CenterPoint Energy kicks off the 2025 summer season by reminding customers of ways to save energy, manage bills and stay safe

Today marks the start of summer, and CenterPoint Energy is encouraging customers to prepare for the warmer temperatures ahead using company-offered tools, tips and resources. Customers can unlock savings with easy-to-implement energy efficiency actions and programs, while prioritizing safety as they work on outdoor home digging projects.

“At CenterPoint, we have tips, tools and programs to help customers save energy and manage their bills. The start of summer is a great reminder to prepare for the coming warmer temperatures. We encourage our customers to take steps to increase the energy efficiency of their homes so that they can continue to stay comfortable inside year-round while also reducing their energy use. By taking small and easy actions, customers can make a difference in reducing monthly energy bills,” said Tony Gardner, Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer.

Gardner continued, “We also want to remind customers to keep safety top of mind by dialing 811 before any home projects that include digging. By taking this easy step, our customers and community members help keep themselves, their loved ones and neighbors safe.”

Tips, tools and resources for customers for energy and cost savings

Customers can do the following to stay comfortable while saving energy and money:

• Turn up the thermostat when leaving home: Raise the temperature a few degrees when away from home for energy savings. With a smart or programmable thermostat, a cooling system can work around a customer’s schedule.
• Change or clean filters in HVAC systems: Air conditioning represents approximately 50 percent of a home’s energy use when it’s warm out. Regular maintenance can extend the life of a home’s system, so change or clean filters to keep the system running efficiently.
• Slay energy vampires: Energy drainers – also known as “energy vampires”– are electronic devices and appliances that suck up electricity by hovering in standby or ready mode without fully powering off. Save energy by turning off non-essential electric appliances, equipment and lights when not in use.
• Use ceiling fans to circulate cool air: Setting ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise helps circulate cool air and keep rooms at a comfortable temperature.
• Keep warm air out: Use weatherstripping or caulk areas in and around a home where cooled air may escape, such as around windows and doors or anywhere else warm air might enter.
• Block the sun’s rays: When temperatures increase outside, keep window coverings closed when the sun is shining brightest to maintain a more comfortable indoor temperature.
• Upgrade appliances and equipment: When replacing appliances and equipment, choose models with increased energy efficiency ratings for long-term cost savings. Rebates may be available for qualifying appliances.

Customers can learn more about tips and programs that can help them prepare for the longer and warmer days at CenterPointEnergy.com/SavingsTips.

Call before you dig 

There’s no time like summer to begin outdoor home improvement projects. Anyone planning a project that requires digging should contact 811 at least three business days before starting work to have underground utilities located and marked at no cost. This includes projects done by customers or their contractors, including gardening, building or repairing a fence, planting trees, installing a deck, placing a mailbox or laying a patio.

Visit 811BeforeYouDig.com to learn more about 811 and the process to have underground utility lines located and marked. For more information about natural gas safety, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/Safety.