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CenterPoint Power outage map and tracker

CenterPoint Energy Outage Map: When Will Power Be Restored in Houston?

When the lights are out in the Houston area, the most important question is, when will power be back on?

In this article, you’ll find the link for CenterPoint Energy’s outage map and information on how to use it, plus all the contact information you need to report a power outage in the area.

Report A Power Outage in CenterPoint

When the power is out at your home or business, it’s easy to expect that the utility already knows about it. After all, smart meters keep CenterPoint informed on the status of your meter. But reporting the outage gives you a little bit of reassurance that they’re on it.

Here are three ways to report a CenterPoint power outage:

  • Report a Houston power outage online. You’ll report an outage by entering your phone number or meter number, plus your house number. You can find your meter number on your bill, or look at the face of the power meter and find the number starting with “99.”
  • Report a Houston power outage by phone. Call CenterPoint at 800-332-7143 to report a power outage by phone.
  • Report an outage using the Outage Tracker Map. Go to the Houston Outage Tracker and click the red button labeled “Report” to access the outage reporting site.

Where to Find CenterPoint Outage Map

Once you’ve reported the outage, you may be curious about how many others in your area have no power. So how do you check to see if power is out in your area in CenterPoint?

The CenterPoint outage map or CenterPoint Outage Tracker is your best way to track power outages in the Houston area.

Here’s a link to the Centerpoint Outage Center, or go directly to the CenterPoint Outage Map. The new updated outage map is easy to navigate to find outages in your area.

centerpoint outage map image

Another option to track power outages in Houston is this Texas Power Outage Tracker from the Houston Chronicle. This tracker uses third party data and has been, at times, more accurate than CenterPoint.

How to Use the CenterPoint Outage Map

The updated CenterPoint outage map is a big improvement over the one they launched in July 2024 just before Hurricane Beryl! That version caused quite an uproar across Houston for it’s inaccurate map data, difficult navigation and color coding in various shades of blue and green.

The new CenterPoint outage map and outage tracker lets you:

  • Search power outages near you by entering your address. Then click nearby outage pins on the map for information including restoration time and number of customers affected.
  • Make an outage report
  • View outages across the Houston areas plus restoration time.
  • View number of outages by zip code
  • View weather and satellite images

To use the map, simply enter your address at the top or just search the CenterPoint outage map by zip code.

You can also scroll with your mouse (or use fingers, on your mobile phone) to zoom in to your location.

Click the outage pin closest to your location to find the approximate restoration time and number of customers affected.

Check the Status of your Power Outage in Houston

You can check the status of your power outage and restoration time in two different ways:

  • Sign up for Power Alert Service (PAS). You’ll get phone, email or text alerts automatically giving you updates on your power outage.
  • Check the CenterPoint Outage map online to see restoration times.

To receive alerts through PAS, you’ll need to set up an online account with CenterPoint, and will need to know your meter number. You’ll find this on your electricity bill or on your electric meter right below the usage display screen.

Houston Weather Trackers

Weather incidents are the most common reason for power outages in the Houston area.

Follow local news stations for updates on weather events that might impact your power. If it’s an event that impacts a large portion of the Houston area, you’ll find out more information on the news.

What to Do During a Power Outage in Houston and the Surrounding Area

Power outages in Texas are often weather related, including due to flooding, a tornado or a hurricane. Incidents may also occur in response to a vehicle or construction accident, damage to underground lines, animals, human error or a power surge.

Across these cases, you’re advised to report the power outage to your transmission and delivery utility provider — for the Houston area, that’s CenterPoint — and remain inside for the time being, especially if you’re dealing with extreme weather.

Based on the source of the outage, you may find that your power is restored in a few hours. Damaged trees, flooding and downed power lines, however, may mean that recovery takes a few days. For this last group of incidents:

  • Have a fully stocked emergency kit ready ahead of time, and know where you can find it in your house. Based on FEMA recommendations, your emergency kit should contain three days of water, non-perishable food, first aid, backup batteries for radios and flashlights, clothing, a source of cash, personal documents and a signaling solution, like a flare.
  • Check your circuit breakers and fuse boxes to see if the outage applies exclusively to your home rather than your neighborhood or region.
  • Unplug appliances and electronics to avoid damage from an unexpected power surge. Once the power returns, plug in each device separately, ideally at 15-minute intervals.
  • Never leave your generator inside the house, your garage or an outdoor structure. Instead, keep it at least 20 feet from any building and have it point away from windows and doors.
  • Never venture outside when you see flood waters or fallen trees. In addition to their direct safety hazards, downed power lines may be trapped underneath.
  • If you have to leave your household, turn the gas and electricity off before you go.

About Rebecca Bridges

Rebecca Bridges has worked in deregulated energy markets since 2001. As chief marketing officer for ElectricityPlans, she focuses on helping consumers save on their electricity bills and find the best electricity plans. Outside of work, Rebecca uses her marketing experience to support dog rescue and can often be found hiking or biking local trails.

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