CenterPoint proposes fee hikes

So here's something you might want to take note of: CenterPoint wants to make some massive increases to the fees it charges for basic services. No, really, they're big.

CenterPoint wants to increase what it calls 'miscellaneous service charges.' The current fee for an initial connection is $5, but it would increase to $40. If a customer wants to move a gas meter, the fee would jump from the current $50 charge to $350.

"These fees have not been changed since 1976, so we are bringing these fees to the level of what it actually costs to provide these services," said Alicia Dixon with CenterPoint Energy.

Even though we're making a 1976 salary, we'll bet we won't be exempt from these increases. But before CenterPoint can raise the fees, the city councils of the 47 cities it serves have to improve the increases — so if you're a CenterPoint customer and you're concerned, you may want to think about contacting your city council today.