News Summary
CenterPoint Energy has proposed a rate increase for natural gas customers in Houston, potentially raising bills by about $2.88 monthly. The increase aims to cover significant infrastructure upgrades and accommodate new customers. If approved, the change is expected to take effect by April 19, 2025. While electricity customers may see a minor decrease in their rates, uncertainty remains due to potential offsetting increases. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and voice their concerns through the Railroad Commission of Texas.
Houston Residents Brace for Potential Rate Hike from CenterPoint Energy
In a move that might raise eyebrows—and bills—CenterPoint Energy has floated a proposed rate increase for its natural gas customers in the Houston area. If you received an email from them on February 7, 2025, you might want to pay attention, as this change could impact your monthly expenses significantly.
What’s in Store for Your Gas Bills?
Should the proposal get the green light, Houston residents could see their gas bills rise by approximately $2.88 monthly. This would push the average charge to around $22.38 for those living in Houston and along the beautiful Texas Coast. Meanwhile, folks located in South Texas, Beaumont, and East Texas may find their bills increasing closer to $27.88 a month if the rate hike gets approved.
Why the Rate Hike?
You might be wondering why CenterPoint Energy is pushing for this increase. The company has pointed to investments made between October 2023 and December 2024 aimed at enhancing safety and reliability. They’re talking about significant upgrades—think replacing around 300 miles of aging natural gas pipes and installing 175,000 new meters to improve safety and billing accuracy.
But that’s not all! This proposed rate increase would also help CenterPoint serve about 51,500 new customers who will be joining the service ranks in Texas. The massive utility company currently caters to around 1.9 million homes and businesses, making this an essential step to ensure they can continue to provide reliable service.
When Will This Happen?
If the Railroad Commission of Texas approves the hike, residents should expect these changes to kick in by April 19, 2025. The Railroad Commission, which oversees the oil and gas sector, will have until June 3, 2025, to review the application and make a decision. In the meantime, the commission is open to hearing from you! Customers can share their thoughts or concerns by referencing Case No. 00020313.
A Bit of Good News
In a twist of fate for CenterPoint’s electricity customers in the Houston area, they will notice a slight decrease of about $1 per month due to a recent approval from the Texas power grid regulator. However, it’s worth mentioning that there are some pending electricity rate increases that could offset these reductions, meaning it’s a bit of a rollercoaster at the moment.
Keeping You Informed
As we move into the season known for its wild weather, CenterPoint Energy is actively preparing for potential power outages. They are keeping a close eye on conditions and ensuring customers are informed. Their Power Alert Service allows users to receive vital updates during extreme weather events, covering everything from outages and estimated restoration times to safety tips for handling unexpected situations.
In Conclusion
So, keep an eye on your inbox and your upcoming utility bills. Changes from CenterPoint Energy are on the horizon, and being aware of them could prepare you for what’s to come. Stay tuned and stay safe, Houston!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Houston Chronicle: CenterPoint Energy Natural Gas Rate Increase
- Wikipedia: Natural Gas
- Community Impact: Cypress, Katy, Fort Bend at Risk for Power Outages
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wildfire
- Click2Houston: CenterPoint Energy Addresses Gas Bill Concerns
- Google Search: CenterPoint Energy Rate Hike
- PR Newswire: CenterPoint Energy Lower Bills Settlement
- Google News: Houston Utility Services
- Houston Chronicle: CenterPoint Energy Resiliency Filing
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
