Set up electricity in Houston
Most Houston addresses are in a retail-choice area. You open service with the electricity provider you choose; CenterPoint Energy is the likely delivery utility and handles the meter and local wires.
The full address is the final check. City and ZIP boundaries do not always match electric service territories.
Your likely setup route
Choose a retail provider; CenterPoint Energy delivers the power
The retail provider handles enrollment, billing, and the start request. You do not call CenterPoint Energy to choose a plan.
Check a specific ZIP
Use this when you are unsure whether the address follows the typical Houston route. The full address will still be the final confirmation.
The quick answer
How to start electricity service in Houston
- 1
Choose a plan and start date
Houston is in a retail-choice area. Compare plans available in CenterPoint Energy's delivery area, choose when service should begin, and read the plan's standardized disclosure before enrolling.
- 2
Open the account with your provider
Give the provider your full service address, requested start date, contact details, and any identity or payment information it requires. A credit review or deposit may apply to some postpaid plans.
- 3
Save the confirmation
Your provider sends the start request to CenterPoint Energy. Check the confirmed date before move-in. Most existing smart meters can be activated remotely, but timing depends on the address and request.
Have these basics ready
- The complete Houston service address, including the apartment or unit number
- The account holder's legal name, email, phone number, and requested start date
- Any identity, credit, or prior-service information the provider specifically requests
- A payment method if a deposit, connection charge, or prepaid balance is due
Requirements vary by company and address. Begin with the basics; the enrollment flow will tell you if anything else is needed.
Timing
Schedule once your move-in date is firm
A few business days gives room to resolve address, identity, deposit, or meter issues. Same-day service may be available for an existing remote-capable meter, but cutoffs, fees, permits, weekends, holidays, and field work can affect the date.
Use the date in the company's confirmation when planning the move, not a general estimate.
Questions about electricity service in Houston
Who do I call to start electricity in Houston?
For a typical Houston address in the retail-choice market, open the account with the retail electricity provider you choose. The provider sends the start request to CenterPoint Energy, the assigned delivery utility. Confirm the full address during enrollment because service boundaries can vary.
Who delivers electricity in Houston?
CenterPoint Energy is the likely delivery utility for Houston. It owns the local meter, poles, and wires and handles outages. You do not choose the utility, and changing retail providers does not change it.
Can electricity start the same day in Houston?
It may be possible when the address has an existing remotely operated meter and enrollment is completed before the provider's cutoff. Fees, meter conditions, permits, weekends, and holidays can affect timing. Rely on the confirmed service date, not a general same-day claim.
What do I need to start electricity in Houston?
Have the complete service address and unit number, account holder's legal name and contact information, and requested start date. The provider may also request identity, credit, prior-service, deposit, or payment information.
For deposits, first-time accounts, apartments, same-day service, and plan-selection basics, see the complete Texas electricity setup guide.