Houston Neighborhood and Gas Infrastructure
CenterPoint Energy has proposed a rate increase for natural gas customers in Houston, potentially raising bills by about $2.88 monthly. The increase aims to cover significant infrastructure upgrades and accommodate new customers. If approved, the change is expected to take effect by April 19, 2025. While electricity customers may see a minor decrease in their rates, uncertainty remains due to potential offsetting increases. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and voice their concerns through the Railroad Commission of Texas.
In a move that might raise eyebrows—and bills—CenterPoint Energy has floated a proposed rate increase for its natural gas customers in the Houston area. If you received an email from them on February 7, 2025, you might want to pay attention, as this change could impact your monthly expenses significantly.
Should the proposal get the green light, Houston residents could see their gas bills rise by approximately $2.88 monthly. This would push the average charge to around $22.38 for those living in Houston and along the beautiful Texas Coast. Meanwhile, folks located in South Texas, Beaumont, and East Texas may find their bills increasing closer to $27.88 a month if the rate hike gets approved.
You might be wondering why CenterPoint Energy is pushing for this increase. The company has pointed to investments made between October 2023 and December 2024 aimed at enhancing safety and reliability. They’re talking about significant upgrades—think replacing around 300 miles of aging natural gas pipes and installing 175,000 new meters to improve safety and billing accuracy.
But that’s not all! This proposed rate increase would also help CenterPoint serve about 51,500 new customers who will be joining the service ranks in Texas. The massive utility company currently caters to around 1.9 million homes and businesses, making this an essential step to ensure they can continue to provide reliable service.
If the Railroad Commission of Texas approves the hike, residents should expect these changes to kick in by April 19, 2025. The Railroad Commission, which oversees the oil and gas sector, will have until June 3, 2025, to review the application and make a decision. In the meantime, the commission is open to hearing from you! Customers can share their thoughts or concerns by referencing Case No. 00020313.
In a twist of fate for CenterPoint’s electricity customers in the Houston area, they will notice a slight decrease of about $1 per month due to a recent approval from the Texas power grid regulator. However, it’s worth mentioning that there are some pending electricity rate increases that could offset these reductions, meaning it’s a bit of a rollercoaster at the moment.
As we move into the season known for its wild weather, CenterPoint Energy is actively preparing for potential power outages. They are keeping a close eye on conditions and ensuring customers are informed. Their Power Alert Service allows users to receive vital updates during extreme weather events, covering everything from outages and estimated restoration times to safety tips for handling unexpected situations.
So, keep an eye on your inbox and your upcoming utility bills. Changes from CenterPoint Energy are on the horizon, and being aware of them could prepare you for what’s to come. Stay tuned and stay safe, Houston!
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