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Houston Residents Brace for Potential Rate Hike from CenterPoint Energy

Houston Neighborhood and Gas Infrastructure

News Summary

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.

Houston Residents Brace for Potential Rate Hike from CenterPoint Energy

Hey there, Houston! Grab your coffee and let’s chat about something that might just change your monthly budget. CenterPoint Energy has shared news of a proposed rate hike for natural gas customers in our wonderful area. If you spotted an email from them on February 7, 2025, it’s time to pay attention, because this revelation could impact your expenses quite a bit.

What’s in Store for Your Gas Bills?

Here’s the scoop: if the powers that be approve this increase, you might notice your gas bill rising by about $2.88 per month. This could nudge the average cost to around $22.38 for those of us living in Houston and along the beautiful Texas Coast. Now, if you’re down in South Texas, Beaumont, or East Texas, brace yourselves, as your monthly bill might grow closer to $27.88. Yikes, right?

Why the Rate Hike?

So, why is CenterPoint Energy pushing for this rise? They are citing investments made between October 2023 and December 2024 aimed at boosting safety and reliability across their system. We’re talking about some serious upgrades here, folks—like replacing around 300 miles of old and rusty natural gas pipes and adding 175,000 new meters. This will not only enhance safety but also ensure more accurate billing.

But wait, there’s more! The proposed rate hike would enable CenterPoint to accommodate around 51,500 new customers who will soon be tapping into natural gas services in Texas. With approximately 1.9 million homes and businesses currently served, this plan is pretty crucial for everyone involved.

When Will This Happen?

If the Railroad Commission of Texas gives this proposal the thumbs up, you can expect these changes to take effect by April 19, 2025. The commission, which oversees all things oil and gas in the Lone Star State, will have until June 3, 2025, to look over all the details and make a decision. And don’t forget, they want to hear from you! If you have concerns or feedback, reference Case No. 00020313 when reaching out.

A Bit of Good News

Now for a twist in the tale! If you’re among CenterPoint’s electricity customers in Houston, there’s a tiny silver lining: you may notice a drop of about $1 per month in your electric bill, thanks to a recent nod from the Texas power grid regulator. However, hold your horses! There are pending electricity rate increases that could cancel out this little relief, so it feels like a bit of a mixed bag right now.

Keeping You Informed

With Houston’s weather being as unpredictable as ever, CenterPoint Energy is gearing up for possible power outages. They’re keeping their eye on the sky and ensuring we’re all kept in the loop. Their Power Alert Service is here for you, giving updates in real-time during extreme weather events. This includes everything from outage notices to restoration time estimates and safety tips to handle those unexpected moments.

In Conclusion

So, keep a close watch on your inbox and upcoming utility bills, Houston! Changes are on the horizon from CenterPoint Energy, and being informed can help you prepare for what’s to come. Stay updated, stay safe, and let’s hope for smooth sailing ahead!