If you are having trouble paying your energy bill, please get in touch with Centerpoint Energy’s bill payment assistance hotline. Don’t wait until you receive a disconnection or shut-off notice, or your natural gas or electric service has been disconnected. Below are programs and services available for payment assistance.
Assistance Programs
Financial assistance may be available to eligible low-income households for home heating needs through federally funded programs and crisis assistance offered by counties.
211 and United Way
United Way 211 offers many services, including confidential information and referrals for energy assistance. Dial 211 to see if you qualify for help.
Special Payment Options
Payment Extension
To help you avoid late payment fees and remain in good financial standing, we offer unique one-time due date extensions for qualifying customers. Extensions are temporary, and your due date will return to its original schedule on your next bill. There is no fee to enroll.
Canceling an extension or arrangement can only be done by fulfilling the terms of the agreement. You can pay off your total balance at any time during the term of your arrangement.
Payment Arrangement
The Payment Arrangement program allows you to pay a total bill in smaller increments over a set period. This program has no enrollment fees.
Once enrolled, you must pay your installments and current monthly charges by their respective due dates. Failure to meet these requirements will break the arrangement, and the entire balance will be due immediately to avoid disconnection.
Canceling an arrangement may only be done by fulfilling the terms. You can pay off your balance in full at any time during the agreement.
United Way 2-1-1 Assistance
United Way 2-1-1 provides free and confidential health and human services information. Whether you need help paying one bill or several, or are assisting someone else, you are not alone. Your local 211 agency has up-to-date information on available assistance.
Ways to Connect:
- Dial 211 from your phone to speak with a trained service professional.
- Text, chat online, or search your local 211 online database. Find your local 211 information here.
Past Due Accounts
If your service is disconnected due to nonpayment, the following must be paid before your natural gas service can be reconnected:
- Past due balance
- Late fees
- Reconnection fees:
- $28.00: Standard reconnection
- $840 to $1,215: When digging is required