CenterPoint Energy is a trusted Texas utility delivering electric and natural gas distribution to homes and businesses statewide. (September 2026)

Unlike REPs, which sell electricity plans and manage customer billing, CenterPoint Energy focuses entirely on maintaining and operating the infrastructure that makes electricity delivery possible. The company owns and manages tens of thousands of miles of power lines, hundreds of substations, and millions of smart meters throughout Southeast Texas.

Its primary responsibilities include:

• Maintaining and upgrading power lines, poles, and substations
• Installing and reading smart meters
• Monitoring the local electric grid for reliability and safety
• Restoring service after severe weather or equipment failures
• Coordinating with the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) to manage transmission flows and load demand

CenterPoint’s role as a TDU means it doesn’t set electricity prices or compete for customers. Instead, it operates under regulation by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT), which determines how much the utility can charge for delivery services. These costs—often listed on your bill as “TDU charges” or “CenterPoint delivery fees”—are standardized and passed directly through to consumers by their chosen REP.

That means if you buy electricity from Reliant, TXU, Gexa, or any other provider, the delivery portion of your bill will be the same. CenterPoint’s fees cover the cost of maintaining reliable infrastructure, supporting ERCOT’s grid operations, and keeping power safely flowing to homes and businesses across its territory.

For residents of Houston and the Gulf Coast, CenterPoint Energy is the backbone of the region’s power network. The company operates mostly behind the scenes, but its work is what makes everyday life possible: keeping lights on, businesses running, and communities connected across one of Texas’s most densely populated areas.

This separation between delivery and retail service is intentional. It encourages competition among electricity providers while ensuring that grid operations remain stable and regulated. You can switch to a new REP at any time, but your TDU is assigned based on where you live.

Here’s how they differ:

Bottom line: In simple terms, CenterPoint is responsible for the physical delivery of electricity, while your REP determines how much you pay for that electricity. Both are essential parts of Texas’s power system, but only your REP is a choice you control.

CenterPoint Energy’s electric delivery network covers a large portion of Southeast Texas, including the Houston metropolitan area and surrounding Gulf Coast communities. The company’s regulated service territory stretches from Galveston Bay inland through Harris County and into several neighboring regions, serving both dense urban centers and rural customers.

If you live anywhere in or around Houston, you are likely in CenterPoint’s service area. Customers in this territory do not choose their utility provider; CenterPoint is assigned to every address within its boundaries. That means while you can shop among dozens of REPs for your electricity plan, CenterPoint remains responsible for physically delivering the power, maintaining equipment, and restoring service after outages.

Key Facts About CenterPoint’s Service Area:

According to data from PUCT, CenterPoint Energy:

• Serves more than 2.8 million electricity customers
• Maintains over 50,000 miles of power lines across Southeast Texas
• Operates in more than 100 cities and communities
• Supports a service area covering roughly 5,000 square miles

The company’s territory is defined and regulated, which ensures consistent standards for reliability and maintenance. Within this area, CenterPoint manages one of the most complex and highly used sections of the Texas electric grid:

CenterPoint Energy Electric Delivery Area — Greater Houston & Southeast Texas.
Source: Texas Efficiency / PUCT Data

Service area boundaries based on Public Utility Commission of Texas materials and CenterPoint Energy filings.
  Sources: puc.texas.gov centerpointenergy.com

Why it matters: These regions make up one of the most competitive electricity markets in the state. Understanding that you are within CenterPoint’s delivery zone matters because it determines both which REPs are available to you and what delivery fees appear on your electricity bill.

While you cannot switch to a different utility, you can take advantage of the competition among REPs that serve CenterPoint’s area. Each offers different rates, plan types, and features that can help you better manage your total electricity costs.

CenterPoint Energy doesn’t sell electricity plans or determine what you pay per kilowatt-hour. That part of your service comes from your chosen REP. However, living in CenterPoint’s service area gives you access to one of the most competitive electricity markets in Texas.

Dozens of REPs operate within the Houston and Gulf Coast regions, offering a wide range of plans fit to different needs and lifestyles. Whether you prefer a fixed-rate contract for stability, a renewable plan to support clean energy, or a flexible month-to-month option, there are choices for nearly every type of consumer.

The best way to find value is to compare the available electricity plans specific to your ZIP code. Because delivery fees are regulated by PUCT and set by CenterPoint, the difference between plans comes down to each provider’s pricing strategy, plan type, and contract terms.

Factors to Consider When Comparing Plans in CenterPoint’s Area:

• Rate structure: Fixed-rate plans offer predictable pricing, while variable or indexed plans may fluctuate with the market.
• Contract length: Some providers offer shorter terms with more flexibility, while others provide lower rates for longer commitments.
• Renewable energy mix: Many REPs in Houston promote plans powered by wind or solar generation sourced from across Texas.
• Usage patterns: Review your monthly electricity use. Some plans reward off-peak consumption or penalize excessive demand.
• Incentives or bill credits: Several REPs in CenterPoint’s area provide perks like free nights or weekends, prepaid options, or sign-up credits.

While pricing can vary daily based on energy market conditions, competition among REPs typically keeps Houston-area rates affordable compared to other major metro regions in Texas.

In short, you can’t shop for a different utility company, but you can shop smarter for your electricity plan. Knowing that CenterPoint manages delivery across Southeast Texas allows you to focus on finding the REP and rate structure that best fit your household or business needs.

To help put this in context, here’s how CenterPoint’s delivery fees compare with other major TDUs in Texas:

Figures reflect PUCT-filed rates effective Sept 2025.

These delivery charges help pay for the upkeep of power lines, meters, and substations, along with system upgrades and reliability improvements across the region. The rates are reviewed regularly to ensure CenterPoint can maintain the infrastructure needed to serve millions of customers safely and efficiently.

Understanding these delivery fees gives you a clearer picture of what parts of your bill are fixed and which parts you can control through plan selection and usage habits.

The delivery fees you see on your electricity bill are more than just a single charge. They are made up of several specific components that reflect the actual cost of maintaining and operating the electric grid in your area. These line items are approved by the PUCT and appear the same on every customer’s bill within CenterPoint’s territory, regardless of which REP you use.

Below is a simplified overview of how CenterPoint Energy’s current delivery rates are structured for residential customers:

Figures are based on PUCT filings effective September 2025 and may change during rate updates.

Together, these elements make up CenterPoint’s fixed customer charge and per-kilowatt-hour delivery rate listed earlier. Each fee supports a specific part of the electric system—from the poles and wires that deliver power to the technology that helps track and manage energy use in real time.

Because these charges are regulated, you cannot reduce or remove them. However, understanding what they represent helps you make more informed comparisons when choosing an REP or evaluating total monthly costs.

Even though CenterPoint’s delivery fees are regulated and consistent for everyone in its service area, you still have meaningful ways to manage your overall electricity costs. The part of your bill you can control comes from your REP and your household’s energy habits.

Here are several strategies to help reduce your total monthly bill while staying within CenterPoint’s network:

• Compare plans regularly: Electricity prices in Texas fluctuate with the market, and REPs often update their rates. Reviewing plans a few times a year ensures you are not overpaying for a contract that no longer fits your usage or budget.
• Choose a fixed-rate plan: If stability is your priority, a fixed-rate contract protects you from seasonal price spikes. While the rate may be slightly higher at first, it can save money over time by locking in predictable pricing.
• Shift usage to off-peak hours: Some REPs offer time-of-use plans that reward customers for running major appliances at night or on weekends when demand is lower. Adjusting your schedule for laundry, dishwashing, or EV charging can add up to noticeable savings.
• Improve energy efficiency: Simple upgrades such as LED lighting, smart thermostats, or better insulation reduce how much power your home requires each month. Lower consumption directly lowers the variable portion of your bill.
• Track your usage with smart meters.
  CenterPoint’s smart meters allow you to monitor daily energy use through your REP’s online portal. Watching for spikes helps identify appliances or behaviors that drive higher bills.
• Look for bill credits or incentive plans.
  Some REPs in the Houston area offer promotional credits, renewable energy incentives, or rewards for automatic payments. These perks do not affect CenterPoint’s fees, but they can offset your total monthly cost.

Bottom Line: While you cannot change who delivers your electricity, you can make strategic choices about how you use and buy it. Understanding which parts of your bill are fixed and which are flexible puts you in control of your total energy spending.

• Fixed-rate plans: Lock in a set rate per kilowatt-hour for the duration of your contract.
• Variable or month-to-month plans: Rates fluctuate with the market, providing flexibility but less predictability.
• Time-of-use plans: Offer lower rates during off-peak hours or weekends.
• Renewable energy plans: Use wind or solar energy purchased from Texas-based generators.
• Prepaid electricity plans: Allow customers to pay for power in advance without long-term contracts.

Because the Houston market is highly competitive, providers frequently adjust their pricing and promotions. Checking available plans in your ZIP code is the best way to find accurate, up-to-date offers.

CenterPoint’s consistent delivery fees and reliable infrastructure make it easier to focus on choosing a REP that aligns with your budget and energy habits. The key is to look beyond just the advertised rate to understand the full breakdown of costs, contract details, and renewable content.

When the power goes out, it can be confusing to know who to contact first. Many people naturally think to call the electricity provider listed on their bill, but in the Houston area, outages are handled by CenterPoint, not your REP.

As the TDU for Southeast Texas, CenterPoint owns and maintains the equipment that delivers electricity to your home or business. This means they are responsible for diagnosing the cause of an outage, dispatching crews, and restoring service safely and efficiently. 

Your REP, meanwhile, manages your plan and billing but does not handle grid maintenance or emergency response. Knowing how to reach CenterPoint directly can save time and help you stay informed during an outage.

CenterPoint provides several convenient ways to report outages and track restoration progress:

• Outage Map: Visit the CenterPoint Outage Tracker to report an outage, see affected areas, and check estimated restoration times. The map updates in near real time as crews make repairs.
• Outage Line: Call 713-207-2222 to reach CenterPoint’s 24-hour automated outage system. You can report an outage, confirm whether your address is already listed, and receive updates.
• Text and Alerts: Text OUT to 83212 to report an outage and receive mobile updates. You can also sign up for alerts through CenterPoint’s online account portal.

Mobile App: The My Account app offers quick access to outage reporting tools, service notifications, and safety updates for iOS and Android users.

When the lights go out, it’s important to stay calm and act safely and efficiently. Here are a few things to avoid:

• Do not call your REP for outage help.
  Your electricity provider cannot restore power or send crews. Instead, contact CenterPoint directly.
• Do not assume someone else has reported it.
  Each report helps CenterPoint locate and prioritize problem areas. If your home or neighborhood loses power, submit your own report.
• Do not try to handle damaged equipment.
  Stay far away from downed power lines and flooded electrical areas. Always assume a downed line is energized and stay at least 35 feet away. Always report hazards immediately to CenterPoint or local emergency services, or through the outage map
• Do not wait to report extended outages.
  If power does not return after a reasonable period, check the outage map or call the hotline to verify status.

CenterPoint Energy maintains 24/7 response crews to handle storm damage, equipment failures, and other electrical disruptions. By reporting issues directly, you help the utility identify and address outages faster.

You can’t choose CenterPoint Energy, but you rely on it every day. The utility is the foundation of electricity delivery across Houston and much of Southeast Texas, maintaining the lines, poles, and systems that keep power flowing to millions of homes and businesses.

CenterPoint doesn’t set your rate, sell electricity plans, or send your monthly bill. Its job is to ensure the infrastructure behind the scenes works safely and efficiently so your chosen REP can deliver the service you pay for.

Understanding this division of responsibility helps you take control where it matters most. While CenterPoint’s delivery fees are standardized and regulated, you have the freedom to compare REPs, choose the rate structure that fits your usage, and make your home more energy-efficient.

Next step: If you live in the Houston area and want to explore your electricity options, enter your ZIP code to compare electricity rates available in CenterPoint Energy’s service territory. By understanding how your utility and provider work together, you can make smarter, more informed decisions about what you pay for power each month.

We also serve nearby neighborhoods and towns including Far North Dallas, Lake Highlands, Oak Lawn, Old East Dallas, Deep Ellum, Bishop Arts District, Lakewood, Preston Hollow, Highland Park and Winnetka Heights.

Looking for rates outside Oncor’s service area? Check out cities like Irving, Plano, and more.

Abilene | Arlington | Carrollton | Corpus Christi | Fort Worth | Frisco | Garland | Grand Prairie | Grapevine | Irving | McKinney | Plano | Richardson | Rockwall | The Colony | Houston | Katy | Pearland | Pasadena | Sugar Land