​​​Steps for Starting Residential or Commercial Electric service​

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To start new electric service at a premise where there is no electric meter installed, follow these easy steps:

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​​​Ensure you are ready to receive a meter

  • ​​​​​​Talk to your electrician or builder about meeting these requirements to avoid getting a red tag or being turned down for service:
    • Address is clearly marked at job site or on meter can
    • Meter can is installed and load wires are present
    • Ground rod is installed and properly connected
  • Are you ready for electric service? View tips on how to avoid a red tag or being turned down for service.
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​​Submit an online request if your project needs CenterPoint Energy Construction

  • If your project requires new construction by CenterPoint Energy, for example, new poles, wire, or transformers, please click here to submit a request. A local Service Consultant will reach out to you within two business days. To locate the service consultant in your area for further assistance, click here.
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Contact CenterPoint Energy.

  • If you are a homeowner, commercial business owner, or commercial builder: Call 713-207-2222 to have an Electric Service Identifier (ESI ID)* number created.
  • If you are a home builder: Submit your request for an ESI ID nu​mber online.​
  • If you are a multi-unit/apartment builder: Email your request for multiple ESID numbers to CEHEElectricmultiplerequest@centerpointenergy.com​ or call 713-207-7203.

    ​​​​​*Note: The 22-digit ESI ID number serves to identify the service location for a specific address.  It also identifies the meter where electric usage will be tracked. The ESI ID number is NOT an account number. 
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Contact the Retail Electric Provider of your choice

  • ​​​Once you have your ESI ID number, allow 2 business days before contacting the Retail Electric Provider ​​of your choice. For a list of Retail Providers , visit http://powertochoose.org​.
    More Information 
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​Obtain your permit.​

  • Sign up with your Retail Electric Provider to have electric service turned on.
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​The start service order is received by CenterPoint Energy. 

  • ​​Meters are usually installed within 3 to 5 business days of the requested s​tart date, weather and workload permitting.More Information
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Stay informed with outage notifications via Power Alert Service.

  • ​Once your meter is installed, log in or register for My Account.
  • Link your new electric account and follow the prompts to enroll in Power Alert Service., then select outage notifications by email, phone or text.

    Note:
    Even if you had Power Alert Service at your previous address, you need to re-register for your new address.​​​​​

  • Is your meter already installed? 
    To start electric service for a premise where a meter is already installed, click
    here​.​​​​​​​​​​​​​
  • Need to start natural gas service? Click here

  • View our Electric FAQs​​​​​