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 March 31,September 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)
Texas74-0694415
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
1111 LouisianaHoustonTexas77002
(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)
Texas22-3865106
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
1111 LouisianaHoustonTexas77002
(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)
Delaware76-0511406
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
1111 LouisianaHoustonTexas77002
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)(Zip Code)
(713) 207-1111
Registrant's telephone number, including area code




Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
RegistrantTitle of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
CenterPoint Energy, Inc.Common Stock, $0.01 par valueCNPThe 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 valueCNP/PBThe New York Stock Exchange
CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC9.15% First Mortgage Bonds due 2021n/aThe New York Stock Exchange
CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC6.95% General Mortgage Bonds due 2033n/aThe New York Stock Exchange
CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp.6.625% Senior Notes due 2037n/aThe 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.YesþNoo
CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLCYesþNoo
CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp.YesþNoo

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.YesþNoo
CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLCYesþNoo
CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp.YesþNoo

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 filerAccelerated filerNon-accelerated filerSmaller reporting companyEmerging growth company
CenterPoint Energy, Inc.þoo
CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLCooþ
CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp.ooþ

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.YesNoþ
CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLCYesNoþ
CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp.YesNoþ

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuers’ classes of common stock as of April 29,October 21, 2021:
CenterPoint Energy, Inc.580,495,853628,865,734shares of common stock outstanding, excluding 166 shares held as treasury stock
CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC1,000common shares outstanding, all held by Utility Holding, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp.1,000shares 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.



TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I.FINANCIAL INFORMATION 
Item 1.
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
Consolidated Results of Operations
Results of Operations by Reportable Segment
Item 3.
Item 4.
   
PART II.OTHER INFORMATION 
Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 6.

i


GLOSSARY
ACEAffordable Clean Energy
AMAAsset Management Agreement
AMSAdvanced Metering System
APSCArkansas Public Service Commission
ARAMAverage rate assumption method
AROAsset retirement obligation
ARPAlternative revenue program
ARPAAmerican Rescue Plan Act of 2021
ASCAccounting Standards Codification
Asset Purchase AgreementAsset 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.
ASUAccounting Standards Update
AT&TAT&T Inc.
AT&T CommonAT&T Inc. common stock
BcfBillion cubic feet
BoardBoard of Directors of CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
Bond CompaniesBond 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 IIICenterPoint Energy Transition Bond Company III, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Houston Electric
Bond Company IVCenterPoint Energy Transition Bond Company IV, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Houston Electric
BTABuild Transfer Agreement
Business Review and Evaluation CommitteeBusiness Review and Evaluation Committee of the Board of Directors of CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
Capital DynamicsCapital Dynamics, Inc.
CARES ActCoronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act
CCNCertificate of Convenience and Necessity
CCRCoal Combustion Residuals
CEIPCenterPoint Energy Intrastate Pipelines, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CERC Corp.
CenterPoint EnergyCenterPoint Energy, Inc., and its subsidiaries
CERCCERC Corp., together with its subsidiaries
CERC Corp.CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp.
CESCenterPoint Energy Services, Inc. (now known as Symmetry Energy Solutions, LLC), previously a wholly-owned subsidiary of CERC Corp.
Charter CommonCharter Communications, Inc. common stock
CIPConservation Improvement Program
CNGCompressed Natural Gas
CNP MidstreamCenterPoint Energy Midstream, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of CenterPoint Energy
CODMChief Operating Decision Maker, who is each Registrant’s Chief Operating Executive
Common StockCenterPoint Energy, Inc. common stock, par value $0.01 per share
Compensation CommitteeCompensation Committee of the Board
COVID-19Novel coronavirus disease 2019 and related global outbreak that was subsequently declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization
COVID-19 ERPCOVID-19 Electricity Relief Program
CPCNCertificate of Public Convenience and Necessity
CPPClean Power Plan
CSIACompliance and System Improvement Adjustment
ii


GLOSSARY
DCRFDistribution Cost Recovery Factor
DRRDistribution Replacement Rider
DSMADemand Side Management Adjustment
ECAEnvironmental Cost Adjustment
ii


GLOSSARY
EDITExcess deferred income taxes
EECREnergy Efficiency Cost Recovery
EECRFEnergy Efficiency Cost Recovery Factor
EEFCEnergy Efficiency Funding Component
EEFREnergy Efficiency Funding Rider
ELGEffluent Limitation Guidelines
Elk GP Merger SubElk GP Merger Sub LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Energy Transfer
Elk Merger SubElk Merger Sub LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Energy Transfer
EnableEnable Midstream Partners, LP
Enable GPEnable GP, LLC, Enable’s general partner
Enable MergerThe 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 AgreementAgreement 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 UnitsEnable’s 10% Series A Fixed-to-Floating Non-Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Units, representing limited partner interests in Enable
Energy ServicesOffered 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 GroupSubstantially all of the businesses within CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s Energy Services reporting unit that were sold under the Equity Purchase Agreement
Energy TransferEnergy Transfer LP, a Delaware limited partnership
Energy Transfer GPLE GP, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and sole general partner of Energy Transfer
Energy Transfer Series G Preferred UnitsEnergy Transfer Series G Fixed-Rate Reset Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Units
EPAEnvironmental Protection Agency
Equity Purchase AgreementEquity 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)
ERCOTElectric Reliability Council of Texas
ESGEnergy Systems Group, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Vectren
February 2021 Winter Storm EventThe extreme and unprecedented winter weather event in February 2021 (Winter Storm Uri) resultingthat 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
FERCFederal Energy Regulatory Commission
FitchFitch Ratings, Inc.
Form 10-QQuarterly Report on Form 10-Q
Forward Sale AgreementContingent forward sale agreement for 50 million Energy Transfer common units, dated September 21, 2021, by and between CNP Midstream and an investment banking financial institution
FRPFormula Rate Plan
GHGGreenhouse gases
iii


GLOSSARY
GRIPGas Reliability Infrastructure Program
GSRGas Supply Rate
GWhGigawatt-hours
Houston ElectricCenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC and its subsidiaries
IDEMIndiana Department of Environmental Management
iii


GLOSSARY
Indiana ElectricOperations of SIGECO’s electric transmission and distribution services, and includes its power generating and wholesale power operations
Indiana GasIndiana Gas Company, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Vectren
Indiana NorthGas operations of Indiana Gas
Indiana SouthGas operations of SIGECO
Indiana UtilitiesThe combination of Indiana Electric, Indiana North and Indiana South
Infrastructure ServicesProvided underground pipeline construction and repair services through VISCO and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Miller Pipeline, LLC and Minnesota Limited, LLC
Infrastructure Services Disposal GroupBusinesses within the Infrastructure Services reporting unit that were sold under the Securities Purchase Agreement
Interim Condensed Financial StatementsUnaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements and combined notes
IRPIntegrated Resource Plan
IRSInternal Revenue Service
IURCIndiana Utility Regulatory Commission
kVKilovolt
Last Mile EnergyLast Mile Energy Solutions, LLC, a Texas limited liability company
LIBORLondon Interbank Offered Rate
LNGLiquefied Natural Gas
LPSCLouisiana Public Service Commission
LTIPLong-term Incentive Plan
MergerThe 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 AgreementAgreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of April 21, 2018, among CenterPoint Energy, Vectren and Merger Sub
Merger SubPacer Merger Sub, Inc., an Indiana corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of CenterPoint Energy
MESCenterPoint Energy Mobile Energy Solutions, Inc. (now known as Mobile Energy Solutions, Inc.), previously a wholly-owned subsidiary of CERC Corp.
MGPManufactured gas plant
MLPMaster Limited Partnership
Moody’sMoody’s Investors Service, Inc.
MPSCMississippi Public Service Commission
MPUCMinnesota Public Utilities Commission
MWMegawattsMegawatt
NERCNorth American Electric Reliability Corporation
NGLsNatural gas liquids
NOLsNet operating losses
NRGNRG Energy, Inc.
OCCOklahoma Corporation Commission
OGEOGE Energy Corp.
PBRCPerformance Based Rate Change
Posey SolarPosey Solar, LLC, a special purpose entity
iv


GLOSSARY
PowerTeam ServicesPowerTeam Services, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, now known as Artera Services, LLC
PPAPower Purchase Agreement
PRPsPotentially responsible parties
PUCOPublic Utilities Commission of Ohio
PUCTPublic Utility Commission of Texas
Railroad CommissionRailroad Commission of Texas
RCRAResource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976
iv


GLOSSARY
RegistrantsCenterPoint Energy, Houston Electric and CERC, collectively
REPRetail electric provider
Restoration Bond CompanyCenterPoint Energy Restoration Bond Company, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Houston Electric
ROEReturn on equity
ROURight of use
RRARate Regulation Adjustment
RSPRate Stabilization Plan
Scope 1 emissionsDirect source of emissions from a company’s operations
Scope 2 emissionsIndirect source of emissions from a company’s energy usage
Scope 3 emissionsIndirect source of emissions from a company’s end-users
SECSecurities and Exchange Commission
Securities Purchase AgreementSecurities 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 BondsTransition and system restoration bonds
Series A Preferred StockCenterPoint 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 StockCenterPoint 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 StockCenterPoint Energy’s Series C Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, with a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share
SIGECOSouthern Indiana Gas and Electric Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Vectren
SOFRSecured Overnight Financing Rate
S&PS&P Global Ratings
SRCSales Reconciliation Component
Stock Purchase AgreementStock Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 24, 2021, by and between CERC Corp. and Last Mile Energy
Symmetry Energy Solutions AcquisitionSymmetry Energy Solutions Acquisition, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (f/k/a Athena Energy Services Buyer, LLC) and subsidiary of Energy Capital Partners, LLC
TBDTo be determined
TCJATax reform legislation informally called the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017
TCOSTransmission Cost of Service
TCRFTransmission Cost Recovery Factor
TDSICTransmission, Distribution and Storage System Improvement Charge
TDUTransmission and distribution utility
TenaskaTenaska Wind Holdings, LLC
v


GLOSSARY
Texas RETexas Reliability Entity
TOBTariffed On Bill
Utility HoldingTSAUtility Holding, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiaryThe Department of CenterPoint EnergyHomeland Security’s Transportation Security Administration
VectrenVectren Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CenterPoint Energy as of February 1, 2019
VEDOVectren Energy Delivery of Ohio, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Vectren
VIEVariable interest entity
VISCOVectren Infrastructure Services Corporation, formerly a wholly-owned subsidiary of Vectren
Vistra Energy Corp.Texas-based energy company focused on the competitive energy and power generation markets, whose major subsidiaries include Luminant and TXU Energy
VRPVoluntary Remediation Program
VUHIVectren Utility Holdings, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Vectren
v


GLOSSARY
ZENS2.0% Zero-Premium Exchangeable Subordinated Notes due 2029
ZENS-Related SecuritiesAs of both March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, consisted of AT&T Common and Charter Common
2020 Form 10-KAnnual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 as filed with the SEC on February 25, 2021
vi


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:

CenterPoint Energy’s or Enable’s business strategies and strategic initiatives, restructurings, joint ventures and acquisitions or dispositions of assets or businesses, including the pending sale of our Natural Gas businesses in Arkansas and Oklahoma, which we cannot assure will be completed or will have the anticipated benefits to us, the pending Enable Merger, which we cannot assure will be completed or will have the anticipated benefits to us or Enable, and our planned exit from our Midstream Investment reportable segment, which we cannot assure will be completed or will have the anticipated benefits to us;
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;
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 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 decreasevolatility 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; and 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
vii


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 recoveryamount of natural gas purchase costs associated with the February 2021 Winter Storm Event;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, includingsuch 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
vii


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 a substantial decline in the markets for oil and natural gas as a result of, among other factors, 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;pandemic and climate change concerns, including the increasing adoption and use of alternative energy sources;
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;
any direct or indirect effects on our or Enable’s facilities, resources, operations and financial condition resulting from terrorism, cyber-attacks,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 the continued operation,operations, cost recovery of generation plant costs and related assets, and CenterPoint Energy’s carbon emissions reduction targets;net zero emission goals;
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;
viii


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;
viii


changes in technology, particularly with respect to efficient battery storage or the emergence or growth of new, developing or alternative sources of generation;generation, and their adoption by consumers;
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;
CenterPoint Energy’s ability to execute on its initiatives, targets and goals, including its net zero emission goals and its operations and maintenance goals;
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 other factors discussed in Item 1A of Part II of this combined Form 10-Q, 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.
ix

Table of Contents
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.     FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED INCOME
(Unaudited)
Three Months EndedThree Months EndedNine Months Ended
March 31, September 30,September 30,
202120202021202020212020
(in millions, except per share amounts)(in millions, except per share amounts)
Revenues:Revenues:Revenues:
Utility revenuesUtility revenues$2,484 $2,073 Utility revenues$1,661 $1,538 $5,797 $5,087 
Non-utility revenuesNon-utility revenues63 94 Non-utility revenues88 84 241 277 
TotalTotal2,547 2,167 Total1,749 1,622 6,038 5,364 
Expenses:Expenses:Expenses:
Utility natural gas, fuel and purchased powerUtility natural gas, fuel and purchased power935 609 Utility natural gas, fuel and purchased power223 170 1,416 981 
Non-utility cost of revenues, including natural gasNon-utility cost of revenues, including natural gas40 64 Non-utility cost of revenues, including natural gas61 63 159 196 
Operation and maintenanceOperation and maintenance669 674 Operation and maintenance709 659 2,055 1,976 
Depreciation and amortizationDepreciation and amortization307 282 Depreciation and amortization353 306 987 885 
Taxes other than income taxesTaxes other than income taxes143 136 Taxes other than income taxes125 122 394 387 
Goodwill impairmentGoodwill impairment185 Goodwill impairment— — — 185 
TotalTotal2,094 1,950 Total1,471 1,320 5,011 4,610 
Operating IncomeOperating Income453 217 Operating Income278 302 1,027 754 
Other Income (Expense):Other Income (Expense):Other Income (Expense):
Loss on marketable securities(23)(144)
Gain on indexed debt securities26 135 
Gain (loss) on marketable securitiesGain (loss) on marketable securities(12)83 40 14 
Gain (loss) on indexed debt securitiesGain (loss) on indexed debt securities11 (84)(40)(25)
Gain on saleGain on sale— — 
Interest expense and other finance chargesInterest expense and other finance charges(113)(139)Interest expense and other finance charges(114)(121)(346)(388)
Interest expense on Securitization BondsInterest expense on Securitization Bonds(6)(8)Interest expense on Securitization Bonds(5)(7)(16)(22)
Equity in earnings (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates, net108 (1,475)
Other income (expense), net(8)14 
Other income, netOther income, net17 11 20 47 
TotalTotal(16)(1,617)Total(95)(118)(334)(374)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes437 (1,400)
Income from Continuing Operations Before Income TaxesIncome from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes183 184 693 380 
Income tax expense (benefit)Income tax expense (benefit)74 (347)Income tax expense (benefit)33 (15)63 33 
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations363 (1,053)
Loss from Discontinued Operations (net of tax benefit of $-0- and $17, respectively)(146)
Income from Continuing OperationsIncome from Continuing Operations150 199 630 347 
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations (net of tax expense (benefit) of $15, $5, $56 and $(340), respectively)Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations (net of tax expense (benefit) of $15, $5, $56 and $(340), respectively)68 (78)202 (1,320)
Net Income (Loss)Net Income (Loss)363 (1,199)Net Income (Loss)218 121 832 (973)
Income allocated to preferred shareholdersIncome allocated to preferred shareholders29 29 Income allocated to preferred shareholders23 52 82 127 
Income (Loss) Available to Common ShareholdersIncome (Loss) Available to Common Shareholders$334 $(1,228)Income (Loss) Available to Common Shareholders$195 $69 $750 $(1,100)
Basic earnings (loss) per common share - continuing operations$0.56 $(2.15)
Basic earnings per common share - continuing operationsBasic earnings per common share - continuing operations$0.21 $0.27 $0.94 $0.42 
Basic earnings (loss) per common share - discontinued operationsBasic earnings (loss) per common share - discontinued operations(0.29)Basic earnings (loss) per common share - discontinued operations0.11 (0.14)0.35 (2.52)
Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Common ShareBasic Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share0.56 (2.44)Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share0.32 0.13 1.29 (2.10)
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share - continuing operations$0.56 $(2.15)
Diluted earnings per common share - continuing operationsDiluted earnings per common share - continuing operations$0.21 $0.27 $0.91 $0.42 
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share - discontinued operationsDiluted earnings (loss) per common share - discontinued operations(0.29)Diluted earnings (loss) per common share - discontinued operations0.11 (0.14)0.34 (2.52)
Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Common ShareDiluted Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share$0.56 $(2.44)Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share$0.32 $0.13 $1.25 $(2.10)
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding, BasicWeighted Average Common Shares Outstanding, Basic552 502 Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding, Basic605 545 581 525 
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding, DilutedWeighted Average Common Shares Outstanding, Diluted631 502 Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding, Diluted609 548 601 525 

See Combined Notes to Interim Condensed Financial Statements
1

Table of Contents
CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
Three Months EndedThree Months EndedNine Months Ended
March 31, September 30,September 30,
202120202021202020212020
(in millions)(in millions)
Net Income (Loss)Net Income (Loss)$363 $(1,199)Net Income (Loss)$218 $121 $832 $(973)
Other comprehensive income (loss):Other comprehensive income (loss):Other comprehensive income (loss):
Adjustment to pension and other postretirement plans (net of tax of $-0- and $1)
Adjustment to pension and other postretirement plans (net of tax of $1, $1, $2 and $3)Adjustment to pension and other postretirement plans (net of tax of $1, $1, $2 and $3)
Other comprehensive income (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates (net of tax of $-0- and $-0-)(3)
Reclassification of deferred loss from cash flow hedges realized in net income (net of tax of $-0-, $-0-, $-0- and $-0-)Reclassification of deferred loss from cash flow hedges realized in net income (net of tax of $-0-, $-0-, $-0- and $-0-)— — 
Reclassification of net deferred losses from cash flow hedges (net of tax of $-0-, $-0-, $-0- and $4)Reclassification of net deferred losses from cash flow hedges (net of tax of $-0-, $-0-, $-0- and $4)— — — 15 
Other comprehensive income (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates (net of tax of $-0-, $-0-, $-0- and $-0-)Other comprehensive income (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates (net of tax of $-0-, $-0-, $-0- and $-0-)— (2)
TotalTotal(2)Total10 16 
Comprehensive income (loss)Comprehensive income (loss)366 (1,201)Comprehensive income (loss)223 123 842 (957)
Income allocated to preferred shareholders Income allocated to preferred shareholders29 29  Income allocated to preferred shareholders23 52 82 127 
Comprehensive income (loss) available to common shareholdersComprehensive income (loss) available to common shareholders$337 $(1,230)Comprehensive income (loss) available to common shareholders$200 $71 $760 $(1,084)

See Combined Notes to Interim Condensed Financial Statements


2

Table of Contents
CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)

ASSETS
March 31,
2021
December 31,
2020
September 30,
2021
December 31,
2020
(in millions)(in millions)
Current Assets:Current Assets:Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents ($142 and $139 related to VIEs, respectively)$146 $147 
Cash and cash equivalents ($105 and $139 related to VIEs, respectively)Cash and cash equivalents ($105 and $139 related to VIEs, respectively)$133 $147 
Investment in marketable securitiesInvestment in marketable securities848 871 Investment in marketable securities911 871 
Accounts receivable ($24 and $23 related to VIEs, respectively), less allowance for credit losses of $65 and $52, respectively780 676 
Accrued unbilled revenues, less allowance for credit losses of $4 and $5, respectively343 505 
Preferred units – unconsolidated affiliatePreferred units – unconsolidated affiliate363 — 
Accounts receivable ($43 and $23 related to VIEs, respectively), less allowance for credit losses of $50 and $52, respectivelyAccounts receivable ($43 and $23 related to VIEs, respectively), less allowance for credit losses of $50 and $52, respectively650 676 
Accrued unbilled revenues, less allowance for credit losses of $2 and $5, respectivelyAccrued unbilled revenues, less allowance for credit losses of $2 and $5, respectively293 505 
Natural gas and coal inventoryNatural gas and coal inventory67 203 Natural gas and coal inventory217 203 
Materials and suppliesMaterials and supplies310 297 Materials and supplies376 297 
Non-trading derivative assetsNon-trading derivative assets23 — 
Taxes receivableTaxes receivable79 82 Taxes receivable14 82 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets ($16 and $15 related to VIEs, respectively)646 139 
Current assets held for saleCurrent assets held for sale3,150 — 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets ($18 and $15 related to VIEs, respectively)Prepaid expenses and other current assets ($18 and $15 related to VIEs, respectively)1,578 139 
Total current assetsTotal current assets3,219 2,920 Total current assets7,708 2,920 
Property, Plant and Equipment:Property, Plant and Equipment:Property, Plant and Equipment:
Property, plant and equipmentProperty, plant and equipment32,991 32,514 Property, plant and equipment32,692 32,514 
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortizationLess: accumulated depreciation and amortization10,252 10,152 Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization10,078 10,152 
Property, plant and equipment, netProperty, plant and equipment, net22,739 22,362 Property, plant and equipment, net22,614 22,362 
Other Assets:Other Assets:Other Assets:
GoodwillGoodwill4,697 4,697 Goodwill4,294 4,697 
Regulatory assets ($597 and $633 related to VIEs, respectively)3,795 2,094 
Regulatory assets ($469 and $633 related to VIEs, respectively)Regulatory assets ($469 and $633 related to VIEs, respectively)2,307 2,094 
Non-trading derivative assetsNon-trading derivative assets— 
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates853 783 
Preferred units – unconsolidated affiliatePreferred units – unconsolidated affiliate363 363 Preferred units – unconsolidated affiliate— 363 
Non-current assets held for saleNon-current assets held for sale— 782 
Other non-current assetsOther non-current assets240 252 Other non-current assets228 253 
Total other assetsTotal other assets9,948 8,189 Total other assets6,838 8,189 
Total AssetsTotal Assets$35,906 $33,471 Total Assets$37,160 $33,471 

See Combined Notes to Interim Condensed Financial Statements


3

Table of Contents
CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS – (continued)
(Unaudited)

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
March 31,
2021
December 31,
2020
September 30,
2021
December 31,
2020
(in millions, except share amounts)(in millions, except share amounts)
Current Liabilities:Current Liabilities:Current Liabilities:
Short-term borrowingsShort-term borrowings$$24 Short-term borrowings$$24 
Current portion of VIE Securitization Bonds long-term debtCurrent portion of VIE Securitization Bonds long-term debt212 211 Current portion of VIE Securitization Bonds long-term debt217 211 
Indexed debt, netIndexed debt, net13 15 Indexed debt, net11 15 
Current portion of other long-term debtCurrent portion of other long-term debt1,563 1,669 Current portion of other long-term debt863 1,669 
Indexed debt securities derivativeIndexed debt securities derivative927 953 Indexed debt securities derivative993 953 
Accounts payableAccounts payable797 853 Accounts payable905 853 
Taxes accruedTaxes accrued229 265 Taxes accrued265 265 
Interest accruedInterest accrued119 145 Interest accrued126 145 
Dividends accruedDividends accrued136 Dividends accrued107 136 
Customer depositsCustomer deposits120 119 Customer deposits111 119 
Non-trading derivative liabilitiesNon-trading derivative liabilitiesNon-trading derivative liabilities— 
Current liabilities held for saleCurrent liabilities held for sale512 — 
Other current liabilitiesOther current liabilities344 432 Other current liabilities390 432 
Total current liabilitiesTotal current liabilities4,326 4,825 Total current liabilities4,507 4,825 
Other Liabilities:Other Liabilities:  Other Liabilities:  
Deferred income taxes, netDeferred income taxes, net3,687 3,603 Deferred income taxes, net3,750 3,603 
Non-trading derivative liabilitiesNon-trading derivative liabilities14 27 Non-trading derivative liabilities13 27 
Benefit obligationsBenefit obligations675 680 Benefit obligations560 680 
Regulatory liabilitiesRegulatory liabilities3,407 3,448 Regulatory liabilities3,144 3,448 
Other non-current liabilitiesOther non-current liabilities1,033 1,019 Other non-current liabilities926 1,019 
Total other liabilitiesTotal other liabilities8,816 8,777 Total other liabilities8,393 8,777 
Long-term Debt:Long-term Debt:  Long-term Debt:  
VIE Securitization Bonds, netVIE Securitization Bonds, net499 536 VIE Securitization Bonds, net393 536 
Other long-term debt, netOther long-term debt, net13,549 10,985 Other long-term debt, net15,001 10,985 
Total long-term debt, netTotal long-term debt, net14,048 11,521 Total long-term debt, net15,394 11,521 
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 14)Commitments and Contingencies (Note 14)00Commitments and Contingencies (Note 14)00
Temporary Equity (Note 19)Temporary Equity (Note 19)— 
Shareholders’ Equity:Shareholders’ Equity:  Shareholders’ Equity:  
Cumulative preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized, 2,402,400 shares outstanding, $2,402 liquidation preference (Note 19)2,363 2,363 
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 1,000,000,000 shares authorized, 551,865,588 shares and 551,355,861 shares outstanding, respectively
Cumulative preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized, 800,000 shares and 2,402,400 shares outstanding, respectively, $800 and $2,402 liquidation preference, respectively (Note 19)Cumulative preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized, 800,000 shares and 2,402,400 shares outstanding, respectively, $800 and $2,402 liquidation preference, respectively (Note 19)790 2,363 
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 1,000,000,000 shares authorized, 628,849,375 shares and 551,355,861 shares outstanding, respectivelyCommon stock, $0.01 par value, 1,000,000,000 shares authorized, 628,849,375 shares and 551,355,861 shares outstanding, respectively
Additional paid-in capitalAdditional paid-in capital6,916 6,914 Additional paid-in capital8,517 6,914 
Accumulated deficitAccumulated deficit(482)(845)Accumulated deficit(368)(845)
Accumulated other comprehensive lossAccumulated other comprehensive loss(87)(90)Accumulated other comprehensive loss(80)(90)
Total shareholders’ equityTotal shareholders’ equity8,716 8,348 Total shareholders’ equity8,865 8,348 
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ EquityTotal Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity$35,906 $33,471 Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity$37,160 $33,471 

See Combined Notes to Interim Condensed Financial Statements
4

Table of Contents
CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31,Nine Months Ended September 30,
2021202020212020
(in millions)(in millions)
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:Cash Flows from Operating Activities:Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income (loss)Net income (loss)$363 $(1,199)Net income (loss)$832 $(973)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortizationDepreciation and amortization307 282 Depreciation and amortization987 885 
Amortization of deferred financing costsAmortization of deferred financing costsAmortization of deferred financing costs27 23 
Amortization of intangible assets in non-utility cost of revenuesAmortization of intangible assets in non-utility cost of revenues
Deferred income taxesDeferred income taxes66 (377)Deferred income taxes86 (429)
Goodwill impairment and loss from reclassification to held for saleGoodwill impairment and loss from reclassification to held for sale214 Goodwill impairment and loss from reclassification to held for sale— 175 
Goodwill impairmentGoodwill impairment185 Goodwill impairment— 185 
Unrealized loss on marketable securities23 144 
Gain on indexed debt securities(26)(135)
Unrealized gain on marketable securitiesUnrealized gain on marketable securities(40)(14)
Gain on saleGain on sale(8)— 
Loss on indexed debt securitiesLoss on indexed debt securities40 25 
Write-down of natural gas inventoryWrite-down of natural gas inventoryWrite-down of natural gas inventory— 
Equity in (earnings) losses of unconsolidated affiliatesEquity in (earnings) losses of unconsolidated affiliates(108)1,475 Equity in (earnings) losses of unconsolidated affiliates(258)1,499 
Distributions from unconsolidated affiliatesDistributions from unconsolidated affiliates39 70 Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates116 109 
Pension contributionsPension contributions(8)(2)Pension contributions(59)(84)
Changes in other assets and liabilities, excluding acquisitions:
Changes in other assets and liabilities:Changes in other assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable and unbilled revenues, netAccounts receivable and unbilled revenues, net29 236 Accounts receivable and unbilled revenues, net231 326 
InventoryInventory99 110 Inventory(104)(50)
Taxes receivableTaxes receivable13 Taxes receivable68 
Accounts payableAccounts payable(55)(192)Accounts payable(53)(251)
Non-trading derivatives, netNon-trading derivatives, net(14)(53)Non-trading derivatives, net(51)(14)
Margin deposits, netMargin deposits, net21 Margin deposits, net— 65 
Interest and taxes accruedInterest and taxes accrued(62)(95)Interest and taxes accrued(12)(53)
Net regulatory assets and liabilitiesNet regulatory assets and liabilities(2,297)(27)Net regulatory assets and liabilities(2,309)(81)
Other current assetsOther current assets(5)Other current assets11 
Other current liabilitiesOther current liabilities(59)(37)Other current liabilities(24)30 
Other non-current assetsOther non-current assets19 Other non-current assets
Other non-current liabilitiesOther non-current liabilities17 Other non-current liabilities(46)46 
Other, net(5)
Other operating activities, netOther operating activities, net12 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activitiesNet cash provided by (used in) operating activities(1,681)662 Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities(551)1,439 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:Cash Flows from Investing Activities:Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital expendituresCapital expenditures(594)(664)Capital expenditures(2,148)(1,889)
Distributions from unconsolidated affiliate in excess of cumulative earningsDistributions from unconsolidated affiliate in excess of cumulative earningsDistributions from unconsolidated affiliate in excess of cumulative earnings— 46 
Proceeds from divestituresProceeds from divestitures22 1,136 
Other, net(10)
Other investing activities, netOther investing activities, net22 24 
Net cash used in investing activitiesNet cash used in investing activities(604)(654)Net cash used in investing activities(2,104)(683)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:Cash Flows from Financing Activities:Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings, netIncrease (decrease) in short-term borrowings, net(27)37 
Proceeds from (payments of) commercial paper, netProceeds from (payments of) commercial paper, net38 (828)Proceeds from (payments of) commercial paper, net596 (1,057)
Proceeds from long-term debtProceeds from long-term debt2,795 Proceeds from long-term debt4,493 299 
Payments of long-term debtPayments of long-term debt(388)(63)Payments of long-term debt(1,990)(1,060)
Borrowings from revolving credit facilitiesBorrowings from revolving credit facilities1,050 Borrowings from revolving credit facilities— 1,050 
Payments of revolving credit facilitiesPayments of revolving credit facilities— (1,050)
Payment of debt issuance costsPayment of debt issuance costs(20)Payment of debt issuance costs(38)(4)
Payment of dividends on Common StockPayment of dividends on Common Stock(88)(145)Payment of dividends on Common Stock(278)(309)
Payment of dividends on Preferred StockPayment of dividends on Preferred Stock(48)(42)Payment of dividends on Preferred Stock(106)(114)
Proceeds from issuance of Common Stock, netProceeds from issuance of Common Stock, net— 672 
Proceeds from issuance of Series C Preferred Stock, netProceeds from issuance of Series C Preferred Stock, net— 723 
Other, net(4)(4)
Other financing activities, netOther financing activities, net(6)(6)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activitiesNet cash provided by (used in) financing activities2,285 (32)Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities2,644 (819)
Net Decrease in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted CashNet Decrease in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash(24)Net Decrease in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash(11)(63)
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at Beginning of PeriodCash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Period167 271 Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Period167 271 
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at End of PeriodCash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at End of Period$167 $247 Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at End of Period$156 $208 

See Combined Notes to Interim Condensed Financial Statements
5

Table of Contents
CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CHANGES IN EQUITY
(Unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
20212020 2021202020212020
SharesAmountSharesAmount SharesAmountSharesAmountSharesAmountSharesAmount
(in millions of dollars and shares) (in millions of dollars and shares)
Cumulative Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 20,000,000 sharesCumulative Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 20,000,000 sharesCumulative Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 20,000,000 shares
Balance, beginning of periodBalance, beginning of period$2,363 $1,740 Balance, beginning of period$1,739 $2,441 $2,363 $1,740 
Issuances of Series C Preferred Stock, net of issuance costs and beneficial conversion featureIssuances of Series C Preferred Stock, net of issuance costs and beneficial conversion feature— — — 15 — — 716 
Conversion of Series B Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred StockConversion of Series B Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock(2)(949)— — (2)(1,573)— — 
Balance, end of periodBalance, end of period2,363 1,740 Balance, end of period790 2,456 790 2,456 
Common Stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 1,000,000,000 sharesCommon Stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 1,000,000,000 shares    Common Stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 1,000,000,000 shares        
Balance, beginning of periodBalance, beginning of period551 502 Balance, beginning of period593 545 551 502 
Issuances of Common StockIssuances of Common Stock36 — — — 77 — 42 — 
Issuances related to benefit and investment plansIssuances related to benefit and investment plansIssuances related to benefit and investment plans— — — — — — 
Balance, end of periodBalance, end of period552 502 Balance, end of period629 545 629 545 
Additional Paid-in-CapitalAdditional Paid-in-Capital  Additional Paid-in-Capital    
Balance, beginning of periodBalance, beginning of period6,914  6,080 Balance, beginning of period7,553  6,801 6,914  6,080 
Issuances of Common Stock, net of issuance costsIssuances of Common Stock, net of issuance costs949 (1)1,573 672 
Issuances related to benefit and investment plansIssuances related to benefit and investment plans Issuances related to benefit and investment plans15  30  21 
Recognition of beneficial conversion featureRecognition of beneficial conversion feature— — — 32 
Balance, end of periodBalance, end of period6,916  6,086 Balance, end of period8,517  6,805 8,517  6,805 
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)   Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)      
Balance, beginning of periodBalance, beginning of period(845) 632 Balance, beginning of period(343) (771)(845) 632 
Net income (loss)Net income (loss)363  (1,199)Net income (loss)218  121 832  (973)
Common Stock dividends declared (see Note 19)Common Stock dividends declared (see Note 19) (145)Common Stock dividends declared (see Note 19)(202) (82)(297) (309)
Preferred Stock dividends declared (see Note 19)Preferred Stock dividends declared (see Note 19)(42)Preferred Stock dividends declared (see Note 19)(41)(48)(58)(114)
Amortization of beneficial conversion featureAmortization of beneficial conversion feature— (16)— (25)
Adoption of ASU 2016-13Adoption of ASU 2016-13(7)Adoption of ASU 2016-13— — — (7)
Balance, end of periodBalance, end of period(482) (761)Balance, end of period(368) (796)(368) (796)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive LossAccumulated Other Comprehensive Loss   Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss      
Balance, beginning of periodBalance, beginning of period(90) (98)Balance, beginning of period(85) (84)(90) (98)
Other comprehensive income (loss) (2)
Other comprehensive incomeOther comprehensive income 10  16 
Balance, end of periodBalance, end of period(87) (100)Balance, end of period(80) (82)(80) (82)
Total Shareholders’ EquityTotal Shareholders’ Equity$8,716  $6,970 Total Shareholders’ Equity$8,865  $8,388 $8,865  $8,388 

 See Combined Notes to Interim Condensed Financial Statements
6

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 March 31,Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
202120202021202020212020
(in millions)(in millions)
RevenuesRevenues$684 $634 Revenues$874 $828 $2,344 $2,182 
Expenses:Expenses:  Expenses:    
Operation and maintenanceOperation and maintenance373 359 Operation and maintenance396 381 1,159 1,104 
Depreciation and amortizationDepreciation and amortization141 129 Depreciation and amortization182 151 484 420 
Taxes other than income taxesTaxes other than income taxes63 64 Taxes other than income taxes64 64 192 192 
TotalTotal577 552 Total642 596 1,835 1,716 
Operating IncomeOperating Income107 82 Operating Income232 232 509 466 
Other Income (Expense):Other Income (Expense):  Other Income (Expense):    
Interest expense and other finance chargesInterest expense and other finance charges(45)(41)Interest expense and other finance charges(46)(43)(138)(127)
Interest expense on Securitization BondsInterest expense on Securitization Bonds(6)(8)Interest expense on Securitization Bonds(5)(7)(16)(22)
Other income, netOther income, netOther income, net12 
TotalTotal(46)(44)Total(47)(49)(142)(142)
Income Before Income TaxesIncome Before Income Taxes61 38 Income Before Income Taxes185 183 367 324 
Income tax expenseIncome tax expenseIncome tax expense34 26 60 47 
Net IncomeNet Income$53 $33 Net Income$151 $157 $307 $277 

See Combined Notes to Interim Condensed Financial Statements

7

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 March 31,Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
202120202021202020212020
(in millions)(in millions)
Net incomeNet income$53 $33 Net income$151 $157 $307 $277 
Other comprehensive income:Other comprehensive income:
Reclassification of net deferred losses from cash flow hedges (net of tax of $-0-, $-0-, $-0- and $4)Reclassification of net deferred losses from cash flow hedges (net of tax of $-0-, $-0-, $-0- and $4)— — — 15 
TotalTotal— — — 15 
Comprehensive incomeComprehensive income$53 $33 Comprehensive income$151 $157 $307 $292 

See Combined Notes to Interim Condensed Financial Statements

8

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
March 31,
2021
December 31,
2020
September 30,
2021
December 31,
2020
(in millions)(in millions)
Current Assets:Current Assets:  Current Assets:  
Cash and cash equivalents ($142 and $139 related to VIEs, respectively)$143 $139 
Accounts receivable ($24 and $23 related to VIEs, respectively), less allowance for credit losses of $1 and $1, respectively263 268 
Cash and cash equivalents ($105 and $139 related to VIEs, respectively)Cash and cash equivalents ($105 and $139 related to VIEs, respectively)$105 $139 
Accounts receivable ($43 and $23 related to VIEs, respectively), less allowance for credit losses of $1 and $1, respectivelyAccounts receivable ($43 and $23 related to VIEs, respectively), less allowance for credit losses of $1 and $1, respectively381 268 
Accounts and notes receivable–affiliated companiesAccounts and notes receivable–affiliated companies674 Accounts and notes receivable–affiliated companies20 
Accrued unbilled revenuesAccrued unbilled revenues83 113 Accrued unbilled revenues132 113 
Materials and suppliesMaterials and supplies202 195 Materials and supplies244 195 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets ($16 and $15 related to VIEs, respectively)32 47 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets ($18 and $15 related to VIEs, respectively)Prepaid expenses and other current assets ($18 and $15 related to VIEs, respectively)26 47 
Total current assetsTotal current assets1,397 769 Total current assets908 769 
Property, Plant and Equipment:Property, Plant and Equipment:Property, Plant and Equipment:
Property, plant and equipmentProperty, plant and equipment13,889 13,593 Property, plant and equipment14,643 13,593 
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortizationLess: accumulated depreciation and amortization3,967 3,930 Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization4,079 3,930 
Property, plant and equipment, netProperty, plant and equipment, net9,922 9,663 Property, plant and equipment, net10,564 9,663 
Other Assets:Other Assets:  Other Assets:  
Regulatory assets ($597 and $633 related to VIEs, respectively)828 848 
Regulatory assets ($469 and $633 related to VIEs, respectively)Regulatory assets ($469 and $633 related to VIEs, respectively)811 848 
Other non-current assetsOther non-current assets38 36 Other non-current assets26 36 
Total other assetsTotal other assets866 884 Total other assets837 884 
Total AssetsTotal Assets$12,185 $11,316 Total Assets$12,309 $11,316 

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 – (continued)
(Unaudited)

LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS EQUITY
March 31,
2021
December 31,
2020
September 30,
2021
December 31,
2020
(in millions)(in millions)
Current Liabilities:Current Liabilities:  Current Liabilities:  
Current portion of VIE Securitization Bonds long-term debtCurrent portion of VIE Securitization Bonds long-term debt212 211 Current portion of VIE Securitization Bonds long-term debt217 211 
Current portion of other long-term debtCurrent portion of other long-term debt300 402 Current portion of other long-term debt300 402 
Accounts payableAccounts payable333 281 Accounts payable451 281 
Accounts and notes payable–affiliated companiesAccounts and notes payable–affiliated companies41 96 Accounts and notes payable–affiliated companies110 96 
Taxes accruedTaxes accrued103 158 Taxes accrued179 158 
Interest accruedInterest accrued53 71 Interest accrued58 71 
Other current liabilitiesOther current liabilities115 117 Other current liabilities122 117 
Total current liabilitiesTotal current liabilities1,157 1,336 Total current liabilities1,437 1,336 
Other Liabilities:Other Liabilities:  Other Liabilities:  
Deferred income taxes, netDeferred income taxes, net1,051 1,041 Deferred income taxes, net1,088 1,041 
Benefit obligationsBenefit obligations75 75 Benefit obligations75 75 
Regulatory liabilitiesRegulatory liabilities1,187 1,252 Regulatory liabilities1,140 1,252 
Other non-current liabilitiesOther non-current liabilities95 95 Other non-current liabilities101 95 
Total other liabilitiesTotal other liabilities2,408 2,463 Total other liabilities2,404 2,463 
Long-term Debt:Long-term Debt:  Long-term Debt:  
VIE Securitization Bonds, netVIE Securitization Bonds, net499 536 VIE Securitization Bonds, net393 536 
Other long-term debt, netOther long-term debt, net4,957 3,870 Other long-term debt, net4,657 3,870 
Total long-term debt, netTotal long-term debt, net5,456 4,406 Total long-term debt, net5,050 4,406 
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 14)Commitments and Contingencies (Note 14)00Commitments and Contingencies (Note 14)00
Member’s Equity:Member’s Equity:Member’s Equity:
Common stockCommon stockCommon stock— — 
Additional paid-in capitalAdditional paid-in capital2,548 2,548 Additional paid-in capital2,548 2,548 
Retained earningsRetained earnings616 563 Retained earnings870 563 
Total member’s equityTotal member’s equity3,164 3,111 Total member’s equity3,418 3,111 
Total Liabilities and Member’s EquityTotal Liabilities and Member’s Equity$12,185 $11,316 Total Liabilities and Member’s Equity$12,309 $11,316 

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 CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31,Nine Months Ended September 30,
2021202020212020
(in millions)(in millions)
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:Cash Flows from Operating Activities: Cash Flows from Operating Activities: 
Net incomeNet income$53 $33 Net income$307 $277 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:  
Depreciation and amortizationDepreciation and amortization141 129 Depreciation and amortization484 420 
Amortization of deferred financing costsAmortization of deferred financing costsAmortization of deferred financing costs
Deferred income taxesDeferred income taxes(5)(1)Deferred income taxes(36)
Changes in other assets and liabilities:Changes in other assets and liabilities:  Changes in other assets and liabilities:  
Accounts and notes receivable, netAccounts and notes receivable, net21 19 Accounts and notes receivable, net(140)(145)
Accounts receivable/payable–affiliated companiesAccounts receivable/payable–affiliated companies(49)(3)Accounts receivable/payable–affiliated companies(31)10 
InventoryInventory(7)(10)Inventory(49)(35)
Accounts payableAccounts payable14 (2)Accounts payable60 (7)
Interest and taxes accruedInterest and taxes accrued(73)(80)Interest and taxes accrued16 
Non-trading derivatives, netNon-trading derivatives, net— 15 
Net regulatory assets and liabilitiesNet regulatory assets and liabilities(63)(11)Net regulatory assets and liabilities(190)
Other current assetsOther current assets16 13 Other current assets24 13 
Other current liabilitiesOther current liabilities(2)Other current liabilities21 
Other assetsOther assetsOther assets(5)
Other liabilitiesOther liabilitiesOther liabilities
Other, net(5)(3)
Other operating activities, netOther operating activities, net(14)(11)
Net cash provided by operating activitiesNet cash provided by operating activities47 103 Net cash provided by operating activities497 552 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:Cash Flows from Investing Activities:  Cash Flows from Investing Activities:  
Capital expendituresCapital expenditures(314)(286)Capital expenditures(1,108)(750)
Decrease (increase) in notes receivable–affiliated companiesDecrease (increase) in notes receivable–affiliated companies(665)481 Decrease (increase) in notes receivable–affiliated companies— 456 
Other, net(3)(3)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities(982)192 
Other investing activities, netOther investing activities, net11 
Net cash used in investing activitiesNet cash used in investing activities(1,104)(283)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:Cash Flows from Financing Activities:  Cash Flows from Financing Activities:  
Increase in short-term borrowings, netIncrease in short-term borrowings, net— 
Proceeds from long-term debtProceeds from long-term debt1,096 Proceeds from long-term debt1,096 299 
Payments of long-term debtPayments of long-term debt(138)(63)Payments of long-term debt(540)(160)
Increase (decrease) in notes payable–affiliated companies(8)133 
Decrease in notes payable–affiliated companiesDecrease in notes payable–affiliated companies32 — 
Dividend to parentDividend to parent(385)Dividend to parent— (457)
Payment of debt issuance costsPayment of debt issuance costs(10)Payment of debt issuance costs(12)(3)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activitiesNet cash provided by (used in) financing activities940 (315)Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities576 (316)
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash(20)
Net Decrease in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted CashNet Decrease in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash(31)(47)
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at Beginning of PeriodCash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Period154 235 Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Period154 235 
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at End of PeriodCash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at End of Period$159 $215 Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at End of Period$123 $188 

See Combined Notes to Interim Condensed Financial Statements

11

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 March 31,Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
20212020 2021202020212020
SharesAmountSharesAmount SharesAmountSharesAmountSharesAmountSharesAmount
(in millions, except share amounts) (in millions, except share amounts)
Common StockCommon Stock    Common Stock        
Balance, beginning of periodBalance, beginning of period1,000 $1,000 $Balance, beginning of period1,000 $— 1,000 $— 1,000 $— 1,000 $— 
Balance, end of periodBalance, end of period1,000 1,000 Balance, end of period1,000 — 1,000 — 1,000 — 1,000 — 
Additional Paid-in-CapitalAdditional Paid-in-Capital   Additional Paid-in-Capital      
Balance, beginning of periodBalance, beginning of period2,548  2,486 Balance, beginning of period2,548  2,486 2,548  2,486 
Balance, end of periodBalance, end of period2,548  2,486 Balance, end of period2,548  2,486 2,548  2,486 
Retained EarningsRetained Earnings   Retained Earnings      
Balance, beginning of periodBalance, beginning of period563  780 Balance, beginning of period719  495 563  780 
Net incomeNet income53  33 Net income151  157 307  277 
Dividend to parentDividend to parent(385)Dividend to parent— (52)— (457)
Balance, end of periodBalance, end of period616  428 Balance, end of period870  600 870  600 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive LossAccumulated Other Comprehensive LossAccumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Balance, beginning of periodBalance, beginning of period(15)Balance, beginning of period— — — (15)
Other comprehensive incomeOther comprehensive income— — — 15 
Balance, end of periodBalance, end of period(15)Balance, end of period— — — — 
Total Member’s EquityTotal Member’s Equity$3,164  $2,899 Total Member’s Equity$3,418  $3,086 $3,418  $3,086 

See Combined Notes to Interim Condensed Financial Statements

12

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 EndedThree Months EndedNine Months Ended
March 31,September 30,September 30,
202120202021202020212020
(in millions)(in millions)
Revenues:Revenues:Revenues:
Utility revenuesUtility revenues$1,168 $996 Utility revenues$472 $415 $2,189 $1,878 
Non-utility revenuesNon-utility revenues15 Non-utility revenues15 11 49 42 
TotalTotal1,177 1,011 Total487 426 2,238 1,920 
Expenses:Expenses:  Expenses:    
Utility natural gasUtility natural gas623 472 Utility natural gas157 106 962 715 
Non-utility cost of revenues, including natural gasNon-utility cost of revenues, including natural gasNon-utility cost of revenues, including natural gas16 15 
Operation and maintenanceOperation and maintenance198 209 Operation and maintenance187 186 579 574 
Depreciation and amortizationDepreciation and amortization80 74 Depreciation and amortization82 78 242 226 
Taxes other than income taxesTaxes other than income taxes56 50 Taxes other than income taxes41 40 141 134 
TotalTotal959 811 Total471 412 1,940 1,664 
Operating IncomeOperating Income218 200 Operating Income16 14 298 256 
Other Expense:Other Expense:  Other Expense:    
Gain on saleGain on sale11 — 11 — 
Interest expense and other finance chargesInterest expense and other finance charges(24)(30)Interest expense and other finance charges(24)(28)(73)(87)
Other expense, net(1)(4)
Other income (expense), netOther income (expense), net(3)(1)(3)(5)
TotalTotal(25)(34)Total(16)(29)(65)(92)
Income From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes193 166 
Income tax expense42 35 
Income From Continuing Operations151 131 
Loss from Discontinued Operations (net of tax benefit of $-0- and $11, respectively)(64)
Net Income$151 $67 
Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations Before Income TaxesIncome (Loss) From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes— (15)233 164 
Income tax expense (benefit)Income tax expense (benefit)(9)25 22 
Income (Loss) From Continuing OperationsIncome (Loss) From Continuing Operations(1)(6)208 142 
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations (net of tax expense (benefit) of $-0-, $1, $-0- and $(2), respectively)Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations (net of tax expense (benefit) of $-0-, $1, $-0- and $(2), respectively)— — (66)
Net Income (Loss)Net Income (Loss)$(1)$(4)$208 $76 

See Combined Notes to Interim Condensed Financial Statements


13

Table of Contents
CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(AN INDIRECT, WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC.)
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
Three Months EndedThree Months EndedNine Months Ended
March 31, September 30,September 30,
20212020 2021202020212020
(in millions)(in millions)
Net income (loss)Net income (loss)$151 $67 Net income (loss)$(1)$(4)$208 $76 
Comprehensive income (loss)Comprehensive income (loss)$151 $67 Comprehensive income (loss)$(1)$(4)$208 $76 

See Combined Notes to Interim Condensed Financial Statements

14

Table of Contents
CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(AN INDIRECT, WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC.)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
 
ASSETS
March 31,
2021
December 31,
2020
September 30,
2021
December 31,
2020
(in millions)(in millions)
Current Assets:
Current Assets:
  
Current Assets:
  
Cash and cash equivalentsCash and cash equivalents$$Cash and cash equivalents$— $
Accounts receivable, less allowance for credit losses of $56 and $45, respectively349 233 
Accrued unbilled revenues, less allowance for credit losses of $3 and $4, respectively167 260 
Accounts receivable, less allowance for credit losses of $45 and $45, respectivelyAccounts receivable, less allowance for credit losses of $45 and $45, respectively146 233 
Accrued unbilled revenues, less allowance for credit losses of $2 and $4, respectivelyAccrued unbilled revenues, less allowance for credit losses of $2 and $4, respectively92 260 
Accounts and notes receivable–affiliated companiesAccounts and notes receivable–affiliated companies11 Accounts and notes receivable–affiliated companies15 
Materials and suppliesMaterials and supplies64 58 Materials and supplies78 58 
Natural gas inventoryNatural gas inventory27 121 Natural gas inventory162 121 
Taxes receivableTaxes receivable— 
Current assets held for saleCurrent assets held for sale1,970 — 
Prepaid expenses and other current assetsPrepaid expenses and other current assets381 26 Prepaid expenses and other current assets1,335 26 
Total current assetsTotal current assets1,000 707 Total current assets3,802 707 
Property, Plant and Equipment:Property, Plant and Equipment:Property, Plant and Equipment:
Property, plant and equipmentProperty, plant and equipment9,070 8,972 Property, plant and equipment7,726 8,972 
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortizationLess: accumulated depreciation and amortization2,466 2,414 Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization2,049 2,414 
Property, plant and equipment, netProperty, plant and equipment, net6,604 6,558 Property, plant and equipment, net5,677 6,558 
Other Assets:Other Assets:  Other Assets:  
GoodwillGoodwill757 757 Goodwill611 757 
Regulatory assetsRegulatory assets1,947 220 Regulatory assets571 220 
Other non-current assetsOther non-current assets48 66 Other non-current assets41 66 
Total other assetsTotal other assets2,752 1,043 Total other assets1,223 1,043 
Total AssetsTotal Assets$10,356 $8,308 Total Assets$10,702 $8,308 

See Combined Notes to Interim Condensed Financial Statements

















15

Table of Contents

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
March 31,
2021
December 31,
2020
September 30,
2021
December 31,
2020
(in millions)(in millions)
Current Liabilities:Current Liabilities:  Current Liabilities:  
Short-term borrowingsShort-term borrowings$$24 Short-term borrowings$$24 
Accounts payableAccounts payable273 296 Accounts payable281 296 
Accounts and notes payable–affiliated companiesAccounts and notes payable–affiliated companies48 50 Accounts and notes payable–affiliated companies55 50 
Taxes accruedTaxes accrued90 74 Taxes accrued74 74 
Interest accruedInterest accrued30 28 Interest accrued30 28 
Customer depositsCustomer deposits76 76 Customer deposits65 76 
Current liabilities held for saleCurrent liabilities held for sale512 — 
Other current liabilitiesOther current liabilities137 178 Other current liabilities146 178 
Total current liabilitiesTotal current liabilities654 726 Total current liabilities1,170 726 
Other Liabilities:Other Liabilities:  Other Liabilities:  
Deferred income taxes, netDeferred income taxes, net632 584 Deferred income taxes, net625 584 
Benefit obligationsBenefit obligations83 83 Benefit obligations83 83 
Regulatory liabilitiesRegulatory liabilities1,242 1,226 Regulatory liabilities1,020 1,226 
Other non-current liabilitiesOther non-current liabilities678 694 Other non-current liabilities564 694 
Total other liabilitiesTotal other liabilities2,635 2,587 Total other liabilities2,292 2,587 
Long-Term DebtLong-Term Debt4,349 2,428 Long-Term Debt4,465 2,428 
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 14)Commitments and Contingencies (Note 14)00Commitments and Contingencies (Note 14)00
Stockholder’s Equity:Stockholder’s Equity:Stockholder’s Equity:
Common stockCommon stockCommon stock— — 
Additional paid-in capitalAdditional paid-in capital2,046 2,046 Additional paid-in capital2,046 2,046 
Retained earningsRetained earnings662 511 Retained earnings719 511 
Accumulated other comprehensive incomeAccumulated other comprehensive income10 10 Accumulated other comprehensive income10 10 
Total stockholder’s equityTotal stockholder’s equity2,718 2,567 Total stockholder’s equity2,775 2,567 
Total Liabilities and Stockholder’s EquityTotal Liabilities and Stockholder’s Equity$10,356 $8,308 Total Liabilities and Stockholder’s Equity$10,702 $8,308 


See Combined Notes to Interim Condensed Financial Statements

16

Table of Contents
CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(AN INDIRECT, WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC.)
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31,Nine Months Ended September 30,
2021202020212020
(in millions)(in millions)
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:Cash Flows from Operating Activities: Cash Flows from Operating Activities: 
Net incomeNet income$151 $67 Net income$208 $76 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:  
Depreciation and amortizationDepreciation and amortization80 74 Depreciation and amortization242 226 
Amortization of deferred financing costsAmortization of deferred financing costsAmortization of deferred financing costs10 
Deferred income taxesDeferred income taxes41 23 Deferred income taxes27 19 
Goodwill impairment and loss from reclassification to held for saleGoodwill impairment and loss from reclassification to held for sale132 Goodwill impairment and loss from reclassification to held for sale— 93 
Gain on saleGain on sale(11)— 
Write-down of natural gas inventoryWrite-down of natural gas inventoryWrite-down of natural gas inventory— 
Changes in other assets and liabilities:Changes in other assets and liabilities:  Changes in other assets and liabilities:  
Accounts receivable and unbilled revenues, netAccounts receivable and unbilled revenues, net(41)169 Accounts receivable and unbilled revenues, net259 402 
Accounts receivable/payable–affiliated companiesAccounts receivable/payable–affiliated companies(5)Accounts receivable/payable–affiliated companies(4)(8)
InventoryInventory64 114 Inventory(73)(3)
Taxes receivableTaxes receivable(4)— 
Accounts payableAccounts payable(10)(159)Accounts payable(37)(180)
Interest and taxes accruedInterest and taxes accrued18 (11)Interest and taxes accrued(18)
Non-trading derivatives, netNon-trading derivatives, net(54)Non-trading derivatives, net— (13)
Margin deposits, netMargin deposits, net21 Margin deposits, net— 65 
Net regulatory assets and liabilitiesNet regulatory assets and liabilities(2,065)10 Net regulatory assets and liabilities(2,027)(28)
Other current assetsOther current assets(1)Other current assets
Other current liabilitiesOther current liabilities(13)(13)Other current liabilities(20)(7)
Other assetsOther assets(2)18 Other assets— 
Other liabilitiesOther liabilities(8)(15)Other liabilities(49)
Other operating activities, netOther operating activities, net(1)(7)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activitiesNet cash provided by (used in) operating activities(1,787)381 Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities(1,466)646 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:Cash Flows from Investing Activities:  Cash Flows from Investing Activities:  
Capital expendituresCapital expenditures(133)(176)Capital expenditures(571)(624)
Increase in notes receivable–affiliated companiesIncrease in notes receivable–affiliated companies— (9)
Other, net(1)
Proceeds from divestitureProceeds from divestiture22 286 
Other investing activities, netOther investing activities, net15 
Net cash used in investing activitiesNet cash used in investing activities(131)(177)Net cash used in investing activities(534)(339)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:Cash Flows from Financing Activities:  Cash Flows from Financing Activities:  
Increase in short-term borrowings, netIncrease in short-term borrowings, net(27)31 
Proceeds from (payments of) commercial paper, netProceeds from (payments of) commercial paper, net226 (172)Proceeds from (payments of) commercial paper, net338 30 
Proceeds from long-term debtProceeds from long-term debt1,699 Proceeds from long-term debt1,699 — 
Dividends to parentDividends to parent(32)Dividends to parent— (80)
Debt issuance costs(6)
Payment of debt issuance costsPayment of debt issuance costs(10)— 
Other, net(1)(1)
Capital distribution to parent associated with the sale of CESCapital distribution to parent associated with the sale of CES— (286)
Other financing activities, netOther financing activities, net(1)(2)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activitiesNet cash provided by (used in) financing activities1,918 (205)Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities1,999 (307)
Net Decrease in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted CashNet Decrease in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash(1)Net Decrease in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash(1)— 
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at Beginning of PeriodCash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at Beginning of PeriodCash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Period
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at End of PeriodCash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at End of Period$$Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at End of Period$— $

See Combined Notes to Interim Condensed Financial Statements
17

Table of Contents
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 March 31,Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
20212020 2021202020212020
SharesAmountSharesAmount SharesAmountSharesAmountSharesAmountSharesAmount
(in millions, except share amounts) (in millions, except share amounts)
Common StockCommon Stock  Common Stock    
Balance, beginning of periodBalance, beginning of period1,000 $1,000 $Balance, beginning of period1,000 $— 1,000 $— 1,000 $— 1,000 $— 
Balance, end of periodBalance, end of period1,000 1,000 Balance, end of period1,000 — 1,000 — 1,000 — 1,000 — 
Additional Paid-in-CapitalAdditional Paid-in-Capital   Additional Paid-in-Capital      
Balance, beginning of periodBalance, beginning of period2,046  2,116 Balance, beginning of period2,046  1,829 2,046  2,116 
Capital distribution to parent associated with the sale of CESCapital distribution to parent associated with the sale of CES— — — (286)
OtherOther— — — (1)
Balance, end of periodBalance, end of period2,046  2,116 Balance, end of period2,046  1,829 2,046  1,829 
Retained EarningsRetained Earnings   Retained Earnings      
Balance, beginning of periodBalance, beginning of period511  515 Balance, beginning of period720  518 511  515 
Net income (loss)Net income (loss)151  67 Net income (loss)(1) (4)208  76 
Dividend to parentDividend to parent (32)Dividend to parent—  (8)—  (80)
Adoption of ASU 2016-13Adoption of ASU 2016-13— (5)Adoption of ASU 2016-13— — — (5)
Balance, end of periodBalance, end of period662  545 Balance, end of period719  506 719  506 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive IncomeAccumulated Other Comprehensive Income   Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income      
Balance, beginning of periodBalance, beginning of period10  10 Balance, beginning of period10  10 10  10 
Balance, end of periodBalance, end of period10  10 Balance, end of period10  10 10  10 
Total Stockholder’s EquityTotal Stockholder’s Equity$2,718  $2,671 Total Stockholder’s Equity$2,775  $2,345 $2,775  $2,345 


See Combined Notes to Interim Condensed Financial Statements

18

Table of Contents

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 3 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 lastpenultimate 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 March 31,September 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 6 states;states and (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.CEIP.

Vectren holds 3 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. On August 31, 2021, CenterPoint Energy, through its subsidiary CERC Corp., completed the sale of MES to Last Mile Energy. See Note 3 for further information.

As of March 31,September 30, 2021, CenterPoint Energy’s reportable segments were Electric and Natural Gas and Midstream Investments.Gas. Houston Electric and CERC each consist of a single reportable segment. For a description of CenterPoint Energy’s reportable segments, see Note 16.

As of March 31,September 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
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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
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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 and CenterPoint Energy’s plan to exit the Midstream Investment reportable segment, see NoteNotes 3 and 9.

As of March 31,September 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, and energy services, (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.

10-K and to reflect the impacts of discontinued operations.

(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. On August 18, 2021, the Hart-Scott-Rodino antitrust waiting period expired. On October 14, 2021, a unanimous settlement agreement was filed with the APSC that, if approved, upon the closing of the transaction, would resolve all matters associated with the sale and the FRP. As part of the settlement agreement, CERC committed to provide $22 million in cash at the closing of the transaction, which will be passed through to Arkansas customers. CERC also committed to return any insurance proceeds it may receive for claims submitted with respect to Arkansas, if any, for costs incurred as part of the February 2021 Winter Storm Event to reduce the balance of the incurred costs. The settlement agreement also provides for the extinguishment of CERC’s obligation to refund through the FRP approximately $10 million as of September 30, 2021. The settling parties requested that the October 22, 2021 hearing be waived and that the APSC enter an order by December 13, 2021 to allow for the closing of the transaction to take place by the end of the year, or shortly thereafter. The Oklahoma filing is still pending state regulatory approval. The transaction is anticipated to close by the end of 2021, subject to customary closing conditions, including final orders from the APSC and OCC approving the transaction. 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
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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.

Although the Arkansas and Oklahoma Natural Gas businesses met the held for sale criteria, their expected 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 the transaction 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.

In September 2021, CenterPoint Energy’s equity investment in Enable met the held for sale criteria. CenterPoint Energy’s plan to exit its Midstream Investment reportable segment in 2022 represents a strategic shift to CenterPoint Energy. Therefore, the assets and liabilities associated with the equity investment in Enable are reflected as discontinued operations on CenterPoint Energy’s Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income, and the December 31, 2020 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet was required to be recast for assets held for sale. For further information about CenterPoint Energy’s equity investment in Enable, see Note 9.

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 on assets held for sale during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021. See Note 10 for further information about the allocation of goodwill to the businesses to be disposed.

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

September 30, 2021
CenterPoint EnergyCERC
(in millions)
Receivables, net$15 $15 
Accrued unbilled revenues12 12 
Natural gas inventory48 48 
Materials and supplies
Property, plant and equipment, net1,254 1,254 
Goodwill
398 144 
Investment in unconsolidated affiliate (1)
926 — 
Regulatory assets403 403 
Other86 86 
Total current assets held for sale$3,150 $1,970 
Short term borrowings (2)
$34 $34 
Accounts payable21 21 
Taxes accrued
Customer deposits11 11 
Regulatory liabilities317 317 
Other122 122 
Total current liabilities held for sale$512 $512 

(1)Balance of $782 million as of December 31, 2020 is reported as Non-current assets held for sale on CenterPoint Energy’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
(2)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.
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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 September 30,Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2021202020212020
(in millions)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes$(14)$(12)$48 $48 

Divestitures 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. See “—Other Sale Related Matters of Infrastructure Services and Energy Services” below for a discussion of an additional mechanism within 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..adjustment. The earnings and expenses directly associated with these dispositions for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 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.

A summary of discontinued operations presented in CenterPoint Energy’s Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income is as follows:
Three Months Ended September 30,
20212020
Equity Method Investment in EnableEquity Method Investment in EnableInfrastructure Services Disposal GroupEnergy Services Disposal GroupTotal
(in millions)
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliate, net$83 $(67)$— $— $(67)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes83 (67)— — (67)
Gain (loss) on classification to held for sale, net (1)
— — (9)(6)
Income tax expense (benefit)15 (1)
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations$68 $(72)$(8)$$(78)
Nine Months Ended September 30,
20212020
Equity Method Investment in EnableEquity Method Investment in EnableInfrastructure Services Disposal GroupEnergy Services Disposal GroupTotal
(in millions)
Revenues$— $— $250 $1,167 $1,417 
Expenses:
Non-utility cost of revenues— — 50 1,108 1,158 
Operation and maintenance— — 184 34 218 
Taxes other than income taxes— — 
Total— — 235 1,145 1,380 
Operating income (loss)— — 15 22 37 
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliate, net258 (1,499)— — (1,499)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes258 (1,499)15 22 (1,462)
Loss on classification to held for sale, net (1)
— — (102)(96)(198)
Income tax expense (benefit)56 (361)24 (3)(340)
Net loss from discontinued operations$202 $(1,138)$(111)$(71)$(1,320)
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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 March 31, 2020
CenterPoint EnergyCERC
Infrastructure Services Disposal GroupEnergy Services Disposal GroupTotalEnergy Services Disposal Group
(in millions)
Revenues$222 $886 $1,108 $886 
Expenses:
Non-utility cost of revenues44 808 852 808 
Operation and maintenance163 20 183 20 
Taxes other than income taxes
Total expenses208 829 1,037 829 
Income (loss) from Discontinued Operations before income taxes14 57 71 57 
Loss on classification to held for sale, net (1)
(96)(138)(234)(132)
Income tax benefit(5)(12)(17)(11)
Net loss from Discontinued Operations$(77)$(69)$(146)$(64)

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

A summary of discontinued operations presented in CERC’s Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income is as follows:
Three Months Ended September 30, 2020Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020
Energy Services Disposal Group
(in millions)
Revenues$— $1,167 
Expenses:
Non-utility cost of revenues— 1,108 
Operation and maintenance— 34 
Taxes other than income taxes— 
Total— 1,145 
Income from discontinued operations before income taxes— 22 
Gain (loss) on classification to held for sale, net (1)
(90)
Income tax expense (benefit)(2)
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations$$(66)

(1)Gain (loss) on classification to held for sale, net is inclusive of goodwill impairment, gains and losses recognized upon sale.

CenterPoint Energy and CERC have elected not to separately disclose discontinued operations on their respective Condensed Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows. Unregulated long-lived assets are not depreciated or amortized once they are classified as held for sale. 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:

Three Months Ended March 31, 2020
CenterPoint EnergyCERC
Infrastructure Services Disposal GroupEnergy Services Disposal GroupEnergy Services Disposal Group
(in millions)
Write-down of natural gas inventory$$$
Capital expenditures16 
Non-cash transactions:
Accounts payable related to capital expenditures
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021
CenterPoint Energy
Equity Method Investment in Enable
(in millions)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliate - operating$(258)
Distributions from unconsolidated affiliate - operating116 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020
CenterPoint EnergyCERC
Equity Method Investment in EnableInfrastructure Services Disposal GroupEnergy Services Disposal GroupEnergy Services Disposal Group
(in millions)
Write-down of natural gas inventory - operating$— $— $$
Equity in losses of unconsolidated affiliate - operating1,499 — — — 
Distributions from unconsolidated affiliate - operating109 — — — 
Capital expenditures - investing— 16 
Distributions from unconsolidated affiliate in excess of cumulative earnings - investing46 — — — 
Non-cash transactions:
Accounts payable related to capital expenditures— 

Other Sale Related Matters of Infrastructure Services and Energy Services (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.

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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 March 31, 2020Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020
CenterPoint EnergyCERCCenterPoint EnergyCERC
(in millions)(in millions)
Transportation revenueTransportation revenue$16 $16 Transportation revenue$34 $34 
Natural gas expenseNatural gas expense45 44 Natural gas expense48 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.

CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s Natural Gas businesses had AMAs associated with their utility distribution service in Arkansas, Louisiana and Oklahoma with the
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Energy Services Disposal Group whichthat 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 of $-0- and $24 million as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.See Note 12 for further information.

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 OperationOperation and maintenance expenses.

Fees incurred by CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s Natural Gas reportable segment for pipeline construction and repair services are as follows:
Three Months Ended March 31, 2020Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020
CenterPoint EnergyCERCCenterPoint EnergyCERC
(in millions)(in millions)
Pipeline construction and repair services capitalizedPipeline construction and repair services capitalized$34 $Pipeline construction and repair services capitalized$34 $— 
Pipeline construction and repair service charges in operations and maintenance expensePipeline construction and repair service charges in operations and maintenance expensePipeline construction and repair service charges in operations and maintenance expense
(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.

Divestiture of MES (CenterPoint Energy and CERC). CenterPoint Energy, through its subsidiary CERC Corp., completed the sale of MES on August 31, 2021 to Last Mile Energy. Prior to the transaction, MES provided temporary delivery of LNG and CNG throughout the contiguous 48 states and MES was reflected in CenterPoint Energy’s Natural Gas reportable segment and CERC’s single reportable segment, as applicable.

The MES disposal does 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 MES 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. CenterPoint Energy and CERC recognized a pre-tax gain on the sale of $8 million and $11 million, respectively, during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021. See Note 10 for further information about the allocation of goodwill to the MES disposal.

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(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 September 30, 2021
ElectricNatural GasCorporate
 and Other
Total
(in millions)
Revenue from contractsRevenue from contracts$1,056 $611 $73 $1,740 
Other (1)
Other (1)
— 
Total revenuesTotal revenues$1,056 $619 $74 $1,749 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2021Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021
ElectricNatural GasCorporate
 and Other
TotalElectricNatural GasCorporate
 and Other
Total
(in millions)(in millions)
Revenue from contractsRevenue from contracts$833 $1,655 $53 $2,541 Revenue from contracts$2,822 $2,984 $190 $5,996 
Other (1)
Other (1)
(3)
Other (1)
38 42 
Total revenuesTotal revenues$830 $1,663 $54 $2,547 Total revenues$2,823 $3,022 $193 $6,038 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2020
ElectricNatural GasCorporate
 and Other
Total
(in millions)
Revenue from contracts$767 $1,296 $78 $2,141 
Other (1)
25 26 
Total revenues$767 $1,321 $79 $2,167 
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Three Months Ended September 30, 2020
ElectricNatural GasCorporate
 and Other
Total
(in millions)
Revenue from contracts$985 $553 $72 $1,610 
Other (1)
— 11 12 
Total revenues$985 $564 $73 $1,622 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020
ElectricNatural GasCorporate
 and Other
Total
(in millions)
Revenue from contracts$2,602 $2,483 $232 $5,317 
Other (1)
(2)46 47 
Total revenues$2,600 $2,529 $235 $5,364 

(1)Primarily consists of income from ARPs, weather hedge gains (losses) and leases. Total lease income was $2 million and $1$2 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $6 million and $4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

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Houston Electric
Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
202120202021202020212020
(in millions)(in millions)
Revenue from contractsRevenue from contracts$687 $638 Revenue from contracts$880 $828 $2,358 $2,188 
Other (1)
Other (1)
(3)(4)
Other (1)
(6)— (14)(6)
Total revenuesTotal revenues$684 $634 Total revenues$874 $828 $2,344 $2,182 

(1)Primarily consists of income from ARPs and leases. Lease income was not significant for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020.

CERC
Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
202120202021202020212020
(in millions)(in millions)
Revenue from contractsRevenue from contracts$1,172 $984 Revenue from contracts$484 $417 $2,214 $1,873 
Other (1)
Other (1)
27 
Other (1)
24 47 
Total revenuesTotal revenues$1,177 $1,011 Total revenues$487 $426 $2,238 $1,920 

(1)Primarily consists of income from ARPs, weather hedge gains (losses) and leases. Lease income was not significant for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 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.

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 March 31,September 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 March 31,September 30, 2021, CenterPoint Energy’s contract liabilities primarily relate to ESG contracts where revenue is recognized using the input method.

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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 operationsexcluding balances related to assets held for sale, as of December 31, 2020 and March 31,September 30, 2021, respectively, are as follows:presented below.

CenterPoint Energy
Accounts ReceivableOther Accrued Unbilled RevenuesContract
Assets
Contract LiabilitiesAccounts ReceivableOther Accrued Unbilled RevenuesContract
Assets
Contract Liabilities
(in millions)(in millions)
Opening balance as of December 31, 2020Opening balance as of December 31, 2020$604 $505 $27 $18 Opening balance as of December 31, 2020$604 $505 $27 $18 
Closing balance as of March 31, 2021675 343 23 23 
Closing balance as of September 30, 2021Closing balance as of September 30, 2021568 293 24 22 
Increase (decrease)Increase (decrease)$71 $(162)$(4)$Increase (decrease)$(36)$(212)$(3)$

The amount of revenue recognized induring the three-month periodnine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 that was included in the opening contract liability was $11$16 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 ReceivableOther Accrued Unbilled RevenuesContract Liabilities
(in millions)
Opening balance as of December 31, 2020$225 $113 $
Closing balance as of March 31, 2021216 83 
Increase (decrease)$(9)$(30)$
Accounts ReceivableOther Accrued Unbilled RevenuesContract Liabilities
(in millions)
Opening balance as of December 31, 2020$225 $113 $
Closing balance as of September 30, 2021339 132 
Increase$114 $19 $

The amount of revenue recognized induring the three-month periodnine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 that was included in the opening contract liability was $1$3 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 ReceivableOther Accrued Unbilled Revenues
(in millions)
Opening balance as of December 31, 2020$214 $261 
Closing balance as of March 31, 2021299 168 
Increase (decrease)$85 $(93)
Accounts ReceivableOther Accrued Unbilled Revenues
(in millions)
Opening balance as of December 31, 2020$214 $261 
Closing balance as of September 30, 2021108 92 
Decrease$(106)$(169)

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

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 MonthsThereafterTotalRolling 12 MonthsThereafterTotal
(in millions)(in millions)
Revenue expected to be recognized on contracts in place as of March 31, 2021:
Revenue expected to be recognized on contracts in place as of September 30, 2021:Revenue expected to be recognized on contracts in place as of September 30, 2021:
Corporate and OtherCorporate and Other$259 $554 $813 Corporate and Other$245 $564 $809 
$259 $554 $813 $245 $564 $809 

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.

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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 March 31,Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
202120202021202020212020
(in millions)(in millions)
Service cost (1)
Service cost (1)
$10 $10 
Service cost (1)
$$10 $29 $32 
Interest cost (2)
Interest cost (2)
15 19 
Interest cost (2)
15 18 44 56 
Expected return on plan assets (2)
Expected return on plan assets (2)
(26)(28)
Expected return on plan assets (2)
(26)(28)(78)(85)
Amortization of net loss (2)
Amortization of net loss (2)
10 
Amortization of net loss (2)
10 28 31 
Settlement cost (benefit) (2) (3)
Settlement cost (benefit) (2) (3)
27 26 
Net periodic costNet periodic cost$$11 Net periodic cost$34 $11 $49 $36 

(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)Amounts presented represent a one-time, non-cash settlement cost (benefit), prior to regulatory deferrals, which are 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.

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Postretirement Benefits
Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended September 30,
2021202020212020
CenterPoint EnergyHouston ElectricCERCCenterPoint EnergyHouston ElectricCERCCenterPoint EnergyHouston ElectricCERCCenterPoint EnergyHouston ElectricCERC
(in millions)(in millions)
Service cost (1)Service cost (1)$$$$$$
Service cost (1)
$$— $— $$— $
Interest cost (2)Interest cost (2)
Interest cost (2)
— 
Expected return on plan assets (2)Expected return on plan assets (2)(1)(1)(1)(1)
Expected return on plan assets (2)
(1)(1)— (1)(1)(1)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit) (2)Amortization of prior service cost (credit) (2)(1)(1)(1)(1)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit) (2)
(1)(1)— (1)(1)
Net periodic cost (income)$$(1)$$$(1)$
Net periodic cost (benefit)Net periodic cost (benefit)$$(1)$$$(1)$
Nine Months Ended September 30,
20212020
CenterPoint EnergyHouston ElectricCERCCenterPoint EnergyHouston ElectricCERC
(in millions)
Service cost (1)
Service cost (1)
$$— $$$— $
Interest cost (2)
Interest cost (2)
Expected return on plan assets (2)
Expected return on plan assets (2)
(3)(3)— (4)(3)(1)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit) (2)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit) (2)
(3)(3)— (3)(4)
Net periodic cost (benefit)Net periodic cost (benefit)$$(3)$$$(3)$

(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.

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The table below reflects the expected contributions to be made to the pension and postretirement benefit plans during 2021:
CenterPoint EnergyHouston ElectricCERCCenterPoint EnergyHouston ElectricCERC
(in millions)(in millions)
Expected minimum contribution to pension plans during 2021Expected minimum contribution to pension plans during 2021$61 $$Expected minimum contribution to pension plans during 2021$61 $— $— 
Expected contribution to postretirement benefit plans in 2021Expected contribution to postretirement benefit plans in 2021Expected contribution to postretirement benefit plans in 2021913

On March 11, 2021, the ARPA was signed into law which includes pension plan funding relief for the sponsoring employers. As a result, the expectedrequired minimum contribution to pension plans for 2021 as disclosed is likely to behas been significantly reduced. However, at this time, CenterPoint Energy iselects to maintain the same level of funding previously planned for 2021, and therefore, the expected minimum contribution amount does not able to quantify the reduction amount until further IRS guidance related to the pensionreflect this funding relief under the ARPA becomes available.available for 2021.

The table below reflects the contributions made to the pension and postretirement benefit plans during 2021:
Three Months Ended March 31, 2021Three Months Ended September 30, 2021Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021
CenterPoint EnergyHouston ElectricCERCCenterPoint EnergyHouston ElectricCERCCenterPoint EnergyHouston ElectricCERC
(in millions)(in millions)
Pension plansPension plans$$$Pension plans$51 $— $— $59 $— $— 
Postretirement benefit plansPostretirement benefit plansPostretirement benefit plans$$$— $$$

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 appointed a new independent chair of the Board. To implement this new governance structure, the independent directors of the Board eliminated the Executive Chairman position that was formerly held by Milton Carroll.

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On the approval and recommendation of the Compensation Committee and approval of the Board (acting solely through its independent directors), CenterPoint Energy entered into a separation agreement between CenterPoint Energy and Mr. Carroll, dated July 21, 2021. Under the terms of the separation agreement, Mr. Carroll exited the positions of Executive Chairman on July 21, 2021 and Board member on September 30, 2021. Under the terms of the separation agreement, Mr. Carroll received a lump sum cash payment of $28 million and his separation was 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 into a retention incentive agreement with David J. Lesar, President and Chief Executive Officer of CenterPoint Energy, dated July 20, 2021. For information about the classification of this award, see Note 19.

(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:

March 31, 2021December 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$224 $130 $13 $229 $137 $13 
September 30, 2021December 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$206 $108 $15 $229 $137 $13 

(1)In addition to the amounts described in (2) and (3) below, represents CenterPoint Energy’s allowed equity return on post in-service carrying cost generally associated with federally mandated 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 and certain storm restoration balances expected to be recovered in rates through 2024. The unrecognized equity return will be recognized as it is recovered2024 and certain storm restoration balances pending recovery in rates through 2024.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 March 31,
20212020
CenterPoint EnergyHouston ElectricCERCCenterPoint EnergyHouston ElectricCERC
(in millions)
Allowed equity return recognized$$$$$$
Three Months Ended September 30,
20212020
CenterPoint EnergyHouston ElectricCERCCenterPoint EnergyHouston ElectricCERC
(in millions)
Allowed equity return recognized$12 $11 $$10 $10 $— 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
20212020
CenterPoint EnergyHouston ElectricCERCCenterPoint EnergyHouston ElectricCERC
Allowed equity return recognized$31 $29 $$24 $24 $— 

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February 2021 Winter Storm Event

In February 2021, certain of ourthe Registrants’ jurisdictions experienced an extreme and unprecedented winter weather event that resulted in prolonged freezing temperatures, which impacted ourtheir 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. Itfacilities other than leasing facilities that provide temporary emergency electric energy to aid in restoring power to distribution customers during certain widespread power outages as allowed by a new law enacted after the February 2021 Winter Storm Event. Houston Electric 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 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 EnergyEnergy’s and CERC’s natural gas purchases and their ability to serviceserve 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 have either sought or intend to seekare seeking recovery of the increased cost of natural gas, which will be subject to customarygas. As of September 30, 2021, CenterPoint Energy and CERC have recorded current regulatory prudency reviews that may impactassets of $1,423 million and $1,316 million included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets, respectively, and non-current regulatory assets of $654 million and $654 million, respectively, associated with the amounts recovered. February 2021 Winter Storm Event.

Amounts for the under recovery of natural gas costs are reflected in regulatory assets included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets and Regulatory assets on CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Recovery of natural gas costs within the regulatory assets are probable and are probablesubject to customary regulatory prudence reviews in all jurisdictions that may impact the amounts ultimately recovered. CenterPoint Energy and CERC, as applicable, have begun recovery of recovery; however, the timing of recovery for each jurisdiction for the estimated incrementalnatural gas cost attributable to the February 2021 Winter Storm Event within each regulatory asset is uncertain. As of March 31, 2021,costs in Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi and Minnesota. CenterPoint Energy and CERC have recorded current regulatory assetsfiled for securitization of $462natural gas costs in Oklahoma and Texas, and expect to receive commission approval and issuance of financing orders from both in 2022, and issuance of the securitization bonds from Texas in 2022 and Oklahoma in 2023. 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 $347 million, respectively, and non-current regulatory assets of $1.7 billion and $1.7 billion, respectively, associatedCERC. The natural gas costs in Minnesota were incurred in accordance with the February 2021 Winter Storm Event. Dueplan on file with the MPUC and CenterPoint Energy believes the costs were prudently incurred and are eligible for recovery through an existing mechanism. Additionally, due to the uncertainty of timing and method of recovery in some jurisdictions, CenterPoint Energy and CERC may not earn a return on all amounts deferred in the non-current regulatory assetassets 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, in the event a request for disconnect is received from a REP, Houston Electric willdid not execute any such disconnect requestrequests for disconnection from any REPs until the PUCT issuesissued 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 March 31,September 30, 2021, as authorized by the PUCT, CenterPoint Energy and
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Houston Electric establishedrecorded a regulatory asset of $14$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 September 30, 2021, CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric recorded a regulatory asset of $14$15 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 in certain of the Registrants’ service territories, CenterPoint Energy continues to support those customers who may need payment assistance, arrangements or extensions.

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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 March 31,September 30, 2021 and $6 million as of December 31, 2020.

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 $29$28 million and $27$26 million, respectively, as of March 31,September 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 APSC ordered that the regulatory asset be reviewed in a future proceeding. 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.

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The table below summarizes the Registrants’ outstanding interest rate hedging activity:
March 31, 2021December 31, 2020September 30, 2021December 31, 2020
Hedging ClassificationHedging ClassificationNotional PrincipalHedging ClassificationNotional Principal
(in millions)(in millions)
Economic hedge (1)
Economic hedge (1)
$84 $84 
Economic hedge (1)
$84 $84 

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

Weather HedgesNormalization (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.

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CenterPoint Energy and CERC, as applicable, enter into winter season weather hedges from time to time for certain Natural Gas jurisdictions and electric operations’ service territory to mitigate the effect of fluctuations from normal weather on results of operations and cash flows. These weather hedges are based on heating degree days at 10-year normal weather. Houston Electric and Indiana Electric The Registrants do not currently enter into weather hedges.

(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)
Derivative Liabilities
Fair Value
Balance Sheet LocationMarch 31, 2021December 31, 2020
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:(in millions)
Natural gas derivatives (1)
Current Liabilities: Non-trading derivative liabilities$$
Natural gas derivatives (1)
Other Liabilities: Non-trading derivative liabilities
Interest rate derivativesOther Liabilities: Non-trading derivative liabilities20 
Indexed debt securities derivative (2)
Current Liabilities927 953 
Total$943 $983 
September 30, 2021December 31, 2020
Balance Sheet LocationDerivative
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$23 $— $— 
Natural gas derivatives (1)Other Assets: Non-trading derivative assets— — 
Natural gas derivatives (2)Current Liabilities: Non-trading derivative liabilities— — 
Natural gas derivatives (2)Other Liabilities: Non-trading derivative liabilities— — 
Interest rate derivativesOther Liabilities: Non-trading derivative liabilities— 13 20 
Indexed debt securities derivative (3)Current Liabilities— 993 953 
Total$32 $1,006 $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.
(2)(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 March 31,Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
 September 30,
Income Statement Location20212020Income Statement Location2021202020212020
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:(in millions)Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:(in millions)
Indexed debt securities derivative (1)
Indexed debt securities derivative (1)
Gain (loss) on indexed debt securities$26 $135 
Indexed debt securities derivative (1)
Gain (loss) on indexed debt securities$11 $(84)$(40)$(25)
Total$26 $135 

(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.

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(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.
March 31,
2021
December 31, 2020September 30,
2021
December 31, 2020
(in millions)(in millions)
Aggregate fair value of derivatives with credit-risk-related contingent features in a liability positionAggregate fair value of derivatives with credit-risk-related contingent features in a liability position$$20 Aggregate fair value of derivatives with credit-risk-related contingent features in a liability position$13 $20 
Fair value of collateral already postedFair value of collateral already postedFair value of collateral already posted
Additional collateral required to be posted if credit risk contingent features triggered (1)
Additional collateral required to be posted if credit risk contingent features triggered (1)
Additional collateral required to be posted if credit risk contingent features triggered (1)

(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.
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The following tables present information about the Registrants’ assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31,September 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
March 31, 2021December 31, 2020September 30, 2021December 31, 2020

Level 1
Level 2Level 3Total
Level 1
Level 2Level 3Total
Level 1
Level 2Level 3Total
Level 1
Level 2Level 3Total
AssetsAssets(in millions)Assets(in millions)
Corporate equitiesCorporate equities$850 $$$850 $873 $$$873 Corporate equities$913 $— $— $913 $873 $— $— $873 
Investments, including money market funds (1)
Investments, including money market funds (1)
43 43 43 43 
Investments, including money market funds (1)
42 — — 42 43 — — 43 
Natural gas derivativesNatural gas derivatives— 32 — 32 — — — — 
Total assetsTotal assets$893 $$$893 $916 $$$916 Total assets$955 $32 $— $987 $916 $— $— $916 
LiabilitiesLiabilities    Liabilities    
Indexed debt securities derivativeIndexed debt securities derivative$$927 $$927 $$953 $$953 Indexed debt securities derivative$— $993 $— $993 $— $953 $— $953 
Interest rate derivativesInterest rate derivatives20 20 Interest rate derivatives— 13 — 13 — 20 — 20 
Natural gas derivativesNatural gas derivatives10 10 Natural gas derivatives— — — — — 10 — 10 
Total liabilitiesTotal liabilities$$943 $$943 $$983 $$983 Total liabilities$— $1,006 $— $1,006 $— $983 $— $983 

Houston Electric
March 31, 2021December 31, 2020September 30, 2021December 31, 2020

Level 1
Level 2Level 3Total
Level 1
Level 2Level 3Total
Level 1
Level 2Level 3Total
Level 1
Level 2Level 3Total
AssetsAssets(in millions)Assets(in millions)
Investments, including money market funds (1)
Investments, including money market funds (1)
$27 $$$27 $26 $$$26 
Investments, including money market funds (1)
$27 $— $— $27 $26 $— $— $26 
Total assetsTotal assets$27 $$$27 $26 $$$26 Total assets$27 $— $— $27 $26 $— $— $26 

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CERC
March 31, 2021December 31, 2020September 30, 2021December 31, 2020

Level 1
Level 2Level 3Total
Level 1
Level 2Level 3Total
Level 1
Level 2Level 3Total
Level 1
Level 2Level 3Total
AssetsAssets(in millions)Assets(in millions)
Corporate equitiesCorporate equities$$$$$$$$Corporate equities$$— $— $$$— $— $
Investments, including money market funds (1)
Investments, including money market funds (1)
11 11 11 11 
Investments, including money market funds (1)
11 — — 11 11 — — 11 
Total assetsTotal assets$13 $$$13 $13 $$$13 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, including the allocation of goodwill, 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 nine months ended September 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.
 March 31, 2021December 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$15,823 $5,968 $4,349 $13,401 $5,019 $2,428 
Fair value16,848 6,485 4,580 15,226 5,957 2,855 
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 September 30, 2021December 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$16,474 $5,567 $4,465 $13,401 $5,019 $2,428 
Fair value17,890 6,315 4,811 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 March 31,September 30, 2021, CenterPoint Energy’s maximum exposure to loss related to Enable is limited to its investment in unconsolidated affiliate,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 Enable Merger Agreement. The transactions contemplated under the Enable Merger Agreement are expected to be completed in the second half of 2021, subject to customary closing conditions, including Hart-Scott-Rodino antitrust clearance. Upon the consummation of the transaction, the partnership agreements relating to Enable between CenterPoint Energy, OGE and OGEEnable and certain of their affiliates will terminate, and CenterPoint Energy will pay $30 million in cash to OGE (or other mutually agreed upon consideration). Because

On September 21, 2021, CNP Midstream entered into a Forward Sale Agreement with an investment banking financial institution to deliver, subject to and immediately following the closing of the Enable Merger, 50 million common units of Energy Transfer expected to be received by CNP Midstream as consideration in the pending Enable Merger in exchange for the proceeds of the forward sale transaction. The Forward Sale Agreement provides for an initial forward sale price equal to a percentage of the closing price on September 21, 2021 of Energy Transfer common units, which is subject to certain adjustments pursuant to the terms of the Forward Sale Agreement. The Forward Sale Agreement is subject to early termination under certain circumstances, including in connection with termination of the Enable Merger. CenterPoint Energy will retain an investmenthas guaranteed CNP Midstream’s obligations under the Forward Sale Agreement. Additionally, CenterPoint Energy plans for a complete exit from its Midstream Investment reportable segment in the midstream industry at the completion of this transaction, the transaction does not represent2022.

CenterPoint Energy’s planned exit from its Midstream Investment reportable segment represents a strategic shift that will have a major effect on CenterPoint Energy’s operations or financial results, and as such, its equity investment in Enable is not classified and presented as discontinued operations. Equity method investments that do not qualify for discontinued operations are notalso presented as assets held for sale. Therefore, the assets and liabilities associated with the equity investment in Enable are reflected as discontinued operations on CenterPoint Energy’s Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income and the December 31, 2020 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet was required to be recast for assets held for sale. The Enable Series A Preferred Units are not reflected in the Midstream Investments reportable segment as equity investments without a readily determinable fair value are not included in the scope of discontinued operations.

The carrying value of CenterPoint Energy’s equity method investment in Enable is reflected as held for sale on CenterPoint Energy’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and equity in earnings (losses) from Enable are reflected as discontinued operations on CenterPoint Energy’s Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income. For further information, see Note 3.
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Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliates (CenterPoint Energy):
March 31, 2021December 31, 2020
(in millions)
Enable$852 $782 
Other
  Total$853 $783 

As of March 31, 2021, Enable’s common unit price closed at $6.48 per unit.

Equity in Earnings (Losses) of Unconsolidated Affiliates, net (CenterPoint Energy):
Three Months Ended March 31,
2021
2020 (1)
(in millions)
Enable$108 $(1,475)
        Total$108 $(1,475)

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


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


March 31, 2021September 30, 2021
Limited Partner Interest (1)
Common Units
Enable Series A Preferred Units (2)
Limited Partner Interest (1)
Common Units
Enable Series A Preferred Units (2)
CenterPoint Energy (3)
CenterPoint Energy (3)
53.7 %233,856,623 14,520,000 
CenterPoint Energy (3)
53.7 %233,856,623 14,520,000 
OGEOGE25.5 %110,982,805 OGE25.5 %110,982,805 — 
Public unitholdersPublic unitholders20.8 %91,007,338 Public unitholders20.8 %91,038,118 — 
Total units outstanding Total units outstanding100.0 %435,846,766 14,520,000  Total units outstanding100.0 %435,877,546 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 March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020. There were no settled transactions in the threenine months ended March 31,September 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. NaNNo 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.

Interests Held in Enable GP (CenterPoint Energy):

CenterPoint Energy and OGE held the following interests in Enable GP as of both March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020:
March 31, 2021
Management
Rights (1)
Incentive Distribution Rights (2)
CenterPoint Energy (3)
50 %40 %
OGE50 %60 %

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September 30, 2021
Management
Rights (1)
Incentive Distribution Rights (2)
CenterPoint Energy (3)
50 %40 %
OGE50 %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, 0no incentive distributions have been made.
(3)Held indirectly through CNP Midstream.

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Distributions Received from Enable (CenterPoint Energy):
Three Months Ended March 31,
20212020
Per UnitCash DistributionPer UnitCash Distribution
(in millions, except per unit amounts)
Enable common units$0.16525 $39 $0.3305 $77 
Enable Series A Preferred Units0.62500 0.6250 
  Total CenterPoint Energy$48 $86 

Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
2021202020212020
Per UnitCash DistributionPer UnitCash DistributionPer UnitCash DistributionPer UnitCash Distribution
(in millions, except per unit amounts)
Enable common units$0.16525 $39 $0.16525 $39 $0.49575 $116 $0.66100 $155 
Enable Series A Preferred Units0.54390 0.62500 1.75620 26 1.87500 27 
  Total CenterPoint Energy$47 $48 $142 $182 

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 March 31,
20212020
(in millions)
Natural gas expenses, includes transportation and storage costs$32 $27 
CenterPoint Energy and CERC
Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
2021202020212020
(in millions)
Natural gas expenses, includes transportation and storage costs$14 $17 $62 $61 
CenterPoint Energy and CERCCenterPoint Energy and CERC
March 31, 2021December 31, 2020September 30, 2021December 31, 2020
(in millions)(in millions)
Accounts payable for natural gas purchases from EnableAccounts payable for natural gas purchases from Enable$$Accounts payable for natural gas purchases from Enable$$
Accounts receivable for amounts billed for services provided to EnableAccounts receivable for amounts billed for services provided to EnableAccounts receivable for amounts billed for services provided to Enable

Summarized Financial Information for Enable (CenterPoint Energy)

Summarized unaudited consolidated income information for Enable is as follows:
Three Months Ended March 31,
20212020
(in millions)
Operating revenues$970 $648 
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation and amortization519 226 
Depreciation and amortization106 104 
Goodwill and long-lived assets impairments28 
Operating income206 146 
Net income attributable to Enable common units155 103 
Reconciliation of Equity in Earnings (Losses), net:
CenterPoint Energy’s interest$83 $55 
Basis difference amortization (1)
25 12 
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$108 $(1,475)
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Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
2021202020212020
(in millions)
Operating revenues$956 $596 $2,713 $1,759 
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation and amortization565 250 1,510 653 
Depreciation and amortization104 105 313 314 
Goodwill and long-lived assets impairments— — — 28 
Operating income152 100 482 326 
Net income (loss) attributable to Enable common units107 (173)341 (35)
Reconciliation of Equity in Earnings (Losses), net:
CenterPoint Energy’s interest$58 $(93)$183 $(19)
Basis difference amortization (1)
25 26 75 62 
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 (2)
$83 $(67)$258 $(1,499)
(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 original 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.
(2)Reported as discontinued operations on CenterPoint Energy’s Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income. For further information, see Note 3.

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Summarized unaudited consolidated balance sheet information for Enable is as follows:
March 31, 2021December 31, 2020September 30, 2021December 31, 2020
(in millions)(in millions)
Current assetsCurrent assets$449 $381 Current assets$536 $381 
Non-current assetsNon-current assets11,315 11,348 Non-current assets11,244 11,348 
Current liabilitiesCurrent liabilities1,334 582 Current liabilities1,299 582 
Non-current liabilitiesNon-current liabilities3,249 4,052 Non-current liabilities3,248 4,052 
Non-controlling interestNon-controlling interest26 26 Non-controlling interest25 26 
Preferred equityPreferred equity362 362 Preferred equity362 362 
Accumulated other comprehensive lossAccumulated other comprehensive loss(5)(6)Accumulated other comprehensive loss(2)(6)
Enable partners’ equityEnable partners’ equity6,798 6,713 Enable partners’ equity6,848 6,713 
Reconciliation of Investment in Enable:Reconciliation of Investment in Enable:Reconciliation of Investment in Enable:
CenterPoint Energy’s ownership interest in Enable partners’ equityCenterPoint Energy’s ownership interest in Enable partners’ equity$3,645 $3,601 CenterPoint Energy’s ownership interest in Enable partners’ equity$3,673 $3,601 
CenterPoint Energy’s basis difference (1)
CenterPoint Energy’s basis difference (1)
(2,793)(2,819)
CenterPoint Energy’s basis difference (1)
(2,747)(2,819)
CenterPoint Energy’s equity method investment in Enable(2)CenterPoint Energy’s equity method investment in Enable(2)$852 $782 CenterPoint Energy’s equity method investment in Enable(2)$926 $782 

(1)The basis difference is being amortized through the year 2048 or will cease upon sale of CenterPoint Energy’s investment in Enable.
(2)Reflected in assets held for sale in CenterPoint Energy’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. For further information, see Note 3.

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

Goodwill (CenterPoint Energy and CERC)

CenterPoint Energy’s goodwill by reportable segment as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 is as follows:
(in millions)
Electric (1)
$936 
Natural Gas3,323 
Corporate and Other438 
Total$4,697 
December 31, 2020Held For SaleDisposalsSeptember 30, 2021
(in millions)
Electric (1)
$936 $— $— $936 
Natural Gas3,323 398 (2)(3)2,920 
Corporate and Other438 — — 438 
Total$4,697 $398 $$4,294 
CERC’s goodwill is as follows:
December 31, 2020Held For SaleDisposalsSeptember 30, 2021
(in millions)
Goodwill$757 $144 (2)$(3)$611 
(1)Amount presented is net of the accumulated goodwill impairment charge of $185 million recorded in 2020.
(2)Represents goodwill attributable to the Natural Gas businesses. For further information, see Note 3.
(3)Represents goodwill attributable to the MES disposal. For further information, see Note 3.
When 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. As a result, goodwill attributable to the Natural Gas businesses to be disposed is classified as held for sale as of September 30, 2021, and goodwill attributable to MES was reflected in the gain on sale during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021. Neither CenterPoint Energy nor CERC recognized any goodwill impairments within any reportable segment during the three or nine months ended September 30, 2021.

CenterPoint Energy and CERC perform goodwill impairment tests at least annually and evaluate goodwill when events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying value may not be recoverable. The impairment evaluation for goodwill is performed by comparing the fair value of each reporting unit with the carrying amount of the reporting unit, including goodwill. The reporting units approximate the reportable segments, with the exception of ESG, which is a separate reporting unit but included in the Corporate and Other reconciling category at CenterPoint Energy. The estimated fair value of the reporting unit
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is primarily determined based on an income approach or a weighted combination of income and market approaches. If the carrying amount is in excess of the estimated fair value of the reporting unit, then the excess amount is recorded as an impairment charge, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill.

CenterPoint Energy and CERC performed their annual goodwill impairment tests in the third quarter of 2021 and determined that no goodwill impairment charge was required for any reporting unit as a result of those tests.

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.
March 31, 2021December 31, 2020September 30, 2021December 31, 2020
Gross Carrying AmountAccumulated AmortizationNet BalanceGross Carrying AmountAccumulated AmortizationNet BalanceGross Carrying AmountAccumulated AmortizationNet BalanceGross Carrying AmountAccumulated AmortizationNet Balance
(in millions)(in millions)
Customer relationshipsCustomer relationships$33 $(9)$24 $33 $(8)$25 Customer relationships$33 $(11)$22 $33 $(8)$25 
Trade namesTrade names16 (3)13 16 (3)13 Trade names16 (4)12 16 (3)13 
Construction backlog (1)
Construction backlog (1)
(5)(5)
Construction backlog (1)
(5)— (5)— 
Operation and maintenance agreements (1)
Operation and maintenance agreements (1)
12 (1)11 12 (1)11 
Operation and maintenance agreements (1)
12 (2)10 12 (1)11 
OtherOther(1)(1)Other(1)(1)
TotalTotal$68 $(19)$49 $68 $(18)$50 Total$68 $(23)$45 $68 $(18)$50 

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(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.
Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
202120202021202020212020
(in millions)(in millions)
Amortization expense of intangible assets recorded in Depreciation and amortizationAmortization expense of intangible assets recorded in Depreciation and amortization$$Amortization expense of intangible assets recorded in Depreciation and amortization$$$$
Amortization expense of intangible assets recorded in Non-utility cost of revenues, including natural gasAmortization expense of intangible assets recorded in Non-utility cost of revenues, including natural gasAmortization expense of intangible assets recorded in Non-utility cost of revenues, including natural gas— 
CenterPoint Energy estimates that amortization expense of intangible assets with finite lives for the next five years will be as follows:
Amortization
 Expense (1)
Amortization
 Expense
CenterPoint Energy
(in millions)(in millions)
Remaining nine months of 2021$
Remaining three months of 2021Remaining three months of 2021$
202220222022
202320232023
202420242024
202520252025
202620262026


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(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 HeldShares Held
March 31, 2021December 31, 2020September 30, 2021December 31, 2020
AT&T CommonAT&T Common10,212,945 10,212,945 AT&T Common10,212,945 10,212,945 
Charter CommonCharter Common872,503 872,503 Charter Common872,503 872,503 

(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 March 31,September 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:
March 31, 2021December 31, 2020September 30, 2021December 31, 2020
(in shares)(in shares)
AT&T CommonAT&T Common0.7185 0.7185 AT&T Common0.7185 0.7185 
Charter CommonCharter Common0.061382 0.061382 Charter Common0.061382 0.061382 

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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 March 31,September 30, 2021, the ZENS, having an original principal amount of $828 million and a contingent principal amount of $52$42 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 had AMAs associated with their utility distribution service in Arkansas, Louisiana and Oklahoma with the Energy Services Disposal Group that expired in March 2021. The expired AMAs were replaced withbusinesses entered into new third-party AMAs beginning in April 2021. CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s Natural Gas have AMAs with third parties2021 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 $-0-$7 million and $24 million outstanding obligations related to the AMAs as of March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.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 of $34 million as of September 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.
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Debt Transactions. During the nine months ended September 30, 2021, the following debt instruments were issued or incurred:
RegistrantIssuance DateDebt InstrumentAggregate Principal AmountInterest RateMaturity Date
(in millions)
CERCMarch 2021Senior Notes$700 0.70%2023
CERCMarch 2021Floating Rate Senior Notes1,000 Three-month LIBOR plus 0.50%2023
Total CERC(1)
1,700 
Houston Electric
March 2021General Mortgage Bonds400 2.35%2031
Houston ElectricMarch 2021General Mortgage Bonds700 3.35%2051
Total Houston Electric (2)
1,100 
CenterPoint Energy
May 2021Senior Notes500 1.45%2026
CenterPoint EnergyMay 2021Senior Notes500 2.65%2031
CenterPoint EnergyMay 2021Floating Rate Senior Notes700 SOFR plus 0.65%2024
Total CenterPoint Energy (3)
$4,500 

Debt Transactions.(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. In March 2021, CERC Corp. issued $700 million aggregate principal amountTotal proceeds of 0.70%the senior notes and $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of floating rate senior notes (three-month LIBOR plus 0.5%) due 2023. Total proceeds,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 theits senior notes offerings, in March 2021, CERC Corp. terminated all of the commitments for the 364-day term loan facility.

In March 2021, Houston Electric issued $400 million aggregate principal amount of 2.35% general mortgage bonds due 2031 and $700 million aggregate principal amount of 3.35% general mortgage bonds due 2051. (2)Total proceeds, net of issuance expenses and fees, of approximately $1.08 billion were or will be used for general limited liability company purposes, including capital expenditures and the repayment of (i) all of Houston Electric’s outstanding $102 million 9.15% first mortgage bonds due 2021, which matured on March 15, 2021, (ii) all of Houston Electric’s outstanding $300 million of 1.85% general mortgage bonds due 2021, which were called for redemption in full on May 1, 2021, asdebt discussed further below and (iii) all or a portion of 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, were used for general corporate purposes, including the repayment of outstanding debt discussed below and a portion of CenterPoint Energy’s outstanding commercial paper.

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

RegistrantRepayment/Redemption DateDebt InstrumentAggregate PrincipalInterest RateMaturity Date
(in millions)
Houston ElectricMarch 2021First Mortgage Bonds$102 9.15%2021
Houston Electric (1)
May 2021General Mortgage Bonds300 1.85%2021
Total Houston Electric402 
CenterPoint Energy (2)
January 2021Senior Notes250 3.85%2021
CenterPoint Energy (3)
May 2021Term Loan700 0.76%2021
CenterPoint Energy (4)
June 2021Senior Notes500 3.60%2021
Total CenterPoint Energy$1,852 

(1)In April 2021, Houston Electric provided notice of redemption relating to $300 million aggregate principal amount of its outstanding 1.85% general mortgage bonds due 2021. Alland on May 1, 2021, Houston Electric redeemed all of the outstanding bonds were called for redemption in full on May 1, 2021of the series at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest.

(2)
In December 2020, CenterPoint Energy Term Loan. 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.
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(3)In April 2021, CenterPoint Energy amended its existing term loan agreement of which $700 million is still outstanding, 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.

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The Registrants had the following revolving credit facilities as of March 31,September 30, 2021:
Execution
Date
Execution
Date
RegistrantSize 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
March 31, 2021 (2)
Termination DateExecution
Date
RegistrantSize 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
September 30, 2021 (2)
Termination Date
(in millions)(in millions)
February 4, 2021February 4, 2021CenterPoint Energy$2,400 1.625%65.0%(3)57.4%February 4, 2024February 4, 2021CenterPoint Energy$2,400 1.625%65.0%(3)58.2%February 4, 2024
February 4, 2021February 4, 2021
CenterPoint Energy (4)
400 1.250%65.0%49.9%February 4, 2024February 4, 2021
CenterPoint Energy (4)
400 1.250%65.0%49.8%February 4, 2024
February 4, 2021February 4, 2021Houston Electric300 1.375%67.5%(3)57.9%February 4, 2024February 4, 2021Houston Electric300 1.375%67.5%(3)55.2%February 4, 2024
February 4, 2021February 4, 2021CERC900 1.250%65.0%61.5%February 4, 2024February 4, 2021CERC900 1.250%65.0%61.7%February 4, 2024
Total$4,000 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 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 March 31,September 30, 2021.

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The table below reflects the utilization of the Registrants’ respective revolving credit facilities:
March 31, 2021December 31, 2020September 30, 2021December 31, 2020
RegistrantRegistrantLoansLetters
of Credit
Commercial
Paper
Weighted Average Interest RateLoansLetters
of Credit
Commercial
Paper
Weighted Average Interest RateRegistrantLoansLetters
of Credit
Commercial
Paper (1)
Weighted Average Interest RateLoansLetters
of Credit
Commercial
Paper (1)
Weighted Average Interest Rate
(in millions, except weighted average interest rate)(in millions, except weighted average interest rate)
CenterPoint Energy (1)
CenterPoint Energy (1)
$$11 $772 0.21 %$$11 $1,078 0.23 %
CenterPoint Energy (1)
$— $11 $1,143 0.18 %$— $11 $1,078 0.23 %
CenterPoint Energy (2)
CenterPoint Energy (2)
210 0.18 %92 0.22 %
CenterPoint Energy (2)
— — 285 0.17 %— — 92 0.22 %
Houston ElectricHouston Electric%%Houston Electric— — — — %— — — — %
CERCCERC573 0.21 %347 0.23 %CERC— — 686 0.17 %— — 347 0.23 %
TotalTotal$$11 $1,555 $$11 $1,517 Total$— $11 $2,114 $— $11 $1,517 

(1)CenterPoint Energy’s outstandingOutstanding commercial paper generally has maturities of 60 days or less.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 March 31,September 30, 2021, Houston Electric’s assets were subject to liens securing approximately $5.4$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. TheseThe 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, 0no Houston Electric first mortgage bonds remained outstanding. Houston Electric could issue approximately $3.4$4.2 billion of additional first mortgage bonds and general mortgage bonds on the basis of retired bonds and 70% of property additions as of March 31,September 30, 2021. Houston Electric has contractually agreed that it will not issue additional first mortgage bonds, subject to certain exceptions.

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Other. As of March 31,September 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 March 31,September 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 March 31,
20212020
CenterPoint Energy - Continuing operations (1)
17 %25 %
CenterPoint Energy - Discontinued operations (2)
%10 %
Houston Electric13 %13 %
CERC - Continuing operations (3)
22 %21 %
CERC - Discontinued operations (4)
%15 %
Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
2021202020212020
CenterPoint Energy - Continuing operations (1)
18 %(8)%%%
CenterPoint Energy - Discontinued operations (2) (3)
18 %(7)%22 %20 %
Houston Electric (4)
18 %14 %16 %15 %
CERC - Continuing operations (5) (6)
— %60 %11 %13 %
CERC - Discontinued operations (7) (8)
— %33 %— %%

(1)CenterPoint Energy’s lower effective tax rate on income from continuing operations for the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to the higher effective tax rate on a loss from continuing operations for the three months ended March 31, 2020 was primarily driven by an increase in the amount of amortization of the net regulatory EDIT liability. The higher effective tax rate on the loss from continuing operations for the three months ended March 31, 2020 was primarily due to lower earnings from the impairment of CenterPoint Energy’s investment in Enable. Other effective tax rate drivers include the non-deductible goodwill impairment at the Indiana Electric reporting unit, the impact of NOL carryback claims allowed under the CARES Act, and an increase in the amount of remeasurement of state deferred tax liabilities for changes in apportionment, the effects of which were compounded by the book loss in the three months ended March 31, 2020.
(2)CenterPoint Energy’s lower than statutory tax rate on the loss from discontinued operations for the three months ended March 31, 2020 was primarily due to the non-deductible portions of goodwill impairments on the Energy Services and Infrastructure Services Disposal Groups.
(3)CERC’s higher effective tax rate on income from continuing operations for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 compared to the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2020 was primarily driven by an increase in non-deductible executive compensation paid under Milton Carroll’s separation agreement further discussed in Note 5, a decrease in EDIT amortization of the net regulatory EDIT liability, the absence of NOL carryback tax benefit and the recognition of the tax gain on the sale of MES.
(2)CenterPoint Energy’s higher effective tax rate on income from discontinued operations for the three months ended September 30, 2021 compared to a loss from discontinued operations for the three months ended September 30, 2020 was primarily driven by the impact of higher book earnings for the three months ended September 30, 2021.
(3)CenterPoint Energy’s higher effective tax rate on income from discontinued operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 compared to the loss from discontinued operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 was primarily due to the absence of tax impacts from the sale of the Infrastructure Services Disposal Group on April 9, 2020 and the sale of the Energy Services Disposal Group on June 1, 2020.
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(4)Houston Electric’s higher effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 compared to the same periods in 2020 was primarily driven by a decrease in the amount of amortization of the net regulatory EDIT liability.
(4)(5)CERC’s lower effective tax rate on the loss from continuing operations for the three months ended September 30, 2021 compared to the same period ended September 30, 2020 was primarily due to lower book earnings in the three months ended September 30, 2021.
(6)CERC’s lower effective tax rate on income from continuing operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 compared to the same period ended September 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 prior 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 September 30, 2020 was primarily due to the tax impacts from the sale of the Energy Services Disposal Group, the effect of which was compounded by lower book earnings.
(8)CERC’s lower than statutory tax rate on the loss from discontinued operations for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2020 was primarily due to the non-deductible portiontax impacts from the sale of the goodwill impairment on 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 nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2020, CenterPoint Energy recorded a $19$18 million and $37 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$4 million as of March 31,September 30, 2021. Interest and penalties of $1 million were recorded on the uncertain tax liability for the nine months ended September 30, 2021. In the three month period ending March 31, 2021.months ended September 30, 2021, CenterPoint Energy released a $6 million net uncertain tax liability, including interest and penalties, upon the IRS’ acceptance of an accounting method change filed in 2020. The Registrants believe that it is reasonably possible that a decrease of up to $6$3 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, and/or the acceptancea resolution of an application for an accounting method change.open audits. 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’sOn September 30, 2021, Vectren was notified by the IRS that its pre-Merger 20172014 through 2019 tax years are still openreturns were selected for examination.audit.

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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 March 31,September 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
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approval, which was received on October 27, 2021, Indiana Electric will acquire Posey Solar and its solar array assets for a fixed purchase price.

As of March 31,September 30, 2021, undiscounted minimum purchase obligations are approximately:
CenterPoint EnergyCERCCenterPoint EnergyCERC
Natural Gas
and Coal Supply
Other (1)
Natural Gas SupplyNatural Gas
and Coal Supply
Other (1)
Natural Gas Supply
(in millions)(in millions)
Remaining nine months of 2021$429 $$271 
Remaining three months of 2021Remaining three months of 2021$258 $$195 
20222022547 12 332 2022690 12 477 
20232023470 404 279 2023586 399 397 
20242024392 198 259 2024461 221 330 
20252025337 231 2025401 30 295 
20262026304 226 2026350 30 272 
2027 and beyond2027 and beyond1,634 137 1,331 2027 and beyond1,696 165 1,391 

(1)CenterPoint Energy’s undiscounted minimum payment obligations related to its 25-year agreement for its solar PPA in Warrick County, IndianaPPAs with commitments ranging from 15 to 25 years 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 March 31,September 30, 2021, there were 5150 open surety bonds supporting future performance with an aggregate face amount of approximately $527$558 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 March 31,September 30, 2021, approximately 47%35% 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 March 31,September 30, 2021, there were 3235 warranties totaling $554$549 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 operatinghave operated effectively.
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CenterPoint Energy assessed the fair value of its obligation for such guarantees as of March 31,September 30, 2021 and 0no 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 March 31,September 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$513 million as of March 31,September 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.

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(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 March 31,September 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 March 31,September 30, 2021, management estimates approximately $51$29 million of exposure remained outstanding under CERC Corp. guarantees issued prior to the closing of the transaction on June 1, 2020. On May 3, 2021, the estimated remaining exposure under these obligations decreased to $41 million. 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. NaNNo 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 0no amounts on their respective Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31,September 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, and CERC cooperated with the investigation conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board, which concluded its investigation in December 2019 and issued a report without making any recommendations. Further, CenterPoint Energy and CERC contested and reached a settlement regarding approximately $200,000 in fines imposed by the Minnesota Office of Pipeline Safety. In early 2018, the Minnesota Occupational Safety and Health Administration concluded its investigation without any adverse findings against CenterPoint Energy or CERC. 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.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, 7 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 7 lawsuits wereThe District Court consolidated and subsequently dismissed the Court denied the plaintiffs’ request for a preliminary injunction. In October 2018,lawsuits with prejudice, and the plaintiffs filed their Consolidated Amended Class Action Complaint. In December 2018, 2 plaintiffs voluntarily dismissed their lawsuits. Inappealed. On September 2019,13, 2021, 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.affirmed the District Court’s order of dismissal. The plaintiffs could seek review by the Supreme Court of the United States; however, the defendants believe that the allegations asserted are without merit and intend to continue to vigorously defend themselves against the claims
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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 mayhas 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. As of April 29, 2021, CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric, along with numerous other entities, have been named as defendants in such litigation, all of which is now pending in state court as part of a defendant in approximately 60 lawsuits related to the February 2021 Winter Storm Event.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 and April 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 beenwas named in one such lawsuit pendingfiled in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. The lawsuits allegealleged 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 allegealleged that the individual defendants, including, among others,
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Energy Transfer and CenterPoint Energy, violated Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act as controlling persons of Enable. Plaintiffs seeksought 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 award rescissory damages in the event the Enable Merger is consummated, along with attorneys’ fees, costs, and other relief. CenterPoint Energy’s dates to respond toAll of the lawsuit in which it was sued have not yet been set.cases, including the only one against CenterPoint Energy, cannot predict the outcome of litigation relatedhave now been dismissed, and no plaintiffs have sought to the Enable Merger Agreement, but believes the litigationrefile or appeal. This matter 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.now concluded.

Environmental Matters

MGP Sites. CenterPoint Energy, CERC and their predecessors, operated MGPs in the past. In addition, certainincluding predecessors of CenterPoint Energy’s subsidiaries acquired through the MergerVectren, 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 are 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
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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.
March 31, 2021September 30, 2021
CenterPoint EnergyCERCCenterPoint EnergyCERC
(in millions, except years)(in millions, except years)
Amount accrued for remediationAmount accrued for remediation$12 $Amount accrued for remediation$12 $
Minimum estimated remediation costsMinimum estimated remediation costsMinimum estimated remediation costs
Maximum estimated remediation costsMaximum estimated remediation costs55 32 Maximum estimated remediation costs54 32 
Minimum years of remediationMinimum years of remediation30 Minimum years of remediation30 
Maximum years of remediationMaximum years of remediation50 50 Maximum years of remediation50 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, 2021.2021, 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 evaluateevaluated the Part B amendments to determine potential impacts.impacts and determined that the Part B amendments did not have an impact on its current plans. 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; the 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 3 ash ponds, 2 at the F.B. Culley facility (Culley East and Culley West) and 1 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
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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 iswas required to cease disposal of new ash in the ponds and commence closure of the ponds by April 11, 2021.2021, unless approved for an extension. 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 inabilityEPA is still reviewing industry extension requests, including CenterPoint Energy’s extension request. Companies can continue to take these extensionsoperate ponds pending completion of the EPA’s evaluation of the requests for extension. If the EPA denies a full extension request, that denial may result in increased and potentially significant operational costs in connection with the accelerated implementation of an alternative ash disposal system or may adversely impact Indiana Electric’s future operations. Failure to comply with these requirementsa cease waste receipt could also result in an enforcement proceeding, includingresulting in 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-acre10-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 March 31,September 30, 2021, CenterPoint Energy has recorded an approximate $88$89 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 removal costs,AROs, Indiana Electric also anticipates equipment purchases of between $60 million and $80 million to complete the A.B. Brown closure project.

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
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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.

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(15) Earnings Per Share (CenterPoint Energy)

The Series C Preferred Stock issued in May 2020 arewere considered participating securities since these shares participateparticipated 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 iswas computed using the two-class method required for participating securities.securities during the periods the Series C Preferred Stock was outstanding. As of May 7, 2021, all of the outstanding Series C Preferred Stock were converted into shares of Common Stock and earnings per share on Common Stock and, as such, the two-class method was no longer applicable beginning 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 includesincluded conversion features at a price that iswas below the fair value of the Common Stock on the commitment date. This beneficial conversion feature, which was approximately $32 million representsat 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 iswas 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.

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 dilutive effect of restricted stock is computed using the treasury stock method, as applicable, which includes the incremental shares that would be hypothetically vested in excess of the number of shares assumed to be hypothetically repurchased with the assumed proceeds.

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The following table reconciles numerators and denominators of CenterPoint Energy’s basic and diluted earnings per common share.
Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
202120202021202020212020
(in millions, except per share and share amounts)(in millions, except per share and share amounts)
Numerator:Numerator:Numerator:
Income (loss) from continuing operations$363 $(1,053)
Income from continuing operationsIncome from continuing operations$150 $199 $630 $347 
Less: Preferred stock dividend requirement (Note 19)Less: Preferred stock dividend requirement (Note 19)29 29 Less: Preferred stock dividend requirement (Note 19)23 36 82 102 
Less: Amortization of beneficial conversion feature (Note 19)Less: Amortization of beneficial conversion feature (Note 19)— 16 — 25 
Less: Undistributed earnings allocated to preferred shareholders(1)Less: Undistributed earnings allocated to preferred shareholders(1)23 Less: Undistributed earnings allocated to preferred shareholders(1)— — — — 
Income (loss) available to common shareholders from continuing operations - basic311 (1,082)
Income available to common shareholders from continuing operations - basicIncome available to common shareholders from continuing operations - basic127 147 548 220 
Add back: Series B Preferred Stock dividendAdd back: Series B Preferred Stock dividend— — — 
Add back: Undistributed earnings allocated to preferred shareholders (1)
Add back: Undistributed earnings allocated to preferred shareholders (1)
— — — 
Income available to common shareholders from continuing operations - dilutedIncome available to common shareholders from continuing operations - diluted127 147 548 220 
Income (loss) available to common shareholders from discontinued operations - basic and dilutedIncome (loss) available to common shareholders from discontinued operations - basic and diluted(146)Income (loss) available to common shareholders from discontinued operations - basic and diluted68 (78)202 (1,320)
Add back: Series B Preferred Stock dividend17
Add back: Undistributed earnings allocated to preferred shareholders23
Income (loss) available to common shareholders - diluted$351 $(1,228)
Income (loss) available to common shareholders - basic and dilutedIncome (loss) available to common shareholders - basic and diluted$195 $69 $750 $(1,100)
Denominator:Denominator:Denominator:
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basicWeighted average common shares outstanding - basic551,546,000 502,388,000 Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic604,607,000 544,811,000 580,819,000 525,160,000 
Plus: Incremental shares from assumed conversions:Plus: Incremental shares from assumed conversions:Plus: Incremental shares from assumed conversions:
Restricted stock (1)
3,114,000 
Series B Preferred Stock (2)
35,937,000 
Series C Preferred Stock40,823,000 
Restricted stock (2)
Restricted stock (2)
4,775,000 3,377,000 4,775,000 — 
Series B Preferred Stock (3)
Series B Preferred Stock (3)
— — — — 
Series C Preferred Stock (4)
Series C Preferred Stock (4)
— — 15,809,000 — 
Weighted average common shares outstanding - dilutedWeighted average common shares outstanding - diluted631,420,000 502,388,000 Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted609,382,000 548,188,000 601,403,000 525,160,000 
Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share:Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share:Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share:
Basic earnings (loss) per common share - continuing operations$0.56 $(2.15)
Basic earnings per common share - continuing operationsBasic earnings per common share - continuing operations$0.21 $0.27 $0.94 $0.42 
Basic earnings (loss) per common share - discontinued operationsBasic earnings (loss) per common share - discontinued operations(0.29)Basic earnings (loss) per common share - discontinued operations0.11 (0.14)0.35 (2.52)
Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Common ShareBasic Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share$0.56 $(2.44)Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share$0.32 $0.13 $1.29 $(2.10)
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share - continuing operations$0.56 $(2.15)
Diluted earnings per common share - continuing operationsDiluted earnings per common share - continuing operations$0.21 $0.27 $0.91 $0.42 
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share - discontinued operationsDiluted earnings (loss) per common share - discontinued operations(0.29)Diluted earnings (loss) per common share - discontinued operations0.11 (0.14)0.34 (2.52)
Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Common ShareDiluted Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share$0.56 $(2.44)Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share$0.32 $0.13 $1.25 $(2.10)

(1)2,567,000There were no undistributed earnings to be allocated to participating securities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020.
(2)3,377,000 incremental common shares from assumed conversions of restricted stock have not been included in the computation of diluted earnings (loss) per share for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2020, as their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.

(2)(3)The computation of diluted earnings per common share outstanding for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 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 nine months ended September 30, 2021 excludes 24,179,000 and 31,962,000 potentially dilutive shares of Series B Preferred Stock from the denominator, respectively, because the shares would be anti-dilutive. As of September 30, 2021, all of the outstanding Series B Preferred Stock have been converted into Common Stock. For further information, see Note 19.
(4)The computation of diluted earnings (loss) per common share outstanding for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 excludes 47,355,000 and 25,578,000 potentially dilutive shares of Series C Preferred Stock from the denominator, respectively, because the shares would be anti-dilutive. As of September 30, 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
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presentation described in the Registrants’ combined 2020 Form 10-K.10-K and for changes described below.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 September 30, 2021. On August 31, 2021, CenterPoint Energy, through its subsidiary CERC Corp., completed the sale of MES to Last Mile Energy. See Note 3 for further details.

CenterPoint Energy’s Midstream Investments reportable segment presented in the Registrants’ combined 2020 Form 10-K consisted of the equity investment in Enable (excluding the Enable Series A Preferred Units). In September 2021, CenterPoint Energy’s equity investment in Enable met the held for sale criteria and is reflected as discontinued operations, and as a result this reportable segment is not reflected in the financial data for reportable segments. See Notes 3 and 9 for further information regarding CenterPoint Energy’s equity investment in Enable as held for sale and discontinued operations and the pending Enable Merger.

As of March 31,September 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; and (ii) permanent pipeline connections through
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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 impact of the Enable Merger.CEIP.

CenterPoint Energy’s Corporate and Other category 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; and (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.CEIP.

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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 March 31,Three Months Ended September 30,
2021202020212020
Revenues from
External
Customers
Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated AffiliatesNet Income (Loss)Revenues from
External
Customers
Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated AffiliatesNet Income (Loss)Revenues from
External
Customers
Net Income (Loss)Revenues from
External
Customers
Net Income (Loss)
(in millions)(in millions)
ElectricElectric$830 (1)$$75 $767 (1)$$(134)Electric$1,056 (1)$185 $985 (1)$188 
Natural GasNatural Gas1,663 229 1,321 201 Natural Gas619 564 (2)
Midstream Investments (2)
108 71 (1,475)(1,127)
Corporate and OtherCorporate and Other74 (40)73 13 
Continuing OperationsContinuing Operations$1,749 150 $1,622 199 
Discontinued Operations, netDiscontinued Operations, net68 (78)
ConsolidatedConsolidated$218 $121 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
20212020
Revenues from
External
Customers
Net Income (Loss)Revenues from
External
Customers
Net Income (Loss)
(in millions)
ElectricElectric$2,823 (1)$385 $2,600 (1)$160 
Natural GasNatural Gas3,022 308 2,529 229 
Corporate and OtherCorporate and Other54 (12)79 Corporate and Other193 (63)235 (42)
Continuing OperationsContinuing Operations$2,547 $108 363 $2,167 $(1,475)(1,053)Continuing Operations$6,038 630 $5,364 347 
Discontinued Operations, netDiscontinued Operations, net(146)Discontinued Operations, net202 (1,320)
ConsolidatedConsolidated$363 $(1,199)Consolidated$832 $(973)

(1)Houston Electric revenues from major external customers are as follows (CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric):
Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
202120202021202020212020
(in millions)(in millions)
Affiliates of NRGAffiliates of NRG$195 $156 Affiliates of NRG$285 $243 $672 $573 
Affiliates of Vistra Energy Corp.Affiliates of Vistra Energy Corp.88 81 Affiliates of Vistra Energy Corp.128 128 303 301 

(2)Includes the impairment of CenterPoint Energy’s equity method investment in Enable of $1,541 million recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2020.
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Total AssetsTotal Assets
March 31, 2021December 31, 2020September 30, 2021December 31, 2020
(in millions)(in millions)
ElectricElectric$15,410 $14,493 Electric$15,612 $14,493 
Natural GasNatural Gas17,208 14,976 Natural Gas15,470 14,976 
Midstream Investments994 913 
Corporate and Other, net of eliminations (1)
Corporate and Other, net of eliminations (1)
2,294 3,089 
Corporate and Other, net of eliminations (1)
2,928 3,220 
Continuing OperationsContinuing Operations34,010 32,689 
Assets Held for SaleAssets Held for Sale3,150 782 
ConsolidatedConsolidated$35,906 $33,471 Consolidated$37,160 $33,471 

(1)Total assets included pension and other postemployment-related regulatory assets of $533$453 million and $540 million as of March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.

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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 hasdoes not been recast to exclude the Infrastructure Services and Energy Services Disposal Groups prior to the closing of the respective transactions.
Three Months Ended March 31,Nine Months Ended September 30,
2021202020212020
CenterPoint EnergyHouston ElectricCERCCenterPoint EnergyHouston ElectricCERCCenterPoint EnergyHouston ElectricCERCCenterPoint EnergyHouston ElectricCERC
(in millions)(in millions)
Cash Payments/Receipts:Cash Payments/Receipts:Cash Payments/Receipts:
Interest, net of capitalized interestInterest, net of capitalized interest$159 $70 $21 $148 $68 $35 Interest, net of capitalized interest$427 $172 $71 $324 $176 $88 
Income tax payments, net(4)
Income tax payments (refunds), netIncome tax payments (refunds), net(47)— — 117 33 
Non-cash transactions:Non-cash transactions: Non-cash transactions: 
Accounts payable related to capital expendituresAccounts payable related to capital expenditures166 140 56 200 110 66 Accounts payable related to capital expenditures290 208 113 220 121 72 
ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilitiesROU assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities14 ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities— — 14 — 
Beneficial conversion featureBeneficial conversion feature— — — 32 — — 
Amortization of beneficial conversion featureAmortization of beneficial conversion feature— — — (25)— — 


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.
March 31, 2021December 31, 2020September 30, 2021December 31, 2020
CenterPoint EnergyHouston ElectricCERCCenterPoint EnergyHouston ElectricCERCCenterPoint EnergyHouston ElectricCERCCenterPoint EnergyHouston ElectricCERC
(in millions)(in millions)
Cash and cash equivalents (1)Cash and cash equivalents (1)$146 $143 $$147 $139 $Cash and cash equivalents (1)$133 $105 $— $147 $139 $
Restricted cash included in Prepaid expenses and other current assetsRestricted cash included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets21 16 20 15 Restricted cash included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets23 18 — 20 15 — 
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in Condensed Statements of Consolidated Cash FlowsTotal cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in Condensed Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows$167 $159 $$167 $154 $Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in Condensed Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows$156 $123 $— $167 $154 $

(1)Houston Electric’s Cash and cash equivalents as of March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 included $142$105 million and $139 million, respectively, of cash related to the Bond Companies.

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(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:
March 31, 2021December 31, 2020September 30, 2021December 31, 2020
Houston ElectricCERCHouston ElectricCERCHouston ElectricCERCHouston ElectricCERC
(in millions, except interest rates) (in millions, except interest rates)
Money pool investments (borrowings) (1)
Money pool investments (borrowings) (1)
$665 $$(8)$
Money pool investments (borrowings) (1)
$(40)$— $(8)$— 
Weighted average interest rateWeighted average interest rate0.21 %0.21 %0.24 %0.24 %Weighted average interest rate0.18 %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 March 31,Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
202120202021202020212020
Houston ElectricCERCHouston ElectricCERCHouston ElectricCERCHouston ElectricCERCHouston ElectricCERCHouston ElectricCERC
(in millions)(in millions)
Corporate service chargesCorporate service charges$43 $50 $49 $55 Corporate service charges$46 $51 $48 $52 $136 $153 $142 $156 
Net affiliate service charges (billings)Net affiliate service charges (billings)(1)(6)Net affiliate service charges (billings)(4)(4)(6)(14)14 

The table below presents transactions among Houston Electric, CERC and their parent, CenterPoint Energy.
Three Months Ended March 31,
20212020
Houston ElectricCERCHouston ElectricCERC
(in millions)
Cash dividends paid to parent$$$385 $32 
Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
2021202020212020
Houston ElectricCERCHouston ElectricCERCHouston ElectricCERCHouston ElectricCERC
(in millions)
Cash dividends paid to parent$— $— $52 $$— $— $457 $80 
Capital distribution to parent associated with the sale of CES— — — — — — — 286 
Property, plant and equipment from parent (1)
— — 35 23 — — 35 23 

(1) Property, plant and equipment purchased from CenterPoint Energy at its net carrying value on the date of purchase.
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(19) Equity

Dividends Declared and Paid (CenterPoint Energy)
Dividends Declared
Per Share
Dividends Paid
Per Share
Dividends Declared
Per Share
Dividends Paid
Per Share
Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
202120202021202020212020202120202021202020212020
Common StockCommon Stock$$0.2900 $0.1600 $0.2900 Common Stock$0.330 $0.150 $0.490 $0.590 $0.160 $0.150 $0.320 $0.590 
Series A Preferred StockSeries A Preferred Stock30.6250 30.6250 30.6250 Series A Preferred Stock30.625 30.625 30.625 61.250 30.625 30.625 30.625 61.250 
Series B Preferred StockSeries B Preferred Stock17.5000 17.5000 17.5000 Series B Preferred Stock17.500 17.500 35.000 52.500 17.500 17.500 35.000 52.500 
Series C Preferred Stock (1)
Series C Preferred Stock (1)
0.1600 
Series C Preferred Stock (1)
— 0.150 — 0.300 — 0.150 — 0.300 

(1)The Series C Preferred Stock iswas 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 ShareShares Outstanding as ofOutstanding Value as ofLiquidation Preference Per ShareShares Outstanding as ofOutstanding Value as of
March 31, 2021December 31, 2020March 31, 2021December 31, 2020September 30, 2021December 31, 2020September 30, 2021December 31, 2020
(in millions, except shares and per share amounts)(in millions, except shares and per share amounts)
Series A Preferred StockSeries A Preferred Stock$1,000 800,000 800,000 $790 $790 Series A Preferred Stock$1,000 800,000 800,000 $790 $790 
Series B Preferred StockSeries B Preferred Stock1,000 977,400 977,400 950 950 Series B Preferred Stock1,000 — 977,400 — 950 
Series C Preferred StockSeries C Preferred Stock1,000 625,000 625,000 623 623 Series C Preferred Stock1,000 — 625,000 — 623 
2,402,400 2,402,400 $2,363 $2,363 800,000 2,402,400 $790 $2,363 

Conversion of Series B Preferred Stock. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, 975,903 shares and 977,400 shares of Series B Preferred Stock, respectively, were converted into 35,875,574 shares and 35,921,441 shares of Common Stock. As of September 30, 2021, all shares of Series B Preferred Stock have been converted into shares of Common Stock.

Conversion of Series C Preferred Stock. No shares of Series C Preferred Stock were converted to Common Stock during the three months ended September 30, 2021. During the nine months ended September 30, 2021, 625,000 shares of Series C Preferred Stock were converted into 40,822,990 shares of Common Stock. As of September 30, 2021, all shares of Series C Preferred Stock have been converted into shares of Common Stock.

Income Allocated to Preferred Shareholders (CenterPoint Energy)
Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
202120202021202020212020
(in millions)(in millions)
Series A Preferred StockSeries A Preferred Stock$12 $12 Series A Preferred Stock$12 $12 $37 $37 
Series B Preferred StockSeries B Preferred Stock17 17 Series B Preferred Stock11 17 45 51 
Series C Preferred StockSeries C Preferred Stock— — 14 
Preferred dividend requirementPreferred dividend requirement23 36 82 102 
Amortization of beneficial conversion featureAmortization of beneficial conversion feature— 16 — 25 
Total income allocated to preferred shareholdersTotal income allocated to preferred shareholders$29 $29 Total income allocated to preferred shareholders$23 $52 $82 $127 

Temporary Equity (CenterPoint Energy)

On the approval and recommendation of the Compensation Committee and approval of the Board (acting solely through its independent directors), CenterPoint Energy entered into 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 equity-based awards under CenterPoint Energy’s LTIP covering a total of 1 million shares of Common Stock
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(Total Stock Award) to be granted in multiple annual awards. In July 2021, 400 thousand restricted stock unit awards were awarded to Mr. Lesar that will vest in December 2022. Restricted stock unit awards covering the remaining 600 thousand shares will be awarded to Mr. Lesar in February 2022 and February 2023, in each case covering the remainder of the Total Stock Award not previously awarded or such lesser number of restricted stock units as may be required pursuant to the annual individual award limitations under the CenterPoint Energy’s LTIP and vesting in December 2023. In the event any shares under the Total Stock Award remain unawarded, in February 2024, a fully vested stock bonus award of the remaining shares will be granted.For accounting purposes, the 1 million shares under the Total Stock Award, consisting of both the awarded and unawarded equity-based awards described above, were considered granted in July 2021. In the event of death, disability, termination without cause or resignation for good reason, as defined in the retention incentive agreement, that occurs prior to the full Total Stock Award being awarded, CenterPoint Energy will pay a lump sum cash payment equal to the value of the unawarded equity-based awards, based on the closing trading price of Common Stock on the date of the event’s occurrence. Because the unawarded equity-based awards are redeemable for cash upon events that are not probable at the grant date, the equity associated with the unawarded equity-based awards will be classified as Temporary Equity on CenterPoint Energy’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Changes in accumulated comprehensive income (loss) are as follows:
Three Months Ended September 30,
20212020
CenterPoint EnergyHouston ElectricCERCCenterPoint EnergyHouston ElectricCERC
(in millions)
Beginning BalanceBeginning Balance$(85)$— $10 $(84)$— $10 
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications:Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications:
Other comprehensive income from unconsolidated affiliatesOther comprehensive income from unconsolidated affiliates— — — — — 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
Prior service cost (1)
Prior service cost (1)
— — — — — 
Actuarial losses (1)
Actuarial losses (1)
— — — — 
Settlement (2)
Settlement (2)
— — — — — 
Reclassification of deferred loss from cash flow hedges realized in net incomeReclassification of deferred loss from cash flow hedges realized in net income— — — — — 
Tax expenseTax expense(1)— — (1)— — 
Net current period other comprehensive incomeNet current period other comprehensive income— — — — 
Ending BalanceEnding Balance$(80)$— $10 $(82)$— $10 
Three Months Ended March 31,Nine Months Ended September 30,
2021202020212020
CenterPoint EnergyHouston ElectricCERCCenterPoint EnergyHouston ElectricCERCCenterPoint EnergyHouston ElectricCERCCenterPoint EnergyHouston ElectricCERC
(in millions)(in millions)
Beginning BalanceBeginning Balance$(90)$$10 $(98)$(15)$10 Beginning Balance$(90)$— $10 $(98)$(15)$10 
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications:Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications:Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications:
Other comprehensive income (loss) from unconsolidated affiliatesOther comprehensive income (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates(3)Other comprehensive income (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates— — (2)— — 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss:
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
Prior service cost (1)
Prior service cost (1)
— — — — 
Actuarial losses (1)
Actuarial losses (1)
Actuarial losses (1)
— — — — 
Settlement (2)
Settlement (2)
— — — — — 
Reclassification of deferred loss from cash flow hedges realized in net incomeReclassification of deferred loss from cash flow hedges realized in net income— — — — — 
Reclassification of deferred loss from cash flow hedges to regulatory assets (3)
Reclassification of deferred loss from cash flow hedges to regulatory assets (3)
— — — 19 19 — 
Tax expenseTax expense(1)Tax expense(2)— — (7)(4)— 
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)(2)
Net current period other comprehensive incomeNet current period other comprehensive income10 — — 16 15 — 
Ending BalanceEnding Balance$(87)$$10 $(100)$(15)$10 Ending Balance$(80)$— $10 $(82)$— $10 

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(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.
49

Table(2)Amounts presented represent a one-time, non-cash settlement cost (benefit), prior to regulatory deferrals, which are required when the total lump sum distributions or other settlements of Contentsplan benefit obligations during a plan year exceed the service cost and interest cost components of the net periodic cost for that year. 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)
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 InstrumentDeclaration DateRecord DatePayment DatePer Share
Common StockApril 23, 2021May 20, 2021June 10, 2021$0.1600 
Series B Preferred StockApril 23, 2021May 15, 2021June 1, 202117.5000 

Enable Distributions Declarations (CenterPoint Energy)
Equity InstrumentEquity InstrumentDeclaration DateRecord DatePayment DatePer Unit DistributionExpected Cash Distribution
(in millions)
Equity InstrumentDeclaration DateRecord DatePayment DatePer Unit DistributionExpected Cash Distribution
(in millions)
Enable common unitsEnable common unitsApril 26, 2021May 13, 2021May 25, 2021$0.16525 $39 Enable common unitsOctober 26, 2021November 8, 2021November 17, 2021$0.16525 $39 
Enable Series A Preferred Units (1)
Enable Series A Preferred Units (1)
April 26, 2021April 26, 2021May 14, 20210.58730 
Enable Series A Preferred Units (1)
October 26, 2021October 26, 2021November 12, 20210.54030 

(1)On February 18, 2021, the Enable Series A Preferred Units converted to the floating rate period where the distribution rate is equal to the sum of three-month LIBOR, as calculated on each applicable date of determination, and 8.50%.

Series C Preferred Stock

In April 2021, CenterPoint Energy received two notifications of intent by shareholders to convert their Series C Preferred Stock to Common Stock. The table below details the two notifications.

Date of NoticeConversion DateShares of Series C Preferred Stock ConvertedShares of Common Stock
 to be Issued
April 5, 2021April 5, 2021400,00026,126,714
April 16, 2021April 16. 202137,5002,449,379

Conversion of the remaining Series C Preferred Stock is mandatory on May 7, 2021, the 12-month anniversary date of the preferred stock purchase agreements. The remaining 187,500 shares of Series C Preferred Stock are expected to convert into 12,246,897 shares of Common Stock.

Sale of Arkansas and Oklahoma 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, 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 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.
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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

Net Zero Emission Goals. In September 2021, CenterPoint Energy announced new net zero emission goals for both Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2035 as well as a goal to reduce Scope 3 emissions by 20% to 30% by 2035. For more information regarding CenterPoint Energy’s new net zero emission goals and the risks associated with them, see “Risk Factors — CenterPoint Energy is subject to operational and financial risks and liabilities associated with the implementation and efforts to achieve its carbon emission reduction goals” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis — Liquidity and Capital Resources” in this combined Form 10-Q.

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, subject to certain adjustments set forth in the Asset Purchase Agreement. On August 31, 2021, CenterPoint Energy, through its subsidiary CERC Corp., completed the sale of MES to Last Mile Energy. 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 resultingthat 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.

CenterPoint Energy has a corporate response planning team comprised of employees across the organization, including members of senior management, that assesses risks to its business, including for health, safety and environmental matters and personnel issues, and has addressed various impacts of the February 2021 Winter Storm Event. The corporate response planning team coordinated additional support for operations and other personnel that responded directly to the February 2021 Winter Storm Event.

The February 2021 Winter Storm Event has had, and may continue to have,resulted in financial impacts onto 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, potential impacts to credit metrics, 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, or credit ratings or liquidity, given its access to external financing sources and the regulatory mechanisms that are in place to seek recovery of these excess costs.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”Resources —Future Sources and Uses of Cash” and “—Regulatory Matters” below.

Sale of Arkansas and Oklahoma 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, subject to certain adjustments set forth in the Asset Purchase Agreement. The transaction is anticipated to close by the end of 2021, subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions. For further information, see Note 20 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.

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. On September 21, 2021, CNP Midstream entered into a Forward Sale Agreement with an investment banking financial institution to deliver, subject to and immediately following the closing of the Enable Merger, 50 million common units of Energy Transfer expected to be received by CNP Midstream as consideration in the pending Enable Merger in exchange for the proceeds of the forward sale transaction. Additionally, CenterPoint Energy plans for a complete exit from its Midstream Investment reportable segment in 2022. For more information, see Notes 1, 3 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.
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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 detailsinformation related to our pending and completed regulatory proceedings to date in 2021, see “—Liquidity and Capital Resources —Regulatory Matters” below.

Debt Transactions. Board of Directors ActionsIn 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. Also, 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.In March 2021, CERC Corp. issued $1.7 billion aggregate principal amount of senior notes and Houston Electric issued $1.1 billion aggregate principal amount of general mortgage bonds. Upon the
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consummation of its senior notes offerings, in March 2021, CERC Corp. terminated all of the commitments for the 364-day term loan facility. Additionally, in March 2021, Houston Electric repaid all of its remaining outstanding $102 million first mortgage bonds at maturity. In April 2021, Houston Electric provided notice of redemption relating to $300 million aggregate principal amount of its outstanding general mortgage bonds (which were redeemed on May 1, 2021) and CenterPoint Energy amended its existing term loan agreement to provide for a 30-day extension of its maturity date. For more information, see Note 12 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.

Series C Preferred Stock Conversions. In April. On July 22, 2021, CenterPoint Energy received two notificationsannounced the decision of intent by shareholdersthe independent directors of the Board to convert their Series C Preferred Stock to Common Stock.implement a new independent Board leadership and governance structure and appointed a new independent chair of the Board. To implement this new governance structure, the independent directors of the Board eliminated the Executive Chairman position. For further information, see Note 205 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.

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.10-K and in Item 1A of Part II of this combined Form 10-Q.

Income (loss) available to common shareholders for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020 was as follows:

Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
20212020Favorable (Unfavorable)20212020Favorable (Unfavorable)20212020Favorable (Unfavorable)
(in millions)(in millions)
ElectricElectric75 (134)$209 Electric$185 $188 $(3)$385 $160 $225 
Natural GasNatural Gas229 201 28 Natural Gas(2)308 229 79 
Total Utility OperationsTotal Utility Operations304 67 237 Total Utility Operations190 186 693 389 304 
Midstream Investments (1)
71 (1,127)1,198 
Corporate & Other (2)(1)
Corporate & Other (2)(1)
(41)(22)(19)
Corporate & Other (2)(1)
(63)(39)(24)(145)(169)24 
Discontinued OperationsDiscontinued Operations— (146)146 Discontinued Operations68 (78)146 202 (1,320)1,522 
Total CenterPoint Energy Total CenterPoint Energy$334 $(1,228)1,562  Total CenterPoint Energy$195 $69 $126 $750 $(1,100)$1,850 

(1)For a discussion 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 March 31,September 30, 2021 compared to three months ended March 31,September 30, 2020

Income available to common shareholders increased $1,562$126 million primarily due to the following itemsitems:

an increase in earnings from discontinued operations; and
the first quarterdividend requirement and amortization of 2020 which did not repeatbeneficial conversion feature associated with Series C Preferred Stock in the first quarter of 2021:2020.

These increases were partially offset by:

the impairmentimpact of our investmentthe governance changes announced in Enable further discussed in Note 9 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements;July 2021; and
impairment of Indiana Electric;
losses from discontinued operations;
partially offset by the favorable income tax impact of the CARES Act.Act in 2020.

Excluding those items, income available to common shareholders increased $73$1 million primarily due to the following key factors:

rate relief, net of increases in depreciation and amortization and taxes other than income taxes;
favorable weather and usage, net of the impactsreduced impact of COVID-19;
continued customer growth;
operation and maintenance expense discipline;
reduced interest expense; and
increased earnings at Enable.expense.

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These increases were partially offset by lower usage in part due to less favorable weather.

Nine months ended September 30, 2021 compared to nine months ended September 30, 2020

Income available to common shareholders increased $1,850 million primarily due to the following items:

an increase in earnings from discontinued operations;
goodwill impairment at Indiana Electric 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.

These increases were also partially offset by the impact of the board-implemented governance changes announced in July 2021

Excluding those items, income available to common shareholders increased $121 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; and
reduced interest expense.

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 formerly reported Midstream Investments reportable segment results isare now included in discontinued operations. For additional information regarding the discussion of CenterPoint Energy’s consolidated results above.Midstream Investments reportable segment, see Notes 3, 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.10-K and in Item 1A of Part II of this combined Form 10-Q.

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

Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
20212020Favorable (Unfavorable)20212020Favorable (Unfavorable)20212020Favorable (Unfavorable)
(in millions, except operating statistics)(in millions, except operating statistics)
RevenuesRevenues$830 $767 $63 Revenues$1,056 $985 $71 $2,823 $2,600 $223 
Cost of revenues (1)
Cost of revenues (1)
45 35 (10)
Cost of revenues (1)
53 41 (12)142 108 (34)
Revenues less Cost of revenuesRevenues less Cost of revenues785 732 53 Revenues less Cost of revenues1,003 944 59 2,681 2,492 189 
Expenses:Expenses:Expenses:
Operation and maintenanceOperation and maintenance416 403 (13)Operation and maintenance445 427 (18)1,295 1,232 (63)
Depreciation and amortizationDepreciation and amortization169 154 (15)Depreciation and amortization211 177 (34)569 497 (72)
Taxes other than income taxesTaxes other than income taxes67 68 Taxes other than income taxes69 68 (1)205 204 (1)
Goodwill impairmentGoodwill impairment— 185 185 Goodwill impairment— — — — 185 185 
Total expensesTotal expenses652 810 158 Total expenses725 672 (53)2,069 2,118 49 
Operating IncomeOperating Income133 (78)211 Operating Income278 272 612 374 238 
Other Income (Expense)Other Income (Expense)Other Income (Expense)
Interest expense and other finance chargesInterest expense and other finance charges(56)(55)(1)Interest expense and other finance charges(57)(55)(2)(171)(165)(6)
Other income, netOther income, net— Other income, net19 13 
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes84 (126)210 
Income from Continuing Operations Before Income TaxesIncome from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes228 221 460 222 238 
Income tax expenseIncome tax expense(1)Income tax expense43 33 (10)75 62 (13)
Net Income (Loss)$75 $(134)209 
Net IncomeNet Income$185 $188 $(3)$385 $160 $225 
Throughput (in GWh):Throughput (in GWh):Throughput (in GWh):
ResidentialResidential6,0705,679%Residential11,17411,675(4)%25,56726,113(2)%
TotalTotal21,24121,243— %Total31,17829,452%79,30574,923%
Weather (percentage of 10-year average for service area):Weather (percentage of 10-year average for service area):Weather (percentage of 10-year average for service area):
Cooling degree daysCooling degree days109 %187 %(78)%Cooling degree days101 %105 %(4)%102 %108 %(6)%
Heating degree daysHeating degree days95 %80 %15 %Heating degree days100 %200 %(100)%105 %73 %32 %
Number of metered customers at end of period:Number of metered customers at end of period:Number of metered customers at end of period:
ResidentialResidential2,448,4392,389,585%Residential2,480,2922,420,855%2,480,2922,420,855%
TotalTotal2,765,4962,701,004%Total2,800,5482,735,018%2,800,5482,735,018%

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


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The following table provides variance explanations for the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to three months ended March 31, 2020 by major income statement caption for the Electric reportable segment:
Favorable (Unfavorable)
(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$136 
Customer growth
Bond Companies, offset in other line items
Weather impacts and other usage
Impacts from increased peak demand in 2020, collected in rates in 2021
Bond Companies equity return, related to the annual true-up of transition charges for amounts over or under collected in prior periods
Energy efficiency, offset in operation and maintenance
Miscellaneous revenues, primarily related right-of-way revenue(3)
Refund of protected and unprotected EDIT, offset in income tax expense(10)
Impacts on usage of COVID-19(12)
Customer rates and impact of the change in rate design(79)
Total$53 
Operation and maintenance
Support services$
Contract services
Labor and benefits
Energy efficiency, offset in revenues(1)
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(21)
Total$(13)
Depreciation and amortization
Bond Companies, offset in other line items$(6)
Ongoing additions to plant-in-service(9)
Total$(15)
Taxes other than income taxes
Franchise fees and other taxes$
Incremental capital projects placed in service(1)
Total$
Goodwill Impairment
Indiana Electric goodwill impairment charge in 2020$185 
$185 
Interest expense and other finance charges
Bond Companies, offset in other line items$
Debt to fund incremental capital projects(3)
Total$(1)
Other income (expense), net
Reduction to non-service benefit cost$
Investments in CenterPoint Energy Money Pool interest income(1)
Bond Companies interest income, offset in other line items(1)
Total$— 
Favorable (Unfavorable)
Three Months Ended September 30, 2021 vs 2020Nine Months Ended September 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$29 $224 
Bond Companies, offset in other line items22 41 
Impacts on usage from COVID-1920 30 
Customer growth25 
Bond Companies equity return, related to the annual true-up of transition charges for amounts over or under collected in prior periods
Miscellaneous revenues, primarily related right-of-way revenue, service connections, and off-system sales
Impacts from increased peak demand in 2020, collected in rates in 2021— 
Energy efficiency and pass-through offset in operation and maintenance(3)— 
Refund of protected and unprotected EDIT, offset in income tax expense— (12)
Weather, efficiency improvements and other usage impacts, excluding impacts of COVID-19(33)(52)
Customer rates and impact of the change in rate design(86)
Total$59 $189 
Operation and maintenance
Support services$$11 
Labor and benefits
Energy efficiency and pass-through offset in revenues(1)
Bond Companies, offset in other line items(1)(1)
Contract services(1)(2)
All other operation and maintenance expense, including materials and supplies and insurance(8)(8)
Transmission costs billed by transmission providers, offset in revenues less cost of revenues(23)(68)
Total$(18)$(63)
Depreciation and amortization
Bond Companies, offset in other line items$(23)$(45)
Ongoing additions to plant-in-service(11)(27)
Total$(34)$(72)
Taxes other than income taxes
Franchise fees and other taxes$(2)$— 
Incremental capital projects placed in service(1)
Total$(1)$(1)
Goodwill Impairment
Indiana Electric goodwill impairment charge in 2020$— $185 
Total$— $185 
Interest expense and other finance charges
Bond Companies, offset in other line items$$
Reduced interest rates on outstanding borrowings, partially offset by incremental borrowings for capital expenditures(4)(12)
Total$(2)$(6)
Other income (expense), net
Reduction to non-service benefit cost$$
Investments in CenterPoint Energy Money Pool interest income— (1)
Bond Companies interest income, offset in other line items— (1)
Total$$

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.10-K and in Item 1A of Part II of this combined Form 10-Q.

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

Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
20212020Favorable (Unfavorable)20212020Favorable (Unfavorable)20212020Favorable (Unfavorable)
(in millions, except operating statistics)(in millions, except operating statistics)
RevenuesRevenues$1,663 $1,321 $342 Revenues$619 $564 $55 $3,022 $2,529 $493 
Cost of revenues (1)
Cost of revenues (1)
893 580 (313)
Cost of revenues (1)
173 131 (42)1,289 888 (401)
Revenues less Cost of revenuesRevenues less Cost of revenues770 741 29 Revenues less Cost of revenues446 433 13 1,733 1,641 92 
Expenses:Expenses:Expenses:
Operation and maintenanceOperation and maintenance256 272 16 Operation and maintenance231 240 733 744 11 
Depreciation and amortizationDepreciation and amortization122 111 (11)Depreciation and amortization129 115 (14)374 339 (35)
Taxes other than income taxesTaxes other than income taxes74 67 (7)Taxes other than income taxes53 53 — 184 176 (8)
Total expensesTotal expenses452 450 (2)Total expenses413 408 (5)1,291 1,259 (32)
Operating IncomeOperating Income318 291 27 Operating Income33 25 442 382 60 
Other Income (Expense)Other Income (Expense)Other Income (Expense)
Gain on saleGain on sale— — 
Interest expense and other finance chargesInterest expense and other finance charges(33)(41)Interest expense and other finance charges(34)(36)(101)(115)14 
Other expense, net— (2)
Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes285 248 37 
Income tax expense56 47 (9)
Net Income$229 $201 28 
Other income (expense), netOther income (expense), net(1)(2)(1)
Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations Before Income TaxesIncome (Loss) From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes(10)16 350 266 84 
Income tax expense (benefit)Income tax expense (benefit)(8)(9)42 37 (5)
Net Income (Loss)Net Income (Loss)$$(2)$$308 $229 $79 
Throughput (in Bcf):Throughput (in Bcf):Throughput (in Bcf):
ResidentialResidential12810720 %Residential1718(6)%17515711 %
Commercial and IndustrialCommercial and Industrial145146(1)%Commercial and Industrial7984(6)%312317(2)%
TotalTotal273253%Total96102(6)%487474%
Weather (percentage of 10-year average for service area):Weather (percentage of 10-year average for service area):Weather (percentage of 10-year average for service area):
Heating degree daysHeating degree days103 %85 %18 %Heating degree days39 %100 %(61)%99 %90 %%
Number of metered customers at end of period:Number of metered customers at end of period:Number of metered customers at end of period:
ResidentialResidential4,343,8634,266,685%Residential4,332,0794,295,169%4,332,0794,295,169%
Commercial and IndustrialCommercial and Industrial351,363350,009— %Commercial and Industrial348,443346,641%348,443346,641%
TotalTotal4,695,2264,616,694%Total4,680.5224,641,810%4,680,5224,641,810%

(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 for the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to three months ended March 31, 2020 by major income statement caption for the Natural Gas reportable segment:
Favorable (Unfavorable)
(in millions)
Revenues less Cost of revenues
Weather and usage, excluding impacts from COVID-19$21 
Customer growth
Gross receipts tax, offset in taxes other than income taxes
Energy efficiency, offset in operation and maintenance
Customer rates and impact of the change in rate design, exclusive of the TCJA impact
Refund of protected and unprotected EDIT, offset in income tax expense(2)
Impacts of COVID-19, including usage and other miscellaneous charges(3)
Non-volumetric and miscellaneous revenue, excluding impacts from COVID-19(3)
Total$29 
Operation and maintenance
Other operating and maintenance expenses$
Support Services
Merger related expenses, primarily severance and technology
Contracted services
Materials and supplies
Bad Debt
Insurance
Energy efficiency, offset in revenues less cost of revenues(3)
Total$16 
Depreciation and amortization
Incremental capital projects placed in service(11)
Total$(11)
Taxes other than income taxes
Incremental capital projects placed in service$(2)
Gross receipts tax, offset in revenues less cost of revenues(5)
Total$(7)
Interest expense and other finance charges
Reduced interest rates on outstanding borrowings, partially offset by incremental borrowings for capital expenditures$
Total$
Other expense, net
Reduction to non-service benefit cost$
Money pool investments with CenterPoint Energy interest income
Total$
Favorable (Unfavorable)
Three Months Ended September 30, 2021 vs 2020Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 vs 2020
(in millions)
Revenues less Cost of revenues
Customer rates and impact of the change in rate design, exclusive of the TCJA impact$$36 
Non-volumetric and miscellaneous revenue, excluding impacts from COVID-1921 
Weather and usage, excluding impacts from COVID-19— 16 
Customer growth11 
Gross receipts tax, offset in taxes other than income taxes
Impacts of COVID-19, including usage and other miscellaneous charges
Energy efficiency, offset in operation and maintenance(2)(1)
Refund of protected and unprotected EDIT, offset in income tax expense(2)(8)
Total$13 $92 
Operation and maintenance
Support services and miscellaneous operations and maintenance expenses$12 $17 
Contract services— 
Merger related expenses, primarily severance and technology— 
Energy efficiency, offset in revenues less cost of revenues
Labor and benefits(5)(12)
Total$$11 
Depreciation and amortization
Incremental capital projects placed in service$(14)$(35)
Total$(14)$(35)
Taxes other than income taxes
Gross receipts tax, offset in revenues less cost of revenues$(1)$(9)
Incremental capital projects placed in service
Total$— $(8)
Gain on Sale
Net gain on sale of MES$$
Total$$
Interest expense and other finance charges
Reduced interest rates on outstanding borrowings, partially offset by incremental borrowings for capital expenditures$$14 
Total$$14 
Other income (expense), net
Money pool investments with CenterPoint Energy interest income$$
Increase to non-service benefit cost(3)(2)
Total$(2)$

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.10-K and in Item 1A of Part II of this combined Form 10-Q.

Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
20212020Favorable (Unfavorable)20212020Favorable (Unfavorable)20212020Favorable (Unfavorable)
(in millions, except operating statistics)(in millions, except operating statistics)
Revenues:Revenues:Revenues:
TDUTDU$640 $596 44 TDU$794 $770 $24 $2,159 $2,038 $121 
Bond CompaniesBond Companies44 38 Bond Companies80 58 22 185 144 41 
Total revenuesTotal revenues684 634 50 Total revenues874 828 46 2,344 2,182 162 
Expenses:Expenses:Expenses:
Operation and maintenance, excluding Bond CompaniesOperation and maintenance, excluding Bond Companies371 358 (13)Operation and maintenance, excluding Bond Companies394 380 (14)1,154 1,100 (54)
Depreciation and amortization, excluding Bond CompaniesDepreciation and amortization, excluding Bond Companies105 99 (6)Depreciation and amortization, excluding Bond Companies108 100 (8)320 300 (20)
Taxes other than income taxesTaxes other than income taxes63 64 Taxes other than income taxes64 64 — 192 192 — 
Bond CompaniesBond Companies38 31 (7)Bond Companies76 52 (24)169 124 (45)
Total expensesTotal expenses577 552 (25)Total expenses642 596 (46)1,835 1,716 (119)
Operating IncomeOperating Income107 82 25 Operating Income232 232 — 509 466 43 
Other Income (Expense)Other Income (Expense)Other Income (Expense)
Interest expense and other finance chargesInterest expense and other finance charges(45)(41)(4)Interest expense and other finance charges(46)(43)(3)(138)(127)(11)
Interest expense on Securitization BondsInterest expense on Securitization Bonds(6)(8)Interest expense on Securitization Bonds(5)(7)(16)(22)
Other income, netOther income, net— Other income, net12 
Income from Continuing Operations Before Income TaxesIncome from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes61 38 23 Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes185 183 367 324 43 
Income tax expenseIncome tax expense(3)Income tax expense34 26 (8)60 47 (13)
Net IncomeNet Income$53 $33 20 Net Income$151 $157 $(6)$307 $277 $30 
Throughput (in GWh):Throughput (in GWh):Throughput (in GWh):
ResidentialResidential5,7015,351%Residential10,72311,237(5)%24,44825,028(2)%
TotalTotal19,73920,102(2)%Total29,31828,031%74,45371,293%
Weather (percentage of 10-year average for service area):Weather (percentage of 10-year average for service area):Weather (percentage of 10-year average for service area):
Cooling degree daysCooling degree days112 %185 %(73)%Cooling degree days101 %106 %(5)%103 %109 %(6)%
Heating degree daysHeating degree days104 %68 %36 %Heating degree days— %— %— %105 %68 %37 %
Number of metered customers at end of period:Number of metered customers at end of period:Number of metered customers at end of period:
ResidentialResidential2,318,0302,260,352%Residential2,345,9202,291,038%2,345,9202,291,038%
TotalTotal2,615,9172,552,739%Total2,646,9552,586,093%2,646,9552,586,093%

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The following table provides variance explanations for the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to three months ended March 31, 2020 by major income statement caption for Houston Electric:

Favorable (Unfavorable)
(in millions)
Revenues
Transmission Revenues, including TCOS and TCRF and impact of the change in rate design, inclusive of costs billed by transmission providers$136 
Customer growth
Weather impacts and other usage
Bond Companies, offset in other line items
Impacts from increased peak demand in 2020, collected in rates in 2021
Equity return, related to the annual true-up of transition charges for amounts over or under collected in prior periods
Energy efficiency, offset in operation and maintenance
Miscellaneous revenues, primarily related to right-of-way revenues(5)
Refund of protected and unprotected EDIT, offset in income tax expense(10)
Impacts on usage of COVID-19(12)
Customer rates and impact of the change in rate design(83)
Total$50 
Operation and maintenance, excluding Bond Companies
Support services$
Contract services
Labor and benefits
Energy efficiency, offset in revenues(1)
Transmission costs billed by transmission providers, offset in revenues(21)
Total$(13)
Depreciation and amortization, excluding Bond Companies
Ongoing additions to plant-in-service$(6)
Total$(6)
Taxes other than income taxes
Franchise fees and other taxes$
Incremental capital projects placed in service(1)
Total$
Bond Companies expense
Operations and maintenance and depreciation expense, offset in other line items$(7)
$(7)
Interest expense and other finance charges
Debt to fund incremental capital projects$(4)
Total$(4)
Interest expense on Securitization Bonds
Lower outstanding principal balance, offset in other line items$
Total$
Other income (expense), net
Reduction to non-service benefit cost$
Investments in CenterPoint Energy Money Pool interest income(1)
Bond Companies interest income, offset in other line items(1)
Total$— 
Favorable (Unfavorable)
Three Months Ended September 30, 2021 vs 2020Nine Months Ended September 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$29 $224 
Bond Companies, offset in other line items22 41 
Customer growth25 
Impacts on usage from COVID-1915 20 
Equity return, related to the annual true-up of transition charges for amounts over or under collected in prior periods
Impacts from increased peak demand in 2020, collected in rates in 2021— 
Energy efficiency, offset in operation and maintenance(2)— 
Miscellaneous revenues, primarily related to right-of-way revenues, and service connections(2)
Refund of protected and unprotected EDIT, offset in income tax expense— (12)
Weather impacts and other usage(31)(47)
Customer rates and impact of the change in rate design— (100)
Total$46 $162 
Operation and maintenance, excluding Bond Companies
Support services$$
Labor and benefits
Contract services
Energy efficiency, offset in revenues— 
Other operation and maintenance expense(6)(4)
Transmission costs billed by transmission providers, offset in revenues(23)(68)
Total$(14)$(54)
Depreciation and amortization, excluding Bond Companies
Ongoing additions to plant-in-service$(8)$(20)
Total$(8)$(20)
Taxes other than income taxes
Franchise fees and other taxes$$
Incremental capital projects placed in service(2)(4)
Total$— $— 
Bond Companies expense
Operations and maintenance and depreciation expense, offset in other line items$(24)$(45)
$(24)$(45)
Interest expense and other finance charges
Reduced interest rates on outstanding borrowings, partially offset by incremental borrowings for capital expenditures$(3)$(11)
Total$(3)$(11)
Interest expense on Securitization Bonds
Lower outstanding principal balance, offset in other line items$$
Total$$
Other income (expense), net
Reduction to non-service benefit cost$$
Investments in CenterPoint Energy Money Pool interest income— (1)
Bond Companies interest income, offset in other line items— (1)
Total$$

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.10-K and in Item 1A of Part II of this combined Form 10-Q.

Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
20212020Favorable (Unfavorable)20212020Favorable (Unfavorable)20212020Favorable (Unfavorable)
(in millions, except operating statistics)(in millions, except operating statistics)
RevenuesRevenues$1,177 $1,011 $166 Revenues$487 $426 $61 $2,238 $1,920 $318 
Cost of revenues (1)
Cost of revenues (1)
625 478 (147)
Cost of revenues (1)
161 108 (53)978 730 (248)
Revenues less Cost of revenuesRevenues less Cost of revenues552 533 19 Revenues less Cost of revenues326 318 1,260 1,190 70 
Expenses:Expenses:Expenses:
Operation and maintenanceOperation and maintenance198 209 11 Operation and maintenance187 186 (1)579 574 (5)
Depreciation and amortizationDepreciation and amortization80 74 (6)Depreciation and amortization82 78 (4)242 226 (16)
Taxes other than income taxesTaxes other than income taxes56 50 (6)Taxes other than income taxes41 40 (1)141 134 (7)
Total expensesTotal expenses334 333 (1)Total expenses310 304 (6)962 934 (28)
Operating IncomeOperating Income218 200 18 Operating Income16 14 298 256 42 
Other Income (Expense)Other Income (Expense)Other Income (Expense)
Gain on saleGain on sale11 — 11 11 — 11 
Interest expense and other finance chargesInterest expense and other finance charges(24)(30)Interest expense and other finance charges(24)(28)(73)(87)14 
Other expense, net(1)(4)
Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes193 166 27 
Income tax expense42 35 (7)
Income From Continuing Operations151 131 20 
Loss from Discontinued Operations (net of tax benefit of $-0- and $11, respectively)— (64)64 
Net Income$151 $67 84 
Other income (expense), netOther income (expense), net(3)(1)(2)(3)(5)
Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations Before Income TaxesIncome (Loss) From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes— (15)15 233 164 69 
Income tax expense (benefit)Income tax expense (benefit)(9)(10)25 22 (3)
Income (Loss) From Continuing OperationsIncome (Loss) From Continuing Operations(1)(6)208 142 66 
Income (Loss) From Discontinued Operations (net of tax expense (benefit) of $1 and ($2), respectively)Income (Loss) From Discontinued Operations (net of tax expense (benefit) of $1 and ($2), respectively)— (2)— (66)66 
Net Income (Loss)Net Income (Loss)$(1)$(4)$$208 $76 $132 
Throughput (in Bcf):Throughput (in Bcf):Throughput (in Bcf):
ResidentialResidential937426 %Residential1314(7)%12711015 %
Commercial and IndustrialCommercial and Industrial8790(3)%Commercial and Industrial5148%192189%
TotalTotal18016410 %Total6462%319299%
Weather (percentage of 10-year average for service area):Weather (percentage of 10-year average for service area):Weather (percentage of 10-year average for service area):
Heating degree daysHeating degree days102 %86 %16 %Heating degree days40 %100 %(60)%101 %90 %11 %
Number of metered customers at end of period:Number of metered customers at end of period:Number of metered customers at end of period:
ResidentialResidential3,362,9023,299,011%Residential3,359,8913,329,032%3,359,8913,329,032%
Commercial and IndustrialCommercial and Industrial261,944261,120— %Commercial and Industrial260,145258,660%260,145258,660%
TotalTotal3,624,8463,560,131%Total3,620,0363,587,692%3,620,0363,587,692%

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

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The following table provides variance explanations for the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to three months ended March 31, 2020 by major income statement caption for CERC:

Favorable (Unfavorable)
Favorable (Unfavorable)
Three Months Ended September 30, 2021 vs 2020Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 vs 2020
(in millions)
Revenues less Cost of revenues
Customer rates and impact of the change in rate design, exclusive of the TCJA impact$$19 
Non-volumetric and miscellaneous revenue, excluding impacts from COVID-19(1)16 
Weather and usage, excluding impacts from COVID-19(1)15 
Gross receipts tax, offset in taxes other than income taxes10 
Customer growth
Impacts on usage from COVID-19
Energy efficiency, offset in operation and maintenance(2)
Refund of protected and unprotected EDIT, offset in income tax expense(1)(7)
Total$$70 
Operation and maintenance
Contract services$$
Merger related expenses, primarily severance and technology— 
Energy efficiency, offset in revenues less cost of revenues(2)
Labor and benefits— (5)
Support services and miscellaneous operations and maintenance expenses(5)(8)
Total$(1)$(5)
Depreciation and amortization
Incremental capital projects placed in service$(4)$(16)
Total$(4)$(16)
Taxes other than income taxes
Gross receipts tax, offset in revenues less cost of revenues$(2)$(10)
Incremental capital projects placed in service
Total$(1)$(7)
Gain on Sale
Net gain on sale of MES$11 $11 
Total$11 $11 
Interest expense and other finance charges
Reduced interest rates on outstanding borrowings, partially offset by incremental borrowings for capital expenditures$$14 
Total$$14 
Other income (expense), net
Money pool investments with CenterPoint Energy interest income$$
Increase to non-service benefit cost(4)(3)
Total$(2)$

(in millions)
Revenues less Cost of revenues
Weather and usage, excluding impacts from COVID-19$17 
Customer growth
Gross receipts tax, offset in taxes other than income taxes
Energy efficiency, offset in operation and maintenance
Non-volumetric and miscellaneous revenue, excluding impacts from COVID-19(1)
Refund of protected and unprotected EDIT, offset in income tax expense(2)
Impacts of COVID-19, including usage and other miscellaneous charges(3)
Customer rates and impact of the change in rate design, exclusive of the TCJA impact(6)
Total$19 
Operation and maintenance
Other operating and maintenance expense and support services$
Merger related expenses, primarily severance and technology
Materials and supplies
Contracted services
Labor and benefits
Bad Debt
Insurance
Energy efficiency, offset in revenues less cost of revenues(4)
Total$11 
Depreciation and amortization
Incremental capital projects placed in service$(6)
Total$(6)
Taxes other than income taxes
Incremental capital projects placed in service$(1)
Gross receipts tax, offset in revenues less cost of revenues(5)
Total$(6)
Interest expense and other finance charges
Reduced interest rates on outstanding borrowings, partially offset by incremental borrowings for capital expenditures$
Total$
Other expense, net
Reduction to non-service benefit cost$
Money pool investments with CenterPoint Energy interest income
Total$

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, in Item 1A of Part II of this combined Form 10-Q 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 threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020:
Three Months Ended March 31, Nine Months Ended September 30,
20212020 20212020
CenterPoint EnergyHouston ElectricCERCCenterPoint EnergyHouston ElectricCERCCenterPoint EnergyHouston ElectricCERCCenterPoint EnergyHouston ElectricCERC
(in millions)(in millions)
Cash provided by (used in):Cash provided by (used in):Cash provided by (used in):
Operating activitiesOperating activities$(1,681)$47 $(1,787)$662 $103 $381 Operating activities$(551)$497 $(1,466)$1,439 $552 $646 
Investing activitiesInvesting activities(604)(982)(131)(654)192 (177)Investing activities(2,104)(1,104)(534)(683)(283)(339)
Financing activitiesFinancing activities2,285 940 1,918 (32)(315)(205)Financing activities2,644 576 1,999 (819)(316)(307)

Operating Activities. The following items contributed to increased (decreased) net cash provided by operating activities for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 compared to the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2020:
CenterPoint EnergyHouston
 Electric
CERCCenterPoint EnergyHouston
 Electric
CERC
(in millions)(in millions)
Changes in net income after adjusting for non-cash itemsChanges in net income after adjusting for non-cash items$1,616 $28 $(29)Changes in net income after adjusting for non-cash items$2,044 $138 $52 
Changes in working capitalChanges in working capital(57)(25)(51)Changes in working capital(7)(107)
Increase in regulatory assets (1)
Increase in regulatory assets (1)
(2,270)(52)(2,075)
Increase in regulatory assets (1)
(2,228)(195)(1,999)
Change in equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates(2)Change in equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates(2)(1,583)— — Change in equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates(2)(1,757)— — 
Change in distributions from unconsolidated affiliates (2)(3)
Change in distributions from unconsolidated affiliates (2)(3)
(31)— — 
Change in distributions from unconsolidated affiliates (2)(3)
— — 
Higher pension contributionHigher pension contribution(6)— — Higher pension contribution25 — — 
OtherOther(12)(7)(13)Other(84)(58)
$(2,343)$(56)$(2,168)$(1,990)$(55)$(2,112)

(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)In September 2021, CenterPoint Energy’s equity investment in Enable met the held for sale criteria and is reflected as discontinued operations on CenterPoint Energy’s Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income. For further information, see Notes 3 and 9 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.
(3)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 threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 compared to the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2020:
CenterPoint EnergyHouston
 Electric
CERCCenterPoint EnergyHouston
 Electric
CERC
(in millions)(in millions)
Capital expendituresCapital expenditures$70 $(28)$43 Capital expenditures$(259)$(358)$53 
Net change in notes receivable from affiliated companiesNet change in notes receivable from affiliated companies— (1,146)— Net change in notes receivable from affiliated companies— (456)
Change in distributions from Enable in excess of cumulative earnings(1)Change in distributions from Enable in excess of cumulative earnings(1)(7)— — Change in distributions from Enable in excess of cumulative earnings(1)(46)— — 
Proceeds from divestituresProceeds from divestitures(1,114)— (264)
OtherOther(13)— Other(2)(7)
$50 $(1,174)$46 $(1,421)$(821)$(195)

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(1)In September 2021, CenterPoint Energy’s equity investment in Enable met the held for sale criteria and is reflected as discontinued operations on CenterPoint Energy’s Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income. For further information, see Notes 3 and 9 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.

Financing Activities. The following items contributed to (increased) decreased net cash used in financing activities for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 compared to the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2020:
CenterPoint EnergyHouston
 Electric
CERCCenterPoint EnergyHouston
 Electric
CERC
(in millions)(in millions)
Net changes in commercial paper outstandingNet changes in commercial paper outstanding$866 $— $398 Net changes in commercial paper outstanding$1,653 $— $308 
Decreased proceeds from issuances of preferred stockDecreased proceeds from issuances of preferred stock(723)— — 
Decreased proceeds from issuances of common stockDecreased proceeds from issuances of common stock(672)— — 
Net changes in long-term debt outstanding, excluding commercial paperNet changes in long-term debt outstanding, excluding commercial paper3,264 417 1,699 
Net changes in long-term debt outstanding, excluding commercial paper2,470 1,021 1,699 
Net changes in long-term revolving credit facilities(1,050)— — 
Net changes in debt issuance costsNet changes in debt issuance costs(20)(10)(6)Net changes in debt issuance costs(34)(9)(10)
Net changes in short-term borrowingsNet changes in short-term borrowings(64)(5)(58)
Decreased payment of Common Stock dividendsDecreased payment of Common Stock dividends57 — — Decreased payment of Common Stock dividends31 — — 
Increased payment of preferred stock dividends(6)— — 
Decreased payment of preferred stock dividendsDecreased payment of preferred stock dividends— — 
Net change in notes payable from affiliated companiesNet change in notes payable from affiliated companies— (141)— Net change in notes payable from affiliated companies— 32 — 
Dividend to parentDividend to parent— 385 32 Dividend to parent— 457 80 
Capital contribution to parent associated with the sale of CESCapital contribution to parent associated with the sale of CES— — 286 
OtherOther— — 
$3,463 $892 $2,306 
$2,317 $1,255 $2,123 

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, Series C Preferred Stock and Common Stock, and in addition to 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 expected to be made at the closing of the sale of the Arkansas and Oklahoma Natural Gas businesses that will be passed through to the Arkansas customers as further discussed in Note 3 of the Interim Condensed Financial Statements, the Registrants’ principal anticipated cash requirements for the remaining ninethree months of 2021 include the following:
CenterPoint EnergyHouston ElectricCERCCenterPoint EnergyHouston ElectricCERC
(in millions)(in millions)
Estimated capital expendituresEstimated capital expenditures$2,778 $1,365 $866 Estimated capital expenditures$1,087 $493 $369 
Scheduled principal payments on Securitization BondsScheduled principal payments on Securitization Bonds174 174 — Scheduled principal payments on Securitization Bonds73 73 — 
Minimum contributions to pension plans and other post-retirement plansMinimum contributions to pension plans and other post-retirement plans70 Minimum contributions to pension plans and other post-retirement plans— 
Maturing CenterPoint Energy term loans700 — — 
Maturing CenterPoint Energy and VUHI senior notes555 — — 
Maturing Houston Electric general mortgage bonds300 300 — 

February 2021 Winter Storm Event. In February 2021, portions of the United States experienced an extreme and unprecedented winter weather event resultingthat 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 $2.2$2.1 billion more on natural gas supplies (inclusive of an incremental $2.1$2.0 billion more spent by CERC on natural gas supplies). These amounts are preliminary estimates as of April 29,September 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, provide
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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.

Although CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s excessextraordinary 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
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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.

Capital Expenditures for Climate-Related Projects. On September 23, 2021, CenterPoint Energy announced its capital expenditure plan for the next 10 years. As part of its 10-year plan to spend over $40 billion on capital expenditures, it anticipates spending over $3 billionin clean energy investments and enablement, which may be used to support, among other things, renewable generation and electric vehicle expansion.

The Registrants expect that anticipated cash needs for the remaining ninethree 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 the second half of 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 the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.conditions, including final orders from the APSC and OCC approving the transaction. 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 93 and 20,9, 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 and 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

The Texas Legislature conducted in late February and March initial hearings on the February 2021 Winter Storm Event. Immediately afterFor information about the February 2021 Winter Storm Event, five unaffiliated directors of the ERCOT Board resigned. Three ERCOT market segment directors have also resigned and their replacements were appointed. Presently, the Texas legislature is considering legislation that would require unaffiliated directors of ERCOT to be Texas residents. On March 3, 2021, the ERCOT Board terminated the employment agreement with the ERCOT President and CEO with 60 days’ notice. On April 27, 2021, the ERCOT Board announced a new interim President and CEO. Following the February 2021 Winter Storm Event, all three PUCT commissioners have also either resigned or announced their resignation. To date, Governor Abbott has announced two new PUCT commissioners and both have been confirmed by the Texas Senate. Under consideration at the Texas Legislature is legislation requiring the number of appointed PUCT commissioners to be increased from three to five. For the two additional PUCT commissioner appointees, one will be appointed by the Texas Lieutenant Governor and one will be appointed by the Texas Speaker of the House.

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 relatedsee Note 6 to the procurement and transportation of natural gas supply, subject to recovery in future proceedings. In addition, CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s Natural Gas utilities in jurisdictions outside of Texas deferred natural gas cost under existing recovery mechanisms and have either sought or intend to seek recovery of the increased cost of natural gas, which will be subject to customary regulatory prudency reviews that may impact the amounts recovered. 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 each jurisdiction for the estimated incremental gas cost attributable to the February 2021 Winter Storm Event within each regulatory asset is uncertain.

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Interim Condensed Financial Statements. The table below presents the estimated incremental natural gas costs included in regulatory assets as of March 31,September 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 April 29,October 2021:

StateRecovery StatusLegislative ActivityEstimated Incremental Gas Cost
(in millions)
ArkansasFiled 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. AThe September 2021 hearing is scheduled in August 2021.was waived.A securitization bill has been passed andsigned by the Arkansas governor that allows for an alternate recovery viaperiod longer than the securitization is beyond 2021.proposed recovery mechanism.$343329 
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StateRecovery StatusLegislative ActivityEstimated Incremental Gas Cost
(in millions)
LouisianaFiled 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.7572
MinnesotaFiled 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. MPUC issued order approving modified cost recovery subject to a prudence review. The prudence review schedule has testimonies being filed by parties October 2021 through February 2022, a hearing scheduled in February 2022, an administrative law judge report in May 2022 and MPUC final order issued by August 2022.None.470405
MississippiRecovery expected to beginbegan in September 2021 through normal gas cost recovery.None.3
OklahomaFiled application on February 25, 2021 to defer incremental gas costs is pending atand OCC approved on July 1, 2021. Securitization application was filed on May 17, 2021. Responsive testimony was filed by Public Utility Division staff on October 18, 2021 which recommended OCC issue a financing order to securitize the OCC.extraordinary gas costs and reject CERC’s request to calculate carrying costs using the long-term cost of debt. The Attorney General filed a statement of position on October 22, 2021. The procedural schedule calls for rebuttal testimony to be filed November 15, 2021, a hearing on the merits on December 1, 2021 and order issued by February 25, 2022.A securitization bill has passed in the Oklahoma legislature.79
TexasCost currently deferred to a regulatory asset. Securitization application was filed on July 30, 2021. Intervenor and staff testimony was received in September and October and CERC filed rebuttal testimony on October 25, 2021. A joint notice of settlement was filed by the Texas utilities that are requesting securitization, intervenors, and Railroad Commission staff on October 29, 2021. The settlement resolves all contested issues and includes an agreement by all signatories that the costs incurred by the utilities to purchase natural gas volumes during February 2021 are reasonable and necessary and were prudently incurred. As part of the settlement, CERC agreed to limit the interim carrying cost rate to its actual interim financing rate of 0.7%. A merits hearing was held on November 2, 2021. The RRC is expected to make a final decision of the regulatory asset pending recovery method.amount on November 10, 2021.A securitization bill is progressing throughhas been signed by the Texas legislature. Approvalgovernor which authorizes the Railroad Commission to use securitization financing and issuance of the bill could occur as early as the second quartercustomer rate relief bonds for recovery of 2021 which could allow recovery by the first quarter of 2022.extraordinary gas costs.1,1051,082 
Total CERC$2,0751,970 
Indiana NorthRecovery expected to beginbegan September 2021 with 50% of the February 2021 variance recovered evenly over the 12‐month period September 2021 to August 2022, with the remainder of the variance recovered through normal gas recovery.a volumetric per‐therm allocation over the same 12-month period.None.9691
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StateRecovery StatusLegislative ActivityEstimated Incremental Gas Cost
(in millions)
Indiana SouthIURC issued order July 28, 2021. Recovery expected to beginbegan August 2021 with 50% of the February 2021 variance recovered evenly over the 12‐month period August 2021 to July 2022, with the remainder of the variance recovered through normal gas recovery.a volumetric per‐therm allocation over the same 12-month period.None.1816
Total CenterPoint Energy$2,1892,077 

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

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 is scheduledwas conducted on June 21, 2021. On October 27, 2021, the IURC issued an order approving the CPCN and authorizing Indiana Electric to beginenter into the PPA; however, the IURC denied the request to preemptively offset imputed debt in the PPA cost.

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 decisionregulatory asset until the date Indiana South’s base rates include a return on and recovery of depreciation expense on the CPCNfacility. A hearing is expectedcurrently scheduled for January 26 through 31, 2022. 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 fourth quarterIURC, which is anticipated in the second half of 2021.2022. 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.

On August 25, 2021, Indiana Electric filed with the IURC seeking approval to purchase 185 MWs of solar power, under a 15-year PPA, from Oriden, which is developing a solar project in Vermillion County, Indiana, and 150 MWs of solar power, under a 20-year PPA, from Origis Energy, which is developing a solar project in Knox County, Indiana. Subject to necessary approvals, both solar arrays are expected to be in service by 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
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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.

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

On December 17, 2020, Houston ElectricIn July 2021, Indiana North and SIGECO filed petitions with the IURC for the approval of a new financial services agreement and the confirmation of Indiana North’s financing authority. VEDO filed a certificate of convenience and necessitysimilar application with the PUCTPUCO in September 2021. CenterPoint Energy is evaluating the transfer of Indiana North and VEDO from VUHI to CERC in order to better align its organizational structure with management and financial reporting. As a part of the restructuring, VUHI may approach certain of its debt holders with an offer to exchange existing VUHI debt for CERC debt. The applications request confirmation of approval to build a 345 kV transmission line in Wharton County, Texas connectingreissue existing debt of Indiana North and VEDO to CERC, to continue to amortize existing issuance expenses and discounts, and to treat any potential exchange fees as discounts to be amortized over 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 costlife of the transmission line project ranges from approximately $23 milliondebt. If CenterPoint Energy moves forward with the restructuring, including any VUHI debt exchanges, it is expected 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 projectbe completed in the formfirst half of a $23 million letter2022.
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Contents
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 gas used on and after January 1, 2020. In September 2020, a settlement that addressed all issues except the Inclusive Financing/Tariffed On Bill Financing (TOB) 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 $38.5 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 $38.5 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 1st and the interim refund occurring in June 2021, contingent on final MPUC approval.

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 SeptemberOctober 2021, and the second phase of rate implementation will occur at the completion of the test year, as of December 31, 2021. On April 16, 2021, Indiana South announced that an agreement in principle has been reached with certain parties. On April 23, 2021, a Stipulation and Settlement Agreement was filed resolving all issues in the case. The settlement recommended a revenue increase of $20.5$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 is scheduled forwas held on June 24, 2021. A final order is expected in the second half of 2021. Under Indiana statutory requirements,On October 6, 2021, the IURC has 300 days fromissued an order approving the datesettlement. Phase one rates, reflecting actual plant-in-service and cost of the filingcapital through June 2021, became effective in October 2021 and phase two rates, reflecting actual plant-in-service and cost of Indiana South’s case-in-chief to issue an order.capital through December 2021 with certain adjustments, will become effective in March 2022.

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. Hearings atOn June 25, 2021, a Stipulation and Settlement Agreement was filed resolving all issues in the IURC are currently scheduled to occur in Maycase. The settlement recommended a revenue decrease of $6 million based on a 9.8% ROE and
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Junereturn of 6.16% on total rate base of approximately $1,611 million. A settlement hearing was held 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. On September 1, 2021, the administrative law judge issued a proposal for decision recommending a route that costs $25 million. The PUCT will consider the proposal for decision at the November 18, 2021 open meeting. 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 2 reforms the ERCOT board to be comprised of a total of eleven directors: three ex officio representatives, and eight members who are unaffiliated with any market participants. The three ex officio directors—the ERCOT CEO, the Public Counsel of the Office of Public Utility Counsel, and the PUCT Chair—serve on the board by virtue of their official position for as long as they hold that position. Two members are non-voting directors: the ERCOT CEO and the PUCT Chair. The other nine members are voting directors. On October 11, 2021, the PUCT announced the first two selected directors of the ERCOT board, Mr. Paul Foster and Mr. Carlos Aguilar, and simultaneously designated Mr. Foster as the Chair of the ERCOT board. As a result of these selections, the ERCOT board is now constituted in accordance with Senate Bill 2 and is authorized to serve as ERCOT’s governing body. On November 1, 2021, the PUCT announced the selection of three additional directors of the ERCOT board, Mr. William Flores, Ms. Elaine Mendoza and Mr. Zin Smati, and simultaneously designated Mr. Flores as the Vice Chair of the ERCOT board. The remaining three directors of the ERCOT board are expected to be named in the coming months.
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.

Houston Electric continues to review the effects of the legislation, and is working with the PUCT regarding proposed rulemakings and pursuing implementation of these items where applicable. For example, Houston Electric secured, on a temporary short-term basis, a lease of 135 MWs of mobile generation to address major weather events like Hurricane Nicholas and deployed some of the equipment during the restoration process. Houston Electric is further evaluating a longer-term mobile generation solution that could include the lease of incremental MWs to increase the resiliency for customers during future major weather events.

Minnesota Base Rate Cases (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
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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.

On November 1, 2021, CERC filed a general rate case with the MPUC seeking approval for a revenue increase of approximately $67 million with a projected test year ended December 31, 2022. The revenue increase is based upon a requested ROE of 10.2% and an overall rate of return of 7.06% on a total rate base of approximately $1.8 billion. CERC requested that an interim rate increase of approximately $52 million be implemented January 1, 2022 while the rate case is litigated. An alternative request was also filed on November 1, 2021. If the alternative request is approved, a final rate increase of $40 million would be implemented in the rate case on January 1, 2022. The alternative proposal includes an increase in rates for plant investment only using the overall rate of return approved in the prior rate case, an asymmetrical capital true-up, extension of the recovery of gas costs incurred to serve customers in February 2021 from the current 27 month mechanism to 63 months, an income tax rider, continuation of the existing property tax rider and continued deferral of COVID-19 incremental costs along with additional adjustments.

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.

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 DateApproval DateAdditional Information
CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric (PUCT)
EECRF22June 2021March 2022November 2021The 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. A settlement was filed in September 2021 reducing the amount requested by $315 thousand and recommending 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.
TCOS9March 2021April
2021
April 2021Based on net change in invested capital of $80 million.
TCOS19August 2021October 2021October 2021Based on net change of invested capital of $166 million.
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Mechanism
Annual Increase (Decrease) (1)
(in millions)
Filing
 Date
Effective DateApproval DateAdditional Information
CenterPoint Energy and CERC - Arkansas (APSC)
FRP (1)
13(10)April
2021
TBDOctober 2021TBDSeptember 2021Based on ROE of 9.50% with 50 basis point (+/-) earnings band. Revenue increasedecrease of $13$10.4 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%11.53%. The initial term of Rider FRP will terminatewas terminated in September 2021. A petition for rehearing was filed on September 10, 2021;October 8, 2021. On October 14, 2021, as part of the settlement filed in the asset sale docket, CERC filed a motion to hold the petition for rehearing in abeyance pending closing of the asset sale. The APSC issued an order on October 15, 2021 granting the motion. Additionally, a request to extend the Rider FRP term for an additional five years was filed on May 5, 2021. On October 19, 2021, as part of the settlement filed in the asset sale docket, CERC filed a motion to hold this proceeding in abeyance and the APSC granted the motion on October 21, 2021.
CenterPoint Energy and CERC - Beaumont/East Texas, South Texas, Houston and Texas Coast (Railroad Commission)
GRIP (1)
28March 2021TBDJune
2021
TBDJune
2021
Based on net change in invested capital of $197 million.
CenterPoint Energy and CERC - Louisiana (LPSC)
RSP (1)
7September 2021TBDTBDBased on authorized ROE of 9.95% with 50 basis point (+/-) earnings band. The North Louisiana decrease, with certain non-recurring true-up adjustments outside the earnings band, is a decrease of $1 million based on a test year ended June 2021 and adjusted earned ROE of 14.8%. The South Louisiana increase, with certain non-recurring true-up adjustments outside the earnings band, is an increase of $8 million based on a test year ended June 2021 and adjusted earned ROE of 1.7%. Per the 2020 RSP order, a request to extend the RSP for an additional three year term was filed in July 2021.
CenterPoint Energy and CERC - Minnesota (MPUC)
Rate Case (1)
67November 2021TBDTBD
See discussion above under Minnesota Base Rate Case.
DecouplingN/ASeptember 2021September 2021TBDRepresents under-recovery of approximately $19 million recorded for and during the period July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021, including an approximately $5 million adjustment related to the implementation of final rates from the general rate case filed in 2019.
DecouplingN/ASeptember 2020September 2020March 2021Represents 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 (1)
39October 2019June
2021
TBDMarch 2021
See discussion above under Minnesota Base Rate Case.
CIP Financial Incentive (1)
10May
2021
TBDDecember 2021TBDOctober 2021CIP Financial Incentive based on 2020 activity.
CenterPoint Energy and CERC - Mississippi (MPSC)
RRA (1)
43April
2021
TBDSeptember 2021TBDSeptember 2021Based on ROE of 9.81% with 100 basis point (+/-) earnings band. Revenue increase of approximately $4$3 million based on 2020 test year adjusted earned ROE of 6.97%7.49%.
CenterPoint Energy and CERC - Oklahoma (OCC)
PBRC (1)
(1)March 2021TBDAugust 2021TBDAugust 2021Based 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. OCC approved revenue credit of approximately $1 million on August 6, 2021.
CenterPoint Energy - Indiana South - Gas (IURC)
Rate Case (1)
2921October 2020SeptemberOctober 2021TBDOctober 2021
See discussion above under Indiana South Base Rate Case.
CSIA (1)
(1)April
2021
July
2021
TBDJuly
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.
CenterPoint Energy - Indiana North - Gas (IURC)
Rate Case (1)
21December 2020October 2021TBDTBD
See discussion above under Indiana North Base Rate Case.
CSIA (1)
5April
2021
July
2021
TBDJuly
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.
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Mechanism
Annual Increase (Decrease) (1)
(in millions)
Filing
 Date
Effective DateApproval DateAdditional Information
CenterPoint Energy - Ohio (PUCO)
DRR (1)
9April
2021
September 2021TBDSeptember 2021Requested 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 (1)
3February 2021May
 2021
TBDMay
 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 (1)
8February 2021June
2021
TBDMay
 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)
2May
 2021
AugustSeptember 2021TBDSeptember 2021Requested 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)
3August 2021TBDTBDRequested 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.

CPPGreenhouse Gas Regulation and ACE RuleCompliance (CenterPoint Energy)

On August 3, 2015, the EPA released its CPP Rule,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,July 8, 2019, the EPA published its proposed CPP replacement rule, the ACE Rule,rule, which was finalized on July 8, 2019 and(i) repealed the CPP rule; (ii) replaced the CPP rule with a program that requires states to implement a program of energy efficiency improvement targets for individual coal-fired electric generating units.units; and (iii) amended the implementing regulations for Section 111(d) of the Clean Air Act. On January 19, 2021, the majority of the ACE Rulerule — including the CPP repeal, CPP replacement, and the timing-related portions of the Section 111(d) implementing rule — was struck down by the U.S. District Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. At the EPA’s request, the D.C. Circuit withheld the portion of its mandate that would effectuate the reinstatement of the CPP rule until the EPA responds to the court’s decision with a rulemaking; this means that the CPP rule will not take effect during the pendency of the EPA’s rulemaking process. As of September 1, 2021, which is the date of the EPA’s latest court filing in the ACE rule litigation, the EPA is still in the process of developing a new rule to replace the CPP and ACE rules; however, on October 29, 2021, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to consider four petitions filed by various coal interests and a coalition of 19 states that seek review of the lower court’s decision vacating the ACE rule.

Various states and industry parties have filed petitions for a writ of certiorari with the U.S. Supreme Court seeking review of the circuit court decision vacating the ACE rule; however, the Biden administration has indicated it will not appeal the ACE decision and does not intend to seek reinstatement of the CPP. 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. 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.require. 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 and has indicated an intent to lead negotiations at the next global climate conference in Glasgow, Scotland. 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, any revised climate commitments coming out of Glasgow, and President Biden’s executive orders may result in the development of additional regulations or changes to existing regulations, and onregulations. On April 22, 2021, President Biden announced a new goalgoals of 50% reduction of economy-wide GHG emissions, and 100% carbon-free electricity by 2035. On March 1, 2020,In September 2021, CenterPoint Energy announced corporate carbonits new net zero emissions goals for both Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2035 as well as a goal to reduce Scope
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3 emissions by 20% to 30% by 2035. Because Texas is an unregulated market, CenterPoint Energy’s Scope 2 estimates do not take into account Texas electric transmission and distribution assets in the line loss calculation and exclude emissions related to purchased power between 2024 and 2026 as estimated. CenterPoint Energy’s Scope 3 estimates do not take into account the emissions of transport customers and emissions related to upstream extraction. These emission goals which are expected to be used to guide Indiana Electric’s transition to a low carbon fleet and position Indiana ElectricCenterPoint Energy to comply with anticipated future regulatory requirements from the Biden administration to further reduce GHG emissions. CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s revenues, operating costs and capital requirements could be adversely affected as a result of any regulatory action that would require installation of new control technologies or a modification of their operations or would have the effect of reducing the consumption of natural gas. In addition, the EPA has indicated that it intends to implement new regulations targeting reductions in methane emissions, which are likely to increase costs related to production, transmission and storage of natural gas. Houston Electric, in contrast to some electric utilities including Indiana Electric, does not generate electricity and thus is not directly exposed to the risk of high capital costs and regulatory uncertainties that face electric utilities that burn fossil fuels to generate electricity. CenterPoint Energy’s new net zero emissions goals are aligned with Indiana Electric’s generation transition plan and are expected to position Indiana Electric to comply with anticipated future regulatory requirements related to GHG emissions reductions. Nevertheless, Houston Electric’s and Indiana Electric’s revenues could be adversely affected to the extent any resulting regulatory action has the effect of reducing consumption of electricity by ultimate consumers within their respective service territories. Likewise, incentives to conserve energy or to use energy sources other than natural gas could result in a decrease in demand for the Registrants’ services. For example, Minnesota has enacted the Natural Gas Innovation Act that seeks to provide customers with access to renewable energy resources and innovative technologies, with the goal of reducing GHG emissions.Further, certain local government bodies have introduced or are considering requirements and/or incentives to reduce energy consumption by certain specified dates. For example, Minneapolis has adopted carbon emission reduction goals in an effort to decrease reliance on fossil gas. Additionally, cities in Minnesota within CenterPoint Energy’s Natural Gas operational footprint are considering initiatives to eliminate natural gas use in buildings and focus on electrification. Also, Minnesota cities may consider seeking legislative authority for the ability to enact voluntary enhanced energy standards for all development projects. These initiatives could have a significant impact on CenterPoint Energy and its operations, and this impact could increase if other cities and jurisdictions in its service area enact similar initiatives. Further, our third party suppliers, vendors and partners may also be impacted by climate change laws and regulations, which could impact CenterPoint Energy’s business by, among other things, causing permitting and construction delays, project cancellations or increased project costs passed on to CenterPoint Energy. Conversely, regulatory actions that effectively promote the consumption of natural gas because of its lower emissions characteristics would be expected to benefit CenterPoint Energy and CERC and their natural gas-related businesses. At this time, however, we cannot quantify the magnitude of the impacts from possible new regulatory actions related to GHG emissions, either positive or negative, on the Registrants’ businesses.

Compliance costs and other effects associated with climate change, reductions in GHG emissions and obtaining renewable energy sources remain uncertain. Although the amount of compliance costs remains uncertain, any new regulation or legislation relating to climate change will likely result in an increase in compliance costs. While the requirements of a federal or state rule remain uncertain, CenterPoint Energy will continue to monitor regulatory activity regarding GHG emission standards that may affect its business. Currently, CenterPoint Energy does not purchase carbon credits. In connection with its net zero emissions goals, CenterPoint Energy is expected to purchase carbon credits in the future; however, CenterPoint Energy does not currently expect the number of credits, or cost for those credits, to be material.

Climate Change Trends and Uncertainties

As a result of increased awareness regarding climate change, coupled with adverse economic conditions, availability of alternative energy sources, including private solar, microturbines, fuel cells, energy-efficient buildings and energy storage devices, and new regulations restricting emissions, including potential regulations of methane emissions, some consumers and companies may use less energy, meet their own energy needs through alternative energy sources or avoid expansions of their facilities, including natural gas facilities, resulting in less demand for the Registrants’ services. As these technologies become a more cost-competitive option over time, whether through cost effectiveness or government incentives and subsidies, certain customers may choose to meet their own energy needs and subsequently decrease usage of the Registrants’ systems and services, which may result in, among other things, Indiana Electric’s generating facilities becoming less competitive and economical. Further, evolving investor sentiment related to the use of fossil fuels and initiatives to restrict continued production of fossil fuels have had significant impacts on CenterPoint Energy’s electric fleet.generation and natural gas businesses. For example, because Indiana Electric’s current generating facilities substantially rely on coal for their operations, certain financial institutions choose not to participate in CenterPoint Energy’s financing arrangements. Conversely, demand for the Registrants’ services may increase as a result of customer changes in response to climate change. For example, as the utilization of electric vehicles increases, demand for electricity may increase, resulting in increased usage of CenterPoint Energy’s systems and services. Any negative opinions with respect to CenterPoint Energy’s environmental practices or its ability to meet the challenges posed by climate change formed by regulators, customers, investors or legislators could harm its reputation.

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To address these developments, CenterPoint Energy announced its new net zero emissions goals for both Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2035. In June of 2020, Indiana Electric identified a preferred generation resource in its most recent IRP submitted to the IURC that aligns with its new net zero emission goals and includes the replacement of 730 MWs of coal-fired generation facilities with a significant portion comprised of renewables, including solar and wind, supported by dispatchable natural gas combustion turbines, including a pipeline to serve such natural gas generation, as well as storage. Additionally, as reflected in its 10-year capital plan announced in September 2021, CenterPoint Energy anticipates spending over $3 billion in clean energy investments and enablement, which may be used to support, among other things, renewable generation and electric vehicle expansion. CenterPoint Energy believes its planned investments in renewable energy generation and corresponding planned reduction in its GHG emissions as part of its newly adopted net zero emissions goals support global efforts to reduce the impacts of climate change.

To the extent climate changes result in warmer temperatures in the Registrants’ or Enable’s service territories, financial results from the Registrants’ businesses could be adversely impacted. For example, CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s Natural Gas could be adversely affected through lower natural gas sales and Enable’s natural gas gathering, processing and transportation and crude oil gathering businesses could experience lower revenues. On the other hand, warmer temperatures in CenterPoint Energy’s and Houston Electric’s electric service territory may increase revenues from transmission and distribution and generation through increased demand for electricity used for cooling. Another possible result of climate change is more frequent and more severe weather events, such as hurricanes, tornadoes and flooding, including such storms as the February 2021 Winter Storm Event. Since many of the Registrants’ facilities are located along or near the Texas Gulf Coast, increased or more severe hurricanes or tornadoes could increase costs to repair damaged facilities and restore service to customers. CenterPoint Energy’s recently announced 10-year capital plan includes capital expenditures to maintain reliability and safety and increase resiliency of its systems as climate change may result in more frequent significant weather events. Houston Electric does not own or operate any electric generation facilities other than, since September 2021, leasing facilities that provide temporary emergency electric energy to aid in restoring power to distribution customers during certain widespread power outages as allowed by a new law enacted after the February 2021 Winter Storm Event. Houston Electric transmits and distributes to customers of REPs electric power that the REPs obtain from power generation facilities owned by third parties. To the extent adverse weather conditions affect the Registrants’ suppliers, results from their energy delivery businesses may suffer. For example, 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 and also caused a reduction in available natural gas capacity. When the Registrants cannot deliver electricity or natural gas to customers, or customers cannot receive services, the Registrants’ financial results can be impacted by lost revenues, and they generally must seek approval from regulators to recover restoration costs. To the extent the Registrants are unable to recover those costs, or if higher rates resulting from recovery of such costs result in reduced demand for services, the Registrants’ future financial results may be adversely impacted. Further, as the intensity and frequency of significant weather events continues, it may impact our ability to secure cost-efficient insurance.

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.

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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 March 31,September 30, 2021. As of April 29,October 21, 2021, the Registrants had the following revolving credit facilities and utilization of such facilities:
Amount Utilized as of April 29, 2021Amount Utilized as of October 21, 2021
RegistrantRegistrantSize of FacilityLoansLetters of CreditCommercial PaperWeighted Average Interest RateTermination DateRegistrantSize of FacilityLoansLetters of CreditCommercial PaperWeighted Average Interest RateTermination Date
(in millions)(in millions)
CenterPoint EnergyCenterPoint Energy$2,400 $— $11 $846 0.21%February 4, 2024CenterPoint Energy$2,400 $— $11 $1,164 0.18%February 4, 2024
CenterPoint Energy (1)
CenterPoint Energy (1)
400 — — 192 0.18%February 4, 2024
CenterPoint Energy (1)
400 — — 265 0.17%February 4, 2024
Houston ElectricHouston Electric300 — — — —%February 4, 2024Houston Electric300 — — — —%February 4, 2024
CERCCERC900 — — 545 0.19%February 4, 2024CERC900 — — 715 0.17%February 4, 2024
TotalTotal$4,000 $— $11 $1,583 Total$4,000 $— $11 $2,144 

(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 April 29,October 21, 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 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.

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The table below summarizes CenterPoint Energy money pool activity by Registrant as of April 29,October 21, 2021:
Weighted Average Interest RateHouston ElectricCERC
 (in millions)
Money pool investments (borrowings)0.20%$569 $— 
Weighted Average Interest RateHouston ElectricCERC
 (in millions)
Money pool investments (borrowings)0.18%$(133)$— 

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 April 29,October 21, 2021, Moody’s, S&P and Fitch had assigned the following credit ratings to the borrowers:
 Moody’sS&PFitch
RegistrantBorrower/InstrumentRatingOutlook (1)RatingOutlook (2)RatingOutlook (3)
CenterPoint EnergyCenterPoint Energy Senior Unsecured DebtBaa2StableBBBStableBBBStable
CenterPoint EnergyVectren Corp. Issuer Ratingn/an/aBBB+Stablen/an/a
CenterPoint EnergyVUHI Senior Unsecured DebtA3StableBBB+Stablen/an/a
CenterPoint EnergyIndiana Gas Senior Unsecured Debtn/an/aBBB+Stablen/an/a
CenterPoint EnergySIGECO Senior Secured DebtA1StableAStablen/an/a
Houston ElectricHouston Electric Senior Secured DebtA2StableAStableAStable
CERCCERC Corp. Senior Unsecured DebtA3NegativeBBB+StableA-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 March 31,September 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 $162$223 million as of March 31,September 30, 2021. The amount of collateral will depend on seasonal variations in transportation levels.

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
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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 March 31,September 30, 2021, deferred taxes of approximately $490$506 million would have been payable in 2021. If all the ZENS-Related Securities had been sold on March 31,September 30, 2021, capital gains taxes of approximately $152$165 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, as well as under CenterPoint Energy’s term loan agreement, 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, regarding the announced sale of our Arkansas and Oklahoma Natural Gas businesses, see Note 203 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,included consideration of, 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 the second half of 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. On September 21, 2021, CNP Midstream entered into a Forward Sale Agreement with an investment banking financial institution to deliver, subject to and immediately following the closing of the Enable Merger, 50 million common units of Energy Transfer expected to be received by CNP Midstream as consideration in the pending Enable Merger in exchange for the proceeds of the forward sale transaction. Additionally, CenterPoint Energy plans for a complete exit from its Midstream Investment reportable segment in 2022. 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 and the Forward Sale Agreement, see Note 9 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.

On August 31, 2021, CenterPoint Energy, through its subsidiary CERC Corp., completed the sale of MES to Last Mile Energy. For further information, see Note 3 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.

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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 Energy’s liquidity. For additional information about cash distributions from Enable and the transactions contemplated by the Enable Merger Agreement, see Notes 93 and 209 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements.
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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 including as a result of the February 2021 Winter Storm Event, 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); 
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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 20202020 Form 10-K. and in Item 1A of Part II of this combined Form 10-Q.

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

Houston Electric has contractually agreed that it will not issue additional first mortgage bonds, subject to certain exceptions. Additionally, certainCertain 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 nine months ended September 30, 2021, as described further in Note 3 to the Interim Condensed Financial Statements, 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 $398 million and $144 million at CenterPoint Energy and CERC, respectively, was deemed attributable to assets held for sale as of September 30, 2021. Neither CenterPoint Energy nor CERC recognized any gains or losses upon classification of held for sale during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021. No change to the goodwill attributable to the natural gas reporting unit as of September 30, 2021 was identified.

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 and 2021 annual goodwill impairment tests. 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 September 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 September 30, 2021.

No goodwill impairment resulted from assets held for sale as of September 30, 2021, and the annual goodwill impairment test was 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
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impairment tests were not required to be performed for any other reporting unit during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021.

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

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 March 31,September 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 $3.4$4.0 billion and $2.4 billion as of March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. If the floating interest rates were to increase by 10% from March 31,September 30, 2021 rates, CenterPoint Energy’s combined interest expense would increase by approximately $1.7$2 million annually.

As of March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, CenterPoint Energy had outstanding fixed-rate debt (excluding indexed debt securities) aggregating $12.5$12.6 billion and $11.1 billion, respectively, in principal amount and having a fair value of $13.5$14.0 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 $376$359 million if interest rates were to decline by 10% from levels at March 31,September 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 $13$11 million as of March 31,September 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$1 million if interest rates were to decline by 10% from levels at March 31,September 30, 2021. Changes in the fair value of the derivative component, a $927$993 million recorded liability at March 31,September 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 March 31,September 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 March 31,September 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.

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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
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years. This authority has been utilized to secure fixed price natural gas using both physical purchases and financial derivatives. As of March 31,September 30, 2021, the recorded fair value of non-trading energy derivative liabilitiesassets was $7$32 million for CenterPoint Energy’s utility natural gas operations in Indiana, which is offset by a regulatory asset.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 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 March 31,September 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 March 31,September 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

ThereSee below the new risk factors affecting the Registrants’ businesses, in addition to those discussed in “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of Part I of the combined 2020 Form 10-K, which could materially affect the Registrants’ financial condition or future results. Except for the updates below, there have been no material changes from the risk factors disclosed in the Registrants’ combined 2020 Form 10-K.

CenterPoint Energy is subject to operational and financial risks and liabilities associated with the implementation and efforts to achieve its carbon emission reduction goals.

In September 2021, CenterPoint Energy announced its new net zero emission goals for Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2035 and a 20-30% reduction in Scope 3 emissions by 2035. CenterPoint Energy’s analysis and plan for execution requires it to make a number of assumptions. These goals and underlying assumptions involve risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees. Should one or more of CenterPoint Energy’s underlying assumptions prove incorrect, its actual results and ability to achieve net zero emissions by 2035 could differ materially from its expectations. Certain of the assumptions that could impact CenterPoint Energy’s ability to meet its net zero emissions goals include, but are not limited to: emission levels, service territory size and capacity needs remaining in line with expectations (inclusive of changes related to the sale of CenterPoint Energy’s Natural Gas businesses in Arkansas and Oklahoma); regulatory approval of Indiana Electric’s generation transition plan; impacts of future environmental regulations or legislation; impact of future carbon pricing regulations or legislation, including a future carbon tax; price, availability and regulation of carbon offsets; price of fuel, such as natural gas; cost of energy generation technologies, such as wind and solar, natural gas and storage solutions; adoption of alternative energy by the public, including
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adoption of electric vehicles; rate of technology innovation with regards to alternative energy resources; CenterPoint Energy’s ability to implement its modernization plans for its pipelines and facilities; the ability to complete and implement generation alternatives to Indiana Electric’s coal generation and retirement dates of Indiana Electric’s coal facilities by 2035; the ability to construct and/or permit new natural gas pipelines; the ability to procure resources needed to build at a reasonable cost, the lack of scarcity of resources and labor, the lack of any project cancellations, construction delays or overruns and the ability to appropriately estimate costs of new generation; impact of any supply chain disruptions; and enhancement of energy efficiencies. Any negative opinions with respect to these goals or CenterPoint Energy’s environmental practices, including any inability to achieve, or a scaling back of these goals, formed by regulators, customers, investors or legislators could harm CenterPoint Energy’s reputation and have an adverse effect on its financial condition.

Compliance with and changes in cybersecurity requirements have a cost and operational impact on our business, and failure to comply with such laws and regulations could adversely impact our reputation, results of operations, financial condition and/or cash flows.

Cyberattacks are becoming more sophisticated, and U.S. government warnings have indicated that infrastructure assets, including pipelines and electric infrastructure, may be specifically targeted by certain groups. In the second quarter of 2021, the TSA announced two new security directives in response to a ransomware attack on the Colonial Pipeline that occurred earlier this year. These directives require critical pipeline owners to comply with mandatory reporting measures, designate a cybersecurity coordinator, provide vulnerability assessments, and ensure compliance with certain cybersecurity requirements. We may be required to expend significant additional resources to respond to cyberattacks, to continue to modify or enhance our protective measures, or to assess, investigate and remediate any critical infrastructure security vulnerabilities. Any failure to remain in compliance with these government regulations or failure in our cybersecurity protective measures may result in enforcement actions which may have a material adverse effect on our business and operations.

While we have implemented and maintain a cybersecurity program designed to protect our information technology, operational technology, and data systems from such attacks, our cybersecurity program does not prevent all breaches or cyberattack incidents. We have experienced an increase in the number of attempts by external parties to access our networks or our company data without authorization. We have experienced, and expect to continue to experience, cyber intrusions and attacks to our information systems. To our knowledge, none of these intrusions or attacks have resulted in a material cybersecurity or data breach. The risk of a disruption or breach of our operational systems, or the compromise of the data processed in connection with our operations, through cybersecurity breach or ransomware attack has increased as attempted attacks have advanced in sophistication and number around the world.

We depend on the secure operation of our physical assets to transport the energy we deliver and our information technology to process, transmit and store electronic information, including information and operational technology we use to safely operate our energy transportation systems. Security breaches could expose our business to a risk of loss, misuse or interruption of critical physical assets or information and functions that affect our operations, as well as potential data privacy breaches and loss of protected personal information. Such losses could result in operational impacts, damage to our assets, public or personnel safety incidents, damage to the environment, reputational harm, competitive disadvantage, regulatory enforcement actions, litigation and a potential material adverse effect on our operations, financial position, results of operations and/or cash flows. There is no certainty that costs incurred related to securing against threats will be recovered through rates.

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 combined 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
DescriptionReport or Registration
Statement
SEC File or
Registration
Number
Exhibit
Reference
CenterPoint EnergyHouston ElectricCERC
2.1*CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated April 21, 20181-314472.1x
2.2*CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated February 3, 20201-31447x
2.3*CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated February 24, 20201-31447xx
†2.4*xx
3.1CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated July 24, 20081-314473.2x
3.2Houston Electric’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 20111-31873.1x
3.3

CERC Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 19971-132653(a)(1)x
3.4CERC Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 19971-132653(a)(2)x
3.5CERC Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 19981-132653(a)(3)x
3.6CERC Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 20031-132653(a)(4)x
3.7CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated February 21, 20171-314473.1x
3.8Houston Electric’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 20111-31873.2x
3.9CERC Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 19971-132653(b)x
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Exhibit
Number
DescriptionReport or Registration
Statement
SEC File or
Registration
Number
Exhibit
Reference
CenterPoint EnergyHouston ElectricCERC
3.10CenterPoint Energy’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20111-314473(c)x
3.11CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated August 22, 20181-314473.1x
3.12CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated September 25, 20181-314473.1x
3.13CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated May 6, 2020
1-314473.1x
4.1CenterPoint Energy’s Registration Statement on Form S-43-695024.1x
4.2CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated August 22, 20181-314474.1x
4.3CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated September 25, 20181-314474.1x
4.4CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated September 25, 20181-314474.2x
4.5CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated September 25, 20181-314474.3x
4.6CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated February 4, 20211-314474.1x
4.7CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated February 4, 20211-314474.2xx
4.8CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated February 4, 20211-314474.3xx
Exhibit
Number
DescriptionReport or Registration
Statement
SEC File or
Registration
Number
Exhibit
Reference
CenterPoint EnergyHouston ElectricCERC
2.1*CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated April 21, 20181-314472.1x
2.2*CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated February 3, 20201-31447x
2.3*CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated February 24, 20201-31447xx
2.4*CenterPoint Energy’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March  31, 20211-314472.4xx
3.1CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated July 24, 20081-314473.2x
3.2Houston Electric’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 20111-31873.1x
3.3

CERC Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 19971-132653(a)(1)x
3.4CERC Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 19971-132653(a)(2)x
3.5CERC Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 19981-132653(a)(3)x
3.6CERC Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 20031-132653(a)(4)x
3.7CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated February 21, 20171-314473.1x
3.8Houston Electric’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 20111-31873.2x
3.9CERC Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 19971-132653(b)x
3.10CenterPoint Energy’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20111-314473(c)x
3.11CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated August 22, 20181-314473.1x
3.12CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated September 25, 20181-314473.1x
3.13CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated May 6, 2020
1-314473.1x
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Exhibit
Number
DescriptionReport or Registration
Statement
SEC File or
Registration
Number
Exhibit
Reference
CenterPoint EnergyHouston ElectricCERC
4.9CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated February 4, 20211-314474.4x
4.10CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated May 15, 20191-314474.1x
4.11First 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 thereinCenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated April 26, 20211-314474.1x
4.12CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated May 6, 2020
1-314474.1x
4.13CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated May 6, 2020
1-314474.2x
4.14CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated May 6, 2020
1-314474.3x
4.15CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated May 6, 2020
1-314474.4x
4.16CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated May 6, 2020
1-314474.5x
4.17CERC’s Form 8-K dated February 5, 19981-132654.1x
†4.18x
†4.19x
Exhibit
Number
DescriptionReport or Registration
Statement
SEC File or
Registration
Number
Exhibit
Reference
CenterPoint EnergyHouston ElectricCERC
4.1CenterPoint Energy’s Registration Statement on Form S-43-695024.1x
4.2CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated August 22, 20181-314474.1x
4.3CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated September 25, 20181-314474.1x
4.4CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated September 25, 20181-314474.2x
4.5CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated September 25, 20181-314474.3x
4.6CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated February 4, 20211-314474.1x
4.7CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated February 4, 20211-314474.2xx
4.8CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated February 4, 20211-314474.3xx
4.9CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated February 4, 20211-314474.4x
10.1CenterPoint Energy’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20201-3144710(q)(12)x
10.2CenterPoint Energy’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20201-3144710(q)(13)x
10.3CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated February 16, 20211-3144710.1x
10.4CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated February 16, 20211-3144710.2x
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Exhibit
Number
DescriptionReport or Registration
Statement
SEC File or
Registration
Number
Exhibit
Reference
CenterPoint EnergyHouston ElectricCERC
4.20Houston Electric’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 20021-31874(j)(1)x
4.21Houston Electric’s Form 8-K dated March 8, 20211-31874.4x
†4.22x
10.1CenterPoint Energy’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20201-3144710(q)(12)x
10.2CenterPoint Energy’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20201-3144710(q)(13)x
10.3Form 8-K of CenterPoint Energy, Inc. dated May 6, 20201-3144710.1x
10.4CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated February 16, 20211-3144710.1x
10.5CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated February 16, 20211-3144710.2x
10.6CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated April 27, 20171-3144710.1x
10.7CenterPoint Energy’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20201-3144710(t)(2)x
†31.1.1x
†31.1.2x
†31.1.3x
†31.2.1x
†31.2.2x
†31.2.3x
†32.1.1x
†32.1.2x
†32.1.3x
†32.2.1x
†32.2.2x
†32.2.3x
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Exhibit
Number
DescriptionReport or Registration
Statement
SEC File or
Registration
Number
Exhibit
Reference
CenterPoint EnergyHouston ElectricCERC
†101.INSInline XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL documentxxx
†101.SCHInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Documentxxx
†101.CALInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Documentxxx
†101.DEFInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Documentxxx
†101.LABInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Documentxxx
†101.PREInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Documentxxx
†104Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)xxx
Exhibit
Number
DescriptionReport or Registration
Statement
SEC File or
Registration
Number
Exhibit
Reference
CenterPoint EnergyHouston ElectricCERC
10.5CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated April 27, 20171-3144710.1x
10.6CenterPoint Energy’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20201-3144710(t)(2)x
10.7CenterPoint Energy’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 20211-3144710.8x
10.8CenterPoint Energy’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 20211-3144710.9x
10.9CenterPoint Energy’s Form 8-K dated July 20, 20211-3144710.1x
†31.1.1x
†31.1.2x
†31.1.3x
†31.2.1x
†31.2.2x
†31.2.3x
†32.1.1x
†32.1.2x
†32.1.3x
†32.2.1x
†32.2.2x
†32.2.3x
†101.INSInline XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL documentxxx
†101.SCHInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Documentxxx
†101.CALInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Documentxxx
†101.DEFInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Documentxxx
†101.LABInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Documentxxx
†101.PREInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Documentxxx
†104Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)xxx
*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.
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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: May 6,November 4, 2021



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