CenterPoint among the worst-performing utilities in the nation on energy efficiency, report finds

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Three Texas utilities, including CenterPoint, have been ranked among the worst performers in the country when it comes to energy efficiency, according to a report by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). The report assessed the energy efficiency programs of the 53 largest utilities in the US, with Oncor, CenterPoint, and AEP Texas Central ranking at numbers 39, 44, and 48 respectively. These utilities received the lowest score for lifetime energy savings for their customers and earned no points for expanding efficiency programs to non-English speakers, providing financing options to low-income customers, and directing customers at risk of utility shut-off towards efficiency programs.

The lack of investment in energy efficiency programs in Texas is concerning as the state continues to experience hotter summers and population growth. Energy efficiency programs can help reduce strain on the power grid by decreasing electricity demand. However, Texas has not increased its energy efficiency goals for utilities since 2011. The Texas utilities included in the report, CenterPoint, Oncor, and AEP Texas Central, invested less than the national average in energy efficiency programs, resulting in lower energy savings compared to other utilities.