Smart Meter Opt Out

Non-standard meters incur one-time and monthly service charges

The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) has adopted the Non-Standard Metering Service rule, which allows a customer to choose a non-standard meter as an alternative to the standard advanced meter. Below are non-standard meter options and associated fees:

Non-standard meter option One-time fee Monthly fee
Existing Analog Meter 
$85
$40
Replacing existing advanced meter with radio-disabled advanced meter
$180
$40
Replacing existing advanced meter with analog meter 
$190
$40
Replacing existing advanced meter
with non-standard digital meter
$200
$40

 

The PUC rule requires that customers considering opting-out be advised of the following limitations of a non-standard meter:

  1. You may experience longer restoration times in case of a service interruption or outage.
  2. You may be required to wait up to 45 days to switch Retail Electric Providers.
  3. You may be required by your Retail Electric Provider to choose a different product or service before initiation of the non-standard metering service, subject to any applicable charges or fees required under your existing contract, if you are currently enrolled in a product or service that relies on an advanced meter.
  4. In addition, you may be required to pay additional fees for requested discretionary services that are associated with your choice of a non-standard meter.

How to request a non-standard meter (opt out):

Customers opting for a non-standard meter must sign a document provided by CenterPoint Energy (Opt-Out form), indicating the desired non-standard option, and return it along with payment of the one-time service fee by cashier's check or money order payable to CenterPoint Energy.

Mail to:

EMO-CREDIT CNPT 6, CENTERPOINT ENERGY
PO BOX 1700
HOUSTON TX 77251-9857.

The request will be completed within 30 days of receipt of the signed document and payment. If you wish to be notified of the planned installation date of the non-standard meter, include your phone number on the form, which can be obtained by calling 713-207-2222.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I opt out of having a smart meter? Yes. The Public Utility Commission has adopted the Non-Standard Metering Service rule, which allows a customer to choose a non-standard meter as an alternative to the standard advanced meter, by replacing the existing meter with (1) an advanced meter with the communications technology disabled (2) a digital, non-communicating meter, or (3) an analog meter, subject to commercial availability.

Why do I have to pay to opt out? The standard metering service used by utilities like CenterPoint Energy is the advanced (smart) meter.  Customers who choose non-standard meters are required to pay the incremental costs to provide the non-standard service, which include costs to manually read meters and perform other services through non-standard processes that would otherwise not be required. 

Do I have to pay the one-time fee all at once? Yes. CenterPoint Energy will not install a non-standard meter until payment has been made of the one-time fee, which covers the material and labor costs of the non-standard meter installation.

What if I change my mind?  Can I opt back in? Yes. Customers may request replacement of a non-standard meter with an advanced meter at any time. One-time fees for installation of non-standard meters will not be refunded in such cases, but recurring monthly fees will be discontinued following installation of the standard, advanced meter.