CenterPoint Energy Inc.

04/01/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/01/2026 09:06

CenterPoint Energy prepares some Indiana Electric customers for billing changes under new state law

Eligible low-income customers required to be automatically enrolled for Levelized Billing beginning in July; Additional resources available to customers to help manage energy costs
2026-04-01T05:00:00Z

​EVANSVILLE, Ind. - April 1, 2026 - CenterPoint Energy is preparing some southwestern Indiana customers for changes to its Budget Billing program, driven by requirements in a new state law. Beginning this summer, the program will be known as Levelized Billing.

What's changing
Under House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1002, CenterPoint Indiana Electric customers who are eligible and have applied for the state's Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) will be automatically placed on the new Levelized Billing plan. Levelized Billing spreads estimated annual electricity costs into 12 consistent monthly payments. Here's what customers need to know:

  • Automatic enrollment begins July 1, 2026
  • Applies to the electric portion of customers' bill
  • Payment amounts are recalculated twice a year to help customers maintain more predictable monthly bills
  • Customers can opt out at any time, before or after enrollment

"We've made the commitment to our customers to communicate often, with transparency, about information concerning their CenterPoint service. We want to make sure customers understand what's changing and know what options are available to them," said Mike Roeder, President of CenterPoint Energy Indiana. "Levelized Billing is one tool that can help manage energy costs, but it's not the only one. We have resources available right now to help."

How to opt out
Those eligible customers who prefer standard billing can opt out any time through the following:

The next Community Connect event will be held at the CenterPoint Energy Plaza, 211 NW Riverside Dr., Evansville, on April 8. For a full schedule of upcoming events, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/CommunityConnect.

Resources to help manage energy costs
CenterPoint Energy offers several programs and tools for southwestern Indiana customers:

  • Smart Cycle: Bill credits for customers who participate in the voluntary demand response program during peak summer months
  • Free Home Energy Assessments: A technician visits your home to identify savings opportunities and install efficiency upgrades on the spot
  • Online Energy Efficiency Store: Instant rebates on smart thermostats, weatherization products and energy-efficient lighting

Customers looking for help managing energy costs with these and other resources can visit CenterPointEnergy.com/ResourceHub.

Ongoing commitment to affordability

In October 2025, CenterPoint launched its initial series of Community Affordability Actions, including a commitment to keeping electric rates stable through 2027 and the CenterPoint Energy Foundation's $5 million Community Energy Improvement Fund. Since then, the company has introduced additional bill management tools, expanded customer support programs and implemented additional protections as part of the Indiana Electric rate case settlement - such as annual late-fee waivers upon request, reduced reconnection fees and safeguards for medically vulnerable customers.​

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CenterPoint Energy Foundation's Optimize for Local program now accepting applications to fund energy efficiency upgrades for southwestern Indiana restaurants and retailers

​​Program offers up to $25,000 in matching grant funding for energy efficiency improvements

Applications accepted through April 17

EVANSVILLE, Ind. - March 31, 2026 - The CenterPoint Energy Foundation today opened applications for Optimize for Local, a new program that will help locally owned restaurants and retailers across southwestern Indiana make improvements to their facilities to increase efficiency and reduce energy waste.

Through the program's application and selection process, eligible businesses can receive up to $25,000 in matching grant funding to complete upgrades that help reduce energy waste and improve building performance. Applications will be accepted through April 17.

"Local restaurants and retailers are the heart of our communities across southwestern Indiana. Optimize for Local is a special program designed to help those local businesses make meaningful improvements to their buildings that will help reduce energy waste and put money back into their operations," said Mike Roeder, President of CenterPoint Energy Indiana.

Program details, eligibility and the application are available at CenterPointEnergy.com/Optimize. As businesses review eligibility and prepare to apply, they can also schedule an energy assessment through CenterPoint's commercial energy efficiency resources to help identify improvement opportunities and review rebate options.

Continued investment in southwestern Indiana
Optimize for Local is part of the Foundation's $5 million Community Energy Improvement Fund , which launched in October 2025 to support energy efficiency, weatherization and cost-saving programs across southwestern Indiana.

The Community Energy Improvement Fund's first initiative, the Home Repair & Care program, launched in January in partnership with Community One, with 50 households currently receiving repairs and more on the way. Applications for the new Fund's next two programs, Optimize for Growth and Optimize for Good, are expected to open later this spring.

The Community Energy Improvement Fund is part of CenterPoint's broader Community Affordability Actions, a series of steps taken since October 2025 to support southwestern Indiana customers. Since then, the company has introduced additional bill management tools, expanded customer support programs and implemented additional protections as part of the Indiana Electric rate case settlement - such as annual late-fee waivers upon request, reduced reconnection fees and safeguards for medically vulnerable customers.

Residential customers looking for ways to manage energy costs can explore energy efficiency programs, bill assistance and other resources at CenterPointEnergy.com/ResourceHub.​​

CenterPoint Energy offers support for Ohio customers as winter heating season winds down

​DAYTON, Ohio - March 26, 2026 - As the winter heating season winds down, CenterPoint Energy is encouraging Ohio natural gas customers to explore available payment options and assistance programs.

In October 2025, CenterPoint launched a cold weather communications campaign to help customers prepare for what industry forecasts indicated would be a winter of higher heating costs. Winter Storm Fern brought the snowiest single day on record to the Dayton area in late January, surpassing the Blizzard of 1978. The winter weather drove increased heating demand and higher natural gas commodity prices nationwide, which can contribute to higher heating bills.

"We know that affordability is the top issue for many of our customers and we want you to know that there are resources available to help you manage your energy use and bills. Please reach out to us," said Mike Wilson, CenterPoint's Vice President, Ohio Gas. "Our teams are here to help and work with you. We can connect you with assistance programs, set up a payment plan or help you find ways to reduce your energy costs. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can help you find a path forward."

Steps customers can take now

Financial assistance programs and resources are available to help customers manage energy costs:

  • Payment arrangements allow customers who are having difficulty paying their bill in full to set up a plan to pay in smaller increments over time.
  • The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) provides financial assistance to income-eligible households with annual income at or below 175% of federal poverty guidelines.
  • The HEAP Winter Crisis Program provides assistance once per heating season to eligible households that are disconnected or threatened with disconnection.
  • The Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP Plus) is an extended payment arrangement for eligible customers that bases payments on a percentage of household income.

For information on HEAP, Winter Crisis or PIPP Plus, contact the Ohio Department of Development at 1-800-282-0880.

The Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP) provides eligible customers with energy efficiency improvements including furnace repair or replacement, insulation, air sealing and hot water tank repair or replacement. For more information, contact the Miami Valley Community Action Partnership at 937-341-5000.

Customers can also sign up for Budget Billing to level out monthly payments.

For more information or to explore available resources, customers can visit CenterPointEnergy.com/ResourceHub or call 1-800-227-1376. A list of additional utility assistance programs is also available on the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio website.

As spring begins, CenterPoint Energy shares tips and resources for customers to save energy, manage bills and stay safe

​EVANSVILLE, Ind. - March 20, 2026 - With the arrival of spring, CenterPoint Energy encourages customers to use available tools, tips and resources as part of their home spring cleaning and preparation for the warmer temperatures ahead. Customers can find opportunities to save energy, connect to company programs and stay safe while completing projects around their homes.

"The first day of spring is a great reminder that warmer weather is approaching, and customers can take steps to increase the energy efficiency of their homes. Through small and easy actions, customers can make a big difference in their monthly energy bills," said Mike Roeder, President of CenterPoint Energy Indiana. "As customers begin their outdoor home projects, we also urge them to keep safety top of mind by contacting 811 three business days before any digging projects. By taking this easy step, our customers and community members are taking an important step in helping keep themselves, their loved ones and neighbors safe."

Spring into energy and cost savings
Customers can do the following to help spring into energy and cost savings:

  • Perform a spring cleaning by changing or cleaning the filters in HVAC systems: Air conditioning can represent approximately 50 percent of a home's energy use as outside temperatures increase. Regular maintenance is one of the best ways to extend the life of a home's system, so swap out or clean filters to minimize costly repairs and keep the system running efficiently.
  • Maintain a comfortable temperature indoors year-round: To save energy, use weatherstripping or caulk areas in and around a home where cooled air may escape or warm air could enter, such as around windows and doors.
  • Block the sun's rays during warmer days: When temperatures increase outside, keep window coverings closed when the sun is shining brightest to maintain a more indoor comfort.
  • Reduce hot water without sacrificing comfort: Showering accounts for 40 percent of a home's hot water use. Energy-saving showerheads and faucet aerators can help lower energy costs and reduce hot water use.
  • Upgrade to more energy efficient appliances and equipment: When replacing appliances and equipment, look for models with increased energy efficiency for cost savings over time. Energy efficiency rebates may be available for qualifying appliances.

Customers can learn more about energy savings tips and tools that help them prepare for the longer and warmer days and manage their monthly energy bills at CenterPointEnergy.com/SavingsTips.

Stay safe during outdoor projects
Spring is a great time for outdoor home improvement projects. Anyone planning a project that requires digging should contact 811 at least three business days before starting to have underground utilities located and marked at no cost. This includes projects done by customers or their contractors, like building 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.

About CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
As the only investor owned electric and gas utility based in Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is an energy delivery company with electric transmission and distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution operations that serve more than 7 million metered customers in Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio and Texas. As of December 31, 2025, the company owned approximately $46.5 billion in assets. With approximately 8,800 employees, CenterPoint and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years.​

As spring begins, CenterPoint Energy shares tips and resources for customers to save energy, manage bills and stay safe

​DAYTON, Ohio - March 20, 2026 - With the arrival of spring, CenterPoint Energy encourages customers to use available tools, tips and resources as part of their home spring cleaning and preparation for the warmer temperatures ahead. Customers can find opportunities to save energy, connect to company programs and stay safe while completing projects around their homes.

"The first day of spring is a great reminder that warmer weather is approaching, and customers can take steps to increase the energy efficiency of their homes. Through small and easy actions, customers can make a big difference in their monthly energy bills," said Mike Wilson, CenterPoint's Vice President, Ohio Gas. "As customers begin their outdoor home projects, we also urge them to keep safety top of mind by contacting 811 three business days before any digging projects. By taking this easy step, our customers and community members are taking an important step in helping keep themselves, their loved ones and neighbors safe."

Spring into energy and cost savings
Customers can do the following to help spring into energy and cost savings:

  • Perform a spring cleaning by changing or cleaning the filters in HVAC systems: Air conditioning can represent approximately 50 percent of a home's energy use as outside temperatures increase. Regular maintenance is one of the best ways to extend the life of a home's system, so swap out or clean filters to minimize costly repairs and keep the system running efficiently.
  • Maintain a comfortable temperature indoors year-round: To save energy, use weatherstripping or caulk areas in and around a home where cooled air may escape or warm air could enter, such as around windows and doors.
  • Block the sun's rays during warmer days: When temperatures increase outside, keep window coverings closed when the sun is shining brightest to maintain a more indoor comfort.
  • Reduce hot water without sacrificing comfort: Showering accounts for 40 percent of a home's hot water use. Energy-saving showerheads and faucet aerators can help lower energy costs and reduce hot water use.

Customers can learn more about energy savings tips and tools that help them prepare for the longer and warmer days and manage their monthly energy bills at CenterPointEnergy.com/SavingsTips.

Stay safe during outdoor projects
Spring is a great time for outdoor home improvement projects. Anyone planning a project that requires digging should contact 811 at least three business days before starting to have underground utilities located and marked at no cost. This includes projects done by customers or their contractors, like building 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.

About CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
As the only investor owned electric and gas utility based in Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is an energy delivery company with electric transmission and distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution operations that serve more than 7 million metered customers in Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio and Texas. As of December 31, 2025, the company owned approximately $46.5 billion in assets. With approximately 8,800 employees, CenterPoint and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years.​

As spring begins, CenterPoint Energy shares tips and resources for customers to save energy, manage bills and stay safe

MINNEAPOLIS - March 20, 2026 - With the arrival of spring, CenterPoint Energy encourages customers to use available tools, tips and resources as part of their home spring cleaning and preparation for the warmer temperatures ahead. Customers can find opportunities to save energy, connect to company programs and stay safe while completing projects around their homes.

"The first day of spring is a great reminder that warmer weather is approaching, and customers can take steps to increase the energy efficiency of their homes. Through small and easy actions, customers can make a big difference in their monthly energy bills," said Brad Steber, CenterPoint Energy's Vice President, Minnesota Gas. "As customers begin their outdoor home projects, we also urge them to keep safety top of mind by contacting 811 three business days before any digging projects. By taking this easy step, our customers and community members are taking an important step in helping keep themselves, their loved ones and neighbors safe."

Spring into energy and cost savings
Customers can do the following to help spring into energy and cost savings:

  • Perform a spring cleaning by changing or cleaning the filters in HVAC systems: Air conditioning can represent approximately 50 percent of a home's energy use as outside temperatures increase. Regular maintenance is one of the best ways to extend the life of a home's system, so swap out or clean filters to minimize costly repairs and keep the system running efficiently.
  • Maintain a comfortable temperature indoors year-round: To save energy, use weatherstripping or caulk areas in and around a home where cooled air may escape or warm air could enter, such as around windows and doors.
  • Block the sun's rays during warmer days: When temperatures increase outside, keep window coverings closed when the sun is shining brightest to maintain a more indoor comfort.
  • Reduce hot water without sacrificing comfort: Showering accounts for 40 percent of a home's hot water use. Energy-saving showerheads and faucet aerators can help lower energy costs and reduce hot water use.
  • Upgrade to more energy efficient appliances and equipment: When replacing appliances and equipment, look for models with increased energy efficiency for cost savings over time. Energy efficiency rebates may be available for qualifying appliances.

Customers can learn more about energy savings tips and tools that help them prepare for the longer and warmer days and manage their monthly energy bills at CenterPointEnergy.com/SavingsTips.

Stay safe during outdoor projects
Spring is a great time for outdoor home improvement projects. Anyone planning a project that requires digging should contact 811 at least three business days before starting to have underground utilities located and marked at no cost. This includes projects done by customers or their contractors, like building 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.

About CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
As the only investor owned electric and gas utility based in Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is an energy delivery company with electric transmission and distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution operations that serve more than 7 million metered customers in Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio and Texas. As of December 31, 2025, the company owned approximately $46.5 billion in assets. With approximately 8,800 employees, CenterPoint and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years.​

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CenterPoint Energy Inc. published this content on April 01, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on April 01, 2026 at 15:06 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]