How to Pay Your Bill with CenterPoint Energy Houston

Knowing your options for paying your CenterPoint Energy electric or natural gas bill ensures you never miss a payment or struggle with an inconvenient process. CenterPoint Energy Houston offers flexible bill payment choices to fit different needs and preferences.

Below we’ll explore the various ways Houston area customers can pay CenterPoint Energy bills conveniently online by phone by mail or in person.

Pay Online

The quickest and easiest way for most customers is paying online through CenterPoint Energy’s website or mobile app. Benefits include:

• Pay anytime 24/7
• Submit payment immediately or schedule in advance
• Store payment info for quicker checkout
• View billing and payment history
• Set up autopay and paperless billing

To pay online, first create a free account on CenterPoint Energy’s website. Have your account number handy to register. Then you can log in anytime to pay in just a few clicks.

CenterPoint also offers a mobile app for managing payments on the go. Download it from the App Store or Google Play and login with your website credentials.

Pay by Phone

If you prefer handling payments via phone CenterPoint Energy has an automated phone payment system at 1-800-722-9332.

To use it, you’ll need:

• Your account number
• Credit/debit card or checking account info
• Billing zip code

Follow the voice prompts to enter details and complete payment 24/7. A convenience fee applies to card payments.

Pay by Mail

Mailing a payment is reliable but slower than electronic methods. To pay by mail:

• Make checks payable to CenterPoint Energy
• Include your account number on the check
• Mail 5-7 days before due date to ensure on-time delivery

Use the PO Box address corresponding to your service location:

• Houston area customers: PO Box 4981, Houston, TX 77210-4981
• Other Texas service areas: PO Box 4671, Houston, TX 77210-4671

Authorized Payment Locations

CenterPoint Energy works with authorized retailers who accept in-person bill payments. Locations include:

• H-E-B stores
• Fiesta Mart stores
• ACE Cash Express
• PayNearMe retailers
• Western Union

Find authorized pay locations near you on CenterPoint’s website. Payments made by 5 pm post to your account next business day.

Ways to Pay Without Added Fees

Some bill pay options through CenterPoint Energy are free while others incur convenience fees or processing charges:

Free options:

• CenterPoint Energy website
• Mail with check
• Bank account or debit card by phone

Fee options:

• Credit card online and by phone (3rd party fee)
• In-person payments at retailers (varies)

Avoid fees by using your bank account or mailing payments when possible. But the convenience of credit cards may be worth the small surcharge to some customers.

Payment Extensions and Assistance

If you need a little extra time or help paying your CenterPoint bill, customer service can discuss options like:

• Payment extensions
• Payment plans
• Energy assistance programs
• Budget billing

Call 1-800-332-7143 or chat online to review available bill pay assistance. Gather details on your balance, income, and needs before calling.

Ways to Avoid Late/Missed Payments

Set up autopay or payment reminders to avoid forgetting and having payments arrive late. Other tips include:

• Schedule recurring payments online
• Use CenterPoint’s website and app to track due dates
• Sign up for email and text bill reminders
• Pay a few days early to account for mail time

Staying on top of due dates ensures you maintain service and avoid late fees.

What to Do if You Miss a Payment

If you miss a payment, contact CenterPoint immediately to discuss next steps:

• Ask about payment extensions or plans
• Make a payment ASAP to stop additional late fees
• Get details on possible service disconnection dates
• See if energy assistance grants can help cover the balance

Reaching out quickly when you miss a due date can help avoid service interruptions. Be proactive in establishing an alternate pay arrangement.

Key Account Details to Have Handy

Accessing your account and making payments through CenterPoint Energy’s system is easier with key details:

• CenterPoint Energy account number
• Address associated with your account
• Home/mobile phone numbers on file
• Billing and service address zip codes
• Last payment amount and date made
• Balance due and current due date

Have these handy when registering online, calling the automated line, or speaking with an agent.

Customer Service if You Have Payment Issues

If any payment issues arise that you can’t address through the website or automated system, CenterPoint’s Houston customer service team is there to help:

• Phone: 713-659-2111 (to report issues or discuss help)
• Email: [email protected] (for general inquiries only)
• Chat online: https://www.centerpointenergy.com/ (click “Contact Us” then “Chat Now”)

Reach out for personalized support resolving payment problems, assistance options, or any billing questions.

Sign Up for Outage Alerts

MyAccount also allows you to enroll in Power Alert Service to get outage status texts and emails. Select your notification preferences after logging in. Alerts help you monitor extended outages that could impact billing.

One Less Thing to Worry About

Reliable electric and natural gas services from CenterPoint Energy Houston power your home. Choose a payment method that fits your needs to cover your bill promptly each month. With autopay enrollment, paperless billing, payment history review, and account management at your fingertips online and via the mobile app, paying your bill is one less thing to think about.