Generator Requirements

A transfer switch safely disconnects your home or business from the utility grid during a power outage and reconnects it once power is restored. It prevents back-feeding, which can be dangerous.

You must submit your application through CenterPoint Energy’s Transfer Switch Portal if the switch is manual or open transition. Your licensed electrician or generator dealer can assist with the required documentation. If your transfer switch is closed transition, approval from our Distributed Generation department is required.

You’ll need:

• Customer name, address, and permanent ESID
• Electrical one-line diagram (including meter, generator, and load panels)
• Transfer switch manufacturer, model/catalog number, and specifications
• Electrician’s name and license number
• Generator size (new)

An ESID stands for Electric Service Identifier. It’s a unique 22-digit number assigned to every electric service delivery point in Texas. Think of it like a serial number for your electricity connection—it identifies your specific meter and service location within the utility’s system.

You can find it on your electricity bill from your  Retail Electric Provider(REP) or by contacting your REP directly. Sometimes your ESID is also available through your REP’s online account portal.

An approval cannot be granted using a temporary ESID. To proceed, you will need to contact CenterPoint Energy directly at 713-207-2222 to establish a permanent ESID.

If you're moving into a newly built home or business, you may initially have a temporary or construction meter. In this case:

• The ESID lookup may show “meter not found” or “inactive”.
• Once construction is complete, the builder or electrician must request a new meter set from the local utility (like CenterPoint Energy).
• After the meter is installed and activated, the permanent ESID is assigned and becomes visible in lookup tools within 24 hours

CenterPoint Energy requires approval to make certain the transfer switch is safely and properly installed. This protects both your property and utility workers during outages or service restoration.

CenterPoint Energy reviews all setups for compliance with our Service Standards, the National Electrical Code (NEC), and other applicable requirements. Some important guidelines include:

• The transfer switch should be open transition (if closed transition, then approval must be obtained through our Distributed Generation department instead).
• Transfer switch must not be installed on the high side of the meter, or between the meter and its socket jaws.
• The transfer switch should be service entrance rated or installed behind a main protective device.

Before installation, you must request a temporary disconnect of your electric service. Contact your REP or CenterPoint Energy at 713-207-2222 to initiate this.

Once installation is complete, request a reconnect through your REP or CenterPoint Energy at 713-207-2222. CenterPoint may inspect the installation before final approval.

Open transition is a “break-before-make” method. When transferring between power sources, such as from generator to utility, it introduces a brief disconnection (at least 100 milliseconds) to make certain the two sources are never connected simultaneously. This helps prevent backfeed and potential damage to equipment.

Closed transition is a “make-before-break” method. It momentarily parallels the generator and utility sources (100 milliseconds or more) during the transfer. Because this parallel connection can impact grid operations, installations using closed transition switching must be approved by our Distributed Generation group.

Please submit for review and approval with our Distributed Generation group here: cnp-dg-interconnection.anbetrack.com

CenterPoint Energy typically responds within two business days after receiving a complete application.

No. You must wait for approval before installation begins. Installing without approval may result in delays or required corrections.

CenterPoint Energy typically responds within two business days after receiving a complete application. To avoid delays, please make certain all required documents are submitted, as incomplete applications may result in requests for additional information and delays.

If you are working with a representative from our MUG department on a pad mounted service, please make certain  that your transfer switch request is submitted directly to the engineer handling your project.