets, such as League City and Texas City, are served by TNMP instead. See the full list of Texas utility companies.
New to the area? Our Houston electricity guide covers how to pick a plan.
Why are CenterPoint’s fees on my bill?
Even with a great energy rate, CenterPoint still gets paid for delivering the power. These TDU delivery charges are regulated by the Public Utility Commission of Texas, and they change periodically when new rates are approved. Here’s how those changes can affect a fixed-rate plan.
Can I switch from CenterPoint to another utility?
No. Utility companies are assigned by address. But you can choose from many retail providers that serve CenterPoint territory, and we’ll find the plan that fits your usage.
CenterPoint Energy cheat sheet
| Category | What it means |
|---|---|
| Role | Your electricity delivery company (TDU) |
| Region | Greater Houston area |
| Did you choose them? | No, they’re assigned by address |
| Do you pay them? | Yes, through delivery charges on your bill |
| When to contact them | Outages, downed lines, meter issues |
Helpful official resources: CenterPoint Energy · Public Utility Commission of Texas
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Frequently asked questions
Is CenterPoint Energy my electricity provider?
No. CenterPoint is your utility (TDU). Your provider is the company you signed a plan with, and its name is usually at the top of your bill.
How do I report a power outage to CenterPoint?
Use CenterPoint’s outage map, app, text alerts or phone line. Your provider can’t restore power for you.
Why did my CenterPoint delivery charges go up?
CenterPoint’s delivery rates change when the PUCT approves updates, which can happen during your contract. Send us your bill and we’ll show you what changed.
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