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CenterPoint Energy Explained

by Garrett Faden

CenterPoint Energy is a "Transmission and Distribution Service Provider" (TDSP) responsible for delivering electricity to homes and businesses in the Houston metropolitan area and surrounding regions. Unlike a "Retail Electric Provider" (REP) that sells electricity (i.e., Reliant Energy, Frontier Utilities, etc.), CenterPoint focuses on maintaining the infrastructure that ensures reliable power delivery. As one of Texas’ key TDSPs, they service millions of customers, keeping the electrical grid working and safe.

The Houston skyline during the daytime.

CenterPoint Energy History

CenterPoint Energy services date all the way back to the 1800s with the founding of Houston Gas Light Company. That company later became Houston Electric Light & Power (HL&P) in 1882. In 1999, HL&P’s parent company rebranded as Reliant Energy, but by 2002, due to the Texas electricity market becoming competitive, it split into two separate businesses: Reliant Energy (handling retail electricity service and sales) and CenterPoint Energy (focused on electricity transmission and distribution).

Today, CenterPoint is a utility that delivers power to millions across Texas and several other states. While it does not sell electricity directly in Texas' competitive market, it manages the power grid, restores outages, and ensures electricity from retail electric providers (REPs) reaches customers.

What Does CenterPoint Energy Actually Do?

As a TDSP, CenterPoint plays a crucial role in the Texas electricity market by managing power transmission and distribution. Some of its primary responsibilities include:

  • Maintaining Power Lines and Electricity Infrastructure: Repairs, upgrades, and maintains power lines, transformers, and substations to ensure electricity reaches customers efficiently.

  • Restoring Power During Outages: Whether caused by storms, equipment failures, or accidents, they’re responsible for quickly restoring power.

  • Providing the CenterPoint Outage Tracker: This tool allows customers to track power outages in real time and see estimated restoration times.

  • Managing Smart Meter Technology: They utilize advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) to provide accurate electricity usage data to REPs and consumers.

  • Ensuring Electrical Safety: They implement safety measures and provide public awareness campaigns to help prevent electrical hazards.

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Is CenterPoint Energy Gas or Electric?

Both! In addition to their work as TDSP, they are also the sole provider of natural gas distribution for the greater Houston area. For more information on CenterPoint’s gas utility services, check out the natural gas section of their website.

Is CenterPoint only in Texas?

No, they operate utility functions fully or partially in six separate states, serving millions of customers. These states include: Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Ohio, Indiana, and Minnesota. They also have almost 9,000 employees and have $35 billion in assets.

How CenterPoint Manages Power Outages

A CenterPoint power outage can be disruptive, but they offer tools to help customers stay informed. Their outage tracker provides real-time updates on power restoration efforts and affected areas.

CenterPoint Outage Map

The CenterPoint Power Outage Map is an interactive tool that displays real-time data on outages, affected regions, and estimated restoration times. Customers in this service area can access this map online for the latest updates. They also offer the CenterPoint Storm Center for more information on weather-related issues.

How to Report a CenterPoint Power Outage

If your property experiences a power outage in CenterPoint’s service area, you can report it using the following methods:

  • Online: Use the outage report tool on their website.

  • Phone: Call CenterPoint Energy customer service at 800-332-7143 or 713-207-2222.

CenterPoint Energy Delivery Charges

All Texans are legally required to pay TDSP fees in addition to their REP’s electricity charges. If you are within their service area, expect a base charge of $5.47 per month, plus a per-kWh charge of approximately 5 cents. These fees, which cover the cost of electricity delivery and grid maintenance, may appear on your electricity bill as "CenterPoint TDU Delivery Charge," "TDU Charge," "TDSP Charge," or similar terms.

Note: TDSP and TDU are different acronyms that refer to the same thing, a delivery company like CenterPoint for the Houston area or the Dallas area equivalent, Oncor.

Several electricity transmission towers under the sky at dusk.

How to Contact CenterPoint Energy

For assistance with power outages, electrical safety, or other inquiries, you can contact CenterPoint Energy through multiple channels:

CenterPoint Energy Login

Click here to access your Centerpoint login or online account.

CenterPoint Energy Bill Pay

To pay a Centerpoint bill, click here.

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Conclusion

CenterPoint Energy plays an essential role in delivering electricity to millions of Texans. Whether you need to report an outage, check their outage map, or contact customer service, understanding how CenterPoint operates helps you stay informed and prepared. As a major TDSP in Texas, CenterPoint ensures the power infrastructure remains reliable for homes and businesses across the Houston area.

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