Security is of paramount importance to CenterPoint Energy.  We apply security best practices to protect our information networks and the electric grid to maximize the security of our smart meter deployment, supported by the experience and expertise of our vendors, IBM, GE, and Itron. We maintain a comprehensive cyber security and risk mitigation program based on national standards followed by other leading companies in the energy, defense, and financial industries. While actively monitoring the security of our systems, we also employ multiple third party vendors to audit our security practices and test the protection of our systems on a regular basis.

CenterPoint Energy also understands consumer concerns about privacy. We believe energy usage data belongs to the consumer and can be shared only when authorized in writing by the customer or authorized by regulatory authorities as necessary to conduct business such as for billing. CenterPoint Energy will continue to protect customer usage data as securely as we have always done.