“CenterPoint Energy's new metering technology is the first step in moving the electric grid into the digital age. Interactive meters will encourage greater energy conservation by giving Houston-area electric consumers the ability to better monitor and manage their electric use and its cost in near real-time."

Tom Standish, Regulated Operations Group President, CenterPoint Energy

CenterPoint Energy's proposed Advanced Metering System, featuring interactive meters, would give Houston-area electric consumers a powerful new tool to better understand and manage their electric usage. The ability to monitor energy use and cost in near real-time would enable consumers to make more informed energy choices. Using less energy saves money for consumers and means less power would need to be produced - which is good for consumers and great for the environment.

Beginning in the fall of 2009, the meters would be installed on homes and businesses as requested by retail electric providers (REPs) who elect to participate in the plan. The interactive meter will enable REPs to offer new products and services to their customers such as time-of-use rates, which encourage shifting electricity demand from peak to off-peak times when costs are lower, thereby helping to offset the need to build new generation. Interactive meters will also enable customers to take advantage of greater transparency regarding their usage and allows them better means to evaluate various REP rates, helping customers to seek the best retail prices and services.

Interactive meters offer additional benefits as well. The meters will automate not only meter reading but also electric service connection and disconnection, which should significantly reduce the time required for customers to have new electric service connected or to switch REPs.