Quick Answer: To check your status, visit the official CenterPoint Outage Map and enter your address. Click the icons to see crew status and Estimated Time of Restoration (ETR). If your outage isn’t listed, check your breakers first, then report it immediately at 713-207-2222. For backup during outages, portable solar solutions can keep essentials running.
Quick preparedness note: The CenterPoint outage map lets you see what’s going on in real time, but you should have a simple backup plan so you’re not completely reliant on the grid. A compact portable power station paired with a lightweight, high-efficiency solar panel keeps phones, a Wi-Fi router, medical essentials, and lights running during daylight hours. Sungold can make custom non-standard PV modules that fit in tight spaces or on curved surfaces like balconies, RV roofs, and boats. They will still work even when they are only partially shaded.
How Do I Find the CenterPoint Outage Map Quickly?
You need information right away in an emergency. Even from your phone, these are the quickest ways to get to the CenterPoint Energy Outage Map.
Direct Link: The quickest way is to go directly to the official map.
Bookmark this link now for future use: CenterPoint Energy Outage Tracker
Google Search: Open your phone’s browser and search for terms like:
“CenterPoint outage map”
“CenterPoint power outage”
“Houston power outage map”
The official link will almost always be the top result.
From the main page: Go to the CenterPoint Energy homepage. During big weather events, you can usually find a big link to “Outage Center” or a banner.
Pro Tip: Since you’ll probably be using a mobile device during an outage, save the link to your phone’s home screen so you can get to it with one tap.
How to Read & Navigate the CenterPoint Energy Outage Map
The outage map shows a lot of information at once. This is how to get around it step by step.
Step 1: Type in your location
To find your full address, type it into the search bar at the top of the map. This will zoom the map right to where you are, so you can see if there is a reported outage icon close to your home or business.
Step 2: Get to know the colors and icons
The map shows how big an outage is by using a simple color-coded system.
Green and blue icons usually mean that only a few customers were affected (for example, 1–50).
Yellow and orange icons mean a bigger outage, like one that affects 51 to 500 customers.
Red Icons: Show that a major outage is affecting a lot of customers (501 or more).
Step 3: Click for more information
Tap or click on any outage icon near you. A pop-up window will show up with more information about that outage. This is where you’ll find the most important details.
What the CenterPoint Outage Tracker Icons & Statuses Mean
When you click on an outage icon, you’ll see several key pieces of information. Here’s what they mean for you:
Status: This tells you the current stage of the repair process.
Pending / Outage Reported: The outage has been logged in the system but a crew has not yet been assigned.
Crew Dispatched / En Route: A team is on its way to investigate and begin repairs. This is a positive sign.
Crew on Site: The team has arrived. They are assessing the damage and determining the safest way to restore power.
Restoration in Progress: Repairs are actively underway.
ETR (Estimated Time of Restoration): This is the time CenterPoint expects to have power restored. Important: This is an estimate. It can change based on the complexity of the damage found on-site. Check back periodically for updates.
Customers Affected: This number shows how many homes and businesses are part of the same outage event. If the number is large, it could indicate a more significant issue that may take longer to resolve.
What to Do If Your CenterPoint Outage Isn’t on the Map
What if your power is out but you don’t see an outage icon over your address? Don’t worry; this is common. Here is the process to follow.
First, Check Your Breakers: Before reporting, go to your electrical panel and check if any breakers have tripped. If a single breaker is flipped, reset it. If the main breaker is tripped, there could be a larger issue with your home’s system.
If It’s Not Your Breakers, Report the Outage: CenterPoint may not know about your specific outage yet, especially if it’s localized. Reporting it is crucial.
Online: Use the official reporting tool online. You’ll need your address or account number.
By Phone: Call CenterPoint Energy’s outage line at 713-207-2222 or 800-332-7143. Be prepared for potential wait times during major storms.
Once you report it, your outage should appear on the map, often as a single-customer outage icon, until it is merged with a larger event.
Bridge the gap while you wait: Reporting your outage helps crews prioritize, but restoration can still take time. A small solar + portable battery kit can bridge critical needs (charging, communications, LED lighting). If you have unusual dimensions or mounting constraints, Sungold can manufacture non-standard modules to your target size and voltage, with back-exit cabling for clean installs.
How to Prepare for Future CenterPoint Outages
The best time to deal with a power outage is before it happens. Regain a sense of control by taking these proactive steps.
Sign Up for Alerts: Register for CenterPoint’s Power Alert Service. They will send you text, email, or phone call updates specific to your address, including when an outage is reported and when restoration is expected.
Build an Emergency Kit: Assemble a kit with essentials like:
Flashlights and fresh batteries
A battery-powered or hand-crank radio
Bottled water (one gallon per person, per day)
Non-perishable food and a manual can opener
A first-aid kit
Invest in Backup Power: For ultimate peace of mind, consider a backup power solution. A portable power station can be a lifesaver, allowing you to keep your refrigerator cold, phones charged, medical devices running, and some lights on. It’s a quiet, fume-free alternative to traditional generators.
CenterPoint Outage Map FAQ
Q1: How do I check my estimated power restoration time on the CenterPoint map? A: Visit the CenterPoint Outage Tracker and search for your address. Click the colored icon near your location to open a pop-up. Look for the “ETR” (Estimated Time of Restoration). If it says “Pending Assessment,” crews are still investigating the damage.
Q2: What should I do if my power is out but not showing on the CenterPoint map? A: First, check your home’s breaker panel to ensure it hasn’t tripped. If it’s not a breaker issue, the outage likely hasn’t been logged yet. Report it immediately via the CenterPoint online portal or call 713-207-2222. The map updates every 5–15 minutes.
Q3: Can I use solar panels during a CenterPoint power outage? A: Yes, but only off-grid systems. Grid-tied solar shuts down for safety, but you can use portable power stations with solar panels to run phones, Wi-Fi, and medical devices. For apartments or RVs, Sungold offers custom, non-standard modules that fit curved surfaces or tight balcony spaces.
