CenterPoint Electricity Rates 2026
Compare electricity plans in CenterPoint service areas including Houston, Galveston, and the greater Houston metropolitan area.
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Last updated: January 8, 2026
Quick Facts About CenterPoint Energy
- Service Area: Greater Houston metropolitan area and surrounding regions
- Customers Served: ~2.5 million electric customers
- Major Cities: Houston, Galveston, Conroe, The Woodlands, Sugar Land, Katy
- Delivery Charges: ~$4-5/month base + ~4.0-4.5¢/kWh
- Electricity Choice: Yes - you can choose your retail provider
What is CenterPoint Energy?
CenterPoint doesn't sell electricity. They deliver it. They own and maintain all the power lines and meters in the Houston area. When you pick an electricity company, you're choosing who to buy from. CenterPoint still handles getting it to your house.
Think of it like ordering from Amazon vs. UPS delivering the package. Your retail provider sells you the electricity. CenterPoint is the delivery truck.
The key thing to know
You're stuck with CenterPoint if you live in their area. Can't switch. But you can pick from 40+ retail providers, and they all use CenterPoint's lines.
CenterPoint Delivery Charges (2026)
Everyone in Houston pays the same CenterPoint fees, no matter which electricity company they pick. The state regulates these charges. Here's what you'll see on your bill:
| Charge Type | Typical Amount | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Metering Charge | $3.48 - $5.13/month | Fixed monthly fee for meter reading and maintenance |
| Delivery Charge | ~4.0-4.5¢/kWh | Per-kWh charge for electricity delivery |
| System Benefit Fund | ~0.065¢/kWh | State-mandated fee for low-income assistance |
| Transmission Charges | Varies by season | Charges for high-voltage transmission |
What This Looks Like on Your Bill
At 1,000 kWh: about $4 to $5 base plus $40 to $45 delivery. That's $44 to $50 going to CenterPoint before your provider's energy charges. A bit higher than Dallas.
CenterPoint Service Area
CenterPoint covers Houston and everything around it. About 2.5 million customers. If you're in the greater Houston area, you're probably in CenterPoint territory.
Houston Metro
- • Houston
- • Pasadena
- • Sugar Land
- • Katy
- • Pearland
- • League City
- • Baytown
- • Missouri City
North/Northwest
- • The Woodlands
- • Conroe
- • Spring
- • Cypress
- • Tomball
- • Humble
- • Kingwood
Coastal/South
- • Galveston
- • Texas City
- • La Marque
- • Dickinson
- • Friendswood
- • Clear Lake
Not sure? Put your ZIP code in above. We'll figure out your TDSP and show you the right plans.
What Rates Look Like Right Now (January 2026)
Cheapest Rate
9.4¢
per kWh at 1000 kWh
Average Rate
13.2¢
per kWh at 1000 kWh
Plans Available
175+
from 40+ providers
Rates include CenterPoint delivery charges. Actual rates vary by ZIP code, usage level, and plan type.
Houston vs. Dallas: Why Houston Costs More
CenterPoint (Houston) charges more for delivery than Oncor (Dallas). Here's what the difference looks like:
| Factor | CenterPoint (Houston) | Oncor (Dallas) |
|---|---|---|
| Base Charge | $4.39/month avg | $3.42/month avg |
| Delivery Rate | ~4.2¢/kWh | ~3.7¢/kWh |
| Total at 1000 kWh | ~$46/month | ~$40/month |
| Typical Total Rate | 0.5-1¢/kWh higher | Slightly lower |
Bottom line: Houston electricity costs about half a cent to one cent more per kWh than Dallas. For a typical house using 1,000 kWh, that's $5 to $10 extra per month. Not huge, but it adds up.
Things Houston Area Customers Should Know
- Save CenterPoint's number for hurricane season
Houston gets hit by hurricanes. Keep 1-800-332-7143 saved. Sign up for outage alerts on CenterPoint's website before storm season.
- Power out? Call CenterPoint, not your provider
Your electricity company can't fix outages. That's CenterPoint's job. Call 1-800-332-7143 or text OUT to 274267.
- Check your smart meter data
Go to smartmetertexas.com. It's free. You can see exactly how much electricity you use each day. Good for picking the right plan.
- Houston homes use a lot of electricity
Average Houston home uses about 1,300 kWh a month because of AC. That's higher than most places. Compare plans at your actual usage, not the standard 1,000 kWh.
Common Questions
Why does Houston electricity cost more than Dallas?
CenterPoint charges more for delivery than Oncor does. Plus Houston is hotter, so people run AC more. Higher bills all around.
Who do I call when the power goes out?
CenterPoint. Not your electricity company. 1-800-332-7143 or text OUT to 274267. Your provider literally cannot turn your power back on.
Can I switch to Oncor instead?
No. Your TDSP is based on your address. If you're in Houston, you're stuck with CenterPoint. You can switch providers, just not the delivery company.
Does CenterPoint do gas too?
Yes. They handle natural gas in Houston too. But unlike electricity, gas isn't deregulated. CenterPoint is your only option for gas.
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