Set up electricity in Richmond
Most Richmond homes choose an electricity provider and open the account with it. CenterPoint delivers the power either way.
Service areas don't always follow city limits, so confirm the full address when you sign up.
Step 1
Choose a plan for Richmond
- Each plan priced at your home's usage
- Contract terms and facts label up front
- Sign up online when you're ready
Prices include CenterPoint delivery charges.
- You choose
- An electricity provider
- Opens your account, bills you, and schedules the start date.
- Delivers the power
- CenterPoint
- Owns the lines and meter and handles outages, whichever provider you choose.
How to start electricity service in Richmond
- 1
Choose a plan for the new address
Check which plans serve your full Richmond address, including the unit number. Listed prices cover the first term only, and many plans renew higher, so look for a plan that renews at the new-customer price.
See Richmond plansWhat to look for in a first plan
- A simple starting point: a fixed rate with one energy charge, no usage-based bill credit, and no time-of-day pricing.
- On each Electricity Facts Label (EFL), check the average price at 500, 1,000, and 2,000 kWh, the contract length, and the cancellation fee.
- A provider that could be a long-term home. Introductory prices cover the first term only, and many plans renew higher. Look for a plan that renews at the new-customer price.
- Solar panels, a home battery, or an electric vehicle can make plans built for them worth a look.
- 2
Request a move-in and start date
Enroll online or by phone with the provider you chose. Pick move-in (new service), not a switch, and set the start date for the day your responsibility for the home begins.
Have these ready
- The complete service address in Richmond, including the apartment or unit number
- The account holder's legal name, email, phone number, and requested start date
- Any identity or credit information the company asks for
- A payment method, if a deposit, connection charge, or prepaid balance is due
Timing: request service once your move-in date is firm. A few business days leaves time for address, deposit, or meter questions. Same-day service is sometimes possible at an existing meter; ask about the cutoff and any fee.
- 3
Save the confirmation
Your provider sends the start request to CenterPoint. Check the address and start date in your confirmation. Schedule the stop at your old home separately; opening the new account does not close the old one.
Moving to Richmond: common questions
Who is the light company in Richmond?
Most Richmond addresses involve two companies. CenterPoint delivers the power and handles outages and meters, and you can't choose it. The retail electricity provider you choose sells the power and sends the bill, and it arranges service with CenterPoint when you sign up.
Compare Richmond plansShould I compare Richmond plans on Power to Choose?
Power to Choose is the state's comparison site, and it can be a good place to find introductory deals. But many of its lowest prices are below what a provider can likely make money at, and a price like that has to be made up somewhere: at other usage levels, or at renewal. Each plan's facts label shows other usage levels, so check its price at 500 and 2,000 kWh, not just 1,000. No facts label shows the renewal price. If you want a provider that could be a long-term home, look for a plan that renews at the new-customer price.
Why renewing can cost more than signing upCan I get electricity turned on the same day?
Sometimes. Same-day activation may be possible at an existing remotely operated meter, but is not guaranteed. Ask the company opening the account about its cutoff time, any extra fee, and the confirmed start date. New construction, inspections, and field visits can take longer.
The lights are already on. Do I still need an account?
Yes, if you are responsible for electricity. The power may still be under the landlord, builder, or previous occupant's account. Arrange your own service for the date your responsibility begins. If you rent, check whether electricity is included or billed through the property before enrolling.
Apartment utilities in TexasWill I have to pay a deposit?
Possibly. The company will tell you whether a credit check or deposit is required during signup. If it asks for a deposit, check the amount, refund terms, and whether you qualify for an alternative. You do not need past electricity bills just to begin an application.
Do I need to be home when power is turned on?
Often not at an existing remotely operated meter. The company opening the account will tell you whether access or an appointment is required. For a newly built home, check with the builder that the permanent meter and any required inspections are ready.