How electricity choice works in Houston
In the Houston area, CenterPoint Energy owns and maintains the poles, wires, and meters. CenterPoint is your Transmission and Distribution Utility (TDU) and is responsible for delivering power and restoring outages. Retail providers like Ambit handle your plan options, pricing structure, and billing.
Neighborhoods such as Inside the Loop, The Heights, Westchase, Clear Lake, Cypress, Katy, Pearland, and Sugar Land can see different plan availability and pricing based on ZIP code and usage. That’s why shopping always starts with your specific service address—not a single “Houston average rate.”
Long cooling seasons and high humidity can push electricity usage higher, especially in single-family homes. When you compare plans, look at how each plan performs at the usage levels that match your home or apartment, not just the headline rate shown in an ad.
- Enter your ZIP code on the plans page to see options in the CenterPoint service area.
- Open the plan’s Electricity Facts Label (EFL) before you decide.
- Compare average prices at 500 / 1000 / 2000 kWh to match your typical usage.
- Watch for minimum usage fees, base charges, and bill credit thresholds.
- Confirm contract length and any early termination fee before enrolling.
What to check in the EFL
Every electricity plan in Houston includes an Electricity Facts Label (EFL). This standard document explains how a plan is priced and which charges are included. Use the EFL to compare plans side by side.
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Average price at 500 / 1000 / 2000 kWh
See how the plan performs for apartments, townhomes, and larger single-family homes. -
Base charges or minimum usage fees
Some plans charge a fee when your usage falls below a certain level. -
Bill credits and thresholds
Check at what usage levels bill credits apply and what happens if you’re above or below that range. -
Contract length & early termination fee
Know how long you’re committing and what it might cost to end the contract early. -
Renewable content
Review the renewable percentage listed if greener electricity is important to you.
For a detailed walkthrough of each section, see our guide: Understanding the Electricity Facts Label (EFL).
Outages & FAQs — CenterPoint
CenterPoint Energy manages electricity delivery and outage restoration in Houston. Your retail provider manages the plan and billing, but CenterPoint is responsible for getting the lights back on when there’s an outage.
Who is responsible for outages in Houston?
CenterPoint Energy manages outage response and delivery infrastructure in Houston, even if you switch retail providers.
Can I get renewable energy plans in Houston?
Many providers offer plans with renewable content in the CenterPoint service area.
Always check the EFL for the renewable percentage and any special terms.
How do I compare rates by ZIP code?
Enter your ZIP on the provider’s website to see available plans. Rates vary by ZIP and usage,
so offers can differ across Houston neighborhoods and suburbs.
Houston Resources
Use these resources to better understand how electricity plans work in Houston and what to look for before you enroll.
Nearby Areas
Many nearby communities are also in the CenterPoint service area, including:
Pasadena • Pearland • Sugar Land • Baytown • The Woodlands • League City
Average electricity usage in Houston
- Apartments: often around 750–1000 kWh per month
- Single-family homes: commonly 1200–2000 kWh per month or more
- Summer months: higher usage due to extended A/C run-time and humidity
Usage levels matter because EFL pricing is shown at 500, 1000, and 2000 kWh. Knowing your typical usage from past bills makes it easier to see which plan structure fits your home.
Understanding the Electricity Facts Label (EFL)
The EFL is standardized across providers in Texas. That means every plan’s EFL uses the same format to show key information, including:
- Average prices at 500, 1000, and 2000 kWh usage levels
- Any base charges or minimum usage fees
- Contract length and early termination fees
- Renewable content percentage
Because the format is consistent, it’s easier to compare one plan’s EFL to another. For a detailed breakdown of each section, visit our Electricity Facts Label guide.
Green & renewable options
Many retail electricity providers – including Ambit – may offer plans with renewable content in Houston. These plans can include energy sourced from wind or solar, while CenterPoint Energy continues to handle delivery and outage restoration.
If you’re interested in renewable options, look for the renewable percentage in the EFL and any notes about how the plan sources or offsets electricity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my lights go out when I switch providers?
Typically no. CenterPoint Energy continues electricity delivery while your new retail provider begins service under the new plan.
Who is the TDU in Houston?
CenterPoint Energy is the Transmission and Distribution Utility (TDU) for most of the Houston area. They manage power lines, outages, and local delivery.
What is an Electricity Facts Label (EFL)?
The EFL is a standardized document that lists average kWh prices at 500/1000/2000 kWh, contract length, base or minimum usage charges, and renewable content for a plan.
Do I need to cancel my old provider myself?
In many cases, your new provider coordinates the switch with CenterPoint as part of the enrollment process. Always review your current contract terms to check for early termination fees before switching.