{"id":"centerpoint-energy","page":"https://escalate.alexgaoth.com/#/c/centerpoint-energy","html":"https://escalate.alexgaoth.com/c/centerpoint-energy/","generated":"2026-10-15","company":{"id":"centerpoint-energy","name":"CenterPoint Energy","aliases":["CenterPoint","CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric"],"sector":"utility","website":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com","account_url":"https://myaccount.centerpointenergy.com/","notes":"Electric delivery in the Greater Houston area, and natural gas in Texas, Minnesota, Indiana and Ohio (Indiana also has CenterPoint electric service). In Houston, CenterPoint is the transmission and distribution utility (TDU): it handles outages and meters, but residential customers buy power from a retail electric provider and send billing complaints to that provider. State regulators include the Public Utility Commission of Texas (electric), the Railroad Commission of Texas (gas), the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission and the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio.","channels":[{"id":"houston-electric-phone","type":"phone","label":"Greater Houston electric (delivery utility) outages and service","value":"+1-800-332-7143","purposes":["service_outage"],"notes":"Also 713-207-2222. On CenterPoint's contact page the dial links for these two numbers point to the Houston gas numbers instead; Texas retail providers list both numbers for CenterPoint electric outages.","source":"https://www.txu.com/help/support/power-outage","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"id":"houston-gas-phone","type":"phone","label":"Greater Houston gas customer service","value":"+1-800-752-8036","purposes":["billing_error","bill_increase","disconnection","deposit_refund","poor_service"],"notes":"Also 713-659-2111.","source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/contact-us","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"id":"east-texas-gas-phone","type":"phone","label":"Beaumont and East Texas gas customer service","value":"+1-800-376-9663","purposes":["billing_error","bill_increase","disconnection","deposit_refund","poor_service"],"source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/contact-us","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"id":"gas-leak-phone","type":"phone","label":"Gas leaks (leave the building first; also call 911); also listed as South Texas gas customer service","value":"+1-888-876-5786","source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/safety/reporting/gas-leak","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"id":"minnesota-gas-phone","type":"phone","label":"Minnesota residential gas service","value":"+1-800-245-2377","notes":"Also 612-372-4727.","purposes":["billing_error","bill_increase","disconnection","deposit_refund","poor_service"],"source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/contact-us","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"id":"indiana-phone","type":"phone","label":"Indiana electric and gas customer service","value":"+1-800-227-1376","purposes":["billing_error","bill_increase","disconnection","deposit_refund","poor_service"],"source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/contact-us","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"id":"ohio-gas-phone","type":"phone","label":"Ohio gas customer service","value":"+1-800-838-0933","purposes":["billing_error","bill_increase","disconnection","deposit_refund","poor_service"],"notes":"On CenterPoint's contact page this number's dial link points to the Indiana number (800-227-1376). Confirm on the bill.","source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/contact-us","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"id":"contact-form","type":"web_form","label":"Online contact form","value":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/contact-us/form","purposes":["billing_error","bill_increase","poor_service"],"source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/contact-us","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"id":"assistance-page","type":"portal","label":"Payment extensions, payment arrangements and assistance programs by state","value":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/my-account/billing-payment/assistance-programs","purposes":["disconnection"],"source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/my-account/billing-payment/assistance-programs","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"id":"critical-care-page","type":"portal","label":"Critical Care customer registration (electric-powered medical equipment)","value":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/my-account/billing-payment/critical-care-customers","purposes":["service_outage","disconnection"],"source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/my-account/billing-payment/critical-care-customers","last_verified":"2026-10-12"}],"escalation":[{"rung":"frontline","note":"Gas, Indiana electric: the state customer service number. Houston electric billing: the retail electric provider."},{"rung":"supervisor"},{"rung":"written_complaint","channel":"contact-form"},{"rung":"state_agency","agency_kind":"utility_commission","note":"Public Utility Commission of Texas for Houston electric; the state commission for gas and Indiana electric (see notes)."},{"rung":"state_agency","agency_kind":"attorney_general"}],"playbooks":[{"issue":"billing_error","summary":"Gas and Indiana customers dispute with CenterPoint; Houston electric customers dispute the bill with their retail provider, which can ask CenterPoint to test the meter.","evidence":["the bill","meter readings","earlier bills"],"steps":[{"do":"For a gas bill or an Indiana electric bill, call the customer service number for your state and ask for a review or a meter test.","channel":"houston-gas-phone","note":"Use your own state's number."},{"do":"For a Houston electric bill, dispute it with your retail electric provider. It can request a meter test from CenterPoint."},{"do":"Put the dispute in writing through the online contact form.","channel":"contact-form"}]},{"issue":"disconnection","summary":"Request a one-time due date extension or a payment arrangement in My Account, and apply for state assistance.","evidence":["disconnection notice","account number"],"steps":[{"do":"Sign in to My Account and request a due date extension or a payment arrangement. Keep paying current charges on time.","channel":"assistance-page"},{"do":"Apply for the assistance programs for your state (PIPP Plus and HEAP in Ohio, EAP in Indiana and Minnesota, CEAP in Texas), or call 211.","channel":"assistance-page"},{"do":"In Minnesota, ask about the Cold Weather Rule and the Medical Hardship Program.","channel":"minnesota-gas-phone"}],"facts":[{"kind":"policy","claim":"CenterPoint offers a one-time due date extension for a few extra days, generally with no fee, and payment arrangements that split the bill into smaller payments if current charges are paid on time.","issues":["disconnection"],"source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/my-account/billing-payment/assistance-programs","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"policy","claim":"Minnesota: the Cold Weather Rule and Medical Hardship Program give late-fee grace periods and enrollment in Levelized Billing or a four-month payment plan.","issues":["disconnection"],"source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/my-account/billing-payment/assistance-programs","last_verified":"2026-10-12"}]},{"issue":"service_outage","summary":"Houston electric outages go to CenterPoint; register for Critical Care if someone depends on electric medical equipment.","evidence":["service address","ESI ID or meter number","outage start time"],"steps":[{"do":"Report a Houston electric outage by phone or on the outage tracker (tracker.centerpointenergy.com).","channel":"houston-electric-phone"},{"do":"Register for Critical Care and update it every year. It gives notice of planned outages but does not guarantee power.","channel":"critical-care-page"}],"facts":[{"kind":"policy","claim":"Registered Critical Care customers get notice before planned power outages, but registration does not guarantee uninterrupted power in emergencies or storms. Registration must be updated every year.","issues":["service_outage"],"source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/my-account/billing-payment/critical-care-customers","last_verified":"2026-10-12"}]}],"known_blockers":["Payment extensions and arrangements are set up in My Account (sign-in).","CenterPoint's contact page shows phone numbers whose dial links do not match the displayed numbers (Houston electric, Ohio gas)."],"official_domains":["centerpointenergy.com"],"security":{"never_asks":[{"kind":"policy","claim":"CenterPoint Energy phone agents will never personally ask for banking or credit card information over the phone. Customers who pay by phone are transferred to an automated system.","source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/savings-solutions/resource-hub/safety-reliability/public-utility-scams","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"policy","claim":"CenterPoint Energy agents will never ask for payment by cash, Western Union or MoneyGram transfer, prepaid debit card such as Green Dot, gift card, PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay or Square Pay.","source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/savings-solutions/resource-hub/safety-reliability/public-utility-scams","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"policy","claim":"CenterPoint Energy field employees are not authorized to collect payments at a home or business.","source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/savings-solutions/resource-hub/safety-reliability/public-utility-scams","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"policy","claim":"CenterPoint Energy will not disconnect service without first mailing an overdue bill and then a disconnection notice that states the disconnection date and time.","source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/savings-solutions/resource-hub/safety-reliability/public-utility-scams","last_verified":"2026-10-12"}],"known_scams":[{"kind":"policy","claim":"Scammers spoof caller ID so calls appear as CenterPoint Energy, and may threaten to disconnect utilities within the hour unless money is sent.","source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/savings-solutions/resource-hub/safety-reliability/public-utility-scams","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"policy","claim":"Imposters call or visit about an overdue bill and threaten quick disconnection unless the customer loads money onto a prepaid debit card and shares its serial number.","source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/savings-solutions/resource-hub/safety-reliability/public-utility-scams/common-energy-scams","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"policy","claim":"After severe storms, fake utility workers offer immediate power restoration for a cash fee and leave without restoring service.","source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/savings-solutions/resource-hub/safety-reliability/public-utility-scams/common-energy-scams","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"policy","claim":"Imposters in official-looking clothing visit homes offering refunds of delivery fees, sometimes calling it a government program.","source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/savings-solutions/resource-hub/safety-reliability/public-utility-scams/common-energy-scams","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"policy","claim":"Scammers describe fake federal programs that help pay utility bills and ask for Social Security numbers.","source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/savings-solutions/resource-hub/safety-reliability/public-utility-scams/common-energy-scams","last_verified":"2026-10-12"}]}},"playbooks":{"billing_error":{"company":{"id":"centerpoint-energy","name":"CenterPoint Energy","sector":"utility","website":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com","account_url":"https://myaccount.centerpointenergy.com/"},"issue":{"id":"billing_error","name":"Billing error"},"playbook_source":"company","summary":"Gas and Indiana customers dispute with CenterPoint; Houston electric customers dispute the bill with their retail provider, which can ask CenterPoint to test the meter.","evidence":["the bill","meter readings","earlier bills"],"steps":[{"do":"For a gas bill or an Indiana electric bill, call the customer service number for your state and ask for a review or a meter test.","note":"Use your own state's number.","channel":{"id":"houston-gas-phone","type":"phone","label":"Greater Houston gas customer service","value":"+1-800-752-8036","purposes":["billing_error","bill_increase","disconnection","deposit_refund","poor_service"],"notes":"Also 713-659-2111.","source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/contact-us","last_verified":"2026-10-12"}},{"do":"For a Houston electric bill, dispute it with your retail electric provider. It can request a meter test from CenterPoint."},{"do":"Put the dispute in writing through the online contact form.","channel":{"id":"contact-form","type":"web_form","label":"Online contact form","value":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/contact-us/form","purposes":["billing_error","bill_increase","poor_service"],"source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/contact-us","last_verified":"2026-10-12"}}],"channels":[{"id":"houston-gas-phone","type":"phone","label":"Greater Houston gas customer service","value":"+1-800-752-8036","purposes":["billing_error","bill_increase","disconnection","deposit_refund","poor_service"],"notes":"Also 713-659-2111.","source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/contact-us","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"id":"east-texas-gas-phone","type":"phone","label":"Beaumont and East Texas gas customer service","value":"+1-800-376-9663","purposes":["billing_error","bill_increase","disconnection","deposit_refund","poor_service"],"source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/contact-us","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"id":"gas-leak-phone","type":"phone","label":"Gas leaks (leave the building first; also call 911); also listed as South Texas gas customer service","value":"+1-888-876-5786","source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/safety/reporting/gas-leak","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"id":"minnesota-gas-phone","type":"phone","label":"Minnesota residential gas service","value":"+1-800-245-2377","notes":"Also 612-372-4727.","purposes":["billing_error","bill_increase","disconnection","deposit_refund","poor_service"],"source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/contact-us","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"id":"indiana-phone","type":"phone","label":"Indiana electric and gas customer service","value":"+1-800-227-1376","purposes":["billing_error","bill_increase","disconnection","deposit_refund","poor_service"],"source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/contact-us","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"id":"ohio-gas-phone","type":"phone","label":"Ohio gas customer service","value":"+1-800-838-0933","purposes":["billing_error","bill_increase","disconnection","deposit_refund","poor_service"],"notes":"On CenterPoint's contact page this number's dial link points to the Indiana number (800-227-1376). Confirm on the bill.","source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/contact-us","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"id":"contact-form","type":"web_form","label":"Online contact form","value":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/contact-us/form","purposes":["billing_error","bill_increase","poor_service"],"source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/contact-us","last_verified":"2026-10-12"}],"facts":[],"rules":{"in_force":[{"id":"rosca-negative-option","title":"Restore Online Shoppers' Confidence Act (ROSCA) negative option requirements","citation":"15 U.S.C. 8401-8405","jurisdiction":"us-federal","status":"in_effect","summary":"A seller that charges consumers online through a negative option feature (for example an automatic renewal or a free trial that converts to paid) must clearly disclose all material terms before taking billing information, get the consumer's express informed consent before charging, and provide simple mechanisms to stop recurring charges. The FTC enforces ROSCA.","source":"https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/15/8403","last_verified":"2026-10-12","points_omitted":4,"points":[{"kind":"policy","claim":"The seller must obtain \"a consumer's express informed consent before charging the consumer's credit card, debit card, bank account, or other financial account\".","issues":["unauthorized_charge","billing_error"],"source":"https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/15/8403","last_verified":"2026-10-12"}]}],"not_in_force":[]},"tips":[],"escalation":[{"index":0,"rung":"frontline","note":"Gas, Indiana electric: the state customer service number. Houston electric billing: the retail electric provider.","candidate_channels":["houston-electric-phone","houston-gas-phone","east-texas-gas-phone","gas-leak-phone","minnesota-gas-phone","indiana-phone","ohio-gas-phone","critical-care-page"]},{"index":1,"rung":"supervisor","candidate_channels":[]},{"index":2,"rung":"written_complaint","channel":{"id":"contact-form","type":"web_form","label":"Online contact form","value":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/contact-us/form","purposes":["billing_error","bill_increase","poor_service"],"source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/contact-us","last_verified":"2026-10-12"}},{"index":3,"rung":"state_agency","note":"Public Utility Commission of Texas for Houston electric; the state commission for gas and Indiana electric (see notes).","agency_kind":"utility_commission","agencies":"Ask for the person's state, then call find_regulators."},{"index":4,"rung":"state_agency","agency_kind":"attorney_general","agencies":"Ask for the person's state, then call find_regulators."}],"known_blockers":["Payment extensions and arrangements are set up in My Account (sign-in).","CenterPoint's contact page shows phone numbers whose dial links do not match the displayed numbers (Houston electric, Ohio gas)."],"security":{"official_domains":["centerpointenergy.com"],"never_asks":[{"kind":"policy","claim":"CenterPoint Energy phone agents will never personally ask for banking or credit card information over the phone. Customers who pay by phone are transferred to an automated system.","source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/savings-solutions/resource-hub/safety-reliability/public-utility-scams","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"policy","claim":"CenterPoint Energy agents will never ask for payment by cash, Western Union or MoneyGram transfer, prepaid debit card such as Green Dot, gift card, PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay or Square Pay.","source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/savings-solutions/resource-hub/safety-reliability/public-utility-scams","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"policy","claim":"CenterPoint Energy field employees are not authorized to collect payments at a home or business.","source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/savings-solutions/resource-hub/safety-reliability/public-utility-scams","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"policy","claim":"CenterPoint Energy will not disconnect service without first mailing an overdue bill and then a disconnection notice that states the disconnection date and time.","source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/savings-solutions/resource-hub/safety-reliability/public-utility-scams","last_verified":"2026-10-12"}],"known_scams":[{"kind":"policy","claim":"Scammers spoof caller ID so calls appear as CenterPoint Energy, and may threaten to disconnect utilities within the hour unless money is sent.","source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/savings-solutions/resource-hub/safety-reliability/public-utility-scams","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"policy","claim":"Imposters call or visit about an overdue bill and threaten quick disconnection unless the customer loads money onto a prepaid debit card and shares its serial number.","source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/savings-solutions/resource-hub/safety-reliability/public-utility-scams/common-energy-scams","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"policy","claim":"After severe storms, fake utility workers offer immediate power restoration for a cash fee and leave without restoring service.","source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/savings-solutions/resource-hub/safety-reliability/public-utility-scams/common-energy-scams","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"policy","claim":"Imposters in official-looking clothing visit homes offering refunds of delivery fees, sometimes calling it a government program.","source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/savings-solutions/resource-hub/safety-reliability/public-utility-scams/common-energy-scams","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"policy","claim":"Scammers describe fake federal programs that help pay utility bills and ask for Social Security numbers.","source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/savings-solutions/resource-hub/safety-reliability/public-utility-scams/common-energy-scams","last_verified":"2026-10-12"}],"report_phishing":[]},"credibility":{"grade":"A","primary_share":0.955,"sources":{"primary":21,"reference":1},"verified_from":{"page":22},"last_verified":"2026-10-12","oldest_verified":"2026-10-12","stale_items":0,"explanation":"Grade A (high: almost everything comes from official pages read directly). 95% of 22 sources are the organization's own pages or government sites.","dossier_last_verified":null},"context":{"dossier":false,"sector_guide":true,"hint":"Call get_context for how this company handles complaints in practice and which scams use its name."},"notes":"Electric delivery in the Greater Houston area, and natural gas in Texas, Minnesota, Indiana and Ohio (Indiana also has CenterPoint electric service). In Houston, CenterPoint is the transmission and distribution utility (TDU): it handles outages and meters, but residential customers buy power from a retail electric provider and send billing complaints to that provider. State regulators include the Public Utility Commission of Texas (electric), the Railroad Commission of Texas (gas), the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission and the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio.","warnings":[]},"disconnection":{"company":{"id":"centerpoint-energy","name":"CenterPoint Energy","sector":"utility","website":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com","account_url":"https://myaccount.centerpointenergy.com/"},"issue":{"id":"disconnection","name":"Disconnection notice"},"playbook_source":"company","summary":"Request a one-time due date extension or a payment arrangement in My Account, and apply for state assistance.","evidence":["disconnection notice","account number"],"steps":[{"do":"Sign in to My Account and request a due date extension or a payment arrangement. Keep paying current charges on time.","channel":{"id":"assistance-page","type":"portal","label":"Payment extensions, payment arrangements and assistance programs by state","value":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/my-account/billing-payment/assistance-programs","purposes":["disconnection"],"source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/my-account/billing-payment/assistance-programs","last_verified":"2026-10-12"}},{"do":"Apply for the assistance programs for your state (PIPP Plus and HEAP in Ohio, EAP in Indiana and Minnesota, CEAP in Texas), or call 211.","channel":{"id":"assistance-page","type":"portal","label":"Payment extensions, payment arrangements and assistance programs by state","value":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/my-account/billing-payment/assistance-programs","purposes":["disconnection"],"source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/my-account/billing-payment/assistance-programs","last_verified":"2026-10-12"}},{"do":"In Minnesota, ask about the Cold Weather Rule and the Medical Hardship Program.","channel":{"id":"minnesota-gas-phone","type":"phone","label":"Minnesota residential gas service","value":"+1-800-245-2377","notes":"Also 612-372-4727.","purposes":["billing_error","bill_increase","disconnection","deposit_refund","poor_service"],"source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/contact-us","last_verified":"2026-10-12"}}],"channels":[{"id":"houston-gas-phone","type":"phone","label":"Greater Houston gas customer service","value":"+1-800-752-8036","purposes":["billing_error","bill_increase","disconnection","deposit_refund","poor_service"],"notes":"Also 713-659-2111.","source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/contact-us","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"id":"east-texas-gas-phone","type":"phone","label":"Beaumont and East Texas gas customer service","value":"+1-800-376-9663","purposes":["billing_error","bill_increase","disconnection","deposit_refund","poor_service"],"source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/contact-us","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"id":"gas-leak-phone","type":"phone","label":"Gas leaks (leave the building first; also call 911); also listed as South Texas gas customer service","value":"+1-888-876-5786","source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/safety/reporting/gas-leak","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"id":"minnesota-gas-phone","type":"phone","label":"Minnesota residential gas service","value":"+1-800-245-2377","notes":"Also 612-372-4727.","purposes":["billing_error","bill_increase","disconnection","deposit_refund","poor_service"],"source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/contact-us","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"id":"indiana-phone","type":"phone","label":"Indiana electric and gas customer service","value":"+1-800-227-1376","purposes":["billing_error","bill_increase","disconnection","deposit_refund","poor_service"],"source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/contact-us","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"id":"ohio-gas-phone","type":"phone","label":"Ohio gas customer service","value":"+1-800-838-0933","purposes":["billing_error","bill_increase","disconnection","deposit_refund","poor_service"],"notes":"On CenterPoint's contact page this number's dial link points to the Indiana number (800-227-1376). Confirm on the bill.","source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/contact-us","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"id":"assistance-page","type":"portal","label":"Payment extensions, payment arrangements and assistance programs by state","value":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/my-account/billing-payment/assistance-programs","purposes":["disconnection"],"source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/my-account/billing-payment/assistance-programs","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"id":"critical-care-page","type":"portal","label":"Critical Care customer registration (electric-powered medical equipment)","value":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/my-account/billing-payment/critical-care-customers","purposes":["service_outage","disconnection"],"source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/my-account/billing-payment/critical-care-customers","last_verified":"2026-10-12"}],"facts":[{"kind":"policy","claim":"CenterPoint offers a one-time due date extension for a few extra days, generally with no fee, and payment arrangements that split the bill into smaller payments if current charges are paid on time.","issues":["disconnection"],"source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/my-account/billing-payment/assistance-programs","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"policy","claim":"Minnesota: the Cold Weather Rule and Medical Hardship Program give late-fee grace periods and enrollment in Levelized Billing or a four-month payment plan.","issues":["disconnection"],"source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/my-account/billing-payment/assistance-programs","last_verified":"2026-10-12"}],"rules":{"in_force":[],"not_in_force":[]},"tips":[],"escalation":[{"index":0,"rung":"frontline","note":"Gas, Indiana electric: the state customer service number. Houston electric billing: the retail electric provider.","candidate_channels":["houston-electric-phone","houston-gas-phone","east-texas-gas-phone","gas-leak-phone","minnesota-gas-phone","indiana-phone","ohio-gas-phone","critical-care-page"]},{"index":1,"rung":"supervisor","candidate_channels":[]},{"index":2,"rung":"written_complaint","channel":{"id":"contact-form","type":"web_form","label":"Online contact form","value":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/contact-us/form","purposes":["billing_error","bill_increase","poor_service"],"source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/contact-us","last_verified":"2026-10-12"}},{"index":3,"rung":"state_agency","note":"Public Utility Commission of Texas for Houston electric; the state commission for gas and Indiana electric (see notes).","agency_kind":"utility_commission","agencies":"Ask for the person's state, then call find_regulators."},{"index":4,"rung":"state_agency","agency_kind":"attorney_general","agencies":"Ask for the person's state, then call find_regulators."}],"known_blockers":["Payment extensions and arrangements are set up in My Account (sign-in).","CenterPoint's contact page shows phone numbers whose dial links do not match the displayed numbers (Houston electric, Ohio gas)."],"security":{"official_domains":["centerpointenergy.com"],"never_asks":[{"kind":"policy","claim":"CenterPoint Energy phone agents will never personally ask for banking or credit card information over the phone. Customers who pay by phone are transferred to an automated system.","source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/savings-solutions/resource-hub/safety-reliability/public-utility-scams","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"policy","claim":"CenterPoint Energy agents will never ask for payment by cash, Western Union or MoneyGram transfer, prepaid debit card such as Green Dot, gift card, PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay or Square Pay.","source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/savings-solutions/resource-hub/safety-reliability/public-utility-scams","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"policy","claim":"CenterPoint Energy field employees are not authorized to collect payments at a home or business.","source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/savings-solutions/resource-hub/safety-reliability/public-utility-scams","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"policy","claim":"CenterPoint Energy will not disconnect service without first mailing an overdue bill and then a disconnection notice that states the disconnection date and time.","source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/savings-solutions/resource-hub/safety-reliability/public-utility-scams","last_verified":"2026-10-12"}],"known_scams":[{"kind":"policy","claim":"Scammers spoof caller ID so calls appear as CenterPoint Energy, and may threaten to disconnect utilities within the hour unless money is sent.","source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/savings-solutions/resource-hub/safety-reliability/public-utility-scams","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"policy","claim":"Imposters call or visit about an overdue bill and threaten quick disconnection unless the customer loads money onto a prepaid debit card and shares its serial number.","source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/savings-solutions/resource-hub/safety-reliability/public-utility-scams/common-energy-scams","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"policy","claim":"After severe storms, fake utility workers offer immediate power restoration for a cash fee and leave without restoring service.","source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/savings-solutions/resource-hub/safety-reliability/public-utility-scams/common-energy-scams","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"policy","claim":"Imposters in official-looking clothing visit homes offering refunds of delivery fees, sometimes calling it a government program.","source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/savings-solutions/resource-hub/safety-reliability/public-utility-scams/common-energy-scams","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"policy","claim":"Scammers describe fake federal programs that help pay utility bills and ask for Social Security numbers.","source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/savings-solutions/resource-hub/safety-reliability/public-utility-scams/common-energy-scams","last_verified":"2026-10-12"}],"report_phishing":[]},"credibility":{"grade":"A","primary_share":0.955,"sources":{"primary":21,"reference":1},"verified_from":{"page":22},"last_verified":"2026-10-12","oldest_verified":"2026-10-12","stale_items":0,"explanation":"Grade A (high: almost everything comes from official pages read directly). 95% of 22 sources are the organization's own pages or government sites.","dossier_last_verified":null},"context":{"dossier":false,"sector_guide":true,"hint":"Call get_context for how this company handles complaints in practice and which scams use its name."},"notes":"Electric delivery in the Greater Houston area, and natural gas in Texas, Minnesota, Indiana and Ohio (Indiana also has CenterPoint electric service). In Houston, CenterPoint is the transmission and distribution utility (TDU): it handles outages and meters, but residential customers buy power from a retail electric provider and send billing complaints to that provider. State regulators include the Public Utility Commission of Texas (electric), the Railroad Commission of Texas (gas), the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission and the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio.","warnings":[]},"service_outage":{"company":{"id":"centerpoint-energy","name":"CenterPoint Energy","sector":"utility","website":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com","account_url":"https://myaccount.centerpointenergy.com/"},"issue":{"id":"service_outage","name":"Outage credit"},"playbook_source":"company","summary":"Houston electric outages go to CenterPoint; register for Critical Care if someone depends on electric medical equipment.","evidence":["service address","ESI ID or meter number","outage start time"],"steps":[{"do":"Report a Houston electric outage by phone or on the outage tracker (tracker.centerpointenergy.com).","channel":{"id":"houston-electric-phone","type":"phone","label":"Greater Houston electric (delivery utility) outages and service","value":"+1-800-332-7143","purposes":["service_outage"],"notes":"Also 713-207-2222. On CenterPoint's contact page the dial links for these two numbers point to the Houston gas numbers instead; Texas retail providers list both numbers for CenterPoint electric outages.","source":"https://www.txu.com/help/support/power-outage","last_verified":"2026-10-12"}},{"do":"Register for Critical Care and update it every year. It gives notice of planned outages but does not guarantee power.","channel":{"id":"critical-care-page","type":"portal","label":"Critical Care customer registration (electric-powered medical equipment)","value":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/my-account/billing-payment/critical-care-customers","purposes":["service_outage","disconnection"],"source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/my-account/billing-payment/critical-care-customers","last_verified":"2026-10-12"}}],"channels":[{"id":"houston-electric-phone","type":"phone","label":"Greater Houston electric (delivery utility) outages and service","value":"+1-800-332-7143","purposes":["service_outage"],"notes":"Also 713-207-2222. On CenterPoint's contact page the dial links for these two numbers point to the Houston gas numbers instead; Texas retail providers list both numbers for CenterPoint electric outages.","source":"https://www.txu.com/help/support/power-outage","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"id":"gas-leak-phone","type":"phone","label":"Gas leaks (leave the building first; also call 911); also listed as South Texas gas customer service","value":"+1-888-876-5786","source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/safety/reporting/gas-leak","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"id":"critical-care-page","type":"portal","label":"Critical Care customer registration (electric-powered medical equipment)","value":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/my-account/billing-payment/critical-care-customers","purposes":["service_outage","disconnection"],"source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/my-account/billing-payment/critical-care-customers","last_verified":"2026-10-12"}],"facts":[{"kind":"policy","claim":"Registered Critical Care customers get notice before planned power outages, but registration does not guarantee uninterrupted power in emergencies or storms. Registration must be updated every year.","issues":["service_outage"],"source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/my-account/billing-payment/critical-care-customers","last_verified":"2026-10-12"}],"rules":{"in_force":[],"not_in_force":[]},"tips":[],"escalation":[{"index":0,"rung":"frontline","note":"Gas, Indiana electric: the state customer service number. Houston electric billing: the retail electric provider.","candidate_channels":["houston-electric-phone","houston-gas-phone","east-texas-gas-phone","gas-leak-phone","minnesota-gas-phone","indiana-phone","ohio-gas-phone","critical-care-page"]},{"index":1,"rung":"supervisor","candidate_channels":[]},{"index":2,"rung":"written_complaint","channel":{"id":"contact-form","type":"web_form","label":"Online contact form","value":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/contact-us/form","purposes":["billing_error","bill_increase","poor_service"],"source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/contact-us","last_verified":"2026-10-12"}},{"index":3,"rung":"state_agency","note":"Public Utility Commission of Texas for Houston electric; the state commission for gas and Indiana electric (see notes).","agency_kind":"utility_commission","agencies":"Ask for the person's state, then call find_regulators."},{"index":4,"rung":"state_agency","agency_kind":"attorney_general","agencies":"Ask for the person's state, then call find_regulators."}],"known_blockers":["Payment extensions and arrangements are set up in My Account (sign-in).","CenterPoint's contact page shows phone numbers whose dial links do not match the displayed numbers (Houston electric, Ohio gas)."],"security":{"official_domains":["centerpointenergy.com"],"never_asks":[{"kind":"policy","claim":"CenterPoint Energy phone agents will never personally ask for banking or credit card information over the phone. Customers who pay by phone are transferred to an automated system.","source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/savings-solutions/resource-hub/safety-reliability/public-utility-scams","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"policy","claim":"CenterPoint Energy agents will never ask for payment by cash, Western Union or MoneyGram transfer, prepaid debit card such as Green Dot, gift card, PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay or Square Pay.","source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/savings-solutions/resource-hub/safety-reliability/public-utility-scams","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"policy","claim":"CenterPoint Energy field employees are not authorized to collect payments at a home or business.","source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/savings-solutions/resource-hub/safety-reliability/public-utility-scams","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"policy","claim":"CenterPoint Energy will not disconnect service without first mailing an overdue bill and then a disconnection notice that states the disconnection date and time.","source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/savings-solutions/resource-hub/safety-reliability/public-utility-scams","last_verified":"2026-10-12"}],"known_scams":[{"kind":"policy","claim":"Scammers spoof caller ID so calls appear as CenterPoint Energy, and may threaten to disconnect utilities within the hour unless money is sent.","source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/savings-solutions/resource-hub/safety-reliability/public-utility-scams","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"policy","claim":"Imposters call or visit about an overdue bill and threaten quick disconnection unless the customer loads money onto a prepaid debit card and shares its serial number.","source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/savings-solutions/resource-hub/safety-reliability/public-utility-scams/common-energy-scams","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"policy","claim":"After severe storms, fake utility workers offer immediate power restoration for a cash fee and leave without restoring service.","source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/savings-solutions/resource-hub/safety-reliability/public-utility-scams/common-energy-scams","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"policy","claim":"Imposters in official-looking clothing visit homes offering refunds of delivery fees, sometimes calling it a government program.","source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/savings-solutions/resource-hub/safety-reliability/public-utility-scams/common-energy-scams","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"policy","claim":"Scammers describe fake federal programs that help pay utility bills and ask for Social Security numbers.","source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/savings-solutions/resource-hub/safety-reliability/public-utility-scams/common-energy-scams","last_verified":"2026-10-12"}],"report_phishing":[]},"credibility":{"grade":"A","primary_share":0.955,"sources":{"primary":21,"reference":1},"verified_from":{"page":22},"last_verified":"2026-10-12","oldest_verified":"2026-10-12","stale_items":0,"explanation":"Grade A (high: almost everything comes from official pages read directly). 95% of 22 sources are the organization's own pages or government sites.","dossier_last_verified":null},"context":{"dossier":false,"sector_guide":true,"hint":"Call get_context for how this company handles complaints in practice and which scams use its name."},"notes":"Electric delivery in the Greater Houston area, and natural gas in Texas, Minnesota, Indiana and Ohio (Indiana also has CenterPoint electric service). In Houston, CenterPoint is the transmission and distribution utility (TDU): it handles outages and meters, but residential customers buy power from a retail electric provider and send billing complaints to that provider. State regulators include the Public Utility Commission of Texas (electric), the Railroad Commission of Texas (gas), the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission and the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio.","warnings":[]}},"escalation":[{"index":0,"rung":"frontline","note":"Gas, Indiana electric: the state customer service number. Houston electric billing: the retail electric provider.","candidate_channels":["houston-electric-phone","houston-gas-phone","east-texas-gas-phone","gas-leak-phone","minnesota-gas-phone","indiana-phone","ohio-gas-phone","critical-care-page"]},{"index":1,"rung":"supervisor","candidate_channels":[]},{"index":2,"rung":"written_complaint","channel":{"id":"contact-form","type":"web_form","label":"Online contact form","value":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/contact-us/form","purposes":["billing_error","bill_increase","poor_service"],"source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/contact-us","last_verified":"2026-10-12"}},{"index":3,"rung":"state_agency","note":"Public Utility Commission of Texas for Houston electric; the state commission for gas and Indiana electric (see notes).","agency_kind":"utility_commission","agencies":"Ask for the person's state, then call find_regulators."},{"index":4,"rung":"state_agency","agency_kind":"attorney_general","agencies":"Ask for the person's state, then call find_regulators."}],"security":{"official_domains":["centerpointenergy.com"],"never_asks":[{"kind":"policy","claim":"CenterPoint Energy phone agents will never personally ask for banking or credit card information over the phone. Customers who pay by phone are transferred to an automated system.","source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/savings-solutions/resource-hub/safety-reliability/public-utility-scams","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"policy","claim":"CenterPoint Energy agents will never ask for payment by cash, Western Union or MoneyGram transfer, prepaid debit card such as Green Dot, gift card, PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay or Square Pay.","source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/savings-solutions/resource-hub/safety-reliability/public-utility-scams","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"policy","claim":"CenterPoint Energy field employees are not authorized to collect payments at a home or business.","source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/savings-solutions/resource-hub/safety-reliability/public-utility-scams","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"policy","claim":"CenterPoint Energy will not disconnect service without first mailing an overdue bill and then a disconnection notice that states the disconnection date and time.","source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/savings-solutions/resource-hub/safety-reliability/public-utility-scams","last_verified":"2026-10-12"}],"known_scams":[{"kind":"policy","claim":"Scammers spoof caller ID so calls appear as CenterPoint Energy, and may threaten to disconnect utilities within the hour unless money is sent.","source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/savings-solutions/resource-hub/safety-reliability/public-utility-scams","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"policy","claim":"Imposters call or visit about an overdue bill and threaten quick disconnection unless the customer loads money onto a prepaid debit card and shares its serial number.","source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/savings-solutions/resource-hub/safety-reliability/public-utility-scams/common-energy-scams","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"policy","claim":"After severe storms, fake utility workers offer immediate power restoration for a cash fee and leave without restoring service.","source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/savings-solutions/resource-hub/safety-reliability/public-utility-scams/common-energy-scams","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"policy","claim":"Imposters in official-looking clothing visit homes offering refunds of delivery fees, sometimes calling it a government program.","source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/savings-solutions/resource-hub/safety-reliability/public-utility-scams/common-energy-scams","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"policy","claim":"Scammers describe fake federal programs that help pay utility bills and ask for Social Security numbers.","source":"https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/savings-solutions/resource-hub/safety-reliability/public-utility-scams/common-energy-scams","last_verified":"2026-10-12"}],"report_phishing":[]},"credibility":{"grade":"A","primary_share":0.955,"sources":{"primary":21,"reference":1},"verified_from":{"page":22},"last_verified":"2026-10-12","oldest_verified":"2026-10-12","stale_items":0,"explanation":"Grade A (high: almost everything comes from official pages read directly). 95% of 22 sources are the organization's own pages or government sites.","dossier_last_verified":null},"dossier":null,"guide":{"key":"utility","title":"Electric and gas utilities — how complaints work","last_verified":"2026-10-12","file":"guides/utility.md","page":"https://escalate.alexgaoth.com/#/guides/utility"}}