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Last Updated: May 12, 2026
CenterPoint Houston Electricity Rates: Compare Commercial Plans in the Houston Area
Businesses in the CenterPoint Houston service territory can shop for their retail electric provider, but CenterPoint still handles the local delivery system. That means your business can compare commercial electricity plans while CenterPoint remains responsible for poles, wires, meters, delivery service, and outage response.
Compare current CenterPoint commercial electricity rates
Use the live commercial-rate section below to compare current CenterPoint business electricity plans. The default ZIP code is set for downtown Houston, but your exact service address, usage, demand, and business profile can affect available offers.
For a broader quote or help comparing plans, visit The Power Choice and enter your ZIP code so your business can review options for the correct utility area.
How CenterPoint fits into your business electric bill
In Texas electric choice areas, the retail electric provider sells the electricity plan to your business. CenterPoint is the delivery utility in its service territory, so it handles delivery infrastructure, metering, and many outage-related functions in the Houston area.
CenterPoint explains that all REPs in its service area pay the same regulated delivery charges for the same transmission and distribution services. That means switching REPs can change the supply rate and contract terms, but it does not change which utility delivers power to your meter.
Your REP controls
- Energy price and contract term
- Fixed, indexed, variable, or custom business offer
- Billing format, renewal terms, and customer service
CenterPoint controls
- Delivery infrastructure in the Houston service territory
- Metering and local delivery service
- Outage response, downed-line issues, and restoration work
CenterPoint commercial delivery charges to know
Commercial delivery charges depend on the rate class assigned to the meter. For many small businesses, the key starting point is whether the account is on the Secondary <10 kW service class or a larger non-residential service class where demand can matter more.
CenterPoint’s Houston electric rates page publicly lists current components by class. The table below summarizes key base items for selected non-residential categories, but actual bills can also include approved riders and pass-through items. Use this table as a simple shopping guide, not as a complete bill calculator.
| CenterPoint commercial rate category | Base fixed charges | Base delivery component | Business meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Secondary < 10 kW | $2.01 customer charge + $2.95 meter charge | $0.017893 per kWh base distribution charge | Often relevant for smaller shops, offices, and low-demand commercial meters. |
| Secondary > 10 kW | Base charges vary by service schedule and demand profile | Charges can depend on kW demand, kWh usage, and riders | Demand matters. The cheapest kWh rate may not be the cheapest total bill. |
| Primary Service | Delivery pricing follows the current tariff schedule | Charges are typically more rate-class specific | Useful for larger or more complex commercial service situations. |
Business tip: compare the all-in price, not just the advertised cents-per-kWh rate. For commercial accounts, your demand pattern and rate class can matter as much as your total kWh usage.
Why the cheapest posted business rate may not be the best deal
A low advertised rate can be helpful, but commercial electricity shopping should consider how the plan behaves under your actual usage profile. A restaurant, warehouse, small office, church, retail store, medical office, and machine shop can all use power differently.
- Check whether the price is fixed for the full term or can change.
- Compare contract length, renewal language, and early termination terms.
- Review whether pass-through charges are billed separately or bundled.
- Know whether demand charges, usage swings, or seasonal peaks affect your account.
Why the Houston delivery territory matters when shopping
CenterPoint’s electric delivery territory covers the Houston area, so it is important to shop by service address or ZIP code. Electric offers are tied to the delivery utility and the meter location, not just the city name a business uses in marketing.
For business owners searching phrases like “cheap business electricity Houston,” “CenterPoint commercial electricity rates,” “business electric plans near me,” or “lowest commercial electricity rates in Houston,” the important first step is confirming that the meter is actually in the CenterPoint territory.
A simple checklist before you choose a CenterPoint business plan
- Find a recent bill and confirm your ESI ID, ZIP code, and delivery utility.
- Review 12 months of kWh usage if available.
- For larger accounts, review monthly peak demand or request interval usage.
- Compare multiple terms, not just one 12-month plan.
- Ask whether the quoted rate includes or excludes delivery pass-through charges.
- Confirm renewal and termination language before signing.
Outages, service issues, and who to contact
If the issue is a power outage, downed line, or delivery equipment problem, contact CenterPoint through the outage resources. CenterPoint’s outage center offers outage tracking, outage reporting, and Power Alert Service tools for customers in the Houston area.
If the issue is your plan price, renewal, contract, billing format, or supplier terms, that is usually a retail electric provider question. Your business may still be able to shop for a better commercial electricity plan before renewal.
FAQ: CenterPoint business electricity rates
Can my business switch away from CenterPoint?
No. Your business can shop for the retail electric provider, but CenterPoint remains the delivery utility when your meter is in the Houston service territory.
Why do delivery charges still appear after switching providers?
Delivery charges are utility pass-through charges for the local delivery system. They can appear on the bill regardless of which REP your business chooses.
What makes business electricity different from residential electricity?
Business accounts may be affected by demand, load factor, custom terms, contract volume, and usage shape, not only total kWh.