Utility Check

CenterPoint TDU Charges Explained

Last updated: January 2026

TDU (Transmission and Distribution Utility) charges are a significant component of your electricity bill in Texas's deregulated market. CenterPoint, as the TDU for the Houston area, charges these fees for delivering electricity to your home.

Understanding TDU charges is essential because they're the same regardless of which retail electricity provider you choose.

What Are TDU Charges?

CenterPoint's TDU charges cover:

  • Transmission: Moving electricity from power plants to local substations
  • Distribution: Delivering electricity from substations to your home
  • Metering: Reading and maintaining your electric meter
  • Infrastructure: Maintaining poles, wires, and equipment

These charges are regulated by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT).

TDU Charge Components

CenterPoint's TDU charges typically include:

  • Monthly Customer Charge: Fixed fee around $4-6/month
  • Delivery Charges: Per-kWh charge (approximately $0.035-0.045/kWh)
  • Transmission Charges: Per-kWh charge for high-voltage delivery

Total TDU charges typically add $35-70 to a typical residential bill.

CenterPoint vs. Other TDUs

CenterPoint's TDU charges are slightly higher than some other Texas TDUs:

  • CenterPoint serves challenging coastal terrain
  • Hurricane hardening adds to infrastructure costs
  • Dense urban areas require more underground infrastructure

When comparing plans on PowerToChoose.org, prices already include TDU charges.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I choose a different TDU to lower my charges?

No, your TDU is determined by your location. If you're in CenterPoint territory, CenterPoint is your only TDU option. You can only shop for different retail electricity providers.

How much are CenterPoint TDU charges?

CenterPoint TDU charges typically total $0.04-0.05 per kWh plus a small monthly customer charge. For a home using 1,000 kWh, expect $40-55 in TDU charges.

Are CenterPoint TDU charges higher than Oncor?

CenterPoint's TDU charges are slightly higher than Oncor's, reflecting the additional costs of serving Houston's coastal environment and hurricane-prone infrastructure.