UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

__________________

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)
☑			QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2021

OR

☐			TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
			FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM __________________ TO __________________

Commission file number 1-31447

CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Texas									74-0694415
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)									(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
1111 Louisiana			Houston			Texas			77002
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)									(Zip Code)

(713) 207-1111

Registrant's telephone number, including area code

Commission file number 1-3187

CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Texas									22-3865106
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)									(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
1111 Louisiana			Houston			Texas			77002
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)									(Zip Code)

(713) 207-1111

Registrant's telephone number, including area code

Commission file number 1-13265

CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware									76-0511406
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)									(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
1111 Louisiana			Houston			Texas			77002
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)									(Zip Code)

(713) 207-1111

Registrant's telephone number, including area code

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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Registrant			Title of each class			Trading Symbol(s)			Name of each exchange on which registered
CenterPoint Energy, Inc.			Common Stock, $0.01 par value			CNP			The New York Stock Exchange
									Chicago Stock Exchange, Inc.
CenterPoint Energy, Inc.			Depositary Shares for 1/20 of 7.00% Series B Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value			CNP/PB			The New York Stock Exchange
CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC			6.95% General Mortgage Bonds due 2033			n/a			The New York Stock Exchange
CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp.			6.625% Senior Notes due 2037			n/a			The New York Stock Exchange

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

Yes

þ

No

o

CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC

Yes

þ

No

o

CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp.

Yes

þ

No

o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).

CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

Yes

þ

No

o

CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC

Yes

þ

No

o

CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp.

Yes

þ

No

o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer

Non-accelerated filer

Smaller reporting company

Emerging growth company

CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

þ

o

o

☐

☐

CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC

o

o

þ

☐

☐

CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp.

o

o

þ

☐

☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

Yes

☐

No

þ

CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC

Yes

☐

No

þ

CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp.

Yes

☐

No

þ

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuers’ classes of common stock as of July 23, 2021:

CenterPoint Energy, Inc.						592,890,377			shares of common stock outstanding, excluding 166 shares held as treasury stock
CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC						1,000			common shares outstanding, all held by Utility Holding, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp.						1,000			shares of common stock outstanding, all held by Utility Holding, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

            

CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC and CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp. meet the conditions set forth in General Instructions H(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-Q and are therefore filing this form with the reduced disclosure format specified in General Instruction H(2) of Form 10-Q.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I.						FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.						Financial Statements			1
						CenterPoint Energy, Inc. Financial Statements (unaudited)			1
						CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC Financial Statements (unaudited)			7
						CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp. Financial Statements (unaudited)			13
						Combined Notes to Interim Condensed Financial Statements (unaudited)			19
						(1) Background and Basis of Presentation			19
						(2) New Accounting Pronouncements			20
						(3) Held for Sale and Divestitures			20
						(4) Revenue Recognition and Allowance for Credit Losses			24
						(5) Employee Benefit Plans			27
						(6) Regulatory Accounting			29
						(7) Derivative Instruments			31
						(8) Fair Value Measurements			33
						(9) Unconsolidated Affiliates			34
						(10) Goodwill and Other Intangibles			38
						(11) Indexed Debt Securities (ZENS) and Securities Related to ZENS			39
						(12) Short-term Borrowings and Long-term Debt			40
						(13) Income Taxes			42
						(14) Commitments and Contingencies			44
						(15) Earnings Per Share			49
						(16) Reportable Segments			51
						(17) Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information			53
						(18) Related Party Transactions			53
						(19) Equity			55
						(20) Subsequent Events			57
Item 2.						Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations			58
						Recent Events			58
						Consolidated Results of Operations			59
						Results of Operations by Reportable Segment			60
						Certain Factors Affecting Future Earnings			68
						Liquidity and Capital Resources			69
Item 3.						Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk			82
Item 4.						Controls and Procedures			83
PART II.						OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.						Legal Proceedings			83
Item 1A.						Risk Factors			83
Item 6.						Exhibits			83
						Signatures			89

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GLOSSARY
ACE						Affordable Clean Energy
AMA						Asset Management Agreement
APSC						Arkansas Public Service Commission
ARO						Asset retirement obligation
ARP						Alternative revenue program
ARPA						American Rescue Plan Act of 2021
ASC						Accounting Standards Codification
Asset Purchase Agreement						Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of April 29, 2021, by and between CERC Corp. and Southern Col Midco, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and an affiliate of Summit Utilities, Inc.
ASU						Accounting Standards Update
AT&T						AT&T Inc.
AT&T Common						AT&T common stock
Bcf						Billion cubic feet
Board						Board of Directors of CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
Bond Companies						Bond Company III, Bond Company IV and Restoration Bond Company, each a wholly-owned, bankruptcy remote entity formed solely for the purpose of purchasing and owning transition or system restoration property through the issuance of Securitization Bonds
Bond Company III						CenterPoint Energy Transition Bond Company III, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Houston Electric
Bond Company IV						CenterPoint Energy Transition Bond Company IV, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Houston Electric
BTA						Build Transfer Agreement
Business Review and Evaluation Committee						Business Review and Evaluation Committee of the Board of Directors of CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
Capital Dynamics						Capital Dynamics, Inc.
CARES Act						Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act
CCN						Certificate of Convenience and Necessity
CCR						Coal Combustion Residuals
CEIP						CenterPoint Energy Intrastate Pipelines, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CERC Corp.
CenterPoint Energy						CenterPoint Energy, Inc., and its subsidiaries
CERC						CERC Corp., together with its subsidiaries
CERC Corp.						CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp.
CES						CenterPoint Energy Services, Inc. (now known as Symmetry Energy Solutions, LLC), previously a wholly-owned subsidiary of CERC Corp.
Charter Common						Charter Communications, Inc. common stock
CIP						Conservation Improvement Program
CNG						Compressed Natural Gas
CNP Midstream						CenterPoint Energy Midstream, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of CenterPoint Energy
CODM						Chief Operating Decision Maker, who is each Registrant’s Chief Operating Executive
Common Stock						CenterPoint Energy, Inc. common stock, par value $0.01 per share
Compensation Committee						Compensation Committee of the Board
COVID-19						Novel coronavirus disease 2019 and related global outbreak that was subsequently declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization
COVID-19 ERP						COVID-19 Electricity Relief Program
CPCN						Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity
CPP						Clean Power Plan
CSIA						Compliance and System Improvement Adjustment

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GLOSSARY
DCRF						Distribution Cost Recovery Factor
DRR						Distribution Replacement Rider
DSMA						Demand Side Management Adjustment
ECA						Environmental Cost Adjustment
EDIT						Excess deferred income taxes
EECR						Energy Efficiency Cost Recovery
EECRF						Energy Efficiency Cost Recovery Factor
EEFC						Energy Efficiency Funding Component
EEFR						Energy Efficiency Funding Rider
Elk GP Merger Sub						Elk GP Merger Sub LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Energy Transfer
Elk Merger Sub						Elk Merger Sub LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Energy Transfer
Enable						Enable Midstream Partners, LP
Enable GP						Enable GP, LLC, Enable’s general partner
Enable Merger						The proposed merger of Elk Merger Sub with and into Enable and the merger of Elk GP Merger Sub with and into Enable GP, in each case on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Enable Merger Agreement, with Enable and Enable GP surviving as wholly-owned subsidiaries of Energy Transfer
Enable Merger Agreement						Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among Energy Transfer, Elk Merger Sub LLC, Elk GP Merger Sub, Enable, Enable GP and, solely for the purposes of Section 2.1(a)(i) therein, Energy Transfer GP, and solely for the purposes of Section 1.1(b)(i) therein, CenterPoint Energy
Enable Series A Preferred Units						Enable’s 10% Series A Fixed-to-Floating Non-Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Units, representing limited partner interests in Enable
Energy Services						Offered competitive variable and fixed-priced physical natural gas supplies primarily to commercial and industrial customers and electric and natural gas utilities through CES and CEIP
Energy Services Disposal Group						Substantially all of the businesses within CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s Energy Services reporting unit that were sold under the Equity Purchase Agreement
Energy Transfer						Energy Transfer LP, a Delaware limited partnership
Energy Transfer GP						LE GP, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and sole general partner of Energy Transfer
Energy Transfer Series G Preferred Units						Energy Transfer Series G Fixed-Rate Reset Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Units
EPA						Environmental Protection Agency
Equity Purchase Agreement						Equity Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 24, 2020, by and between CERC Corp. and Symmetry Energy Solutions Acquisition, LLC (f/k/a Athena Energy Services Buyer, LLC)
ERCOT						Electric Reliability Council of Texas
ESG						Energy Systems Group, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Vectren
February 2021 Winter Storm Event						The extreme and unprecedented winter weather event in February 2021 (Winter Storm Uri) that resulted in electricity generation supply shortages, including in Texas, and natural gas supply shortages and increased wholesale prices of natural gas in the United States, primarily due to prolonged freezing temperatures
FERC						Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Fitch						Fitch Ratings, Inc.
Form 10-Q						Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
FRP						Formula Rate Plan
GHG						Greenhouse gases
Governance Committee						Governance Committee of the Board
GRIP						Gas Reliability Infrastructure Program

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GLOSSARY
GWh						Gigawatt-hours
Houston Electric						CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC and its subsidiaries
IDEM						Indiana Department of Environmental Management
Indiana Electric						Operations of SIGECO’s electric transmission and distribution services, and includes its power generating and wholesale power operations
Indiana Gas						Indiana Gas Company, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Vectren
Indiana North						Gas operations of Indiana Gas
Indiana South						Gas operations of SIGECO
Indiana Utilities						The combination of Indiana Electric, Indiana North and Indiana South
Infrastructure Services						Provided underground pipeline construction and repair services through VISCO and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Miller Pipeline, LLC and Minnesota Limited, LLC
Infrastructure Services Disposal Group						Businesses within the Infrastructure Services reporting unit that were sold under the Securities Purchase Agreement
Interim Condensed Financial Statements						Unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements and combined notes
IRP						Integrated Resource Plan
IRS						Internal Revenue Service
IURC						Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission
kV						Kilovolt
LIBOR						London Interbank Offered Rate
LNG						Liquefied Natural Gas
LPSC						Louisiana Public Service Commission
Merger						The merger of Merger Sub with and into Vectren on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, with Vectren continuing as the surviving corporation and as a wholly-owned subsidiary of CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
Merger Agreement						Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of April 21, 2018, among CenterPoint Energy, Vectren and Merger Sub
Merger Sub						Pacer Merger Sub, Inc., an Indiana corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of CenterPoint Energy
MES						CenterPoint Energy Mobile Energy Solutions, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of CERC Corp.
MGP						Manufactured gas plant
MLP						Master Limited Partnership
Moody’s						Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.
MPSC						Mississippi Public Service Commission
MPUC						Minnesota Public Utilities Commission
MW						Megawatts
NERC						North American Electric Reliability Corporation
NGLs						Natural gas liquids
NOLs						Net operating losses
NRG						NRG Energy, Inc.
OCC						Oklahoma Corporation Commission
OGE						OGE Energy Corp.
PBRC						Performance Based Rate Change
Posey Solar						Posey Solar, LLC, a special purpose entity
PowerTeam Services						PowerTeam Services, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, now known as Artera Services, LLC
PPA						Power Purchase Agreement
PRPs						Potentially responsible parties
PUCO						Public Utilities Commission of Ohio

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GLOSSARY
PUCT						Public Utility Commission of Texas
Railroad Commission						Railroad Commission of Texas
RCRA						Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976
Registrants						CenterPoint Energy, Houston Electric and CERC, collectively
REP						Retail electric provider
Restoration Bond Company						CenterPoint Energy Restoration Bond Company, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Houston Electric
ROE						Return on equity
ROU						Right of use
RRA						Rate Regulation Adjustment
RSP						Rate Stabilization Plan
SEC						Securities and Exchange Commission
Securities Purchase Agreement						Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 3, 2020, by and among Vectren Utility Services, Inc., PowerTeam Services and, solely for purposes of Section 10.17 of the Securities Purchase Agreement, Vectren
Securitization Bonds						Transition and system restoration bonds
Series A Preferred Stock						CenterPoint Energy’s Series A Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, with a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share
Series B Preferred Stock						CenterPoint Energy’s 7.00% Series B Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, with a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share
Series C Preferred Stock						CenterPoint Energy’s Series C Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, with a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share
SIGECO						Southern Indiana Gas and Electric Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Vectren
SOFR						Secured Overnight Financing Rate
S&P						S&P Global Ratings
SRC						Sales Reconciliation Component
Symmetry Energy Solutions Acquisition						Symmetry Energy Solutions Acquisition, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (f/k/a Athena Energy Services Buyer, LLC) and subsidiary of Energy Capital Partners, LLC
TBD						To be determined
TCJA						Tax reform legislation informally called the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017
TCOS						Transmission Cost of Service
TCRF						Transmission Cost Recovery Factor
TDSIC						Transmission, Distribution and Storage System Improvement Charge
TDU						Transmission and distribution utility
Tenaska						Tenaska Wind Holdings, LLC
Texas RE						Texas Reliability Entity
TOB						Tariffed On Bill
Utility Holding						Utility Holding, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CenterPoint Energy
Vectren						Vectren Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CenterPoint Energy as of February 1, 2019
VEDO						Vectren Energy Delivery of Ohio, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Vectren
VIE						Variable interest entity
VISCO						Vectren Infrastructure Services Corporation, formerly a wholly-owned subsidiary of Vectren

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GLOSSARY
Vistra Energy Corp.						Texas-based energy company focused on the competitive energy and power generation markets, whose major subsidiaries include Luminant and TXU Energy
VRP						Voluntary Remediation Program
VUHI						Vectren Utility Holdings, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Vectren
ZENS						2.0% Zero-Premium Exchangeable Subordinated Notes due 2029
ZENS-Related Securities						As of both June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, consisted of AT&T Common and Charter Common
2020 Form 10-K						Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 as filed with the SEC on February 25, 2021

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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

From time to time the Registrants make statements concerning their expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance and underlying assumptions and other statements that are not historical facts. These statements are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these statements. You can generally identify forward-looking statements by the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “goal,” “intend,” “may,” “objective,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “projection,” “should,” “target,” “will” or other similar words.

The Registrants have based their forward-looking statements on management’s beliefs and assumptions based on information reasonably available to management at the time the statements are made. The Registrants caution you that assumptions, beliefs, expectations, intentions and projections about future events may and often do vary materially from actual results. Therefore, the Registrants cannot assure you that actual results will not differ materially from those expressed or implied by the Registrants’ forward-looking statements. In this Form 10-Q, unless context requires otherwise, the terms “our,” “we” and “us” are used as abbreviated references to CenterPoint Energy, Inc. together with its consolidated subsidiaries, including Houston Electric, CERC and Vectren.

The following are some of the factors that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed or implied by the Registrants’ forward-looking statements and apply to all Registrants unless otherwise indicated:

•the performance of Enable, the amount of cash distributions CenterPoint Energy receives from Enable, Enable’s ability to redeem the Enable Series A Preferred Units in certain circumstances and the value of CenterPoint Energy’s interest in Enable, and factors that may have a material impact on such performance, cash distributions and value, including factors such as:

◦competitive conditions in the midstream industry, and actions taken by Enable’s customers and competitors, including drilling, production and capital spending decisions of third parties and the extent and timing of the entry of additional competition in the markets served by Enable;

◦the timing and extent of changes in the supply of natural gas and associated commodity prices, particularly prices of natural gas and NGLs, the competitive effects of the available pipeline capacity in the regions served by Enable, and the effects of geographic and seasonal commodity price differentials, including the effects of these circumstances on re-contracting available capacity on Enable’s interstate pipelines and its commodity risk management activities;

◦economic effects of the actions of certain crude oil-exporting countries and the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, which have in the past resulted in a substantial decrease in oil and natural gas prices, and the combined impact of these events and COVID-19 on commodity prices;

◦the demand for crude oil, natural gas, NGLs and transportation and storage services;

◦environmental and other governmental regulations, including the availability of drilling permits and the regulation of hydraulic fracturing;

◦recording of goodwill, long-lived asset or other than temporary impairment charges by or related to Enable;

◦the timing of payments from Enable’s customers under existing contracts, including minimum volume commitment payments;

◦changes in tax status; and

•access to debt and equity capital;

•the integration of the businesses acquired in the Merger, including the integration of technology systems; the outcome of shareholder litigation filed against Vectren that could reduce the benefits of the Merger; the ability to realize additional benefits and commercial opportunities from the Merger, including the development of new opportunities and the performance of projects undertaken by ESG, which are subject to, among other factors, the level of success in bidding contracts and cancellation and/or reductions in the scope of projects by customers, and obligations related to warranties, guarantees and other contractual and legal obligations;

•the recording of impairment charges;

•industrial, commercial and residential growth in our service territories and changes in market demand, including the demand for our non-utility products and services and effects of energy efficiency measures and demographic patterns;

•timely and appropriate rate actions that allow recovery of costs and a reasonable return on investment, including the timing and amount of natural gas purchase costs associated with the February 2021 Winter Storm Event recovered;

•future economic conditions in regional and national markets and their effect on sales, prices and costs;

•weather variations and other natural phenomena, including the impact of severe weather events on operations and capital, such as impacts from the February 2021 Winter Storm Event;

•CenterPoint Energy’s or Enable’s business strategies and strategic initiatives, restructurings, joint ventures and acquisitions or dispositions of assets or businesses, including the announced sale of our Natural Gas businesses in

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Arkansas and Oklahoma, which we cannot assure will be completed or will have the anticipated benefits to us, and the Enable Merger, which we cannot assure will be completed or will have the anticipated benefits to us or Enable;

•the outcome of litigation, including litigation related to the February 2021 Winter Storm Event;

•the ability of REPs, including REP affiliates of NRG and Vistra Energy Corp., to satisfy their obligations to CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric, including the negative impact on such ability related to COVID-19 and the February 2021 Winter Storm Event;

•the COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on our and Enable’s operations, business and financial condition, our industries and the communities we serve, U.S. and world financial markets and supply chains, potential regulatory actions and changes in customer and stakeholder behaviors relating thereto;

•volatility and historical substantial declines in the markets for oil and natural gas as a result of the actions of certain crude-oil exporting countries and the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and reduced worldwide consumption due to the COVID-19 pandemic;

•state and federal legislative and regulatory actions or developments affecting various aspects of our businesses (including the businesses of Enable), including, among others, energy deregulation or re-regulation, pipeline integrity and safety and changes in regulation and legislation pertaining to trade, health care, finance and actions regarding the rates charged by our regulated businesses;

•direct or indirect effects on our or Enable’s facilities, resources, operations and financial condition resulting from terrorism, cyber attacks or intrusions, data security breaches or other attempts to disrupt our businesses or the businesses of third parties, or other catastrophic events such as fires, ice, earthquakes, explosions, leaks, floods, droughts, hurricanes, tornadoes and other severe weather events, pandemic health events or other occurrences;

•tax legislation, including the effects of the CARES Act and of the TCJA (which includes but is not limited to any potential changes to tax rates, tax credits and/or interest deductibility), as well as any changes in tax laws under the Biden administration, and uncertainties involving state commissions’ and local municipalities’ regulatory requirements and determinations regarding the treatment of EDIT and our rates;

•our ability to mitigate weather impacts through normalization or rate mechanisms, and the effectiveness of such mechanisms;

•actions by credit rating agencies, including any potential downgrades to credit ratings;

•matters affecting regulatory approval, legislative actions, construction, implementation of necessary technology or other issues with respect to major capital projects that result in delays or cancellation or in cost overruns that cannot be recouped in rates;

•local, state and federal legislative and regulatory actions or developments relating to the environment, including, among others, those related to global climate change, air emissions, carbon, waste water discharges and the handling and disposal of CCR that could impact operations, cost recovery of generation plant costs and related assets, and CenterPoint Energy’s carbon emissions reduction targets;

•the impact of unplanned facility outages or other closures;

•our ability to fund and invest planned capital and the timely recovery of our investments, including those related to Indiana Electric’s generation transition plan as part of its most recent IRP;

•our ability to successfully construct and operate electric generating facilities, including complying with applicable environmental standards and the implementation of a well-balanced energy and resource mix, as appropriate;

•the sufficiency of our insurance coverage, including availability, cost, coverage and terms and ability to recover claims;

•the availability and prices of raw materials and services and changes in labor for current and future construction projects and operations and maintenance costs, including our ability to control such costs;

•the investment performance of CenterPoint Energy’s pension and postretirement benefit plans;

•changes in interest rates and their impact on costs of borrowing and the valuation of CenterPoint Energy’s pension benefit obligation;

•commercial bank and financial market conditions, our access to capital, the cost of such capital, and the results of our financing and refinancing efforts, including availability of funds in the debt capital markets;

•changes in rates of inflation;

•inability of various counterparties to meet their obligations to us;

•non-payment for our services due to financial distress of our customers;

•the extent and effectiveness of our and Enable’s risk management and hedging activities, including, but not limited to financial and weather hedges;

•timely and appropriate regulatory actions, which include actions allowing securitization, for any future hurricanes or other severe weather events, or natural disasters or other recovery of costs;

•acquisition and merger activities involving us or our competitors, including the ability to successfully complete merger, acquisition and divestiture plans;

•our or Enable’s ability to recruit, effectively transition and retain management and key employees and maintain good labor relations;

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•changes in technology, particularly with respect to efficient battery storage or the emergence or growth of new, developing or alternative sources of generation;

•the impact of alternate energy sources on the demand for natural gas;

•the timing and outcome of any audits, disputes and other proceedings related to taxes;

•the effective tax rates;

•political and economic developments, including energy and environmental policies under the Biden administration;

•the transition to a replacement for the LIBOR benchmark interest rate;

•the effect of changes in and application of accounting standards and pronouncements; and

•other factors discussed in “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of Part I of the Registrants’ combined 2020 Form 10-K, which are incorporated herein by reference, and in other reports the Registrants file from time to time with the SEC.

You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of the particular statement, and the Registrants undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. Investors should note that the Registrants announce material financial information in SEC filings, press releases and public conference calls. Based on guidance from the SEC, the Registrants may use the Investors section of CenterPoint Energy’s website (www.centerpointenergy.com) to communicate with investors about the Registrants. It is possible that the financial and other information posted there could be deemed to be material information. The information on CenterPoint Energy’s website is not part of this combined Form 10-Q.

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Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.     FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED INCOME

(Unaudited)

			Three Months Ended												Six Months Ended
			June 30,												June 30,
			2021						2020						2021						2020
			(in millions, except per share amounts)
Revenues:
Utility revenues			$	1,652					$	1,476					$	4,136					$	3,549
Non-utility revenues			90						99						153						193
Total			1,742						1,575						4,289						3,742
Expenses:
Utility natural gas, fuel and purchased power			258						202						1,193						811
Non-utility cost of revenues, including natural gas			58						69						98						133
Operation and maintenance			677						643						1,346						1,317
Depreciation and amortization			327						297						634						579
Taxes other than income taxes			126						129						269						265
Goodwill impairment			—						—						—						185
Total			1,446						1,340						3,540						3,290
Operating Income			296						235						749						452
Other Income (Expense):
Gain (loss) on marketable securities			75						75						52						(69)
Gain (loss) on indexed debt securities			(77)						(76)						(51)						59
Interest expense and other finance charges			(119)						(128)						(232)						(267)
Interest expense on Securitization Bonds			(5)						(7)						(11)						(15)
Equity in earnings (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates, net			67						43						175						(1,432)
Other income, net			11						22						3						36
Total			(48)						(71)						(64)						(1,688)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes			248						164						685						(1,236)
Income tax expense (benefit)			(3)						29						71						(318)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations			251						135						614						(918)
Loss from Discontinued Operations (net of tax expense of $-0-, $38, $-0- and $21, respectively)			—						(30)						—						(176)
Net Income (Loss)			251						105						614						(1,094)
Income allocated to preferred shareholders			30						46						59						75
Income (Loss) Available to Common Shareholders			$	221					$	59					$	555					$	(1,169)
Basic earnings (loss) per common share - continuing operations			$	0.38					$	0.17					$	0.98					$	(1.93)
Basic loss per common share - discontinued operations			—						(0.06)						—						(0.34)
Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share			0.38						0.11						0.98						(2.27)
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share - continuing operations			$	0.37					$	0.17					$	0.93					$	(1.93)
Diluted loss per common share - discontinued operations			—						(0.06)						—						(0.34)
Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share			$	0.37					$	0.11					$	0.93					$	(2.27)
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding, Basic			586						528						569						515
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding, Diluted			596						531						596						515

See Combined Notes to Interim Condensed Financial Statements

1

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Table of Contents

CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Unaudited)

			Three Months Ended												Six Months Ended
			June 30,												June 30,
			2021						2020						2021						2020
			(in millions)
Net Income (Loss)			$	251					$	105					$	614					$	(1,094)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Adjustment to pension and other postretirement plans (net of tax of $1, $1, $1 and $2)			1						1						3						2
Reclassification of net deferred losses from cash flow hedges (net of tax of $-0-, $4, $-0- and $4)			—						15						—						15
Other comprehensive income (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates (net of tax of $-0-, $-0-, $-0- and $-0-)			1						—						2						(3)
Total			2						16						5						14
Comprehensive income (loss)			253						121						619						(1,080)
Income allocated to preferred shareholders			30						46						59						75
Comprehensive income (loss) available to common shareholders			$	223					$	75					$	560					$	(1,155)

See Combined Notes to Interim Condensed Financial Statements

2

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Table of Contents

CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

ASSETS

			June 30, 2021						December 31, 2020
			(in millions)
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents ($106 and $139 related to VIEs, respectively)			$	136					$	147
Investment in marketable securities			923						871
Accounts receivable ($38 and $23 related to VIEs, respectively), less allowance for credit losses of $62 and $52, respectively			651						676
Accrued unbilled revenues, less allowance for credit losses of $2 and $5, respectively			270						505
Natural gas and coal inventory			121						203
Materials and supplies			319						297
Non-trading derivative assets			6						—
Taxes receivable			78						82
Current assets held for sale			2,192						—
Prepaid expenses and other current assets ($17 and $15 related to VIEs, respectively)			483						139
Total current assets			5,179						2,920
Property, Plant and Equipment:
Property, plant and equipment			32,004						32,514
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization			9,908						10,152
Property, plant and equipment, net			22,096						22,362
Other Assets:
Goodwill			4,294						4,697
Regulatory assets ($542 and $633 related to VIEs, respectively)			3,427						2,094
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates			882						783
Preferred units – unconsolidated affiliate			363						363
Other non-current assets			225						252
Total other assets			9,191						8,189
Total Assets			$	36,466					$	33,471

See Combined Notes to Interim Condensed Financial Statements

3

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Table of Contents

CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS – (continued)

(Unaudited)

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

			June 30, 2021						December 31, 2020
			(in millions, except share amounts)
Current Liabilities:
Short-term borrowings			$	3					$	24
Current portion of VIE Securitization Bonds long-term debt			215						211
Indexed debt, net			12						15
Current portion of other long-term debt			63						1,669
Indexed debt securities derivative			1,004						953
Accounts payable			797						853
Taxes accrued			203						265
Interest accrued			155						145
Dividends accrued			—						136
Customer deposits			109						119
Non-trading derivative liabilities			—						3
Current liabilities held for sale			472						—
Other current liabilities			336						432
Total current liabilities			3,369						4,825
Other Liabilities:
Deferred income taxes, net			3,698						3,603
Non-trading derivative liabilities			14						27
Benefit obligations			665						680
Regulatory liabilities			3,051						3,448
Other non-current liabilities			946						1,019
Total other liabilities			8,374						8,777
Long-term Debt:
VIE Securitization Bonds, net			424						536
Other long-term debt, net			15,429						10,985
Total long-term debt, net			15,853						11,521
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 14)
Shareholders’ Equity:
Cumulative preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized, 1,775,903 shares and 2,402,400 shares outstanding, respectively, $1,776 and 2,402 liquidation preference, respectively (Note 19)			1,739						2,363
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 1,000,000,000 shares authorized, 592,852,490 shares and 551,355,861 shares outstanding, respectively			6						6
Additional paid-in capital			7,553						6,914
Accumulated deficit			(343)						(845)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss			(85)						(90)
Total shareholders’ equity			8,870						8,348
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity			$	36,466					$	33,471

See Combined Notes to Interim Condensed Financial Statements

4

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CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

			Six Months Ended June 30,
			2021						2020
			(in millions)
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income (loss)			$	614					$	(1,094)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization			634						579
Amortization of deferred financing costs			15						15
Amortization of intangible assets in non-utility cost of revenues			—						1
Deferred income taxes			51						(477)
Goodwill impairment and loss from reclassification to held for sale			—						172
Goodwill impairment			—						185
Unrealized loss on marketable securities			(52)						69
Gain on indexed debt securities			51						(59)
Write-down of natural gas inventory			—						3
Equity in (earnings) losses of unconsolidated affiliates			(175)						1,432
Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates			77						109
Pension contributions			(8)						(5)
Changes in other assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable and unbilled revenues, net			220						312
Inventory			53						22
Taxes receivable			4						106
Accounts payable			(120)						(221)
Non-trading derivatives, net			(23)						(3)
Margin deposits, net			—						65
Interest and taxes accrued			(48)						14
Net regulatory assets and liabilities			(2,329)						(65)
Other current assets			24						1
Other current liabilities			(76)						(39)
Other non-current assets			—						15
Other non-current liabilities			7						41
Other, net			5						3
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities			(1,076)						1,181
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures			(1,383)						(1,278)
Distributions from unconsolidated affiliate in excess of cumulative earnings			—						7
Proceeds from divestitures (Note 3)			—						1,136
Other, net			7						(8)
Net cash used in investing activities			(1,376)						(143)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings, net			(27)						19
Proceeds from (payments of) commercial paper, net			225						(1,498)
Proceeds from long-term debt			4,493						299
Payments of long-term debt			(1,960)						(1,032)
Borrowings from revolving credit facilities			—						1,050
Payments of revolving credit facilities			—						(1,050)
Payment of debt issuance costs			(37)						(3)
Payment of dividends on Common Stock			(183)						(227)
Payment of dividends on Preferred Stock			(65)						(66)
Proceeds from issuance of Common Stock, net			—						673
Proceeds from issuance of Series C Preferred Stock, net			—						724
Other, net			(4)						(4)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities			2,442						(1,115)
Net Decrease in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash			(10)						(77)
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Period			167						271
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at End of Period			$	157					$	194

See Combined Notes to Interim Condensed Financial Statements

5

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Table of Contents

CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CHANGES IN EQUITY

(Unaudited)

 

			Three Months Ended June 30,																								Six Months Ended June 30,
			2021												2020												2021												2020
			Shares						Amount						Shares						Amount						Shares						Amount						Shares						Amount
			(in millions of dollars and shares)
Cumulative Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 20,000,000 shares
Balance, beginning of period			3						$	2,363					2						$	1,740					3						$	2,363					2						$	1,740
Issuances of Series C Preferred Stock, net of issuance costs and beneficial conversion feature			—						—						1						701						—						—						1						701
Conversion of Series B Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock			—						(624)						—						—						—						(624)						—						—
Balance, end of period			3						1,739						3						2,441						3						1,739						3						2,441
Common Stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 1,000,000,000 shares
Balance, beginning of period			552						6						502						5						551						6						502						5
Issuances of Common Stock			41						—						42						—						41						—						42						—
Issuances related to benefit and investment plans			—						—						1						—						1						—						1						—
Balance, end of period			593						6						545						5						593						6						545						5
Additional Paid-in-Capital
Balance, beginning of period									6,916												6,086												6,914												6,080
Issuances of Common Stock, net of issuance costs									624												673												624												673
Issuances related to benefit and investment plans									13												10												15												16
Recognition of beneficial conversion feature									—												32												—												32
Balance, end of period									7,553												6,801												7,553												6,801
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)
Balance, beginning of period									(482)												(761)												(845)												632
Net income (loss)									251												105												614												(1,094)
Common Stock dividends declared (see Note 19)									(95)												(82)												(95)												(227)
Preferred Stock dividends declared (see Note 19)									(17)												(24)												(17)												(66)
Amortization of beneficial conversion feature									—												(9)												—												(9)
Adoption of ASU 2016-13									—												—												—												(7)
Balance, end of period									(343)												(771)												(343)												(771)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Balance, beginning of period									(87)												(100)												(90)												(98)
Other comprehensive income									2												16												5												14
Balance, end of period									(85)												(84)												(85)												(84)
Total Shareholders’ Equity									$	8,870											$	8,392											$	8,870											$	8,392

 See Combined Notes to Interim Condensed Financial Statements

6

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Table of Contents

CENTERPOINT ENERGY HOUSTON ELECTRIC, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

(AN INDIRECT, WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC.)

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED INCOME

(Unaudited)

			Three Months Ended June 30,												Six Months Ended June 30,
			2021						2020						2021						2020
			(in millions)
Revenues			$	786					$	720					$	1,470					$	1,354
Expenses:
Operation and maintenance			390						364						763						723
Depreciation and amortization			161						140						302						269
Taxes other than income taxes			65						64						128						128
Total			616						568						1,193						1,120
Operating Income			170						152						277						234
Other Income (Expense):
Interest expense and other finance charges			(47)						(43)						(92)						(84)
Interest expense on Securitization Bonds			(5)						(7)						(11)						(15)
Other income, net			3						1						8						6
Total			(49)						(49)						(95)						(93)
Income Before Income Taxes			121						103						182						141
Income tax expense			18						16						26						21
Net Income			$	103					$	87					$	156					$	120

See Combined Notes to Interim Condensed Financial Statements

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Table of Contents

CENTERPOINT ENERGY HOUSTON ELECTRIC, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

(AN INDIRECT, WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC.)

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Unaudited)

			Three Months Ended June 30,												Six Months Ended June 30,
			2021						2020						2021						2020
			(in millions)
Net income			$	103					$	87					$	156					$	120
Other comprehensive income:
Reclassification of net deferred losses from cash flow hedges (net of tax of $-0-, $4, $-0- and $4)			—						15						—						15
Total			—						15						—						15
Comprehensive income			$	103					$	102					$	156					$	135

See Combined Notes to Interim Condensed Financial Statements

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Table of Contents

CENTERPOINT ENERGY HOUSTON ELECTRIC, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

(AN INDIRECT, WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC.)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

ASSETS

			June 30, 2021						December 31, 2020
			(in millions)
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents ($106 and $139 related to VIEs, respectively)			$	120					$	139
Accounts receivable ($38 and $23 related to VIEs, respectively), less allowance for credit losses of $1 and $1, respectively			313						268
Accounts and notes receivable–affiliated companies			125						7
Accrued unbilled revenues			116						113
Materials and supplies			209						195
Prepaid expenses and other current assets ($17 and $15 related to VIEs, respectively)			28						47
Total current assets			911						769
Property, Plant and Equipment:
Property, plant and equipment			14,296						13,593
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization			4,026						3,930
Property, plant and equipment, net			10,270						9,663
Other Assets:
Regulatory assets ($542 and $633 related to VIEs, respectively)			803						848
Other non-current assets			33						36
Total other assets			836						884
Total Assets			$	12,017					$	11,316

See Combined Notes to Interim Condensed Financial Statements

9

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Table of Contents

CENTERPOINT ENERGY HOUSTON ELECTRIC, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

(AN INDIRECT, WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC.)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS – (continued)

(Unaudited)

LIABILITIES AND MEMBER’S EQUITY

			June 30, 2021						December 31, 2020
			(in millions)
Current Liabilities:
Current portion of VIE Securitization Bonds long-term debt			215						211
Current portion of other long-term debt			—						402
Accounts payable			413						281
Accounts and notes payable–affiliated companies			37						96
Taxes accrued			149						158
Interest accrued			84						71
Other current liabilities			114						117
Total current liabilities			1,012						1,336
Other Liabilities:
Deferred income taxes, net			1,069						1,041
Benefit obligations			75						75
Regulatory liabilities			1,114						1,252
Other non-current liabilities			100						95
Total other liabilities			2,358						2,463
Long-term Debt:
VIE Securitization Bonds, net			424						536
Other long-term debt, net			4,956						3,870
Total long-term debt, net			5,380						4,406
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 14)
Member’s Equity:
Common stock			—						—
Additional paid-in capital			2,548						2,548
Retained earnings			719						563
Total member’s equity			3,267						3,111
Total Liabilities and Member’s Equity			$	12,017					$	11,316

See Combined Notes to Interim Condensed Financial Statements

10

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Table of Contents

CENTERPOINT ENERGY HOUSTON ELECTRIC, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

(AN INDIRECT, WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC.)

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

			Six Months Ended June 30,
			2021						2020
			(in millions)
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income			$	156					$	120
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization			302						269
Amortization of deferred financing costs			5						5
Deferred income taxes			(3)						(10)
Changes in other assets and liabilities:
Accounts and notes receivable, net			(56)						(102)
Accounts receivable/payable–affiliated companies			(72)						(6)
Inventory			(14)						(28)
Accounts payable			49						9
Interest and taxes accrued			4						(2)
Non-trading derivatives, net			—						15
Net regulatory assets and liabilities			(142)						(13)
Other current assets			21						16
Other current liabilities			(3)						2
Other assets			9						(1)
Other liabilities			8						12
Other, net			(10)						(8)
Net cash provided by operating activities			254						278
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures			(735)						(548)
Decrease (increase) in notes receivable–affiliated companies			(97)						448
Other, net			(5)						(7)
Net cash used in investing activities			(837)						(107)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Increase in short-term borrowings, net			—						5
Proceeds from long-term debt			1,096						299
Payments of long-term debt			(510)						(132)
Decrease in notes payable–affiliated companies			(8)						—
Dividend to parent			—						(405)
Payment of debt issuance costs			(12)						(3)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities			566						(236)
Net Decrease in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash			(17)						(65)
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Period			154						235
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at End of Period			$	137					$	170

See Combined Notes to Interim Condensed Financial Statements

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Table of Contents

CENTERPOINT ENERGY HOUSTON ELECTRIC, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

(AN INDIRECT, WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC.)

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CHANGES IN EQUITY

(Unaudited)

			Three Months Ended June 30,																								Six Months Ended June 30,
			2021												2020												2021												2020
			Shares						Amount						Shares						Amount						Shares						Amount						Shares						Amount
			(in millions, except share amounts)
Common Stock
Balance, beginning of period			1,000						$	—					1,000						$	—					1,000						$	—					1,000						$	—
Balance, end of period			1,000						—						1,000						—						1,000						—						1,000						—
Additional Paid-in-Capital
Balance, beginning of period									2,548												2,486												2,548												2,486
Balance, end of period									2,548												2,486												2,548												2,486
Retained Earnings
Balance, beginning of period									616												428												563												780
Net income									103												87												156												120
Dividend to parent									—												(20)												—												(405)
Balance, end of period									719												495												719												495
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Balance, beginning of period									—												(15)												—												(15)
Other comprehensive income									—												15												—												15
Balance, end of period									—												—												—												—
Total Member’s Equity									$	3,267											$	2,981											$	3,267											$	2,981

See Combined Notes to Interim Condensed Financial Statements

12

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Table of Contents

CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

(AN INDIRECT, WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC.)

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED INCOME

(Unaudited)

			Three Months Ended												Six Months Ended
			June 30,												June 30,
			2021						2020						2021						2020
			(in millions)
Revenues:
Utility revenues			$	549					$	467					$	1,717					$	1,463
Non-utility revenues			25						16						34						31
Total			574						483						1,751						1,494
Expenses:
Utility natural gas			182						137						805						609
Non-utility cost of revenues, including natural gas			10						7						12						13
Operation and maintenance			194						179						392						388
Depreciation and amortization			80						74						160						148
Taxes other than income taxes			44						44						100						94
Total			510						441						1,469						1,252
Operating Income			64						42						282						242
Other Expense:
Interest expense and other finance charges			(25)						(29)						(49)						(59)
Other income (expense), net			1						—						—						(4)
Total			(24)						(29)						(49)						(63)
Income From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes			40						13						233						179
Income tax expense (benefit)			(18)						(4)						24						31
Income From Continuing Operations			58						17						209						148
Loss from Discontinued Operations (net of tax expense (benefit) of $-0-, $8, $-0- and $(3), respectively)			—						(4)						—						(68)
Net Income			$	58					$	13					$	209					$	80

See Combined Notes to Interim Condensed Financial Statements

13

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CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

(AN INDIRECT, WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC.)

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Unaudited)

			Three Months Ended												Six Months Ended
			June 30,												June 30,
			2021						2020						2021						2020
			(in millions)
Net income			$	58					$	13					$	209					$	80
Comprehensive income			$	58					$	13					$	209					$	80

See Combined Notes to Interim Condensed Financial Statements

14

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CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

(AN INDIRECT, WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC.)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

 

ASSETS

			June 30, 2021						December 31, 2020
			(in millions)
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents			$	1					$	1
Accounts receivable, less allowance for credit losses of $55 and $45, respectively			199						233
Accrued unbilled revenues, less allowance for credit losses of $2 and $4, respectively			80						260
Accounts and notes receivable–affiliated companies			10						8
Materials and supplies			64						58
Natural gas inventory			84						121
Current assets held for sale			1,935						—
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			241						26
Total current assets			2,614						707
Property, Plant and Equipment:
Property, plant and equipment			7,519						8,972
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization			2,001						2,414
Property, plant and equipment, net			5,518						6,558
Other Assets:
Goodwill			611						757
Regulatory assets			1,598						220
Other non-current assets			38						66
Total other assets			2,247						1,043
Total Assets			$	10,379					$	8,308

See Combined Notes to Interim Condensed Financial Statements

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CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

(AN INDIRECT, WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC.)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS – (continued)

(Unaudited)

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY

			June 30, 2021						December 31, 2020
			(in millions)
Current Liabilities:
Short-term borrowings			$	3					$	24
Accounts payable			226						296
Accounts and notes payable–affiliated companies			44						50
Taxes accrued			55						74
Interest accrued			29						28
Customer deposits			65						76
Current liabilities held for sale			472						—
Other current liabilities			127						178
Total current liabilities			1,021						726
Other Liabilities:
Deferred income taxes, net			619						584
Benefit obligations			83						83
Regulatory liabilities			955						1,226
Other non-current liabilities			582						694
Total other liabilities			2,239						2,587
Long-Term Debt			4,343						2,428
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 14)
Stockholder’s Equity:
Common stock			—						—
Additional paid-in capital			2,046						2,046
Retained earnings			720						511
Accumulated other comprehensive income			10						10
Total stockholder’s equity			2,776						2,567
Total Liabilities and Stockholder’s Equity			$	10,379					$	8,308

See Combined Notes to Interim Condensed Financial Statements

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CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

(AN INDIRECT, WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC.)

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

			Six Months Ended June 30,
			2021						2020
			(in millions)
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income			$	209					$	80
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization			160						148
Amortization of deferred financing costs			8						5
Deferred income taxes			24						26
Goodwill impairment and loss from reclassification to held for sale			—						93
Write-down of natural gas inventory			—						3
Changes in other assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable and unbilled revenues, net			182						357
Accounts receivable/payable–affiliated companies			(8)						(7)
Inventory			23						52
Accounts payable			(76)						(183)
Interest and taxes accrued			(13)						(27)
Non-trading derivatives, net			—						(13)
Margin deposits, net			—						65
Net regulatory assets and liabilities			(2,004)						2
Other current assets			5						2
Other current liabilities			(33)						(22)
Other assets			(9)						7
Other liabilities			(31)						5
Other, net			—						(6)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities			(1,563)						587
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures			(327)						(376)
Increase in notes receivable–affiliated companies			—						(9)
Proceeds from divestiture (Note 3)			—						286
Other, net			12						2
Net cash used in investing activities			(315)						(97)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings, net			(27)						14
Proceeds from (payments of) commercial paper, net			217						(145)
Proceeds from long-term debt			1,699						—
Dividends to parent			—						(72)
Payment of debt issuance costs			(10)						—
Capital distribution to parent associated with the sale of CES			—						(286)
Other, net			(1)						(2)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities			1,878						(491)
Net Decrease in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash			—						(1)
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Period			1						2
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at End of Period			$	1					$	1

See Combined Notes to Interim Condensed Financial Statements

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CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

(AN INDIRECT, WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC.)

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CHANGES IN EQUITY

(Unaudited)

			Three Months Ended June 30,																								Six Months Ended June 30,
			2021												2020												2021												2020
			Shares						Amount						Shares						Amount						Shares						Amount						Shares						Amount
			(in millions, except share amounts)
Common Stock
Balance, beginning of period			1,000						$	—					1,000						$	—					1,000						$	—					1,000						$	—
Balance, end of period			1,000						—						1,000						—						1,000						—						1,000						—
Additional Paid-in-Capital
Balance, beginning of period									2,046												2,116												2,046												2,116
Capital distribution to parent associated with the sale of CES									—												(286)												—												(286)
Other									—												(1)												—												(1)
Balance, end of period									2,046												1,829												2,046												1,829
Retained Earnings
Balance, beginning of period									662												545												511												515
Net income									58												13												209												80
Dividend to parent									—												(40)												—												(72)
Adoption of ASU 2016-13									—												—												—												(5)
Balance, end of period									720												518												720												518
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Balance, beginning of period									10												10												10												10
Balance, end of period									10												10												10												10
Total Stockholder’s Equity									$	2,776											$	2,357											$	2,776											$	2,357

See Combined Notes to Interim Condensed Financial Statements

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CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CENTERPOINT ENERGY HOUSTON ELECTRIC, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

COMBINED NOTES TO INTERIM CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(1) Background and Basis of Presentation

General. This combined Form 10-Q is filed separately by three registrants: CenterPoint Energy, Inc., CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC and CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp. Information contained herein relating to any individual registrant is filed by such registrant solely on its own behalf. Each registrant makes no representation as to information relating exclusively to the other Registrants or the subsidiaries of CenterPoint Energy other than itself or its subsidiaries.

Except as discussed in the last paragraph in Note 12 to the Registrants’ Interim Condensed Financial Statements, no registrant has an obligation in respect of any other Registrant’s debt securities, and holders of such debt securities should not consider the financial resources or results of operations of any Registrant other than the obligor in making a decision with respect to such securities.

Included in this combined Form 10-Q are the Interim Condensed Financial Statements of CenterPoint Energy, Houston Electric and CERC, which are referred to collectively as the Registrants. The Interim Condensed Financial Statements are unaudited, omit certain financial statement disclosures and should be read with the Registrants’ financial statements included in the Registrants’ combined 2020 Form 10-K. The Combined Notes to Interim Condensed Financial Statements apply to all Registrants and specific references to Houston Electric and CERC herein also pertain to CenterPoint Energy, unless otherwise indicated.

Background. CenterPoint Energy, Inc. is a public utility holding company and owns interests in Enable, a publicly traded MLP, as described below. As of June 30, 2021, CenterPoint Energy’s operating subsidiaries reported as continuing operations were as follows:

•Houston Electric provides electric transmission service to transmission service customers in the ERCOT region and distribution service to REPs serving the Texas Gulf Coast area that includes the city of Houston.

•CERC (i) owns and operates natural gas distribution systems in six states; (ii) owns and operates permanent pipeline connections through interconnects with various interstate and intrastate pipeline companies through CEIP; and (iii) provides temporary delivery of LNG and CNG throughout the contiguous 48 states through MES.

•Vectren holds three public utilities through its wholly-owned subsidiary, VUHI, a public utility holding company:

•Indiana Gas provides energy delivery services to natural gas customers located in central and southern Indiana;

•SIGECO provides energy delivery services to electric and natural gas customers located in and near Evansville in southwestern Indiana and owns and operates electric generation assets to serve its electric customers and optimizes those assets in the wholesale power market; and

•VEDO provides energy delivery services to natural gas customers located in and near Dayton in west-central Ohio.

•Vectren performs non-utility activities through ESG, which provides energy performance contracting and sustainable infrastructure services, such as renewables, distributed generation and combined heat and power projects.

On April 29, 2021, CenterPoint Energy, through its subsidiary CERC Corp., entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement to sell its Arkansas and Oklahoma Natural Gas businesses. See Note 3 for further information.

As of June 30, 2021, CenterPoint Energy’s reportable segments were Electric, Natural Gas and Midstream Investments. Houston Electric and CERC each consist of a single reportable segment. For a description of CenterPoint Energy’s reportable segments, see Note 16.

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As of June 30, 2021, CNP Midstream owned approximately 53.7% of the common units representing limited partner interests in Enable, which owns, operates and develops natural gas and crude oil infrastructure assets; CNP Midstream also owned 50% of the management rights and 40% of the incentive distribution rights in Enable GP. On February 16, 2021, Enable entered into the Enable Merger Agreement. At the closing of the transactions contemplated by the Enable Merger Agreement, if and when it occurs, Energy Transfer will acquire all of Enable’s outstanding equity interests, including all Enable common units and Enable Series A Preferred Units held by CenterPoint Energy, and in return CenterPoint Energy will receive Energy Transfer common units and Energy Transfer Series G Preferred Units. For additional information regarding CenterPoint Energy’s interest in Enable, including the 14,520,000 Enable Series A Preferred Units directly owned by CenterPoint Energy, and the Enable Merger, see Note 9.

As of June 30, 2021, CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric had VIEs consisting of the Bond Companies, which are consolidated. The consolidated VIEs are wholly-owned, bankruptcy-remote, special purpose entities that were formed solely for the purpose of securitizing transition and system restoration-related property. Creditors of CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric have no recourse to any assets or revenues of the Bond Companies. The bonds issued by these VIEs are payable only from and secured by transition and system restoration property, and the bondholders have no recourse to the general credit of CenterPoint Energy or Houston Electric.

Basis of Presentation. The preparation of the Registrants’ financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

The Interim Condensed Financial Statements reflect all normal recurring adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the respective periods. Amounts reported in the Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income are not necessarily indicative of amounts expected for a full-year period due to the effects of, among other things, (a) seasonal fluctuations in demand for energy, (b) changes in energy commodity prices, (c) timing of maintenance and other expenditures and (d) acquisitions and dispositions of businesses, assets and other interests. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year reportable segment presentation described in the 2020 Form 10-K.

(2) New Accounting Pronouncements

Management believes that recently adopted and recently issued accounting standards that are not yet effective will not have a material impact on the Registrants’ financial position, results of operations or cash flows upon adoption.

(3) Held for Sale and Divestitures (CenterPoint Energy and CERC)

Held for Sale. On April 29, 2021, CenterPoint Energy, through its subsidiary CERC Corp., entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement to sell its Arkansas and Oklahoma Natural Gas businesses for $2.15 billion in cash, including recovery of approximately $425 million of storm-related incremental natural gas costs incurred in the February 2021 Winter Storm Event, subject to certain adjustments set forth in the Asset Purchase Agreement. The assets include approximately 17,000 miles of main pipeline in Arkansas, Oklahoma and certain portions of Bowie County, Texas serving more than half a million customers. The Arkansas and Oklahoma Natural Gas businesses are reflected in CenterPoint Energy’s Natural Gas reportable segment and CERC’s single reportable segment, as applicable. Filings were made on June 11, 2021 to the APSC and June 24, 2021 to the OCC requesting approval of the transaction. The transaction is anticipated to close by the end of 2021, subject to customary closing conditions, including Hart-Scott-Rodino antitrust clearance and state regulatory approvals. As announced in December 2020, CenterPoint Energy’s business strategy incorporated the Business Review and Evaluation Committee’s recommendations to increase its planned capital expenditures in its electric and natural gas businesses to support rate base growth and sell certain of its Natural Gas businesses located in Arkansas and Oklahoma as a means to efficiently finance a portion of such increased capital expenditures, among other recommendations.

In April 2021, certain assets and liabilities representing the Arkansas and Oklahoma Natural Gas businesses met the held for sale criteria. The sale will be considered an asset sale for tax purposes, requiring net deferred tax liabilities to be excluded from held for sale balances. The deferred taxes associated with the businesses will be recognized as a deferred income tax benefit by CenterPoint Energy and CERC upon closing.

The Registrants record assets and liabilities held for sale at the lower of their carrying value or their estimated fair value less cost to sell. Neither CenterPoint Energy nor CERC recognized any gains or losses upon classification of held for sale during the three and six months ended June 30, 2021. See Note 10 for further information about the allocation of goodwill to the businesses to be disposed.

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The assets and liabilities of the Arkansas and Oklahoma Natural Gas businesses classified as held for sale in CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, as applicable, included the following:

						June 30, 2021
						CenterPoint Energy						CERC
						(in millions)
Receivables, net						$	28					$	28
Accrued unbilled revenues						14						14
Natural gas inventory						20						20
Materials and supplies						8						8
Property, plant and equipment, net						1,238						1,238
Goodwill						403						146
Regulatory assets						386						386
Other						95						95
Total current assets held for sale						$	2,192					$	1,935
Short term borrowings (1)						$	14					$	14
Accounts payable						20						20
Taxes accrued						5						5
Customer deposits						12						12
Regulatory liabilities						286						286
Other						135						135
Total current liabilities held for sale						$	472					$	472

(1)Represents third-party AMAs associated with utility distribution service in Arkansas and Oklahoma. These transactions are accounted for as an inventory financing. For further information, see Note 12.

Although the Arkansas and Oklahoma Natural Gas businesses met the held for sale criteria, their disposals do not represent a strategic shift to CenterPoint Energy and CERC as both will retain significant operations in, and will continue to invest in, their natural gas businesses. Therefore, the assets and liabilities associated with these transactions are not reflected as discontinued operations on CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income, as applicable, and the December 31, 2020 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets were not required to be recast for assets held for sale. Since the depreciation on the Arkansas and Oklahoma Natural Gas assets will continue to be reflected in revenues through customer rates until the expected closing of the transaction and will be reflected in the carryover basis of the rate-regulated assets once sold, CenterPoint Energy and CERC will continue to record depreciation on those assets through the expected closing of the transaction.

The pre-tax income for the Arkansas and Oklahoma Natural Gas businesses, excluding interest and corporate allocations, included in CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income is as follows:

						Three Months Ended June 30,												Six Months Ended June 30,
						2021						2020						2021						2020
						(in millions)
Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes						$	10					$	8					$	62					$	60

Divestiture of Infrastructure Services and Energy Services (CenterPoint Energy and CERC). CenterPoint Energy completed the sale of the Infrastructure Services Disposal Group on April 9, 2020 for $850 million and collected a receivable of $4 million from PowerTeam Services in January 2021 for full and final settlement of the working capital adjustment in the Securities Purchase Agreement. CenterPoint Energy, through its subsidiary CERC Corp., completed the sale of the Energy Services Disposal Group on June 1, 2020 for $286 million in cash and collected a receivable for $79 million in October 2020 for full and final settlement of the working capital adjustment. The earnings and expenses directly associated with these dispositions for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 are reflected as discontinued operations on CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income through the closing of the transactions, as applicable.

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A summary of the Infrastructure Services and Energy Services Disposal Groups presented in CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income, as applicable, is as follows:

						Three Months Ended June 30, 2020
						CenterPoint Energy																		CERC
						Infrastructure Services Disposal Group						Energy Services Disposal Group						Total						Energy Services Disposal Group
						(in millions)
Revenues						$	28					$	281					$	309					$	281
Expenses:
Non-utility cost of revenues						6						300						306						300
Operation and maintenance						21						14						35						14
Taxes other than income taxes						—						2						2						2
Total						27						316						343						316
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes						1						(35)						(34)						(35)
Gain on sale, net						3						39						42						39
Income tax expense						30						8						38						8
Net loss from discontinued operations						$	(26)					$	(4)					$	(30)					$	(4)

						Six Months Ended June 30, 2020
						CenterPoint Energy																								CERC
						Infrastructure Services Disposal Group												Energy Services Disposal Group												Total												Energy Services Disposal Group
						(in millions)
Revenues						$	250											$	1,167											$	1,417											$	1,167
Expenses:
Non-utility cost of revenues						50												1,108												1,158												1,108
Operation and maintenance						184												34												218												34
Taxes other than income taxes						1												3												4												3
Total						235												1,145												1,380												1,145
Income from discontinued operations before income taxes						15												22												37												22
Loss on classification to held for sale, net (1)						(93)												(99)												(192)												(93)
Income tax expense (benefit)						25												(4)												21												(3)
Net loss from discontinued operations						$	(103)											$	(73)											$	(176)											$	(68)

(1)Loss from classification to held for sale is inclusive of goodwill impairment, gains and losses recognized upon sale, and for CenterPoint Energy, its costs to sell.

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CenterPoint Energy and CERC have elected not to separately disclose discontinued operations on their respective Condensed Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows. The following table summarizes CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s cash flows from discontinued operations and certain supplemental cash flow disclosures related to the Infrastructure Services and Energy Services Disposal Groups, as applicable:

						Six Months Ended June 30, 2020
						CenterPoint Energy												CERC
						Infrastructure Services Disposal Group						Energy Services Disposal Group						Energy Services Disposal Group
						(in millions)
Write-down of natural gas inventory						$	—					$	3					$	3
Capital expenditures						16						1						1
Non-cash transactions:
Accounts payable related to capital expenditures						2						4						4

Other Sale Related Matters (CenterPoint Energy and CERC). CES provided natural gas supply to CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s Natural Gas under contracts executed in a competitive bidding process, with the duration of some contracts extending into 2021. In addition, CERC is the natural gas transportation provider for a portion of CES’s customer base and will continue to be the transportation provider for these customers as long as these customers retain a relationship with the divested CES business.

Transactions between CES and CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s Natural Gas businesses that were previously eliminated in consolidation have been reflected in continuing operations until June 1, 2020, which was the date of closing of the sale of the Energy Services Disposal Group. Revenues and expenses included in continuing operations were as follows:

						Three Months Ended June 30, 2020
						CenterPoint Energy						CERC
						(in millions)
Transportation revenue						$	18					$	18
Natural gas expense						3						3
						Six Months Ended June 30, 2020
						CenterPoint Energy						CERC
						(in millions)
Transportation revenue						$	34					$	34
Natural gas expense						48						47

In the normal course of business prior to June 1, 2020, the Energy Services Disposal Group through CES traded natural gas under supply contracts and entered into natural gas related transactions under transportation, storage and other contracts. In connection with the Energy Services Disposal Group’s business activities prior to the closing of the sale of the Energy Services Disposal Group on June 1, 2020, CERC Corp. issued guarantees to certain of CES’s counterparties to guarantee the payment of CES’s obligations. For further information, see Note 14.

Natural Gas had AMAs associated with their utility distribution service in Arkansas, Louisiana and Oklahoma with the Energy Services Disposal Group which expired in March 2021. The expired AMAs were replaced with new third-party AMAs beginning in April 2021. CenterPoint Energy and CERC had outstanding obligations related to the AMAs with the Energy Services Disposal Group of $-0- and $24 million as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.

The Infrastructure Services Disposal Group provided pipeline construction and repair services to CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s Natural Gas. In accordance with consolidation guidance in ASC 980—Regulated Operations, costs incurred by Natural Gas utilities for these pipeline construction and repair services are not eliminated in consolidation when capitalized and included in rate base by the Natural Gas utility. Amounts charged for these services that are not capitalized are included primarily in Operation and maintenance expenses.

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Fees incurred by CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s Natural Gas segment for pipeline construction and repair services are as follows:

						Six Months Ended June 30, 2020
						CenterPoint Energy						CERC
						(in millions)
Pipeline construction and repair services capitalized						$	34					$	—
Pipeline construction and repair service charges in operations and maintenance expense						1						1

(1)Represents charges for the period from January 1, 2020 until the closing of the sale of the Infrastructure Services Disposal Group.

In the Securities Purchase Agreement, CenterPoint Energy agreed to a mechanism to reimburse PowerTeam Services subsequent to closing of the sale for certain amounts of specifically identified change orders that may be ultimately rejected by one of VISCO’s customers as part of on-going audits. CenterPoint Energy’s maximum contractual exposure under the Securities Purchase Agreement, in addition to the amount reflected in the working capital adjustment, for these change orders is $21 million. CenterPoint Energy does not expect the ultimate outcome of this matter to have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. CenterPoint Energy anticipates this matter will be resolved in 2021.

(4) Revenue Recognition and Allowance for Credit Losses

Revenues from Contracts with Customers

In accordance with ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, revenue is recognized when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services. The amount of revenue recognized reflects the consideration to which the Registrants expect to be entitled to receive in exchange for these goods or services. The revenues and related balances in the following tables exclude operating revenues and balances from the Energy Services Disposal Group and the Infrastructure Services Disposal Group, which are reflected as discontinued operations prior to the date of closing of each transaction. See Note 3 for further information. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year reportable segment presentation described in the Registrants’ combined 2020 Form 10-K.

ARPs are contracts between the utility and its regulators, not between the utility and a customer. The Registrants recognize ARP revenue as other revenues when the regulator-specified conditions for recognition have been met. Upon recovery of ARP revenue through incorporation in rates charged for utility service to customers, ARP revenue is reversed and recorded as revenue from contracts with customers. The recognition of ARP revenues and the reversal of ARP revenues upon recovery through rates charged for utility service may not occur in the same period.

The following tables disaggregate revenues by reportable segment and major source:

CenterPoint Energy

						Three Months Ended June 30, 2021
						Electric						Natural Gas						Corporate  and Other						Total
						(in millions)
Revenue from contracts						$	933					$	718					$	64					$	1,715
Other (1)						4						22						1						27
Total revenues						$	937					$	740					$	65					$	1,742
						Six Months Ended June 30, 2021
						Electric						Natural Gas						Corporate  and Other						Total
						(in millions)
Revenue from contracts						$	1,766					$	2,373					$	117					$	4,256
Other (1)						1						30						2						33
Total revenues						$	1,767					$	2,403					$	119					$	4,289

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						Three Months Ended June 30, 2020
						Electric						Natural Gas						Corporate  and Other						Total
						(in millions)
Revenue from contracts						$	850					$	634					$	82					$	1,566
Other (1)						(2)						10						1						9
Total revenues						$	848					$	644					$	83					$	1,575
						Six Months Ended June 30, 2020
						Electric						Natural Gas						Corporate  and Other						Total
						(in millions)
Revenue from contracts						$	1,617					$	1,930					$	160					$	3,707
Other (1)						(2)						35						2						35
Total revenues						$	1,615					$	1,965					$	162					$	3,742

(1)Primarily consists of income from ARPs, weather hedge gains (losses) and leases. Total lease income was $2 million and $1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $4 million and $2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Houston Electric

			Three Months Ended June 30,												Six Months Ended June 30,
			2021						2020						2021						2020
			(in millions)
Revenue from contracts			$	791					$	722					$	1,478					$	1,360
Other (1)			(5)						(2)						(8)						(6)
Total revenues			$	786					$	720					$	1,470					$	1,354

(1)Primarily consists of income from ARPs and leases. Lease income was not significant for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020.

CERC

						Three Months Ended June 30,												Six Months Ended June 30,
						2021						2020						2021						2020
						(in millions)
Revenue from contracts						$	558					$	472					$	1,730					$	1,456
Other (1)						16						11						21						38
Total revenues						$	574					$	483					$	1,751					$	1,494

(1)Primarily consists of income from ARPs, weather hedge gains (losses) and leases. Lease income was not significant for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020.

Revenues from Contracts with Customers

Electric (CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric). Houston Electric distributes electricity to customers over time and customers consume the electricity when delivered. Indiana Electric generates, distributes and transmits electricity to customers over time, and customers consume the electricity when delivered. Revenue, consisting of both volumetric and fixed tariff rates set by state regulators, such as the PUCT and the IURC, is recognized as electricity is delivered and represents amounts both billed and unbilled. Discretionary services requested by customers are provided at a point in time with control transferring upon the completion of the service. Revenue for discretionary services provided by Houston Electric is recognized upon completion of service based on the tariff rates set by the PUCT. Payments for electricity distribution and discretionary services are aggregated and received on a monthly basis. Houston Electric performs transmission services over time as a stand-ready obligation to provide a reliable network of transmission systems. Revenue is recognized upon time elapsed, and the monthly tariff rate set by the regulator. Payments are received on a monthly basis. Indiana Electric customers are billed monthly and payment terms, set by the regulator, require payment within a month of billing.

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Natural Gas (CenterPoint Energy and CERC). CenterPoint Energy and CERC distribute and transport natural gas to customers over time, and customers consume the natural gas when delivered. Revenue, consisting of both volumetric and fixed tariff rates set by the state governing agency for that service area, is recognized as natural gas is delivered and represents amounts both billed and unbilled. Discretionary services requested by the customer are satisfied at a point in time and revenue is recognized upon completion of service and the tariff rates set by the applicable state regulator. Payments of natural gas distribution, transportation and discretionary services are aggregated and received on a monthly basis.

Contract Balances. When the timing of delivery of service is different from the timing of the payments made by customers and when the right to consideration is conditioned on something other than the passage of time, the Registrants recognize either a contract asset (performance precedes billing) or a contract liability (customer payment precedes performance). Those customers that prepay are represented by contract liabilities until the performance obligations are satisfied. The Registrants’ contract assets are included in Accrued unbilled revenues in their Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of June 30, 2021, CenterPoint Energy’s contract assets primarily relate to ESG contracts where revenue is recognized using the input method. The Registrants’ contract liabilities are included in Accounts payable and Other current liabilities in their Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of June 30, 2021, CenterPoint Energy’s contract liabilities primarily relate to ESG contracts where revenue is recognized using the input method.

The opening and closing balances of accounts receivable related to ASC 606 revenues, other accrued unbilled revenue, contract assets and contract liabilities from contracts with customers from continuing operations as of December 31, 2020 and June 30, 2021, respectively, are presented below. The closing balances as of June 30, 2021 for CenterPoint Energy and CERC have been updated to exclude amounts reflected as held for sale on their respective Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

CenterPoint Energy

			Accounts Receivable						Other Accrued Unbilled Revenues						Contract Assets						Contract Liabilities
			(in millions)
Opening balance as of December 31, 2020			$	604					$	505					$	27					$	18
Closing balance as of June 30, 2021			505						272						24						22
Increase (decrease)			$	(99)					$	(233)					$	(3)					$	4

The amount of revenue recognized in the six-month period ended June 30, 2021 that was included in the opening contract liability was $15 million. The difference between the opening and closing balances of the contract liabilities primarily results from the timing difference between CenterPoint Energy’s performance and the customer’s payment.

Houston Electric

			Accounts Receivable						Other Accrued Unbilled Revenues												Contract Liabilities
			(in millions)
Opening balance as of December 31, 2020			$	225					$	113											$	3
Closing balance as of June 30, 2021			260						116												6
Increase			$	35					$	3											$	3

The amount of revenue recognized in the six-month period ended June 30, 2021 that was included in the opening contract liability was $2 million. The difference between the opening and closing balances of the contract liabilities primarily results from the timing difference between Houston Electric’s performance and the customer’s payment.

CERC

			Accounts Receivable						Other Accrued Unbilled Revenues
			(in millions)
Opening balance as of December 31, 2020			$	214					$	261
Closing balance as of June 30, 2021			114						81
Decrease			$	(100)					$	(180)

CERC does not have any opening or closing contract asset or contract liability balances.

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Remaining Performance Obligations (CenterPoint Energy). The table below discloses (1) the aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to performance obligations that are unsatisfied (or partially unsatisfied) as of the end of the reporting period for contracts and (2) when CenterPoint Energy expects to recognize this revenue. Such contracts include energy performance and sustainable infrastructure services contracts of ESG, which are included in Corporate and Other.

			Rolling 12 Months						Thereafter						Total
			(in millions)
Revenue expected to be recognized on contracts in place as of June 30, 2021:
Corporate and Other			$	253					$	538					$	791
			$	253					$	538					$	791

Practical Expedients and Exemption. Sales taxes and other similar taxes collected from customers are excluded from the transaction price. For contracts for which revenue from the satisfaction of the performance obligations is recognized in the amount invoiced, the practical expedient was elected and revenue expected to be recognized on these contracts has not been disclosed.

Allowance for Credit Losses

CenterPoint Energy and CERC segregate financial assets that fall under the scope of Topic 326, primarily trade receivables due in one year or less, into portfolio segments based on shared risk characteristics, such as geographical location and regulatory environment, for evaluation of expected credit losses. Historical and current information, such as average write-offs, are applied to each portfolio segment to estimate the allowance for losses on uncollectible receivables. Additionally, the allowance for losses on uncollectible receivables is adjusted for reasonable and supportable forecasts of future economic conditions, which can include changing weather, commodity prices, regulations, and macroeconomic factors, among others. Houston Electric recognizes losses on financial assets that fall under the scope of Topic 326. Losses on financial assets are primarily recoverable through regulatory mechanisms and do not materially impact Houston Electric's allowance for credit losses. For a discussion of regulatory deferrals related to COVID-19 and the February 2021 Winter Storm Event, see Note 6.

(5) Employee Benefit Plans

The Registrants’ net periodic cost (benefit), before considering amounts subject to overhead allocations for capital expenditure projects or for amounts subject to deferral for regulatory purposes, includes the following components relating to pension and postretirement benefits:

Pension Benefits (CenterPoint Energy)

			Three Months Ended June 30,												Six Months Ended June 30,
			2021						2020						2021						2020
			(in millions)
Service cost (1)			$	10					$	12					$	20					$	22
Interest cost (2)			14						19						29						38
Expected return on plan assets (2)			(26)						(29)						(52)						(57)
Amortization of prior service cost (2)			—						—						—						—
Amortization of net loss (2)			10						11						19						21
Settlement cost (benefit) (2) (3)			(1)						1						(1)						1
Net periodic cost			$	7					$	14					$	15					$	25

(1)Amounts presented in the table above are included in Operation and maintenance expense in CenterPoint Energy’s Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income, net of amounts capitalized and regulatory deferrals.

(2)Amounts presented in the table above are included in Other income (expense), net in CenterPoint Energy’s Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income, net of regulatory deferrals.

(3)A one-time, non-cash settlement cost (benefit) is required when the total lump sum distributions or other settlements of plan benefit obligations during a plan year exceed the service cost and interest cost components of the net periodic cost for that year. In each of the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, CenterPoint Energy recognized non-cash settlement costs (benefits) due to lump sum settlement payments from Vectren pension plans.

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Postretirement Benefits

			Three Months Ended June 30,
			2021																		2020
			CenterPoint Energy						Houston Electric						CERC						CenterPoint Energy						Houston Electric						CERC
			(in millions)
Service cost (1)			$	—					$	—					$	1					$	1					$	—					$	—
Interest cost (2)			2						1						—						3						2						1
Expected return on plan assets (2)			(1)						(1)						—						(2)						(1)						—
Amortization of prior service cost (credit) (2)			(1)						(1)						—						(1)						(2)						—
Net periodic cost (benefit)			$	—					$	(1)					$	1					$	1					$	(1)					$	1
			Six Months Ended June 30,
			2021																		2020
			CenterPoint Energy						Houston Electric						CERC						CenterPoint Energy						Houston Electric						CERC
			(in millions)
Service cost (1)			$	1					$	—					$	1					$	1					$	—					$	—
Interest cost (2)			4						2						1						6						3						2
Expected return on plan assets (2)			(2)						(2)						—						(3)						(2)						—
Amortization of prior service cost (credit) (2)			(2)						(2)						—						(2)						(3)						—
Net periodic cost (benefit)			$	1					$	(2)					$	2					$	2					$	(2)					$	2

(1)Amounts presented in the tables above are included in Operation and maintenance expense in each of the Registrants’ respective Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income, net of amounts capitalized and regulatory deferrals.

(2)Amounts presented in the tables above are included in Other income (expense), net in each of the Registrants’ respective Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income, net of regulatory deferrals.

The table below reflects the expected contributions to be made to the pension and postretirement benefit plans during 2021:

			CenterPoint Energy						Houston Electric						CERC
			(in millions)
Expected minimum contribution to pension plans during 2021			$	61					$	—					$	—
Expected contribution to postretirement benefit plans in 2021			9						1						3

On March 11, 2021, the ARPA was signed into law which includes pension plan funding relief for the sponsoring employers. As a result, the required minimum contribution to pension plans for 2021 has been significantly reduced. However, CenterPoint Energy elects to maintain the same level of funding previously planned for 2021, and therefore, the expected minimum contribution amount does not reflect this funding relief available for 2021.

The table below reflects the contributions made to the pension and postretirement benefit plans during 2021:

			Three Months Ended June 30, 2021																		Six Months Ended June 30, 2021
			CenterPoint Energy						Houston Electric						CERC						CenterPoint Energy						Houston Electric						CERC
			(in millions)
Pension plans			$	—					$	—					$	—					$	8					$	—					$	—
Postretirement benefit plans			1						—						1						4						—						2

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(6) Regulatory Matters

Equity Return

The Registrants are at times allowed by a regulator to defer an equity return as part of the recoverable carrying costs of a regulatory asset. A deferred equity return is capitalized for rate-making purposes, but it is not included in the Registrant’s regulatory assets on its Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The allowed equity return is recognized in the Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income as it is recovered in rates. The recoverable allowed equity return not yet recognized by the Registrants is as follows:

			June 30, 2021																		December 31, 2020
			CenterPoint Energy (1)						Houston Electric (2)						CERC (3)						CenterPoint Energy (1)						Houston Electric (2)						CERC (3)
			(in millions)
Allowed equity return not recognized			$	217					$	121					$	14					$	229					$	137					$	13

(1)In addition to the amounts described in (2) and (3) below, CenterPoint Energy’s allowed equity return on post in-service carrying cost generally associated with investments in Indiana.

(2)Represents Houston Electric’s allowed equity return on its true-up balance of stranded costs, other changes and related interest resulting from the formerly integrated electric utilities prior to Texas deregulation to be recovered in rates through 2024 and certain storm restoration balances pending recovery in the next rate proceeding. The actual amounts recognized are adjusted at least annually to correct any over-collections or under-collections during the preceding 12 months.

(3)CERC’s allowed equity return on post in-service carrying cost associated with certain distribution facilities replacements expenditures in Texas.

The table below reflects the amount of allowed equity return recognized by each Registrant in its Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income:

			Three Months Ended June 30,
			2021																		2020
			CenterPoint Energy						Houston Electric						CERC						CenterPoint Energy						Houston Electric						CERC
			(in millions)
Allowed equity return recognized			$	11					$	11					$	—					$	8					$	8					$	—
			Six Months Ended June 30,
			2021																		2020
			CenterPoint Energy						Houston Electric						CERC						CenterPoint Energy						Houston Electric						CERC
Allowed equity return recognized			$	19					$	18					$	—					$	14					$	14					$	—

February 2021 Winter Storm Event

In February 2021, certain of the Registrants’ jurisdictions experienced an extreme and unprecedented winter weather event that resulted in prolonged freezing temperatures, which impacted their businesses. In Texas, the February 2021 Winter Storm Event caused an electricity generation shortage that was severely disruptive to Houston Electric’s service territory and the wholesale generation market. While demand for electricity reached extraordinary levels due to the extreme cold, the supply of electricity significantly decreased in part because of the inability of certain power generation facilities to supply electric power to the grid. Houston Electric does not own or operate any electric generation facilities. It transmits and distributes to customers of REPs electric power that the REPs obtain from power generation facilities owned by third parties. ERCOT serves as the independent system operator and regional reliability coordinator for member electric power systems in most of Texas. To comply with ERCOT’s orders, Houston Electric implemented controlled outages across its service territory, resulting in a substantial number of businesses and residents being without power, many for extended periods of time, in compliance with ERCOT’s directives as an emergency procedure to avoid prolonged large-scale state-wide blackouts and long-term damage to the electric system in Texas. In anticipation of this weather event, Houston Electric implemented its emergency operations

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plan’s processes and procedures necessary to respond to such events, including establishing an incident command center and calling for mutual assistance from other utilities where needed, among other measures. Throughout the February 2021 Winter Storm Event, Houston Electric remained in contact with its regulators and stakeholders, including federal, state and local officials, as well as the PUCT and ERCOT.

The February 2021 Winter Storm Event also impacted wholesale prices of CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s natural gas purchases and their ability to serve customers in their Natural Gas service territories, including due to the reduction in available natural gas capacity and impacts to CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s natural gas supply portfolio activities, and the effects of weather on their systems and their ability to transport natural gas, among other things. The overall natural gas market, including the markets from which CenterPoint Energy and CERC sourced a significant portion of their natural gas for their operations, experienced significant impacts caused by the February 2021 Winter Storm Event, resulting in extraordinary increases in the price of natural gas purchased by CenterPoint Energy and CERC.

On February 13, 2021, the Railroad Commission authorized each Texas natural gas distribution utility to record in a regulatory asset the extraordinary expenses associated with the February 2021 Winter Storm Event, including, but not limited to, natural gas cost and other costs related to the procurement and transportation of natural gas supply, subject to recovery in future regulatory proceedings. The Texas governor signed legislation in June 2021 that authorizes the Railroad Commission to use securitization financing and the issuance of customer rate relief bonds for recovery of extraordinary natural gas costs incurred by natural gas utilities as a result of the February 2021 Winter Storm Event. In addition, CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s Natural Gas utilities in jurisdictions outside of Texas deferred under-recovered natural gas cost as regulatory assets under existing recovery mechanisms and are seeking recovery of the increased cost of natural gas. As of June 30, 2021, CenterPoint Energy and CERC have recorded current regulatory assets of $325 million and $222 million included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets, respectively, and non-current regulatory assets of $1,774 million and $1,763 million, respectively, associated with the February 2021 Winter Storm Event.

Amounts for the under recovery of natural gas costs are reflected in regulatory assets and are probable of recovery; however, the timing of recovery for the estimated incremental natural gas cost attributable to the February 2021 Winter Storm Event within each regulatory asset remains uncertain in some jurisdictions. Recovery of natural gas costs within the regulatory assets are subject to customary regulatory prudency reviews in all jurisdictions that may impact the amounts ultimately recovered. For example, the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office and Department of Commerce have proposed significant disallowances for all natural gas utilities, resulting in a potential disallowance of up to approximately $290 million for CenterPoint Energy and CERC. The natural gas costs in Minnesota were incurred in accordance with the plan on file with the MPUC and remain probable of recovery. Additionally, due to the uncertainty of timing and method of recovery in some jurisdictions, CenterPoint Energy and CERC may not earn a return on amounts deferred in the regulatory assets associated with the February 2021 Winter Storm Event.

On February 21, 2021, in response to the 2021 February Winter Storm Event, the PUCT issued an order prohibiting REPs from sending a request to TDUs to disconnect such REPs’ customers for non-payment, effective February 21, 2021. As a result of this order, Houston Electric did not execute any requests for disconnection from any REPs until the PUCT issues orders for disconnects to resume. In June 2021, the PUCT issued an updated order relating to disconnections and REPs resumed the distribution of disconnection notices thereafter. As of June 30, 2021, as authorized by the PUCT, CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric recorded a regulatory asset of $8 million for bad debt expenses resulting from REPs’ default on their obligation to pay delivery charges to Houston Electric net of collateral. Additionally, as of June 30, 2021, CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric recorded a regulatory asset of $12 million to defer operations and maintenance costs associated with the February 2021 Winter Storm Event.

See Notes 12 and 14(d) for further information regarding debt financing transactions and litigation related to the February 2021 Winter Storm Event, respectively.

COVID-19 Regulatory Matters

Governors, public utility commissions and other authorities in the states in which the Registrants operate issued a number of different orders related to the COVID-19 pandemic, including orders addressing customer non-payment and disconnection. Although the disconnect moratoriums have expired or are set to expire in the third quarter of 2021 in the Registrants’ service territories, CenterPoint Energy continues to support those customers who may need payment assistance, arrangements or extensions.

The COVID-19 ERP allows program expenses to be recovered in rates. CenterPoint Energy’s and Houston Electric’s COVID-19 ERP regulatory assets were $-0- as of June 30, 2021 and $6 million as of December 31, 2020.

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Commissions in all of Indiana Electric’s and CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s Natural Gas service territories have either (1) issued orders to record a regulatory asset for incremental bad debt expenses related to COVID-19, including costs associated with the suspension of disconnections and payment plans or (2) provided authority to recover bad debt expense through an existing tracking mechanism. CenterPoint Energy and CERC have recorded estimated incremental uncollectible receivables to the associated regulatory asset of $28 million and $26 million, respectively, as of June 30, 2021 and $22 million and $19 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2020.

In some of the states in which the Registrants operate, public utility commissions have authorized utilities to employ deferred accounting authority for certain COVID-19 related costs which ensure the safety and health of customers, employees, and contractors, that would not have been incurred in the normal course of business. CERC’s Natural Gas service territories in Minnesota and Arkansas will include any offsetting savings in the deferral. Other jurisdictions where the Registrants operate may require them to offset the deferral with savings as well. The Arkansas FRP, filed on April 5, 2021, included a request for (1) the regulatory asset as of September 30, 2020 in working capital for the 2021 historical year using a thirteen-month average of the asset balance; (2) the regulatory asset as of September 30, 2020 in working capital for the 2021 projected year using a thirteen-month average of the asset balance; and (3) the amortization of the balance over the 2021 projected year twelve-month period beginning October 1, 2021. The Mississippi RRA, filed on April 30, 2021, included the unamortized balance of the regulatory asset as of December 31, 2020 in rate base per Docket No. 2018-AD-141 Order Authorizing Utility Response and Accounting for COVID-19.

(7) Derivative Instruments

The Registrants are exposed to various market risks. These risks arise from transactions entered into in the normal course of business. The Registrants utilize derivative instruments such as swaps and options to mitigate the impact of changes in commodity prices, weather and interest rates on operating results and cash flows.

(a)Non-Trading Activities

Commodity Derivative Instruments (CenterPoint Energy). CenterPoint Energy, through the Indiana Utilities, enters into certain derivative instruments to mitigate the effects of commodity price movements. Outstanding derivative instruments designated as economic hedges at the Indiana Utilities hedge long-term variable rate natural gas purchases. The Indiana Utilities have authority to refund and recover mark-to-market gains and losses associated with hedging natural gas purchases, and thus the gains and losses on derivatives are deferred in a regulatory liability or asset.

Interest Rate Risk Derivative Instruments. From time to time, the Registrants may enter into interest rate derivatives that are designated as cash flow hedges or accounted for as economic hedges. The objective of these hedges is to offset risk associated with interest rates borne by the Registrants in connection with an anticipated future fixed rate debt offering or other exposure to variable rate debt. The Indiana Utilities have authority to refund and recover mark-to-market gains and losses associated with hedging financing activity, and thus the gains and losses on derivatives are deferred in a regulatory liability or asset.

The table below summarizes the Registrants’ outstanding interest rate hedging activity:

						June 30, 2021									December 31, 2020
Hedging Classification						Notional Principal
						(in millions)
Economic hedge (1)						$	84											$	84

(1)Relates to interest rate derivative instruments at SIGECO.

Weather Hedges (CenterPoint Energy and CERC). CenterPoint Energy and CERC have weather normalization or other rate mechanisms that largely mitigate the impact of weather on Natural Gas in Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, Minnesota, Ohio and Oklahoma, as applicable. CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s Natural Gas in Texas and CenterPoint Energy’s electric operations in Texas and Indiana do not have such mechanisms, although fixed customer charges are historically higher in Texas for Natural Gas compared to its other jurisdictions. As a result, fluctuations from normal weather may have a positive or negative effect on CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s Natural Gas’ results in Texas and on CenterPoint Energy’s electric operations’ results in its Texas and Indiana service territories. The Registrants do not currently enter into weather hedges.

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(b)Derivative Fair Values and Income Statement Impacts

The following tables present information about derivative instruments and hedging activities. The first table provides a balance sheet overview of Derivative Liabilities, while the last table provides a breakdown of the related income statement impacts.

Fair Value of Derivative Instruments and Hedged Items (CenterPoint Energy)

												June 30, 2021																		December 31, 2020
						Balance Sheet Location						Derivative Assets Fair Value						Derivative Liabilities Fair Value												Derivative Liabilities Fair Value
			Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:									(in millions)
			Natural gas derivatives (1)			Current Assets: Non-trading derivative assets						$	6					$	—											$	—
			Natural gas derivatives (1)			Other Assets: Other non-current assets						1						—												—
			Natural gas derivatives (2)			Current Liabilities: Non-trading derivative liabilities						—						—												3
			Natural gas derivatives (2)			Other Liabilities: Non-trading derivative liabilities						—						—												7
			Interest rate derivatives			Other Liabilities: Non-trading derivative liabilities						—						14												20
			Indexed debt securities derivative (3)			Current Liabilities						—						1,004												953
			Total									$	7					$	1,018											$	983

(1)Natural gas contracts are subject to master netting arrangements. This netting applies to all undisputed amounts due or past due. However, the mark-to-market fair value of each natural gas contract is in an asset position with no offsetting amounts.

(2)Natural gas contracts are subject to master netting arrangements. This netting applies to all undisputed amounts due or past due. However, the mark-to-market fair value of each natural gas contract is in a liability position with no offsetting amounts.

(3)Derivative component of the ZENS obligation that represents the ZENS holder’s option to receive the appreciated value of the reference shares at maturity. See Note 11 for further information.

Income Statement Impact of Hedge Accounting Activity (CenterPoint Energy)

												Three Months Ended June 30,												Six Months Ended  June 30,
						Income Statement Location						2021						2020						2021						2020
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:												(in millions)
Indexed debt securities derivative (1)						Gain (loss) on indexed debt securities						$	(77)					$	(76)					$	(51)					$	59
Total												$	(77)					$	(76)					$	(51)					$	59

(1)The indexed debt securities derivative is recorded at fair value and changes in the fair value are recorded in CenterPoint Energy’s Statements of Consolidated Income.

(c) Credit Risk Contingent Features (CenterPoint Energy)

Certain of CenterPoint Energy’s derivative instruments contain provisions that require CenterPoint Energy’s debt to maintain an investment grade credit rating on its long-term unsecured unsubordinated debt from S&P and Moody’s. If CenterPoint Energy’s debt were to fall below investment grade, it would be in violation of these provisions, and the counterparties to the derivative instruments could request immediate payment.

						June 30, 2021						December 31, 2020
						(in millions)
Aggregate fair value of derivatives with credit-risk-related contingent features in a liability position						$	14					$	20
Fair value of collateral already posted						7						7
Additional collateral required to be posted if credit risk contingent features triggered (1)						7						3

(1)The maximum collateral required if further escalating collateral is triggered would equal the net liability position.

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(8) Fair Value Measurements

Assets and liabilities that are recorded at fair value in the Registrants’ Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets are categorized based upon the level of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure their value. Hierarchical levels, as defined below and directly related to the amount of subjectivity associated with the inputs to fair valuations of these assets and liabilities, are as follows:

Level 1: Inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date. The types of assets carried at Level 1 fair value generally are exchange-traded derivatives and equity securities.

Level 2: Inputs, other than quoted prices included in Level 1, are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means. Fair value assets and liabilities that are generally included in this category are derivatives with fair values based on inputs from actively quoted markets. A market approach is utilized to value the Registrants’ Level 2 natural gas derivative assets or liabilities. CenterPoint Energy’s Level 2 indexed debt securities derivative is valued using an option model and a discounted cash flow model, which uses projected dividends on the ZENS-Related Securities and a discount rate as observable inputs.

Level 3: Inputs are unobservable for the asset or liability, and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability. Unobservable inputs reflect the Registrants’ judgments about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability since limited market data exists. The Registrants develop these inputs based on the best information available, including the Registrants’ own data.

The Registrants determine the appropriate level for each financial asset and liability on a quarterly basis.

The following tables present information about the Registrants’ assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 and indicate the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized by the Registrants to determine such fair value.

CenterPoint Energy

			June 30, 2021																								December 31, 2020
			Level 1						Level 2						Level 3												Total						Level 1						Level 2						Level 3									Total
Assets			(in millions)
Corporate equities			$	926					$	—					$	—											$	926					$	873					$	—					$	—								$	873
Investments, including money market funds (1)			42						—						—												42						43						—						—									43
Natural gas derivatives			—						7						—												7						—						—						—									—
Total assets			$	968					$	7					$	—											$	975					$	916					$	—					$	—								$	916
Liabilities
Indexed debt securities derivative			$	—					$	1,004					$	—											$	1,004					$	—					$	953					$	—								$	953
Interest rate derivatives			—						14						—												14						—						20						—									20
Natural gas derivatives			—						—						—												—						—						10						—									10
Total liabilities			$	—					$	1,018					$	—											$	1,018					$	—					$	983					$	—								$	983

Houston Electric

			June 30, 2021																								December 31, 2020
			Level 1						Level 2						Level 3												Total						Level 1						Level 2						Level 3												Total
Assets			(in millions)
Investments, including money market funds (1)			$	26					$	—					$	—											$	26					$	26					$	—					$	—											$	26
Total assets			$	26					$	—					$	—											$	26					$	26					$	—					$	—											$	26

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CERC

			June 30, 2021																								December 31, 2020
			Level 1						Level 2						Level 3												Total						Level 1						Level 2						Level 3									Total
Assets			(in millions)
Corporate equities			$	3					$	—					$	—											$	3					$	2					$	—					$	—								$	2
Investments, including money market funds (1)			11						—						—												11						11						—						—									11
Total assets			$	14					$	—					$	—											$	14					$	13					$	—					$	—								$	13

(1)Amounts are included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Items Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

As a result of classifying the Arkansas and Oklahoma Natural Gas businesses as held for sale, CenterPoint Energy and CERC used a market approach consisting of the contractual sales price adjusted for estimated working capital and other contractual purchase price adjustments to determine fair value of the businesses classified as held for sale, which are Level 2 inputs. Neither CenterPoint Energy nor CERC recognized any gains or losses upon classification of held for sale during the three and six months ended June 30, 2021. See Note 3 for further information.

Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, investments in debt and equity securities measured at fair value and short-term borrowings are estimated to be approximately equivalent to carrying amounts and have been excluded from the table below. The carrying amounts of non-trading derivative assets and liabilities and CenterPoint Energy’s ZENS indexed debt securities derivative are stated at fair value and are excluded from the table below. The fair value of each debt instrument is determined by multiplying the principal amount of each debt instrument by a combination of historical trading prices and comparable issue data. These liabilities, which are not measured at fair value in the Registrants’ Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, but for which the fair value is disclosed, would be classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

			June 30, 2021																		December 31, 2020
			CenterPoint Energy (1)						Houston Electric (1)						CERC						CenterPoint Energy (1)						Houston Electric (1)						CERC
Long-term debt, including current maturities			(in millions)
Carrying amount			$	16,131					$	5,595					$	4,343					$	13,401					$	5,019					$	2,428
Fair value			17,611						6,403						4,680						15,226						5,957						2,855

(1)Includes Securitization Bonds debt.

(9) Unconsolidated Affiliates (CenterPoint Energy and CERC)

CenterPoint Energy has the ability to significantly influence the operating and financial policies of Enable, a publicly traded MLP, and, accordingly, accounts for its investment in Enable’s common units using the equity method of accounting. Enable is considered to be a VIE because the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact Enable’s economic performance does not reside with the holders of equity investment at risk. However, CenterPoint Energy is not considered the primary beneficiary of Enable since it does not have the power to direct the activities of Enable that are considered most significant to the economic performance of Enable. As of June 30, 2021, CenterPoint Energy’s maximum exposure to loss related to Enable is limited to its investment in unconsolidated affiliates, its investment in Enable Series A Preferred Units and outstanding current accounts receivable from Enable.

On February 16, 2021, Enable entered into the Enable Merger Agreement. At the closing of the transactions contemplated by the Enable Merger Agreement, if and when it occurs, Energy Transfer will acquire all of Enable’s outstanding equity interests, resulting in the exchange of Enable common units owned by CenterPoint Energy at the transaction exchange ratio of 0.8595x Energy Transfer common units for each Enable common unit. CenterPoint Energy will also receive $5 million in cash in exchange for its interest in Enable GP and Energy Transfer Series G Preferred Units with an aggregate liquidation preference of approximately $385 million in exchange for all of its Enable Series A Preferred Units. Pursuant to previously disclosed support agreements, CenterPoint Energy and OGE, who collectively own approximately 79.2% of Enable’s common units, delivered written consents approving the Enable Merger Agreement and, on a non-binding, advisory basis, the compensation that will or may become payable to Enable’s named executive officers in connection with the transactions contemplated by the

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Enable Merger Agreement. The transactions contemplated under the Enable Merger Agreement are expected to be completed in 2021, subject to customary closing conditions, including Hart-Scott-Rodino antitrust clearance. Upon the consummation of the transaction, the agreements relating to Enable between CenterPoint Energy, OGE and Enable and certain of their affiliates will terminate, and CenterPoint Energy will pay $30 million to OGE (or other mutually agreed upon consideration). Because CenterPoint Energy will retain an investment in the midstream industry at the completion of this transaction, the transaction does not represent a strategic shift that will have a major effect on CenterPoint Energy’s operations or financial results, and as such, Enable is not classified and presented as discontinued operations. Equity method investments that do not qualify for discontinued operations are not presented as assets held for sale.

Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliates (CenterPoint Energy):

			June 30, 2021						December 31, 2020
			(in millions)
Enable			$	881					$	782
Other			1						1
Total			$	882					$	783

As of June 30, 2021, Enable’s common unit price closed at $9.11 per unit.

Equity in Earnings (Losses) of Unconsolidated Affiliates, net (CenterPoint Energy):

			Three Months Ended June 30,												Six Months Ended June 30,
			2021						2020						2021						2020 (1)
			(in millions)
Enable			$	67					$	43					$	175					$	(1,432)
Total			$	67					$	43					$	175					$	(1,432)

(1)Includes an impairment charge on CenterPoint Energy’s investment in Enable of $1,541 million.

Limited Partner Interest and Units Held in Enable (CenterPoint Energy):

			June 30, 2021
			Limited Partner Interest (1)						Common Units						Enable Series A Preferred Units (2)
CenterPoint Energy (3)			53.7		%				233,856,623						14,520,000
OGE			25.5		%				110,982,805						—
Public unitholders			20.8		%				91,026,711						—
Total units outstanding			100.0		%				435,866,139						14,520,000

(1)Excludes the Enable Series A Preferred Units owned by CenterPoint Energy.

(2)The carrying amount of the Enable Series A Preferred Units, reflected as Preferred units - unconsolidated affiliate on CenterPoint Energy’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, was $363 million as of both June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020. There were no settled transactions in the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 that would indicate a stand-alone, observable, and readily determinable fair value for securities identical or similar to Enable Series A Preferred Units. No impairment charges or adjustment due to observable price changes were required or recorded during the current or prior reporting periods.

(3)Held indirectly through CNP Midstream.

Generally, sales to any person or entity (including a series of sales to the same person or entity) of more than 5% of the aggregate of the common units CenterPoint Energy owns in Enable or sales to any person or entity (including a series of sales to the same person or entity) by OGE of more than 5% of the aggregate of the common units it owns in Enable are subject to mutual rights of first offer and first refusal set forth in Enable’s Agreement of Limited Partnership.

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Interests Held in Enable GP (CenterPoint Energy):

CenterPoint Energy and OGE held the following interests in Enable GP as of both June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020:

			June 30, 2021
			Management Rights (1)						Incentive Distribution Rights (2)
CenterPoint Energy (3)			50		%				40		%
OGE			50		%				60		%

(1)Enable is controlled jointly by CenterPoint Energy and OGE. Sale of CenterPoint Energy’s or OGE’s ownership interests in Enable GP to a third party is subject to mutual rights of first offer and first refusal, and CenterPoint Energy is not permitted to dispose of less than all of its interest in Enable GP.

(2)If cash distributions to Enable’s unitholders exceed $0.330625 per common unit in any quarter, Enable GP will receive increasing percentages or incentive distributions rights, up to 50%, of the cash Enable distributes in excess of that amount. In certain circumstances Enable GP will have the right to reset the minimum quarterly distribution and the target distribution levels at which the incentive distributions receive increasing percentages to higher levels based on Enable’s cash distributions at the time of the exercise of this reset election. To date, no incentive distributions have been made.

(3)Held indirectly through CNP Midstream.

Distributions Received from Enable (CenterPoint Energy):

			Three Months Ended June 30,																								Six Months Ended June 30,
			2021												2020												2021												2020
			Per Unit						Cash Distribution						Per Unit						Cash Distribution						Per Unit						Cash Distribution						Per Unit						Cash Distribution
			(in millions, except per unit amounts)
Enable common units			$	0.16525					$	38					$	0.16525					$	39					$	0.33050					$	77					$	0.49575					$	116
Enable Series A Preferred Units			0.58730						9						0.62500						9						1.21230						18						1.25000						18
Total CenterPoint Energy									$	47											$	48											$	95											$	134

Transactions with Enable (CenterPoint Energy and CERC):

The transactions with Enable in the following tables exclude transactions with the Energy Services Disposal Group.

			CenterPoint Energy and CERC
			Three Months Ended June 30,												Six Months Ended June 30,
			2021						2020						2021						2020
			(in millions)
Natural gas expenses, includes transportation and storage costs			$	16					$	17					$	48					$	44

			CenterPoint Energy and CERC
			June 30, 2021						December 31, 2020
			(in millions)
Accounts payable for natural gas purchases from Enable			$	5					$	9
Accounts receivable for amounts billed for services provided to Enable			1						1

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Summarized Financial Information for Enable (CenterPoint Energy)

Summarized unaudited consolidated income information for Enable is as follows:

			Three Months Ended June 30,												Six Months Ended June 30,
			2021						2020						2021						2020
			(in millions)
Operating revenues			$	787					$	515					$	1,757					$	1,163
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation and amortization			426						177						945						403
Depreciation and amortization			103						105						209						209
Goodwill and long-lived assets impairments			—						—						—						28
Operating income			124						80						330						226
Net income attributable to Enable common units			79						35						234						138
Reconciliation of Equity in Earnings (Losses), net:
CenterPoint Energy’s interest			$	42					$	19					$	125					$	74
Basis difference amortization (1)			25						24						50						36
Loss on dilution, net of proportional basis difference recognition			—						—						—						(1)
Impairment of CenterPoint Energy’s equity method investment in Enable			—						—						—						(1,541)
CenterPoint Energy’s equity in earnings (losses), net			$	67					$	43					$	175					$	(1,432)

(1)Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliate includes CenterPoint Energy’s share of Enable earnings adjusted for the amortization of the basis difference of CenterPoint Energy’s investment in Enable and its underlying equity in net assets of Enable. The basis difference is being amortized through the year 2048 or will cease upon the sale of CenterPoint Energy’s investment in Enable.

Summarized unaudited consolidated balance sheet information for Enable is as follows:

			June 30, 2021						December 31, 2020
			(in millions)
Current assets			$	475					$	381
Non-current assets			11,284						11,348
Current liabilities			1,317						582
Non-current liabilities			3,249						4,052
Non-controlling interest			25						26
Preferred equity			362						362
Accumulated other comprehensive loss			(3)						(6)
Enable partners’ equity			6,809						6,713
Reconciliation of Investment in Enable:
CenterPoint Energy’s ownership interest in Enable partners’ equity			$	3,651					$	3,601
CenterPoint Energy’s basis difference (1)			(2,770)						(2,819)
CenterPoint Energy’s equity method investment in Enable			$	881					$	782

(1)The basis difference is being amortized through the year 2048 or will cease upon sale of CenterPoint Energy’s investment in Enable.

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(10) Goodwill and Other Intangibles (CenterPoint Energy and CERC)

Goodwill (CenterPoint Energy and CERC)

CenterPoint Energy’s goodwill by reportable segment is as follows:

						December 31, 2020						Held For Sale						June 30, 2021
						(in millions)
Electric (1)						$	936					$	—					$	936
Natural Gas (2)						3,323						403						2,920
Corporate and Other						438						—						438
Total						$	4,697					$	403					$	4,294

CERC’s goodwill is as follows:

						December 31, 2020						Held For Sale						June 30, 2021
						(in millions)
Goodwill (2)						$	757					$	146					$	611

(1)Amount presented is net of the accumulated goodwill impairment charge of $185 million recorded in 2020.

(2)If the disposal group reflects a component of a reporting unit and meets the definition of a business, the goodwill within that reporting unit is allocated to the disposal group based on the relative fair value of the components representing a business that will be retained and disposed. As a result, goodwill attributable to the Natural Gas businesses to be disposed is classified as held for sale as of June 30, 2021. Neither CenterPoint Energy nor CERC recognized any goodwill impairments within the Natural Gas reportable segment during the three or six months ended June 30, 2021. For further information, see Note 3.

Other Intangibles (CenterPoint Energy)

The tables below present information on CenterPoint Energy’s intangible assets, excluding goodwill, recorded in Other non-current assets on CenterPoint Energy’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and the related amortization expense included in Depreciation and amortization on CenterPoint Energy’s Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income, unless otherwise indicated.

						June 30, 2021																		December 31, 2020
						Gross Carrying Amount						Accumulated Amortization						Net Balance						Gross Carrying Amount						Accumulated Amortization						Net Balance
						(in millions)
Customer relationships						$	33					$	(10)					$	23					$	33					$	(8)					$	25
Trade names						16						(4)						12						16						(3)						13
Construction backlog (1)						5						(5)						—						5						(5)						—
Operation and maintenance agreements (1)						12						(1)						11						12						(1)						11
Other						2						(1)						1						2						(1)						1
Total						$	68					$	(21)					$	47					$	68					$	(18)					$	50

(1)Amortization expense related to the operation and maintenance agreements and construction backlog is included in Non-utility cost of revenues, including natural gas on CenterPoint Energy’s Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income.

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			Three Months Ended June 30,												Six Months Ended June 30,
			2021						2020						2021						2020
			(in millions)
Amortization expense of intangible assets recorded in Depreciation and amortization			$	2					$	2					$	3					$	3
Amortization expense of intangible assets recorded in Non-utility cost of revenues, including natural gas			—						—						—						1

CenterPoint Energy estimates that amortization expense of intangible assets with finite lives for the next five years will be as follows:

			Amortization  Expense
			(in millions)
Remaining six months of 2021			$	3
2022			6
2023			6
2024			5
2025			5
2026			5

(11) Indexed Debt Securities (ZENS) and Securities Related to ZENS (CenterPoint Energy)

(a) Investment in Securities Related to ZENS

A subsidiary of CenterPoint Energy holds shares of certain securities detailed in the table below, which are securities with a readily determinable fair value and are expected to be held to facilitate CenterPoint Energy’s ability to meet its obligation under the ZENS. Unrealized gains and losses resulting from changes in the market value of the ZENS-Related Securities are recorded in CenterPoint Energy’s Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income.

			Shares Held
			June 30, 2021						December 31, 2020
AT&T Common			10,212,945						10,212,945
Charter Common			872,503						872,503

(b) ZENS

In September 1999, CenterPoint Energy issued ZENS having an original principal amount of $1.0 billion of which $828 million remained outstanding as of June 30, 2021. Each ZENS is exchangeable at the holder’s option at any time for an amount of cash equal to 95% of the market value of the reference shares attributable to such note. The number and identity of the reference shares attributable to each ZENS are adjusted for certain corporate events.

CenterPoint Energy’s reference shares for each ZENS consisted of the following:

			June 30, 2021						December 31, 2020
			(in shares)
AT&T Common			0.7185						0.7185
Charter Common			0.061382						0.061382

CenterPoint Energy pays interest on the ZENS at an annual rate of 2% plus the amount of any quarterly cash dividends paid in respect of the reference shares attributable to the ZENS. The principal amount of the ZENS is subject to increases or decreases to the extent that the annual yield from interest and cash dividends on the reference shares attributable to the ZENS is less than or more than 2.309%. The adjusted principal amount is defined in the ZENS instrument as “contingent principal.” As of June 30, 2021, the ZENS, having an original principal amount of $828 million and a contingent principal amount of

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$47 million, were outstanding and were exchangeable, at the option of the holders, for cash equal to 95% of the market value of the reference shares attributable to the ZENS.

On May 17, 2021, AT&T announced that it had entered into a definitive agreement with Discovery, Inc. to combine their media assets into a new publicly traded company to be called Warner Bros. Discovery. Pursuant to the definitive agreement, AT&T shareholders are expected to receive stock representing 71% of the new company. Upon the closing of the transaction, reference shares attributable to ZENS would consist of AT&T Common, Charter Common and common stock of Warner Bros. Discovery. AT&T announced that the transaction is expected to close in the middle of 2022.

(12) Short-term Borrowings and Long-term Debt

Inventory Financing. Upon expiration of the AMA’s with the Energy Services Disposal Group discussed in Note 3, CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s Natural Gas businesses entered into new third-party AMAs beginning in April 2021 associated with their utility distribution service in Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Texas. The AMAs have varying terms, the longest of which expires in 2027. Pursuant to the provisions of the agreements, CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s Natural Gas either sells natural gas to the asset manager and agrees to repurchase an equivalent amount of natural gas throughout the year at the same cost, or simply purchases its full natural gas requirements at each delivery point from the asset manager. These transactions are accounted for as an inventory financing. CenterPoint Energy and CERC had $3 million and $24 million outstanding obligations related to the AMAs as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, recorded in Short-term borrowings on CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Outstanding obligations related to third-party AMAs associated with utility distribution service in Arkansas and Oklahoma as of June 30, 2021 are reflected in current liabilities held for sale on CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 3 for further information.

Debt Transactions. During the six months ended June 30, 2021, the following debt instruments were issued or incurred:

Registrant						Issuance Date						Debt Instrument						Aggregate Principal Amount						Interest Rate						Maturity Date
						(in millions)
CERC Corp.						March 2021						Senior Notes						$	700					0.70%						2023
CERC Corp.						March 2021						Floating Rate Senior Notes						1,000						Three-month LIBOR plus 0.50%						2023
												Total CERC Corp. (1)						1,700
Houston Electric						March 2021						General Mortgage Bonds						400						2.35%						2031
Houston Electric						March 2021						General Mortgage Bonds						700						3.35%						2051
												Total Houston Electric (2)						1,100
CenterPoint Energy						May 2021						Senior Notes						500						1.45%						2026
CenterPoint Energy						May 2021						Senior Notes						500						2.65%						2031
CenterPoint Energy						May 2021						Floating Rate Senior Notes						700						SOFR plus 0.65%						2024
												Total CenterPoint Energy (3)						$	4,500

(1)In February 2021, CERC Corp. received financing commitments totaling $1.7 billion on a 364-day term loan facility to bridge any working capital needs related to the February 2021 Winter Storm Event. Total proceeds of the senior notes and floating rate senior note offerings, net of issuance expenses and fees, of approximately $1.69 billion were used for general corporate purposes, including to fund working capital. Upon the consummation of its senior notes offerings, in March 2021, CERC Corp. terminated all of the commitments for the 364-day term loan facility.

(2)Total proceeds, net of issuance expenses and fees, of approximately $1.08 billion were used for general limited liability company purposes, including capital expenditures and the repayment of outstanding debt discussed below and Houston Electric’s borrowings under the CenterPoint Energy money pool.

(3)Total proceeds, net of issuance expenses and fees, of approximately $1.69 billion, excluding amounts issued by Houston Electric and CERC Corp., were used for general corporate purposes, including the repayment of outstanding debt discussed below and a portion of CenterPoint Energy’s outstanding commercial paper.

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Debt Repayments and Redemptions. During the six months ended June 30, 2021, the following debt instruments were repaid at maturity or redeemed:

Registrant						Repayment/Redemption Date						Debt Instrument						Aggregate Principal						Interest Rate						Maturity Date
																		(in millions)
Houston Electric						March 2021						First Mortgage Bonds						$	102					9.15%						2021
Houston Electric (1)						May 2021						General Mortgage Bonds						300						1.85%						2021
												Total Houston Electric						402
CenterPoint Energy (2)						January 2021						Senior Notes						250						3.85%						2021
CenterPoint Energy (3)						May 2021						Term Loan						700						0.76%						2021
CenterPoint Energy (4)						June 2021						Senior Notes						500						3.60%						2021
												Total CenterPoint Energy						$	1,852

(1)In April 2021, Houston Electric provided notice of redemption and on May 1, 2021, Houston Electric redeemed all of the outstanding bonds of the series at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest.

(2)In December 2020, CenterPoint Energy provided notice of redemption of a portion of its outstanding $500 million aggregate principal amount of the series and on January 15, 2021, CenterPoint Energy redeemed $250 million aggregate principal amount of the series at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest and an applicable make-whole premium of $26 million.

(3)In April 2021, CenterPoint Energy amended its existing term loan agreement by extending its maturity from May 15, 2021 to June 14, 2021. The outstanding LIBOR rate loan balance was prepaid in full at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, which was calculated based on the interest rate at maturity.

(4)In May 2021, CenterPoint Energy provided notice of redemption and on June 1, 2021, CenterPoint Energy redeemed all of the outstanding senior notes of the series at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest and an applicable make-whole premium of $7 million.

Credit Facilities. In February 2021, each of CenterPoint Energy, Houston Electric, CERC Corp. and VUHI replaced their existing revolving credit facilities with new amended and restated credit facilities. The size of the CenterPoint Energy facility decreased from $3.3 billion to $2.4 billion, while the sizes of the Houston Electric, CERC Corp. and VUHI facilities remained unchanged.

The Registrants had the following revolving credit facilities as of June 30, 2021:

Execution  Date						Registrant						Size of Facility						Draw Rate of LIBOR plus (1)						Financial Covenant Limit on Debt for Borrowed Money to Capital Ratio						Debt for Borrowed Money to Capital Ratio as of June 30, 2021 (2)						Termination Date
												(in millions)
February 4, 2021						CenterPoint Energy						$	2,400					1.625%						65.0%			(3)			57.7%						February 4, 2024
February 4, 2021						CenterPoint Energy (4)						400						1.250%						65.0%						50.1%						February 4, 2024
February 4, 2021						Houston Electric						300						1.375%						67.5%			(3)			55.8%						February 4, 2024
February 4, 2021						CERC						900						1.250%						65.0%						61.0%						February 4, 2024
						Total						$	4,000

(1)Based on current credit ratings.

(2)As defined in the revolving credit facility agreements, excluding Securitization Bonds.

(3)For CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric, the financial covenant limit will temporarily increase to 70% if Houston Electric experiences damage from a natural disaster in its service territory and CenterPoint Energy certifies to the administrative agent that Houston Electric has incurred system restoration costs reasonably likely to exceed $100 million in a consecutive 12-month period, all or part of which Houston Electric intends to seek to recover through securitization financing. Such temporary increase in the financial covenant would be in effect from the date

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CenterPoint Energy delivers its certification until the earliest to occur of (i) the completion of the securitization financing, (ii) the first anniversary of CenterPoint Energy’s certification or (iii) the revocation of such certification.

(4)This credit facility was issued by VUHI, is guaranteed by SIGECO, Indiana Gas and VEDO and includes a $20 million letter of credit sublimit. This credit facility backstops VUHI’s commercial paper program.

The Registrants, including the subsidiaries of CenterPoint Energy discussed above, were in compliance with all financial debt covenants as of June 30, 2021.

The table below reflects the utilization of the Registrants’ respective revolving credit facilities:

						June 30, 2021																											December 31, 2020
Registrant						Loans						Letters of Credit						Commercial Paper (1)						Weighted Average Interest Rate									Loans						Letters of Credit						Commercial Paper (1)						Weighted Average Interest Rate
						(in millions, except weighted average interest rate)
CenterPoint Energy						$	—					$	11					$	911					0.18		%							$	—					$	11					$	1,078					0.23		%
CenterPoint Energy (2)						—						—						268						0.18		%							—						—						92						0.22		%
Houston Electric						—						—						—						—		%							—						—						—						—		%
CERC						—						—						564						0.18		%							—						—						347						0.23		%
Total						$	—					$	11					$	1,743														$	—					$	11					$	1,517

(1)Outstanding commercial paper generally has maturities of 60 days or less and each Registrants’ commercial paper program is backstopped by such Registrants’ long-term credit facilities. Houston Electric does not have a commercial paper program.

(2)This credit facility was issued by VUHI and is guaranteed by SIGECO, Indiana Gas and VEDO.

Liens. As of June 30, 2021, Houston Electric’s assets were subject to liens securing approximately $5.0 billion of general mortgage bonds, including approximately $68 million held in trust to secure pollution control bonds that mature in 2028 for which CenterPoint Energy is obligated. The general mortgage bonds that are held in trust to secure pollution control bonds are not reflected in Houston Electric’s consolidated financial statements because of the contingent nature of the obligations. Houston Electric may issue additional general mortgage bonds on the basis of retired bonds, 70% of property additions or cash deposited with the trustee. As of March 15, 2021, no Houston Electric first mortgage bonds remained outstanding. Houston Electric could issue approximately $3.7 billion of additional general mortgage bonds on the basis of retired bonds and 70% of property additions as of June 30, 2021.

Other. As of June 30, 2021, certain financial institutions agreed to issue, from time to time, up to $20 million of letters of credit on behalf of Vectren and certain of its subsidiaries in exchange for customary fees. These agreements to issue letters of credit expire on December 31, 2021. As of June 30, 2021, such financial institutions had issued $1 million of letters of credit on behalf of Vectren and certain of its subsidiaries. 

(13) Income Taxes

The Registrants reported the following effective tax rates:

			Three Months Ended June 30,												Six Months Ended June 30,
			2021						2020						2021						2020
CenterPoint Energy - Continuing operations (1)(2)			(1)		%				18		%				10		%				26		%
CenterPoint Energy - Discontinued operations (3) (4)			—		%				475		%				—		%				(14)		%
Houston Electric (5)			15		%				16		%				14		%				15		%
CERC - Continuing operations (6)			(45)		%				(31)		%				10		%				17		%
CERC - Discontinued operations (7) (8)			—		%				200		%				—		%				4		%

(1)CenterPoint Energy’s lower effective tax rate on income from continuing operations for the three months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2020 was primarily driven by the recording of a $46 million deferred state tax benefit, detailed further below, that was triggered by state tax law legislation in Louisiana and Oklahoma combined with the impact of the accounting held for sale classification for the Arkansas and Oklahoma natural gas sale assets and liabilities in the period ended June 30, 2021. For tax purposes, when the held for

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sale criteria is met, the CERC and unitary state apportionment rates must be updated to account for the sale and applied to the estimated post-sale net deferred tax liability which resulted in an $18 million net state tax benefit being recorded in the current quarter. Other factors in the remeasurement of the state deferred tax liability as a result of the reduction of the corporate tax rate in Oklahoma as of January 1, 2022 resulted in a benefit of $13 million and the change in the NOL carryforward period in Louisiana from 20 years to an indefinite period allowed for the release of the valuation allowance on certain Louisiana NOLs resulting in a benefit of $15 million.

(2)CenterPoint Energy’s lower than statutory tax rate on income from continuing operations for the six months ended June 30, 2021 was primarily due to an increase in the amount of amortization of the net regulatory EDIT liability, and the recording of a $46 million deferred state tax benefit, discussed above. This was partially offset by an increase in ordinary state income taxes. CenterPoint Energy’s higher than statutory tax rate on the loss from continuing operations for the six months ended June 30, 2020 was primarily due to lower earnings from the impairment of CenterPoint Energy’s investment in Enable. Other effective tax rate drivers included the non-deductible goodwill impairment at Indiana Electric Integrated reporting unit, and an increase in the amount of remeasurement of state tax liabilities for changes in apportionment, the effect of which was compounded by the book loss in the six months ended June 30, 2020.

(3)CenterPoint Energy’s higher than statutory tax rate on income from discontinued operations for the three months ended June 30, 2020 was primarily due to the tax impacts from the sales of the Infrastructure Services and Energy Services Disposal Groups.

(4)CenterPoint Energy’s lower than statutory tax rate on the loss from discontinued operations for the six months ended June 30, 2020 was primarily due to the tax impacts from the sales of the Infrastructure Services and Energy Services Disposal Groups.

(5)Houston Electric’s lower effective tax rate for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the same periods in 2020 was primarily driven by a decrease in state income taxes which is partially offset by an increase in the amount of amortization of the net regulatory EDIT liability.

(6)CERC’s lower effective tax rate on income from continuing operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the same periods ended June 30, 2020 was primarily driven by a $26 million deferred state tax benefit, detailed further below, that was triggered by state tax law legislation in Louisiana combined with the accounting held for sale classification for the Arkansas and Oklahoma natural gas sale assets and liabilities in the period ended June 30, 2021. For tax purposes, when the held for sale criteria is met, the CERC state apportionment rates must be updated to account for the sale and applied to the estimated post-sale net deferred tax liability which resulted in an $11 million net state tax benefit being recorded in the current quarter. A state law change in the NOL carryforward period in Louisiana from 20 years to an indefinite period allowed for the release of the valuation allowance on certain Louisiana NOLs resulting in a benefit of $15 million.

(7)CERC’s higher than statutory tax rate on income from discontinued operations for the three months ended June 30, 2020 was primarily due to the tax impacts from the sale of the Energy Services Disposal Group.

(8)CERC’s lower than statutory tax rate on the loss from discontinued operations for the six months ended June 30, 2020 was primarily due to the tax impacts from the sale of the Energy Services Disposal Group.

On March 11, 2021, the ARPA was enacted in response to continued economic and health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The ARPA expands the definition of “covered employee” under section 162(m) beginning in 2027, and extends the employee retention tax credit through December 31, 2021, among other provisions. CenterPoint Energy does not currently anticipate any material impacts from this legislation. On March 27, 2020, the CARES Act was enacted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act provides relief to corporate taxpayers by permitting a five-year carryback of 2018-2020 NOLs, deferring the payment of the employer share of payroll taxes for the remaining months of 2020 until 2021 and 2022, increasing the 30% limitation on interest expense deductibility to 50% of adjusted taxable income for 2019 and 2020, and accelerating refunds for minimum tax credit carryforwards, among other provisions. Based on the CARES Act NOL carryback provision, during the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, CenterPoint Energy recorded a $-0- and $19 million benefit, respectively, resulting from carryback claims to be filed to refund taxes paid.

CenterPoint Energy reported a net uncertain tax liability, inclusive of interest and penalties, of $10 million as of June 30, 2021. Interest and penalties of $1 million were recorded on the uncertain tax liability for the six months ended June 30, 2021. The Registrants believe that it is reasonably possible that a decrease of up to $9 million in unrecognized tax benefits may occur in the next 12 months as a result of a lapse of statutes on older exposures, a tax settlement, a resolution of open audits, and/or the acceptance of an application for an accounting method change. For CenterPoint Energy, tax years through 2018 have been audited and settled with the IRS. For the 2019 through 2021 tax years CenterPoint Energy is a participant in the IRS’s Compliance Assurance Process. Vectren’s pre-Merger 2017 through 2019 tax years are still open for examination.

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(14) Commitments and Contingencies

(a)Purchase Obligations (CenterPoint Energy and CERC)

Commitments include minimum purchase obligations related to CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s Natural Gas reportable segment and CenterPoint Energy’s Electric reportable segment. A purchase obligation is defined as an agreement to purchase goods or services that is enforceable and legally binding on the registrant and that specifies all significant terms, including: fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased; fixed, minimum or variable price provisions; and the approximate timing of the transaction. Contracts with minimum payment provisions have various quantity requirements and durations and are not classified as non-trading derivative assets and liabilities in CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020. These contracts meet an exception as “normal purchases contracts” or do not meet the definition of a derivative. Natural gas and coal supply commitments also include transportation contracts that do not meet the definition of a derivative.  

On February 9, 2021, Indiana Electric entered into a BTA with a subsidiary of Capital Dynamics. Pursuant to the BTA, Capital Dynamics, with its partner Tenaska, will build a 300 MW solar array in Posey County, Indiana through a special purpose entity Posey Solar. Upon completion of construction, currently projected to be at the end of 2023, and subject to IURC approval, Indiana Electric will acquire Posey Solar and its solar array assets for a fixed purchase price.

As of June 30, 2021, undiscounted minimum purchase obligations are approximately:

			CenterPoint Energy												CERC
			Natural Gas and Coal Supply						Other (1)						Natural Gas Supply
			(in millions)
Remaining six months of 2021			$	334					$	9					$	227
2022			550						12						336
2023			473						399						281
2024			392						198						259
2025			337						7						231
2026			304						7						226
2027 and beyond			1,634						143						1,330

(1)CenterPoint Energy’s undiscounted minimum payment obligations related to its 25-year agreement for its solar PPA in Warrick County, Indiana and its purchase commitment under its BTA in Posey County, Indiana are included above. The remaining undiscounted payment obligations relate primarily to technology hardware and software agreements.

Excluded from the table above are estimates for cash outlays from other PPAs through Indiana Electric that do not have minimum thresholds but do require payment when energy is generated by the provider. Costs arising from certain of these commitments are pass-through costs, generally collected dollar-for-dollar from retail customers through regulator-approved cost recovery mechanisms.

(b) Guarantees and Product Warranties (CenterPoint Energy)

In the normal course of business, ESG enters into contracts requiring it to timely install infrastructure, operate facilities, pay vendors and subcontractors and support warranty obligations and, at times, issue payment and performance bonds and other forms of assurance in connection with these contracts.

Specific to ESG’s role as a general contractor in the performance contracting industry, as of June 30, 2021, there were 47 open surety bonds supporting future performance with an aggregate face amount of approximately $484 million. ESG’s exposure is less than the face amount of the surety bonds and is limited to the level of uncompleted work under the contracts. As of June 30, 2021, approximately 34% of the work was yet to be completed on projects with open surety bonds. Further, various subcontractors issue surety bonds to ESG. In addition to these performance obligations, ESG also warrants the functionality of certain installed infrastructure generally for one year and the associated energy savings over a specified number of years. As of June 30, 2021, there were 34 warranties totaling $553 million and an additional $1.2 billion in energy savings commitments not guaranteed by Vectren. Since ESG’s inception in 1994, CenterPoint Energy believes ESG has had a history of generally meeting its performance obligations and energy savings guarantees and its installed products have operated

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effectively. CenterPoint Energy assessed the fair value of its obligation for such guarantees as of June 30, 2021 and no amounts were recorded on CenterPoint Energy’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

CenterPoint Energy issues parent company level guarantees to certain vendors, customers and other commercial counterparties of ESG. These guarantees do not represent incremental consolidated obligations, but rather, represent guarantees of subsidiary obligations to allow those subsidiaries to conduct business without posting other forms of assurance. As of June 30, 2021, CenterPoint Energy, primarily through Vectren, has issued parent company level guarantees supporting ESG’s obligations. For those obligations where potential exposure can be estimated, management estimates the maximum exposure under these guarantees to be approximately $517 million as of June 30, 2021. This exposure primarily relates to energy savings guarantees on federal energy savings performance contracts. Other parent company level guarantees, certain of which do not contain a cap on potential liability, have been issued in support of federal operations and maintenance projects for which a maximum exposure cannot be estimated based on the nature of the projects. While there can be no assurance that performance under any of these parent company guarantees will not be required in the future, CenterPoint Energy considers the likelihood of a material amount being incurred as remote.

(c)Guarantees and Product Warranties (CenterPoint Energy and CERC)

On February 24, 2020, CenterPoint Energy, through its subsidiary CERC Corp., entered into the Equity Purchase Agreement to sell the Energy Services Disposal Group. The transaction closed on June 1, 2020. In the normal course of business prior to June 1, 2020, the Energy Services Disposal Group through CES, traded natural gas under supply contracts and entered into natural gas related transactions under transportation, storage and other contracts. In connection with the Energy Services Disposal Group’s business activities prior to the closing of the sale of the Energy Services Disposal Group on June 1, 2020, CERC Corp. issued guarantees to certain of CES’s counterparties to guarantee the payment of CES’s obligations. When CES remained wholly owned by CERC Corp., these guarantees did not represent incremental consolidated obligations, but rather, these guarantees represented guarantees of CES’s obligations to allow it to conduct business without posting other forms of assurance.

A CERC Corp. guarantee primarily had a one- or two-year term, although CERC Corp. would generally not be released from obligations incurred by CES prior to the termination of such guarantee unless the beneficiary of the guarantee affirmatively released CERC Corp. from its obligations under the guarantee. Throughout CERC Corp.’s ownership of CES and subsequent to the sale of the Energy Services Disposal Group through June 30, 2021, CERC Corp. did not pay any amounts under guarantees of CES’s obligations.

Under the terms of the Equity Purchase Agreement, Symmetry Energy Solutions Acquisition must generally use reasonable best efforts to replace existing CERC Corp. guarantees with credit support provided by a party other than CERC Corp. as of and after the closing of the transaction. Additionally, to the extent that CERC Corp. retains any exposure relating to certain guarantees of CES’s obligations 90 days after closing of the transaction, Symmetry Energy Solutions Acquisition will pay a 3% annualized fee on such exposure, increasing by 1% on an annualized basis every three months. As of June 30, 2021, management estimates approximately $35 million of exposure remained outstanding under CERC Corp. guarantees issued prior to the closing of the transaction on June 1, 2020. CES has provided replacement credit support to counterparties to whom CERC Corp. had issued guarantees prior to closing representing the full amount of CERC’s remaining exposure under the guarantees. CERC believes that counterparties to whom replacement credit support has been provided would seek payment if needed under such replacement credit support instead of a CERC Corp. guarantee. No additional guarantees were provided by CERC Corp. to CES subsequent to the closing of the transaction on June 1, 2020.

If CERC Corp. is required to pay a counterparty under a guarantee in respect of obligations of CES, Symmetry Energy Solutions Acquisition is required to promptly reimburse CERC Corp. for all amounts paid. If Symmetry Energy Solutions Acquisition fails to reimburse CERC Corp., CERC Corp. has the contractual right to seek payment from Shell Energy North America (US), L.P. in an amount up to $40 million in the aggregate. While there can be no assurance that payment under any of these guarantees will not be required in the future, CenterPoint Energy and CERC consider the likelihood of a material amount being incurred as remote.

CenterPoint Energy and CERC recorded no amounts on their respective Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 related to the performance of these guarantees.

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(d) Legal, Environmental and Other Matters

Legal Matters

Minnehaha Academy (CenterPoint Energy and CERC). On August 2, 2017, a natural gas explosion occurred at the Minnehaha Academy in Minneapolis, Minnesota, resulting in the deaths of two school employees, serious injuries to others and significant property damage to the school. CenterPoint Energy, certain of its subsidiaries, including CERC, and the contractor company working in the school were named in wrongful death, property damage and personal injury litigation arising out of the incident and have now reached confidential settlement agreements in all litigation, and all related governmental matters were previously concluded. CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s general and excess liability insurance policies provide coverage for third party bodily injury and property damage claims. 

Litigation Related to the Merger (CenterPoint Energy). With respect to the Merger, in July 2018, seven separate lawsuits were filed against Vectren and the individual directors of Vectren’s Board of Directors in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana. These lawsuits alleged violations of Sections 14(a) of the Exchange Act and SEC Rule 14a-9 on the grounds that the Vectren Proxy Statement filed on June 18, 2018 was materially incomplete because it omitted material information concerning the Merger. In August 2018, the seven lawsuits were consolidated, and the Court denied the plaintiffs’ request for a preliminary injunction. In October 2018, the plaintiffs filed their Consolidated Amended Class Action Complaint. In December 2018, two plaintiffs voluntarily dismissed their lawsuits. In September 2019, the court granted the defendants’ motion to dismiss and dismissed the remaining plaintiffs’ claims with prejudice, which the plaintiffs appealed in October 2019. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit heard oral arguments in September 2020, and a ruling is expected in 2021. The defendants believe that the allegations asserted are without merit and intend to vigorously defend themselves against the claims raised. CenterPoint Energy does not expect the ultimate outcome of this matter to have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Litigation Related to the February 2021 Winter Storm Event. With respect to the February 2021 Winter Storm Event, CenterPoint Energy, CERC and Houston Electric, along with ERCOT, have received claims and lawsuits filed by plaintiffs alleging personal injury, property damage and other injuries and damages. Additionally, various regulatory and governmental entities have announced that they intend to conduct or are conducting inquiries, investigations and other reviews of the February 2021 Winter Storm Event and the efforts made by various entities to prepare for, and respond to, this event, including the electric generation shortfall issues. Entities that have announced that they plan to conduct or are conducting such inquiries, investigations and other reviews include the United States Congress, FERC, NERC, Texas RE, ERCOT, Texas government entities and officials such as the Texas Governor’s office, the Texas Legislature, the Texas Attorney General, the PUCT, the City of Houston and other municipal and county entities in Houston Electric’s service territory, among other entities.

Like other Texas TDUs, Houston Electric has become involved in certain of the above-referenced investigations, litigation or other regulatory and legal proceedings regarding their efforts to restore power and their compliance with NERC, ERCOT and PUCT rules and directives. CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric are responding to inquiries from the Texas Attorney General and the Galveston County District Attorney’s Office, and CenterPoint Energy and CERC are responding to inquiries from the Arkansas, Minnesota and Oklahoma Attorneys General. CenterPoint Energy, Houston Electric and CERC are subject to, and may be further subject to, litigation and claims. Such claims include, or in the future could include, wrongful death, personal injury and property damage claims, lawsuits for impacts on businesses and other organizations and entities and shareholder claims, among other claims or litigation matters. CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric have been named as a defendant in approximately 65 lawsuits related to the February 2021 Winter Storm Event, nearly all of which are pending in state court and as of June 2021 are part of a multi-district litigation proceeding. CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric intend to vigorously defend themselves against the claims raised. CenterPoint Energy, Houston Electric and CERC are unable to predict the consequences of any such matters or to estimate a range of potential losses.

Litigation Related to the Enable Merger. In March 2021, several lawsuits were filed by persons claiming to be Enable unitholders against various defendants, including Enable, the members of Enable GP’s Board of Directors, Energy Transfer, and other parties to the Enable Merger Agreement, challenging the Enable Merger and the disclosures made in connection therewith. CenterPoint Energy has been named in one such lawsuit pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. The lawsuits allege violations of Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act and SEC Rule 14a-9 on the grounds that the Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed by Energy Transfer on March 19, 2021, was materially incomplete because it omitted material information about, among other things, Enable's and Energy Transfer's financial projections and the analyses conducted by Enable's financial advisors. The lawsuits further allege that the individual defendants, including, among others, Energy Transfer and CenterPoint Energy, violated Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act as controlling persons of Enable. Plaintiffs seek to have the court enjoin the Enable Merger, require defendants to disseminate a new registration statement disclosing the allegedly omitted information, declare that defendants violated the Exchange Act, rescind the Enable Merger or

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award rescissory damages in the event the Enable Merger is consummated, along with attorneys’ fees, costs, and other relief. In May and June of 2021, three of the cases against other defendants were voluntarily dismissed without prejudice. The case against CenterPoint Energy remains pending, but CenterPoint Energy has not yet been served with process, and the dates to respond to the lawsuit in which it was sued have not yet been set. CenterPoint Energy cannot predict the outcome of litigation related to the Enable Merger Agreement, but believes the litigation is without merit, intends to defend vigorously against such litigation, and does not expect the ultimate outcome of such litigation to have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Environmental Matters

MGP Sites. CenterPoint Energy, CERC and their predecessors, including predecessors of Vectren, operated MGPs in the past. The costs CenterPoint Energy or CERC, as applicable, expect to incur to fulfill their respective obligations are estimated by management using assumptions based on actual costs incurred, the timing of expected future payments and inflation factors, among others. While CenterPoint Energy and CERC have recorded obligations for all costs which are probable and estimable, including amounts they are presently obligated to incur in connection with activities at these sites, it is possible that future events may require remedial activities which are not presently foreseen, and those costs may not be subject to PRP or insurance recovery.

(i)Minnesota MGPs (CenterPoint Energy and CERC). With respect to certain Minnesota MGP sites, CenterPoint Energy and CERC have completed state-ordered remediation and continue state-ordered monitoring and water treatment. CenterPoint Energy and CERC recorded a liability as reflected in the table below for continued monitoring and any future remediation required by regulators in Minnesota.

(ii)Indiana MGPs (CenterPoint Energy). In the Indiana Gas service territory, the existence, location and certain general characteristics of 26 gas manufacturing and storage sites have been identified for which CenterPoint Energy may have some remedial responsibility. A remedial investigation/feasibility study was completed at one of the sites under an agreed upon order between Indiana Gas and the IDEM, and a Record of Decision was issued by the IDEM in January 2000. The remaining sites have been submitted to the IDEM’s VRP. CenterPoint Energy has also identified its involvement in 5 manufactured gas plant sites in SIGECO’s service territory, all of which are currently enrolled in the IDEM’s VRP. CenterPoint Energy is currently conducting some level of remedial activities, including groundwater monitoring at certain sites.

(iii)Other MGPs (CenterPoint Energy and CERC). In addition to the Minnesota and Indiana sites, the EPA and other regulators have investigated MGP sites that were owned or operated by CenterPoint Energy or CERC or may have been owned by one of their former affiliates.

Total costs that may be incurred in connection with addressing these sites cannot be determined at this time. The estimated accrued costs are limited to CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s share of the remediation efforts and are therefore net of exposures of other PRPs. The estimated range of possible remediation costs for the sites for which CenterPoint Energy and CERC believe they may have responsibility was based on remediation continuing for the minimum time frame given in the table below.

			June 30, 2021
			CenterPoint Energy						CERC
			(in millions, except years)
Amount accrued for remediation			$	12					$	7
Minimum estimated remediation costs			8						5
Maximum estimated remediation costs			54						32
Minimum years of remediation			5						30
Maximum years of remediation			50						50

The cost estimates are based on studies of a site or industry average costs for remediation of sites of similar size. The actual remediation costs will depend on the number of sites to be remediated, the participation of other PRPs, if any, and the remediation methods used.

CenterPoint Energy and CERC do not expect the ultimate outcome of these matters to have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations or cash flows of either CenterPoint Energy or CERC.

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Asbestos. Some facilities owned by the Registrants or their predecessors contain or have contained asbestos insulation and other asbestos-containing materials. The Registrants are from time to time named, along with numerous others, as defendants in lawsuits filed by a number of individuals who claim injury due to exposure to asbestos, and the Registrants anticipate that additional claims may be asserted in the future. Although their ultimate outcome cannot be predicted at this time, the Registrants do not expect these matters, either individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on their financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

CCR Rule (CenterPoint Energy). In April 2015, the EPA finalized its CCR Rule, which regulates ash as non-hazardous material under the RCRA. The final rule allows beneficial reuse of ash, and the majority of the ash generated by Indiana Electric’s generating plants will continue to be reused. In July 2018, the EPA released its final CCR Rule Phase I Reconsideration which extended the deadline to October 31, 2020 for ceasing placement of ash in ponds that exceed groundwater protections standards or that fail to meet location restrictions. In August 2019, the EPA proposed additional “Part A” amendments to its CCR Rule with respect to beneficial reuse of ash and other materials. Further “Part B” amendments, which related to alternate liners for CCR surface impoundments and the surface impoundment closure process, were published in March 2020. The Part A amendments were finalized in August 2020 and extended the deadline to cease placement of ash in ponds to April 11, 2021, discussed further below. The EPA published the final Part B amendments in November 2020. The Part A amendments do not restrict Indiana Electric’s current beneficial reuse of its fly ash. CenterPoint Energy continues to evaluate the Part B amendments to determine potential impacts. Shortly after taking office in January 2021, President Biden signed an executive order requiring agencies to review environmental actions taken by the Trump administration, including the CCR Rule Phase I Reconsideration, the Part A amendments, and the Part B amendments; EPA has completed its review of the Phase I Reconsideration, Part A amendments, and Part B amendments and determined that the most environmentally protective course is to implement the rules.

Indiana Electric has three ash ponds, two at the F.B. Culley facility (Culley East and Culley West) and one at the A.B. Brown facility. Under the existing CCR Rule, Indiana Electric is required to perform integrity assessments, including ground water monitoring, at its F.B. Culley and A.B. Brown generating stations. The ground water studies are necessary to determine the remaining service life of the ponds and whether a pond must be retrofitted with liners or closed in place. Indiana Electric’s Warrick generating unit is not included in the scope of the CCR Rule as this unit has historically been part of a larger generating station that predominantly serves an adjacent industrial facility. Preliminary groundwater monitoring indicates potential groundwater impacts very close to Indiana Electric’s ash impoundments, and further analysis is ongoing. The CCR Rule required companies to complete location restriction determinations by October 18, 2018. Indiana Electric completed its evaluation and determined that one F.B. Culley pond (Culley East) and the A.B. Brown pond fail the aquifer placement location restriction. As a result of this failure, Indiana Electric was required to cease disposal of new ash in the ponds and commence closure of the ponds by April 11, 2021. CenterPoint Energy has applied for the extensions available under the CCR Rule that would allow Indiana Electric to continue to use the ponds through October 15, 2023. The EPA is still reviewing industry extension requests, including CenterPoint Energy’s extension request. Companies can continue to operate ponds pending completion of the EPA’s evaluation of the requests for extension. The inability to take these extensions may result in increased and potentially significant operational costs in connection with the accelerated implementation of an alternative ash disposal system or adversely impact Indiana Electric’s future operations. Failure to comply with these requirements could also result in an enforcement proceeding including the imposition of fines and penalties. On April 24, 2019, Indiana Electric received an order from the IURC approving recovery in rates of costs associated with the closure of the Culley West pond, which has already completed closure activities. On August 14, 2019, Indiana Electric filed its petition with the IURC for recovery of costs associated with the closure of the A.B. Brown ash pond, which would include costs associated with the excavation and recycling of ponded ash. This petition was subsequently approved by the IURC on May 13, 2020. On October 28, 2020, the IURC approved Indiana Electric’s ECA proceeding, which included the initiation of recovery of the federally mandated project costs.

Indiana Electric continues to refine site specific estimates of closure costs for its ten-acre Culley East pond. In July 2018, Indiana Electric filed a Complaint for Damages and Declaratory Relief against its insurers seeking reimbursement of defense, investigation and pond closure costs incurred to comply with the CCR Rule, and has since reached confidential settlement agreements with its insurers. The proceeds of these settlements will offset costs that have been and will be incurred to close the ponds.

As of June 30, 2021, CenterPoint Energy has recorded an approximate $88 million ARO, which represents the discounted value of future cash flow estimates to close the ponds at A.B. Brown and F.B. Culley. This estimate is subject to change due to the contractual arrangements; continued assessments of the ash, closure methods, and the timing of closure; implications of Indiana Electric’s generation transition plan; changing environmental regulations; and proceeds received from the settlements in the aforementioned insurance proceeding. In addition to these AROs, Indiana Electric also anticipates equipment purchases of between $60 million and $80 million to complete the A.B. Brown closure project.

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Clean Water Act Permitting of Groundwater Discharges. In April 2021, the U.S. Supreme Court issued an opinion providing that indirect discharges via groundwater or other non-point sources are subject to permitting and liability under the Clean Water Act when they are the functional equivalent of a direct discharge. The Registrants are evaluating the extent to which this decision will affect Clean Water Act permitting requirements and/or liability for their operations.

Other Environmental. From time to time, the Registrants identify the presence of environmental contaminants during operations or on property where their predecessors have conducted operations. Other such sites involving contaminants may be identified in the future. The Registrants have and expect to continue to remediate any identified sites consistent with state and federal legal obligations. From time to time, the Registrants have received notices, and may receive notices in the future, from regulatory authorities or others regarding status as a PRP in connection with sites found to require remediation due to the presence of environmental contaminants. In addition, the Registrants have been, or may be, named from time to time as defendants in litigation related to such sites. Although the ultimate outcome of such matters cannot be predicted at this time, the Registrants do not expect these matters, either individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on their financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Other Proceedings

The Registrants are involved in other legal, environmental, tax and regulatory proceedings before various courts, regulatory commissions and governmental agencies regarding matters arising in the ordinary course of business. From time to time, the Registrants are also defendants in legal proceedings with respect to claims brought by various plaintiffs against broad groups of participants in the energy industry. Some of these proceedings involve substantial amounts. The Registrants regularly analyze current information and, as necessary, provide accruals for probable and reasonably estimable liabilities on the eventual disposition of these matters. The Registrants do not expect the disposition of these matters to have a material adverse effect on the Registrants’ financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

(15) Earnings Per Share (CenterPoint Energy)

The Series C Preferred Stock issued in May 2020 were considered participating securities since these shares participated in dividends on Common Stock on a pari passu, pro rata, as-converted basis. As a result, beginning June 30, 2020, earnings per share on Common Stock was computed using the two-class method required for participating securities during the periods the Series C Preferred Stock was outstanding. As of May 7, 2021, all of the outstanding Series C Preferred Stock have been converted into shares of Common Stock and earnings per share on Common Stock and, as such, the two-class method was no longer applicable as of June 30, 2021.

The two-class method uses an earnings allocation formula that treats participating securities as having rights to earnings that otherwise would have been available only to common shareholders. Under the two-class method, income (loss) available to common shareholders from continuing operations is derived by subtracting the following from income (loss) from continuing operations:

•preferred share dividend requirement;

•deemed dividends for the amortization of the beneficial conversion feature recognized at issuance of the Series C Preferred Stock; and

•an allocation of undistributed earnings to preferred shareholders of participating securities (Series C Preferred Stock) based on the securities’ right to receive dividends.

Undistributed earnings are calculated by subtracting dividends declared on Common Stock, the preferred share dividend requirement and deemed dividends for the amortization of the beneficial conversion feature from net income. Net losses are not allocated to the Series C Preferred Stock as it does not have a contractual obligation to share in the losses of CenterPoint Energy.

The Series C Preferred Stock included conversion features at a price that was below the fair value of the Common Stock on the commitment date. This beneficial conversion feature, which was approximately $32 million at issuance, represented the difference between the fair value per share of the Common Stock as of the commitment date and the conversion price, multiplied by the number of common shares issuable upon conversion. The beneficial conversion feature was recognized as a discount to Series C Preferred Stock and was amortized as a deemed dividend over the period from the issue date to the first allowable conversion date, which was November 6, 2020.

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Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders from continuing operations by the basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Participating securities are excluded from basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per common share is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders from continuing operations by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, including all potentially dilutive common shares, if the effect of such common shares is dilutive.

Diluted earnings per share reflects the dilutive effect of potential common shares from share-based awards and convertible preferred shares. The dilutive effect of the restricted stock, Series B Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock is computed using the if-converted method, as applicable, which assumes conversion of the restricted stock, Series B Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock at the beginning of the period, giving income recognition for the add-back of the preferred share dividends, amortization of beneficial conversion feature, and undistributed earnings allocated to preferred shareholders.

The following table reconciles numerators and denominators of CenterPoint Energy’s basic and diluted earnings per common share.

			Three Months Ended June 30,												Six Months Ended June 30,
			2021						2020						2021						2020
			(in millions, except per share and share amounts)
Numerator:
Income (loss) from continuing operations			$	251					$	135					$	614					$	(918)
Less: Preferred stock dividend requirement (Note 19)			30						37						59						66
Less: Amortization of beneficial conversion feature (Note 19)			—						9						—						9
Less: Undistributed earnings allocated to preferred shareholders (1)			—						—						—						—
Income (loss) available to common shareholders from continuing operations - basic			221						89						555						(993)
Add back: Series B Preferred Stock dividend			—						—						—						—
Add back: Undistributed earnings allocated to preferred shareholders (1)			—						—						—						—
Income (loss) available to common shareholders from continuing operations - diluted			221						89						555						(993)
Loss available to common shareholders from discontinued operations - basic and diluted			—						(30)						—						(176)
Income (loss) available to common shareholders - basic and diluted			$	221					$	59					$	555					$	(1,169)
Denominator:
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic			585,720,000						528,066,000						568,728,000						515,227,000
Plus: Incremental shares from assumed conversions:
Restricted stock (2)			3,558,000						2,771,000						3,558,000						—
Series B Preferred Stock (3)			—						—						—						—
Series C Preferred Stock (4)			7,052,000						—						23,844,000						—
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted			596,330,000						530,837,000						596,130,000						515,227,000
Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share:
Basic earnings (loss) per common share - continuing operations			$	0.38					$	0.17					$	0.98					$	(1.93)
Basic loss per common share - discontinued operations			—						(0.06)						—						(0.34)
Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share			$	0.38					$	0.11					$	0.98					$	(2.27)
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share - continuing operations			$	0.37					$	0.17					$	0.93					$	(1.93)
Diluted loss per common share - discontinued operations			—						(0.06)						—						(0.34)
Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share			$	0.37					$	0.11					$	0.93					$	(2.27)

(1)There were no undistributed earnings to be allocated to participating securities for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020.

(2)2,771,000 incremental common shares from assumed conversions of restricted stock have not been included in the computation of diluted earnings (loss) per share for the six months ended June 30, 2020, as their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.

(3)The computation of diluted earnings per common share outstanding for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 excludes 35,940,000 and 35,923,000 potentially dilutive shares of Series B Preferred Stock from the denominator, respectively, because the shares would be anti-dilutive. The computation of diluted earnings per common share outstanding for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 excludes 35,898,000 and 35,917,000 potentially dilutive shares of Series B Preferred Stock from the denominator, respectively, because the shares would be anti-dilutive.

(4)The computation of diluted earnings per common share outstanding for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 excludes 29,465,000 and 14,571,000 potentially dilutive shares of Series C Preferred Stock from the denominator,

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respectively, because the shares would be anti-dilutive. As of May 7, 2021, all of the outstanding Series C Preferred Stock have been converted into Common Stock. For further information, see Note 19.

(16) Reportable Segments

The Registrants’ determination of reportable segments considers the strategic operating units under which its CODM manages sales, allocates resources and assesses performance of various products and services to wholesale or retail customers in differing regulatory environments. Each Registrant’s CODM views net income as the measure of profit or loss for the reportable segments. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year reportable segment presentation described in the Registrants’ combined 2020 Form 10-K.

As of June 30, 2021, reportable segments by Registrant were as follows:

CenterPoint Energy

•CenterPoint Energy’s Electric reportable segment consists of (i) electric transmission services to transmission service customers in the ERCOT region and distribution services to REPs serving the Texas Gulf Coast area and (ii) electric transmission and distribution services primarily to southwestern Indiana and includes power generation and wholesale power operations.

•CenterPoint Energy’s Natural Gas reportable segment consists of (i) intrastate natural gas sales to, and natural gas transportation and distribution for residential, commercial, industrial and institutional customers in Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma and Texas; (ii) permanent pipeline connections through interconnects with various interstate and intrastate pipeline companies through CEIP; and (iii) temporary delivery of LNG and CNG throughout the contiguous 48 states through MES.

•CenterPoint Energy’s Midstream Investments reportable segment consists of the equity investment in Enable (excluding the Enable Series A Preferred Units). See Note 9 regarding the Enable Merger.

CenterPoint Energy’s Corporate and Other consists of energy performance contracting and sustainable infrastructure    services through ESG and other corporate operations which support all of the business operations of CenterPoint Energy.

Houston Electric

•Houston Electric’s single reportable segment consists of electric transmission services to transmission service customers in the ERCOT region and distribution services to REPs serving the Texas Gulf Coast area.

CERC

•CERC’s single reportable segment consists of (i) intrastate natural gas sales to, and natural gas transportation and distribution for residential, commercial, industrial and institutional customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Texas; (ii) permanent pipeline connections through interconnects with various interstate and intrastate pipeline companies through CEIP; and (iii) temporary delivery of LNG and CNG throughout the contiguous 48 states through MES.

On April 29, 2021, CenterPoint Energy, through its subsidiary CERC Corp., entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement to sell its Arkansas and Oklahoma Natural Gas businesses. The Arkansas and Oklahoma Natural Gas businesses are reflected in CenterPoint Energy’s Natural Gas reportable segment and CERC’s single reportable segment, as applicable, and are classified as held for sale as of June 30, 2021. See Note 3 for further details.

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Financial data for reportable segments is as follows, including Corporate and Other, and Discontinued Operations for reconciliation purposes:

CenterPoint Energy

			Three Months Ended June 30,
			2021																		2020
			Revenues from External Customers						Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated Affiliates						Net Income (Loss)						Revenues from External Customers						Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated Affiliates						Net Income (Loss)
			(in millions)
Electric			$	937		(1)			$	—					$	125					$	848		(1)			$	—					$	106
Natural Gas			740						—						74						644						—						30
Midstream Investments			—						67						54						—						43						24
Corporate and Other			65						—						(2)						83						—						(25)
Continuing Operations			$	1,742					$	67					251						$	1,575					$	43					135
Discontinued Operations, net															—																		(30)
Consolidated															$	251																	$	105
			Six Months Ended June 30,
			2021																		2020
			Revenues from External Customers						Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated Affiliates						Net Income (Loss)						Revenues from External Customers						Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated Affiliates						Net Income (Loss)
			(in millions)
Electric			$	1,767		(1)			$	—					$	200					$	1,615		(1)			$	—					$	(28)
Natural Gas			2,403						—						303						1,965						—						231
Midstream Investments (2)			—						175						125						—						(1,432)						(1,103)
Corporate and Other			119						—						(14)						162						—						(18)
Continuing Operations			$	4,289					$	175					614						$	3,742					$	(1,432)					(918)
Discontinued Operations, net															—																		(176)
Consolidated															$	614																	$	(1,094)

(1)Houston Electric revenues from major external customers are as follows (CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric):

						Three Months Ended June 30,												Six Months Ended June 30,
						2021						2020						2021						2020
						(in millions)
Affiliates of NRG						$	192					$	174					$	387					$	330
Affiliates of Vistra Energy Corp.						87						92						175						173

(2)Includes the impairment of CenterPoint Energy’s equity method investment in Enable of $1,541 million recorded during the six months ended June 30, 2020.

			Total Assets
			June 30, 2021						December 31, 2020
			(in millions)
Electric			$	15,288					$	14,493
Natural Gas			15,064						14,976
Midstream Investments			1,051						913
Corporate and Other, net of eliminations (1)			2,871						3,089
Continuing Operations			34,274						33,471
Assets Held for Sale			2,192						—
Consolidated			$	36,466					$	33,471

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(1)Total assets included pension and other postemployment-related regulatory assets of $525 million and $540 million as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.

Houston Electric

Houston Electric consists of a single reportable segment; therefore, a tabular reportable segment presentation has not been included.

CERC

CERC consists of a single reportable segment; therefore, a tabular reportable segment presentation has not been included.

(17) Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information

CenterPoint Energy and CERC elected not to separately disclose discontinued operations on their respective Condensed Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows. The table below provides supplemental disclosure of cash flow information and does not exclude the Infrastructure Services and Energy Services Disposal Groups prior to the closing of the respective transactions.

			Six Months Ended June 30,
			2021																		2020
			CenterPoint Energy						Houston Electric						CERC						CenterPoint Energy						Houston Electric						CERC
			(in millions)
Cash Payments/Receipts:
Interest, net of capitalized interest			$	261					$	92					$	47					$	196					$	93					$	55
Income tax payments, net			13						—						—						4						—						—
Non-cash transactions:
Accounts payable related to capital expenditures			249						185						95						195						76						87
ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities			2						—						1						14						—						5
Beneficial conversion feature			—						—						—						32						—						—
Amortization of beneficial conversion feature			—						—						—						(9)						—						—

The table below provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets to the amount reported in the Condensed Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows.

			June 30, 2021																		December 31, 2020
			CenterPoint Energy						Houston Electric						CERC						CenterPoint Energy						Houston Electric						CERC
			(in millions)
Cash and cash equivalents (1)			$	136					$	120					$	1					$	147					$	139					$	1
Restricted cash included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets			21						17						—						20						15						—
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in Condensed Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows			$	157					$	137					$	1					$	167					$	154					$	1

(1)Houston Electric’s Cash and cash equivalents as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 included $106 million and $139 million, respectively, of cash related to the Bond Companies.

(18) Related Party Transactions (Houston Electric and CERC)

Houston Electric and CERC participate in CenterPoint Energy’s money pool through which they can borrow or invest on a short-term basis. Funding needs are aggregated and external borrowing or investing is based on the net cash position. The net funding requirements of the CenterPoint Energy money pool are expected to be met with borrowings under CenterPoint Energy’s revolving credit facility or the sale of CenterPoint Energy’s commercial paper.  

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The table below summarizes CenterPoint Energy money pool activity:

			June 30, 2021												December 31, 2020
			Houston Electric						CERC						Houston Electric						CERC
			(in millions, except interest rates)
Money pool investments (borrowings) (1)			$	97					$	—					$	(8)					$	—
Weighted average interest rate			0.18		%				0.18		%				0.24		%				0.24		%

(1)Included in Accounts and notes receivable (payable)–affiliated companies on Houston Electric’s and CERC’s respective Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

CenterPoint Energy provides some corporate services to Houston Electric and CERC. The costs of services have been charged directly to Houston Electric and CERC using methods that management believes are reasonable. These methods include usage rates, dedicated asset assignment and proportionate corporate formulas based on operating expenses, assets, gross margin, employees and a composite of assets, gross margin and employees. Houston Electric provides certain services to CERC. These services are billed at actual cost, either directly or as an allocation and include fleet services, shop services, geographic services, surveying and right-of-way services, radio communications, data circuit management and field operations. Additionally, CERC provides certain services to Houston Electric. These services are billed at actual cost, either directly or as an allocation and include line locating and other miscellaneous services. These charges are not necessarily indicative of what would have been incurred had Houston Electric and CERC not been affiliates.

Amounts charged for these services were as follows and are included primarily in operation and maintenance expenses:

			Three Months Ended June 30,																								Six Months Ended June 30,
			2021												2020												2021												2020
			Houston Electric						CERC						Houston Electric						CERC						Houston Electric						CERC						Houston Electric						CERC
			(in millions)
Corporate service charges			$	47					$	52					$	45					$	49					$	90					$	102					$	94					$	104
Net affiliate service charges (billings)			(1)						1						(4)						4						(2)						2						(10)						10

The table below presents transactions among Houston Electric, CERC and their parent, CenterPoint Energy.

						Three Months Ended June 30,																								Six Months Ended June 30,
						2021												2020												2021												2020
						Houston Electric						CERC						Houston Electric						CERC						Houston Electric						CERC						Houston Electric						CERC
						(in millions)
Cash dividends paid to parent						$	—					$	—					$	20					$	40					$	—					$	—					$	405					$	72
Capital distribution to parent associated with the sale of CES						—						—						—						286						—						—						—						286

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(19) Equity

Dividends Declared and Paid (CenterPoint Energy)

						Dividends Declared Per Share																								Dividends Paid Per Share
						Three Months Ended June 30,												Six Months Ended June 30,												Three Months Ended June 30,												Six Months Ended June 30,
						2021						2020						2021						2020						2021						2020						2021						2020
Common Stock						$	0.1600					$	0.1500					$	0.1600					$	0.4400					$	0.1600					$	0.1500					$	0.1600					$	0.4400
Series A Preferred Stock						—						—						—						30.6250						—						—						—						30.6250
Series B Preferred Stock						17.5000						17.5000						17.5000						35.0000						17.5000						17.5000						17.5000						35.0000
Series C Preferred Stock (1)						—						0.1500						—						0.1500						—						0.1500						—						0.1500

(1)The Series C Preferred Stock was entitled to participate in any dividend or distribution (excluding those payable in Common Stock) with the Common Stock on a pari passu, pro rata, as-converted basis. The per share amount reflects the dividend per share of Common Stock as if the Series C Preferred Stock were converted into Common Stock. All of the outstanding Series C Preferred Stock was converted to Common Stock during April and May 2021 as described below.

Preferred Stock (CenterPoint Energy)

						Liquidation Preference Per Share						Shares Outstanding as of												Outstanding Value as of
												June 30, 2021						December 31, 2020						June 30, 2021						December 31, 2020
						(in millions, except shares and per share amounts)
Series A Preferred Stock						$	1,000					800,000						800,000						$	790					$	790
Series B Preferred Stock						1,000						975,903						977,400						949						950
Series C Preferred Stock						1,000						—						625,000						—						623
												1,775,903						2,402,400						$	1,739					$	2,363

Conversion of Series B Preferred Stock. The table below details the number of shares of Series B Preferred Stock that were converted into shares of Common Stock in the three months ended June 30, 2021 resulting from notifications of intent to convert received from certain shareholders.

Date of Notice

Conversion Date

Shares of Series B Preferred Stock Converted

Shares of Common Stock Issued

April 27, 2021

April 28, 2021

1,490

45,653

June 28, 2021

June 29, 2021

7

214

Conversion of Series C Preferred Stock. The table below details the number of shares of Series C Preferred Stock that were converted into shares of Common Stock in the three months ended June 30, 2021 resulting from notifications of intent to convert received from certain shareholders.

Date of Notice

Conversion Date

Shares of Series C Preferred Stock Converted

Shares of Common Stock Issued

April 5, 2021

April 7, 2021

400,000

26,126,714

April 16, 2021

April 19. 2021

37,500

2,449,379

`

On May 7, 2021, the remaining 187,500 shares of Series C Preferred Stock were converted into 12,246,897 shares of Common Stock.

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Income Allocated to Preferred Shareholders (CenterPoint Energy)

			Three Months Ended June 30,												Six Months Ended June 30,
			2021						2020						2021						2020
			(in millions)
Series A Preferred Stock			$	13					$	13					$	25					$	25
Series B Preferred Stock			17						17						34						34
Series C Preferred Stock			—						7						—						7
Preferred dividend requirement			30						37						59						66
Amortization of beneficial conversion feature			—						9						—						9
Total income allocated to preferred shareholders			$	30					$	46					$	59					$	75

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Changes in accumulated comprehensive income (loss) are as follows:

			Three Months Ended June 30,
			2021																		2020
			CenterPoint Energy						Houston Electric						CERC						CenterPoint Energy						Houston Electric						CERC
			(in millions)
Beginning Balance			$	(87)					$	—					$	10					$	(100)					$	(15)					$	10
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications:
Other comprehensive income from unconsolidated affiliates			1						—						—						—						—						—
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
Prior service cost (1)			—						—						—						1						—						—
Actuarial losses (1)			2						—						—						1						—						—
Reclassification of deferred loss from cash flow hedges to regulatory assets (2)			—						—						—						19						19						—
Tax expense			(1)						—						—						(5)						(4)						—
Net current period other comprehensive income			2						—						—						16						15						—
Ending Balance			$	(85)					$	—					$	10					$	(84)					$	—					$	10
			Six Months Ended June 30,
			2021																		2020
			CenterPoint Energy						Houston Electric						CERC						CenterPoint Energy						Houston Electric						CERC
			(in millions)
Beginning Balance			$	(90)					$	—					$	10					$	(98)					$	(15)					$	10
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications:
Other comprehensive income (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates			2						—						—						(3)						—						—
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
Prior service cost (1)			—						—						—						1						—						—
Actuarial losses (1)			4						—						—						3						—						—
Reclassification of deferred loss from cash flow hedges to regulatory assets (2)			—						—						—						19						19						—
Tax expense			(1)						—						—						(6)						(4)						—
Net current period other comprehensive income			5						—						—						14						15						—
Ending Balance			$	(85)					$	—					$	10					$	(84)					$	—					$	10

(1)Amounts are included in the computation of net periodic cost and are reflected in Other income (expense), net in each of the Registrants’ respective Statements of Consolidated Income.

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(2)The cost of debt approved by the PUCT as part of Houston Electric’s Stipulation and Settlement Agreement included unrealized gains and losses on interest rate hedges. Accordingly, deferred gains and losses on interest rate hedges were reclassified to regulatory assets or liabilities, as appropriate.

(20) Subsequent Events (CenterPoint Energy)

CenterPoint Energy Dividend Declarations

Equity Instrument

Declaration Date

Record Date

Payment Date

Per Share

Common Stock

July 21, 2021

August 19, 2021

September 9, 2021

$

0.1600

Series A Preferred Stock

July 21, 2021

August 15, 2021

September 1, 2021

30.6250

Series B Preferred Stock

July 21, 2021

August 15, 2021

September 1, 2021

17.5000

Enable Distributions Declarations (CenterPoint Energy)

Equity Instrument

Declaration Date

Record Date

Payment Date

Per Unit Distribution

Expected Cash Distribution (in millions)

Enable common units

July 30, 2021

August 12, 2021

August 24, 2021

$

0.16525

$

39

Enable Series A Preferred Units

July 30, 2021

July 30, 2021

August 13, 2021

0.54390

8

Board of Directors Actions. On July 22, 2021, CenterPoint Energy announced the decision of the independent directors of the Board to implement a new independent Board leadership and governance structure, and named Martin H. Nesbitt, chair of the Governance Committee, as the new independent chair of the Board, effective immediately. To implement this new governance structure, the independent directors of the Board eliminated the Executive Chairman position, formerly held by Milton Carroll.

On the approval and recommendation of the Compensation Committee and approval of the Board (acting solely through its independent directors), CenterPoint Energy has entered into a separation agreement between CenterPoint Energy and Mr. Carroll, dated July 21, 2021. Under the terms of the separation agreement, Mr. Carroll was required to exit the position of Executive Chairman on July 21, 2021 and from his position as a Board member by September 30, 2021. Under the terms of the separation agreement, Mr. Carroll receives a lump sum cash payment of $28 million and his separation is treated as an “enhanced retirement” for purposes of his outstanding 2019, 2020 and 2021 equity award agreements.

On the approval and recommendation of the Compensation Committee and approval of the Board (acting solely through its independent directors), CenterPoint Energy has entered in a retention incentive agreement with David J. Lesar, President and Chief Executive Officer of CenterPoint Energy, dated July 20, 2021. Under the terms of the retention incentive agreement, Mr. Lesar will receive a total of 1 million shares of Common Stock to be awarded in multiple annual equity awards under CenterPoint Energy’s Long-term Incentive Plan.

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Item 2.MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OF CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

The following combined discussion and analysis should be read in combination with the Interim Condensed Financial Statements contained in this combined Form 10-Q and the Registrants’ combined 2020 Form 10-K. When discussing CenterPoint Energy’s consolidated financial information, it includes the results of Houston Electric and CERC, which, along with CenterPoint Energy, are collectively referred to as the Registrants. Where appropriate, information relating to a specific Registrant has been segregated and labeled as such. In this combined Form 10-Q, the terms “our,” “we” and “us” are used as abbreviated references to CenterPoint Energy, Inc. together with its consolidated subsidiaries. No Registrant makes any representations as to the information related solely to CenterPoint Energy or the subsidiaries of CenterPoint Energy other than itself.

RECENT EVENTS

Sale of Natural Gas Businesses. On April 29, 2021, CenterPoint Energy, through its subsidiary CERC Corp., entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement to sell its Arkansas and Oklahoma Natural Gas businesses for $2.15 billion in cash, including recovery of approximately $425 million of storm-related incremental natural gas costs incurred in the February 2021 Winter Storm Event. For further information, see Note 3 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.

February 2021 Winter Storm Event. In February 2021, portions of the United States experienced an extreme and unprecedented winter weather event that resulted in corresponding electricity generation shortages, including in Texas, and natural gas shortages and increased wholesale prices of natural gas in the United States. Many customers of Houston Electric’s REPs and, to a lesser extent, of CERC were severely impacted by outages in electricity and natural gas delivery during the February 2021 Winter Storm Event. As a result of this weather event, the governors of Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana declared states of either disaster or emergencies in their respective states. Subsequently, President Biden also approved major disaster declarations for all or parts of Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana.

The February 2021 Winter Storm Event resulted in financial impacts to CenterPoint Energy, Houston Electric and CERC, including substantial increases in prices for natural gas, decreased revenues at Houston Electric due to ERCOT-mandated outages, additional interest expense related to external financing to pay for natural gas working capital, significant impacts to the REPs, including the REPs’ ability to pay invoices from Houston Electric, increases in bad debt expense, issues with counterparties and customers, litigation and investigations or inquiries from government or regulatory agencies and entities, and other financial impacts. However, CenterPoint Energy does not anticipate meaningful long-term financial impacts associated with the February 2021 Winter Storm Event, including changes to its credit profile, credit ratings or liquidity, given the regulatory mechanisms that are in place to recover the extraordinary expenses. For more information regarding regulatory impacts, debt transactions and litigation, see Notes 6, 12 and 14 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements and “—Liquidity and Capital Resources —Future Sources and Uses of Cash” and “—Regulatory Matters” below.

Enable Merger Agreement. On February 16, 2021, Enable entered into the Enable Merger Agreement. At the closing of the transactions contemplated by the Enable Merger Agreement, if and when it occurs, Energy Transfer will acquire all of Enable’s outstanding equity interests, including all Enable common units and Enable Series A Preferred Units held by CenterPoint Energy, and in return CenterPoint Energy will receive Energy Transfer common units and Energy Transfer Series G Preferred Units. For more information, see Notes 1 and 9 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.

Debt Transactions. For information about debt transactions to date in 2021, see Note 12 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.

Preferred Stock Conversions. For information regarding preferred stock conversions to date in 2021, see Note 19 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.

Regulatory Proceedings. For information related to our pending and completed regulatory proceedings to date in 2021, see “—Liquidity and Capital Resources —Regulatory Matters” below.

Board of Directors Actions. On July 22, 2021, CenterPoint Energy announced the decision of the independent directors of the Board to implement a new independent Board leadership and governance structure, and named Martin H. Nesbitt, chair of the Governance Committee, as the new independent chair of the Board, effective immediately. To implement this new governance structure, the independent directors of the Board eliminated the Executive Chairman position. For further information, see Note 20 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.

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CENTERPOINT ENERGY CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

For information regarding factors that may affect the future results of our consolidated operations, please read “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of Part I of the Registrants’ combined 2020 Form 10-K.

Income (loss) available to common shareholders for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 was as follows:

						Three Months Ended June 30,																		Six Months Ended June 30,
						2021						2020						Favorable (Unfavorable)						2021						2020						Favorable (Unfavorable)
						(in millions)
Electric						$	125					$	106					$	19					$	200					$	(28)					$	228
Natural Gas						74						30						44						303						231						72
Total Utility Operations						199						136						63						503						203						300
Midstream Investments (1)						54						24						30						125						(1,103)						1,228
Corporate & Other (2)						(32)						(71)						39						(73)						(93)						20
Discontinued Operations						—						(30)						30						—						(176)						176
Total CenterPoint Energy						$	221					$	59					$	162					$	555					$	(1,169)					$	1,724

(1)For a summary of the components of equity in earnings from CenterPoint Energy’s equity investment in Enable, see Note 9 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.

(2)Includes energy performance contracting and sustainable infrastructure services through ESG, unallocated corporate costs, interest income and interest expense, intercompany eliminations and the reduction of income allocated to preferred shareholders.

Three months ended June 30, 2021 compared to three months ended June 30, 2020

Income available to common shareholders increased $162 million primarily due to the following items:

•losses from discontinued operations in 2020;

•the dividend requirement and amortization of beneficial conversion feature associated with Series C Preferred Stock in 2020; and

•favorable income tax impacts in 2021.

Excluding those items, income available to common shareholders increased $70 million primarily due to the following key factors:

•rate relief, net of increases in depreciation and amortization and taxes other than income taxes;

•reduced impact of COVID-19;

•continued customer growth;

•reduced interest expense; and

•increased equity earnings in Enable.

Six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to six months ended June 30, 2020

Income available to common shareholders increased $1,724 million primarily due to the following items:

•the impairment of our investment in Enable in 2020 further discussed in Note 9 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements;

•goodwill impairment at Indiana Electric in 2020;

•losses from discontinued operations in 2020;

•the dividend requirement and amortization of beneficial conversion feature associated with Series C Preferred Stock in 2020; and

•favorable income tax impacts in 2021 partially offset by the CARES Act in 2020.

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Excluding those items, income available to common shareholders increased $143 million primarily due to the following key factors:

•rate relief, net of increases in depreciation and amortization and taxes other than income taxes;

•reduced impact of COVID-19;

•continued customer growth;

•reduced interest expense; and

•increased equity earnings in Enable.

Income Tax Expense. For a discussion of effective tax rate per period, see Note 13 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.

CENTERPOINT ENERGY’S RESULTS OF OPERATIONS BY REPORTABLE SEGMENT

CenterPoint Energy’s CODM views net income as the measure of profit or loss for the reportable segments. Segment results include inter-segment interest income and expense, which may result in inter-segment profit and loss. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation described in the Registrants’ combined 2020 Form 10-K.

The following discussion of results of operations by reportable segment concentrates on CenterPoint Energy’s Utility Operations, conducted through two reportable segments, Electric and Natural Gas. A discussion of CenterPoint Energy’s Midstream Investments reportable segment results is included in the discussion of CenterPoint Energy’s consolidated results above. For additional information regarding the Midstream Investments reportable segment, see Notes 9 and 16 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.

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Electric (CenterPoint Energy)

For information regarding factors that may affect the future results of operations of the Electric reportable segment, please read “Risk Factors — Risk Factors Associated with Our Consolidated Financial Condition,” “— Risk Factors Affecting Electric Generation, Transmission and Distribution Businesses,” “— Risk Factors Affecting Our Businesses” and “— General Risk Factors Affecting Our Businesses and/or CenterPoint Energy’s Interests in Enable Midstream Partners, LP” in Item 1A of Part I of the Registrants’ combined 2020 Form 10-K.

The following table provides summary data of the Electric reportable segment:

			Three Months Ended June 30,																		Six Months Ended June 30,
			2021						2020						Favorable (Unfavorable)						2021						2020						Favorable (Unfavorable)
			(in millions, except operating statistics)
Revenues			$	937					$	848					$	89					$	1,767					$	1,615					$	152
Cost of revenues (1)			44						32						(12)						89						67						(22)
Revenues less Cost of revenues			893						816						77						1,678						1,548						130
Expenses:
Operation and maintenance			434						402						(32)						850						805						(45)
Depreciation and amortization			189						166						(23)						358						320						(38)
Taxes other than income taxes			69						68						(1)						136						136						—
Goodwill impairment			—						—						—						—						185						185
Total expenses			692						636						(56)						1,344						1,446						102
Operating Income			201						180						21						334						102						232
Other Income (Expense)
Interest expense and other finance charges			(58)						(55)						(3)						(114)						(110)						(4)
Other income, net			5						2						3						12						9						3
Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes			148						127						21						232						1						231
Income tax expense			23						21						(2)						32						29						(3)
Net Income (Loss)			$	125					$	106					$	19					$	200					$	(28)					$	228
Throughput (in GWh):
Residential			8,323						8,759						(5)		%				14,393						14,438						—		%
Total			26,886						24,228						11		%				48,127						45,471						6		%
Weather (percentage of 10-year average for service area):
Cooling degree days			103		%				102		%				1		%				104		%				112		%				(8)		%
Heating degree days			138		%				113		%				25		%				105		%				73		%				32		%
Number of metered customers at end of period:
Residential			2,464,358						2,404,767						2		%				2,464,358						2,404,767						2		%
Total			2,783,920						2,716,522						2		%				2,783,920						2,716,522						2		%

(1)Includes Utility natural gas, fuel and purchased power.

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The following table provides variance explanations by major income statement caption for the Electric reportable segment:

						Favorable (Unfavorable)
						Three Months Ended June 30, 2021 vs 2020						Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 vs 2020
						(in millions)
Revenues less Cost of revenues
Transmission Revenues, including TCOS and TCRF and impact of the change in rate design, inclusive of costs billed by transmission providers, partially offset in operation and maintenance						$	59					$	195
Customer growth						8						16
Bond Companies, offset in other line items						13						19
Weather, efficiency improvements and other usage impacts, excluding impacts of COVID-19						(17)						(14)
Impacts from increased peak demand in 2020, collected in rates in 2021						4						6
Bond Companies equity return, related to the annual true-up of transition charges for amounts over or under collected in prior periods						3						4
Energy efficiency and pass-through offset in operation and maintenance						2						3
Miscellaneous revenues, primarily related right-of-way revenue and service connections						2						(1)
Refund of protected and unprotected EDIT, offset in income tax expense						(2)						(12)
Impacts on usage of COVID-19						17						5
Customer rates and impact of the change in rate design						(12)						(91)
Total						$	77					$	130
Operation and maintenance
Support services						$	(2)					$	5
Contract services						(6)						(1)
Labor and benefits						(2)						(1)
Energy efficiency and pass-through offset in revenues						(2)						(3)
Bond Companies, offset in other line items						1						—
All other operation and maintenance expense, including materials and supplies and insurance						3						—
Transmission costs billed by transmission providers, offset in revenues less cost of revenues						(24)						(45)
Total						$	(32)					$	(45)
Depreciation and amortization
Bond Companies, offset in other line items						$	(16)					$	(22)
Ongoing additions to plant-in-service						(7)						(16)
Total						$	(23)					$	(38)
Taxes other than income taxes
Franchise fees and other taxes						$	—					$	2
Incremental capital projects placed in service						(1)						(2)
Total						$	(1)					$	—
Goodwill Impairment
Indiana Electric goodwill impairment charge in 2020						$	—					$	185
Total						$	—					$	185
Interest expense and other finance charges
Bond Companies, offset in other line items						$	2					$	4
Debt to fund incremental capital projects						(5)						(8)
Total						$	(3)					$	(4)
Other income (expense), net
Reduction to non-service benefit cost						$	3					$	5
Investments in CenterPoint Energy Money Pool interest income						—						(1)
Bond Companies interest income, offset in other line items						—						(1)
Total						$	3					$	3

Income Tax Expense. For a discussion of effective tax rate per period by Registrant, see Note 13 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.

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Natural Gas (CenterPoint Energy)

For information regarding factors that may affect the future results of operations of CenterPoint Energy’s Natural Gas reportable segment, please read “Risk Factors — Risk Factors Associated with Our Consolidated Financial Condition,” “— Risk Factors Affecting Natural Gas' Business,” “— Risk Factors Affecting Our Businesses” and “— General Risk Factors Affecting Our Businesses and/or CenterPoint Energy’s Interests in Enable Midstream Partners, LP” in Item 1A of Part I of the Registrants’ combined 2020 Form 10-K.

The following table provides summary data of CenterPoint Energy’s Natural Gas reportable segment:

			Three Months Ended June 30,																		Six Months Ended June 30,
			2021						2020						Favorable (Unfavorable)						2021						2020						Favorable (Unfavorable)
			(in millions, except operating statistics)
Revenues			$	740					$	644					$	96					$	2,403					$	1,965					$	438
Cost of revenues (1)			223						177						(46)						1,116						757						(359)
Revenues less Cost of revenues			517						467						50						1,287						1,208						79
Expenses:
Operation and maintenance			246						232						(14)						502						504						2
Depreciation and amortization			123						113						(10)						245						224						(21)
Taxes other than income taxes			57						56						(1)						131						123						(8)
Total expenses			426						401						(25)						878						851						(27)
Operating Income			91						66						25						409						357						52
Other Income (Expense)
Interest expense and other finance charges			(34)						(38)						4						(67)						(79)						12
Other income (expense), net			2						—						2						2						(2)						4
Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes			59						28						31						344						276						68
Income tax expense (benefit)			(15)						(2)						13						41						45						4
Net Income			$	74					$	30					$	44					$	303					$	231					$	72
Throughput (in Bcf):
Residential			30						32						(6)		%				158						139						14		%
Commercial and Industrial			88						87						1		%				233						233						—		%
Total			118						119						(1)		%				391						372						5		%
Weather (percentage of 10-year average for service area):
Heating degree days			104		%				117		%				(13)		%				100		%				89		%				11		%
Number of metered customers at end of period:
Residential			4,334,297						4,282,921						1		%				4,334,297						4,282,921						1		%
Commercial and Industrial			341,963						348,661						(2)		%				341,963						348,661						(2)		%
Total			4,676,260						4,631,582						1		%				4,676,260						4,631,582						1		%

(1)Includes Utility natural gas, fuel and purchased power and Non-utility cost of revenues, including natural gas.

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The following table provides variance explanations by major income statement caption for the Natural Gas reportable segment:

						Favorable (Unfavorable)
						Three Months Ended June 30, 2021 vs 2020						Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 vs 2020
						(in millions)
Revenues less Cost of revenues
Non-volumetric and miscellaneous revenue, excluding impacts from COVID-19						$	28					$	25
Weather and usage, excluding impacts from COVID-19						4						25
Customer rates and impact of the change in rate design, exclusive of the TCJA impact						12						13
Gross receipts tax, offset in taxes other than income taxes						3						8
Customer growth						3						10
Energy efficiency, offset in operation and maintenance						(2)						1
Refund of protected and unprotected EDIT, offset in income tax expense						(4)						(6)
Impacts of COVID-19, including usage and other miscellaneous charges						6						3
Total						$	50					$	79
Operation and maintenance
Merger related expenses, primarily severance and technology						$	—					$	2
Contract services						1						3
Energy efficiency, offset in revenues less cost of revenues						2						(1)
Labor and benefits						(7)						(7)
Support services and miscellaneous operations and maintenance expenses						(10)						5
Total						$	(14)					$	2
Depreciation and amortization
Incremental capital projects placed in service						$	(10)					$	(21)
Total						$	(10)					$	(21)
Taxes other than income taxes
Incremental capital projects placed in service						$	2					$	—
Gross receipts tax, offset in revenues less cost of revenues						(3)						(8)
Total						$	(1)					$	(8)
Interest expense and other finance charges
Reduced interest rates on outstanding borrowings, partially offset by incremental borrowings for capital expenditures						$	4					$	12
Total						$	4					$	12
Other income (expense), net
Reduction to non-service benefit cost						$	—					$	1
Money pool investments with CenterPoint Energy interest income						2						3
Total						$	2					$	4

Income Tax Expense. For a discussion of effective tax rate per period by Registrant, see Note 13 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.

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HOUSTON ELECTRIC’S MANAGEMENT’S NARRATIVE ANALYSIS

OF CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Houston Electric’s CODM views net income as the measure of profit or loss for its reportable segment. Houston Electric consists of a single reportable segment. Houston Electric’s results of operations are affected by seasonal fluctuations in the demand for electricity. Houston Electric’s results of operations are also affected by, among other things, the actions of various governmental authorities having jurisdiction over rates Houston Electric charges, debt service costs, income tax expense, Houston Electric’s ability to collect receivables from REPs and Houston Electric’s ability to recover its regulatory assets. For more information regarding factors that may affect the future results of operations of Houston Electric’s business, please read “Risk Factors — Risk Factors Associated with Our Consolidated Financial Condition,” “— Risk Factors Affecting Electric Generation, Transmission and Distribution Businesses,” “— Risk Factors Affecting Our Businesses” and “— General Risk Factors Affecting Our Businesses and/or CenterPoint Energy’s Interests in Enable Midstream Partners, LP” in Item 1A of Part I of the Registrants’ combined 2020 Form 10-K.

			Three Months Ended June 30,																		Six Months Ended June 30,
			2021						2020						Favorable (Unfavorable)						2021						2020						Favorable (Unfavorable)
			(in millions, except operating statistics)
Revenues:
TDU			$	725					$	672					$	53					$	1,365					$	1,268					$	97
Bond Companies			61						48						13						105						86						19
Total revenues			786						720						66						1,470						1,354						116
Expenses:
Operation and maintenance, excluding Bond Companies			389						362						(27)						760						720						(40)
Depreciation and amortization, excluding Bond Companies			107						101						(6)						212						200						(12)
Taxes other than income taxes			65						64						(1)						128						128						—
Bond Companies			55						41						(14)						93						72						(21)
Total expenses			616						568						(48)						1,193						1,120						(73)
Operating Income			170						152						18						277						234						43
Other Income (Expense)
Interest expense and other finance charges			(47)						(43)						(4)						(92)						(84)						(8)
Interest expense on Securitization Bonds			(5)						(7)						2						(11)						(15)						4
Other income, net			3						1						2						8						6						2
Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes			121						103						18						182						141						41
Income tax expense			18						16						(2)						26						21						(5)
Net Income			$	103					$	87					$	16					$	156					$	120					$	36
Throughput (in GWh):
Residential			8,024						8,440						(5)		%				13,725						13,791						—		%
Total			25,396						23,160						10		%				45,135						43,262						4		%
Weather (percentage of 10-year average for service area):
Cooling degree days			103		%				103		%				—		%				104		%				113		%				(9)		%
Heating degree days			142		%				74		%				68		%				105		%				68		%				37		%
Number of metered customers at end of period:
Residential			2,333,786						2,275,006						3		%				2,333,786						2,275,006						3		%
Total			2,634,108						2,567,699						3		%				2,634,108						2,567,699						3		%

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The following table provides variance explanations by major income statement caption for Houston Electric:

						Favorable (Unfavorable)
						Three Months Ended June 30, 2021 vs 2020						Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 vs 2020
						(in millions)
Revenues
Transmission Revenues, including TCOS and TCRF and impact of the change in rate design, inclusive of costs billed by transmission providers						$	59					$	195
Customer growth						8						16
Weather impacts and other usage						(22)						(16)
Bond Companies, offset in other line items						13						19
Impacts from increased peak demand in 2020, collected in rates in 2021						4						6
Equity return, related to the annual true-up of transition charges for amounts over or under collected in prior periods						3						4
Energy efficiency, offset in operation and maintenance						1						2
Miscellaneous revenues, primarily related to right-of-way revenues, and service connections						2						(3)
Refund of protected and unprotected EDIT, offset in income tax expense						(2)						(12)
Impacts on usage of COVID-19						17						5
Customer rates and impact of the change in rate design						(17)						(100)
Total						$	66					$	116
Operation and maintenance, excluding Bond Companies
Support services						$	(1)					$	5
Contract services						(1)						1
Labor and benefits						(2)						(1)
Energy efficiency, offset in revenues						(1)						(2)
Transmission costs billed by transmission providers, offset in revenues						(24)						(45)
All Other						2						2
Total						$	(27)					$	(40)
Depreciation and amortization, excluding Bond Companies
Ongoing additions to plant-in-service						$	(6)					$	(12)
Total						$	(6)					$	(12)
Taxes other than income taxes
Franchise fees and other taxes						$	—					$	2
Incremental capital projects placed in service						(1)						(2)
Total						$	(1)					$	—
Bond Companies expense
Operations and maintenance and depreciation expense, offset in other line items						$	(14)					$	(21)
						$	(14)					$	(21)
Interest expense and other finance charges
Debt to fund incremental capital projects						$	(4)					$	(8)
Total						$	(4)					$	(8)
Interest expense on Securitization Bonds
Lower outstanding principal balance, offset in other line items						$	2					$	4
Total						$	2					$	4
Other income (expense), net
Reduction to non-service benefit cost						$	2					$	4
Investments in CenterPoint Energy Money Pool interest income						—						(1)
Bond Companies interest income, offset in other line items						—						(1)
Total						$	2					$	2

Income Tax Expense. For a discussion of effective tax rate per period, see Note 13 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.

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CERC’S MANAGEMENT’S NARRATIVE ANALYSIS OF CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

CERC’s CODM views net income as the measure of profit or loss for its reportable segment. CERC’s results of operations are affected by seasonal fluctuations in the demand for natural gas. CERC’s results of operations are also affected by, among other things, the actions of various federal, state and local governmental authorities having jurisdiction over rates CERC charges, debt service costs and income tax expense, CERC’s ability to collect receivables from customers and CERC’s ability to recover its regulatory assets. For more information regarding factors that may affect the future results of operations for CERC’s business, please read “Risk Factors — Risk Factors Associated with Our Consolidated Financial Condition,” “— Risk Factors Affecting Natural Gas’ Business,” “— Risk Factors Affecting Our Businesses” and “— General Risk Factors Affecting Our Businesses and/or CenterPoint Energy’s Interests in Enable Midstream Partners, LP” in Item 1A of Part I of the Registrants’ combined 2020 Form 10-K.

			Three Months Ended June 30,																		Six Months Ended June 30,
			2021						2020						Favorable (Unfavorable)						2021						2020						Favorable (Unfavorable)
			(in millions, except operating statistics)
Revenues			$	574					$	483					$	91					$	1,751					$	1,494					$	257
Cost of revenues (1)			192						144						(48)						817						622						(195)
Revenues less Cost of revenues			382						339						43						934						872						62
Expenses:
Operation and maintenance			194						179						(15)						392						388						(4)
Depreciation and amortization			80						74						(6)						160						148						(12)
Taxes other than income taxes			44						44						—						100						94						(6)
Total expenses			318						297						(21)						652						630						(22)
Operating Income			64						42						22						282						242						40
Other Income (Expense)
Interest expense and other finance charges			(25)						(29)						4						(49)						(59)						10
Other income (expense), net			1						—						1						—						(4)						4
Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes			40						13						27						233						179						54
Income tax expense (benefit)			(18)						(4)						14						24						31						7
Income From Continuing Operations			58						17						41						209						148						61
Loss from Discontinued Operations (net of tax expense (benefit) of $8 and ($3), respectively)			—						(4)						4						—						(68)						68
Net Income			$	58					$	13					$	45					$	209					$	80					$	129
Throughput (in Bcf):
Residential			21						22						(5)		%				114						96						19		%
Commercial and Industrial			54						51						6		%				141						141						—		%
Total			75						73						3		%				255						237						8		%
Weather (percentage of 10-year average for service area):
Heating degree days			102		%				86		%				16		%				102		%				89		%				13		%
Number of metered customers at end of period:
Residential			3,360,374						3,315,379						1		%				3,360,374						3,315,379						1		%
Commercial and Industrial			254,908						260,222						(2)		%				254,908						260,222						(2)		%
Total			3,615,282						3,575,601						1		%				3,615,282						3,575,601						1		%

(1)Includes Utility natural gas and Non-utility cost of revenues, including natural gas.

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The following table provides variance explanations by major income statement caption for CERC:

						Favorable (Unfavorable)
						Three Months Ended June 30, 2021 vs 2020						Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 vs 2020
						(in millions)
Revenues less Cost of revenues
Non-volumetric and miscellaneous revenue, excluding impacts from COVID-19						$	23					$	22
Weather and usage, excluding impacts from COVID-19						9						26
Customer rates and impact of the change in rate design, exclusive of the TCJA impact						6						—
Gross receipts tax, offset in taxes other than income taxes						3						8
Customer growth						2						7
Energy efficiency, offset in operation and maintenance						—						4
Refund of protected and unprotected EDIT, offset in income tax expense						(4)						(6)
Impacts of COVID-19						4						1
Total						$	43					$	62
Operation and maintenance
Merger related expenses, primarily severance and technology						$	2					$	4
Contract services						2						4
Energy efficiency, offset in revenues less cost of revenues						—						(4)
Labor and benefits						(6)						(5)
Support services and miscellaneous operations and maintenance expenses						(13)						(3)
Total						$	(15)					$	(4)
Depreciation and amortization
Incremental capital projects placed in service						$	(6)					$	(12)
Total						$	(6)					$	(12)
Taxes other than income taxes
Incremental capital projects placed in service						$	3					$	2
Gross receipts tax, offset in revenues less cost of revenues						(3)						(8)
Total						$	—					$	(6)
Interest expense and other finance charges
Reduced interest rates on outstanding borrowings, partially offset by incremental borrowings for capital expenditures						$	4					$	10
Total						$	4					$	10
Other income (expense), net
Reduction to non-service benefit cost						$	(1)					$	1
Money pool investments with CenterPoint Energy interest income						2						3
Total						$	1					$	4

Income Tax Expense. For a discussion of effective tax rate per period, see Note 13 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.

CERTAIN FACTORS AFFECTING FUTURE EARNINGS

For information on other developments, factors and trends that may have an impact on the Registrants’ future earnings, please read “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Certain Factors Affecting Future Earnings” in Item 7 of Part II and “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of Part I of the Registrants’ combined 2020 Form 10-K and “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information” in this combined Form 10-Q.

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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Historical Cash Flows

The following table summarizes the net cash provided by (used in) operating, investing and financing activities during the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020:

			Six Months Ended June 30,
			2021																		2020
			CenterPoint Energy						Houston Electric						CERC						CenterPoint Energy						Houston Electric						CERC
			(in millions)
Cash provided by (used in):
Operating activities			$	(1,076)					$	254					$	(1,563)					$	1,181					$	278					$	587
Investing activities			(1,376)						(837)						(315)						(143)						(107)						(97)
Financing activities			2,442						566						1,878						(1,115)						(236)						(491)

Operating Activities. The following items contributed to increased (decreased) net cash provided by operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2020:

			CenterPoint Energy						Houston  Electric						CERC
			(in millions)
Changes in net income after adjusting for non-cash items			$	1,919					$	76					$	46
Changes in working capital			(223)						25						(144)
Increase in regulatory assets (1)			(2,264)						(129)						(2,006)
Change in equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates			(1,607)						—						—
Change in distributions from unconsolidated affiliates (2)			(32)						—						—
Higher pension contribution			(3)						—						—
Other			(47)						4						(46)
			$	(2,257)					$	(24)					$	(2,150)

(1)The increase in regulatory assets is primarily due to the incurred natural gas costs associated with the February 2021 Winter Storm Event. See Note 6 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements for more information on the February 2021 Winter Storm Event.

(2)This change is partially offset by the change in distributions from Enable in excess of cumulative earnings in investing activities noted in the table below.

Investing Activities. The following items contributed to (increased) decreased net cash used in investing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2020:

			CenterPoint Energy						Houston  Electric						CERC
			(in millions)
Capital expenditures			$	(105)					$	(187)					$	49
Net change in notes receivable from affiliated companies			—						(545)						9
Change in distributions from Enable in excess of cumulative earnings			(7)						—						—
Proceeds from divestitures			(1,136)						—						(286)
Other			15						2						10
			$	(1,233)					$	(730)					$	(218)

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Financing Activities. The following items contributed to (increased) decreased net cash used in financing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2020:

			CenterPoint Energy						Houston  Electric						CERC
			(in millions)
Net changes in commercial paper outstanding			$	1,723					$	—					$	362
Increased proceeds from issuances of preferred stock			(724)						—						—
Increased proceeds from issuances of common stock			(673)						—						—
Net changes in long-term debt outstanding, excluding commercial paper			3,266						419						1,699
Net changes in debt issuance costs			(34)						(9)						(10)
Net changes in short-term borrowings			(46)						(5)						(41)
Decreased payment of Common Stock dividends			44						—						—
Increased payment of preferred stock dividends			1						—						—
Net change in notes payable from affiliated companies			—						(8)						—
Dividend to parent			—						405						72
Capital contribution to parent associated with the sale of CES			—						—						286
Other			—						—						1
			$	3,557					$	802					$	2,369

Future Sources and Uses of Cash

The liquidity and capital requirements of the Registrants are affected primarily by results of operations, capital expenditures, debt service requirements, tax payments, working capital needs and various regulatory actions. Capital expenditures are expected to be used for investment in infrastructure. These capital expenditures are anticipated to maintain reliability and safety, increase resiliency and expand our systems through value-added projects. In addition to dividend payments on CenterPoint Energy’s Series A Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock and Common Stock, interest payments on debt, cash payment to OGE associated with the Enable Merger Agreement further discussed in Note 9 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements, and cash payment to Milton Carroll under the terms of his separation agreement further discussed in Note 20 of the Interim Condensed Financial Statements, the Registrants’ principal anticipated cash requirements for the remaining six months of 2021 include the following:

						CenterPoint Energy						Houston Electric						CERC
						(in millions)
Estimated capital expenditures						$	1,897					$	894					$	632
Scheduled principal payments on Securitization Bonds						103						103						—
Minimum contributions to pension plans and other post-retirement plans						58						1						1

February 2021 Winter Storm Event. In February 2021, portions of the United States experienced an extreme and unprecedented winter weather event that resulted in corresponding electricity generation shortages, including in Texas, and natural gas shortages and increased wholesale prices of natural gas in the United States. As a result of this weather event, the governors of Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana declared states of either disaster or emergencies in their respective states. Subsequently, President Biden also approved major disaster declarations for all or parts of Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana.

As a result of the February 2021 Winter Storm Event, from February 12, 2021 to February 22, 2021, management estimates CenterPoint Energy spent approximately an incremental $2.1 billion more on natural gas supplies (inclusive of an incremental $2.0 billion more spent by CERC on natural gas supplies). These amounts are estimates as of June 30, 2021 and remain subject to final settlement. While CenterPoint Energy and CERC will seek to recover the increased costs from its customers (although timing of recovery is uncertain), in the interim, CERC has issued additional external debt financing and used internally generated cash from operations to pay for such natural gas working capital. For further details, see Note 12 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements. The proceeds from the debt financing, along with existing sources of liquidity, provided CERC with sufficient capital to address the settlement of natural gas purchases, including the associated upstream supply charges, at the end of March 2021. Any additional external debt financing and/or partial or delayed recovery may negatively impact CenterPoint Energy’s or CERC’s credit metrics, and may lead to a downgrade of CenterPoint Energy’s or CERC’s credit rating.

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Although CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s extraordinary costs from the increase in natural gas prices are subject to available natural gas recovery mechanisms in their jurisdictions (although timing of recovery is uncertain), until such amounts are ultimately recovered from customers, CenterPoint Energy and CERC will continue to incur increased finance-related costs, resulting in a significant use of cash. See “— Regulatory Matters — February 2021 Winter Storm Event” below.

The Registrants expect that anticipated cash needs for the remaining six months of 2021 will be met with borrowings under their credit facilities, proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt, term loans or common stock, anticipated cash flows from operations, with respect to CenterPoint Energy and CERC, proceeds from commercial paper, with respect to CenterPoint Energy, distributions from Enable until the closing of the Enable Merger which is expected in 2021, including any proceeds therefrom, distributions from Energy Transfer or proceeds from dispositions of Energy Transfer common units or Energy Transfer Series G Preferred Units after the expected closing of the Enable Merger, and, with respect to CERC, proceeds from any potential asset sales, including the announced sale of our Natural Gas businesses in Arkansas and Oklahoma, which is expected to close by the end of 2021, subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions. Discretionary financing or refinancing may result in the issuance of equity securities of CenterPoint Energy or debt securities of the Registrants in the capital markets or the arrangement of additional credit facilities or term bank loans. Issuances of equity or debt in the capital markets, funds raised in the commercial paper markets and additional credit facilities may not, however, be available on acceptable terms. For further information about the Enable Merger and the announced sale of our Arkansas and Oklahoma Natural Gas businesses, see Notes 9 and 20, respectively, to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Other than Houston Electric’s general mortgage bonds issued as collateral for tax-exempt long-term debt of CenterPoint Energy as discussed in Note 12, guarantees as discussed in Note 14(b) to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements, we have no off-balance sheet arrangements.

Regulatory Matters

COVID-19 Regulatory Matters

For information about COVID-19 regulatory matters, see Note 6 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.

February 2021 Winter Storm Event

For information about the February 2021 Winter Storm Event, see Note 6 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.

The table below presents the estimated incremental natural gas costs included in regulatory assets as of June 30, 2021 by state as a result of the February 2021 Winter Storm Event and CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s requested recovery status as of July 2021:

State

Recovery Status

Legislative Activity

Estimated Incremental Gas Cost (in millions)

Arkansas

Filed application on April 16, 2021 to recover over a five-year period beginning May 1, 2021. On April 28, 2021, APSC approved CERC to begin recovery effective May 2021 at a customer deposit interest rate of 0.8% over a five year period, subject to a true-up after APSC determines appropriate allocation, length of recovery, and carrying charge. A hearing is scheduled in September 2021.

A securitization bill has been signed by the Arkansas governor that allows for an alternate recovery period longer than the proposed recovery mechanism.

$

339

Louisiana

Filed application on April 16, 2021 for North Louisiana to recover over a three-year period beginning May 1, 2021. LPSC approved on April 22, 2021.

None.

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State

Recovery Status

Legislative Activity

Estimated Incremental Gas Cost (in millions)

Minnesota

Filed application on March 15, 2021 requesting to recover over a two-year period beginning May 1, 2021. Modified request and worked with other utilities to propose common definition of extraordinary gas costs to be recovered over a 27-month period starting September 1, 2021 using volumetric, seasonally adjusted, and stepped surcharge rates.

None.

409

Mississippi

Recovery expected to begin September 2021 through normal gas cost recovery.

None.

2

Oklahoma

Filed application on February 25, 2021 to defer incremental gas costs and OCC approved on July 1, 2021. Securitization application was filed on May 17, 2021.

A securitization bill has passed in the Oklahoma legislature.

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Texas

Cost currently deferred to a regulatory asset. Securitization application was filed on July 30, 2021.

A securitization bill has been signed by the Texas governor which authorizes the Railroad Commission to use securitization financing and issuance of customer rate relief bonds for recovery of extraordinary gas costs.

1,082

Total CERC

$

1,985

Indiana North

Recovery expected to begin September 2021 through normal gas recovery. On July 1, 2021, proposed to recover 50% of the February 2021 variance evenly over the 12‐month period September 2021 to August 2022, with the remainder of the variance recovered through a volumetric per‐therm allocation over the same 12-month period.

None.

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Indiana South

IURC issued order July 28, 2021. Recovery to begin August 2021 through normal gas recovery. On June 2, 2021, proposed to recover 50% of the February 2021 variance evenly over the 12‐month period August 2021 to July 2022, with the remainder of the variance recovered through a volumetric per‐therm allocation over the same 12-month period.

None.

18

Total CenterPoint Energy

$

2,099

Indiana Electric CPCN (CenterPoint Energy)

On February 9, 2021, Indiana Electric entered into a BTA with a subsidiary of Capital Dynamics. Under the agreement, Capital Dynamics, with its partner Tenaska, will build a 300 MW solar array in Posey County, Indiana through a special purpose entity Posey Solar. Upon completion of construction, which is projected to be at the end of 2023, and subject to approval by the IURC, Indiana Electric will acquire Posey Solar and its solar array assets for a fixed purchase price. On February 23, 2021, Indiana Electric filed a CPCN with the IURC seeking approval to purchase the project. Indiana Electric is also seeking approval for a 100 MW solar PPA in Warrick County, Indiana. The request accounts for increased cost of debt related to this PPA, which provides equivalent equity return to offset imputed debt during the 25 year life of the PPA. A hearing was conducted on June 21, 2021 and a decision on the CPCN is expected by the fourth quarter of 2021.

On June 17, 2021 Indiana Electric filed a CPCN with the IURC seeking approval to construct two natural gas combustion turbines to replace portions of its existing coal-fired generation fleet. Indiana Electric has also requested depreciation expense and post in-service carrying costs to be deferred in a regulatory asset until the date Indiana South’s base rates include a return on and recovery of depreciation expense on the facility. The estimated $323 million turbine facility would be constructed at the current site of the A.B. Brown power plant in Posey County, Indiana and would provide a combined output of 460 MW. Construction of the turbines will begin following receipt of approval by the IURC, which is anticipated in the second half of

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2022. The turbines are targeted to be operational in 2024. Subject to IURC approval, recovery of the proposed natural gas combustion turbines and regulatory asset will be requested in the next Indiana Electric rate case expected in 2023.

Indiana Electric Securitization of Planned Generation Retirements (CenterPoint Energy)

The State of Indiana has enacted legislation, Senate Bill 386, that would enable CenterPoint Energy to request approval from the IURC to securitize the remaining book value and removal costs associated with generating facilities to be retired in the next twenty-four months. The Governor of Indiana signed the legislation on April 19, 2021. CenterPoint Energy intends to seek securitization in the future associated with planned coal generation retirements.

Indiana South Base Rate Case (CenterPoint Energy)

On October 30, 2020, and as subsequently amended, Indiana South filed its base rate case with the IURC seeking approval for a revenue increase of approximately $29 million. This rate case filing is required under Indiana TDSIC statutory requirements before the completion of Indiana South’s capital expenditure program, approved in 2014 for investments starting in 2014 through 2020. The revenue increase is based upon a requested ROE of 10.15% and an overall after-tax rate of return of 5.99% on total rate base of approximately $469 million. Indiana South has utilized a projected test year, reflecting its 2021 budget as the basis for the revenue increase requested and proposes to implement rates in two phases. The first phase of rate implementation will occur as of the date of an order in this proceeding, expected in September 2021, and the second phase of rate implementation will occur at the completion of the test year, as of December 31, 2021. On April 23, 2021, a Stipulation and Settlement Agreement was filed resolving all issues in the case. The settlement recommended a revenue increase of $21 million based on a 9.7% ROE and an overall after-tax rate of return of 5.78% on total rate base of approximately $469 million. A settlement hearing was held on June 24, 2021. Under Indiana statutory requirements, the IURC has a minimum of 300 days and maximum of 360 days from the date of the filing of Indiana South’s case-in-chief to issue an order.

Indiana North Base Rate Case (CenterPoint Energy)

On December 18, 2020, Indiana North filed its base rate case with the IURC seeking approval for a revenue increase of approximately $21 million. This rate case filing is required under Indiana TDSIC statutory requirements before the completion of Indiana North’s capital expenditure program, approved in 2014 for investments starting in 2014 through 2020. The revenue increase is based upon a requested ROE of 10.15% and an overall after-tax rate of return of 6.32% on total rate base of approximately $1,611 million. Indiana North has utilized a projected test year, reflecting its 2021 budget as the basis for the revenue increase requested and proposes to implement rates in two phases. The first phase of rate implementation will occur as of the date of an order in this proceeding, expected in October 2021, and the second phase of rate implementation will occur at the completion of the test year, as of December 31, 2021. On June 25, 2021, a Stipulation and Settlement Agreement was filed resolving all issues in the case. The settlement recommended a revenue decrease of $6 million based on a 9.8% ROE and an overall after-tax rate of return of 6.16% on total rate base of approximately $1,611 million. A settlement hearing is scheduled for August 6, 2021. Under Indiana statutory requirements, the IURC has a minimum of 300 days and maximum of 360 days from the date of the filing of Indiana North’s case-in-chief to issue an order.

Space City Solar Transmission Interconnection Project (CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric)

On December 17, 2020, Houston Electric filed a CCN application with the PUCT for approval to build a 345 kV transmission line in Wharton County, Texas connecting the Hillje substation on Houston Electric’s transmission system to the planned 610 MW Space City Solar Generation facility being developed by third-party developer EDF Renewables. Depending on the route ultimately approved by the PUCT, the estimated capital cost of the transmission line project ranges from approximately $23 million to $71 million. The actual capital costs of the project will depend on actual land acquisition costs, construction costs, and other factors in addition to route selection. In January 2021, Houston Electric executed a Standard Generation Interconnection Agreement for the Space City Solar Generation facility with EDF Renewables, which also provided security for the transmission line project in the form of a $23 million letter of credit, the amount of which is subject to change depending on the route approved. A hearing at the PUCT was held on June 28, 2021. The PUCT is required to issue its final decision on the transmission line project no later than December 2021. Subject to PUCT approval, Houston Electric expects to complete construction and energization of the transmission line by June 2022.

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Texas Legislation (CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric)

In addition to the legislative activity discussed above, the Texas legislature enacted the following in 2021:

•Senate Bill 3 establishes weatherization and other power grid requirements including the design and operation of a load management program for nonresidential customers during an energy emergency activation level 2 or higher event and the ability to recover the reasonable and necessary costs of the program.

•Senate Bill 415 allows a TDU to seek prior PUCT approval to contract with a power generation company for a PUCT assigned proportional share of electric energy storage system at the distribution level and recover certain costs and a reasonable return on contract payments if contract terms satisfy relevant accounting standards for a capital lease or finance lease.

•House Bill 2483 allows a TDU to procure, own and operate, or jointly own with another TDU, transmission and distribution facilities with a lead time of at least six months that would aid in restoring power to the utility's distribution customers following a widespread outage, excluding storage equipment or facilities. Reasonable and necessary costs can be recovered using the rate of return on investment from the most recent base rate proceeding. Recovery of incremental operation and maintenance expenses and any return not recovered in a rate proceeding can be deferred until a future ratemaking proceeding. Additionally, a TDU may lease and operate facilities that provide temporary emergency electric energy to aid in restoring power to the utility’s distribution customers during a widespread power outage. Leasing and operating costs can be recovered using the utility’s rate of return from the most recent base rate proceeding and incremental operation and maintenance expenses can be deferred. The lease must be treated as a capital lease or finance lease for ratemaking purposes.

•Senate Bill 1281 removes the requirement for an electric utility to amend its CCN to construct a transmission line that connects existing transmission facilities to a substation or metering point if certain conditions are met and adds a customer benefit test into consideration. The bill also requires ERCOT to conduct biennial assessments of grid reliability in extreme weather scenarios.

Minnesota Base Rate Case (CenterPoint Energy and CERC)

On October 28, 2019, CERC filed a general rate case with the MPUC seeking approval for a revenue increase of approximately $62 million with a projected test year ended December 31, 2020. The revenue increase is based upon a requested ROE of 10.15% and an overall after-tax rate of return of 7.41% on a total rate base of approximately $1,307 million. CERC implemented interim rates reflecting $53 million for natural gas used on and after January 1, 2020. In September 2020, a settlement that addressed all issues except the Inclusive Financing/TOB Financing proposal by the City of Minneapolis was signed by a majority of all parties and was filed with the Office of Administrative Hearings. A stipulation between the City of Minneapolis and CERC addressing the TOB proposal was filed on September 2, 2020. The settlement reflects a $39 million increase and was based on an overall after-tax rate of return of 6.86% and does not specify individual cost of capital components. On March 1, 2021, the MPUC issued a written final order approving the $39 million increase and rejected the TOB stipulation. The order also required CERC and the City of Minneapolis to submit a future filing to allow for further development of a potential TOB pilot program and additional or expanded low-income conservation improvement programs. A compliance filing was submitted on March 12, 2021 proposing a final rate implementation on June 1, 2021 and the interim refund occurring in June 2021, contingent on final MPUC approval. Pursuant to MPUC approval, final rates were implemented on June 1, 2021 and the interim rate refunds were applied to customer accounts starting on June 12, 2021.

Minnesota Legislation (CenterPoint Energy and CERC)

The Natural Gas Innovation Act was passed by the Minnesota legislature in June 2021 with bipartisan support. This law establishes a regulatory framework to enable the state’s investor-owned natural gas utilities to provide customers with access to renewable energy resources and innovative technologies, with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and advancing the state’s clean energy future. Specifically, the Natural Gas Innovation Act allows a natural gas utility to submit an innovation plan for approval by the MPUC which could propose the use of renewable energy resources and innovative technologies such as:

•renewable natural gas (produces energy from organic materials such as wastewater, agricultural manure, food waste, agricultural or forest waste);

•renewable hydrogen gas (produces energy from water through electrolysis with renewable electricity such as solar);

•energy efficiency measures (avoids energy consumption in excess of the utility’s existing conservation programs); and

•innovative technologies (reduces or avoids greenhouse gas emissions using technologies such as carbon capture).

CERC expects to submit its first innovation plan to the MPUC in 2022. The maximum allowable cost for an innovation plan will start at 1.75% of the utility's revenue in the state and could increase to 4% by 2033, subject to review and approval by the MPUC.

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Rate Change Applications

The Registrants are routinely involved in rate change applications before state regulatory authorities. Those applications include general rate cases, where the entire cost of service of the utility is assessed and reset. In addition, Houston Electric is periodically involved in proceedings to adjust its capital tracking mechanisms (TCOS and DCRF) and annually files to adjust its EECRF. CERC is periodically involved in proceedings to adjust its capital tracking mechanisms in Texas (GRIP), its cost of service adjustments in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Oklahoma (FRP, RSP, RRA and PBRC, respectively), its decoupling mechanism in Minnesota, and its energy efficiency cost trackers in Arkansas, Minnesota, Mississippi and Oklahoma (EECR, CIP, EECR and EECR, respectively). CenterPoint Energy is periodically involved in proceedings to adjust its capital tracking mechanisms in Indiana (CSIA for gas and TDSIC for electric) and Ohio (DRR), its decoupling mechanism in Indiana (SRC for gas), and its energy efficiency cost trackers in Indiana (EEFC for gas and DSMA for electric) and Ohio (EEFR). The table below reflects significant applications pending or completed since the Registrants’ combined 2020 Form 10-K was filed with the SEC.

Mechanism

Annual Increase (Decrease) (1) (in millions)

Filing  Date

Effective Date

Approval Date

Additional Information

CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric (PUCT)

EECRF (1)

22

June 2021

March 2022

TBD

The requested $63 million is comprised of the following: 2022 Program and Evaluation, Measurement and Verification costs of $38 million, 2020 under-recovery of $3 million including interest, and 2020 earned bonus of $22 million.

TCOS

9

March 2021

April 2021

April 2021

Based on net change in invested capital of $80 million.

CenterPoint Energy and CERC - Arkansas (APSC)

FRP (1)

13

April 2021

TBD

TBD

Based on ROE of 9.50% with 50 basis point (+/-) earnings band. Revenue increase of $13 million based on prior test year true-up earned return on equity of 11.43% combined with projected test year earned return on equity of 3.59%. The initial term of Rider FRP will terminate on September 10, 2021; a request to extend the Rider FRP term for an additional five years was filed on May 5, 2021.

CenterPoint Energy and CERC - Beaumont/East Texas, South Texas, Houston and Texas Coast (Railroad Commission)

GRIP

28

March 2021

June 2021

June 2021

Based on net change in invested capital of $197 million.

CenterPoint Energy and CERC - Minnesota (MPUC)

Decoupling

N/A

September 2020

September 2020

March 2021

Represents under-recovery of approximately $2 million recorded for and during the period July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020, including approximately $1 million related to the period July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019.

Rate Case

39

October 2019

June 2021

March 2021

See discussion above under Minnesota Base Rate Case.

CIP Financial Incentive (1)

10

May 2021

TBD

TBD

CIP Financial Incentive based on 2020 activity.

CenterPoint Energy and CERC - Mississippi (MPSC)

RRA (1)

4

April 2021

TBD

TBD

Based on ROE of 9.81% with 100 basis point (+/-) earnings band. Revenue increase of approximately $4 million based on 2020 test year adjusted earned ROE of 6.97%.

CenterPoint Energy and CERC - Oklahoma (OCC)

PBRC (1)

(1)

March 2021

TBD

TBD

Based on ROE of 10% with 50 basis point (+/-) earnings band. Revenue credit of approximately $1 million based on 2020 test year adjusted earned ROE of 12.42%. A settlement was filed in June 2021 with a hearing held on July 1, 2021. Awaiting OCC final decision.

CenterPoint Energy - Indiana South - Gas (IURC)

Rate Case (1)

29

October 2020

TBD

TBD

See discussion above under Indiana South Base Rate Case.

CSIA

(1)

April 2021

July 2021

July 2021

Requested an increase of $11 million to rate base, which reflects a $(1 million) annual decrease in current revenues. 80% of revenue requirement is included in requested rate increase and 20% is deferred until the next rate case. The mechanism also includes refunds associated with the TCJA, resulting in no change to the previous credit provided, and a change in the total (over)/under-recovery variance of less than $1 million annually.

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Mechanism

Annual Increase (Decrease) (1) (in millions)

Filing  Date

Effective Date

Approval Date

Additional Information

CenterPoint Energy - Indiana North - Gas (IURC)

Rate Case (1)

21

December 2020

TBD

TBD

See discussion above under Indiana North Base Rate Case.

CSIA

5

April 2021

July 2021

July 2021

Requested an increase of $37 million to rate base, which reflects a $5 million annual increase in current revenues. 80% of revenue requirement is included in requested rate increase and 20% is deferred until the next rate case. The mechanism also includes refunds associated with the TCJA, resulting in no change to the previous credit provided, and a change in the total (over)/under-recovery variance of $6 million annually.

CenterPoint Energy - Ohio (PUCO)

DRR (1)

9

April 2021

September 2021

TBD

Requested an increase of $71 million to rate base for investments made in 2020, which reflects a $9 million annual increase in current revenues. A change in (over)/under-recovery variance of $5 million annually is also included in rates.

CenterPoint Energy - Indiana Electric (IURC)

TDSIC

3

February 2021

May  2021

May  2021

Requested an increase of $28 million to rate base, which reflects a $3 million annual increase in current revenues. 80% of the revenue requirement is included in requested rate increase and 20% is deferred until next rate case. The mechanism also includes a change in (over)/under-recovery variance of less than $1 million.

CECA

8

February 2021

June 2021

May  2021

Reflects an $8 million annual increase in current revenues through a non-traditional rate making approach related to a 50 MW universal solar array placed in service in January 2021.

ECA (1)

2

May  2021

August 2021

TBD

Requested an increase of $39 million to rate base, which reflects a $2 million annual increase in current revenues. 80% of the revenue requirement is included in requested rate increase and 20% is deferred until next rate case. The mechanism also included a change in (over)/under-recovery variance of less than $1 million annually.

TDSIC (1)

3

August 2021

TBD

TBD

Requested an increase of $35 million to rate base, which reflects a $3 million annual increase in current revenues. 80% of the revenue requirement is included in requested rate increase and 20% is deferred until next rate case. The mechanism also includes a change in (over)/under-recovery variance of less than $1 million.

(1)Represents proposed increases (decreases) when effective date and/or approval date is not yet determined. Approved rates could differ materially from proposed rates.

CPP and ACE Rule and Other Greenhouse Gas Regulation (CenterPoint Energy)

On August 3, 2015, the EPA released its CPP Rule, which required a 32% reduction in carbon emissions from 2005 levels. The final rule was published in the Federal Register on October 23, 2015, and that action was immediately followed by litigation ultimately resulting in the U.S. Supreme Court staying implementation of the rule. On August 31, 2018, the EPA published its proposed CPP replacement rule, the ACE Rule, which was finalized on July 8, 2019 and requires states to implement a program of energy efficiency improvement targets for individual coal-fired electric generating units. On January 19, 2021, the ACE Rule was struck down by the U.S. District Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. Various states and industry parties have filed petitions for a writ of certiorari with the U.S. Supreme Court seeking review of the district court opinion; however, the Supreme Court has yet to rule on those petitions. CenterPoint Energy is currently unable to predict whether the Biden Administration will continue its defense of the CPP or ACE Rule, or what a new replacement rule would look like. President Biden has also signed an executive order requiring agencies to review environmental actions taken by the Trump administration, which would have included the ACE Rule, and the Biden administration has issued a memorandum to departments and agencies to refrain from proposing or issuing rules until a departmental or agency head appointed or designated by the Biden administration has reviewed and approved the rule.

The Biden administration recommitted the United States to the Paris Agreement, which can be expected to drive a renewed regulatory push to require further GHG emission reductions from the energy sector. Shortly after taking office in January 2021, President Biden issued a series of executive orders designed to address climate change. Reentry into the Paris Agreement and President Biden’s executive orders may result in the development of additional regulations or changes to existing regulations, and on April 22, 2021, President Biden announced a new goal of 50% reduction of economy-wide GHG emissions by 2035. On March 1, 2020, CenterPoint Energy announced corporate carbon emission goals, which are expected to be used to guide Indiana Electric’s transition to a low carbon fleet and position Indiana Electric to comply with anticipated future regulatory requirements from the Biden administration to further reduce GHG emissions from its electric fleet.

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Other Matters

Credit Facilities

The Registrants may draw on their respective revolving credit facilities from time to time to provide funds used for general corporate and limited liability company purposes, including to backstop CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s commercial paper programs. The facilities may also be utilized to obtain letters of credit. For further details related to the Registrants’ revolving credit facilities, please see Note 12 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.

Based on the consolidated debt to capitalization covenant in the Registrants’ revolving credit facilities, the Registrants would have been permitted to utilize the full capacity of such revolving credit facilities, which aggregated approximately $4 billion as of June 30, 2021. As of July 23, 2021, the Registrants had the following revolving credit facilities and utilization of such facilities:

												Amount Utilized as of July 23, 2021
Registrant						Size of Facility						Loans						Letters of Credit						Commercial Paper						Weighted Average Interest Rate						Termination Date
						(in millions)
CenterPoint Energy						$	2,400					$	—					$	11					$	938					0.18%						February 4, 2024
CenterPoint Energy (1)						400						—						—						217						0.17%						February 4, 2024
Houston Electric						300						—						—						—						—%						February 4, 2024
CERC						900						—						—						576						0.17%						February 4, 2024
Total						$	4,000					$	—					$	11					$	1,731

(1)The credit facility was issued by VUHI and is guaranteed by SIGECO, Indiana Gas and VEDO.

Borrowings under each of the revolving credit facilities are subject to customary terms and conditions. However, there is no requirement that the borrower makes representations prior to borrowing as to the absence of material adverse changes or litigation that could be expected to have a material adverse effect. Borrowings under each of the revolving credit facilities are subject to acceleration upon the occurrence of events of default that we consider customary. The revolving credit facilities also provide for customary fees, including commitment fees, administrative agent fees, fees in respect of letters of credit and other fees. In each of the revolving credit facilities, the spread to LIBOR and the commitment fees fluctuate based on the borrower’s credit rating. Each of the Registrant’s credit facilities provide for a mechanism to replace LIBOR with possible alternative benchmarks upon certain benchmark replacement events. The borrowers are currently in compliance with the various business and financial covenants in the four revolving credit facilities.

Long-term Debt

For detailed information about the Registrants’ debt transactions in 2021, see Note 12 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.

Securities Registered with the SEC

On May 29, 2020, the Registrants filed a joint shelf registration statement with the SEC registering indeterminate principal amounts of Houston Electric’s general mortgage bonds, CERC Corp.’s senior debt securities and CenterPoint Energy’s senior debt securities and junior subordinated debt securities and an indeterminate number of shares of Common Stock, shares of preferred stock, depositary shares, as well as stock purchase contracts and equity units. The joint shelf registration statement will expire on May 29, 2023. For information related to the Registrants’ debt issuances in 2021, see Note 12 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.

Temporary Investments

As of July 23, 2021, the Registrants had no temporary investments.

Money Pool

The Registrants participate in a money pool through which they and certain of their subsidiaries can borrow or invest on a short-term basis. Funding needs are aggregated and external borrowing or investing is based on the net cash position. The net

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funding requirements of the CenterPoint Energy money pool are expected to be met with borrowings under CenterPoint Energy’s revolving credit facility or the sale of CenterPoint Energy’s commercial paper. The net funding requirements of the CERC money pool are expected to be met with borrowings under CERC’s revolving credit facility or the sale of CERC’s commercial paper. The money pool may not provide sufficient funds to meet the Registrants’ cash needs.

The table below summarizes CenterPoint Energy money pool activity by Registrant as of July 23, 2021:

			Weighted Average Interest Rate						Houston Electric						CERC
									(in millions)
Money pool investments (borrowings)			0.18%						$	7					$	—

Impact on Liquidity of a Downgrade in Credit Ratings

The interest on borrowings under the credit facilities is based on each respective borrower’s credit ratings. As of July 23, 2021, Moody’s, S&P and Fitch had assigned the following credit ratings to the borrowers:

Moody’s

S&P

Fitch

Registrant

Borrower/Instrument

Rating

Outlook (1)

Rating

Outlook (2)

Rating

Outlook (3)

CenterPoint Energy

CenterPoint Energy Senior Unsecured Debt

Baa2

Stable

BBB

Stable

BBB

Stable

CenterPoint Energy

Vectren Corp. Issuer Rating

n/a

n/a

BBB+

Stable

n/a

n/a

CenterPoint Energy

VUHI Senior Unsecured Debt

A3

Stable

BBB+

Stable

n/a

n/a

CenterPoint Energy

Indiana Gas Senior Unsecured Debt

n/a

n/a

BBB+

Stable

n/a

n/a

CenterPoint Energy

SIGECO Senior Secured Debt

A1

Stable

A

Stable

n/a

n/a

Houston Electric

Houston Electric Senior Secured Debt

A2

Stable

A

Stable

A

Stable

CERC

CERC Corp. Senior Unsecured Debt

A3

Negative

BBB+

Stable

A-

Stable

(1)A Moody’s rating outlook is an opinion regarding the likely direction of an issuer’s rating over the medium term.

(2)An S&P outlook assesses the potential direction of a long-term credit rating over the intermediate to longer term.

(3)A Fitch rating outlook indicates the direction a rating is likely to move over a one- to two-year period.

The Registrants cannot assure that the ratings set forth above will remain in effect for any given period of time or that one or more of these ratings will not be lowered or withdrawn entirely by a rating agency. The Registrants note that these credit ratings are included for informational purposes and are not recommendations to buy, sell or hold the Registrants’ securities and may be revised or withdrawn at any time by the rating agency. Each rating should be evaluated independently of any other rating. Any future reduction or withdrawal of one or more of the Registrants’ credit ratings could have a material adverse impact on the Registrants’ ability to obtain short- and long-term financing, the cost of such financings and the execution of the Registrants’ commercial strategies.

A decline in credit ratings could increase borrowing costs under the Registrants’ revolving credit facilities. If the Registrants’ credit ratings had been downgraded one notch by S&P and Moody’s from the ratings that existed as of June 30, 2021, the impact on the borrowing costs under the four revolving credit facilities would have been insignificant. A decline in credit ratings would also increase the interest rate on long-term debt to be issued in the capital markets and could negatively impact the Registrants’ ability to complete capital market transactions and to access the commercial paper market. Additionally, a decline in credit ratings could increase cash collateral requirements and reduce earnings of CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s Natural Gas reportable segments.

Pipeline tariffs and contracts typically provide that if the credit ratings of a shipper or the shipper’s guarantor drop below a threshold level, which is generally investment grade ratings from both Moody’s and S&P, cash or other collateral may be demanded from the shipper in an amount equal to the sum of three months’ charges for pipeline services plus the unrecouped cost of any lateral built for such shipper. If the credit ratings of CERC Corp. decline below the applicable threshold levels, CERC might need to provide cash or other collateral of as much as $285 million as of June 30, 2021. The amount of collateral will depend on seasonal variations in transportation levels.

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ZENS and Securities Related to ZENS (CenterPoint Energy)

If CenterPoint Energy’s creditworthiness were to drop such that ZENS holders thought its liquidity was adversely affected or the market for the ZENS were to become illiquid, some ZENS holders might decide to exchange their ZENS for cash. Funds for the payment of cash upon exchange could be obtained from the sale of the shares of ZENS-Related Securities that CenterPoint Energy owns or from other sources. CenterPoint Energy owns shares of ZENS-Related Securities equal to approximately 100% of the reference shares used to calculate its obligation to the holders of the ZENS. ZENS exchanges result in a cash outflow because tax deferrals related to the ZENS and shares of ZENS-Related Securities would typically cease when ZENS are exchanged or otherwise retired and shares of ZENS-Related Securities are sold. The ultimate tax liability related to the ZENS and ZENS-Related Securities continues to increase by the amount of the tax benefit realized each year, and there could be a significant cash outflow when the taxes are paid as a result of the retirement or exchange of the ZENS. If all ZENS had been exchanged for cash on June 30, 2021, deferred taxes of approximately $489 million would have been payable in 2021. If all the ZENS-Related Securities had been sold on June 30, 2021, capital gains taxes of approximately $168 million would have been payable in 2021 based on 2021 tax rates in effect. For additional information about ZENS, see Note 11 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.

Cross Defaults

Under each of CenterPoint Energy’s (including VUHI’s), Houston Electric’s and CERC’s respective revolving credit facilities, a payment default on, or a non-payment default that permits acceleration of, any indebtedness for borrowed money and certain other specified types of obligations (including guarantees) exceeding $125 million by the borrower or any of their respective significant subsidiaries will cause a default under such borrower’s respective credit facility or term loan agreement. A default by CenterPoint Energy would not trigger a default under its subsidiaries’ debt instruments or revolving credit facilities.

Possible Acquisitions, Divestitures and Joint Ventures

From time to time, the Registrants consider the acquisition or the disposition of assets or businesses or possible joint ventures, strategic initiatives or other joint ownership arrangements with respect to assets or businesses. Any determination to take action in this regard will be based on market conditions and opportunities existing at the time, and accordingly, the timing, size or success of any efforts and the associated potential capital commitments are unpredictable. The Registrants may seek to fund all or part of any such efforts with proceeds from debt and/or equity issuances. Debt or equity financing may not, however, be available to the Registrants at that time due to a variety of events, including, among others, maintenance of our credit ratings, industry conditions, general economic conditions, market conditions and market perceptions. As announced in December 2020, CenterPoint Energy’s business strategy incorporated the Business Review and Evaluation Committee’s recommendations to increase its planned capital expenditures in its electric and natural gas businesses to support rate base growth and sell certain of its Natural Gas businesses located in Arkansas and Oklahoma as a means to efficiently finance a portion of such increased capital expenditures, among other recommendations. On April 29, 2021, CenterPoint Energy, through its subsidiary CERC Corp., entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement to sell its Arkansas and Oklahoma Natural Gas businesses for $2.15 billion in cash, including recovery of approximately $425 million of storm-related incremental natural gas costs incurred in the February 2021 Winter Storm Event, subject to certain adjustments set forth in the Asset Purchase Agreement. For further information, see Note 3 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.

Additionally, CenterPoint Energy’s process of evaluating and optimizing the various businesses, assets and ownership interests currently held by it considered, among other things, various plans, proposals and other strategic alternatives with respect to Enable and CenterPoint Energy’s investment in Enable, which may result in the disposition of a portion or all of its ownership interest in Enable. In February 2021, CenterPoint Energy announced its support of the Enable Merger, which is expected to close in 2021, subject to customary closing conditions, including Hart-Scott-Rodino antitrust clearance. CenterPoint Energy may not realize any or all of the anticipated strategic, financial, operational or other benefits from the Enable Merger, if completed, or from any disposition or reduction of its anticipated resulting investment in Energy Transfer. There can be no assurances that any disposal of Energy Transfer common units or Energy Transfer Series G Preferred Units will be completed. Any disposal of such securities may involve significant costs and expenses, including in connection with any public offering or private placement, a significant underwriting or other discount. For information regarding the Enable Merger, see Note 9 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.

Enable Midstream Partners (CenterPoint Energy)

CenterPoint Energy receives quarterly cash distributions from Enable on its common units and Enable Series A Preferred Units. A reduction in the cash distributions CenterPoint Energy receives from Enable could significantly impact CenterPoint

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Energy’s liquidity. For additional information about cash distributions from Enable, see Notes 9 and 20 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.

Hedging of Interest Expense for Future Debt Issuances

From time to time, the Registrants may enter into interest rate agreements to hedge, in part, volatility in the U.S. treasury rates by reducing variability in cash flows related to interest payments. For further information, see Note 7(a) to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.

Weather Hedge (CenterPoint Energy and CERC)

CenterPoint Energy and CERC have historically entered into partial weather hedges for certain Natural Gas jurisdictions and electric operations’ Texas service territory to mitigate the impact of fluctuations from normal weather. CenterPoint Energy and CERC remain exposed to some weather risk as a result of the partial hedges. The Registrants do not currently enter into weather hedges. For more information about weather hedges, see Note 7(a) to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.

Collection of Receivables from REPs (CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric)

Houston Electric’s receivables from the distribution of electricity are collected from REPs that supply the electricity Houston Electric distributes to their customers. Before conducting business, a REP must register with the PUCT and must meet certain financial qualifications. Nevertheless, adverse economic conditions, the February 2021 Winter Storm Event, structural problems in the market served by ERCOT or financial difficulties of one or more REPs could impair the ability of these REPs to pay for Houston Electric’s services or could cause them to delay such payments. Houston Electric depends on these REPs to remit payments on a timely basis, and any delay or default in payment by REPs could adversely affect Houston Electric’s cash flows. In the event of a REP default, Houston Electric’s tariff provides a number of remedies, including the option for Houston Electric to request that the PUCT suspend or revoke the certification of the REP. Applicable regulatory provisions require that customers be shifted to another REP or a provider of last resort if a REP cannot make timely payments. However, Houston Electric remains at risk for payments related to services provided prior to the shift to the replacement REP or the provider of last resort. If a REP were unable to meet its obligations, it could consider, among various options, restructuring under the bankruptcy laws, in which event such REP might seek to avoid honoring its obligations and claims might be made against Houston Electric involving payments it had received from such REP. If a REP were to file for bankruptcy, Houston Electric may not be successful in recovering accrued receivables owed by such REP that are unpaid as of the date the REP filed for bankruptcy. However, PUCT regulations authorize utilities, such as Houston Electric, to defer bad debts resulting from defaults by REPs for recovery in future rate cases, subject to a review of reasonableness and necessity.

Other Factors that Could Affect Cash Requirements

In addition to the above factors, the Registrants’ liquidity and capital resources could also be negatively affected by:

•further reductions in the cash distributions we receive from Enable;

•cash collateral requirements that could exist in connection with certain contracts, including weather hedging arrangements, and natural gas purchases, natural gas price and natural gas storage activities of CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s Natural Gas reportable segment; 

•acceleration of payment dates on certain gas supply contracts, under certain circumstances, as a result of increased natural gas prices and concentration of natural gas suppliers (CenterPoint Energy and CERC); 

•increased costs related to the acquisition of natural gas, including as a result of the February 2021 Winter Storm Event (CenterPoint Energy and CERC); 

•increases in interest expense in connection with debt refinancings and borrowings under credit facilities or term loans or the use of alternative sources of financings due to the effects of COVID-19 and the February 2021 Winter Storm Event on capital and other financial markets; 

•the outcome of litigation, including litigation related to the February 2021 Winter Storm Event; 

•the ability of REPs, including REP affiliates of NRG and Vistra Energy Corp., to satisfy their obligations to CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric, including the negative impact on such ability related to COVID-19 and the February 2021 Winter Storm Event;

•various legislative or regulatory actions; 

•incremental collateral, if any, that may be required due to regulation of derivatives (CenterPoint Energy); 

•slower customer payments and increased write-offs of receivables due to higher natural gas prices, changing economic conditions, COVID-19 or the February 2021 Winter Storm Event (CenterPoint Energy and CERC); 

•the satisfaction of any obligations pursuant to guarantees;

•contributions to pension and postretirement benefit plans; 

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•restoration costs and revenue losses resulting from future natural disasters such as hurricanes and the timing of recovery of such restoration costs; and

•various other risks identified in “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of Part I of the Registrants’ combined 2020 Form 10-K.

Certain Contractual Limits on Our Ability to Issue Securities and Borrow Money

Certain provisions in note purchase agreements relating to debt issued by VUHI have the effect of restricting the amount of additional first mortgage bonds issued by SIGECO. For information about the total debt to capitalization financial covenants in the Registrants’ and certain of CenterPoint Energy’s subsidiaries’ revolving credit facilities, see Note 12 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Assets held for sale

Generally, a long-lived asset to be sold is classified as held for sale in the period in which management, with approval from the Board of Directors, as applicable, commits to a plan to sell, and a sale is expected to be completed within one year. The Registrants record assets and liabilities held for sale, or the disposal group, at the lower of their carrying value or their estimated fair value less cost to sell. If a disposal group reflects a component of a reporting unit and meets the definition of a business, the goodwill within that reporting unit is allocated to the disposal group based on the relative fair value of the components representing a business that will be retained and disposed. Goodwill is not allocated to a portion of a reporting unit that does not meet the definition of a business.

During the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, as described further in Note 3, certain assets and liabilities representing a business met the held for sale criteria. As a result, goodwill attributable to the natural gas reporting unit of $403 million and $146 million at CenterPoint Energy and CERC, respectively, was deemed attributable to assets held for sale as of June 30, 2021. Neither CenterPoint Energy nor CERC recognized any gains or losses upon classification of held for sale during the three and six months ended June 30, 2021.

Fair value is the amount at which an asset, liability or business could be bought or sold in a current transaction between willing parties and may be estimated using a number of techniques, including quoted market prices, present value techniques based on estimates of cash flows, or multiples of earnings or revenue performance measures. The fair value could be different if different estimates and assumptions in these valuation techniques were applied.

Fair value measurements require significant judgment and often unobservable inputs, including (i) projected timing and amount of future cash flows, which factor in planned growth initiatives, (ii) the regulatory environment, as applicable, and (iii) discount rates reflecting risk inherent in the future market prices. Changes in these assumptions could have a significant impact on the resulting fair value.

CenterPoint Energy and CERC used a market approach consisting of the contractual sales price adjusted for estimated working capital and other contractual purchase price adjustments to determine fair value of the businesses classified as held for sale. The fair value of the retained businesses within the natural gas reporting unit was estimated based on a weighted combination of income approach and market approaches, consistent with the methodology used in the 2020 annual goodwill impairment test. A third-party valuation specialist was utilized to determine the key assumptions used in the estimate of fair value of the retained natural gas reporting unit as of June 30, 2021. The fair value of the retained natural gas reporting unit at CenterPoint Energy and CERC significantly exceeded the carrying value of the retained businesses within that reporting unit as of June 30, 2021.

No goodwill impairment resulted from classifying assets held for sale as of June 30, 2021, and the next annual goodwill impairment test will be performed in the third quarter of 2021. An interim goodwill impairment test could be triggered outside of the annual test by the following: actual earnings results that are materially lower than expected, significant adverse changes in the operating environment, an increase in the discount rate, changes in other key assumptions which require judgment and are forward looking in nature, if CenterPoint Energy’s market capitalization falls below book value for an extended period of time, or events affecting a reporting unit such as a contemplated disposal of all or part of a reporting unit. Interim goodwill impairment tests were not required to be performed for any other reporting unit during the three and six months ended June 30, 2021.

For further information, see Note 3 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.

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Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Houston Electric and CERC meet the conditions specified in General Instruction H(1)(a) and (b) to Form 10-Q and are therefore permitted to use the reduced disclosure format for wholly-owned subsidiaries of reporting companies. Accordingly, Houston Electric and CERC have omitted from this report the information called for by Item 3 (Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk) of Part I of the Form 10-Q.

Interest Rate Risk (CenterPoint Energy)

As of June 30, 2021, CenterPoint Energy had outstanding long-term debt, lease obligations and obligations under its ZENS that subject it to the risk of loss associated with movements in market interest rates.

CenterPoint Energy’s floating rate obligations aggregated $3.6 billion and $2.4 billion as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. If the floating interest rates were to increase by 10% from June 30, 2021 rates, CenterPoint Energy’s combined interest expense would increase by approximately $1.8 million annually.

As of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, CenterPoint Energy had outstanding fixed-rate debt (excluding indexed debt securities) aggregating $12.6 billion and $11.1 billion, respectively, in principal amount and having a fair value of $14.1 billion and $12.9 billion, respectively. Because these instruments are fixed-rate, they do not expose CenterPoint Energy to the risk of loss in earnings due to changes in market interest rates. However, the fair value of these instruments would increase by approximately $363 million if interest rates were to decline by 10% from levels at June 30, 2021. In general, such an increase in fair value would impact earnings and cash flows only if CenterPoint Energy were to reacquire all or a portion of these instruments in the open market prior to their maturity.

In general, such an increase in fair value would impact earnings and cash flows only if CenterPoint Energy were to reacquire all or a portion of these instruments in the open market prior to their maturity.

The ZENS obligation is bifurcated into a debt component and a derivative component. The debt component of $12 million as of June 30, 2021 was a fixed-rate obligation and, therefore, did not expose CenterPoint Energy to the risk of loss in earnings due to changes in market interest rates. However, the fair value of the debt component would increase by approximately $2 million if interest rates were to decline by 10% from levels at June 30, 2021. Changes in the fair value of the derivative component, a $1,004 million recorded liability at June 30, 2021, are recorded in CenterPoint Energy’s Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income and, therefore, it is exposed to changes in the fair value of the derivative component as a result of changes in the underlying risk-free interest rate. If the risk-free interest rate were to increase by 10% from June 30, 2021 levels, the fair value of the derivative component liability would decrease by approximately $1 million, which would be recorded as an unrealized gain in CenterPoint Energy’s Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income.

Equity Market Value Risk (CenterPoint Energy)

CenterPoint Energy is exposed to equity market value risk through its ownership of 10.2 million shares of AT&T Common and 0.9 million shares of Charter Common, which CenterPoint Energy holds to facilitate its ability to meet its obligations under the ZENS. See Note 11 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements for a discussion of CenterPoint Energy’s ZENS obligation. Changes in the fair value of the ZENS-Related Securities held by CenterPoint Energy are expected to substantially offset changes in the fair value of the derivative component of the ZENS. A decrease of 10% from the June 30, 2021 aggregate market value of these shares would result in a net loss of less than $1 million, which would be recorded as a loss in CenterPoint Energy’s Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income.

Commodity Price Risk From Non-Trading Activities (CenterPoint Energy)

CenterPoint Energy’s regulated operations in Indiana have limited exposure to commodity price risk for transactions involving purchases and sales of natural gas, coal and purchased power for the benefit of retail customers due to current state regulations, which, subject to compliance with those regulations, allow for recovery of the cost of such purchases through natural gas and fuel cost adjustment mechanisms. CenterPoint Energy’s utility natural gas operations in Indiana have regulatory authority to lock in pricing for up to 50% of annual natural gas purchases using arrangements with an original term of up to 10 years. This authority has been utilized to secure fixed price natural gas using both physical purchases and financial derivatives. As of June 30, 2021, the recorded fair value of non-trading energy derivative assets was $7 million for CenterPoint Energy’s utility natural gas operations in Indiana.

Although CenterPoint Energy’s regulated operations are exposed to limited commodity price risk, natural gas and coal prices have other effects on working capital requirements, interest costs, and some level of price-sensitivity in volumes sold or

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delivered. Constructive regulatory orders, such as those authorizing lost margin recovery, other innovative rate designs and recovery of unaccounted for natural gas and other natural gas-related expenses, also mitigate the effect natural gas costs may have on CenterPoint Energy’s financial condition. In 2008, the PUCO approved an exit of the merchant function in CenterPoint Energy’s Ohio natural gas service territory, allowing Ohio customers to purchase substantially all natural gas directly from retail marketers rather than from CenterPoint Energy.

Item 4.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

In accordance with Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15, the Registrants carried out separate evaluations, under the supervision and with the participation of each company’s management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on those evaluations, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, in each case, concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of June 30, 2021 to provide assurance that information required to be disclosed in the reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding disclosure.

There has been no change in the Registrants’ internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the three months ended June 30, 2021 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrants’ internal controls over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

For a description of certain legal and regulatory proceedings, please read Note 14(d) to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Future Sources and Uses of Cash” and “— Regulatory Matters,” each of which is incorporated herein by reference. See also “Business — Regulation” and “— Environmental Matters” in Item 1 and “Legal Proceedings” in Item 3 of the Registrants’ combined 2020 Form 10-K.

Item 1A.RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes from the risk factors disclosed in the Registrants’ combined 2020 Form 10-K.

Item 6.EXHIBITS

Exhibits filed herewith are designated by a cross (†); all exhibits not so designated are incorporated by reference to a prior filing as indicated. Agreements included as exhibits are included only to provide information to investors regarding their terms. Agreements listed below may contain representations, warranties and other provisions that were made, among other things, to provide the parties thereto with specified rights and obligations and to allocate risk among them, and no such agreement should be relied upon as constituting or providing any factual disclosures about the Registrants, any other persons, any state of affairs or other matters.

 

Pursuant to Item 601(b)(4)(iii)(A) of Regulation S-K, the Registrants have not filed as exhibits to this Form 10-Q certain long-term debt instruments, including indentures, under which the total amount of securities authorized does not exceed 10% of the total assets of the Registrants and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. The Registrants hereby agree to furnish a copy of any such instrument to the SEC upon request.

Exhibit Number

Description

Report or Registration Statement

SEC File or Registration Number

Exhibit Reference

CenterPoint Energy

Houston Electric

CERC

2.1*

Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of April 21, 2018, by and among Vectren Corporation, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. and Pacer Merger Sub, Inc.

CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated April 21, 2018

1-31447

2.1

x

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Exhibit Number

Description

Report or Registration Statement

SEC File or Registration Number

Exhibit Reference

CenterPoint Energy

Houston Electric

CERC

2.2*

Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 3, 2020, by and among Vectren Utility Services, Inc., PowerTeam Services, LLC and, solely for purposes of Section 10.17 of the Securities Purchase Agreement, Vectren Corporation

CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated February 3, 2020

1-31447

x

2.3*

Equity Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 24, 2020, by and between CERC Corp. and Athena Energy Services Buyer, LLC

CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated February 24, 2020

1-31447

x

x

2.4*

Asset Purchase Agreement, by and between CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp. and Southern Col Midco, LLC, dated as of April 29, 2021

CenterPoint Energy’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March  31, 2021

1-31447

2.4

x

x

3.1

Restated Articles of Incorporation of CenterPoint Energy

CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated July 24, 2008

1-31447

3.2

x

3.2

Restated Certificate of Formation of Houston Electric

Houston Electric’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2011

1-3187

3.1

x

3.3

Certificate of Incorporation of RERC Corp.

CERC Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997

1-13265

3(a)(1)

x

3.4

Certificate of Merger merging former NorAm Energy Corp. with and into HI Merger, Inc. dated August 6, 1997

CERC Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997

1-13265

3(a)(2)

x

3.5

Certificate of Amendment changing the name to Reliant Energy Resources Corp.

CERC Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998

1-13265

3(a)(3)

x

3.6

Certificate of Amendment changing the name to CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp.

CERC Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003

1-13265

3(a)(4)

x

3.7

Third Amended and Restated Bylaws of CenterPoint Energy

CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated February 21, 2017

1-31447

3.1

x

3.8

Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Houston Electric

Houston Electric’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2011

1-3187

3.2

x

3.9

Bylaws of RERC Corp.

CERC Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997

1-13265

3(b)

x

3.10

Statement of Resolutions Deleting Shares Designated Series A Preferred Stock of CenterPoint Energy

CenterPoint Energy’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011

1-31447

3(c)

x

3.11

Statement of Resolution Establishing Series of Shares Designated Series A Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock of CenterPoint Energy

CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated August 22, 2018

1-31447

3.1

x

3.12

Statement of Resolution Establishing Series of Shares designated 7.00% Series B Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock of CenterPoint Energy

CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated September 25, 2018

1-31447

3.1

x

3.13

Statement of Resolution Establishing Series of Shares designated Series C Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock of CenterPoint Energy, Inc., filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Texas and effective May 7, 2020

CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated May 6, 2020

1-31447

3.1

x

4.1

Form of CenterPoint Energy Stock Certificate

CenterPoint Energy’s Registration Statement on Form S-4

3-69502

4.1

x

4.2

Form of Certificate representing the Series A Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock of CenterPoint Energy

CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated August 22, 2018

1-31447

4.1

x

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Exhibit Number						Description						Report or Registration Statement						SEC File or Registration Number						Exhibit Reference						CenterPoint Energy						Houston Electric						CERC
4.3						Form of Certificate representing the 7.00% Series B Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock of CenterPoint Energy (included as Exhibit A to Exhibit 3.12)						CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated September 25, 2018						1-31447						4.1						x
4.4						Deposit Agreement, dated as of October 1, 2018, among CenterPoint Energy and Broadridge Corporate Issuer Solutions, Inc., as Depositary, and the holders from time to time of the Depositary Receipts described therein						CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated September 25, 2018						1-31447						4.2						x
4.5						Form of Depositary Receipt for the Depositary Shares (included as Exhibit A to Exhibit 4.4)						CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated September 25, 2018						1-31447						4.3						x
4.6						$2,400,000,000 Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of February 4, 2021 among CenterPoint Energy, as Borrower, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, the financial institutions as bank parties thereto and the other parties thereto						CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated February 4, 2021						1-31447						4.1						x
4.7						$300,000,000 Credit Agreement dated as of February 4, 2021 among Houston Electric, as Borrower, Mizuho Bank, Ltd., as Administrative Agent, the financial institutions as bank parties thereto and the other parties thereto						CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated February 4, 2021						1-31447						4.2						x						x
4.8						$900,000,000 Credit Agreement dated as of February 4, 2021 among CERC Corp., as Borrower, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, the financial institutions as bank parties thereto and the other parties thereto						CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated February 4, 2021						1-31447						4.3						x												x
4.9						$400,000,000 Credit Agreement dated as of February 4, 2021 among VUHI, as Borrower, Indiana Gas, SIGECO and VEDO, as guarantors, Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, the financial institutions as bank parties thereto and the other parties thereto , Inc., as Borrower, Indiana Gas Company, Inc., Southern Indiana Gas and Electric Company and Vectren Energy Delivery of Ohio, Inc. as guarantors, Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, the financial institutions as bank parties thereto and the other parties thereto						CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated February 4, 2021						1-31447						4.4						x
4.10						$1,000,000,000 Term Loan Agreement, dated as of May 15, 2019, among CenterPoint Energy, as Borrower, Mizuho Bank, Ltd., as Administrative Agent and Lead Arranger, and the banks named therein						CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated May 15, 2019						1-31447						4.1						x
4.11						First Amendment to Term Loan Agreement, dated as of April 26, 2021, by and among CenterPoint Energy, as Borrower, Mizuho Bank, Ltd., as Administrative Agent, and the banks named therein						CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated April 26, 2021						1-31447						4.1						x
4.12						Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement, by and among CenterPoint Energy, Inc., Elliott International, L.P., and Elliott Associates, L.P., dated May 6, 2020						CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated May 6, 2020						1-31447						4.1						x
4.13						Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement, by and among CenterPoint Energy, Inc., BEP Special Situations 2 LLC and BEP Special Situations IV LLC, dated May 6, 2020						CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated May 6, 2020						1-31447						4.2						x

85

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Table of Contents

Exhibit Number

Description

Report or Registration Statement

SEC File or Registration Number

Exhibit Reference

CenterPoint Energy

Houston Electric

CERC

4.14

Common Stock Purchase Agreement, by and among CenterPoint Energy, Inc. and each investor identified on Schedule A thereto, dated May 6, 2020

CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated May 6, 2020

1-31447

4.3

x

4.15

Common Stock Purchase Agreement, by and among CenterPoint Energy, Inc. and each investor identified on Schedule A thereto, dated May 6, 2020

CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated May 6, 2020

1-31447

4.4

x

4.16

Common Stock Purchase Agreement, by and among CenterPoint Energy, Inc. and each investor identified on Schedule A thereto, dated May 6, 2020

CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated May 6, 2020

1-31447

4.5

x

4.17

Indenture, dated as of February 1, 1998, between Reliant Energy Resources Corp. and Chase Bank of Texas, National Association, as Trustee

CERC’s Form 8-K dated February 5, 1998

1-13265

4.1

x

4.18

Supplemental Indenture No. 19 to Exhibit 4.16, dated as of March 2, 2021, providing for the issuance of CERC Corp.’s Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2023

CenterPoint Energy’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2021

1-31447

4.18

x

4.19

Supplemental Indenture No. 20 to Exhibit 4.16, dated as of March 2, 2021, providing for the issuance of CERC Corp.’s 0.70% Senior Notes due 2023

CenterPoint Energy’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2021

1-31447

4.19

x

4.20

General Mortgage Indenture, dated as of October 10, 2002, between CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC and JPMorgan Chase Bank, as Trustee

Houston Electric’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2002

1-3187

4(j)(1)

x

4.21

Thirtieth Supplemental Indenture to Exhibit 4.19, dated as of March 11, 2021, providing for the issuance of Houston Electric’s Series AE Bonds and Series AF Bonds

Houston Electric’s Form 8-K dated March 8, 2021

1-3187

4.4

x

4.22

Officer’s Certificate, dated as of March 11, 2021, setting forth the form, terms and provisions of the Series AE Bonds and the Series AF Bonds

CenterPoint Energy’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2021

1-31447

4.22

x

4.23

Indenture dated as of May 19, 2003, between CenterPoint Energy, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, National Association (successor to JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association (formerly JPMorgan Chase Bank)), as trustee

Form 8-K of CenterPoint Energy, Inc. dated May 19, 2003

1-31447

4.1

x

†4.24

Supplemental Indenture No. 12 to Exhibit 4.23, dated as of May 13, 2021, providing for the issuance of CenterPoint Energy’s Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2024

x

†4.25

Supplemental Indenture No. 13 to Exhibit 4.23, dated as of May 13, 2021, providing for the issuance of CenterPoint Energy’s 1.45% Senior Notes due 2026 and 2.65% Senior Notes due 2031

x

10.1

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (Service-Based Vesting with Performance Goals)

CenterPoint Energy’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020

1-31447

10(q)(12)

x

10.2

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for CEO (Service-Based Vesting with Performance Goals)

CenterPoint Energy’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020

1-31447

10(q)(13)

x

86

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Table of Contents

Exhibit Number

Description

Report or Registration Statement

SEC File or Registration Number

Exhibit Reference

CenterPoint Energy

Houston Electric

CERC

10.3

Governance Arrangement Agreement, by and among CenterPoint Energy, Inc., Elliott International, L.P., and Elliott Associates, dated May 6, 2020

Form 8-K of CenterPoint Energy, Inc. dated May 6, 2020

1-31447

10.1

x

10.4

Support Agreement, dated as of February 16, 2021, by and among Energy Transfer LP, Elk Merger Sub LLC, Elk GP Merger Sub LLC, Enable Midstream Partners, LP, Enable GP, LLC and CenterPoint Energy

CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated February 16, 2021

1-31447

10.1

x

10.5

Form of Registration Rights Agreement, to be dated as of the Closing Date, by and among Energy Transfer LP and certain unitholders of Enable Midstream Partners, LP as set forth on Schedule I thereto

CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated February 16, 2021

1-31447

10.2

x

10.6

Change in Control Plan

CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated April 27, 2017

1-31447

10.1

x

10.7

First Amendment to Exhibit 10.6

CenterPoint Energy’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020

1-31447

10(t)(2)

x

†10.8

Retention Incentive Agreement between CenterPoint Energy, Inc. and David J. Lesar, dated July 20, 2021

x

†10.9

Separation Agreement between CenterPoint Energy, Inc. and Milton Carroll, dated July 21, 2021

x

10.10

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement

CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated July 20, 2021

1-31447

10.1

x

†31.1.1

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of David J. Lesar

x

†31.1.2

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Kenneth M. Mercado

x

†31.1.3

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Scott E. Doyle

x

†31.2.1

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Jason P. Wells

x

†31.2.2

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Jason P. Wells

x

†31.2.3

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Jason P. Wells

x

†32.1.1

Section 1350 Certification of David J. Lesar

x

†32.1.2

Section 1350 Certification of Kenneth M. Mercado

x

†32.1.3

Section 1350 Certification of Scott E. Doyle

x

†32.2.1

Section 1350 Certification of Jason P. Wells

x

†32.2.2

Section 1350 Certification of Jason P. Wells

x

†32.2.3

Section 1350 Certification of Jason P. Wells

x

†101.INS

Inline XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document

x

x

x

†101.SCH

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

x

x

x

†101.CAL

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

x

x

x

†101.DEF

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

x

x

x

87

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Table of Contents

Exhibit Number

Description

Report or Registration Statement

SEC File or Registration Number

Exhibit Reference

CenterPoint Energy

Houston Electric

CERC

†101.LAB

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document

x

x

x

†101.PRE

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

x

x

x

†104

Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)

x

x

x

*			Schedules to this agreement have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. A copy of any omitted schedules will be furnished supplementally to the SEC upon request; provided, however, that the parties may request confidential treatment pursuant to Rule 24b-2 of the Exchange Act for any document so furnished.

88

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Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

			CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC.
			CENTERPOINT ENERGY HOUSTON ELECTRIC, LLC
			CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.
By:			/s/ Kristie L. Colvin
			Kristie L. Colvin
			Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer

Date: August 5, 2021

89