New electric meters being installed near you!

As part of our commitment to building the most resilient coastal grid in the nation, CenterPoint Energy is working to replace existing electric meters and upgrading to the latest technology. CenterPoint was one of the first utilities in the country to start implementing smart meters more than 15 years ago. As the current fleet of meters reach the end of their lifespan, the new technology will help CenterPoint detect outages faster and restore power sooner.

This is another way we provide the technology needed to help strengthen the grid and maintain service reliability.

Benefits of installing a new electric meter

These new meters allow us to improve our data collection to more accurately and efficiently help manage your electric service. The meters have two-way communication capabilities between the meter and CenterPoint at faster speeds compared to previous technology.

This allows more access to meter data and capabilities to:

Stronger, faster meter communication network that improves how the meter connects with CenterPoint, helping provide more reliable data, enable quicker service actions and supporting more advanced features.
Improved outage detections help us identify power outages faster and more accurately so we can restore service more efficiently.
A modern platform for future improvements allowing us the ability to delivery new services, strengthen grid resiliency and help better support customers as technology and energy needs change.

Here’s what you can expect

Qualified CenterPoint technicians and contractors will be strategically planning how they schedule and implement replacements across the Galveston, TX community. Contractors include North Houston Pole Line (NHPL).

3 – 4 weeks before the install

Keep an eye out for a mailer in your mailbox with more information.
You may also see social media posts on Facebook and NextDoor with information about these ongoing installations.
You may also receive an alert from CenterPoint’s Power Alert Service® (PAS), notifying you of a planned outage related to the installation. If you are not enrolled in PAS, you can enroll to enjoy the benefits of proactive communications notifying you by text, email and/or phone. These alerts will notify you of planned outages or other outages impacting your home. Click here to enroll.

Day of installation

A CenterPoint technician or contractor will access the meter and turn off power to your home so they can install the new meter safely and as quickly as possible.
You will experience a brief service interruption and can expect to be without power to your home for an estimated 10 – 15 minutes as crews install the new meter. We apologize for the inconvenience of being without power, but it is important that crews work safely and as quickly as possible when installing the new meter.
You will likely see CenterPoint and contractor vehicles in your area and technicians on your property. They may need to enter your backyard to access the meter. Technicians will not need to enter your home to perform this installation.
Once the new meter is successfully installed, power will be restored to your home.

Your safety is our priority

If you ever feel unsure about someone claiming to be a contractor, please:

Ask to see their ID badge. All workers and contractors will gladly show them upon request. They will also be carrying information cards that you can ask to view for more information upon request.
Contact CenterPoint at 800-332-7143 to verify contractors are in your area.
Contact your local authorities if needed.

Missed installations

If a technician is unable to reach the meter at your home to perform the installation, a door hanger with additional information on next steps will be left at your home.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to be home when the new electric meter is being installed?

No, you are not required to be home for the installation of the new meter. If the electric meter at your home is located behind a locked gate or fence, the technician will need you to unlock it to gain access to conduct the installation of the new meter. If you are not home and they cannot access the meter, a door hanger with additional information on next steps will be left at your home.

Why is CenterPoint replacing the electric meter at my home?

CenterPoint Energy is working to replace existing electric meters by upgrading to the latest technology. The new meters allow us to improve our data collection to more accurately and efficiently help manage your electric service.

Is the current electric meter at my home broken?

No. The current electric meter at your home is not broken and still operational.

Will I lose power during this installation?

Yes, you can expect to have a short service interruption of about 10 – 15 minutes while the technician performs the install.

Who will be installing the new electric meter?

There are a variety of qualified CenterPoint Energy technicians and contractors who are performing the installations including North Houston Pole Line (NHPL).

Will I be charged for the new meter and the installation?

No, this meter installation is at no additional cost to you.