CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric: generator, battery backup & CPAP rules
Service area: Greater Houston including Katy, Sugar Land, The Woodlands, Pearland, Baytown and Galveston
Meter collar transfer switches
No published rule found
We found no official CenterPoint statement allowing or prohibiting meter collars. CenterPoint does require its own approval of transfer switches for standby generators through its ATS approval process. Ask CenterPoint before buying a collar.
Generator and battery disconnect requirements
For solar and wind interconnection, CenterPoint has asked for a lockable, visible external disconnect within 10 ft of the meter. We found no battery- or generator-specific rule; confirm with CenterPoint.
Gas meter upgrades for standby generators
Gas utility: CenterPoint Energy (gas)
No published fee. CenterPoint's Gas Meter Upgrade Tool says meters may need an upgrade when gas appliances such as backup generators are added, and the appliances should be in place before you request it. Customer reports of the cost vary. Ask CenterPoint for a quote.
Estimate your gas load with our gas meter calculator and read how gas meter sizing works.
Medical program for CPAP, BiPAP and oxygen users
- Program
- Texas Critical Care / Chronic Condition designation
- What it provides
- Notice of planned outages, pre-storm outreach and added protection against disconnection (critical care). No bill discount, and CenterPoint states registration does not guarantee continuous power. You apply through your retail electric provider.
- CPAP / BiPAP
- Not named in the rule; qualifies only if a physician certifies dependence on an electric medical device to sustain life (critical care) or a serious condition requiring one (chronic condition).
- Renewal
- Critical care: every 2 years. Chronic condition: 90 days, or up to 1 year for a lifelong condition.
Backup battery or generator programs
- Program
- None found
- What it provides
- We found no CenterPoint backup battery or generator program for individual medical customers. The CenterPoint Energy Foundation donates generators to community facilities, not households.
Frequently asked questions
Does CenterPoint (Houston) allow meter collar transfer switches like the Tesla Backup Switch?
No published rule found. We found no official CenterPoint statement allowing or prohibiting meter collars. CenterPoint does require its own approval of transfer switches for standby generators through its ATS approval process. Ask CenterPoint before buying a collar.
Does CenterPoint (Houston) have a program for customers who use a CPAP or other medical equipment?
Texas Critical Care / Chronic Condition designation: Notice of planned outages, pre-storm outreach and added protection against disconnection (critical care). No bill discount, and CenterPoint states registration does not guarantee continuous power. You apply through your retail electric provider. Not named in the rule; qualifies only if a physician certifies dependence on an electric medical device to sustain life (critical care) or a serious condition requiring one (chronic condition).
Does CenterPoint (Houston) offer backup batteries or generator rebates for medical customers?
We did not find a current backup battery or generator program for medical customers at CenterPoint (Houston). We found no CenterPoint backup battery or generator program for individual medical customers. The CenterPoint Energy Foundation donates generators to community facilities, not households.
How do I get a bigger gas meter for a standby generator in the CenterPoint (Houston) area?
CenterPoint Energy (gas): No published fee. CenterPoint's Gas Meter Upgrade Tool says meters may need an upgrade when gas appliances such as backup generators are added, and the appliances should be in place before you request it. Customer reports of the cost vary. Ask CenterPoint for a quote.