Natural gas bills expected to increase when compared to last winter
Increase primarily driven by rise in natural gas prices; Higher costs resulting from global demand, lower production; Customers encouraged to prepare now for managing their energy bills
2021-10-14T05:00:00Z

​Dayton – Oct. 14, 2021 – CenterPoint Energy's Ohio natural gas territory, announced today customers may see a significant increase in their natural gas bills when compared to those experienced last winter, assuming normal winter weather, due primarily to a rise in natural gas prices.

The average CenterPoint Energy customer paid $81 per month for natural gas service during the 2020-2021 heating season for a five-month total (November – March) of about $406.

"In the event we experience normal winter weather this heating season, coupled with a significant increase in natural gas prices, customers should expect an increase in their bills," said Richard Leger, Vice President of Natural Gas Distribution, Indiana and Ohio. "Even with higher natural gas prices this winter heating season, bills should still remain lower than customers experienced in the late 2000s when prices for natural gas were at record levels nationwide."

Natural gas continues to be recognized as the most affordable heating source according to a report issued by the Energy Information Association. In fact, CenterPoint Energy Ohio gas customers who heated their homes with natural gas last year saved $800 compared to those who heat with propane and $195 to $725 compared to those who heat with an electric heat pump or electric furnace, respectively. It is important to remember bills will vary by customer depending on the size and age of the home, number of gas appliances, number in the household, thermostat settings and levels of insulation.

 

"It's important to remember CenterPoint Energy is not a natural gas supplier. The customer's natural gas supplier and corresponding price per unit of gas also influence bill amounts," added Leger. "Some customers prefer a fixed price that won't fluctuate over the winter while others prefer to stay on a variable rate, which changes according to the natural gas market. As the price of natural gas represents approximately 45 percent of the bill during the winter months, now would be a good time to explore supplier pricing options."

CenterPoint Energy has in place several tools to help customers manage their energy bills.

  • Choice program:  Through CenterPoint Energy's natural gas Choice program, customers can choose a natural gas supplier that's right for them. Competing suppliers offer more pricing options for consumers, such as locking in a fixed rate, which allows them to comparison shop for energy the way they do for other products and services. Customers who do not choose a third-party supplier are served by one of five default Standard Choice Offer suppliers at a variable rate. Visit http://www.centerpointenergy.com/choice for a list of suppliers and up-to-date prices.
  • Budget Bill: Under this billing plan, a customer's estimated costs for a year of gas service are spread in equal monthly bill amounts for the year. This leveling of monthly bill amounts reduces the need to pay the full amount in the winter and spreads some of those higher bill charges into the non-heating months. Amounts are adjusted each summer for actual costs, and the customer's credit or amount due rolls into the next Budget Bill payment for the next 12-month period. Customers can enroll for free on www.centerpointenergy.com or by calling 1-800-227-1376.
  • Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP):  State and federal utility assistance dollars are available for income-eligible customers. Households must fall at or below 175 percent of federal poverty guidelines to apply.
  • HEAP Winter Crisis Program:  The HEAP Winter Crisis Program provides assistance once per heating season to eligible households that are disconnected or are threatened with disconnection. Households must fall at or below 175 percent of federal poverty guidelines to apply.
  • Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP Plus):  PIPP Plus calls for a qualified household to pay 5 percent of its monthly income for gas service throughout the year. To be eligible for the PIPP Plus program, a customer must receive his or her primary or secondary heat source from a company regulated by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, must have a total household income which is at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level and must apply for all energy assistance programs for which he or she is eligible.
  • Home weatherization: CenterPoint Energy's home weatherization program helps qualifying Ohio customers implement energy efficiency improvements to their homes at no cost. Households must fall within 300 percent of federal poverty guidelines to apply. Visit www.miamivalleycap.org to learn more.
  • Share the Warmth:  Those wanting to help the less fortunate with their energy bills can contribute to Share the Warmth, a nonprofit organization that assists income-eligible customers with home weatherization services. Donations may be tax-deductible and can be made with a checking or savings account number and routing number at www.sharethewarmthinc.com. Customers who pay their bills at www.centerpointenergy.com may donate through a bill round-up feature. In 2020, customers across CenterPoint Energy Indiana and Ohio territories used this feature to direct more than $200,000 in donations to Share the Warmth, which was matched by CenterPoint Energy.
  • Energy efficiency programs: CenterPoint Energy offers energy efficiency tips, appliance rebates and energy-saving tools to help customers lower their natural gas bills. All Ohio residential and small commercial natural gas customers are eligible. Visit www.centerpointenergy.com or call 1-866-240-8476 for a list of rebates, qualifying appliances and energy efficiency tips.

"We are here to assist our customers who are experiencing financial hardship and encourage them to make contact for options to help manage costs," said Leger. "Local community action agencies can further provide assistance and customers should call today and apply for financial and/or home weatherization assistance if needed."

Programs and services are operated under the brand CenterPoint Energy by Vectren Energy Delivery of Ohio, Inc. d/b/a CenterPoint Energy Ohio. 

CenterPoint Energy's Ohio natural gas service territory delivers natural gas to approximately 328,000 customers in all or portions of Auglaize, Butler, Champaign, Clark, Clinton, Darke, Fayette, Greene, Highland, Logan, Madison, Miami, Montgomery, Pickaway, Preble, Shelby and Warren counties.

Forward Looking Statement

This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this news release, the words "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "goal," "intend," "may," "objective," "plan," "potential," "predict," "projection," "should," "target," "will" or other similar words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions of management which are believed to be reasonable at the time made and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual events and results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Any statements in this news release regarding future events, such as the expected prices of natural gas and the subsequent impact on customer bills, assumptions regarding winter weather, and any other statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements.  Each forward-looking statement contained in this news release speaks only as of the date of this release. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the provided forward-looking information include risks and uncertainties relating to: (1) the impact of COVID-19; (2) financial market conditions; (3) general economic conditions; (4) the timing and impact of future regulatory and legislative decisions; (5) effects of competition; (6) weather variations; (7) changes in business plans; and (8) other factors, risks and uncertainties discussed in CenterPoint Energy's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, CenterPoint Energy's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2021 and June 30, 2021 and other reports CenterPoint Energy or its subsidiaries may file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

About CenterPoint Energy

As the only investor-owned electric and gas utility based in Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is an energy delivery company with electric transmission and distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution operations that serve more than 7 million metered customers in Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma and Texas. As of June 30, 2021, the company owned approximately $36 billion in assets and also owned 53.7 percent of the common units representing limited partner interests in Enable Midstream Partners, LP, a publicly traded master limited partnership that owns, operates and develops strategically located natural gas and crude oil infrastructure assets. With approximately 9,500 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.

 Recent News

 

 
CenterPoint Energy encourages Ohio customers to explore bill management options to benefit sooner

​​​Current bills to reflect January’s extreme cold

Payment assistance, flexible billing options and energy-saving resources available

DAYTON, Ohio – Feb. 3, 2026 – As CenterPoint Energy customers continue receiving February bills reflecting January’s extreme weather, the company is encouraging those who may need help managing their energy costs to explore available resources now to manage potential bill assistance needs.

January 2026 brought record-breaking snowfall to the region during Winter Storm Fern. The National Weather Service reported the longest streak of consecutive days below freezing since 2017-18. It marks the sixth time since 1893 the region has experienced an extended freeze of this magnitude. When temperatures fall this dramatically, heating systems work harder to maintain indoor comfort, resulting in increased energy usage reflected in monthly bills.

Natural gas commodity prices also rose sharply during the storm as severe weather disrupted production in key supply regions nationwide. These costs, set by national markets, are passed through to customers dollar-for-dollar without markup. Every year, the company procures gas on behalf of customers using tools to mitigate most of the exposure to large, demand-based market swings. CenterPoint does not control or profit from the price of natural gas.

“We understand that colder weather drove more heating use which is generating challenging higher bills,” said Mike Wilson, CenterPoint’s VP, Ohio Gas. “We want customers to know that help is available. Our Resource Hub brings together assistance programs, payment options and energy-saving tools, all in one place.”

The company also offers Budget Billing, which spreads energy costs evenly across the year for more predictable monthly bills.

Customers can sign up for Budget Billing and explore other resources by visiting CenterPoint’s improved Resource Hub at CenterPointEnergy.com/ResourceHub or call 800-227-1376.

As cold weather continues, CenterPoint reminds customers to be aware of the warning signs of carbon monoxide poisoning. Early symptoms such as headache and fatigue are similar to the flu, but without a fever. Continued CO exposure can lead to more severe headaches, dizziness, nausea, difficulty thinking clearly and fainting. If everyone in a household is experiencing these symptoms, it could be CO poisoning. If CO poisoning is suspected, leave the area immediately, get fresh air and call 911.


CenterPoint Energy encourages Indiana customers to explore bill management options to benefit sooner

​Current bills to reflect January’s extreme cold

Payment assistance, flexible billing options and energy-saving resources available

INDIANAPOLIS – Feb. 3, 2026 – As CenterPoint Energy customers continue receiving current bills reflecting January’s extreme weather, the company is encouraging those who may need help managing their energy costs to explore available resources now to manage potential bill assistance needs.

January 2026 brought the region’s heaviest snowfall in over a decade during Winter Storm Fern, with wind chills plunging 20 to 25 degrees below zero. The National Weather Service reported the longest streak of consecutive days below freezing since 2017-18. It marks only the sixth time since 1871 the region has experienced an extended freeze of this magnitude. When temperatures fall this dramatically, heating systems work harder to maintain indoor comfort, resulting in increased energy usage reflected in monthly bills.

Natural gas commodity prices also rose sharply during the storm as severe weather disrupted production in key supply regions nationwide. These costs, set by national markets, are passed through to customers dollar-for-dollar without markup. Every year, the company procures gas on behalf of customers using tools to mitigate most of the exposure to large, demand-based market swings. CenterPoint does not control or profit from the price of natural gas.

“We understand the colder weather drove more heating use which is generating challenging higher bills,” said Mike Roeder, President of CenterPoint Energy Indiana. “We want customers to know that help is available. Our Resource Hub brings together assistance programs, payment options and energy-saving tools, all in one place.”

The company also offers Budget Billing, which spreads energy costs evenly across the year for more predictable monthly bills.

Customers can sign up for Budget Billing and explore other resources by visiting CenterPoint’s improved Resource Hub at CenterPointEnergy.com/ResourceHub or call 800-227-1376.

As cold weather continues, CenterPoint also reminds customers to be aware of the warning signs of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Early symptoms such as headache and fatigue are similar to the flu, but without a fever. Continued CO exposure can lead to more severe headaches, dizziness, nausea, difficulty thinking clearly and fainting. If everyone in a household is experiencing these symptoms, it could be CO poisoning. If CO poisoning is suspected, leave the area immediately, get fresh air and call 911.

CenterPoint Energy encourages southwestern Indiana customers to explore bill management options to benefit sooner
​​Current bills to reflect January’s extreme cold
Payment assistance, flexible billing options and energy-saving resources available

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Feb. 3, 2026 – As CenterPoint Energy customers continue receiving current bills reflecting January’s extreme weather, the company is encouraging those who may need help managing their energy costs to explore available resources now to manage potential bill assistance needs.

January 2026 brought significant snowfall and dangerously cold wind chills to the region during Winter Storm Fern, with temperatures dropping well below zero. The National Weather Service reported the longest streak of consecutive days below freezing since 2021. When temperatures fall this dramatically, heating systems work harder to maintain indoor comfort, resulting in increased energy usage reflected in monthly bills. 

Natural gas commodity prices also rose sharply during the storm as severe weather disrupted production in key supply regions nationwide. These costs, set by national markets, are passed through to customers dollar-for-dollar without markup. Every year, the company procures gas on behalf of customers using tools to mitigate most of the exposure to large, demand-based market swings. CenterPoint does not control or profit from the price of natural gas.

“We understand the colder weather drove more heating use which is generating challenging higher bills,” said Mike Roeder, President of CenterPoint Energy Indiana. “We want customers to know that help is available. Our Resource Hub brings together assistance programs, payment options and energy-saving tools, all in one place.”

The company also offers Budget Billing, which spreads energy costs evenly across the year for more predictable monthly bills.

Customers can sign up for Budget Billing and explore other resources by visiting CenterPoint’s improved Resource Hub at CenterPointEnergy.com/ResourceHub or call 800-227-1376.

In October 2025, CenterPoint launched a series of Community Affordability Actions​, including the CenterPoint Energy Foundation’s $5 million Community Energy Improvement Fund​. Since then, the company has introduced additional bill management tools and programs for southwestern Indiana customers, including the Home Repair & Care program​—which provides major home repairs at no cost to qualifying households—and TimeWise, a voluntary pilot program offering residential electric customers a pricing option that may help them save by shifting energy use to lower-cost hours.

As cold weather continues, CenterPoint also reminds customers to be aware of the warning signs of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Early symptoms such as headache and fatigue are similar to the flu, but without a fever. Continued CO exposure can lead to more severe headaches, dizziness, nausea, difficulty thinking clearly and fainting. If everyone in a household is experiencing these symptoms, it could be CO poisoning. If CO poisoning is suspected, leave the area immediately, get fresh air and call 911.​

To help manage winter heating bills, CenterPoint Energy encourages customers to use available resources and programs

MINNEAPOLIS – Jan. 29, 2026 – CenterPoint Energy encourages residential customers to use tools and resources that may be available to help manage their natural gas bills. Throughout the year, but especially in the winter months when home heating costs are historically higher, CenterPoint urges customers facing hardship to call the company now to find out about payment arrangements, energy efficiency programs and external agency resources.​

“For customers needing payment assistance resources, we offer various tools and programs to help them manage their natural gas bills and provide pathways to reducing energy use. Our representatives work with each customer to identify programs that may be available throughout the winter heating season. We encourage customers that need support in managing their bills to contact us now to set up a payment plan and find out more about energy assistance programs," said Brad Steber, CenterPoint Energy's Vice President, Minnesota Gas. 

Cold weather protections for residential customers
Under Minnesota's Cold Weather Rule, residential customers having difficulty paying their heating bills are required to set up a payment plan with their utility. Setting up and maintaining a payment plan helps prevent disconnection of service through April 30, 2026.

CenterPoint customers can call 800-245-2377 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday-Friday, or visit CenterPointEnergy.com/PaymentAssistance to arrange a payment plan. A payment agreement must consider a customer's financial situation and any extenuating household circumstances.

Payment assistance and bill management resources
CenterPoint representatives can also refer customers to external resources that provide financial assistance for heating costs such as Minnesota's Energy Assistance Program. This program helps pay for home heating costs and furnace repairs for income-eligible households. Applications are being accepted for this program, and funds remain to assist Minnesotans this heating season. 

CenterPoint customers can also enroll in an Average Monthly Billing Plan, which spreads costs throughout the year to balance out payments and helps customers manage winter payment peaks, at CenterPointEnergy.com/MyAccount or by calling 800-245-2377.

Energy efficiency programs support customers in reducing their energy use
Various energy efficiency programs are available for residential customers, including renters. For qualifying customers, these programs may be available at a reduced rate or at no cost. Programs include:

  • Home energy assessment: The Home Energy Squad® is a home energy assessment program provided by CenterPoint and Xcel Energy that provides customers with a personalized energy savings plan and support in identifying qualified contractors and rebates. Through Jan. 31, customers scheduling their visit will receive half off with discount code NEWYEAR50. Schedule a visit at: CenterPointEnergy.com/HomeEnergySquad.
  • Visit the online Energy Efficiency Store: CenterPoint offers a variety of free and discounted products through its online Energy Efficiency Store including smart and programmable thermostats, window insulation kits, weatherstripping, low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators.
  • Air sealing and insulation rebates: By weatherizing a home through air sealing and insulation efforts, customers can prevent heat loss from their homes and reduce their energy use. Residential customers can receive rebates of up to $3,000 for work completed by a qualifying contractor. 

 Learn more about energy efficiency programs at CenterPointEnergy.com/SaveEnergy.

CenterPoint Energy urges Minnesota natural gas customers to continue taking actions to conserve energy

Customers that lower their thermostat can save energy and money as natural gas prices rise due to increased demand across the country 

MINNEAPOLIS – Jan. 27, 2026– Due to the ongoing extreme cold across much of the country, increased demand for natural gas is causing a short-term increase in natural gas prices. CenterPoint Energy is continuing to urge its Minnesota customers to take actions to help conserve energy, including temporarily lowering their thermostat settings, health permitting. The price that CenterPoint pays for natural gas is the same price charged to customers with no mark-up, and the company does not profit from the overall cost of natural gas.

Starting today and potentially through at least Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, CenterPoint is asking its customers, if possible, to reduce their thermostat settings to 65 degrees during the day when at home and lower the setting an additional five degrees when they are asleep or away from home. Home heating costs represent roughly 50% of a customer's monthly energy bill, and this energy conservation step can limit the impact of higher natural gas prices on customers' bills.

CenterPoint reminds customers that it is actively working across the company's Minnesota service area to continue providing safe, reliable and resilient energy. The company urges customers to have a personal cold weather plan in place to stay safe and warm.

Actions customers can take to reduce energy use
CenterPoint encourages customers to use these additional energy-saving tips to help manager their bill and energy use:

  • Lower the temperature setting on the water heater. Water heating accounts for approximately 20% of a home's overall energy use. Reducing a water heater's temperature to 120 degrees F from 140 degrees can help reduce water heating costs by 10% while also preventing scalding.
  • Check the furnace filter. Change or clean the filter to maximize the efficiency of the furnace.
  • Use window coverings and blinds effectively. If it's sunny outside, open window coverings during the day to capture warmth from the sun, and close coverings at night to keep warmth inside. If the sun's not shining, keep window coverings closed. 
  • Keep cold air out. Use caulk or weather-stripping to seal leaks around doors, windows and other openings such as pipes or ducts. Close fireplace dampers when not in use to trap the heat. 
  • Use a ceiling fan smartly. Set a ceiling fan to turn clockwise, and slowly, to move heat from near the ceiling to living levels to increase comfort.

Visit CenterPointEnergy.com/ReadyForWinter for more energy-saving tips and resources for customers to stay safe and warm.

Payment assistance resources for customers
CenterPoint encourages those who believe they may have trouble paying their bill to call the company now to find out about payment arrangements, energy efficiency programs and agency resources. Resources are available this heating season for qualifying customers. To learn more, customers should call 800-245-2377 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday - Friday, or visit CenterPointEnergy.com/PaymentAssistance.
 
Smell natural gas? Act fast!
CenterPoint also wants to provide a safety reminder to customers on actions to take if they suspect a natural gas leak. If there's a rotten egg or sulfur odor of natural gas present, immediately leave the area on foot, go to a safe location, and call both 911 and CenterPoint at 800-296-9815. Don't use electric switches/outlets, phones (including cell phones), drive or start a car inside or close to the location or do anything that could cause a spark.

Strategic natural gas procurement plan to keep customers safe and warm
CenterPoint has a strategic natural gas procurement plan that includes purchasing from multiple natural gas suppliers as well as buying and storing a substantial portion of its fuel supply before the winter heating season to work to mitigate costs customers pay. Due to the increased demand during the winter heating season, additional purchases may be required to be made in the daily market to support customer needs for natural gas.

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About CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

As the only investor owned electric and gas utility based in Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is an energy delivery company with electric transmission and distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution operations that serve more than 7 million metered customers in Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio and Texas. As of September 30, 2025, the company owned approximately $45 billion in assets. With approximately 8,300 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.