Starting New Electric Service-No Meter Installed

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Steps for Starting Residential or Commercial Electric service

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To start new electric service at a premise where there is no electric meter installed, follow these easy steps:

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	Ensure you are ready to receive a meter	Talk to your electrician or builder about meeting these requirements to avoid getting a red tag or being turned down for service: Address is clearly marked at job site or on meter can Meter can is installed and load wires are present Ground rod is installed and properly connected Are you ready for electric service? View tips on how to avoid a red tag or being turned down for service.
	Submit an online request if your project needs CenterPoint Energy Construction	If your project requires new construction by CenterPoint Energy, for example, new poles, wire, or transformers, please click here to submit a request. A local Service Consultant will reach out to you within two business days. To locate the service consultant in your area for further assistance, click here.
	Contact CenterPoint Energy.	If you are a homeowner, commercial business owner, or commercial builder: Call 713-207-2222 to have an Electric Service Identifier (ESI ID)* number created. If you are a home builder: Submit your request for an ESI ID number online. If you are a multi-unit/apartment builder: Email your request for multiple ESID numbers to CEHEElectricmultiplerequest@centerpointenergy.com or call 713-207-7203. Note: The 22-digit ESI ID number serves to identify the service location for a specific address. It also identifies the meter where electric usage will be tracked. The ESI ID number is NOT* an account number.
	Contact the Retail Electric Provider of your choice	Once you have your ESI ID number, allow 2 business days before contacting the Retail Electric Provider of your choice. For a list of Retail Providers , visit http://powertochoose.org.
	Obtain your permit.	Sign up with your Retail Electric Provider to have electric service turned on.
	The start service order is received by CenterPoint Energy.	Meters are usually installed within 3 to 5 business days of the requested start date, weather and workload permitting.
	Stay informed with outage notifications via Power Alert Service.	Once your meter is installed, log in or register for My Account. Link your new electric account and follow the prompts to enroll in Power Alert Service., then select outage notifications by email, phone or text. Note: Even if you had Power Alert Service at your previous address, you need to re-register for your new address.

Is your meter already installed?
To start electric service for a premise where a meter is already installed, click here.
Need to start natural gas service? Click here.
View our Electric FAQs