Delivering Power Across Greater Houston
CenterPoint Energy is the electric utility serving the Houston metro area and surrounding communities. They are responsible for maintaining the local power grid, responding to outages, and ensuring safe electricity delivery; while customers choose their electricity provider separately.
If your home is in CenterPoint territory, your delivery charges and reliability stay the same no matter which provider you choose. Shopping for a better rate only affects your energy cost, not your utility service.
| Provider + Plan Name | Plan Rate | Plan Length |
|---|---|---|
| Companion Energy - Companion Savings + Benefits 12 | 7.4¢ | 12 months |
| Gexa Energy - Gexa Eco Saver Plus 12 | 7.4¢ | 12 months |
| 4Change Energy - Maxx Saver Value 12 | 7.4¢ | 12 months |
| APG&E - SimpleSaver 15 | 7.4¢ | 15 months |
| Chariot Energy - GridPlus 12 | 7.4¢ | 12 months |
| Frontier Utilities - Frontier Saver Plus 12 | 7.4¢ | 12 months |
| Express Energy - Flash Value 12 | 7.4¢ | 12 months |
| Rhythm Energy - Rhythm Saver 12 | 8.3¢ | 12 months |
| Energy Texas - The Lone Saver 12 | 8.3¢ | 12 months |
| Octopus Energy - Octopus Lite 12 | 8.5¢ | 12 months |
Best Electricity Providers in CenterPoint Energy’s Service Area
- 4Change Energy: 4Change Energy was founded on the idea that electricity should be affordable and contribute to the community. They donate 4% of their annual profits to Texas-based organizations like the American Cancer Society and Feeding Texas. They offer plans designed for households with consistent usage, often featuring significant bill or usage credits (sometimes over $100) when monthly usage hits a specific kWh threshold.
- APG&E: A Houston-based provider with over 20 years of experience, APG&E focuses on straightforward, fixed-rate solutions designed to protect customers from market volatility. They prioritize transparency by offering plans that avoid hidden fees or complex usage “gimmicks.” This makes them a strong choice for those who value a predictable, easy-to-read bill and a traditional, no-nonsense approach to energy.
- Atlantex Power: A newer participant in the Houston market, Atlantex Power focuses on fixed-rate reliability with a unique “90-Day Plan Change” for new customers. Customers can switch to another Atlantex Power fixed-price plan within 90 days if they aren’t happy, but it is not a “cancel without penalty” guarantee to leave for another provider. Their “Luminous” plans offer 12- to 36-month terms with a focus on simple, high-usage savings.
- Chariot Energy: Backed by the global Hanwha Group, Chariot Energy provides 100% solar power to Texas homes without requiring the installation of rooftop panels. They utilize proprietary AI-driven technology to manage their energy supply efficiently. For customers who do have solar panels, they offer robust “Solar Buyback” plans that fairly compensate homeowners for the excess energy they feed back into the grid!
- CleanSky Energy: CleanSky Energy’s mission is to make green energy “no longer a premium product.” They source 100% of their power from U.S. wind and solar projects and ensure all their products are 100% carbon neutral. Their simplified fixed-rate plans provide 6 to 12 months of price stability, offering an easy way for residents to reduce their carbon footprint without the hassle of a complex contract.
- Companion Energy: Companion Energy is unique for its “Pet Wellness Services,” which come at no extra cost with their energy plans. Benefits include 24/7 unlimited virtual vet consultations via Airvet and a 25% discount on medical services at participating in-network veterinary clinics through Pet Assure. It is a mission-driven model designed to support the health and safety of their customers’ household pets.
- Energy Texas: Priding itself on “No-Bull” transparency and bold, Texas-centric branding, Energy Texas sources 100% of their electricity from renewable energy located within the state. Their plans are built for Texans by Texans, offering various fixed-rate terms and unique incentives like smart-home perks or renewable energy credits to help residents lower their carbon footprint.
- Express Energy: Express Energy is a digital-first provider that keeps overhead low to offer highly competitive pricing. They specialize in fixed-rate plans for medium-to-large households, often featuring usage-based bill credits at the 1,000 or 2,000 kWh marks. Their 60-day satisfaction guarantee and mobile app for tracking usage make them a favorite for budget-conscious, tech-savvy Houstonians.
- Frontier Utilities: In offering a “60-Day Happiness Guarantee,” Frontier Utilities allows new customers to switch to any other Frontier plan within the first two months without penalty. Their plans range from 12 to 36 months, focusing on ease of use and low rates.
- Gexa Energy: For over 20 years, Gexa Energy has provided multiple and reliable energy plans to Texans. Their “Happiness Guarantee” gives customers 60 days to ensure their plan fits their usage habits. Gexa Energy offers a wide variety of specialized plans, including “Gexa EV” plans for nighttime electric vehicle charging and solar/battery plans that provide bill credits for exported energy.
- Octopus Energy: Octopus Energy focuses on “Smarter” energy, integrating with smart thermostats and EVs charging to automate savings. As a global energy transition collective, they manage over 400 green generators and focus on providing 100% renewable power with award-winning customer support.
- Payless Power: As a Texas leader in prepaid electricity, Payless Power offers plans that require no credit check and no traditional deposits. Customers manage their budget via daily text or email alerts and can see their balance in real-time. It’s an ideal solution for those who want to avoid surprise bills and manage their energy spending on a day-to-day basis.
- Rhythm Energy: Rhythm Energy focuses on “honest pricing,” showing every detail of the bill, including delivery costs and base fees, upfront. They offer a “30-Day Test Drive” and a “Best Price Always Pledge”, ensuring that existing customers aren’t hit with high renewal rates. Their plans are 100% renewable and include “Smart Alerts” that use your meter data to project your upcoming bill.
- Veteran Energy: Founded in 2010, Veteran Energy provides competitive rates while donating a portion of profits to organizations like the Fisher House Foundation, Texas VFW, and Paws for Heroes. Their mission is to provide exceptional customer care while funding resources for veterans and their families, making them a top choice for those who want their utility bill to have a social impact!
Tip: In CenterPoint territory, rates occasionally trend lower than the state average, so shoppers often find deals if they filter out add-on fees and usage conditions.
CenterPoint Energy Delivery Charges (Greater Houston)
In Houston and surrounding areas, CenterPoint Energy’s delivery fees include both a fixed monthly charge and a per kilowatt usage charge. These pass-through costs support grid maintenance, outage response, and infrastructure improvements. CenterPoint’s current delivery charges are approximately $4.90 per month plus about 6.00¢ per kWh of delivered electricity.
What to know:
- Delivery rates are regulated by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) and are the same no matter which retail provider you choose.
- Changes to delivery rates (often happening Mar 1st and Sept 1st) affect your total bill regardless of your energy plan.
FAQs
What areas does CenterPoint Energy serve?
CenterPoint delivers electricity to the Greater Houston area and surrounding Gulf Coast communities.
Can I choose CenterPoint as my electricity provider?
No. CenterPoint is the utility. You choose a retail electricity provider separately for your plan and pricing.
Why do I see CenterPoint charges on my bill?
Those are delivery charges that cover grid maintenance, meters, and outage response.
Who do I call if the power goes out?
Always contact CenterPoint Energy for outages.
Ready to compare plans?
View electricity providers available in the CenterPoint service area!