“CenterPoint Energy's new metering technology is the first step in moving the electric grid into the digital age. Advanced meters will encourage greater energy conservation by giving Houston-area electric consumers the ability to better monitor and manage their electric use and its cost in near real-time."

Tom Standish, Regulated Operations Group President, CenterPoint Energy

CenterPoint Energy's Advanced Metering System will give Houston-area electric consumers a powerful new tool to better understand and manage their electric usage. The ability to monitor energy use and cost in near real-time will enable consumers to make more informed energy choices. Using less energy saves money for consumers and means less power would need to be produced - which is good for consumers and great for the environment.

Beginning in March 2009, the advanced meters will be deployed across CenterPoint Energy's service territory over the next five years. When all the systems are in place, advanced meters will enable REPs to offer new products and services to their customers such as time-of-use rates, which encourage shifting electricity demand from peak to off-peak times when costs are lower, thereby helping to offset the need to build new generation. Advanced meters will also enable customers to take advantage of greater transparency regarding their usage and allows them better means to evaluate various REP rates, helping customers to seek the best retail prices and services.

Advanced meters will not only automate meter reading but also electric service connection and disconnection, which should significantly reduce the time required for customers to have new electric service connected or to switch REPs.