Moving In: How to Set Up Electricity Service in Texas with CenterPoint Energy
This page explains how to start your CenterPoint Energy electricity service when moving into a new home in Texas.
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Moving In: What You Need to Do
If you live in a CenterPoint Energy electricity territory, the process for activating service must be done through your retail energy supplier (REP). To choose an REP and compare the different offers they propose, please visit our Texas suppliers page.
You should contact an REP approximately 7 days in advance to activate electricity and/or gas service. The REP will then automatically contact CenterPoint Energy. If your line is still activated from the previous tenant, CenterPoint Energy may just need to make an estimated meter reading, which they can do right from the office. Often, your energy can be turned on the same day as your request.
If your line is deactivated, usually because the previous tenant moved out a while ago, your meter will need to be switched on in person, which can take a maximum of five business days from the day of your request, depending on electrician availability.
You have the choice of giving your bank details at this stage or waiting until you receive your first bill.
When you call your retail energy supplier (REP), you will need to provide the following information to set up service:
- Your name
- A source of identification (either your Social Security number, or your passport/driver's license #)
- New address
- Meter ID number if possible (especially if your address is complicated, i.e. with an apartment # or house #)
- Move-in date
- Phone Number
- A copy of your lease may be requested
Choosing Your Electricity or Gas Supplier
Since the energy retail market has been deregulated and opened to the competition in Texas, users must choose an offer from Retail Energy Providers (REP) (like Ambit Energy, Direct Energy, Just Energy, Spark Energy, and many others).
Millions of Texans today benefit from competitive offers from REPs. Visit our Texas supplier's page for more information.
How it Works: Delivery and Supply
CenterPoint Energy is the only company which can deliver electricity and gas to your area, if you live in the CenterPoint Energy service area. Delivery encompasses building and maintaining the transmission and distribution infrastructure, and transporting energy from the point of production (an electrical power plant for example) to your home.
Supply, on the other hand is deregulated. Supply is the purchase and sale of energy from the wholesale markets to the retail markets. Today, 85% of Texans can choose a retail energy provider.
Signing Up with a retail energy supplier (REP)
In order to sign-up with a retail energy provider (REP), there is nothing you need to do on CenterPoint Energy's side. The activation of your meter is done through the REP, as well as choosing an interesting offer for the supply of electricity and gas.
Contact CenterPoint Energy
You can contact CenterPoint Energy for technical problems and emergencies such as electric outages 1-(800)-332-7143 or gas leaks 888-876-5786 (24/7), or their electric customer service number: 1-800-332-7143 or gas 800-752-8036 (7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday except holidays).
For more information, visit our CenterPoint Energy profile page.