Centerpoint Energy and U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy Daniel Poneman Announce Results of Pilot Project on Home Energy Use

CenterPoint Energy, Inc.'s (NYSE:CNP) electric transmission and distribution subsidiary, CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC and U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy Daniel B. Poneman today released survey results from a 500 participant smart meter In-Home Display pilot program begun last fall. Based on surveys, 71% of customers reported that they have changed their electricity consumption behavior as a result of the energy use data they accessed on their in-home displays.

The results were released while Poneman visited Houston to see how smart meters and intelligent grid technology - partially funded with a $200 million Smart Grid Investment Grant from the U.S. Department of Energy - are enabling consumers to better monitor and manage their electric use and helping modernize the electric infrastructure.

In the survey:


•83% of respondents reported turning off lights at night or when not in the room,
•51% of respondents reported adjusting the temperature on their thermostat,
•93% of respondents reported they are satisfied with their in-home display, and
•97% of respondents reported they will continue using it.

Consumers who have already received their smart meter no longer have to wait for their bill to access their electric consumption information. After a two-month acceptance period following the installation of a smart meter, consumers can get detailed information on their electric usage by visiting SmartMeterTexas.com.

In the future, consumers will have the option of purchasing an in-home display, providing them with up-to-the-minute usage information. The survey responses from the pilot show that this type of real-time data can have a significant impact on consumers' energy use behavior.