CenterPoint Energy (CNP) 10-Q 6 Aug 20 2020 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jul. 24, 2020
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	TX
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Registrant Name	CENTERPOINT ENERGY INC.
Entity Central Index Key	0001130310
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2020
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		544,818,974
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	1-31447
Entity Tax Identification Number	74-0694415
Entity Address, Address Line One	1111 Louisiana
Entity Address, City or Town	Houston
Entity Address, State or Province	TX
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	77002
City Area Code	713
Local Phone Number	207-1111
Houston Electric [Member]
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	TX
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Registrant Name	CENTERPOINT ENERGY HOUSTON ELECTRIC LLC
Entity Central Index Key	0000048732
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2020
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		1,000
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Tax Identification Number	22-3865106
Entity Address, Address Line One	1111 Louisiana
Entity Address, City or Town	Houston
Entity Address, State or Province	TX
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	77002
City Area Code	713
Local Phone Number	207-1111
CERC Corp [Member]
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Registrant Name	CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP
Entity Central Index Key	0001042773
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2020
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		1,000
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Tax Identification Number	76-0511406
Entity Address, Address Line One	1111 Louisiana
Entity Address, City or Town	Houston
Entity Address, State or Province	TX
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	77002
City Area Code	713
Local Phone Number	207-1111
Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value [Member] | New York Stock Exchange [Member]
Entity Information [Line Items]
Trading Symbol	CNP
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, $0.01 par value
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value [Member] | Chicago Stock Exchange [Member]
Entity Information [Line Items]
Trading Symbol	CNP
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, $0.01 par value
Security Exchange Name	CHX
Depositary shares [Member] | New York Stock Exchange [Member]
Entity Information [Line Items]
Trading Symbol	CNP/PB
Title of 12(b) Security	Depositary Shares for 1/20 of 7.00% Series B Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
9.15% First Mortgage Bonds due 2021 [Member] | New York Stock Exchange [Member] | Houston Electric [Member]
Entity Information [Line Items]
Trading Symbol	n/a
Title of 12(b) Security	9.15% First Mortgage Bonds due 2021
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
6.95% General Mortgage Bonds due 2033 [Member] | New York Stock Exchange [Member] | Houston Electric [Member]
Entity Information [Line Items]
Trading Symbol	n/a
Title of 12(b) Security	6.95% General Mortgage Bonds due 2033
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
6.625% Senior Notes due 2037 [Member] | New York Stock Exchange [Member] | CERC Corp [Member]
Entity Information [Line Items]
Trading Symbol	n/a
Title of 12(b) Security	6.625% Senior Notes due 2037
Security Exchange Name	NYSE

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CONSOLI

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED INCOME (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Revenues:
Utility revenues	$ 1,476	$ 1,565	$ 3,549	$ 3,736
Non-utility revenues	99	93	193	151
Total	1,575	1,658	3,742	3,887
Expenses:
Utility natural gas, fuel and purchased power	202	260	811	1,057
Non-utility cost of revenues, including natural gas	69	61	133	108
Operation and maintenance	643	673	1,317	1,421
Depreciation and amortization	297	322	579	622
Taxes other than income taxes	129	113	265	239
Goodwill Impairment	0	0	185	0
Total	1,340	1,429	3,290	3,447
Operating Income	235	229	452	440
Other Income (Expense):
Gain (loss) on marketable securities	75	64	(69)	147
Gain (loss) on indexed debt securities	(76)	(68)	59	(154)
Interest expense and other finance charges	(128)	(134)	(267)	(255)
Interest expense on Securitization Bonds	(7)	(10)	(15)	(22)
Equity in earnings (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates, net	43	74	(1,432)	136
Interest Income	1	1	1	13
Interest income from Securitization Bonds	0	1	1	3
Other income (expense), net	21	9	34	15
Total	(71)	(63)	(1,688)	(117)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes	164	166	(1,236)	323
Income tax expense (benefit)	29	15	(318)	29
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations	135	151	(918)	294
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent	(30)	44	(176)	70
Net Income (Loss)	105	195	(1,094)	364
Income allocated to preferred shareholders	46	30	75	59
Income (Loss) Available to Common Shareholders	$ 59	$ 165	$ (1,169)	$ 305
Basic earnings (loss) per common share - continuing operations	$ 0.17	$ 0.24	$ (1.93)	$ 0.47
Basic earnings (loss) per common share - discontinued operations	(0.06)	0.09	(0.34)	0.14
Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share	0.11	0.33	(2.27)	0.61
Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract]
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share - continuing operations	0.17	0.24	(1.93)	0.47
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share - discontinued operations	(0.06)	0.09	(0.34)	0.14
Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share	$ 0.11	$ 0.33	$ (2.27)	$ 0.61
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share [Abstract]
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding, Basic	528,066,000	502,200,000	515,227,000	501,862,000
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding, Diluted	530,837,000	504,831,000	515,227,000	504,493,000
Houston Electric [Member]
Revenues:
Total	$ 720	$ 765	$ 1,354	$ 1,451
Expenses:
Operation and maintenance	364	359	723	727
Depreciation and amortization	140	176	269	351
Taxes other than income taxes	64	61	128	123
Total	568	596	1,120	1,201
Operating Income	152	169	234	250
Other Income (Expense):
Interest expense and other finance charges	(43)	(42)	(84)	(82)
Interest expense on Securitization Bonds	(7)	(10)	(15)	(22)
Interest Income	0	6	1	10
Interest income from Securitization Bonds	0	1	1	3
Other income (expense), net	1	(1)	4	(3)
Total	(49)	(46)	(93)	(94)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes	103	123	141	156
Income tax expense (benefit)	16	23	21	29
Net Income (Loss)	87	100	120	127
CERC Corp [Member]
Revenues:
Utility revenues	467	513	1,463	1,708
Non-utility revenues	16	13	31	30
Total	483	526	1,494	1,738
Expenses:
Utility natural gas, fuel and purchased power	137	186	609	873
Non-utility cost of revenues, including natural gas	7	8	13	18
Operation and maintenance	179	194	388	427
Depreciation and amortization	74	73	148	146
Taxes other than income taxes	44	38	94	87
Total	441	499	1,252	1,551
Operating Income	42	27	242	187
Other Income (Expense):
Interest expense and other finance charges	(29)	(30)	(59)	(59)
Interest Income	0	3	0	3
Other income (expense), net	0	(3)	(4)	(6)
Total	(29)	(30)	(63)	(62)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes	13	(3)	179	125
Income tax expense (benefit)	(4)	(5)	31	13
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations	17	2	148	112
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent	(4)	26	(68)	54
Net Income (Loss)	$ 13	$ 28	$ 80	$ 166

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CONSO_2

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED INCOME (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Income tax expense associated with discontinued operations	$ 38	$ 14	$ 21	$ 22
CERC Corp [Member]
Income tax expense associated with discontinued operations	$ 8	$ 5	$ (3)	$ 13

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CONSO_3

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Net income (Loss)	$ 105	$ 195	$ (1,094)	$ 364
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Adjustment to pension and other postretirement plans, net of tax	1	2	2	3
Net deferred gain (loss) from cash flow hedges, net of tax	0	0	0	(1)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), Reclassification, after Tax	0	0	0	(1)
Reclassification of net deferred losses from cash flow hedges	15	0	15	0
Other comprehensive loss from unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax	0	0	(3)	0
Total	16	2	14	3
Comprehensive Income Net of Tax Before Preferred Stock Dividend	121	197	(1,080)	367
Income allocated to preferred shareholders	46	30	75	59
Comprehensive income (loss)	75	167	(1,155)	308
Houston Electric [Member]
Net income (Loss)	87	100	120	127
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Net deferred gain (loss) from cash flow hedges, net of tax	0	0	0	(1)
Reclassification of net deferred losses from cash flow hedges	15	0	15	0
Other comprehensive loss from unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax			0	0
Total	15	0	15	(1)
Comprehensive income (loss)	102	100	135	126
CERC Corp [Member]
Net income (Loss)	13	28	80	166
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Other comprehensive loss from unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax			0	0
Total			0	0
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ 13	$ 28	$ 80	$ 166

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CONSO_4

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Tax benefit (expense) on adjustment related to pension and postretirement plans	$ (1)	$ (1)	$ (2)	$ (2)
Tax expense (benefit) on net deferred gain (loss) from cash flow hedges	0	0	0	0
Tax expense (benefit) on reclassification of deferred (gain) loss from cash flow hedges realized in net income	0	0	0	0
Tax expense (benefit) on reclassification of net deferred losses from cash flow hedges	4	0	4	0
Tax benefit (expense) on Other comprehensive loss from unconsolidated affiliates	0	0	0	0
Houston Electric [Member]
Tax expense (benefit) on net deferred gain (loss) from cash flow hedges	0	$ 0	0	$ 0
Tax expense (benefit) on reclassification of net deferred losses from cash flow hedges	$ 4		$ 4

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 168	$ 241
Investment in marketable securities	753	822
Accounts receivable, less bad debt reserve	735	702
Accrued unbilled revenues, less bad debt reserve	275	469
Natural gas inventory	158	209
Materials and supplies	304	263
Taxes receivable	0	106
Current assets held for sale	0	1,002
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	108	123
Total current assets	2,501	3,937
Property, Plant and Equipment:
Property, plant and equipment	31,349	30,324
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	10,001	9,700
Property, plant and equipment, net	21,348	20,624
Other Assets:
Goodwill	4,697	4,882
Regulatory assets	2,149	2,117
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates	855	2,408
Preferred units – unconsolidated affiliate	363	363
Total non-current assets held for sale	0	962
Other	235	236
Total other assets	8,299	10,968
Total Assets	32,148	35,529
Current Liabilities:
Short-term borrowings	19	0
Current portion of VIE Securitization Bonds long-term debt	206	231
Indexed debt, net	17	19
Current portion of other long-term debt	1,707	618
Indexed debt securities derivative	834	893
Accounts payable	670	884
Taxes accrued	241	239
Interest accrued	159	158
Customer deposits	124	124
Non-trading derivative liabilities	7	7
Current liabilities held for sale	0	455
Other	325	350
Total current liabilities	4,309	3,978
Other Liabilities:
Deferred income taxes, net	3,491	3,928
Non-trading derivative liabilities	11	15
Benefit obligations	771	750
Regulatory liabilities	3,463	3,474
Total non-current liabilities held for sale	0	43
Other	774	738
Total other liabilities	8,510	8,948
Long-term Debt:
VIE Securitization Bonds, net	639	746
Other long-term debt, net	10,298	13,498
Total long-term debt, net	10,937	14,244
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 14)
Shareholders’ Equity:
Cumulative preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized
Common stock	5	5
Additional paid-in capital	6,801	6,080
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)	(771)	632
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(84)	(98)
Total shareholders’ equity	8,392	8,359
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	32,148	35,529
Houston Electric [Member]
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	151	216
Accounts and notes receivable, less bad debt reserve	325	238
Accounts and notes receivable–affiliated companies	42	523
Accrued unbilled revenues, less bad debt reserve	125	117
Materials and supplies	175	147
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	33	49
Total current assets	851	1,290
Property, Plant and Equipment:
Property, plant and equipment	13,215	12,829
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	3,882	3,797
Property, plant and equipment, net	9,333	9,032
Other Assets:
Regulatory assets	879	915
Other	34	25
Total other assets	913	940
Total Assets	11,097	11,262
Current Liabilities:
Short-term borrowings	5
Current portion of VIE Securitization Bonds long-term debt	206	231
Current portion of other long-term debt	402	0
Accounts payable	234	268
Accounts and notes payable–affiliated companies	37	76
Taxes accrued	110	123
Interest accrued	76	69
Other	95	63
Total current liabilities	1,165	830
Other Liabilities:
Deferred income taxes, net	1,036	1,030
Benefit obligations	73	75
Regulatory liabilities	1,250	1,288
Other	85	69
Total other liabilities	2,444	2,462
Long-term Debt:
VIE Securitization Bonds, net	639	746
Other long-term debt, net	3,868	3,973
Total long-term debt, net	4,507	4,719
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 14)
Shareholders’ Equity:
Common stock	0	0
Additional paid-in capital	2,486	2,486
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)	495	780
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	0	(15)
Total shareholders’ equity	2,981	3,251
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	11,097	11,262
CERC Corp [Member]
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	1	2
Accounts receivable, less bad debt reserve	265	322
Accounts and notes receivable–affiliated companies	29	10
Accrued unbilled revenues, less bad debt reserve	81	249
Natural gas inventory	85	135
Materials and supplies	80	71
Current assets held for sale	0	691
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	0	9
Total current assets	541	1,489
Property, Plant and Equipment:
Property, plant and equipment	8,404	8,079
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	2,358	2,270
Property, plant and equipment, net	6,046	5,809
Other Assets:
Goodwill	757	757
Regulatory assets	201	191
Total non-current assets held for sale	0	213
Other	50	53
Total other assets	1,008	1,214
Total Assets	7,595	8,512
Current Liabilities:
Short-term borrowings	14	0
Current portion of other long-term debt	593	0
Accounts payable	204	333
Accounts and notes payable–affiliated companies	60	47
Taxes accrued	52	84
Interest accrued	38	38
Customer deposits	76	74
Current liabilities held for sale	0	368
Other	133	167
Total current liabilities	1,170	1,111
Other Liabilities:
Deferred income taxes, net	507	470
Benefit obligations	84	80
Regulatory liabilities	1,234	1,219
Total non-current liabilities held for sale	0	27
Other	430	418
Total other liabilities	2,255	2,214
Long-term Debt:
Total long-term debt, net	1,813	2,546
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 14)
Shareholders’ Equity:
Common stock	0	0
Additional paid-in capital	1,829	2,116
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)	518	515
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	10	10
Total shareholders’ equity	2,357	2,641
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	7,595	8,512
Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
Shareholders’ Equity:
Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value	790	790
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Shareholders’ Equity:
Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value	950	950
Series C Preferred Stock [Member]
Shareholders’ Equity:
Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value	$ 701	$ 0

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANC_2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 168	$ 241
Accounts receivable, less bad debt reserve	735	702
Bad debt reserve	39	21
Accrued Unbilled Revenues, Allowance for Credit Losses, Current	2	0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	108	123
Regulatory assets	$ 2,149	$ 2,117
Cumulative preferred stock authorized (in shares)	20,000,000
Common stock par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock authorized (in shares)	1,000,000,000	1,000,000,000
Common stock outstanding (in shares)	544,709,048	502,242,061
Houston Electric [Member]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 151	$ 216
Bad debt reserve	1	1
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	33	49
Regulatory assets	879	915
CERC Corp [Member]
Cash and cash equivalents	1	2
Accounts receivable, less bad debt reserve	265	322
Bad debt reserve	32	15
Accrued Unbilled Revenues, Allowance for Credit Losses, Current	1	0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	0	9
Regulatory assets	$ 201	$ 191
Cumulative Preferred Stock [Member]
Preferred stock par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Cumulative preferred stock authorized (in shares)	20,000,000	20,000,000
Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
Preferred stock par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock aggregate liquidation preference	$ 800	$ 800
Preferred stock outstanding (in shares)	800,000	800,000
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Preferred stock par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock aggregate liquidation preference	$ 977.5	$ 977.5
Preferred stock outstanding (in shares)	977,500	977,500
Series C Preferred Stock [Member]
Preferred stock par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01
Preferred stock aggregate liquidation preference	$ 725
Preferred stock outstanding (in shares)	725,000
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 149	$ 216
Accounts receivable, less bad debt reserve	27	26
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	19	19
Regulatory assets	719	788
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] | Houston Electric [Member]
Cash and cash equivalents	149	216
Accounts receivable, less bad debt reserve	27	26
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	19	19
Regulatory assets	$ 719	$ 788

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CONSO_5

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income (loss)	$ (1,094)	$ 364
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	579	622
Depreciation and amortization on assets held for sale	0	31
Amortization of deferred financing costs	15	14
Amortization of intangible assets in non-utility cost of revenues	1	12
Deferred income taxes	(477)	(21)
Goodwill impairment and loss from reclassification to held for sale	172	0
Goodwill Impairment	185	0
Unrealized loss (gain) on marketable securities	69	(147)
Loss (gain) on indexed debt securities	(59)	154
Write-down of natural gas inventory	3	3
Equity in (earnings) losses of unconsolidated affiliates	1,432	(136)
Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates	109	149
Pension contributions	(5)	(29)
Changes in other assets and liabilities, excluding acquisitions:
Accounts receivable and unbilled revenues, net	312	463
Inventory	22	10
Taxes receivable	106	(69)
Accounts payable	(221)	(594)
Fuel cost recovery	15	78
Non-trading derivatives, net	(3)	(71)
Margin deposits, net	65	(12)
Interest and taxes accrued	14	(88)
Net regulatory assets and liabilities	(80)	(77)
Other current assets	1	20
Other current liabilities	(39)	(156)
Other assets	15	76
Other liabilities	41	(30)
Other operating activities, net	3	8
Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations	1,181	574
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures	(1,278)	(1,169)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	0	(5,987)
Increase in notes receivable – unconsolidated affiliate	0	(4)
Distributions from unconsolidated affiliate in excess of cumulative earnings	7	0
Proceeds from divestitures (Note 3)	(1,136)	0
Other investing activities, net	(8)	11
Net cash used in investing activities from continuing operations	(143)	(7,149)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Increase in short-term borrowings, net	19	0
Proceeds from (payments of) commercial paper, net	(1,498)	2,221
Proceeds from long-term debt, net	299	1,721
Payments of long-term debt	(1,032)	(1,077)
Proceeds from (Repayments of) Lines of Credit	0	135
Payment of debt issuance costs	(3)	(9)
Payment of dividends on Common Stock	(227)	(288)
Payment of dividends on Preferred Stock	(66)	(60)
Proceeds from issuance of Common Stock, net	673	0
Proceeds from issuance of Series C Preferred Stock, net	724	0
Other financing activities, net	(4)	(14)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities from continuing operations	(1,115)	2,629
Net Decrease in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash	(77)	(3,946)
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Period	271	4,278
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at End of Period	194	332
Houston Electric [Member]
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income (loss)	120	127
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	269	351
Amortization of deferred financing costs	5	5
Deferred income taxes	(10)	(27)
Changes in other assets and liabilities, excluding acquisitions:
Accounts receivable and unbilled revenues, net	(102)	(56)
Accounts receivable/payable–affiliated companies	(6)	(35)
Inventory	(28)	(7)
Taxes receivable	0	(8)
Accounts payable	9	2
Non-trading derivatives, net	15	(25)
Interest and taxes accrued	(2)	(34)
Net regulatory assets and liabilities	(13)	(69)
Other current assets	16	18
Other current liabilities	2	(4)
Other assets	(1)	10
Other liabilities	12	(3)
Other operating activities, net	(8)	(5)
Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations	278	240
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures	(548)	(514)
Increase in notes receivable – unconsolidated affiliate	448	(794)
Other investing activities, net	(7)	(3)
Net cash used in investing activities from continuing operations	(107)	(1,311)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Increase in short-term borrowings, net	5	0
Proceeds from long-term debt, net	299	696
Payments of long-term debt	(132)	(242)
Decrease in notes payable–affiliated companies	0	(1)
Dividend to parent	(405)	(40)
Contribution from parent	0	590
Payment of debt issuance costs	(3)	(8)
Other financing activities, net	0	(1)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities from continuing operations	(236)	994
Net Decrease in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash	(65)	(77)
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Period	235	370
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at End of Period	170	293
CERC Corp [Member]
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income (loss)	80	166
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	148	146
Depreciation and amortization on assets held for sale	0	7
Amortization of deferred financing costs	5	4
Deferred income taxes	26	20
Goodwill impairment and loss from reclassification to held for sale	93	0
Write-down of natural gas inventory	3	3
Changes in other assets and liabilities, excluding acquisitions:
Accounts receivable and unbilled revenues, net	357	554
Accounts receivable/payable–affiliated companies	(7)	(11)
Inventory	52	26
Accounts payable	(183)	(442)
Fuel cost recovery	14	78
Non-trading derivatives, net	(13)	(62)
Margin deposits, net	65	(12)
Interest and taxes accrued	(27)	(31)
Net regulatory assets and liabilities	(12)	15
Other current assets	2	7
Other current liabilities	(22)	(21)
Other assets	7	(2)
Other liabilities	5	3
Other operating activities, net	(6)	1
Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations	587	449
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures	(376)	(322)
Increase in notes receivable – unconsolidated affiliate	(9)	(66)
Proceeds from divestitures (Note 3)	(286)	0
Other investing activities, net	2	2
Net cash used in investing activities from continuing operations	(97)	(386)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Increase in short-term borrowings, net	14	0
Proceeds from (payments of) commercial paper, net	(145)	22
Dividend to parent	(72)	(103)
Contribution from parent	0	0
Capital distribution to parent associated with the sale of CES	(286)	0
Other financing activities, net	(2)	(2)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities from continuing operations	(491)	(83)
Net Decrease in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash	(1)	(20)
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Period	2	25
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at End of Period	$ 1	$ 5

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CONSO_6

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CHANGES IN EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Series A Preferred Stock [Member]	Series B Preferred Stock [Member]	Series C Preferred Stock [Member]	Preferred Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]Series A Preferred Stock [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]Series B Preferred Stock [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]Series C Preferred Stock [Member]	AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]	CERC Corp [Member]	CERC Corp [Member]Common Stock [Member]	CERC Corp [Member]Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	CERC Corp [Member]Retained Earnings [Member]	CERC Corp [Member]AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]	Houston Electric [Member]	Houston Electric [Member]Common Stock [Member]	Houston Electric [Member]Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Houston Electric [Member]Retained Earnings [Member]	Houston Electric [Member]AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]
Balance, beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2018						2,000,000
Balance, end of period at Mar. 31, 2019						2,000,000
Balance, beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2018							501,000,000								1,000					1,000
Balance, end of period at Mar. 31, 2019							502,000,000								1,000					1,000
Balance, beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2018						$ 1,740	$ 5	$ 6,072	$ 349				$ (108)		$ 0	$ 2,015	$ 423	$ 5		$ 0	$ 1,896	$ 800	$ (14)
Balance, end of period at Mar. 31, 2019						$ 1,740	$ 5	6,060	518				(107)		$ 0	2,015	541	5		$ 0	2,486	803	(15)
Balance, beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2018						2,000,000
Balance, end of period at Jun. 30, 2019						2,000,000
Balance, beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2018							501,000,000								1,000					1,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issuances related to benefit and investment plans							1,000,000
Balance, end of period at Jun. 30, 2019							502,000,000								1,000					1,000
Balance, beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2018						$ 1,740	$ 5	6,072	349				(108)		$ 0	2,015	423	5		$ 0	1,896	800	(14)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Other																0
Issuances related to benefit and investment plans							0	(7)
Contribution From Parent																0					590
Net income (Loss)	$ 364								364					$ 166			166		$ 127			127
Common Stock dividends declared (see Note 19)		$ (288)							(144)
Preferred Stock dividends declared (see Note 19)			$ (26)	$ (34)							$ (17)
Amortization of Beneficial Conversion Feature	0
Dividend to parent																	(103)					(40)
Other comprehensive income (loss)													3										(1)
Balance, end of period at Jun. 30, 2019	8,257					$ 1,740	$ 5	6,065	552				(105)	2,506	$ 0	2,015	486	5	3,358	$ 0	2,486	887	(15)
Balance, beginning of period at Mar. 31, 2019						2,000,000
Balance, end of period at Jun. 30, 2019						2,000,000
Balance, beginning of period at Mar. 31, 2019							502,000,000								1,000					1,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issuances related to benefit and investment plans							0
Balance, end of period at Jun. 30, 2019							502,000,000								1,000					1,000
Balance, beginning of period at Mar. 31, 2019						$ 1,740	$ 5	6,060	518				(107)		$ 0	2,015	541	5		$ 0	2,486	803	(15)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Other																0
Issuances related to benefit and investment plans							0	5
Contribution From Parent																0					0
Net income (Loss)	195								195					28			28		100			100
Common Stock dividends declared (see Note 19)									(144)
Preferred Stock dividends declared (see Note 19)											(17)
Amortization of Beneficial Conversion Feature	0
Dividend to parent																	(83)					(16)
Other comprehensive income (loss)													2										0
Balance, end of period at Jun. 30, 2019	$ 8,257					$ 1,740	$ 5	6,065	552				(105)	2,506	$ 0	2,015	486	5	3,358	$ 0	2,486	887	(15)
Preferred stock par value (in dollars per share)			$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Cumulative preferred stock authorized (in shares)	20,000,000
Common stock par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01
Common stock authorized (in shares)	1,000,000,000
Preferred stock par value (in dollars per share)			$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01
Common stock authorized (in shares)	1,000,000,000
Balance, beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2019			800,000	977,500		2,000,000
Balance, end of period at Mar. 31, 2020						2,000,000
Balance, beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2019	502,242,061						502,000,000								1,000					1,000
Balance, end of period at Mar. 31, 2020							502,000,000								1,000					1,000
Balance, beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2019	$ 8,359					$ 1,740	$ 5	6,080	632				(98)	2,641	$ 0	2,116	515	10	3,251	$ 0	2,486	780	(15)
Balance, end of period at Mar. 31, 2020						$ 1,740	$ 5	6,086	(761)				(100)		$ 0	2,116	545	10		$ 0	2,486	428	(15)
Balance, beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2019			800,000	977,500		2,000,000
Balance, end of period at Jun. 30, 2020			800,000	977,500	725,000	3,000,000
Balance, beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2019	502,242,061						502,000,000								1,000					1,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issuances related to benefit and investment plans							1,000,000
Balance, end of period at Jun. 30, 2020	544,709,048						545,000,000								1,000					1,000
Balance, beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2019	$ 8,359					$ 1,740	$ 5	6,080	632				(98)	2,641	$ 0	2,116	515	10	3,251	$ 0	2,486	780	(15)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Other																(1)
Issuance of stock, shares		42,000,000				1,000,000
Issuances of stock, net of issuance costs						$ 701		673
Issuances related to benefit and investment plans							0	16
Recognition of beneficial conversion feature	(32)							(32)
Contribution From Parent																286					0
Net income (Loss)	(1,094)								(1,094)					80			80		120			120
Common Stock dividends declared (see Note 19)		$ (227)							(227)
Preferred Stock dividends declared (see Note 19)			$ (25)	$ (34)	$ (7)					$ (25)	(34)	$ (7)
Amortization of Beneficial Conversion Feature	(9)				$ (9)				(9)
Dividend to parent																	(72)					(405)
Adoption of ASU 2016-13 | Accounting Standards Update 2016-13 [Member]									(7)								5
Other comprehensive income (loss)													14										15
Balance, end of period at Jun. 30, 2020	$ 8,392					$ 2,441	$ 5	6,801	(771)				(84)	2,357	$ 0	1,829	518	10	2,981	$ 0	2,486	495	0
Balance, beginning of period at Mar. 31, 2020						2,000,000
Balance, end of period at Jun. 30, 2020			800,000	977,500	725,000	3,000,000
Balance, beginning of period at Mar. 31, 2020							502,000,000								1,000					1,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issuances related to benefit and investment plans							1,000,000
Balance, end of period at Jun. 30, 2020	544,709,048						545,000,000								1,000					1,000
Balance, beginning of period at Mar. 31, 2020						$ 1,740	$ 5	6,086	(761)				(100)		$ 0	2,116	545	10		$ 0	2,486	428	(15)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Other																(1)
Issuance of stock, shares		42,000,000				1,000,000
Issuances of stock, net of issuance costs						$ 701		673
Issuances related to benefit and investment plans							0	10
Recognition of beneficial conversion feature								(32)
Contribution From Parent																286					0
Net income (Loss)	$ 105								105					13			13		87			87
Common Stock dividends declared (see Note 19)									(82)
Preferred Stock dividends declared (see Note 19)										$ 0	$ (17)	$ (7)
Amortization of Beneficial Conversion Feature	(9)				$ (9)				(9)
Dividend to parent																	(40)					(20)
Other comprehensive income (loss)													16										15
Balance, end of period at Jun. 30, 2020	$ 8,392					$ 2,441	$ 5	$ 6,801	$ (771)				$ (84)	$ 2,357	$ 0	$ 1,829	$ 518	$ 10	$ 2,981	$ 0	$ 2,486	$ 495	$ 0
Preferred stock par value (in dollars per share)			$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Cumulative preferred stock authorized (in shares)	20,000,000
Common stock par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01
Common stock authorized (in shares)	1,000,000,000

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CONSO_7

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CHANGES IN EQUITY (Parentheticals) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Cumulative preferred stock shares authorized (in shares)	20,000,000	20,000,000	20,000,000	20,000,000
Common stock shares par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock shares authorized (in shares)	1,000,000,000	1,000,000,000	1,000,000,000	1,000,000,000	1,000,000,000
Common stock dividends declared per share	$ 0.1500	$ 0.2875	$ 0.4400	$ 0.2875
Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Cumulative preferred stock par value (in dollars per share)	0.01	0.01	0.01	0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock dividends declared	0		30.6250
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Cumulative preferred stock par value (in dollars per share)	0.01	0.01	0.01	0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock dividends declared	17.5000	$ 17.5000	35	$ 17.5000
Series C Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Cumulative preferred stock par value (in dollars per share)	0.01		0.01
Preferred stock dividends declared	$ 0.1500		$ 0.1500

Background and Basis of Present

Background and Basis of Presentation	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Background and Basis of Presentation [Text Block]	Background and Basis of Presentation General. This combined Form 10-Q is filed separately by three registrants: CenterPoint Energy, Inc., CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC and CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp. Information contained herein relating to any individual registrant is filed by such registrant solely on its own behalf. Each registrant makes no representation as to information relating exclusively to the other Registrants or the subsidiaries of CenterPoint Energy other than itself or its subsidiaries. Except as discussed in the last paragraph in Note 12 to the Registrants’ Condensed Consolidated 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 Combined Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements apply to all Registrants and specific references to Houston Electric and CERC herein also pertain to CenterPoint Energy, unless otherwise indicated. 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 2019 Form 10-K. Background. CenterPoint Energy, Inc. is a public utility holding company and owns interests in Enable as described below. As of June 30, 2020 , CenterPoint Energy’s operating subsidiaries reported as continuing operations were as follows: • Houston Electric owns and operates electric transmission and distribution facilities in the Texas Gulf Coast area that includes the city of Houston. • CERC (i) owns and operates natural gas distribution systems in six states; (ii) owns and operates permanent pipeline connections through interconnects with various interstate and intrastate pipeline companies through CEIP; and (iii) provides temporary delivery of LNG and CNG throughout the contiguous 48 states through MES. • Vectren holds three public utilities through its wholly-owned subsidiary, VUHI, a public utility holding company: • Indiana Gas provides energy delivery services to natural gas customers located in central and southern Indiana; • SIGECO provides energy delivery services to electric and natural gas customers located 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 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. As of June 30, 2020 , CenterPoint Energy, indirectly through CNP Midstream, owned approximately 53.7% of the common units representing limited partner interests in Enable, 50% of the management rights and 40% of the incentive distribution rights in Enable GP and also directly owned an aggregate of 14,520,000 Enable Series A Preferred Units. Enable owns, operates and develops natural gas and crude oil infrastructure assets. As of June 30, 2020 , 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 presentation. Discontinued Operations. On February 3, 2020, CenterPoint Energy, through its subsidiary VUSI, entered into the Securities Purchase Agreement to sell the Infrastructure Services Disposal Group, which provided underground pipeline construction and repair services through wholly-owned subsidiaries Miller Pipeline, LLC and Minnesota Limited, LLC and served natural gas utilities across the United States, focusing on recurring integrity, station and maintenance work and opportunities for large transmission pipeline construction projects. The transaction closed on April 9, 2020. See Note 3 for further information. Additionally, on February 24, 2020, CenterPoint Energy, through its subsidiary CERC Corp., entered into the Equity Purchase Agreement to sell the Energy Services Disposal Group, which obtained and offered competitive variable and fixed-price physical natural gas supplies and services primarily to commercial and industrial customers and electric and natural gas utilities in over 30 states. The transaction closed on June 1, 2020. See Note 3 for further information. COVID-19 Impacts. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the current COVID-19 outbreak to be a global pandemic, and on March 13, 2020, the United States declared a national emergency. In response to these declarations and the rapid spread of COVID-19, federal, state and local governments have imposed varying degrees of restrictions on business and social activities to contain COVID-19, including business shutdowns and closures, travel restrictions, quarantines, curfews, shelter in place and “stay-at-home” orders in the Registrants’ service territories. State and local authorities have also implemented multi-step policies with the goal of re-opening various sectors of the economy such as retail establishments, health and personal care businesses, and restaurants, among others. However, despite extensive planning and mitigation efforts by the states in our service territories, COVID-19 cases continued to increase, requiring governing authorities to continuously reassess re-opening plans for their jurisdictions. For example, the governor of the state of Texas issued orders in April 2020 to allow businesses to re-open at varying levels of capacity in May and June 2020. To address the June 2020 spike in COVID-19 cases, including in Houston, such re-opening activities were temporarily paused or scaled back, and also included closing certain establishments. Similarly, the governor of the state of Indiana announced that the state would delay entering the final phase of its re-opening plan. The Registrants have experienced some resulting disruptions to their business operations, as these restrictions have significantly impacted many sectors of the economy, with businesses curtailing or ceasing normal operations. The Registrants’ electric facilities and natural gas distribution systems, as applicable, have remained operational, and their respective customers have continued to receive service. While residential electric usage has increased as individuals continue to stay at home or work remotely, the Registrants have experienced reduced demand and usage among their respective electric and natural gas commercial and industrial customers, as well as a decrease in revenues related to disconnections and reconnections due to the disconnect moratorium across their service territories due to COVID-19. Houston Electric is following PUCT orders regarding disconnection practices related to those customers impacted by COVID-19. Although one of Houston Electric’s REPs filed for bankruptcy in April 2020 due to COVID-19, Houston Electric has received the related account balance. Similarly, as a result of the disconnect moratorium across CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s NGD service territories and other payment deferrals or arrangements, days outstanding on receivables and uncollectible accounts have increased, resulting in an increase to allowance for doubtful accounts, which may ultimately increase further. However, CenterPoint Energy’s NGD and CERC’s NGD service territories and Indiana Electric have either (1) received authority from their public utility commissions to defer bad debt expense associated with COVID-19 as a regulatory asset or (2) exercised existing authority to recover bad debt expense through a tracking mechanism. Some of the Registrants also received authority to recover other COVID-19 costs but must offset those costs with any cost reductions attributable to COVID-19. The ultimate impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Registrants’ businesses will depend on future developments and evolving factors, including, among others, the ultimate spread, scope and duration of the pandemic, the consequences of governmental and other measures designed to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the development of effective treatments or vaccines, actions taken by governmental authorities, customers, suppliers and other thirds parties, workforce availability and the timing and extent to which normal economic and operating conditions resume. While the Registrants continue to assess the COVID-19 situation, they cannot estimate with any degree of certainty the full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their liquidity, financial condition and future results of operations at this time. However, the Registrants expect the COVID-19 situation to adversely impact future quarters. See Notes 5 and 6 for further information on COVID-19’s impact on the Registrants.

Divestitures (CenterPoint Energ

Divestitures (CenterPoint Energy and CERC)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations (CenterPoint Energy and CERC) [Text Block]	Divestitures (CenterPoint Energy and CERC) Divestiture of Infrastructure Services (CenterPoint Energy). On February 3, 2020, CenterPoint Energy, through its subsidiary VUSI, entered into the Securities Purchase Agreement to sell the Infrastructure Services Disposal Group to PowerTeam Services. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Securities Purchase Agreement, PowerTeam Services agreed to purchase all of the outstanding equity interests of VISCO for approximately $850 million , subject to customary adjustments set forth in the Securities Purchase Agreement, including adjustments based on VISCO’s net working capital at closing, indebtedness, cash and cash equivalents and transaction expenses. The transaction closed on April 9, 2020 for $850 million in cash. Additionally, as of June 30, 2020, CenterPoint Energy recorded a receivable from PowerTeam Services for working capital and other adjustments set forth in the Security Purchase Agreement, discussed further below. In February 2020, certain assets and liabilities representing the Infrastructure Services Disposal Group met the held for sale criteria and represented all of the businesses within the reporting unit. In accordance with the Securities Purchase Agreement, VISCO was converted from a wholly-owned corporation to a limited liability company that was disregarded for federal income tax purposes immediately prior to the closing of the transaction resulting in the sale of membership units. The sale was considered an asset sale for tax purposes, requiring net deferred tax liabilities of approximately $127 million as of April 9, 2020, the date the transaction closed, to be recognized as a deferred income tax benefit by CenterPoint Energy. Additionally, CenterPoint Energy recognized current tax expense of $159 million as a result of the cash taxes payable upon sale. Upon classifying the Infrastructure Services Disposal Group as held for sale and in connection with the preparation of CenterPoint Energy’s financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2020, CenterPoint Energy recorded a goodwill impairment of approximately $82 million , plus an additional loss of $14 million for cost to sell. CenterPoint Energy recognized a pre-tax gain of $3 million in connection with the closing of the transaction of the Infrastructure Services Disposal Group during the three months ended June 30, 2020. In connection with the closing of the transaction and as of June 30, 2020, CenterPoint Energy recorded a receivable from PowerTeam Services for working capital and other customary adjustments set forth in the Securities Purchase Agreement, and a gain or loss on sale in future periods may be incurred by CenterPoint Energy for differences between the estimated receivable as of June 30, 2020 and the actual amount of the payment. 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 liability 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. Divestiture of Energy Services (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 to Symmetry Energy Solutions Acquisition. This transaction did not include CEIP and its assets or MES. Symmetry Energy Solutions Acquisition agreed to purchase all of the outstanding equity interests of the Energy Services Disposal Group for approximately $400 million , subject to customary adjustments set forth in the Equity Purchase Agreement, and inclusive of an estimate of the cash adjustment for the Energy Services Disposal Group’s net working capital at closing, indebtedness and transaction expenses. The transaction closed on June 1, 2020 for approximately $286 million in cash. Additionally, as of June 30, 2020, CenterPoint Energy recorded a receivable from Symmetry Energy Solutions Acquisition for working capital and other adjustments set forth in the Equity Purchase Agreement that CenterPoint Energy has estimated to be approximately $75 million . In February 2020, certain assets and liabilities representing the Energy Services Disposal Group met the criteria to be classified as held for sale and represented substantially all of the businesses within the reporting unit. In accordance with the Equity Purchase Agreement, CES was converted from a wholly-owned corporation to a limited liability company that is disregarded for federal income tax purposes immediately prior to the closing of the transaction resulting in the sale of membership units. The sale was considered an asset sale for tax purposes, requiring the net deferred tax liability of approximately $3 million as of June 1, 2020, the date the transaction closed, to be recognized as a deferred tax benefit by CenterPoint Energy and CERC upon closing. Additionally, CenterPoint Energy and CERC recognized current tax expense of $3 million as a result of the cash taxes payable upon sale. Upon classifying the Energy Services Disposal Group as held for sale and in connection with the preparation of CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s respective financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2020, CenterPoint Energy and CERC recorded a goodwill impairment of approximately $62 million and a loss on assets held for sale of approximately $70 million , plus an additional loss of $6 million for cost to sell recorded only at CenterPoint Energy. CenterPoint Energy and CERC recognized a reduction to the loss on classification to held for sale of $39 million in connection with the closing of the sale of the Energy Services Disposal Group during the three months ended June 30, 2020. In connection with the closing of the sale and as of June 30, 2020, CenterPoint Energy and CERC recorded a receivable from Symmetry Energy Solutions Acquisition for customary adjustments set forth in the Equity Purchase Agreement and, a gain or loss on sale in future periods may be incurred by CenterPoint Energy and CERC for differences between the estimated receivable as of June 30, 2020 and the actual amount of the payment. As a result of the sale of the Energy Services and Infrastructure Services Disposal Groups, there were no assets or liabilities classified as held for sale as of June 30, 2020. The assets and liabilities of the Infrastructure Services and Energy Services Disposal Groups as of December 31, 2019 have been recast as assets and liabilities held for sale and retained their current or long-term classification applicable as of December 31, 2019. L ong-lived assets are not depreciated or amortized once they are classified as held for sale. The assets and liabilities of the Infrastructure Services and Energy Services Disposal Groups classified as held for sale in CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, as applicable, as of December 31, 2019 included the following: December 31, 2019 CenterPoint Energy CERC Infrastructure Services Disposal Group Energy Services Disposal Group Total Energy Services Disposal Group (in millions) Receivables, net $ 192 $ 445 $ 637 $ 445 Accrued unbilled revenues 109 8 117 8 Natural gas inventory — 67 67 67 Materials and supplies 6 — 6 — Non-trading derivative assets — 136 136 136 Other 4 35 39 35 Total current assets held for sale 311 691 1,002 691 Property, plant and equipment, net 295 26 321 26 Goodwill 220 62 282 62 Non-trading derivative assets — 58 58 58 Other 234 67 301 67 Total non-current assets held for sale 749 213 962 213 Total assets held for sale $ 1,060 $ 904 $ 1,964 $ 904 Accounts payable $ 45 $ 299 344 $ 299 Taxes accrued 2 — 2 — Non-trading derivative liabilities — 44 44 44 Other 40 25 65 25 Total current liabilities held for sale 87 368 455 368 Non-trading derivative liabilities — 14 14 14 Benefit obligations — 4 4 4 Other 16 9 25 9 Total non-current liabilities held for sale 16 27 43 27 Total liabilities held for sale $ 103 $ 395 $ 498 $ 395 Because the Infrastructure Services and Energy Services Disposal Groups met the held for sale criteria and their disposals also represent a strategic shift to CenterPoint Energy and CERC, as applicable, the earnings and expenses directly associated with these dispositions, including operating results of the businesses through the date of sale, are reflected as discontinued operations on CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s Statements of Consolidated Income, as applicable. As a result, prior periods have also been recast to reflect the earnings or losses from such businesses as income from discontinued operations, net of tax. A summary of the Infrastructure Services and Energy Services Disposal Groups presented in CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income, as applicable, is as follows: Three Months Ended June 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 CenterPoint Energy CERC Infrastructure Services Disposal Group Energy Services Disposal Group Total Energy Services Disposal Group (in millions) Revenues $ 28 $ 326 $ 281 $ 852 $ 309 $ 1,178 $ 281 $ 852 Expenses: Non-utility cost of revenues 6 89 300 801 306 890 300 801 Operation and maintenance 21 195 14 17 35 212 14 17 Depreciation and amortization — 15 — 3 — 18 — 3 Taxes other than income taxes — — 2 — 2 — 2 — Total 27 299 316 821 343 1,120 316 821 Income (loss) from Discontinued Operations before income taxes 1 27 (35 ) 31 (34 ) 58 (35 ) 31 Gain (loss) on classification to held for sale, net (2) (3) 3 — 39 — 42 — 39 — Income tax expense (benefit) 30 6 8 8 38 14 8 5 Net income (loss) from Discontinued Operations $ (26 ) $ 21 $ (4 ) $ 23 $ (30 ) $ 44 $ (4 ) $ 26 Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 2019 (1) 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 CenterPoint Energy CERC Infrastructure Services Disposal Group Energy Services Disposal Group Total Energy Services Disposal Group (in millions) Revenues $ 250 $ 472 $ 1,167 $ 2,094 $ 1,417 $ 2,566 $ 1,167 $ 2,094 Expenses: Non-utility cost of revenues 50 132 1,108 1,986 1,158 2,118 1,108 1,986 Operation and maintenance 184 291 34 34 218 325 34 34 Depreciation and amortization — 24 — 7 — 31 — 7 Taxes other than income taxes 1 — 3 — 4 — 3 — Total 235 447 1,145 2,027 1,380 2,474 1,145 2,027 Income (loss) from Discontinued Operations before income taxes 15 25 22 67 37 92 22 67 Gain (loss) on classification to held for sale, net (2) (3) (93 ) — (99 ) — (192 ) — (93 ) — Income tax expense (benefit) 25 6 (4 ) 16 21 22 (3 ) 13 Net income (loss) from Discontinued Operations $ (103 ) $ 19 $ (73 ) $ 51 $ (176 ) $ 70 $ (68 ) $ 54 (1) Reflects February 1, 2019 to June 30, 2019 results only due to the Merger. (2) Loss from classification to held for sale is inclusive of goodwill impairment and, for CenterPoint Energy, its costs to sell. (3) Infrastructure Services Disposal Group includes $3 million gain on sale in the three and six months ended June 30, 2020. CenterPoint Energy and CERC have elected not to separately disclose discontinued operations on their respective Condensed Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows. L ong-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: Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 CenterPoint Energy CERC Infrastructure Services Disposal Group Energy Services Disposal Group Energy Services Disposal Group (in millions) Depreciation and amortization $ — $ 24 $ — $ 7 $ — $ 7 Amortization of intangible assets in Non-utility cost of revenues — 9 — — — — Write-down of natural gas inventory — — 3 3 3 3 Capital expenditures 16 38 1 7 1 7 Non-cash transactions: Accounts payable related to capital expenditures 2 — 4 4 4 4 Other Sale Related Matters (CenterPoint Energy and CERC). CES provided natural gas supply to CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s NGD 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. Revenues and expenses incurred by CenterPoint Energy and CERC for natural gas transportation and supply are as follows: Three Months Ended June 30, 2020 (1) 2019 2020 (1) 2019 CenterPoint Energy CERC (in millions) Transportation revenue $ 18 $ 32 $ 18 $ 32 Natural gas expense 3 16 3 16 Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 (2) 2019 2020 (2) 2019 CenterPoint Energy CERC (in millions) Transportation revenue $ 34 $ 48 $ 34 $ 48 Natural gas expense 48 80 47 79 (1) Represents charges for the period April 1, 2020 until the closing of the transaction. (2) Represents charges for the period January 1, 2020 until the closing of the transaction. NGD has AMAs associated with its utility distribution service in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Texas. The AMAs are with the Energy Services Disposal Group and will expire in 2021. Pursuant to the provisions of the agreements, NGD sells natural gas and agrees to repurchase an equivalent amount of natural gas during the winter heating seasons at the same cost. These transactions are accounted for as inventory financing. CenterPoint Energy and CERC had outstanding obligations related to the AMAs of $14 million and $-0- as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 , respectively. The Infrastructure Services Disposal Group provides pipeline construction and repair services to CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s NGD. In accordance with consolidation guidance in ASC 980—Regulated Operations, costs incurred by NGD utilities for these pipeline construction and repair services are not eliminated in consolidation when capitalized and included in rate base by the NGD utility. Amounts charged for these services that are not capitalized are included primarily in Operation and maintenance expenses. Fees incurred by CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s NGD for pipeline construction and repair services are as follows: Three Months Ended June 30, 2020 (1) 2019 2020 (1) 2019 CenterPoint Energy CERC (in millions) Pipeline construction and repair services capitalized $ — $ 48 $ — $ 8 Pipeline construction and repair service charges in operations and maintenance expense — — — — Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 (2) 2019 (3) 2020 (2) 2019 (3) CenterPoint Energy CERC (in millions) Pipeline construction and repair services capitalized $ 34 $ 67 $ — $ 9 Pipeline construction and repair service charges in operations and maintenance expense 1 4 1 1 (1) Represents charges for the period April 1, 2020 until the closing of the transaction. (2) Represents charges for the period January 1, 2020 until the closing of the transaction. (3) Represents charges for the period beginning February 1, 2019 due to the Merger.

New Accounting Pronouncements

New Accounting Pronouncements	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncements [Text Block]	New Accounting Pronouncements The following table provides an overview of certain recently adopted or issued accounting pronouncements applicable to all the Registrants, unless otherwise noted. Recently Adopted Accounting Standards ASU Number and Name Description Date of Adoption Financial Statement Impact upon Adoption ASU 2016-13- Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments This standard, including standards amending this standard, requires a new model called CECL to estimate credit losses for (1) financial assets subject to credit losses and measured at amortized cost and (2) certain off-balance sheet credit exposures. Upon initial recognition of the exposure, the CECL model requires an entity to estimate the credit losses expected over the life of an exposure based on historical information, current information and reasonable and supportable forecasts, including estimates of prepayments. Transition method: modified retrospective January 1, 2020 The Registrants adopted the standard and recognized a cumulative-effect adjustment of the transition to opening retained earnings and allowance for doubtful accounts with no impact on results of operations and cash flows. See Note 4 for more information. ASU 2018-13- Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement This standard eliminates, modifies and adds certain disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. Transition method: prospective for additions and one modification and retrospective for all other amendments Adoption of eliminations and modifications as of September 30, 2018 and additions as of January 1, 2020 The adoption of this standard did not impact the Registrants’ financial position, results of operations or cash flows. The disclosures modified and added upon adoption are no longer included in Note 8 due to the sale of the Energy Services Disposal Group. Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2019-12: Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes This standard simplifies accounting for income taxes by eliminating certain exceptions to the guidance for intraperiod tax allocation, the methodology for calculating income taxes in an interim period and the recognition of deferred tax liabilities for outside basis differences. It also simplifies aspects of the accounting for franchise taxes that are partially based on income and enacted changes in tax laws or rates and clarifies the accounting for transactions that result in a step-up in the tax basis of goodwill. Transition method: prospective for all amendments that apply to the Registrants January 1, 2020 Upon adoption, the Registrants are not required to apply the intraperiod tax allocation exception when there is a current-period loss from continuing operations. Accordingly, CenterPoint Energy determined the tax effect of income from continuing operations without considering the tax effects of items that are not included in continuing operations (i.e., discontinued operations). Additionally, CenterPoint Energy is no longer required to limit the year-to-date tax benefit recognized when the year-to-date benefit exceeds the anticipated full year benefit. Management believes that other recently adopted or 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.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenue Recognition [Text Block]	Revenue Recognition and Provision for Doubtful Accounts 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 Infrastructure Services Disposal Group, which are reflected as discontinued operations and assets held for sale prior to the date of closing of each transaction. See Note 3 for further information. The following tables disaggregate revenues by reportable segment and major source: CenterPoint Energy Three Months Ended June 30, 2020 Houston Electric T&D Indiana Electric Integrated Natural Gas Distribution Corporate and Other Total (in millions) Revenue from contracts $ 722 $ 128 $ 632 $ 84 $ 1,566 Other (1) (2 ) — 9 2 9 Total revenues $ 720 $ 128 $ 641 $ 86 $ 1,575 Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 Houston Electric T&D Indiana Electric Integrated Natural Gas Distribution Corporate and Other Total (in millions) Revenue from contracts $ 1,360 $ 257 $ 1,925 $ 165 $ 3,707 Other (1) (2 ) — 34 3 35 Total revenues $ 1,358 $ 257 $ 1,959 $ 168 $ 3,742 Three Months Ended June 30, 2019 Houston Electric Indiana Natural Gas Distribution Corporate Total (in millions) Revenue from contracts $ 768 $ 140 $ 663 $ 78 $ 1,649 Other (1) (3 ) — 10 2 9 Total revenues $ 765 $ 140 $ 673 $ 80 $ 1,658 Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 Houston Electric T&D Indiana Natural Gas Distribution (2) Corporate and Other (2) Total (in millions) Revenue from contracts $ 1,458 $ 223 $ 2,076 $ 119 $ 3,876 Other (1) (4 ) — 12 3 11 Total revenues $ 1,454 $ 223 $ 2,088 $ 122 $ 3,887 (1) Primarily consists of income from ARPs, weather hedge gains (losses) and leases. 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. Total lease income was $1 million and $1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $2 million and $3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. (2) Reflects revenues from Vectren subsidiaries for the period from February 1, 2019 to June 30, 2019. Houston Electric Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 (in millions) Revenue from contracts $ 722 $ 768 $ 1,360 $ 1,458 Other (1) (2 ) (3 ) (6 ) (7 ) Total revenues $ 720 $ 765 $ 1,354 $ 1,451 (1) Primarily consists of income from ARPs, weather hedge gains (losses) and leases. 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. Lease income was not significant for the three or six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019. CERC Three Months Ended June 30, 2020 2019 Natural Gas Distribution Corporate Total Natural Gas Distribution Corporate Total (in millions) Revenue from contracts $ 470 $ 2 $ 472 $ 515 $ — $ 515 Other (1) 10 1 11 11 — 11 Total revenues $ 480 $ 3 $ 483 $ 526 $ — $ 526 Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 2019 Natural Gas Distribution Corporate and Other Total Natural Gas Distribution Corporate and Other Total (in millions) Revenue from contracts $ 1,451 $ 5 $ 1,456 $ 1,720 $ 1 $ 1,721 Other (1) 37 1 38 17 — 17 Total revenues $ 1,488 $ 6 $ 1,494 $ 1,737 $ 1 $ 1,738 (1) Primarily consists of income from ARPs, weather hedge gains (losses) and leases. 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. Lease income was not significant for the three or six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019. Houston Electric T&D (CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric). Houston Electric distributes electricity to customers over time and customers consume the electricity when delivered. Revenue, consisting of both volumetric and fixed tariff rates set by the PUCT, 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 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 PUCT. Payments are received on a monthly basis. Indiana Electric Integrated (CenterPoint Energy). 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, is recognized as electricity is delivered and represents amounts both billed and unbilled. Customers are billed monthly and payment terms, set by the regulator, require payment within a month of billing. Natural Gas Distribution (CenterPoint Energy and CERC). CERC distributes and transports natural gas to customers over time, and customers consume the natural gas when delivered. Revenue, consisting of both volumetric and fixed tariff rates set by the state governing agency for that service area, is recognized as natural gas is delivered and represents amounts both billed and unbilled. Discretionary services requested by the customer are satisfied at a point in time and revenue is recognized upon completion of service and the tariff rates set by the applicable state regulator. Payments of natural gas distribution, transportation and discretionary services are aggregated and received on a monthly basis. Contract Balances. When the timing of delivery of service is different from the timing of the payments made by customers and when the right to consideration is conditioned on something other than the passage of time, the Registrants recognize either a contract asset (performance precedes billing) or a contract liability (customer payment precedes performance). Those customers that prepay are represented by contract liabilities until the performance obligations are satisfied. The Registrants’ contract assets are included in Accrued unbilled revenues in their Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of June 30, 2020 , CenterPoint Energy’s contract assets primarily relate to ESG contracts where revenue is recognized using the input method. The Registrants’ contract liabilities are included in Accounts payable and Other current liabilities in their Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of June 30, 2020 , CenterPoint Energy’s contract liabilities primarily relate to ESG contracts where revenue is recognized using the input method. The opening and closing balances of accounts receivable, other accrued unbilled revenue, contract assets and contract liabilities from contracts with customers from continuing operations as of December 31, 2019 and June 30, 2020, respectively, are as follows: CenterPoint Energy Accounts Receivable Other Accrued Unbilled Revenues Contract Assets Contract Liabilities (in millions) Opening balance as of December 31, 2019 $ 566 $ 469 $ 6 $ 30 Closing balance as of June 30, 2020 565 276 16 26 Increase (decrease) $ (1 ) $ (193 ) $ 10 $ (4 ) The amount of revenue recognized in the six-month period ended June 30, 2020 that was included in the opening contract liability was $28 million . The difference between the opening and closing balances of the contract liabilities primarily results from the timing difference between CenterPoint Energy’s performance and the customer’s payment. Houston Electric Accounts Receivable Other Accrued Unbilled Revenues Contract Liabilities (in millions) Opening balance as of December 31, 2019 $ 210 $ 117 $ 3 Closing balance as of June 30, 2020 282 125 5 Increase $ 72 $ 8 $ 2 The amount of revenue recognized in the six-month period ended June 30, 2020 that was included in the opening contract liability was $2 million . The difference between the opening and closing balances of the contract liabilities primarily results from the timing difference between Houston Electric’s performance and the customer’s payment. CERC Accounts Receivable Other Accrued Unbilled Revenues (in millions) Opening balance as of December 31, 2019 $ 222 $ 249 Closing balance as of June 30, 2020 155 83 Decrease $ (67 ) $ (166 ) 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 Months Thereafter Total (in millions) Revenue expected to be recognized on contracts in place as of June 30, 2020: Corporate and Other $ 218 $ 554 $ 772 $ 218 $ 554 $ 772 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. Provision of Doubtful Accounts The Registrants adopted ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments and all related amendments on January 1, 2020 using a modified retrospective method. ASU 2016-13 replaces the “incurred loss” model with a CECL model for financial assets measured at amortized cost and for certain off-balance sheet credit exposures. Adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Registrants’ respective consolidated financial statements. CenterPoint Energy and CERC applied the $5 million cumulative-effect adjustment of the transition to opening retained earnings as of the effective date, which included $2 million related to the Energy Services Disposal Group. There was no material cumulative-effect adjustment for Houston Electric. The disclosures for periods prior to adoption will be presented in accordance with accounting standards in effect for those periods. 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 had no material changes in its methodology to recognize losses on financial assets that fall under the scope of Topic 326, primarily due to the nature of its customers and regulatory environment. For a discussion of regulatory deferrals related to COVID-19, see Note 6.

Employee Benefit Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plans [Text Block]	Employee Benefit Plans The Registrants’ net periodic cost, before considering amounts subject to overhead allocations for capital expenditure projects or for amounts subject to deferral for regulatory purposes, includes the following components relating to pension and postretirement benefits: Pension Benefits (CenterPoint Energy) Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 (in millions) Service cost (1) $ 12 $ 10 $ 22 $ 20 Interest cost (2) 19 25 38 48 Expected return on plan assets (2) (29 ) (27 ) (57 ) (52 ) Amortization of prior service cost (2) — 2 — 4 Amortization of net loss (2) 11 13 21 26 Settlement cost (2) (3) 1 1 1 1 Curtailment gain (2) (4) — — — (1 ) Net periodic cost $ 14 $ 24 $ 25 $ 46 (1) Amounts presented in the table 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 table above are included in Other income (expense), net in each of the Registrants’ respective Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income, net of regulatory deferrals. (3) A one-time, non-cash settlement cost is required when the total lump sum distributions or other settlements of plan benefit obligations during a plan year exceed the service cost and interest cost components of the net periodic cost for that year. In each of the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, CenterPoint Energy recognized a non-cash settlement cost of $1 million and $1 million , respectively, due to lump sum settlement payments from Vectren pension plans. (4) A curtailment gain or loss is required when the expected future services of a significant number of employees are reduced or eliminated for the accrual of benefits. In the six months ended June 30, 2019, CenterPoint Energy recognized a pension curtailment gain of $1 million related to Vectren employees whose employment was terminated after the Merger closed. Postretirement Benefits Three Months Ended June 30, 2020 2019 CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric CERC CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric CERC (in millions) Service cost (1) $ 1 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 1 Interest cost (2) 3 2 1 4 2 1 Expected return on plan assets (2) (2 ) (1 ) — (1 ) (1 ) (1 ) Amortization of prior service cost (credit) (2) (1 ) (2 ) — (1 ) (2 ) — Net periodic cost (income) $ 1 $ (1 ) $ 1 $ 2 $ (1 ) $ 1 Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 2019 CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric CERC CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric CERC (in millions) Service cost (1) $ 1 $ — $ — $ 1 $ — $ 1 Interest cost (2) 6 3 2 8 4 2 Expected return on plan assets (2) (3 ) (2 ) — (3 ) (2 ) (1 ) Amortization of prior service cost (credit) (2) (2 ) (3 ) — (2 ) (3 ) — Net periodic cost (income) $ 2 $ (2 ) $ 2 $ 4 $ (1 ) $ 2 (1) Amounts presented in the tables above are included in Operation and maintenance expense in each of the Registrants’ respective Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income, net of amounts capitalized and regulatory deferrals. (2) Amounts presented in the tables above are included in Other income (expense), net in each of the Registrants’ respective Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income, net of regulatory deferrals. The table below reflects the expected contributions to be made to the pension and postretirement benefit plans during 2020: CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric CERC (in millions) Expected minimum contribution to pension plans during 2020 $ 83 $ — $ — Expected contribution to postretirement benefit plans in 2020 11 4 4 The table below reflects the contributions made to the pension and postretirement benefit plans during 2020: Three Months Ended June 30, 2020 Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric CERC CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric CERC (in millions) Pension plans $ 3 $ — $ — $ 5 $ — $ — Postretirement benefit plans 2 — — 6 2 1 COVID-19 Impacts . The uncertainties related to the COVID-19 pandemic have had a negative impact on financial markets, which has resulted in volatility of the fair value of plan assets during the six months ended June 30, 2020. The Registrants remeasure the funded status of each plan as of December 31 each year, and at an interim period when a curtailment, settlement, or material plan amendment occurs. On the measurement date, actuarial gains or losses are recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income, or when cost is recovered through regulated rates, as a regulatory asset or liability. During the six months ended June 30, 2020, the pension plan assets declined by approximately $8 million or 0.4% from December 31, 2019. The fair value of pension plan assets on the plan remeasurement date impacts the funded status, net period cost, and the required cash contributions; however, changes to pension plan assets do not impact the Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income or Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets in interim periods when a plan remeasurement is not required. An interim remeasurement of the plans is not required as a result of plan asset decline in fair value, and therefore, an interim remeasurement did not occur during the six months ended June 30, 2020 as a result of changes to plan asset fair value.

Regulatory Matters

Regulatory Matters	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020
Regulatory Assets and Liabilities, Other Disclosures [Abstract]
Regulatory Accounting [Text Block]	Regulatory Matters Equity Return (CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric) As of June 30, 2020, CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric have not recognized an allowed equity return of $154 million because such return will be recognized as it is recovered in future rates. The timing of CenterPoint Energy’s and Houston Electric’s recognition of the equity return will vary each period based on amounts actually collected during that period. The unrecognized equity return will be recognized as it is recovered in rates through 2024. The actual amounts recognized are adjusted at least annually to correct any over-collections or under-collections during the preceding 12 months. Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric (in millions) Allowed equity return recognized $ 8 $ 8 $ 13 $ 13 $ 14 $ 14 $ 24 $ 24 Houston Electric Base Rate Case (CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric) On April 5, 2019, and subsequently adjusted in errata filings in May and June 2019, Houston Electric filed its base rate application with the PUCT and the cities in its service area to change its rates, seeking approval for revenue increases of approximately $194 million , among other requests. On January 23, 2020, Houston Electric filed a Stipulation and Settlement Agreement with the PUCT that provided for the following, among other things: • an overall revenue requirement increase of approximately $13 million ; • an ROE of 9.4% ; • a capital structure of 57.5% debt/ 42.5% equity; • a refund of unprotected EDIT of $105 million plus carrying costs over approximately 30-36 months; and • recovery of all retail transmission related costs through the TCRF. Also, Houston Electric is not required to make a one-time refund of capital recovery from its TCOS and DCRF mechanisms. Future TCOS filings will take into account both ADFIT and EDIT until the final order from Houston Electric’s next base rate proceeding. No rate base items are required to be written off; however, approximately $12 million in rate case expenses were written off in 2019. A base rate application must be filed for Houston Electric no later than four years from the date of the PUCT’s final order in the proceeding. Additionally, Houston Electric will not file a DCRF in 2020, nor will a subsequent separate proceeding with the PUCT be instituted regarding EDIT on Houston Electric’s securitized assets. Furthermore, under the terms of the Stipulation and Settlement Agreement, Houston Electric agreed to adopt certain ring-fencing measures to increase its financial separateness from CenterPoint Energy. The PUCT approved the Stipulation and Settlement Agreement at its February 14, 2020 open meeting and issued a final order on March 9, 2020. The PUCT declined to impose a dividend restriction in the final order. The rates were implemented on April 23, 2020. CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric record pre-tax expense for (i) probable disallowances of capital investments and (ii) customer refund obligations and costs deferred in regulatory assets when recovery of such amounts is no longer considered probable. COVID-19 Regulatory Matters Governors, public utility commissions and other authorities in the states in which the Registrants operate have issued a number of different orders related to the COVID-19 pandemic, including orders addressing customer non-payment and disconnection. CenterPoint Energy continues to support those customers who may need payment assistance, arrangements or extensions. On March 26, 2020, the PUCT issued two orders related to COVID-19 issues that affect Houston Electric. First, the PUCT issued an order related to accrual of regulatory assets granting authority for utilities to record as a regulatory asset expenses resulting from the effects of COVID-19. In the order, the PUCT noted that it will consider whether a utility’s request for recovery of the regulatory asset is reasonable and necessary in a future proceeding. Second, the PUCT issued an order related to the COVID-19 ERP, as modified, which, in light of the disaster declarations issued by the governor of Texas, authorized a customer assistance program for certain residential customers of electric service in areas of Texas open to customer choice, which includes Houston Electric’s service territory. The COVID-19 ERP will end on August 31, 2020, unless otherwise extended by the PUCT. Final applications for the program must be filed by this date. The transmission and distribution utilities must file a tariff rider cancellation seven days before the date on which it is estimated that revenues from the COVID-19 ERP are approximately equal to its program expenses. Final program reports must be submitted to the PUCT by December 1, 2020. The COVID-19 ERP allows for any over/under collection of program expenses to be recorded as a regulatory asset or liability. Houston Electric may seek recovery of such regulatory asset or liability in its next DCRF or base rate case proceeding. CenterPoint Energy’s and Houston Electric’s COVID-19 ERP regulatory liability was approximately $1 million as of June 30, 2020. Commissions in all of Indiana Electric’s and CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s NGD 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 $11 million and $9 million , respectively, as of June 30, 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 NGD 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. ERCOT Loan Agreement (CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric) On April 13, 2020, in connection with the PUCT’s COVID-19 ERP, Houston Electric entered into a no-interest loan agreement with ERCOT pursuant to which ERCOT loaned Houston Electric approximately $5 million to provide for an initial fund balance for reimbursement. As of June 30, 2020, $5 million of the loan was still outstanding. The ERCOT loan repayment date is September 26, 2020, unless extended by the PUCT.

Derivative Instruments

Derivative Instruments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments [Text Block]	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. 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. As a result, the following disclosures do not include the Energy Services Disposal Group. See Note 3 for further information. (a) Non-Trading Activities Commodity Derivative Instruments (CenterPoint Energy). CenterPoint Energy, through its 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. For the impacts of cash flow hedges to Accumulated other comprehensive income, see Note 19 . The table below summarizes the Registrants’ outstanding interest rate hedging activity: June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 Hedging Classification Notional Principal (in millions) Economic hedge (1) $ 84 $ 84 (1) Relates to interest rate derivative instruments at SIGECO. Weather Hedges (CenterPoint Energy and CERC). CenterPoint Energy and CERC have weather normalization or other rate mechanisms that largely mitigate the impact of weather on NGD in Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, Minnesota, Ohio and Oklahoma, as applicable. CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s NGD 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 NGD 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 NGD’s results in Texas and on CenterPoint Energy’s electric operations’ results in its Texas and Indiana service territories. CenterPoint Energy and CERC, as applicable, enter into winter season weather hedges from time to time for certain NGD 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 do not 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 Assets and Liabilities, while the last table provides a breakdown of the related income statement impacts. Fair Value of Derivative Instruments and Hedged Items (CenterPoint Energy) June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 Balance Sheet Location Derivative Assets Fair Value Derivative Liabilities Fair Value Derivative Assets Fair Value Derivative Liabilities Fair Value (in millions) Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Natural gas derivatives (1) Current Liabilities: Non-trading derivative liabilities $ — $ 7 $ — $ 7 Natural gas derivatives (1) Other Liabilities: Non-trading derivative liabilities — 11 — 15 Interest rate derivatives Other Liabilities — 27 — 10 Indexed debt securities derivative Current Liabilities — 834 — 893 Total $ — $ 879 $ — $ 925 (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 a liability position with no offsetting amounts. Income Statement Impact of Hedge Accounting Activity (CenterPoint Energy) Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, Income Statement Location 2020 2019 2020 2019 (in millions) Effects of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments on the income statement: Indexed debt securities derivative Gain (loss) on indexed debt securities $ (76 ) $ (68 ) $ 59 $ (154 ) Total $ (76 ) $ (68 ) $ 59 $ (154 )

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements [Text Block]	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. 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. As a result, the following disclosures do not include the Energy Services Disposal Group. The following tables present information about the Registrants’ assets and liabilities (including derivatives that are presented net) measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 and indicate the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized by the Registrants to determine such fair value. CenterPoint Energy June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets (in millions) Corporate equities $ 755 $ — $ — $ 755 $ 825 $ — $ — $ 825 Investments, including money market funds (1) 48 — — 48 49 — — 49 Total assets $ 803 $ — $ — $ 803 $ 874 $ — $ — $ 874 Liabilities Indexed debt securities derivative $ — $ 835 $ — $ 835 $ — $ 893 $ — $ 893 Interest rate derivatives — 27 — 27 — 10 — 10 Natural gas derivatives — 18 — 18 — 22 — 22 Total liabilities $ — $ 880 $ — $ 880 $ — $ 925 $ — $ 925 Houston Electric June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets (in millions) Investments, including money market funds (1) $ 31 $ — $ — $ 31 $ 32 $ — $ — $ 32 Total assets $ 31 $ — $ — $ 31 $ 32 $ — $ — $ 32 CERC June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets (in millions) Corporate equities $ 2 $ — $ — $ 2 $ 2 $ — $ — $ 2 Investments, including money market funds (1) 11 — — 11 11 — — 11 Total assets $ 13 $ — $ — $ 13 $ 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 Based on the severity of the decline in Enable’s common unit price during the three months ended March 31, 2020 primarily due to the macroeconomic conditions related in part to the COVID-19 pandemic, combined with Enable’s announcement on April 1, 2020 to reduce its quarterly distributions per common unit by 50% , and the market outlook indicating excess supply and continued depressed crude oil and natural gas prices impacting the midstream oil and gas industry, CenterPoint Energy determined, in connection with its preparation of the financial statements, that an other than temporary decrease in the value of its investment in Enable had occurred. The impairment analysis compared the estimated fair value of CenterPoint Energy’s investment in Enable to its carrying value. The fair value of the investment was determined using multiple valuation methodologies under both the market and income approaches. Both of these approaches incorporate significant estimates and assumptions, including: Market Approach • quoted price of Enable’s common units; • recent market transactions of comparable companies; and • EBITDA to total enterprise multiples for comparable companies. Income Approach • Enable’s forecasted cash distributions; • projected cash flows of incentive distribution rights; • forecasted growth rate of Enable’s cash distributions; and • determination of the cost of equity, including market risk premiums. Weighting of the Different Approaches Significant unobservable inputs used include the growth rate applied to the projected cash distributions beyond 2020 and the discount rate used to determine the present value of the estimated future cash flows. Based on the significant unobservable estimates and assumptions required, CenterPoint Energy concluded that the fair value estimate should be classified as a Level 3 measurement within the fair value hierarchy. As a result of this analysis, CenterPoint Energy recorded an other than temporary impairment on its investment in Enable of $1,541 million , reducing the fair value of the investment to $848 million as of March 31, 2020. See Note 9 for further discussion of the impairment. As of March 31, 2020, CenterPoint Energy recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $185 million in the Indiana Electric Integrated reporting unit. See Note 10 for further information. CenterPoint Energy and CERC did not identify triggering events in the three months ended June 30, 2020, and goodwill impairment tests were not required or performed as of June 30, 2020. CenterPoint Energy recognized a goodwill impairment charge of $82 million upon classifying the Infrastructure Services Disposal Group as held for sale, and CenterPoint Energy and CERC recognized a goodwill impairment charge of approximately $62 million and a loss on assets held for sale of approximately $70 million upon classifying the Energy Services Disposal Group as held for sale. Using a market approach, the fair value of the Infrastructure Services Disposal Group as of March 31, 2020 is determined to be approximately $864 million and the fair value of the Energy Services Disposal Group as of March 31, 2020 is determined to be approximately $402 million . CenterPoint Energy and CERC recognized a reduction to the loss on classification to held for sale of $39 million in connection with the sale of the Energy Services Disposal Group during the three months ended June 30, 2020. For both Disposal Groups, CenterPoint Energy and CERC, as applicable, used the contractual sales price adjusted for estimated working capital and other contractual purchase price adjustments to determine fair value, which are Level 2 inputs. 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 classified as “trading” and short-term borrowings are estimated to be approximately equivalent to carrying amounts and have been excluded from the table below. The carrying amounts of non-trading derivative assets and liabilities and CenterPoint Energy’s ZENS indexed debt securities derivative are stated at fair value and are excluded from the table below. The fair value of each debt instrument is determined by multiplying the principal amount of each debt instrument by a combination of historical trading prices and comparable issue data. These liabilities, which are not measured at fair value in the Registrants’ Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, but for which the fair value is disclosed, would be classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 Carrying Amount Fair Value Carrying Amount Fair Value (in millions) CenterPoint Energy Long-term debt, including current maturities (1) $ 12,850 $ 14,424 $ 15,093 $ 16,067 Houston Electric Long-term debt, including current maturities (1) $ 5,115 $ 5,938 $ 4,950 $ 5,457 CERC Long-term debt, including current maturities $ 2,406 $ 2,743 $ 2,546 $ 2,803 (1) Includes Securitization Bonds debt.

Unconsolidated Affiliate (Cente

Unconsolidated Affiliate (CenterPoint Energy and CERC)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Unconsolidated Affiliate (CenterPoint Energy and CERC) [Text Block]	Unconsolidated Affiliates (CenterPoint Energy and CERC) CenterPoint Energy has the ability to significantly influence the operating and financial policies of Enable, a publicly traded MLP, and, accordingly, accounts for its investment in Enable’s common units using the equity method of accounting. Enable is considered to be a VIE because the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact Enable’s economic performance does not reside with the holders of equity investment at risk. However, CenterPoint Energy is not considered the primary beneficiary of Enable since it does not have the power to direct the activities of Enable that are considered most significant to the economic performance of Enable. As of June 30, 2020 , CenterPoint Energy’s maximum exposure to loss related to Enable is limited to its investment in unconsolidated affiliate, its investment in Enable Series A Preferred Units and outstanding current accounts receivable from Enable. Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliates (CenterPoint Energy): June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 (in millions) Enable $ 854 $ 2,406 Other 1 2 Total $ 855 $ 2,408 CenterPoint Energy evaluates its equity method investments for impairment when factors indicate that a decrease in the value of its investment has occurred and the carrying amount of its investment may not be recoverable. An impairment loss, based on the excess of the carrying value over the estimated fair value of the investment, is recognized in earnings when an impairment is deemed to be other than temporary. Considerable judgment is used in determining if an impairment loss is other than temporary and the amount of any impairment. Based on the severity of the decline in Enable’s common unit price during the three months ended March 31, 2020 due to the macroeconomic conditions related in part to the COVID-19 pandemic, combined with Enable’s announcement on April 1, 2020 to reduce its quarterly distributions per common unit by 50%, and the market outlook indicating excess supply of crude oil and natural gas and continued depressed crude oil and natural gas prices impacting the midstream oil and gas industry, CenterPoint Energy determined, in connection with its preparation of the financial statements, that an other than temporary decrease in the value of its investment in Enable had occurred. CenterPoint Energy reduced the carrying value of its investment in Enable to its estimated fair value of $848 million as of March 31, 2020 and recognized an impairment charge of $1,541 million during the three months ended March 31, 2020. Both the income approach and market approach were utilized to estimate the fair value of CenterPoint Energy’s equity investment in Enable, which includes common units, general partner interest and incentive distribution rights held by CenterPoint Energy through CNP Midstream. The determination of fair value considered a number of relevant factors including Enable’s common unit price and forecasted distributions, recent comparable transactions and the limited float of Enable’s publicly traded common units. CenterPoint Energy did not identify a decrease in value as of June 30, 2020, and no impairments in its investment in Enable were recorded during the three months ended June 30, 2020. See Note 8 for further discussion of the determination of fair value of CenterPoint Energy’s investment in Enable as of March 31, 2020. Equity in Earnings (Losses) of Unconsolidated Affiliates, net (CenterPoint Energy): Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 (in millions) Enable $ 43 $ 74 $ (1,432 ) $ 136 Other — — — — Total $ 43 $ 74 $ (1,432 ) $ 136 CenterPoint Energy recognized a loss of $1,432 million from its investment in Enable for the six months ended June 30, 2020. This loss included an impairment charge on its investment in Enable of $1,541 million discussed above. Limited Partner Interest and Units Held in Enable (CenterPoint Energy): June 30, 2020 Limited Partner Interest (1) Common Units (2) Enable Series A Preferred Units (3) CenterPoint Energy 53.7 % 233,856,623 14,520,000 OGE 25.5 % 110,982,805 — Public unitholders 20.8 % 90,614,781 — Total units outstanding 100.0 % 435,454,209 14,520,000 (1) Excludes the Enable Series A Preferred Units owned by CenterPoint Energy. (2) Held indirectly through CNP Midstream by CenterPoint Energy. (3) 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 June 30, 2020 and $363 million as of December 31, 2019 . No impairment charges or adjustment due to observable price changes were required or recorded during the current or prior reporting periods. 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): June 30, 2020 Management Rights (1) Incentive Distribution Rights (2) CenterPoint Energy (3) 50 % 40 % OGE 50 % 60 % (1) Enable is controlled jointly by CenterPoint Energy and OGE. Sale of CenterPoint Energy’s or OGE’s ownership interests in Enable GP to a third party is subject to mutual rights of first offer and first refusal, and CenterPoint Energy is not permitted to dispose of less than all of its interest in Enable GP. (2) If cash distributions to Enable’s unitholders exceed $0.330625 per common unit in any quarter, Enable GP will receive increasing percentages or incentive distributions rights, up to 50% , of the cash Enable distributes in excess of that amount. In certain circumstances Enable GP will have the right to reset the minimum quarterly distribution and the target distribution levels at which the incentive distributions receive increasing percentages to higher levels based on Enable’s cash distributions at the time of the exercise of this reset election. To date, no incentive distributions have been made. (3) Held indirectly through CNP Midstream. Distributions Received from Enable (CenterPoint Energy): CenterPoint Energy Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 Per Unit Cash Distribution Per Unit Cash Distribution Per Unit Cash Distribution Per Unit Cash Distribution (in millions, except per unit amounts) Enable common units (1) $ 0.16525 $ 39 $ 0.3180 $ 75 $ 0.49575 $ 116 $ 0.6360 $ 149 Enable Series A Preferred Units 0.62500 9 0.6250 9 1.2500 18 1.2500 18 Total CenterPoint Energy $ 48 $ 84 $ 134 $ 167 (1) On April 1, 2020, Enable announced a 50% reduction in its quarterly distribution per common unit from $0.3305 to $0.16525 . Transactions with Enable (CenterPoint Energy and CERC): The transactions with Enable in the following tables exclude transactions with the Energy Services Disposal Group. See Note 3 for further information. Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 (in millions) CenterPoint Energy Natural gas expenses, includes transportation and storage costs $ 17 $ 18 $ 44 $ 45 CERC Natural gas expenses, includes transportation and storage costs 17 18 44 45 June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 (in millions) CenterPoint Energy Accounts payable for natural gas purchases from Enable $ 6 $ 9 CERC Accounts payable for natural gas purchases from Enable 6 9 Summarized unaudited consolidated income information for Enable is as follows: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 (in millions) Operating revenues $ 515 $ 735 $ 1,163 $ 1,530 Cost of sales, excluding depreciation and amortization 177 317 403 695 Depreciation and amortization 105 110 209 215 Goodwill and long-lived assets impairments — — 28 — Operating income 80 167 226 332 Net income attributable to Enable common units 35 115 138 228 Reconciliation of Equity in Earnings (Losses), net: CenterPoint Energy’s interest $ 19 $ 62 $ 74 $ 123 Basis difference amortization (1) 24 12 36 24 Loss on dilution, net of proportional basis difference recognition — — (1 ) (11 ) Impairment of CenterPoint Energy’s equity method investment in Enable — — (1,541 ) — CenterPoint Energy’s equity in earnings (losses), net $ 43 $ 74 $ (1,432 ) $ 136 (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. Summarized unaudited consolidated balance sheet information for Enable is as follows: June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 (in millions) Current assets $ 374 $ 389 Non-current assets 11,687 11,877 Current liabilities 290 780 Non-current liabilities 4,454 4,077 Non-controlling interest 27 37 Preferred equity 362 362 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (9 ) (3 ) Enable partners’ equity 6,937 7,013 Reconciliation of Investment in Enable: CenterPoint Energy’s ownership interest in Enable partners’ equity $ 3,720 $ 3,767 CenterPoint Energy’s basis difference (1) (2,866 ) (1,361 ) CenterPoint Energy’s equity method investment in Enable $ 854 $ 2,406 (1) 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. The basis difference is being amortized through the year 2048.

Goodwill and Other Intangibles

Goodwill and Other Intangibles (CenterPoint Energy and CERC)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangibles (CenterPoint Energy and CERC) [Text Block]	Goodwill and Other Intangibles (CenterPoint Energy and CERC) Goodwill and intangible assets related to the Infrastructure Services and Energy Services Disposal Groups are classified as held for sale on CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s respective recast Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2019, as applicable, and are excluded from the tabular disclosures below. See Note 3 for further information. CenterPoint Energy’s goodwill by reportable segment as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 is as follows: December 31, 2019 Impairment June 30, 2020 (in millions) Indiana Electric Integrated $ 1,121 $ 185 $ 936 Natural Gas Distribution 3,312 — 3,312 Corporate and Other 449 — 449 Total $ 4,882 $ 185 $ 4,697 CERC’s goodwill by reportable segment as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 is as follows: June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 (in millions) Natural Gas Distribution $ 746 $ 746 Corporate and Other 11 11 Total $ 757 $ 757 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 Corporate and Other at CenterPoint Energy. The estimated fair value of the reporting unit 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. In connection with their preparation of the financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2020, CenterPoint Energy and CERC identified triggering events to perform interim goodwill impairment tests for each of their reporting units due to the macroeconomic conditions related in part to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting decrease in CenterPoint Energy’s enterprise market capitalization below book value from the decline in CenterPoint Energy’s common stock price. CenterPoint Energy’s interim impairment test in the three months ended March 31, 2020 resulted in a non-cash goodwill impairment charge in the amount of $185 million for the Indiana Electric Integrated reportable segment. The Indiana Electric Integrated reporting unit fair value analysis resulted in an implied fair value of goodwill of $936 million for this reporting unit as of March 31, 2020, and as a result, the non-cash impairment charge was recorded in the three months ended March 31, 2020. CenterPoint Energy estimated the value of the Indiana Electric Integrated reporting unit using primarily an income approach. Under the income approach, the fair value of the reporting unit is determined by using the present value of future expected cash flows, which include management’s projections of the amount and timing of future capital expenditures and the cash inflows from the related regulatory recovery. These estimated future cash flows are then discounted using a rate that approximates the weighted average cost of capital of a market participant. The selection of the discount rate requires significant judgment. With the exception of Indiana Electric Integrated discussed above, the fair value of each of CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s reporting units exceeded their carrying value, resulting in no goodwill impairment from the March 31, 2020 interim impairment test. See Note 3 for goodwill impairments included within discontinued operations. CenterPoint Energy and CERC did not identify triggering events in the three months ended June 30, 2020, and goodwill impairment tests were not required or performed as of June 30, 2020. The tables below present information on CenterPoint Energy’s other intangible assets recorded in Other non-current assets on CenterPoint Energy’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and the related amortization expense included in Depreciation and amortization on CenterPoint Energy’s Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income, unless otherwise indicated. June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Balance Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Balance (in millions) Customer relationships $ 33 $ (6 ) $ 27 $ 33 $ (4 ) $ 29 Trade names 16 (2 ) 14 16 (1 ) 15 Construction backlog (1) 5 (4 ) 1 5 (4 ) 1 Operation and maintenance agreements (1) 12 (1 ) 11 12 — 12 Other 2 (1 ) 1 2 (1 ) 1 Total $ 68 $ (14 ) $ 54 $ 68 $ (10 ) $ 58 (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 June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 (in millions) Amortization expense of intangible assets recorded in Depreciation and amortization (1) $ 2 $ 1 $ 3 $ 1 Amortization expense of intangible assets recorded in Non-utility cost of revenues, including natural gas (1) (2) — (4 ) 1 3 (1) Assets held for sale are not amortized. The table reflects amortization on continuing operations. For further information on discontinued operations, see Note 3 . (2) Includes a $4 million benefit related to a cumulative catch-up for remeasurement of the purchase price allocation for the three months ended June 30, 2019 related to the operation and maintenance agreements and construction backlog intangibles acquired in the Merger. CenterPoint Energy estimates that amortization expense of intangible assets with finite lives for the next five years will be as follows: Amortization Expense (1) CenterPoint Energy (in millions) Remaining six months of 2020 $ 4 2021 6 2022 6 2023 6 2024 5 2025 5 (1) Assets held for sale are not amortized. The table reflects amortization on continuing operations. For further information on discontinued operations, see Note 3 .

Indexed Debt Securities (ZENS)

Indexed Debt Securities (ZENS) and Securities Related to ZENS (CenterPoint Energy)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Indexed Debt Securities (ZENS) and Securities Related to ZENS (CenterPoint Energy) [Text Block]	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 classified as trading securities and are expected to be held to facilitate CenterPoint Energy’s ability to meet its obligation under the ZENS. Unrealized gains and losses resulting from changes in the market value of the ZENS-Related Securities are recorded in CenterPoint Energy’s Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income. Shares Held June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 AT&T Common 10,212,945 10,212,945 Charter Common 872,503 872,503 (b) ZENS In September 1999, CenterPoint Energy issued ZENS having an original principal amount of $1.0 billion of which $828 million remained outstanding as of June 30, 2020 . Each ZENS is exchangeable at the holder’s option at any time for an amount of cash equal to 95% of the market value of the reference shares attributable to such note. The number and identity of the reference shares attributable to each ZENS are adjusted for certain corporate events. CenterPoint Energy’s reference shares for each ZENS consisted of the following: June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 (in shares) AT&T Common 0.7185 0.7185 Charter Common 0.061382 0.061382 CenterPoint Energy pays interest on the ZENS at an annual rate of 2% plus the amount of any quarterly cash dividends paid in respect of the reference shares attributable to the ZENS. The principal amount of the ZENS is subject to increases or decreases to the extent that the annual yield from interest and cash dividends on the reference shares attributable to the ZENS is less than or more than 2.309% . The adjusted principal amount is defined in the ZENS instrument as “contingent principal.” As of June 30, 2020 , the ZENS, having an original principal amount of $828 million and a contingent principal amount of $66 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.

Short-Term Borrowings and Long-

Short-Term Borrowings and Long-term Debt	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Short-term Borrowings and Long-term Debt [Text Block]	Long-term Debt Debt Transactions. In June 2020, Houston Electric issued $300 million aggregate principal amount of 2.90% general mortgage bonds maturing in 2050. Total proceeds, net of issuance expenses and fees, of approximately $296 million were used for general limited liability company purposes, including capital expenditures and the repayment of a portion of borrowings under the CenterPoint Energy money pool. Debt Repayments. In April 2020, VCC repaid the aggregate principal amount of its $200 million variable term loan, and VUHI refinanced a $100 million 6.28% guaranteed senior note that matured in April 2020. In June 2020, VUHI repaid the aggregate principal amount of its $300 million variable term loan. In addition, in June 2020, CenterPoint Energy repaid $300 million of principal on its outstanding $1.0 billion variable rate term loan. Credit Facilities . The Registrants had the following revolving credit facilities as of June 30, 2020 : Execution Date Registrant Size of Facility Draw Rate of LIBOR plus (1) Financial Covenant Limit on Debt for Borrowed Money to Capital Ratio Debt for Borrowed Money to Capital Ratio as of June 30, 2020 (2) Termination Date (in millions) March 3, 2016 CenterPoint Energy $ 3,300 1.500% 65% (3) 52.4% March 3, 2022 July 14, 2017 CenterPoint Energy (4) 400 1.125% 65% 51.3% July 14, 2022 July 14, 2017 CenterPoint Energy (5) 200 1.250% 65% 56.8% July 14, 2022 March 3, 2016 Houston Electric 300 1.250% 65% (3) 53.9% March 3, 2022 March 3, 2016 CERC 900 1.125% 65% 50.7% March 3, 2022 Total $ 5,100 (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 from 65% 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 $10 million swing line sublimit and a $20 million letter of credit sublimit. This credit facility backstops VUHI’s commercial paper program. (5) This credit facility was issued by VCC, is guaranteed by Vectren and includes a $40 million swing line sublimit and an $80 million letter of credit sublimit. The Registrants, including the subsidiaries of CenterPoint Energy discussed above, were in compliance with all financial debt covenants as of June 30, 2020 . The table below reflects the utilization of the Registrants’ respective revolving credit facilities: June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 Registrant Loans Letters Commercial Weighted Average Interest Rate Loans Letters Commercial Weighted Average Interest Rate (in millions, except weighted average interest rate) CenterPoint Energy (1) $ — $ 8 $ 316 0.38 % $ — $ 6 $ 1,633 1.95 % CenterPoint Energy (2) — — 232 0.28 % — — 268 2.08 % CenterPoint Energy (3) — — — — % — — — — % Houston Electric — — — — % — — — — % CERC — 1 232 0.26 % — 1 377 1.94 % Total $ — $ 9 $ 780 $ — $ 7 $ 2,278 (1) CenterPoint Energy’s outstanding commercial paper generally has maturities of 60 days or less. (2) This credit facility was issued by VUHI and is guaranteed by SIGECO, Indiana Gas and VEDO. (3) This credit facility was issued by VCC and is guaranteed by Vectren. Other. As of June 30, 2020 , certain financial institutions agreed to issue, from time to time, up to $50 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, 2020. As of June 30, 2020 , such financial institutions had issued $7 million of letters of credit on behalf of Vectren and certain of its subsidiaries. Houston Electric had $68 million and $68 million of general mortgage bonds outstanding as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes [Text Block]	Income Taxes The Registrants reported the following effective tax rates: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 CenterPoint Energy - Continuing operations (1) (2) 18 % 9 % 26 % 9 % CenterPoint Energy - Discontinued operations (3) (4) 475 % 24 % (14 )% 24 % Houston Electric (5) 16 % 19 % 15 % 19 % CERC - Continuing operations (6) (7) (31 )% 167 % 17 % 10 % CERC - Discontinued operations (8) (9) 200 % 16 % 4 % 19 % (1) CenterPoint Energy’s higher effective tax rate on income from continuing operations for the three months ended June 30, 2020 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2019 was primarily driven by state tax impacts. In 2019, CenterPoint Energy recorded state deferred tax benefits as a result of the impact of state tax law changes and the release of a valuation allowance on certain state net operating losses. (2) CenterPoint Energy’s higher effective tax rate on the loss from continuing operations for the six months ended June 30, 2020 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2019 was primarily due to lower earnings from the impairment of CenterPoint Energy’s investment in Enable. Other effective tax rate drivers included the non-deductible goodwill impairment at the Indiana Electric Integrated reporting unit, an increase in the amount of amortization of the net regulatory EDIT liability, and an increase in the amount of remeasurement of state tax liabilities for changes in apportionment, the effect of which was compounded by the book loss in the six months ended June 30, 2020. (3) CenterPoint Energy’s higher effective tax rate on income from discontinued operations for the three months ended June 30, 2020 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2019 was primarily due to the 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, the effect of which was compounded by lower book earnings in the three months ended June 30, 2020. See Note 3 for further information. (4) CenterPoint Energy’s lower effective tax rate on the loss from discontinued operations for the six months ended June 30, 2020 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2019 was primarily due to the 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, the effect of which was compounded by lower book earnings in the six months ended June 30, 2020. See Note 3 for further information. (5) Houston Electric’s lower effective tax rate for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 compared to the same periods for 2019 was primarily due to an increase in the amount of amortization of the net regulatory EDIT liability. (6) CERC’s lower effective tax rate on income from continuing operations for the three months ended June 30, 2020 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2019 was driven by state tax impacts. In 2019, CERC recorded state deferred tax benefits as a result of the impact of state tax law changes, and the release of a valuation allowance on certain state net operating losses, the effect of which was compounded by the book loss in the three months ending June 30, 2019. (7) CERC’s higher effective tax rate on income from continuing operations for the six months ended June 30, 2020 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2019 was primarily driven by the absence of state deferred tax benefits as result of state tax law changes and the release of a valuation allowance on certain state net operating losses in 2019. (8) CERC’s higher effective tax rate on income from discontinued operations for the three months ended June 30, 2020 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2019 was primarily due to the tax impacts from the sale of the Energy Services Disposal Group on June 1, 2020, the effect of which was compounded by lower book earnings in the three months ended June 30, 2020. See Note 3 for further information. (9) CERC’s lower effective tax rate on the loss from discontinued operations for the six months ended June 30, 2020 was primarily due to the tax impacts from the sale of the Energy Services Disposal Group on June 1, 2020, the effect of which was compounded by lower book earnings in the six months ended June 30, 2020. See Note 3 for further information. 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. The tax effects of changes in tax laws are recognized in the period in which the law is enacted. As such, during the three months ended March 31, 2020, CenterPoint Energy recorded a $19 million benefit resulting from carryback claims expected to be filed to refund taxes paid. The Registrants reported a net uncertain tax liability, inclusive of interest and penalties, of $7 million as of June 30, 2020. The net $1 million decrease during the three months ended June 30, 2020 was primarily driven by the transfer of the Infrastructure Services Disposal Group’s uncertain tax liability to PowerTeam Services as part of the April 2020 sale. The Registrants believe that it is reasonably possible that a decrease of up to $5 million in unrecognized tax benefits may occur in the next 12 months as a result of a lapse of statutes on older exposures and/or the filing of applications for accounting method changes. For CenterPoint Energy, tax years through 2018 have been audited and settled with the IRS. For the 2019 and 2020 tax years, CenterPoint Energy is a participant in the IRS’s Compliance Assurance Process. Legacy Vectren is not currently under audit with the IRS, and the 2017-2019 tax years are still open.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies [Text Block]	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 Distribution reportable segment and CenterPoint Energy’s Indiana Electric Integrated reportable segment. Contracts with minimum payment provisions have various quantity requirements and durations and are not classified as non-trading derivative assets and liabilities in CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 . 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. As of June 30, 2020 , minimum purchase obligations are approximately: CenterPoint Energy CERC (in millions) Remaining six months of 2020 $ 356 $ 246 2021 669 484 2022 499 321 2023 390 236 2024 321 224 2025 266 219 2026 and beyond 1,812 1,495 Indiana Electric Integrated also has other purchased power agreements that do not have minimum thresholds but 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. CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s NGD have AMAs associated with their utility distribution service in Arkansas, Louisiana and Oklahoma with the Energy Services Disposal Group. The AMAs have varying terms, the longest of which expires in 2021. For further information, see Note 3. (b) Guarantees and Product Warranties (CenterPoint Energy) In the normal course of business, ESG enters into contracts requiring it to timely install infrastructure, operate facilities, pay vendors and subcontractors and support warranty obligations and, at times, issue payment and performance bonds and other forms of assurance in connection with these contracts. Specific to ESG’s role as a general contractor in the performance contracting industry, as of June 30, 2020 , there were 66 open surety bonds supporting future performance with an aggregate face amount of approximately $564 million . ESG’s exposure is less than the face amount of the surety bonds and is limited to the level of uncompleted work under the contracts. As of June 30, 2020 , approximately 26% 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. 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 operating effectively. CenterPoint Energy assessed the fair value of its obligation for such guarantees as of June 30, 2020 and no amounts were recorded on CenterPoint Energy’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. CenterPoint Energy issues parent company level guarantees to certain vendors, customers and other commercial counterparties of ESG. These guarantees do not represent incremental consolidated obligations, but rather, represent guarantees of subsidiary obligations to allow those subsidiaries to conduct business without posting other forms of assurance. As of June 30, 2020 , 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 $528 million as of June 30, 2020 . This exposure primarily relates to energy savings guarantees on federal energy savings performance contracts. Other parent company level guarantees, certain of which do not contain a cap on potential liability, have been issued in support of federal operations and maintenance projects for which a maximum exposure cannot be estimated based on the nature of the projects. While there can be no assurance that performance under any of these parent company guarantees will not be required in the future, CenterPoint Energy considers the likelihood of a material amount being incurred as remote. (c) Guarantees and Product Warranties (CenterPoint Energy and CERC) 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 transaction closing on June 1, 2020, CERC Corp. issued guarantees to CES’s counterparties to guarantee the payment of CES’s obligations. 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. 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 has a one- or two-year term, although CERC Corp. would generally not be released from obligations incurred by CES prior to the termination of such guarantee unless the beneficiary of the guarantee affirmatively released CERC Corp. from its obligations under the guarantee. Throughout CERC Corp.’s ownership of CES and subsequent to the sale of the Energy Services Disposal Group through June 30, 2020, 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 specified 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. Exposure under non-specified supply guarantees are expected to be immaterial after the 90-day period. No additional guarantees were provided by CERC Corp. to CES subsequent to the closing of the transaction on June 1, 2020. As of June 30, 2020, the estimated remaining exposure amount of CERC Corp.’s guarantees of CES’s obligations were approximately $103 million , excluding the effect of the obligation of Symmetry Energy Solutions Acquisition to indemnify CERC Corp. in the event of any losses related to the guarantees and of the credit support provided by a third party. While there can be no assurance that performance under any of these guarantees will not be required in the future, CenterPoint Energy and CERC consider the likelihood of a material amount being incurred as remote. CenterPoint Energy and CERC recorded no amounts on their respective Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 related to the performance of these guarantees. (d) Legal, Environmental and Other Matters Legal Matters Minnehaha Academy (CenterPoint Energy and CERC). On August 2, 2017, a natural gas explosion occurred at the Minnehaha Academy in Minneapolis, Minnesota, resulting in the deaths of two school employees, serious injuries to others and significant property damage to the school. CenterPoint Energy, certain of its subsidiaries, including CERC, and the contractor company working in the school have been named in litigation arising out of this incident. CenterPoint Energy and CERC have reached confidential settlement agreements on all wrongful death and property damage claims and with some personal injury claimants. Additionally, 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’s and CERC’s general and excess liability insurance policies provide coverage for third party bodily injury and property damage claims. Litigation Related to the Merger (CenterPoint Energy). With respect to the Merger, in July 2018, seven separate lawsuits were filed against Vectren and the individual directors of Vectren’s Board of Directors in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana. These lawsuits alleged violations of Sections 14(a) of the Exchange Act and SEC Rule 14a-9 on the grounds that the Vectren Proxy Statement filed on June 18, 2018 was materially incomplete because it omitted material information concerning the Merger. In August 2018, the seven lawsuits were consolidated, and the Court denied the plaintiffs’ request for a preliminary injunction. In October 2018, the plaintiffs filed their Consolidated Amended Class Action Complaint. In December 2018, two plaintiffs voluntarily dismissed their lawsuits. In September 2019, the court granted the defendants’ motion to dismiss and dismissed the remaining plaintiffs’ claims with prejudice, which the plaintiffs appealed in October 2019. Appellate briefing is complete, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit is scheduled to hear oral arguments in September 2020. The defendants believe that the allegations asserted are without merit and intend to vigorously defend themselves against the claims raised. CenterPoint Energy does not expect the ultimate outcome of this matter to have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Environmental Matters MGP Sites. CenterPoint Energy, CERC and their predecessors operated MGPs in the past. In addition, certain of CenterPoint Energy’s subsidiaries acquired through the Merger 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 all costs which they 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 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 five manufactured gas plant sites in SIGECO’s service territory, all of which are currently enrolled in the IDEM’s VRP. CenterPoint Energy is currently conducting some level of remedial activities, including groundwater monitoring at certain sites. (iii) Other MGPs (CenterPoint Energy and CERC). In addition to the Minnesota and Indiana sites, the EPA and other regulators have investigated MGP sites that were owned or operated by CenterPoint Energy or CERC or may have been owned by one of their former affiliates. Total costs that may be incurred in connection with addressing these sites cannot be determined at this time. The estimated accrued costs are limited to CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s share of the remediation efforts and are therefore net of exposures of other PRPs. The estimated range of possible remediation costs for the sites for which CenterPoint Energy and CERC believe they may have responsibility was based on remediation continuing for the minimum time frame given in the table below. June 30, 2020 CenterPoint Energy CERC (in millions, except years) Amount accrued for remediation $ 11 $ 7 Minimum estimated remediation costs 7 5 Maximum estimated remediation costs 53 32 Minimum years of remediation 5 30 Maximum years of remediation 50 50 The cost estimates are based on studies of a site or industry average costs for remediation of sites of similar size. The actual remediation costs will depend on the number of sites to be remediated, the participation of other PRPs, if any, and the remediation methods used. CenterPoint Energy and CERC do not expect the ultimate outcome of these matters to have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations or cash flows of either CenterPoint Energy or CERC. 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. While the EPA Phase I Reconsideration moves forward, the existing CCR compliance obligations remain in effect. In August 2019, the EPA proposed additional amendments to its CCR Rule with respect to beneficial reuse of ash and other materials. These amendments have not yet been finalized. The proposed revisions would not restrict Indiana Electric’s current beneficial reuse of its fly ash. Indiana Electric has three ash ponds, two at the F.B. Culley facility (Culley East and Culley West) and one at the A.B. Brown facility. Under the existing CCR Rule, Indiana Electric is required to perform integrity assessments, including ground water monitoring, at its F.B. Culley and A.B. Brown generating stations. The ground water studies are necessary to determine the remaining service life of the ponds and whether a pond must be retrofitted with liners or closed in place, with bottom ash handling conversions completed. 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. In March 2018, Indiana Electric began posting ground water data monitoring reports annually to its public website in accordance with the requirements of the CCR Rule. This data preliminarily 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 is required to cease disposal of new ash in the ponds and commence closure of the ponds by October 31, 2020. CenterPoint Energy plans to seek extensions available under the CCR Rule that would allow Indiana Electric to continue to use the ponds through December 31, 2023. The inability to take these extensions may result in increased and potentially significant operational costs in connection with the accelerated implementation of an alternative ash disposal system or adversely impact Indiana Electric’s future operations. Failure to comply with these requirements could also result in an enforcement proceeding including the imposition of fines and penalties. On April 24, 2019, Indiana Electric received an order from the IURC approving recovery in rates of costs associated with the closure of the Culley West pond, which has already commenced closure activities. CenterPoint Energy believes the language in the IURC order is favorable for future recovery of closure costs for Indiana Electric’s remaining ponds. Indiana Electric continues to refine site specific estimates of closure costs. 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. In March 2019, Indiana Electric entered into agreements with third parties for the excavation and beneficial reuse of the ash at the A.B. Brown ash pond. On November 4, 2019, the EPA released a pre-publication copy of proposed revisions to the CCR Rule. CenterPoint Energy continues to evaluate the proposals to determine potential impacts to current compliance plans for its A.B. Brown and F.B. Culley generating stations. 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, with recovery of costs to begin upon approval of Indiana Electric’s pending ECA proceeding, expected later in 2020. As of June 30, 2020 , CenterPoint Energy has recorded an approximate $72 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, Indiana Electric also anticipates equipment purchases of between $60 million and $80 million to complete the A.B. Brown closure project. Other Environmental. From time to time, the Registrants identify the presence of environmental contaminants during operations or on property where their predecessors have conducted operations. Other such sites involving contaminants may be identified in the future. The Registrants have and expect to continue to remediate any identified sites consistent with state and federal legal obligations. From time to time, the Registrants have received notices, and may receive notices in the future, from regulatory authorities or others regarding status as a PRP in connection with sites found to require remediation due to the presence of environmental contaminants. In addition, the Registrants have been, or may be, named from time to time as defendants in litigation related to such sites. Although the ultimate outcome of such matters cannot be predicted at this time, the Registrants do not expect these matters, either individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on their financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Other Proceedings The Registrants are involved in other legal, environmental, tax and regulatory proceedings before various courts, regulatory commissions and governmental agencies regarding matters arising in the ordinary course of business. From time to time, the Registrants are also defendants in legal proceedings with respect to claims brought by various plaintiffs against broad groups of participants in the energy industry. Some of these proceedings involve substantial amounts. The Registrants regularly analyze current information and, as necessary, provide accruals for probable and reasonably estimable liabilities on the eventual disposition of these matters. The Registrants do not expect the disposition of these matters to have a material adverse effect on the Registrants’ financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Earnings Per Share (CenterPoint

Earnings Per Share (CenterPoint Energy)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share (CenterPoint Energy) [Text Block]	Earnings Per Share (CenterPoint Energy) The Series C Preferred Stock issued in May 2020 are considered participating securities since these shares participate in dividends on Common Stock on a pari passu, pro rata, as-converted basis. See Note 19 for further information on the issuance of Series C Preferred Stock. As a result, beginning June 30, 2020, earnings per share on Common Stock is computed using the two-class method required for participating securities. 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 includes conversion features at a price that is below the fair value of the Common Stock on the commitment date. This beneficial conversion feature, which was approximately $32 million , represents 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 is recognized as a discount to Series C Preferred Stock and will be amortized as a deemed dividend over the period from the issue date to the first allowable conversion date, which is November 6, 2020. The amount amortized during the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 was approximately $9 million and $9 million , respectively. 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, which assumes conversion of the restricted stock, Series B Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock at the beginning of the period, giving income recognition for the add-back of the preferred share dividends, amortization of beneficial conversion feature, and undistributed earnings allocated to preferred shareholders. The following table reconciles numerators and denominators of CenterPoint Energy’s basic and diluted earnings per common share. Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 (in millions, except per share and share amounts) Continuing Operations Numerator: Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 135 $ 151 $ (918 ) $ 294 Less: Preferred stock dividend requirement 37 30 66 59 Less: Amortization of beneficial conversion feature 9 — 9 — Less: Undistributed earnings allocated to preferred shareholders (1) — — — — Income (loss) available to common shareholders from continuing operations - basic 89 121 (993 ) 235 Add back: Series B Preferred Stock dividend (2) — — — — Add back: Series C Preferred Stock dividend (3) — — — — Add back: Amortization of beneficial conversion feature — — — — Income (loss) available to common shareholders from continuing operations - diluted $ 89 $ 121 $ (993 ) $ 235 Discontinued Operations Numerator: Income (loss) available to common shareholders from discontinuing operations - basic and diluted $ (30 ) $ 44 $ (176 ) $ 70 Denominator: Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic 528,066,000 502,200,000 515,227,000 501,862,000 Plus: Incremental shares from assumed conversions: Restricted stock (4) 2,771,000 2,631,000 — 2,631,000 Series B Preferred Stock (2) — — — — Series C Preferred Stock (3) — — — — Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted 530,837,000 504,831,000 515,227,000 504,493,000 Earnings (loss) per common share: Basic earnings (loss) per common share - continuing operations $ 0.17 $ 0.24 $ (1.93 ) $ 0.47 Basic earnings (loss) per common share - discontinued operations (0.06 ) 0.09 (0.34 ) 0.14 Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share $ 0.11 $ 0.33 $ (2.27 ) $ 0.61 Diluted earnings (loss) per common share - continuing operations $ 0.17 $ 0.24 $ (1.93 ) $ 0.47 Diluted earnings (loss) per common share - discontinued operations (0.06 ) 0.09 (0.34 ) 0.14 Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share $ 0.11 $ 0.33 $ (2.27 ) $ 0.61 (1) There were no undistributed earnings to be allocated to participating securities for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020. (2) The computation of diluted earnings per common share outstanding for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 includes the reduction for Series B Preferred Stock dividends of $17 million and $34 million , respectively, within the numerator and excludes 35,940,000 and 35,923,000 potentially dilutive shares from the denominator, respectively, because the shares would be anti-dilutive. The computation of diluted earnings per common share outstanding for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 includes the reduction for Series B Preferred Stock dividends of $17 million and $34 million , within the numerator, respectively, and excludes 32,121,000 and 32,121,000 potentially dilutive shares from the denominator, respectively, because the shares would be anti-dilutive. (3) The computation of diluted earnings per common share outstanding for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 includes the reduction for Series C Preferred Stock dividends of $7 million and $7 million , respectively, including deemed dividends on the Series C Preferred Stock from the beneficial conversion feature of $9 million and $9 million , respectively, within the numerator and excludes 29,465,000 and 14,571,000 potentially dilutive shares, respectively, of Series C Preferred Stock from the denominator because the shares would be anti-dilutive. (4) 2,771,000 incremental common shares from assumed conversions of restricted stock have not been included in the computation of diluted earnings (loss) per share for the six months ended June 30, 2020 , respectively, as their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.

Reportable Segments

Reportable Segments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Reportable Business Segments [Text Block]	Reportable Segments The Registrants’ determination of reportable segments considers the strategic operating units under which the Registrants’ CODM manages sales, allocates resources and assesses performance of various products and services to wholesale or retail customers in differing regulatory environments. As of January 1, 2020, the Registrants’ CODM views net income as the measure of profit or loss for the reportable segments rather than the previous measure of operating income. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. As of June 30, 2020 , reportable segments by Registrant were as follows: Registrant Houston Electric T&D Indiana Electric Integrated Natural Gas Distribution Midstream Investments CenterPoint Energy X X X X Houston Electric X CERC X • CenterPoint Energy’s and Houston Electric’s Houston Electric T&D reportable segment consists of electric transmission and distribution services in the Texas Gulf Coast area. • CenterPoint Energy’s Indiana Electric Integrated reportable segment consists of electric transmission and distribution services primarily to southwestern Indiana and includes power generation and wholesale power operations. • CenterPoint Energy’s Natural Gas Distribution reportable segment consists of (i) intrastate natural gas sales to, and natural gas transportation and distribution for residential, commercial, industrial and institutional customers in Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma and Texas; (ii) permanent pipeline connections through interconnects with various interstate and intrastate pipeline companies through CEIP, formerly included in the Energy Services reportable segment; and (iii) temporary delivery of LNG and CNG throughout the contiguous 48 states through MES, formerly included in the Energy Services reportable segment. • CERC’s Natural Gas Distribution reportable segment consists of (i) intrastate natural gas sales to, and natural gas transportation and distribution for residential, commercial, industrial and institutional customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Texas; (ii) permanent pipeline connections through interconnects with various interstate and intrastate pipeline companies through CEIP, formerly included in the Energy Services reportable segment; and (iii) temporary delivery of LNG and CNG throughout the contiguous 48 states through MES, formerly included in the Energy Services reportable segment. • CenterPoint Energy’s Midstream Investments reportable segment consists of the equity investment in Enable (excluding the Enable Series A Preferred Units). CenterPoint Energy’s Corporate and Other consists of energy performance contracting and sustainable infrastructure services through ESG and other corporate operations which support all of the business operations of CenterPoint Energy. CERC’s Corporate and Other consists primarily of corporate operations which support all of the business operations of CERC. Discontinued Operations On February 3, 2020, CenterPoint Energy, through its subsidiary VUSI, entered into the Securities Purchase Agreement to sell the Infrastructure Services Disposal Group, which consists of underground pipeline construction and repair services. Accordingly, the previously reported Infrastructure Services reportable segment has been eliminated. The transaction closed on April 9, 2020. See Note 3 for further information. Additionally, on February 24, 2020, CenterPoint Energy, through its subsidiary CERC Corp., entered into the Equity Purchase Agreement to sell the Energy Services Disposal Group, which consists of non-rate regulated natural gas sales and service operations. Accordingly, the previously reported Energy Services reportable segment has been eliminated. The transaction closed on June 1, 2020. See Note 3 for further information. Financial data for reportable segments is as follows, including Corporate and Other, Eliminations and Discontinued Operations for reconciliation purposes: CenterPoint Energy Three Months Ended June 30, 2020 Revenues from External Customers Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated Affiliates Depreciation and Amortization Interest Income Interest Expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net Income (Loss) (in millions) Houston Electric T&D $ 720 (3) $ — $ 140 $ — (1) $ (43 ) (2) $ 16 $ 87 Indiana Electric Integrated 128 — 26 — (5 ) 5 19 Natural Gas Distribution 641 — 113 2 (29 ) 3 33 Midstream Investments — 43 — 1 (13 ) 7 24 Corporate and Other 86 — 18 27 (67 ) (2 ) (28 ) Eliminations — — — (29 ) 29 — — Continuing Operations $ 1,575 $ 43 $ 297 $ 1 $ (128 ) $ 29 135 Discontinued Operations, net (30 ) Consolidated $ 105 Three Months Ended June 30, 2019 Revenues from External Customers Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated Affiliates Depreciation and Amortization Interest Income Interest Expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net Income (Loss) (in millions) Houston Electric T&D $ 765 (3) $ — $ 176 $ 6 (1) $ (42 ) (2) $ 23 $ 100 Indiana Electric Integrated 140 — 25 — (7 ) 3 16 Natural Gas Distribution 673 — 107 — (24 ) 1 23 Midstream Investments — 74 — 3 (14 ) 13 50 Corporate and Other 80 — 14 39 (94 ) (25 ) (38 ) Eliminations — — — (47 ) 47 — — Consolidated $ 1,658 $ 74 $ 322 $ 1 $ (134 ) $ 15 151 Discontinued Operations, net 44 Consolidated $ 195 Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 Revenues from External Customers Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated Affiliates Depreciation and Amortization Interest Income Interest Expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net Income (Loss) (in millions) Houston Electric T&D $ 1,358 (3) $ — $ 269 $ 1 (1) $ (84 ) (2) $ 21 $ 124 Indiana Electric Integrated 257 — 51 — (11 ) 8 (152 ) Natural Gas Distribution 1,959 — 224 3 (61 ) 59 237 Midstream Investments — (1,432 ) (4 ) — 1 (27 ) (354 ) (1,103 ) Corporate and Other 168 — 35 75 (163 ) (52 ) (24 ) Eliminations — — — (79 ) 79 — — Continuing Operations $ 3,742 $ (1,432 ) $ 579 $ 1 $ (267 ) $ (318 ) (918 ) Discontinued Operations, net (176 ) Consolidated $ (1,094 ) Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 Revenues from External Customers Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated Affiliates Depreciation and Amortization Interest Income Interest Expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net Income (Loss) (in millions) Houston Electric T&D $ 1,454 (3) $ — $ 351 $ 10 (1) $ (82 ) (2) $ 29 $ 130 Indiana Electric Integrated 223 — 41 — (10 ) 1 7 Natural Gas Distribution 2,088 — 202 1 (47 ) 27 143 Midstream Investments — 136 — 5 (26 ) 41 74 Corporate and Other 122 — 28 85 (178 ) (69 ) (60 ) Eliminations — — — (88 ) 88 — — Consolidated $ 3,887 $ 136 $ 622 $ 13 $ (255 ) $ 29 294 Discontinued Operations, net 70 Consolidated $ 364 (1) Excludes interest income from Securitization Bonds of $-0- and $1 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, respectively, and $1 million and $3 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, respectively. (2) Excludes interest expense on Securitization Bonds of $7 million and $15 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, respectively, and $10 million and $22 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, respectively. (3) CenterPoint Energy’s Houston Electric T&D’s revenues from major external customers are as follows: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 (in millions) Affiliates of NRG $ 174 $ 165 $ 330 $ 316 Affiliates of Vistra Energy Corp. 92 59 173 113 (4) 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. Houston Electric Houston Electric consists of a single reportable segment; therefore, a tabular reportable segment presentation has not been included. Houston Electric’s T&D revenues from major external customers are as follows: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 (in millions) Affiliates of NRG $ 174 $ 165 $ 330 $ 316 Affiliates of Vistra Energy Corp. 92 59 173 113 CERC Three Months Ended June 30, 2020 Revenues from External Customers Depreciation and Amortization Interest Income Interest Expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net Income (Loss) (in millions) Natural Gas Distribution $ 480 $ 74 $ 2 $ (20 ) $ 1 $ 20 Corporate and Other 3 — 25 (36 ) (5 ) (3 ) Eliminations — — (27 ) 27 — — Continuing Operations $ 483 $ 74 $ — $ (29 ) $ (4 ) 17 Discontinued Operations, net (4 ) Consolidated $ 13 Three Months Ended June 30, 2019 Revenues from External Customers Depreciation and Amortization Interest Income Interest Expense Income Tax Benefit Net Income (Loss) (in millions) Natural Gas Distribution $ 526 $ 73 $ 2 $ (19 ) $ — $ 10 Corporate and Other — — 29 (39 ) (5 ) (8 ) Eliminations — — (28 ) 28 — — Continuing Operations $ 526 $ 73 $ 3 $ (30 ) $ (5 ) 2 Discontinued Operations, net 26 Consolidated $ 28 Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 Revenues from External Customers Depreciation and Amortization Interest Income Interest Expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net Income (Loss) (in millions) Natural Gas Distribution $ 1,488 $ 148 $ 3 $ (41 ) $ 45 $ 154 Corporate and Other 6 — 46 (67 ) (14 ) (6 ) Eliminations — — (49 ) 49 — — Continuing Operations $ 1,494 $ 148 $ — $ (59 ) $ 31 148 Discontinued Operations, net (68 ) Consolidated $ 80 Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 Revenues from External Customers Depreciation and Amortization Interest Income Interest Expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net Income (Loss) (in millions) Natural Gas Distribution $ 1,737 $ 146 $ 3 $ (38 ) $ 26 $ 129 Corporate and Other 1 — 49 (70 ) (13 ) (17 ) Eliminations — — (49 ) 49 — — Continuing Operations $ 1,738 $ 146 $ 3 $ (59 ) $ 13 112 Discontinued Operations, net 54 Consolidated $ 166 CenterPoint Energy and CERC Total Assets June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 CenterPoint Energy CERC CenterPoint CERC (in millions) Houston Electric T&D $ 11,097 $ — $ 11,264 $ — Indiana Electric Integrated 3,083 — 3,168 — Natural Gas Distribution 14,055 7,609 14,105 7,698 Midstream Investments 917 — 2,473 — Corporate and Other, net of eliminations 2,996 (14 ) 2,555 (90 ) Continuing Operations 32,148 7,595 33,565 7,608 Assets Held for Sale — — 1,964 904 Consolidated $ 32,148 $ 7,595 $ 35,529 $ 8,512

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information [Text Block]	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. See Note 3 for certain supplemental cash flow disclosures related to the Infrastructure Services and Energy Services Disposal Groups. The table below provides supplemental disclosure of cash flow information and has not been recast to exclude the Infrastructure Services and Energy Services Disposal Groups prior to the closing of the respective transactions. Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 2019 CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric CERC CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric CERC (in millions) Cash Payments/Receipts: Interest, net of capitalized interest $ 196 $ 93 $ 55 $ 231 $ 113 $ 55 Income tax refunds, net 4 — — 142 73 3 Non-cash transactions: Accounts payable related to capital expenditures 195 76 87 173 86 72 ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities (1) 14 — 5 42 1 28 Beneficial conversion feature 32 — — — — — Amortization of beneficial conversion feature (9 ) — — — — — (1) 2019 includes the transition impact of adoption of ASU 2016-02 Leases. 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 and has not been recast to exclude the Infrastructure Services and Energy Services Disposal Groups as of December 31, 2019. June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric CERC CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric CERC (in millions) Cash and cash equivalents $ 168 $ 151 $ 1 $ 241 $ 216 $ 2 Restricted cash included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets 26 19 — 30 19 — Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in Condensed Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows $ 194 $ 170 $ 1 $ 271 $ 235 $ 2

Related Party Transactions (Hou

Related Party Transactions (Houston Electric and CERC)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions (Houston Electric and CERC) [Text Block]	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. The table below summarizes CenterPoint Energy money pool activity: June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 Houston Electric CERC Houston Electric CERC (in millions, except interest rates) Money pool investments (borrowings) (1) $ 33 $ — $ 481 $ — Weighted average interest rate 0.38 % 0.38 % 1.98 % 1.98 % (1) Included in Accounts and notes receivable (payable)–affiliated companies on Houston Electric’s and CERC’s respective Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Houston Electric and CERC affiliate related net interest income (expense) were as follows: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 Houston Electric CERC Houston Electric CERC Houston Electric CERC Houston Electric CERC (in millions) Interest income (expense) (1) $ (1 ) $ — $ 6 $ 1 $ — $ — $ 9 $ 2 (1) Interest income is included in Other income (expense), net and interest expense is included in Interest and other finance charges on Houston Electric’s and CERC’s respective Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income. 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 negotiated usage rates, dedicated asset assignment and proportionate corporate formulas based on operating expenses, assets, gross margin, employees and a composite of assets, gross margin and employees. Houston Electric provides certain services to CERC. These services are billed at actual cost, either directly or as an allocation and include fleet services, shop services, geographic services, surveying and right-of-way services, radio communications, data circuit management and field operations. Additionally, CERC provides certain services to Houston Electric. These services are billed at actual cost, either directly or as an allocation and include line locating and other miscellaneous services. These charges are not necessarily indicative of what would have been incurred had Houston Electric and CERC not been affiliates. Amounts charged for these services were as follows and are included primarily in operation and maintenance expenses: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 Houston Electric CERC Houston Electric CERC Houston Electric CERC Houston Electric CERC (in millions) Corporate service charges $ 45 $ 49 $ 42 $ 32 $ 94 $ 104 $ 94 $ 75 Net affiliate service charges (billings) (4 ) 4 (2 ) 2 (10 ) 10 (4 ) 4 The table below presents transactions among Houston Electric, CERC and their parent, Utility Holding. Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 Houston Electric CERC Houston Electric CERC Houston Electric CERC Houston Electric CERC (in millions) Cash dividends paid to parent $ 20 $ 40 $ 16 $ 83 $ 405 $ 72 $ 40 $ 103 Cash contribution from parent — — — — — — 590 — Capital distribution to parent associated with the sale of CES — 286 — — — 286 — —

Equity

Equity	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020
Equity [Abstract]
Equity [Text Block]	Equity Dividends Declared and Paid (CenterPoint Energy) CenterPoint Energy paid dividends on its Common Stock during the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 as presented in the table below: Declaration Date Record Date Payment Date Per Share (1) Total (in millions) February 3, 2020 February 20, 2020 March 12, 2020 $ 0.2900 $ 145 April 24, 2020 May 21, 2020 June 11, 2020 0.1500 82 Total 2020 $ 0.4400 $ 227 December 12, 2018 February 21, 2019 March 14, 2019 $ 0.2875 $ 144 April 25, 2019 May 16, 2019 June 13, 2019 0.2875 144 Total 2019 $ 0.5750 $ 288 (1) On April 1, 2020, in response to the reduction in cash flow related to the reduction in Enable quarterly common unit distributions announced by Enable on April 1, 2020, CenterPoint Energy announced a reduction of its quarterly Common Stock dividend per share from $0.2900 to $0.1500 . CenterPoint Energy paid dividends on its Series A Preferred Stock during the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 as presented in the table below: Declaration Date Record Date Payment Date Per Share Total (in millions) February 3, 2020 February 14, 2020 March 2, 2020 $ 30.6250 $ 25 Total 2020 $ 30.6250 $ 25 December 12, 2018 February 15, 2019 March 1, 2019 $ 32.1563 $ 26 Total 2019 $ 32.1563 $ 26 CenterPoint Energy paid dividends on its Series B Preferred Stock during the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 as presented in the table below: Declaration Date Record Date Payment Date Per Share Total (in millions) February 3, 2020 February 14, 2020 March 2, 2020 $ 17.5000 $ 17 April 24, 2020 May 15, 2020 June 1, 2020 17.5000 17 Total 2020 $ 35.0000 $ 34 December 12, 2018 February 15, 2019 March 1, 2019 $ 17.5000 $ 17 April 25, 2019 May 15, 2019 June 3, 2019 17.5000 17 Total 2019 $ 35.0000 $ 34 CenterPoint Energy paid dividends on its Series C Preferred Stock during the six months ended June 30, 2020 as presented in the table below: Declaration Date Record Date Payment Date Per Share Total (in millions) April 24, 2020 (1) May 21, 2020 June 11, 2020 $ 0.1500 $ 7 Total 2020 $ 0.1500 $ 7 (1) Declaration date for dividends on Common Stock. The Series C Preferred Stock is 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. Income Allocated to Preferred Shareholders (CenterPoint Energy) Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 (in millions) Series A Preferred Stock $ 13 $ 13 $ 25 $ 25 Series B Preferred Stock 17 17 34 34 Series C Preferred Stock 7 — 7 — Preferred dividend requirement 37 30 66 59 Amortization of beneficial conversion feature 9 — 9 — Total income allocated to preferred shareholders $ 46 $ 30 $ 75 $ 59 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Changes in accumulated comprehensive income (loss) are as follows: Three Months Ended June 30, 2020 2019 CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric CERC CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric CERC (in millions) Beginning Balance $ (100 ) $ (15 ) $ 10 $ (107 ) $ (15 ) $ 5 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss: Prior service cost (2) 1 — — 1 — — Actuarial losses (2) 1 — — 2 — — Reclassification of deferred loss from cash flow hedges to regulatory assets 19 19 — — — — Tax expense (5 ) (4 ) — (1 ) — — Net current period other comprehensive income 16 15 — 2 — — Ending Balance $ (84 ) $ — $ 10 $ (105 ) $ (15 ) $ 5 Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 2019 CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric CERC CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric CERC (in millions) Beginning Balance $ (98 ) $ (15 ) $ 10 $ (108 ) $ (14 ) $ 5 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications: Deferred gain (loss) from interest rate derivatives (1) — — — (1 ) (1 ) — Other comprehensive loss from unconsolidated affiliates (3 ) — — — — — Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss: Prior service cost (2) 1 — — 1 — — Actuarial losses (2) 3 — — 4 — — Reclassification of deferred loss from cash flow hedges realized in net income — — — 1 — — Reclassification of net deferred loss from cash flow hedges (3) 19 19 — — — — Tax expense (6 ) (4 ) — (2 ) — — Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) 14 15 — 3 (1 ) — Ending Balance $ (84 ) $ — $ 10 $ (105 ) $ (15 ) $ 5 (1) Gains and losses are reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income into income when the hedged transactions affect earnings. The reclassification amounts are included in Interest and other finance charges in each of the Registrants’ respective Statements of Consolidated Income. Over the next twelve months estimated amortization from Accumulated Comprehensive Income into income is expected to be immaterial. (2) 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. (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. Series C Preferred Stock Private Placement (CenterPoint Energy) On May 6, 2020, CenterPoint Energy entered into agreements for the private placement of 725,000 shares of its Series C Preferred Stock, at a price of $1,000 share, resulting in net proceeds of $724 million after issuance costs. The Series C Preferred Stock is 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. At liquidation, the Series C Preferred Stock will rank pari passu to the existing Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock and senior to the Common Stock, but will participate in a liquidation only on an as-converted to Common Stock basis. Conversion of the Series C Preferred Stock is mandatory upon the occurrence of any of the following triggers: (i) the 12-month anniversary date of the preferred stock purchase agreements, (ii) a bankruptcy event, and (iii) a fundamental change in CenterPoint Energy, including, among other things certain change of control events. Upon a mandatory conversion, each share of Series C Preferred Stock will convert into the number of Common Stock equal to the quotient of $1,000 divided by the prevailing conversion price, which is initially $15.31 . In a conversion at the 12-month anniversary date, in lieu of issuing Common Stock, CenterPoint Energy may, at its election, make a cash payment equal to the product of (i) the then current market price of the Common Stock multiplied by (ii) the number of shares of Common Stock that such holder would have been entitled to receive in a conversion. Following the six-month anniversary date of the issuance of the Series C Preferred Stock, holders of Series C Preferred Stock also have an optional right to convert their holdings to Common Stock at any time, subject to a limit on conversion of no more than 4.9% of the outstanding Common Stock. The conversion price is subject to adjustment for subdivisions and combinations, dividends or distributions payable in common stock. If all of the 725,000 shares of Series C Preferred Stock converted at the initial conversion price, CenterPoint Energy would issue an incremental 47,354,670 shares of Common Stock. CenterPoint Energy may not issue more than a specified amount of outstanding Common Stock upon conversion of Preferred Stock. Once such specified amount has been reached, each Series C Preferred Stock holder electing to convert or subject to mandatory conversion will receive a cash payment equal to the product of (i) the market price of the Common Stock multiplied by (ii) the number of shares of Common Stock that such holder would have been entitled to receive in a conversion. On June 1, 2020, CenterPoint Energy filed a shelf registration statement with the SEC registering 58,051,121 shares of Common Stock, equal to the maximum number of shares of Common Stock issuable in the aggregate upon conversion of the Series C Preferred Stock pursuant to the preferred stock purchase agreements. Series C Preferred Stock holders have no voting rights, except that the affirmative vote of a majority of outstanding Series C Preferred Stock is required for the company to (i) create any class or series of securities that is senior to the Series C Preferred Stock; (ii) reclassify or amend any authorized securities of CenterPoint Energy if reclassification would render the relevant security senior to the Series C Preferred Stock; or (iii) increase the authorized amount or issue any additional shares of Series C Preferred Stock. The vote of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding shares of Series C Preferred Stock is needed to amend the terms of the Series C Preferred Stock in any manner that would adversely alter or change the rights of the Series C Preferred Stock, subject to certain exceptions. Common Stock Private Placement (CenterPoint Energy) On May 6, 2020, CenterPoint Energy entered into agreements for the private placement of 41,977,612 shares of its Common Stock, at a price of $16.08 share, resulting in net proceeds of $673 million after issuance costs. On June 1, 2020, CenterPoint Energy filed a shelf registration statement with the SEC registering these 41,977,612 shares of Common Stock.

Subsequent Events (CenterPoint

Subsequent Events (CenterPoint Energy)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events (CenterPoint Energy) [Text Block]	Subsequent Events (CenterPoint Energy) CenterPoint Energy Dividend Declarations Equity Instrument Declaration Date Record Date Payment Date Per Share Common Stock July 29, 2020 August 20, 2020 September 10, 2020 $ 0.1500 Series A Preferred Stock July 29, 2020 August 14, 2020 September 1, 2020 30.6250 Series B Preferred Stock July 29, 2020 August 14, 2020 September 1, 2020 17.5000 Series C Preferred Stock (1) July 29, 2020 August 20, 2020 September 10, 2020 0.1500 (1) The Series C Preferred Stock is 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. Enable Distributions Declarations (CenterPoint Energy) Equity Instrument Declaration Date Record Date Payment Date Per Unit Distribution Expected Cash Distribution (in millions) Enable common units August 4, 2020 August 18, 2020 August 25, 2020 $ 0.16525 $ 39 Enable Series A Preferred Units August 4, 2020 August 4, 2020 August 14, 2020 0.62500 9

Divestitures (CenterPoint Ene_2

Divestitures (CenterPoint Energy and CERC) (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations Balance Sheet [Table Text Block]	The assets and liabilities of the Infrastructure Services and Energy Services Disposal Groups classified as held for sale in CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, as applicable, as of December 31, 2019 included the following: December 31, 2019 CenterPoint Energy CERC Infrastructure Services Disposal Group Energy Services Disposal Group Total Energy Services Disposal Group (in millions) Receivables, net $ 192 $ 445 $ 637 $ 445 Accrued unbilled revenues 109 8 117 8 Natural gas inventory — 67 67 67 Materials and supplies 6 — 6 — Non-trading derivative assets — 136 136 136 Other 4 35 39 35 Total current assets held for sale 311 691 1,002 691 Property, plant and equipment, net 295 26 321 26 Goodwill 220 62 282 62 Non-trading derivative assets — 58 58 58 Other 234 67 301 67 Total non-current assets held for sale 749 213 962 213 Total assets held for sale $ 1,060 $ 904 $ 1,964 $ 904 Accounts payable $ 45 $ 299 344 $ 299 Taxes accrued 2 — 2 — Non-trading derivative liabilities — 44 44 44 Other 40 25 65 25 Total current liabilities held for sale 87 368 455 368 Non-trading derivative liabilities — 14 14 14 Benefit obligations — 4 4 4 Other 16 9 25 9 Total non-current liabilities held for sale 16 27 43 27 Total liabilities held for sale $ 103 $ 395 $ 498 $ 395
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block]	A summary of the Infrastructure Services and Energy Services Disposal Groups presented in CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income, as applicable, is as follows: Three Months Ended June 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 CenterPoint Energy CERC Infrastructure Services Disposal Group Energy Services Disposal Group Total Energy Services Disposal Group (in millions) Revenues $ 28 $ 326 $ 281 $ 852 $ 309 $ 1,178 $ 281 $ 852 Expenses: Non-utility cost of revenues 6 89 300 801 306 890 300 801 Operation and maintenance 21 195 14 17 35 212 14 17 Depreciation and amortization — 15 — 3 — 18 — 3 Taxes other than income taxes — — 2 — 2 — 2 — Total 27 299 316 821 343 1,120 316 821 Income (loss) from Discontinued Operations before income taxes 1 27 (35 ) 31 (34 ) 58 (35 ) 31 Gain (loss) on classification to held for sale, net (2) (3) 3 — 39 — 42 — 39 — Income tax expense (benefit) 30 6 8 8 38 14 8 5 Net income (loss) from Discontinued Operations $ (26 ) $ 21 $ (4 ) $ 23 $ (30 ) $ 44 $ (4 ) $ 26 Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 2019 (1) 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 CenterPoint Energy CERC Infrastructure Services Disposal Group Energy Services Disposal Group Total Energy Services Disposal Group (in millions) Revenues $ 250 $ 472 $ 1,167 $ 2,094 $ 1,417 $ 2,566 $ 1,167 $ 2,094 Expenses: Non-utility cost of revenues 50 132 1,108 1,986 1,158 2,118 1,108 1,986 Operation and maintenance 184 291 34 34 218 325 34 34 Depreciation and amortization — 24 — 7 — 31 — 7 Taxes other than income taxes 1 — 3 — 4 — 3 — Total 235 447 1,145 2,027 1,380 2,474 1,145 2,027 Income (loss) from Discontinued Operations before income taxes 15 25 22 67 37 92 22 67 Gain (loss) on classification to held for sale, net (2) (3) (93 ) — (99 ) — (192 ) — (93 ) — Income tax expense (benefit) 25 6 (4 ) 16 21 22 (3 ) 13 Net income (loss) from Discontinued Operations $ (103 ) $ 19 $ (73 ) $ 51 $ (176 ) $ 70 $ (68 ) $ 54 (1) Reflects February 1, 2019 to June 30, 2019 results only due to the Merger. (2) Loss from classification to held for sale is inclusive of goodwill impairment and, for CenterPoint Energy, its costs to sell. (3) Infrastructure Services Disposal Group includes $3 million gain on sale in the three and six months ended June 30, 2020. Revenues and expenses incurred by CenterPoint Energy and CERC for natural gas transportation and supply are as follows: Three Months Ended June 30, 2020 (1) 2019 2020 (1) 2019 CenterPoint Energy CERC (in millions) Transportation revenue $ 18 $ 32 $ 18 $ 32 Natural gas expense 3 16 3 16 Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 (2) 2019 2020 (2) 2019 CenterPoint Energy CERC (in millions) Transportation revenue $ 34 $ 48 $ 34 $ 48 Natural gas expense 48 80 47 79 (1) Represents charges for the period April 1, 2020 until the closing of the transaction. (2) Represents charges for the period January 1, 2020 until the closing of the transaction. NGD has AMAs associated with its utility distribution service in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Texas. The AMAs are with the Energy Services Disposal Group and will expire in 2021. Pursuant to the provisions of the agreements, NGD sells natural gas and agrees to repurchase an equivalent amount of natural gas during the winter heating seasons at the same cost. These transactions are accounted for as inventory financing. CenterPoint Energy and CERC had outstanding obligations related to the AMAs of $14 million and $-0- as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 , respectively. The Infrastructure Services Disposal Group provides pipeline construction and repair services to CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s NGD. In accordance with consolidation guidance in ASC 980—Regulated Operations, costs incurred by NGD utilities for these pipeline construction and repair services are not eliminated in consolidation when capitalized and included in rate base by the NGD utility. Amounts charged for these services that are not capitalized are included primarily in Operation and maintenance expenses. Fees incurred by CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s NGD for pipeline construction and repair services are as follows: Three Months Ended June 30, 2020 (1) 2019 2020 (1) 2019 CenterPoint Energy CERC (in millions) Pipeline construction and repair services capitalized $ — $ 48 $ — $ 8 Pipeline construction and repair service charges in operations and maintenance expense — — — — Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 (2) 2019 (3) 2020 (2) 2019 (3) CenterPoint Energy CERC (in millions) Pipeline construction and repair services capitalized $ 34 $ 67 $ — $ 9 Pipeline construction and repair service charges in operations and maintenance expense 1 4 1 1 (1) Represents charges for the period April 1, 2020 until the closing of the transaction. (2) Represents charges for the period January 1, 2020 until the closing of the transaction. (3) Represents charges for the period beginning February 1, 2019 due to the Merger.
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations Cash Flow [Table Text Block]	CenterPoint Energy and CERC have elected not to separately disclose discontinued operations on their respective Condensed Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows. L ong-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: Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 CenterPoint Energy CERC Infrastructure Services Disposal Group Energy Services Disposal Group Energy Services Disposal Group (in millions) Depreciation and amortization $ — $ 24 $ — $ 7 $ — $ 7 Amortization of intangible assets in Non-utility cost of revenues — 9 — — — — Write-down of natural gas inventory — — 3 3 3 3 Capital expenditures 16 38 1 7 1 7 Non-cash transactions: Accounts payable related to capital expenditures 2 — 4 4 4 4

New Accounting Pronouncements (

New Accounting Pronouncements (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Table Text Block]	The following table provides an overview of certain recently adopted or issued accounting pronouncements applicable to all the Registrants, unless otherwise noted. Recently Adopted Accounting Standards ASU Number and Name Description Date of Adoption Financial Statement Impact upon Adoption ASU 2016-13- Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments This standard, including standards amending this standard, requires a new model called CECL to estimate credit losses for (1) financial assets subject to credit losses and measured at amortized cost and (2) certain off-balance sheet credit exposures. Upon initial recognition of the exposure, the CECL model requires an entity to estimate the credit losses expected over the life of an exposure based on historical information, current information and reasonable and supportable forecasts, including estimates of prepayments. Transition method: modified retrospective January 1, 2020 The Registrants adopted the standard and recognized a cumulative-effect adjustment of the transition to opening retained earnings and allowance for doubtful accounts with no impact on results of operations and cash flows. See Note 4 for more information. ASU 2018-13- Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement This standard eliminates, modifies and adds certain disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. Transition method: prospective for additions and one modification and retrospective for all other amendments Adoption of eliminations and modifications as of September 30, 2018 and additions as of January 1, 2020 The adoption of this standard did not impact the Registrants’ financial position, results of operations or cash flows. The disclosures modified and added upon adoption are no longer included in Note 8 due to the sale of the Energy Services Disposal Group. Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2019-12: Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes This standard simplifies accounting for income taxes by eliminating certain exceptions to the guidance for intraperiod tax allocation, the methodology for calculating income taxes in an interim period and the recognition of deferred tax liabilities for outside basis differences. It also simplifies aspects of the accounting for franchise taxes that are partially based on income and enacted changes in tax laws or rates and clarifies the accounting for transactions that result in a step-up in the tax basis of goodwill. Transition method: prospective for all amendments that apply to the Registrants January 1, 2020 Upon adoption, the Registrants are not required to apply the intraperiod tax allocation exception when there is a current-period loss from continuing operations. Accordingly, CenterPoint Energy determined the tax effect of income from continuing operations without considering the tax effects of items that are not included in continuing operations (i.e., discontinued operations). Additionally, CenterPoint Energy is no longer required to limit the year-to-date tax benefit recognized when the year-to-date benefit exceeds the anticipated full year benefit.

Revenue Recognition (Tables)

Revenue Recognition (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block]	The following tables disaggregate revenues by reportable segment and major source: CenterPoint Energy Three Months Ended June 30, 2020 Houston Electric T&D Indiana Electric Integrated Natural Gas Distribution Corporate and Other Total (in millions) Revenue from contracts $ 722 $ 128 $ 632 $ 84 $ 1,566 Other (1) (2 ) — 9 2 9 Total revenues $ 720 $ 128 $ 641 $ 86 $ 1,575 Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 Houston Electric T&D Indiana Electric Integrated Natural Gas Distribution Corporate and Other Total (in millions) Revenue from contracts $ 1,360 $ 257 $ 1,925 $ 165 $ 3,707 Other (1) (2 ) — 34 3 35 Total revenues $ 1,358 $ 257 $ 1,959 $ 168 $ 3,742 Three Months Ended June 30, 2019 Houston Electric Indiana Natural Gas Distribution Corporate Total (in millions) Revenue from contracts $ 768 $ 140 $ 663 $ 78 $ 1,649 Other (1) (3 ) — 10 2 9 Total revenues $ 765 $ 140 $ 673 $ 80 $ 1,658 Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 Houston Electric T&D Indiana Natural Gas Distribution (2) Corporate and Other (2) Total (in millions) Revenue from contracts $ 1,458 $ 223 $ 2,076 $ 119 $ 3,876 Other (1) (4 ) — 12 3 11 Total revenues $ 1,454 $ 223 $ 2,088 $ 122 $ 3,887 (1) Primarily consists of income from ARPs, weather hedge gains (losses) and leases. 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. Total lease income was $1 million and $1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $2 million and $3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. (2) Reflects revenues from Vectren subsidiaries for the period from February 1, 2019 to June 30, 2019. Houston Electric Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 (in millions) Revenue from contracts $ 722 $ 768 $ 1,360 $ 1,458 Other (1) (2 ) (3 ) (6 ) (7 ) Total revenues $ 720 $ 765 $ 1,354 $ 1,451 (1) Primarily consists of income from ARPs, weather hedge gains (losses) and leases. 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. Lease income was not significant for the three or six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019. CERC Three Months Ended June 30, 2020 2019 Natural Gas Distribution Corporate Total Natural Gas Distribution Corporate Total (in millions) Revenue from contracts $ 470 $ 2 $ 472 $ 515 $ — $ 515 Other (1) 10 1 11 11 — 11 Total revenues $ 480 $ 3 $ 483 $ 526 $ — $ 526 Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 2019 Natural Gas Distribution Corporate and Other Total Natural Gas Distribution Corporate and Other Total (in millions) Revenue from contracts $ 1,451 $ 5 $ 1,456 $ 1,720 $ 1 $ 1,721 Other (1) 37 1 38 17 — 17 Total revenues $ 1,488 $ 6 $ 1,494 $ 1,737 $ 1 $ 1,738 (1) Primarily consists of income from ARPs, weather hedge gains (losses) and leases. 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. Lease income was not significant for the three or six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019.
Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability [Table Text Block]	The opening and closing balances of accounts receivable, other accrued unbilled revenue, contract assets and contract liabilities from contracts with customers from continuing operations as of December 31, 2019 and June 30, 2020, respectively, are as follows: CenterPoint Energy Accounts Receivable Other Accrued Unbilled Revenues Contract Assets Contract Liabilities (in millions) Opening balance as of December 31, 2019 $ 566 $ 469 $ 6 $ 30 Closing balance as of June 30, 2020 565 276 16 26 Increase (decrease) $ (1 ) $ (193 ) $ 10 $ (4 ) The amount of revenue recognized in the six-month period ended June 30, 2020 that was included in the opening contract liability was $28 million . The difference between the opening and closing balances of the contract liabilities primarily results from the timing difference between CenterPoint Energy’s performance and the customer’s payment. Houston Electric Accounts Receivable Other Accrued Unbilled Revenues Contract Liabilities (in millions) Opening balance as of December 31, 2019 $ 210 $ 117 $ 3 Closing balance as of June 30, 2020 282 125 5 Increase $ 72 $ 8 $ 2 The amount of revenue recognized in the six-month period ended June 30, 2020 that was included in the opening contract liability was $2 million . The difference between the opening and closing balances of the contract liabilities primarily results from the timing difference between Houston Electric’s performance and the customer’s payment. CERC Accounts Receivable Other Accrued Unbilled Revenues (in millions) Opening balance as of December 31, 2019 $ 222 $ 249 Closing balance as of June 30, 2020 155 83 Decrease $ (67 ) $ (166 ) CERC does not have any opening or closing contract asset or contract liability balances.
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Table Text Block]	Remaining Performance Obligations (CenterPoint Energy). The table below discloses (1) the aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to performance obligations that are unsatisfied (or partially unsatisfied) as of the end of the reporting period for contracts and (2) when CenterPoint Energy expects to recognize this revenue. Such contracts include energy performance and sustainable infrastructure services contracts of ESG, which are included in Corporate and Other. Rolling 12 Months Thereafter Total (in millions) Revenue expected to be recognized on contracts in place as of June 30, 2020: Corporate and Other $ 218 $ 554 $ 772 $ 218 $ 554 $ 772

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table Text Block]	The Registrants’ net periodic cost, before considering amounts subject to overhead allocations for capital expenditure projects or for amounts subject to deferral for regulatory purposes, includes the following components relating to pension and postretirement benefits: Pension Benefits (CenterPoint Energy) Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 (in millions) Service cost (1) $ 12 $ 10 $ 22 $ 20 Interest cost (2) 19 25 38 48 Expected return on plan assets (2) (29 ) (27 ) (57 ) (52 ) Amortization of prior service cost (2) — 2 — 4 Amortization of net loss (2) 11 13 21 26 Settlement cost (2) (3) 1 1 1 1 Curtailment gain (2) (4) — — — (1 ) Net periodic cost $ 14 $ 24 $ 25 $ 46 (1) Amounts presented in the table 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 table above are included in Other income (expense), net in each of the Registrants’ respective Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income, net of regulatory deferrals. (3) A one-time, non-cash settlement cost is required when the total lump sum distributions or other settlements of plan benefit obligations during a plan year exceed the service cost and interest cost components of the net periodic cost for that year. In each of the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, CenterPoint Energy recognized a non-cash settlement cost of $1 million and $1 million , respectively, due to lump sum settlement payments from Vectren pension plans. (4) A curtailment gain or loss is required when the expected future services of a significant number of employees are reduced or eliminated for the accrual of benefits. In the six months ended June 30, 2019, CenterPoint Energy recognized a pension curtailment gain of $1 million related to Vectren employees whose employment was terminated after the Merger closed. Postretirement Benefits Three Months Ended June 30, 2020 2019 CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric CERC CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric CERC (in millions) Service cost (1) $ 1 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 1 Interest cost (2) 3 2 1 4 2 1 Expected return on plan assets (2) (2 ) (1 ) — (1 ) (1 ) (1 ) Amortization of prior service cost (credit) (2) (1 ) (2 ) — (1 ) (2 ) — Net periodic cost (income) $ 1 $ (1 ) $ 1 $ 2 $ (1 ) $ 1 Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 2019 CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric CERC CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric CERC (in millions) Service cost (1) $ 1 $ — $ — $ 1 $ — $ 1 Interest cost (2) 6 3 2 8 4 2 Expected return on plan assets (2) (3 ) (2 ) — (3 ) (2 ) (1 ) Amortization of prior service cost (credit) (2) (2 ) (3 ) — (2 ) (3 ) — Net periodic cost (income) $ 2 $ (2 ) $ 2 $ 4 $ (1 ) $ 2 (1) Amounts presented in the tables above are included in Operation and maintenance expense in each of the Registrants’ respective Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income, net of amounts capitalized and regulatory deferrals. (2) Amounts presented in the tables above are included in Other income (expense), net in each of the Registrants’ respective Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income, net of regulatory deferrals.
Benefit Plan Contributions [Table Text Block]	The table below reflects the expected contributions to be made to the pension and postretirement benefit plans during 2020: CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric CERC (in millions) Expected minimum contribution to pension plans during 2020 $ 83 $ — $ — Expected contribution to postretirement benefit plans in 2020 11 4 4 The table below reflects the contributions made to the pension and postretirement benefit plans during 2020: Three Months Ended June 30, 2020 Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric CERC CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric CERC (in millions) Pension plans $ 3 $ — $ — $ 5 $ — $ — Postretirement benefit plans 2 — — 6 2 1

Regulatory Matters (Tables)

Regulatory Matters (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020
Regulatory Assets and Liabilities, Other Disclosures [Abstract]
Amount Allowed equity return recognized in period [Table Text Block]	The timing of CenterPoint Energy’s and Houston Electric’s recognition of the equity return will vary each period based on amounts actually collected during that period. The unrecognized equity return will be recognized as it is recovered in rates through 2024. The actual amounts recognized are adjusted at least annually to correct any over-collections or under-collections during the preceding 12 months. Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric (in millions) Allowed equity return recognized $ 8 $ 8 $ 13 $ 13 $ 14 $ 14 $ 24 $ 24

Derivative Instruments (Tables)

Derivative Instruments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions [Table Text Block]	The table below summarizes the Registrants’ outstanding interest rate hedging activity: June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 Hedging Classification Notional Principal (in millions) Economic hedge (1) $ 84 $ 84 (1) Relates to interest rate derivative instruments at SIGECO.
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block]	The following tables present information about derivative instruments and hedging activities. The first table provides a balance sheet overview of Derivative Assets and Liabilities, while the last table provides a breakdown of the related income statement impacts. Fair Value of Derivative Instruments and Hedged Items (CenterPoint Energy) June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 Balance Sheet Location Derivative Assets Fair Value Derivative Liabilities Fair Value Derivative Assets Fair Value Derivative Liabilities Fair Value (in millions) Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Natural gas derivatives (1) Current Liabilities: Non-trading derivative liabilities $ — $ 7 $ — $ 7 Natural gas derivatives (1) Other Liabilities: Non-trading derivative liabilities — 11 — 15 Interest rate derivatives Other Liabilities — 27 — 10 Indexed debt securities derivative Current Liabilities — 834 — 893 Total $ — $ 879 $ — $ 925 (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 a liability position with no offsetting amounts.
Income Statement Impact of Derivative Activity [Table Text Block]	Income Statement Impact of Hedge Accounting Activity (CenterPoint Energy) Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, Income Statement Location 2020 2019 2020 2019 (in millions) Effects of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments on the income statement: Indexed debt securities derivative Gain (loss) on indexed debt securities $ (76 ) $ (68 ) $ 59 $ (154 ) Total $ (76 ) $ (68 ) $ 59 $ (154 )

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair value, assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis [Table Text Block]	The following tables present information about the Registrants’ assets and liabilities (including derivatives that are presented net) measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 and indicate the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized by the Registrants to determine such fair value. CenterPoint Energy June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets (in millions) Corporate equities $ 755 $ — $ — $ 755 $ 825 $ — $ — $ 825 Investments, including money market funds (1) 48 — — 48 49 — — 49 Total assets $ 803 $ — $ — $ 803 $ 874 $ — $ — $ 874 Liabilities Indexed debt securities derivative $ — $ 835 $ — $ 835 $ — $ 893 $ — $ 893 Interest rate derivatives — 27 — 27 — 10 — 10 Natural gas derivatives — 18 — 18 — 22 — 22 Total liabilities $ — $ 880 $ — $ 880 $ — $ 925 $ — $ 925 Houston Electric June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets (in millions) Investments, including money market funds (1) $ 31 $ — $ — $ 31 $ 32 $ — $ — $ 32 Total assets $ 31 $ — $ — $ 31 $ 32 $ — $ — $ 32 CERC June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets (in millions) Corporate equities $ 2 $ — $ — $ 2 $ 2 $ — $ — $ 2 Investments, including money market funds (1) 11 — — 11 11 — — 11 Total assets $ 13 $ — $ — $ 13 $ 13 $ — $ — $ 13 (1) Amounts are included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Estimated fair value of financial instruments, debt instruments [Table Text Block]	The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, investments in debt and equity securities classified as “trading” and short-term borrowings are estimated to be approximately equivalent to carrying amounts and have been excluded from the table below. The carrying amounts of non-trading derivative assets and liabilities and CenterPoint Energy’s ZENS indexed debt securities derivative are stated at fair value and are excluded from the table below. The fair value of each debt instrument is determined by multiplying the principal amount of each debt instrument by a combination of historical trading prices and comparable issue data. These liabilities, which are not measured at fair value in the Registrants’ Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, but for which the fair value is disclosed, would be classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 Carrying Amount Fair Value Carrying Amount Fair Value (in millions) CenterPoint Energy Long-term debt, including current maturities (1) $ 12,850 $ 14,424 $ 15,093 $ 16,067 Houston Electric Long-term debt, including current maturities (1) $ 5,115 $ 5,938 $ 4,950 $ 5,457 CERC Long-term debt, including current maturities $ 2,406 $ 2,743 $ 2,546 $ 2,803 (1) Includes Securitization Bonds debt.

Unconsolidated Affiliate (Cen_2

Unconsolidated Affiliate (CenterPoint Energy and CERC) (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block]	CenterPoint Energy has the ability to significantly influence the operating and financial policies of Enable, a publicly traded MLP, and, accordingly, accounts for its investment in Enable’s common units using the equity method of accounting. Enable is considered to be a VIE because the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact Enable’s economic performance does not reside with the holders of equity investment at risk. However, CenterPoint Energy is not considered the primary beneficiary of Enable since it does not have the power to direct the activities of Enable that are considered most significant to the economic performance of Enable. As of June 30, 2020 , CenterPoint Energy’s maximum exposure to loss related to Enable is limited to its investment in unconsolidated affiliate, its investment in Enable Series A Preferred Units and outstanding current accounts receivable from Enable. Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliates (CenterPoint Energy): June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 (in millions) Enable $ 854 $ 2,406 Other 1 2 Total $ 855 $ 2,408 CenterPoint Energy evaluates its equity method investments for impairment when factors indicate that a decrease in the value of its investment has occurred and the carrying amount of its investment may not be recoverable. An impairment loss, based on the excess of the carrying value over the estimated fair value of the investment, is recognized in earnings when an impairment is deemed to be other than temporary. Considerable judgment is used in determining if an impairment loss is other than temporary and the amount of any impairment. Based on the severity of the decline in Enable’s common unit price during the three months ended March 31, 2020 due to the macroeconomic conditions related in part to the COVID-19 pandemic, combined with Enable’s announcement on April 1, 2020 to reduce its quarterly distributions per common unit by 50%, and the market outlook indicating excess supply of crude oil and natural gas and continued depressed crude oil and natural gas prices impacting the midstream oil and gas industry, CenterPoint Energy determined, in connection with its preparation of the financial statements, that an other than temporary decrease in the value of its investment in Enable had occurred. CenterPoint Energy reduced the carrying value of its investment in Enable to its estimated fair value of $848 million as of March 31, 2020 and recognized an impairment charge of $1,541 million during the three months ended March 31, 2020. Both the income approach and market approach were utilized to estimate the fair value of CenterPoint Energy’s equity investment in Enable, which includes common units, general partner interest and incentive distribution rights held by CenterPoint Energy through CNP Midstream. The determination of fair value considered a number of relevant factors including Enable’s common unit price and forecasted distributions, recent comparable transactions and the limited float of Enable’s publicly traded common units. CenterPoint Energy did not identify a decrease in value as of June 30, 2020, and no impairments in its investment in Enable were recorded during the three months ended June 30, 2020. See Note 8 for further discussion of the determination of fair value of CenterPoint Energy’s investment in Enable as of March 31, 2020. Equity in Earnings (Losses) of Unconsolidated Affiliates, net (CenterPoint Energy): Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 (in millions) Enable $ 43 $ 74 $ (1,432 ) $ 136 Other — — — — Total $ 43 $ 74 $ (1,432 ) $ 136 CenterPoint Energy recognized a loss of $1,432 million from its investment in Enable for the six months ended June 30, 2020. This loss included an impairment charge on its investment in Enable of $1,541 million discussed above. Limited Partner Interest and Units Held in Enable (CenterPoint Energy): June 30, 2020 Limited Partner Interest (1) Common Units (2) Enable Series A Preferred Units (3) CenterPoint Energy 53.7 % 233,856,623 14,520,000 OGE 25.5 % 110,982,805 — Public unitholders 20.8 % 90,614,781 — Total units outstanding 100.0 % 435,454,209 14,520,000 (1) Excludes the Enable Series A Preferred Units owned by CenterPoint Energy. (2) Held indirectly through CNP Midstream by CenterPoint Energy. (3) 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 June 30, 2020 and $363 million as of December 31, 2019 . No impairment charges or adjustment due to observable price changes were required or recorded during the current or prior reporting periods. 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): June 30, 2020 Management Rights (1) Incentive Distribution Rights (2) CenterPoint Energy (3) 50 % 40 % OGE 50 % 60 % (1) Enable is controlled jointly by CenterPoint Energy and OGE. Sale of CenterPoint Energy’s or OGE’s ownership interests in Enable GP to a third party is subject to mutual rights of first offer and first refusal, and CenterPoint Energy is not permitted to dispose of less than all of its interest in Enable GP. (2) If cash distributions to Enable’s unitholders exceed $0.330625 per common unit in any quarter, Enable GP will receive increasing percentages or incentive distributions rights, up to 50% , of the cash Enable distributes in excess of that amount. In certain circumstances Enable GP will have the right to reset the minimum quarterly distribution and the target distribution levels at which the incentive distributions receive increasing percentages to higher levels based on Enable’s cash distributions at the time of the exercise of this reset election. To date, no incentive distributions have been made. (3) Held indirectly through CNP Midstream. Distributions Received from Enable (CenterPoint Energy): CenterPoint Energy Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 Per Unit Cash Distribution Per Unit Cash Distribution Per Unit Cash Distribution Per Unit Cash Distribution (in millions, except per unit amounts) Enable common units (1) $ 0.16525 $ 39 $ 0.3180 $ 75 $ 0.49575 $ 116 $ 0.6360 $ 149 Enable Series A Preferred Units 0.62500 9 0.6250 9 1.2500 18 1.2500 18 Total CenterPoint Energy $ 48 $ 84 $ 134 $ 167 (1) On April 1, 2020, Enable announced a 50% reduction in its quarterly distribution per common unit from $0.3305 to $0.16525 . Transactions with Enable (CenterPoint Energy and CERC): The transactions with Enable in the following tables exclude transactions with the Energy Services Disposal Group. See Note 3 for further information. Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 (in millions) CenterPoint Energy Natural gas expenses, includes transportation and storage costs $ 17 $ 18 $ 44 $ 45 CERC Natural gas expenses, includes transportation and storage costs 17 18 44 45 June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 (in millions) CenterPoint Energy Accounts payable for natural gas purchases from Enable $ 6 $ 9 CERC Accounts payable for natural gas purchases from Enable 6 9 Summarized unaudited consolidated income information for Enable is as follows: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 (in millions) Operating revenues $ 515 $ 735 $ 1,163 $ 1,530 Cost of sales, excluding depreciation and amortization 177 317 403 695 Depreciation and amortization 105 110 209 215 Goodwill and long-lived assets impairments — — 28 — Operating income 80 167 226 332 Net income attributable to Enable common units 35 115 138 228 Reconciliation of Equity in Earnings (Losses), net: CenterPoint Energy’s interest $ 19 $ 62 $ 74 $ 123 Basis difference amortization (1) 24 12 36 24 Loss on dilution, net of proportional basis difference recognition — — (1 ) (11 ) Impairment of CenterPoint Energy’s equity method investment in Enable — — (1,541 ) — CenterPoint Energy’s equity in earnings (losses), net $ 43 $ 74 $ (1,432 ) $ 136 (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. Summarized unaudited consolidated balance sheet information for Enable is as follows: June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 (in millions) Current assets $ 374 $ 389 Non-current assets 11,687 11,877 Current liabilities 290 780 Non-current liabilities 4,454 4,077 Non-controlling interest 27 37 Preferred equity 362 362 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (9 ) (3 ) Enable partners’ equity 6,937 7,013 Reconciliation of Investment in Enable: CenterPoint Energy’s ownership interest in Enable partners’ equity $ 3,720 $ 3,767 CenterPoint Energy’s basis difference (1) (2,866 ) (1,361 ) CenterPoint Energy’s equity method investment in Enable $ 854 $ 2,406 (1) 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. The basis difference is being amortized through the year 2048.

Goodwill and Other Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangibles (CenterPoint Energy and CERC) (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]	CenterPoint Energy’s goodwill by reportable segment as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 is as follows: December 31, 2019 Impairment June 30, 2020 (in millions) Indiana Electric Integrated $ 1,121 $ 185 $ 936 Natural Gas Distribution 3,312 — 3,312 Corporate and Other 449 — 449 Total $ 4,882 $ 185 $ 4,697 CERC’s goodwill by reportable segment as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 is as follows: June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 (in millions) Natural Gas Distribution $ 746 $ 746 Corporate and Other 11 11 Total $ 757 $ 757
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]	The tables below present information on CenterPoint Energy’s other intangible assets recorded in Other non-current assets on CenterPoint Energy’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and the related amortization expense included in Depreciation and amortization on CenterPoint Energy’s Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income, unless otherwise indicated. June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Balance Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Balance (in millions) Customer relationships $ 33 $ (6 ) $ 27 $ 33 $ (4 ) $ 29 Trade names 16 (2 ) 14 16 (1 ) 15 Construction backlog (1) 5 (4 ) 1 5 (4 ) 1 Operation and maintenance agreements (1) 12 (1 ) 11 12 — 12 Other 2 (1 ) 1 2 (1 ) 1 Total $ 68 $ (14 ) $ 54 $ 68 $ (10 ) $ 58 (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.
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 (in millions) Amortization expense of intangible assets recorded in Depreciation and amortization (1) $ 2 $ 1 $ 3 $ 1 Amortization expense of intangible assets recorded in Non-utility cost of revenues, including natural gas (1) (2) — (4 ) 1 3 (1) Assets held for sale are not amortized. The table reflects amortization on continuing operations. For further information on discontinued operations, see Note 3 . (2) Includes a $4 million benefit related to a cumulative catch-up for remeasurement of the purchase price allocation for the three months ended June 30, 2019 related to the operation and maintenance agreements and construction backlog intangibles acquired in the Merger.
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]	CenterPoint Energy estimates that amortization expense of intangible assets with finite lives for the next five years will be as follows: Amortization Expense (1) CenterPoint Energy (in millions) Remaining six months of 2020 $ 4 2021 6 2022 6 2023 6 2024 5 2025 5 (1) Assets held for sale are not amortized. The table reflects amortization on continuing operations. For further information on discontinued operations, see Note 3 .

Indexed Debt Securities (ZENS_2

Indexed Debt Securities (ZENS) and Securities Related to ZENS (CenterPoint Energy) (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Schedule of Indexed Debt Securities and Marketable Securities [Table Text Block]	A subsidiary of CenterPoint Energy holds shares of certain securities detailed in the table below, which are classified as trading securities and are expected to be held to facilitate CenterPoint Energy’s ability to meet its obligation under the ZENS. Unrealized gains and losses resulting from changes in the market value of the ZENS-Related Securities are recorded in CenterPoint Energy’s Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income. Shares Held June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 AT&T Common 10,212,945 10,212,945 Charter Common 872,503 872,503 (b) ZENS In September 1999, CenterPoint Energy issued ZENS having an original principal amount of $1.0 billion of which $828 million remained outstanding as of June 30, 2020 . Each ZENS is exchangeable at the holder’s option at any time for an amount of cash equal to 95% of the market value of the reference shares attributable to such note. The number and identity of the reference shares attributable to each ZENS are adjusted for certain corporate events. CenterPoint Energy’s reference shares for each ZENS consisted of the following: June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 (in shares) AT&T Common 0.7185 0.7185 Charter Common 0.061382 0.061382

Short-Term Borrowings and Lon_2

Short-Term Borrowings and Long-term Debt (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities [Table Text Block]	Credit Facilities . The Registrants had the following revolving credit facilities as of June 30, 2020 : Execution Date Registrant Size of Facility Draw Rate of LIBOR plus (1) Financial Covenant Limit on Debt for Borrowed Money to Capital Ratio Debt for Borrowed Money to Capital Ratio as of June 30, 2020 (2) Termination Date (in millions) March 3, 2016 CenterPoint Energy $ 3,300 1.500% 65% (3) 52.4% March 3, 2022 July 14, 2017 CenterPoint Energy (4) 400 1.125% 65% 51.3% July 14, 2022 July 14, 2017 CenterPoint Energy (5) 200 1.250% 65% 56.8% July 14, 2022 March 3, 2016 Houston Electric 300 1.250% 65% (3) 53.9% March 3, 2022 March 3, 2016 CERC 900 1.125% 65% 50.7% March 3, 2022 Total $ 5,100 (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 from 65% 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 $10 million swing line sublimit and a $20 million letter of credit sublimit. This credit facility backstops VUHI’s commercial paper program. (5) This credit facility was issued by VCC, is guaranteed by Vectren and includes a $40 million swing line sublimit and an $80 million letter of credit sublimit. The Registrants, including the subsidiaries of CenterPoint Energy discussed above, were in compliance with all financial debt covenants as of June 30, 2020 . The table below reflects the utilization of the Registrants’ respective revolving credit facilities: June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 Registrant Loans Letters Commercial Weighted Average Interest Rate Loans Letters Commercial Weighted Average Interest Rate (in millions, except weighted average interest rate) CenterPoint Energy (1) $ — $ 8 $ 316 0.38 % $ — $ 6 $ 1,633 1.95 % CenterPoint Energy (2) — — 232 0.28 % — — 268 2.08 % CenterPoint Energy (3) — — — — % — — — — % Houston Electric — — — — % — — — — % CERC — 1 232 0.26 % — 1 377 1.94 % Total $ — $ 9 $ 780 $ — $ 7 $ 2,278 (1) CenterPoint Energy’s outstanding commercial paper generally has maturities of 60 days or less. (2) This credit facility was issued by VUHI and is guaranteed by SIGECO, Indiana Gas and VEDO. (3) This credit facility was issued by VCC and is guaranteed by Vectren.

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	The Registrants reported the following effective tax rates: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 CenterPoint Energy - Continuing operations (1) (2) 18 % 9 % 26 % 9 % CenterPoint Energy - Discontinued operations (3) (4) 475 % 24 % (14 )% 24 % Houston Electric (5) 16 % 19 % 15 % 19 % CERC - Continuing operations (6) (7) (31 )% 167 % 17 % 10 % CERC - Discontinued operations (8) (9) 200 % 16 % 4 % 19 % (1) CenterPoint Energy’s higher effective tax rate on income from continuing operations for the three months ended June 30, 2020 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2019 was primarily driven by state tax impacts. In 2019, CenterPoint Energy recorded state deferred tax benefits as a result of the impact of state tax law changes and the release of a valuation allowance on certain state net operating losses. (2) CenterPoint Energy’s higher effective tax rate on the loss from continuing operations for the six months ended June 30, 2020 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2019 was primarily due to lower earnings from the impairment of CenterPoint Energy’s investment in Enable. Other effective tax rate drivers included the non-deductible goodwill impairment at the Indiana Electric Integrated reporting unit, an increase in the amount of amortization of the net regulatory EDIT liability, and an increase in the amount of remeasurement of state tax liabilities for changes in apportionment, the effect of which was compounded by the book loss in the six months ended June 30, 2020. (3) CenterPoint Energy’s higher effective tax rate on income from discontinued operations for the three months ended June 30, 2020 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2019 was primarily due to the 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, the effect of which was compounded by lower book earnings in the three months ended June 30, 2020. See Note 3 for further information. (4) CenterPoint Energy’s lower effective tax rate on the loss from discontinued operations for the six months ended June 30, 2020 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2019 was primarily due to the 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, the effect of which was compounded by lower book earnings in the six months ended June 30, 2020. See Note 3 for further information. (5) Houston Electric’s lower effective tax rate for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 compared to the same periods for 2019 was primarily due to an increase in the amount of amortization of the net regulatory EDIT liability. (6) CERC’s lower effective tax rate on income from continuing operations for the three months ended June 30, 2020 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2019 was driven by state tax impacts. In 2019, CERC recorded state deferred tax benefits as a result of the impact of state tax law changes, and the release of a valuation allowance on certain state net operating losses, the effect of which was compounded by the book loss in the three months ending June 30, 2019. (7) CERC’s higher effective tax rate on income from continuing operations for the six months ended June 30, 2020 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2019 was primarily driven by the absence of state deferred tax benefits as result of state tax law changes and the release of a valuation allowance on certain state net operating losses in 2019. (8) CERC’s higher effective tax rate on income from discontinued operations for the three months ended June 30, 2020 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2019 was primarily due to the tax impacts from the sale of the Energy Services Disposal Group on June 1, 2020, the effect of which was compounded by lower book earnings in the three months ended June 30, 2020. See Note 3 for further information. (9) CERC’s lower effective tax rate on the loss from discontinued operations for the six months ended June 30, 2020 was primarily due to the tax impacts from the sale of the Energy Services Disposal Group on June 1, 2020, the effect of which was compounded by lower book earnings in the six months ended June 30, 2020. See Note 3 for further information.

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Table Text Block]	As of June 30, 2020 , minimum purchase obligations are approximately: CenterPoint Energy CERC (in millions) Remaining six months of 2020 $ 356 $ 246 2021 669 484 2022 499 321 2023 390 236 2024 321 224 2025 266 219 2026 and beyond 1,812 1,495
Schedule of Environmental Loss Contingencies by Site [Table Text Block]	Total costs that may be incurred in connection with addressing these sites cannot be determined at this time. The estimated accrued costs are limited to CenterPoint Energy’s and CERC’s share of the remediation efforts and are therefore net of exposures of other PRPs. The estimated range of possible remediation costs for the sites for which CenterPoint Energy and CERC believe they may have responsibility was based on remediation continuing for the minimum time frame given in the table below. June 30, 2020 CenterPoint Energy CERC (in millions, except years) Amount accrued for remediation $ 11 $ 7 Minimum estimated remediation costs 7 5 Maximum estimated remediation costs 53 32 Minimum years of remediation 5 30 Maximum years of remediation 50 50

Earnings Per Share (CenterPoi_2

Earnings Per Share (CenterPoint Energy) (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	The following table reconciles numerators and denominators of CenterPoint Energy’s basic and diluted earnings per common share. Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 (in millions, except per share and share amounts) Continuing Operations Numerator: Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 135 $ 151 $ (918 ) $ 294 Less: Preferred stock dividend requirement 37 30 66 59 Less: Amortization of beneficial conversion feature 9 — 9 — Less: Undistributed earnings allocated to preferred shareholders (1) — — — — Income (loss) available to common shareholders from continuing operations - basic 89 121 (993 ) 235 Add back: Series B Preferred Stock dividend (2) — — — — Add back: Series C Preferred Stock dividend (3) — — — — Add back: Amortization of beneficial conversion feature — — — — Income (loss) available to common shareholders from continuing operations - diluted $ 89 $ 121 $ (993 ) $ 235 Discontinued Operations Numerator: Income (loss) available to common shareholders from discontinuing operations - basic and diluted $ (30 ) $ 44 $ (176 ) $ 70 Denominator: Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic 528,066,000 502,200,000 515,227,000 501,862,000 Plus: Incremental shares from assumed conversions: Restricted stock (4) 2,771,000 2,631,000 — 2,631,000 Series B Preferred Stock (2) — — — — Series C Preferred Stock (3) — — — — Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted 530,837,000 504,831,000 515,227,000 504,493,000 Earnings (loss) per common share: Basic earnings (loss) per common share - continuing operations $ 0.17 $ 0.24 $ (1.93 ) $ 0.47 Basic earnings (loss) per common share - discontinued operations (0.06 ) 0.09 (0.34 ) 0.14 Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share $ 0.11 $ 0.33 $ (2.27 ) $ 0.61 Diluted earnings (loss) per common share - continuing operations $ 0.17 $ 0.24 $ (1.93 ) $ 0.47 Diluted earnings (loss) per common share - discontinued operations (0.06 ) 0.09 (0.34 ) 0.14 Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share $ 0.11 $ 0.33 $ (2.27 ) $ 0.61 (1) There were no undistributed earnings to be allocated to participating securities for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020. (2) The computation of diluted earnings per common share outstanding for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 includes the reduction for Series B Preferred Stock dividends of $17 million and $34 million , respectively, within the numerator and excludes 35,940,000 and 35,923,000 potentially dilutive shares from the denominator, respectively, because the shares would be anti-dilutive. The computation of diluted earnings per common share outstanding for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 includes the reduction for Series B Preferred Stock dividends of $17 million and $34 million , within the numerator, respectively, and excludes 32,121,000 and 32,121,000 potentially dilutive shares from the denominator, respectively, because the shares would be anti-dilutive. (3) The computation of diluted earnings per common share outstanding for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 includes the reduction for Series C Preferred Stock dividends of $7 million and $7 million , respectively, including deemed dividends on the Series C Preferred Stock from the beneficial conversion feature of $9 million and $9 million , respectively, within the numerator and excludes 29,465,000 and 14,571,000 potentially dilutive shares, respectively, of Series C Preferred Stock from the denominator because the shares would be anti-dilutive. (4) 2,771,000 incremental common shares from assumed conversions of restricted stock have not been included in the computation of diluted earnings (loss) per share for the six months ended June 30, 2020 , respectively, as their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.

Reportable Segments (Tables)

Reportable Segments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	Financial data for reportable segments is as follows, including Corporate and Other, Eliminations and Discontinued Operations for reconciliation purposes: CenterPoint Energy Three Months Ended June 30, 2020 Revenues from External Customers Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated Affiliates Depreciation and Amortization Interest Income Interest Expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net Income (Loss) (in millions) Houston Electric T&D $ 720 (3) $ — $ 140 $ — (1) $ (43 ) (2) $ 16 $ 87 Indiana Electric Integrated 128 — 26 — (5 ) 5 19 Natural Gas Distribution 641 — 113 2 (29 ) 3 33 Midstream Investments — 43 — 1 (13 ) 7 24 Corporate and Other 86 — 18 27 (67 ) (2 ) (28 ) Eliminations — — — (29 ) 29 — — Continuing Operations $ 1,575 $ 43 $ 297 $ 1 $ (128 ) $ 29 135 Discontinued Operations, net (30 ) Consolidated $ 105 Three Months Ended June 30, 2019 Revenues from External Customers Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated Affiliates Depreciation and Amortization Interest Income Interest Expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net Income (Loss) (in millions) Houston Electric T&D $ 765 (3) $ — $ 176 $ 6 (1) $ (42 ) (2) $ 23 $ 100 Indiana Electric Integrated 140 — 25 — (7 ) 3 16 Natural Gas Distribution 673 — 107 — (24 ) 1 23 Midstream Investments — 74 — 3 (14 ) 13 50 Corporate and Other 80 — 14 39 (94 ) (25 ) (38 ) Eliminations — — — (47 ) 47 — — Consolidated $ 1,658 $ 74 $ 322 $ 1 $ (134 ) $ 15 151 Discontinued Operations, net 44 Consolidated $ 195 Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 Revenues from External Customers Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated Affiliates Depreciation and Amortization Interest Income Interest Expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net Income (Loss) (in millions) Houston Electric T&D $ 1,358 (3) $ — $ 269 $ 1 (1) $ (84 ) (2) $ 21 $ 124 Indiana Electric Integrated 257 — 51 — (11 ) 8 (152 ) Natural Gas Distribution 1,959 — 224 3 (61 ) 59 237 Midstream Investments — (1,432 ) (4 ) — 1 (27 ) (354 ) (1,103 ) Corporate and Other 168 — 35 75 (163 ) (52 ) (24 ) Eliminations — — — (79 ) 79 — — Continuing Operations $ 3,742 $ (1,432 ) $ 579 $ 1 $ (267 ) $ (318 ) (918 ) Discontinued Operations, net (176 ) Consolidated $ (1,094 ) Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 Revenues from External Customers Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated Affiliates Depreciation and Amortization Interest Income Interest Expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net Income (Loss) (in millions) Houston Electric T&D $ 1,454 (3) $ — $ 351 $ 10 (1) $ (82 ) (2) $ 29 $ 130 Indiana Electric Integrated 223 — 41 — (10 ) 1 7 Natural Gas Distribution 2,088 — 202 1 (47 ) 27 143 Midstream Investments — 136 — 5 (26 ) 41 74 Corporate and Other 122 — 28 85 (178 ) (69 ) (60 ) Eliminations — — — (88 ) 88 — — Consolidated $ 3,887 $ 136 $ 622 $ 13 $ (255 ) $ 29 294 Discontinued Operations, net 70 Consolidated $ 364 (1) Excludes interest income from Securitization Bonds of $-0- and $1 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, respectively, and $1 million and $3 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, respectively. (2) Excludes interest expense on Securitization Bonds of $7 million and $15 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, respectively, and $10 million and $22 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, respectively. (3) CenterPoint Energy’s Houston Electric T&D’s revenues from major external customers are as follows: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 (in millions) Affiliates of NRG $ 174 $ 165 $ 330 $ 316 Affiliates of Vistra Energy Corp. 92 59 173 113 (4) 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. Houston Electric Houston Electric consists of a single reportable segment; therefore, a tabular reportable segment presentation has not been included. Houston Electric’s T&D revenues from major external customers are as follows: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 (in millions) Affiliates of NRG $ 174 $ 165 $ 330 $ 316 Affiliates of Vistra Energy Corp. 92 59 173 113 CERC Three Months Ended June 30, 2020 Revenues from External Customers Depreciation and Amortization Interest Income Interest Expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net Income (Loss) (in millions) Natural Gas Distribution $ 480 $ 74 $ 2 $ (20 ) $ 1 $ 20 Corporate and Other 3 — 25 (36 ) (5 ) (3 ) Eliminations — — (27 ) 27 — — Continuing Operations $ 483 $ 74 $ — $ (29 ) $ (4 ) 17 Discontinued Operations, net (4 ) Consolidated $ 13 Three Months Ended June 30, 2019 Revenues from External Customers Depreciation and Amortization Interest Income Interest Expense Income Tax Benefit Net Income (Loss) (in millions) Natural Gas Distribution $ 526 $ 73 $ 2 $ (19 ) $ — $ 10 Corporate and Other — — 29 (39 ) (5 ) (8 ) Eliminations — — (28 ) 28 — — Continuing Operations $ 526 $ 73 $ 3 $ (30 ) $ (5 ) 2 Discontinued Operations, net 26 Consolidated $ 28 Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 Revenues from External Customers Depreciation and Amortization Interest Income Interest Expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net Income (Loss) (in millions) Natural Gas Distribution $ 1,488 $ 148 $ 3 $ (41 ) $ 45 $ 154 Corporate and Other 6 — 46 (67 ) (14 ) (6 ) Eliminations — — (49 ) 49 — — Continuing Operations $ 1,494 $ 148 $ — $ (59 ) $ 31 148 Discontinued Operations, net (68 ) Consolidated $ 80 Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 Revenues from External Customers Depreciation and Amortization Interest Income Interest Expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net Income (Loss) (in millions) Natural Gas Distribution $ 1,737 $ 146 $ 3 $ (38 ) $ 26 $ 129 Corporate and Other 1 — 49 (70 ) (13 ) (17 ) Eliminations — — (49 ) 49 — — Continuing Operations $ 1,738 $ 146 $ 3 $ (59 ) $ 13 112 Discontinued Operations, net 54 Consolidated $ 166 CenterPoint Energy and CERC Total Assets June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 CenterPoint Energy CERC CenterPoint CERC (in millions) Houston Electric T&D $ 11,097 $ — $ 11,264 $ — Indiana Electric Integrated 3,083 — 3,168 — Natural Gas Distribution 14,055 7,609 14,105 7,698 Midstream Investments 917 — 2,473 — Corporate and Other, net of eliminations 2,996 (14 ) 2,555 (90 ) Continuing Operations 32,148 7,595 33,565 7,608 Assets Held for Sale — — 1,964 904 Consolidated $ 32,148 $ 7,595 $ 35,529 $ 8,512
Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers by Reporting Segments [Table Text Block]	Houston Electric Houston Electric consists of a single reportable segment; therefore, a tabular reportable segment presentation has not been included. Houston Electric’s T&D revenues from major external customers are as follows: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 (in millions) Affiliates of NRG $ 174 $ 165 $ 330 $ 316 Affiliates of Vistra Energy Corp. 92 59 173 113

Supplemental Disclosure of Ca_2

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block]	The table below provides supplemental disclosure of cash flow information and has not been recast to exclude the Infrastructure Services and Energy Services Disposal Groups prior to the closing of the respective transactions. Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 2019 CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric CERC CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric CERC (in millions) Cash Payments/Receipts: Interest, net of capitalized interest $ 196 $ 93 $ 55 $ 231 $ 113 $ 55 Income tax refunds, net 4 — — 142 73 3 Non-cash transactions: Accounts payable related to capital expenditures 195 76 87 173 86 72 ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities (1) 14 — 5 42 1 28 Beneficial conversion feature 32 — — — — — Amortization of beneficial conversion feature (9 ) — — — — — (1) 2019 includes the transition impact of adoption of ASU 2016-02 Leases. 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 and has not been recast to exclude the Infrastructure Services and Energy Services Disposal Groups as of December 31, 2019. June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric CERC CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric CERC (in millions) Cash and cash equivalents $ 168 $ 151 $ 1 $ 241 $ 216 $ 2 Restricted cash included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets 26 19 — 30 19 — Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in Condensed Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows $ 194 $ 170 $ 1 $ 271 $ 235 $ 2

Related Party Transactions (H_2

Related Party Transactions (Houston Electric and CERC) (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Schedule of Money Pool Investment and Borrowing [Table Text Block]	The table below summarizes CenterPoint Energy money pool activity: June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 Houston Electric CERC Houston Electric CERC (in millions, except interest rates) Money pool investments (borrowings) (1) $ 33 $ — $ 481 $ — Weighted average interest rate 0.38 % 0.38 % 1.98 % 1.98 % (1) Included in Accounts and notes receivable (payable)–affiliated companies on Houston Electric’s and CERC’s respective Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block]	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. The table below summarizes CenterPoint Energy money pool activity: June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 Houston Electric CERC Houston Electric CERC (in millions, except interest rates) Money pool investments (borrowings) (1) $ 33 $ — $ 481 $ — Weighted average interest rate 0.38 % 0.38 % 1.98 % 1.98 % (1) Included in Accounts and notes receivable (payable)–affiliated companies on Houston Electric’s and CERC’s respective Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Houston Electric and CERC affiliate related net interest income (expense) were as follows: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 Houston Electric CERC Houston Electric CERC Houston Electric CERC Houston Electric CERC (in millions) Interest income (expense) (1) $ (1 ) $ — $ 6 $ 1 $ — $ — $ 9 $ 2 (1) Interest income is included in Other income (expense), net and interest expense is included in Interest and other finance charges on Houston Electric’s and CERC’s respective Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income. 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 negotiated usage rates, dedicated asset assignment and proportionate corporate formulas based on operating expenses, assets, gross margin, employees and a composite of assets, gross margin and employees. Houston Electric provides certain services to CERC. These services are billed at actual cost, either directly or as an allocation and include fleet services, shop services, geographic services, surveying and right-of-way services, radio communications, data circuit management and field operations. Additionally, CERC provides certain services to Houston Electric. These services are billed at actual cost, either directly or as an allocation and include line locating and other miscellaneous services. These charges are not necessarily indicative of what would have been incurred had Houston Electric and CERC not been affiliates. Amounts charged for these services were as follows and are included primarily in operation and maintenance expenses: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 Houston Electric CERC Houston Electric CERC Houston Electric CERC Houston Electric CERC (in millions) Corporate service charges $ 45 $ 49 $ 42 $ 32 $ 94 $ 104 $ 94 $ 75 Net affiliate service charges (billings) (4 ) 4 (2 ) 2 (10 ) 10 (4 ) 4 The table below presents transactions among Houston Electric, CERC and their parent, Utility Holding. Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 Houston Electric CERC Houston Electric CERC Houston Electric CERC Houston Electric CERC (in millions) Cash dividends paid to parent $ 20 $ 40 $ 16 $ 83 $ 405 $ 72 $ 40 $ 103 Cash contribution from parent — — — — — — 590 — Capital distribution to parent associated with the sale of CES — 286 — — — 286 — —
Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block]	Houston Electric and CERC affiliate related net interest income (expense) were as follows: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 Houston Electric CERC Houston Electric CERC Houston Electric CERC Houston Electric CERC (in millions) Interest income (expense) (1) $ (1 ) $ — $ 6 $ 1 $ — $ — $ 9 $ 2 (1) Interest income is included in Other income (expense), net and interest expense is included in Interest and other finance charges on Houston Electric’s and CERC’s respective Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income. 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 negotiated usage rates, dedicated asset assignment and proportionate corporate formulas based on operating expenses, assets, gross margin, employees and a composite of assets, gross margin and employees. Houston Electric provides certain services to CERC. These services are billed at actual cost, either directly or as an allocation and include fleet services, shop services, geographic services, surveying and right-of-way services, radio communications, data circuit management and field operations. Additionally, CERC provides certain services to Houston Electric. These services are billed at actual cost, either directly or as an allocation and include line locating and other miscellaneous services. These charges are not necessarily indicative of what would have been incurred had Houston Electric and CERC not been affiliates. Amounts charged for these services were as follows and are included primarily in operation and maintenance expenses: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 Houston Electric CERC Houston Electric CERC Houston Electric CERC Houston Electric CERC (in millions) Corporate service charges $ 45 $ 49 $ 42 $ 32 $ 94 $ 104 $ 94 $ 75 Net affiliate service charges (billings) (4 ) 4 (2 ) 2 (10 ) 10 (4 ) 4 The table below presents transactions among Houston Electric, CERC and their parent, Utility Holding. Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 Houston Electric CERC Houston Electric CERC Houston Electric CERC Houston Electric CERC (in millions) Cash dividends paid to parent $ 20 $ 40 $ 16 $ 83 $ 405 $ 72 $ 40 $ 103 Cash contribution from parent — — — — — — 590 — Capital distribution to parent associated with the sale of CES — 286 — — — 286 — —

Equity (Tables)

Equity (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020
Equity [Abstract]
Dividends Declared [Table Text Block]	CenterPoint Energy paid dividends on its Common Stock during the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 as presented in the table below: Declaration Date Record Date Payment Date Per Share (1) Total (in millions) February 3, 2020 February 20, 2020 March 12, 2020 $ 0.2900 $ 145 April 24, 2020 May 21, 2020 June 11, 2020 0.1500 82 Total 2020 $ 0.4400 $ 227 December 12, 2018 February 21, 2019 March 14, 2019 $ 0.2875 $ 144 April 25, 2019 May 16, 2019 June 13, 2019 0.2875 144 Total 2019 $ 0.5750 $ 288 (1) On April 1, 2020, in response to the reduction in cash flow related to the reduction in Enable quarterly common unit distributions announced by Enable on April 1, 2020, CenterPoint Energy announced a reduction of its quarterly Common Stock dividend per share from $0.2900 to $0.1500 . CenterPoint Energy paid dividends on its Series A Preferred Stock during the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 as presented in the table below: Declaration Date Record Date Payment Date Per Share Total (in millions) February 3, 2020 February 14, 2020 March 2, 2020 $ 30.6250 $ 25 Total 2020 $ 30.6250 $ 25 December 12, 2018 February 15, 2019 March 1, 2019 $ 32.1563 $ 26 Total 2019 $ 32.1563 $ 26 CenterPoint Energy paid dividends on its Series B Preferred Stock during the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 as presented in the table below: Declaration Date Record Date Payment Date Per Share Total (in millions) February 3, 2020 February 14, 2020 March 2, 2020 $ 17.5000 $ 17 April 24, 2020 May 15, 2020 June 1, 2020 17.5000 17 Total 2020 $ 35.0000 $ 34 December 12, 2018 February 15, 2019 March 1, 2019 $ 17.5000 $ 17 April 25, 2019 May 15, 2019 June 3, 2019 17.5000 17 Total 2019 $ 35.0000 $ 34 CenterPoint Energy paid dividends on its Series C Preferred Stock during the six months ended June 30, 2020 as presented in the table below: Declaration Date Record Date Payment Date Per Share Total (in millions) April 24, 2020 (1) May 21, 2020 June 11, 2020 $ 0.1500 $ 7 Total 2020 $ 0.1500 $ 7 (1) Declaration date for dividends on Common Stock. The Series C Preferred Stock is 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. Income Allocated to Preferred Shareholders (CenterPoint Energy) Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 (in millions) Series A Preferred Stock $ 13 $ 13 $ 25 $ 25 Series B Preferred Stock 17 17 34 34 Series C Preferred Stock 7 — 7 — Preferred dividend requirement 37 30 66 59 Amortization of beneficial conversion feature 9 — 9 — Total income allocated to preferred shareholders $ 46 $ 30 $ 75 $ 59
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	Changes in accumulated comprehensive income (loss) are as follows: Three Months Ended June 30, 2020 2019 CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric CERC CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric CERC (in millions) Beginning Balance $ (100 ) $ (15 ) $ 10 $ (107 ) $ (15 ) $ 5 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss: Prior service cost (2) 1 — — 1 — — Actuarial losses (2) 1 — — 2 — — Reclassification of deferred loss from cash flow hedges to regulatory assets 19 19 — — — — Tax expense (5 ) (4 ) — (1 ) — — Net current period other comprehensive income 16 15 — 2 — — Ending Balance $ (84 ) $ — $ 10 $ (105 ) $ (15 ) $ 5 Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 2019 CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric CERC CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric CERC (in millions) Beginning Balance $ (98 ) $ (15 ) $ 10 $ (108 ) $ (14 ) $ 5 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications: Deferred gain (loss) from interest rate derivatives (1) — — — (1 ) (1 ) — Other comprehensive loss from unconsolidated affiliates (3 ) — — — — — Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss: Prior service cost (2) 1 — — 1 — — Actuarial losses (2) 3 — — 4 — — Reclassification of deferred loss from cash flow hedges realized in net income — — — 1 — — Reclassification of net deferred loss from cash flow hedges (3) 19 19 — — — — Tax expense (6 ) (4 ) — (2 ) — — Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) 14 15 — 3 (1 ) — Ending Balance $ (84 ) $ — $ 10 $ (105 ) $ (15 ) $ 5 (1) Gains and losses are reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income into income when the hedged transactions affect earnings. The reclassification amounts are included in Interest and other finance charges in each of the Registrants’ respective Statements of Consolidated Income. Over the next twelve months estimated amortization from Accumulated Comprehensive Income into income is expected to be immaterial. (2) 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. (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. Series C Preferred Stock Private Placement (CenterPoint Energy) On May 6, 2020, CenterPoint Energy entered into agreements for the private placement of 725,000 shares of its Series C Preferred Stock, at a price of $1,000 share, resulting in net proceeds of $724 million after issuance costs. The Series C Preferred Stock is 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. At liquidation, the Series C Preferred Stock will rank pari passu to the existing Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock and senior to the Common Stock, but will participate in a liquidation only on an as-converted to Common Stock basis. Conversion of the Series C Preferred Stock is mandatory upon the occurrence of any of the following triggers: (i) the 12-month anniversary date of the preferred stock purchase agreements, (ii) a bankruptcy event, and (iii) a fundamental change in CenterPoint Energy, including, among other things certain change of control events. Upon a mandatory conversion, each share of Series C Preferred Stock will convert into the number of Common Stock equal to the quotient of $1,000 divided by the prevailing conversion price, which is initially $15.31 . In a conversion at the 12-month anniversary date, in lieu of issuing Common Stock, CenterPoint Energy may, at its election, make a cash payment equal to the product of (i) the then current market price of the Common Stock multiplied by (ii) the number of shares of Common Stock that such holder would have been entitled to receive in a conversion. Following the six-month anniversary date of the issuance of the Series C Preferred Stock, holders of Series C Preferred Stock also have an optional right to convert their holdings to Common Stock at any time, subject to a limit on conversion of no more than 4.9% of the outstanding Common Stock. The conversion price is subject to adjustment for subdivisions and combinations, dividends or distributions payable in common stock. If all of the 725,000 shares of Series C Preferred Stock converted at the initial conversion price, CenterPoint Energy would issue an incremental 47,354,670 shares of Common Stock. CenterPoint Energy may not issue more than a specified amount of outstanding Common Stock upon conversion of Preferred Stock. Once such specified amount has been reached, each Series C Preferred Stock holder electing to convert or subject to mandatory conversion will receive a cash payment equal to the product of (i) the market price of the Common Stock multiplied by (ii) the number of shares of Common Stock that such holder would have been entitled to receive in a conversion. On June 1, 2020, CenterPoint Energy filed a shelf registration statement with the SEC registering 58,051,121 shares of Common Stock, equal to the maximum number of shares of Common Stock issuable in the aggregate upon conversion of the Series C Preferred Stock pursuant to the preferred stock purchase agreements. Series C Preferred Stock holders have no voting rights, except that the affirmative vote of a majority of outstanding Series C Preferred Stock is required for the company to (i) create any class or series of securities that is senior to the Series C Preferred Stock; (ii) reclassify or amend any authorized securities of CenterPoint Energy if reclassification would render the relevant security senior to the Series C Preferred Stock; or (iii) increase the authorized amount or issue any additional shares of Series C Preferred Stock. The vote of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding shares of Series C Preferred Stock is needed to amend the terms of the Series C Preferred Stock in any manner that would adversely alter or change the rights of the Series C Preferred Stock, subject to certain exceptions. Common Stock Private Placement (CenterPoint Energy) On May 6, 2020, CenterPoint Energy entered into agreements for the private placement of 41,977,612 shares of its Common Stock, at a price of $16.08 share, resulting in net proceeds of $673 million after issuance costs. On June 1, 2020, CenterPoint Energy filed a shelf registration statement with the SEC registering these 41,977,612 shares of Common Stock.

Subsequent Events (CenterPoin_2

Subsequent Events (CenterPoint Energy) (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Schedule of Subsequent Events [Table Text Block]	CenterPoint Energy Dividend Declarations Equity Instrument Declaration Date Record Date Payment Date Per Share Common Stock July 29, 2020 August 20, 2020 September 10, 2020 $ 0.1500 Series A Preferred Stock July 29, 2020 August 14, 2020 September 1, 2020 30.6250 Series B Preferred Stock July 29, 2020 August 14, 2020 September 1, 2020 17.5000 Series C Preferred Stock (1) July 29, 2020 August 20, 2020 September 10, 2020 0.1500 (1) The Series C Preferred Stock is 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. Enable Distributions Declarations (CenterPoint Energy) Equity Instrument Declaration Date Record Date Payment Date Per Unit Distribution Expected Cash Distribution (in millions) Enable common units August 4, 2020 August 18, 2020 August 25, 2020 $ 0.16525 $ 39 Enable Series A Preferred Units August 4, 2020 August 4, 2020 August 14, 2020 0.62500 9

Background and Basis of Prese_2

Background and Basis of Presentation (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020stateshares
Enable Midstream Partners [Member]
Ownership percentage of equity method investment	53.70%	[1]
Enable Midstream Partners [Member] | Series A Preferred Units [Member]
Preferred units held | shares	14,520,000	[2]
Natural Gas Distribution [Member]
Number of States in which the Entity Performs Gas Delivery Services	48
CERC Corp [Member] | Natural Gas Distribution [Member]
Number of states in which entity operates	6
Number of States in which the Entity Performs Gas Delivery Services	48
CERC Corp [Member] | Energy Services [Member]
Number of states in which entity operates	30
Enable GP, LLC [Member] | CenterPoint Energy [Member]
Management rights ownership percentage	50.00%	[3],[4]
Incentive Distribution Right, Percentage	40.00%	[4],[5]
[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 June 30, 2020 and $363 million as of December 31, 2019 . No impairment charges or adjustment due to observable price changes were required or recorded during the current or prior reporting periods.
[3]	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.
[4]	Held indirectly through CNP Midstream.
[5]	If cash distributions to Enable’s unitholders exceed $0.330625 per common unit in any quarter, Enable GP will receive increasing percentages or incentive distributions rights, up to 50% , of the cash Enable distributes in excess of that amount. In certain circumstances Enable GP will have the right to reset the minimum quarterly distribution and the target distribution levels at which the incentive distributions receive increasing percentages to higher levels based on Enable’s cash distributions at the time of the exercise of this reset election. To date, no incentive distributions have been made.

Divestitures (CenterPoint Ene_3

Divestitures (CenterPoint Energy and CERC) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2020		Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020		Jun. 30, 2019		Dec. 31, 2019
Discontinued Operation, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Cash proceeds from sale					$ 1,136		$ 0
Goodwill Impairment		$ 0		$ 0	185		0
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Balance Sheet Disclosures [Abstract]
Receivables, net									$ 637
Accrued unbilled revenues									117
Natural gas inventory									67
Materials and supplies									6
Non-trading derivative assets									136
Other									39
Total current assets held for sale		0			0				1,002
Property, plant and equipment, net									321
Goodwill									282
Non-trading derivative assets									58
Other									301
Total non-current assets held for sale		0			0				962
Total assets held for sale									1,964
Accounts payable									344
Taxes accrued									2
Non-trading derivative liabilities									44
Other									65
Total current liabilities held for sale		0			0				455
Non-trading derivative liabilities									14
Benefit obligations									4
Other									25
Total non-current liabilities held for sale		0			0				43
Total liabilities held for sale									498
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Income Statement Disclosures [Abstract]
Revenues		309		1,178	1,417		2,566
Non-utility cost of revenues		306		890	1,158		2,118
Operation and maintenance		35		212	218		325
Depreciation and amortization		0		18	0		31
Taxes other than income taxes		2		0	4		0
Total		343		1,120	1,380		2,474
Income (loss) from Discontinued Operations before income taxes		(34)		58	37		92
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Assets and Asset Impairment Charges	[1],[2]	42			(192)
Income tax expense (benefit)		38		14	21		22
Net income (loss) from Discontinued Operations		(30)		44	(176)		70
Discontinued Operation, Alternative Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Depreciation and Amortization					0		31
Infrastructure Services Disposal Group [Member]
Discontinued Operation, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Sales price of outstanding equity interests		850			850
Cash proceeds from sale		850
Net deferred tax liabilities on sale recognized as deferred income tax benefit by CenterPoint Energy		127			127
Current tax expense of cash taxes payable upon sale		159
Goodwill Impairment					82
Cost to sell					14
Pre-tax gain on sale		3
Maximum contractual exposure under Securities Purchase Agreement		21			21
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Balance Sheet Disclosures [Abstract]
Receivables, net									192
Accrued unbilled revenues									109
Materials and supplies									6
Other									4
Total current assets held for sale									311
Property, plant and equipment, net									295
Goodwill									220
Other									234
Total non-current assets held for sale									749
Total assets held for sale									1,060
Accounts payable									45
Taxes accrued									2
Other									40
Total current liabilities held for sale									87
Other									16
Total non-current liabilities held for sale									16
Total liabilities held for sale									103
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Income Statement Disclosures [Abstract]
Revenues		28		326	250		472	[3]
Non-utility cost of revenues		6		89	50		132	[3]
Operation and maintenance		21		195	184		291	[3]
Depreciation and amortization		0		15	0		24	[3]
Taxes other than income taxes		0		0	1		0	[3]
Total		27		299	235		447	[3]
Income (loss) from Discontinued Operations before income taxes		1		27	15		25	[3]
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Assets and Asset Impairment Charges	[1],[2]	3			(93)
Income tax expense (benefit)		30		6	25		6	[3]
Net income (loss) from Discontinued Operations		(26)		21	(103)		19	[3]
Discontinued Operation, Alternative Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Depreciation and Amortization					0		24
Amortization of intangible assets in Non-utility cost of revenues							9
Capital expenditures					16		38
Accounts payable related to capital expenditures					2		0
Discontinued Operation, Continuing Involvement [Abstract]
Pipeline construction and repair services capitalized		0	[4]	48	34	[5]	67	[6]
Pipeline construction and repair services charges		0	[4]	0	1	[5]	4	[6]
Energy Services Disposal Group [Member]
Discontinued Operation, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Sales price of outstanding equity interests		400			400
Cash proceeds from sale		286
Receivable from sale of disposal group		75			75
Net deferred tax liabilities on sale recognized as deferred income tax benefit by CenterPoint Energy		3			3
Current tax expense of cash taxes payable upon sale		3
Goodwill Impairment					62
Loss from reclassification to held for sale					70
Cost to sell					6
Reduction of loss from reclassification to held for sale		39			39
Outstanding obligation related to AMAs		14			14
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Balance Sheet Disclosures [Abstract]
Receivables, net									445
Accrued unbilled revenues									8
Natural gas inventory									67
Non-trading derivative assets									136
Other									35
Total current assets held for sale									691
Property, plant and equipment, net									26
Goodwill									62
Non-trading derivative assets									58
Other									67
Total non-current assets held for sale									213
Total assets held for sale									904
Accounts payable									299
Taxes accrued									0
Non-trading derivative liabilities									44
Other									25
Total current liabilities held for sale									368
Non-trading derivative liabilities									14
Benefit obligations									4
Other									9
Total non-current liabilities held for sale									27
Total liabilities held for sale									395
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Income Statement Disclosures [Abstract]
Revenues		281		852	1,167		2,094
Non-utility cost of revenues		300		801	1,108		1,986
Operation and maintenance		14		17	34		34
Depreciation and amortization		0		3	0		7
Taxes other than income taxes		2		0	3		0
Total		316		821	1,145		2,027
Income (loss) from Discontinued Operations before income taxes		(35)		31	22		67
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Assets and Asset Impairment Charges	[1],[2]	39			(99)
Income tax expense (benefit)		8		8	(4)		16
Net income (loss) from Discontinued Operations		(4)		23	(73)		51
Discontinued Operation, Alternative Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Depreciation and Amortization							7
Write-down of natural gas inventory					3		3
Capital expenditures					1		7
Accounts payable related to capital expenditures					4		4
Discontinued Operation, Continuing Involvement [Abstract]
Transportation revenue		18	[7]	32	34	[8]	48
Natural gas expense		3	[7]	16	48	[8]	80
CERC Corp [Member]
Discontinued Operation, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Cash proceeds from sale					286		0
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Balance Sheet Disclosures [Abstract]
Total current assets held for sale		0			0				691
Total non-current assets held for sale		0			0				213
Total current liabilities held for sale		0			0				368
Total non-current liabilities held for sale		0			0				27
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Income Statement Disclosures [Abstract]
Income tax expense (benefit)		8		5	(3)		13
Net income (loss) from Discontinued Operations		(4)		26	(68)		54
Discontinued Operation, Alternative Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Depreciation and Amortization					0		7
CERC Corp [Member] | Infrastructure Services Disposal Group [Member]
Discontinued Operation, Continuing Involvement [Abstract]
Pipeline construction and repair services capitalized		0	[4]	8	0	[5]	9	[6]
Pipeline construction and repair services charges		0	[4]	0	1	[5]	1	[6]
CERC Corp [Member] | Energy Services Disposal Group [Member]
Discontinued Operation, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Goodwill Impairment					62
Loss from reclassification to held for sale					70
Cost to sell					6
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Balance Sheet Disclosures [Abstract]
Receivables, net									445
Accrued unbilled revenues									8
Natural gas inventory									67
Non-trading derivative assets									136
Other									35
Total current assets held for sale									691
Property, plant and equipment, net									26
Goodwill									62
Non-trading derivative assets									58
Other									67
Total non-current assets held for sale									213
Total assets held for sale									904
Accounts payable									299
Taxes accrued									0
Non-trading derivative liabilities									44
Other									25
Total current liabilities held for sale									368
Non-trading derivative liabilities									14
Benefit obligations									4
Other									9
Total non-current liabilities held for sale									27
Total liabilities held for sale									$ 395
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Income Statement Disclosures [Abstract]
Revenues		281		852	1,167		2,094
Non-utility cost of revenues		300		801	1,108		1,986
Operation and maintenance		14		17	34		34
Depreciation and amortization		0		3	0		7
Taxes other than income taxes		2		0	3		0
Total		316		821	1,145		2,027
Income (loss) from Discontinued Operations before income taxes		(35)		31	22		67
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Assets and Asset Impairment Charges	[1],[2]	39			(93)
Income tax expense (benefit)		8		5	(3)		13
Net income (loss) from Discontinued Operations		(4)		26	(68)		54
Discontinued Operation, Alternative Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Depreciation and Amortization							7
Write-down of natural gas inventory					3		3
Capital expenditures					1		7
Accounts payable related to capital expenditures					4		4
Discontinued Operation, Continuing Involvement [Abstract]
Transportation revenue		18	[7]	32	34	[8]	48
Natural gas expense		$ 3	[7]	$ 16	$ 47	[8]	$ 79
[1]	Infrastructure Services Disposal Group includes $3 million gain on sale in the three and six months ended June 30, 2020.
[2]	Loss from classification to held for sale is inclusive of goodwill impairment and, for CenterPoint Energy, its costs to sell
[3]	Reflects February 1, 2019 to June 30, 2019 results only due to the Merger.
[4]	Represents charges for the period April 1, 2020 until the closing of the transaction.
[5]	Represents charges for the period January 1, 2020 until the closing of the transaction.
[6]	Represents charges for the period beginning February 1, 2019 due to the Merger.
[7]	Represents charges for the period April 1, 2020 until the closing of the transaction.
[8]	Represents charges for the period January 1, 2020 until the closing of the transaction.

Revenue Recognition Disaggregat

Revenue Recognition Disaggregation of Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts		$ 1,566	$ 1,649	$ 3,707	$ 3,876
Other	[1]	9	9	35	11
Revenues		1,575	1,658	3,742	3,887
Lease Income		1	1	2	3
Houston Electric T&D [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	[2]	720	765	1,358	1,454
Indiana Electric Integrated [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues		128	140	257	223
Natural Gas Distribution [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues		641	673	1,959	2,088
Corporate and Other [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues		86	80	168	122
Reportable Subsegments [Member] | Houston Electric T&D [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts		722	768	1,360	1,458
Other	[1]	(2)	(3)	(2)	(4)
Revenues		720	765	1,358	1,454
Reportable Subsegments [Member] | Indiana Electric Integrated [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts		128	140	257	223	[3]
Other	[1]	0	0	0	0	[3]
Revenues		128	140	257	223	[3]
Reportable Subsegments [Member] | Natural Gas Distribution [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts		632	663	1,925	2,076	[3]
Other	[1]	9	10	34	12	[3]
Revenues		641	673	1,959	2,088	[3]
Reportable Subsegments [Member] | Corporate and Other [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts		84	78	165	119	[3]
Other	[1]	2	2	3	3	[3]
Revenues		86	80	168	122	[3]
Houston Electric [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues		720	765	1,354	1,451
Houston Electric [Member] | Reportable Subsegments [Member] | Houston Electric T&D [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts		722	768	1,360	1,458
Other	[4]	(2)	(3)	(6)	(7)
Revenues		720	765	1,354	1,451
CERC Corp [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts		472	515	1,456	1,721
Other	[5]	11	11	38	17
Revenues		483	526	1,494	1,738
CERC Corp [Member] | Natural Gas Distribution [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues		480	526	1,488	1,737
CERC Corp [Member] | Corporate and Other [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues		3	0	6	1
CERC Corp [Member] | Reportable Subsegments [Member] | Natural Gas Distribution [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts		470	515	1,451	1,720
Other	[5]	10	11	37	17
Revenues		480	526	1,488	1,737
CERC Corp [Member] | Reportable Subsegments [Member] | Corporate and Other [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts		2	0	5	1
Other	[5]	1		1
Revenues		$ 3	$ 0	$ 6	$ 1
[1]	Primarily consists of income from ARPs, weather hedge gains (losses) and leases. 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. Total lease income was $1 million and $1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $2 million and $3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
[2]	CenterPoint Energy’s Houston Electric T&D’s revenues from major external customers are as follows: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 (in millions) Affiliates of NRG $ 174 $ 165 $ 330 $ 316 Affiliates of Vistra Energy Corp. 92 59 173 113
[3]	Reflects revenues from Vectren subsidiaries for the period from February 1, 2019 to June 30, 2019.
[4]	Primarily consists of income from ARPs, weather hedge gains (losses) and leases. 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. Lease income was not significant for the three or six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019.
[5]	Primarily consists of income from ARPs, weather hedge gains (losses) and leases. 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. Lease income was not significant for the three or six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019.

Revenue Recognition Summary of

Revenue Recognition Summary of Contract Assets and Liabilities (Details) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020USD ($)
Change in Accounts Receivable [Roll Forward]
Opening balance as of December 31, 2019	$ 566
Closing balance as of June 30, 2020	565
Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable on Contracts with Customers	(1)
Change in Other Accrued Unbilled Revenues [Roll Forward]
Opening balance as of December 31, 2019	469
Closing balance as of June 30, 2020	276
Increase (Decrease) in Unbilled Receivables	(193)
Change in Contract Asset [Roll Forward]
Opening balance as of December 31, 2019	6
Closing balance as of June 30, 2020	16
Increase (Decrease) in Contract with Customer, Asset	10
Change in Contract Liability [Roll Forward]
Opening balance as of December 31, 2019	30
Closing balance as of June 30, 2020	26
Increase (Decrease) in Contract with Customer, Liability	(4)
Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized	28
Houston Electric [Member]
Change in Accounts Receivable [Roll Forward]
Opening balance as of December 31, 2019	210
Closing balance as of June 30, 2020	282
Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable on Contracts with Customers	72
Change in Other Accrued Unbilled Revenues [Roll Forward]
Opening balance as of December 31, 2019	117
Closing balance as of June 30, 2020	125
Increase (Decrease) in Unbilled Receivables	8
Change in Contract Liability [Roll Forward]
Opening balance as of December 31, 2019	3
Closing balance as of June 30, 2020	5
Increase (Decrease) in Contract with Customer, Liability	2
Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized	2
CERC Corp [Member]
Change in Accounts Receivable [Roll Forward]
Opening balance as of December 31, 2019	222
Closing balance as of June 30, 2020	155
Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable on Contracts with Customers	(67)
Change in Other Accrued Unbilled Revenues [Roll Forward]
Opening balance as of December 31, 2019	249
Closing balance as of June 30, 2020	83
Increase (Decrease) in Unbilled Receivables	$ (166)

Revenue Recognition Remaining P

Revenue Recognition Remaining Performance Obligations (Details) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2020USD ($)
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenue expected to be recognized	$ 772
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2020-07-01
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenue expected to be recognized	$ 218
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Expected timing of satisfaction, period	1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2021-07-01
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenue expected to be recognized	$ 554
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Expected timing of satisfaction, period

Revenue Recognition Provision f

Revenue Recognition Provision for Doubtful Accounts (Details) - Accounting Standards Update 2016-13 [Member] $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020USD ($)
Cumulative Effect on Retained Earnings	$ 5
Energy Services Disposal Group [Member]
Cumulative Effect on Retained Earnings	2
CERC Corp [Member]
Cumulative Effect on Retained Earnings	$ 5

Employee Benefit Plans (Details

Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net periodic cost (income)		$ 14	$ 24	$ 25	$ 46
Total contributions expected in current year		83		83
Total contributions to the plans during the period		3		5
Decline in defined benefit plan, plan assets				$ 8
Percent increase (decrease) change in Defined Benefit Plan Assets				0.40%
Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net periodic cost (income)		1	2	$ 2	4
Total contributions expected in current year		11		11
Total contributions to the plans during the period		2		6
Operation and maintenance expense [Member] | Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost (1)	[1]	12	10	22	20
Operation and maintenance expense [Member] | Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost (1)	[2]	1	0	1	1
Other, net [Member] | Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Interest cost (2)	[3]	19	25	38	48
Expected return on plan assets (2)	[3]	(29)	(27)	(57)	(52)
Amortization of prior service cost (2)	[3]	0	2	0	4
Amortization of net loss (2)	[3]	11	13	21	26
Settlement cost (2) (3)	[3],[4]	1	1	1	1
Curtailment gain (2) (4)	[3],[5]	0	0	0	(1)
Other, net [Member] | Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Interest cost (2)	[6]	3	4	6	8
Expected return on plan assets (2)	[6]	(2)	(1)	(3)	(3)
Amortization of prior service cost (2)	[6]	(1)	(1)	(2)	(2)
Houston Electric [Member] | Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net periodic cost (income)		(1)	(1)	(2)	(1)
Total contributions expected in current year		4		4
Total contributions to the plans during the period		0		2
Houston Electric [Member] | Operation and maintenance expense [Member] | Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost (1)	[2]	0	0	0	0
Houston Electric [Member] | Other, net [Member] | Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Interest cost (2)	[6]	2	2	3	4
Expected return on plan assets (2)	[6]	(1)	(1)	(2)	(2)
Amortization of prior service cost (2)	[6]	(2)	(2)	(3)	(3)
CERC Corp [Member] | Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net periodic cost (income)		1	1	2	2
Total contributions expected in current year		4		4
Total contributions to the plans during the period		0		1
CERC Corp [Member] | Operation and maintenance expense [Member] | Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost (1)	[2]	0	1	0	1
CERC Corp [Member] | Other, net [Member] | Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Interest cost (2)	[6]	1	1	2	2
Expected return on plan assets (2)	[6]	0	(1)	0	(1)
Amortization of prior service cost (2)	[6]	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
[1]	Amounts presented in the table 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 Operation and maintenance expense in each of the Registrants’ respective Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income, net of amounts capitalized and regulatory deferrals.
[3]	Amounts presented in the table above are included in Other income (expense), net in each of the Registrants’ respective Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income, net of regulatory deferrals.
[4]	A one-time, non-cash settlement cost is required when the total lump sum distributions or other settlements of plan benefit obligations during a plan year exceed the service cost and interest cost components of the net periodic cost for that year. In each of the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, CenterPoint Energy recognized a non-cash settlement cost of $1 million and $1 million , respectively, due to lump sum settlement payments from Vectren pension plans.
[5]	A curtailment gain or loss is required when the expected future services of a significant number of employees are reduced or eliminated for the accrual of benefits. In the six months ended June 30, 2019, CenterPoint Energy recognized a pension curtailment gain of $1 million related to Vectren employees whose employment was terminated after the Merger closed.
[6]	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.

Regulatory Matters (Details)

Regulatory Matters (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jan. 23, 2020	Apr. 05, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Apr. 13, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Amount of allowed equity return not recognized in the period					$ 154
Amount Of Allowed Equity Return Recognized In Period			$ 8	$ 13	14	$ 24
Rate case expense			2,149		2,149			$ 2,117
Houston Electric [Member]
Amount of allowed equity return not recognized in the period					154
Amount Of Allowed Equity Return Recognized In Period			8	$ 13	14	$ 24
Rate case expense			879		879			915
CERC Corp [Member]
Rate case expense			201		201			191
Incremental Uncollectible Receivables, Regulatory Asset			9		9
Natural Gas Distribution [Member]
Incremental Uncollectible Receivables, Regulatory Asset			11		11
CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric 2019 Rate Case [Member]
Requested revenue increase		$ 194
Houston electric stipulation and settlement agreement [Member]
Requested revenue increase	$ 13
Return on Equity	9.40%
Debt Capital Structure	57.50%
Equity Capital Structure	42.50%
Unprotected excess deferred income tax	$ 105
Rate case expense [Member] | Houston electric stipulation and settlement agreement [Member]
Rate case expense								$ 12
Public Utility Commission of Texas [Member]
ERCOT Loan, COVID-19 ERP							$ 5
ERCOT Loan, COVID-19 ERP, Outstanding			5		5
Public Utility Commission of Texas [Member] | Houston Electric [Member]
COVID-19 ERP Regulatory Liability			1		1
ERCOT Loan, COVID-19 ERP							$ 5
ERCOT Loan, COVID-19 ERP, Outstanding			$ 5		$ 5

Derivative Instruments Derivati

Derivative Instruments Derivatives and Hedging (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Weather hedges term		10 years
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument, Economic Hedge [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Aggregate notional amount	[1]	$ 84	$ 84
[1]	Relates to interest rate derivative instruments at SIGECO.

Derivative Instruments Summary

Derivative Instruments Summary of Derivative Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets Fair Value		$ 0		$ 0		$ 0
Derivative Liabilities Fair Value		879		879		925
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments		(76)	$ (68)	59	$ (154)
Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets Fair Value		0		0		0
Derivative Liabilities Fair Value		27		27		10
Energy Related Derivative [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Current Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets Fair Value		0		0		0	[1]
Derivative Liabilities Fair Value	[1]	7		7		7
Energy Related Derivative [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets Fair Value		0		0		0	[1]
Derivative Liabilities Fair Value	[1]	11		11		15
IDS Derivative [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Current Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets Fair Value		0		0		0
Derivative Liabilities Fair Value		834		834		$ 893
Gains (Losses) in Other Income (Expense) [Member] | IDS Derivative [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments		$ (76)	$ (68)	$ 59	$ (154)
[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 a liability position with no offsetting amounts.

Fair Value Measurements (Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Assets
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure		$ 803		$ 803		$ 874
Liabilities
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure		880		880		925
Goodwill, Impairment Loss		0	$ 0	185	$ 0
Carrying Amount [Member]
Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Long-term debt, including current maturities	[1]	12,850		12,850		15,093
Fair Value [Member]
Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Long-term debt, including current maturities	[1]	14,424		14,424		16,067
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure		803		803		874
Liabilities
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure		0		0		0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure		0		0		0
Liabilities
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure		880		880		925
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure		0		0		0
Liabilities
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure		0		0		0
Fair Value, Recurring [Member]
Assets
Corporate equities		755		755		825
Investments, including money market funds (1)	[2]	48		48		49
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Liabilities
Derivative liabilities		27		27		10
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Energy Related Derivative [Member]
Liabilities
Derivative liabilities		18		18		22
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | IDS Derivative [Member]
Liabilities
Derivative liabilities		835		835		893
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets
Corporate equities		755		755		825
Investments, including money market funds (1)	[2]	48		48		49
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Liabilities
Derivative liability		0		0		0
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Energy Related Derivative [Member]
Liabilities
Derivative liability		0		0		0
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | IDS Derivative [Member]
Liabilities
Derivative liability		0		0		0
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets
Corporate equities		0		0		0
Investments, including money market funds (1)	[2]	0		0		0
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Liabilities
Derivative liability		27		27		10
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Energy Related Derivative [Member]
Liabilities
Derivative liability		18		18		22
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | IDS Derivative [Member]
Liabilities
Derivative liability		835		835		893
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets
Corporate equities		0		0		0
Investments, including money market funds (1)	[2]	0		0		0
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Liabilities
Derivative liability		0		0		0
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Energy Related Derivative [Member]
Liabilities
Derivative liability		0		0		0
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | IDS Derivative [Member]
Liabilities
Derivative liability		0		0		0
Houston Electric [Member]
Assets
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure		31		31		32
Houston Electric [Member] | Carrying Amount [Member]
Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Long-term debt, including current maturities	[1]	5,115		5,115		4,950
Houston Electric [Member] | Fair Value [Member]
Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Long-term debt, including current maturities	[1]	5,938		5,938		5,457
Houston Electric [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure		31		31		32
Houston Electric [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure		0		0		0
Houston Electric [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure		0		0		0
Houston Electric [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring [Member]
Assets
Investments, including money market funds (1)	[2]	31		31		32
Houston Electric [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets
Investments, including money market funds (1)	[2]	31		31		32
Houston Electric [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets
Investments, including money market funds (1)	[2]	0		0		0
Houston Electric [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets
Investments, including money market funds (1)	[2]	0		0		0
CERC Corp [Member]
Assets
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure		13		13		13
CERC Corp [Member] | Carrying Amount [Member]
Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Long-term debt, including current maturities		2,406		2,406		2,546
CERC Corp [Member] | Fair Value [Member]
Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Long-term debt, including current maturities		2,743		2,743		2,803
CERC Corp [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure		13		13		13
CERC Corp [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure		0		0		0
CERC Corp [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure		0		0		0
CERC Corp [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring [Member]
Assets
Corporate equities		2		2		2
Investments, including money market funds (1)	[2]	11		11		11
CERC Corp [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets
Corporate equities		2		2		2
Investments, including money market funds (1)	[2]	11		11		11
CERC Corp [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets
Corporate equities		0		0		0
Investments, including money market funds (1)	[2]	0		0		0
CERC Corp [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets
Corporate equities		0		0		0
Investments, including money market funds (1)	[2]	0		0		$ 0
Infrastructure Services [Member]
Liabilities
Goodwill, Impairment Loss				82
Fair Value Of Disposal Group		864		864
Energy Services [Member]
Liabilities
Goodwill, Impairment Loss				62
Loss on assets held for sale				70
Fair Value Of Disposal Group		402		402
Reduction of loss from reclassification to held for sale		39		39
Energy Services [Member] | CERC Corp [Member]
Liabilities
Goodwill, Impairment Loss				62
Loss on assets held for sale				70
Enable Midstream Partners [Member]
Liabilities
Equity Method Investment, Other than Temporary Impairment		0	$ 0	1,541	$ 0
Equity Method Investments, Fair Value Disclosure		$ 848		848
Indiana Electric Integrated [Member]
Liabilities
Goodwill, Impairment Loss				$ 185
[1]	Includes Securitization Bonds debt.
[2]	Amounts are included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Unconsolidated Affiliate (Cen_3

Unconsolidated Affiliate (CenterPoint Energy and CERC) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions		Aug. 04, 2020	Apr. 01, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020		Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Enable Units [Abstract]
Preferred units – unconsolidated affiliate				$ 363		$ 363				$ 363
Percentage of sales that trigger right of first refusal						5.00%
Enable Distributions [Abstract]
Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Distribution						$ 109		$ 149
Total distributions received from Enable				48	$ 84	134		167
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Gross Profit (Loss) [Abstract]
Operating revenues				1,575	1,658	3,742		3,887
Depreciation and amortization				297	322	579		622
Operating income				235	229	452		440
Net income attributable to Enable common units				59	165	(1,169)		305
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliate, net				43	74	(1,432)		136
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]
Current assets				2,501		2,501				3,937
Current liabilities				4,309		4,309				3,978
Enable partners’ equity				8,392	8,257	8,392		8,257		8,359
Equity Method Investment, Difference Between Carrying Amount and Underlying Equity [Abstract]
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates				855		855				2,408
Common Units [Member]
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]
Enable partners’ equity				5	5	5		5	$ 5	5	$ 5	$ 5
Series A Preferred Units [Member]
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]
Enable partners’ equity				2,441	1,740	2,441		1,740	1,740	1,740	1,740	1,740
CERC Corp [Member]
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Gross Profit (Loss) [Abstract]
Operating revenues				483	526	1,494		1,738
Depreciation and amortization				74	73	148		146
Operating income				42	27	242		187
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]
Current assets				541		541				1,489
Current liabilities				1,170		1,170				1,111
Enable partners’ equity				2,357	2,506	2,357		2,506		2,641
CERC Corp [Member] | Common Units [Member]
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]
Enable partners’ equity				0	0	$ 0		0	$ 0	0	$ 0	$ 0
OGE [Member]
Enable Units [Abstract]
Percentage of sales that trigger right of first refusal						5.00%
Proliance Holdings LLC [Member]
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Gross Profit (Loss) [Abstract]
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliate, net				0	0	$ 0		0
Equity Method Investment, Difference Between Carrying Amount and Underlying Equity [Abstract]
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates				$ 1		$ 1				2
Enable Midstream Partners [Member]
Enable Partnership Interest [Abstract]
Ownership percentage of equity method investment	[1]			53.70%		53.70%
Limited partner ownership interest	[1]					100.00%
Enable Units [Abstract]
Equity Method Investments, Fair Value Disclosure				$ 848		$ 848
Maximum incentive distribution right						50.00%
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Gross Profit (Loss) [Abstract]
Operating revenues				515	735	$ 1,163		1,530
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation and amortization				177	317	403		695
Depreciation and amortization				105	110	209		215
Goodwill and Intangible Asset Impairment				0		28		0
Operating income				80	167	226		332
Net income attributable to Enable common units				35	115	138		228
CenterPoint Energy’s interest				19	62	74		123
Basis difference amortization (1)	[2]			24	12	36		24
Dilution Loss, Equity Method Investment				0	0	(1)		(11)
Impairment of CenterPoint Energy’s equity method investment in Enable				0	0	(1,541)		0
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliate, net				43	74	(1,432)		136
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]
Current assets				374		374				389
Non-current assets				11,687		11,687				11,877
Current liabilities				290		290				780
Non-current liabilities				4,454		4,454				4,077
Non-controlling interest				27		27				37
Preferred equity				362		362				362
Accumulated other comprehensive loss				(9)		(9)				(3)
Enable partners’ equity				6,937		6,937				7,013
Equity Method Investment, Difference Between Carrying Amount and Underlying Equity [Abstract]
CenterPoint Energy’s ownership interest in Enable partners’ equity				3,720		3,720				3,767
CenterPoint Energy’s basis difference (1)	[3]			(2,866)		(2,866)				(1,361)
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates				854		854				2,406
Enable Midstream Partners [Member] | Common Units [Member]
Enable Distributions [Abstract]
Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Distribution				$ 39	$ 75	$ 116		$ 149
Distribution per share of common units				$ 0.16525	$ 0.3180	$ 0.49575	[4]	$ 0.6360
Enable Midstream Partners [Member] | Series A Preferred Units [Member]
Enable Distributions [Abstract]
Distributions received from Enable cost method investment				$ 9	$ 9	$ 18		$ 18
Distribution per share of Series A preferred units				$ 0.62500	$ 0.6250	$ 1.2500		$ 1.2500
Enable Midstream Partners [Member] | OGE [Member]
Enable Partnership Interest [Abstract]
Limited partner ownership interest	[1]					25.50%
Enable Midstream Partners [Member] | Public unitholders [Member]
Enable Partnership Interest [Abstract]
Limited partner ownership interest	[1]					20.80%
Maximum [Member] | Enable Midstream Partners [Member]
Enable Units [Abstract]
Incentive distribution per unit						$ 0.330625
Common Units [Member] | Enable Midstream Partners [Member]
Enable Units [Abstract]
Limited partner interest units held	[5]			233,856,623		233,856,623
Limited partner interest units held	[5]			435,454,209		435,454,209
Common Units [Member] | Enable Midstream Partners [Member] | OGE [Member]
Enable Units [Abstract]
Limited partner interest units held	[5]			110,982,805		110,982,805
Common Units [Member] | Enable Midstream Partners [Member] | Public unitholders [Member]
Enable Units [Abstract]
Limited partner interest units held	[5]			90,614,781		90,614,781
Series A Preferred Units [Member] | Enable Midstream Partners [Member]
Enable Units [Abstract]
Preferred Units Held	[6]			14,520,000		14,520,000
Natural Gas Expenses [Member] | Enable Midstream Partners [Member]
Transactions with Enable [Abstract]
Natural gas expenses, includes transportation and storage costs				$ 17	$ 18	$ 44		$ 45
Accounts payable for natural gas purchases from Enable				6		6				9
Natural Gas Expenses [Member] | Enable Midstream Partners [Member] | CERC Corp [Member]
Transactions with Enable [Abstract]
Natural gas expenses, includes transportation and storage costs				17	$ 18	44		$ 45
Accounts payable for natural gas purchases from Enable				$ 6		$ 6				$ 9
Enable GP, LLC [Member] | CenterPoint Energy [Member]
Enable Units [Abstract]
Management rights ownership percentage	[7],[8]					50.00%
Incentive Distribution Right, Percentage	[8],[9]					40.00%
Enable GP, LLC [Member] | OGE [Member]
Enable Units [Abstract]
Management rights ownership percentage	[7]					50.00%
Incentive Distribution Right, Percentage	[9]					60.00%
Common Units [Member] | Enable Midstream Partners [Member]
Equity Method Investment, Difference Between Carrying Amount and Underlying Equity [Abstract]
Percentage Reduction of Dividend or Distribution Amount			50.00%
Common Units [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member] | Enable Midstream Partners [Member]
Enable Distributions [Abstract]
Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Distribution		$ 39
Equity Method Investment, Difference Between Carrying Amount and Underlying Equity [Abstract]
Distribution Made to Limited Partner, Distributions Declared, Per Unit		$ 0.16525
Previous Dividend or Distribution [Member] | Common Units [Member] | Enable Midstream Partners [Member]
Equity Method Investment, Difference Between Carrying Amount and Underlying Equity [Abstract]
Distribution Made to Limited Partner, Distributions Declared, Per Unit			$ 0.3305
Revised Dividend or Distribution [Member] | Common Units [Member] | Enable Midstream Partners [Member]
Equity Method Investment, Difference Between Carrying Amount and Underlying Equity [Abstract]
Distribution Made to Limited Partner, Distributions Declared, Per Unit			$ 0.16525
[1]	Excludes the Enable Series A Preferred Units owned by CenterPoint Energy.
[2]	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.
[3]	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. The basis difference is being amortized through the year 2048.
[4]	On April 1, 2020, Enable announced a 50% reduction in its quarterly distribution per common unit from $0.3305 to $0.16525 .
[5]	Held indirectly through CNP Midstream by CenterPoint Energy.
[6]	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 June 30, 2020 and $363 million as of December 31, 2019 . No impairment charges or adjustment due to observable price changes were required or recorded during the current or prior reporting periods.
[7]	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.
[8]	Held indirectly through CNP Midstream.
[9]	If cash distributions to Enable’s unitholders exceed $0.330625 per common unit in any quarter, Enable GP will receive increasing percentages or incentive distributions rights, up to 50% , of the cash Enable distributes in excess of that amount. In certain circumstances Enable GP will have the right to reset the minimum quarterly distribution and the target distribution levels at which the incentive distributions receive increasing percentages to higher levels based on Enable’s cash distributions at the time of the exercise of this reset election. To date, no incentive distributions have been made.

Goodwill and Other Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangibles (CenterPoint Energy and CERC) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill		$ 4,697		$ 4,697		$ 4,882
Goodwill, Impairment Loss		0	$ 0	185	$ 0
Finite-Live Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Intangible assets gross carrying amount		68		68		68
Intangible assets accumulated amortization		(14)		(14)		(10)
Net intangible assets		54		54		58
Amortization of Intangible Assets				1	12
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense Maturity Schedule [Abstract]
Remaining six months of 2020		4		4
2021		6		6
2022		6		6
2023		6		6
2024		5		5
2025		5		5
Indiana Electric Integrated [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill		936		936		1,121
Goodwill, Impairment Loss				185
Fair value of goodwill		936		936
Natural Gas Distribution [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill		3,312		3,312		3,312
Goodwill, Impairment Loss				0
Corporate and Other [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill		449		449		449
Goodwill, Impairment Loss				0
Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-Live Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Intangible assets gross carrying amount		33		33		33
Intangible assets accumulated amortization		(6)		(6)		(4)
Net intangible assets		27		27		29
Trade Names [Member]
Finite-Live Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Intangible assets gross carrying amount		16		16		16
Intangible assets accumulated amortization		(2)		(2)		(1)
Net intangible assets		14		14		15
Construction Backlog [Member]
Finite-Live Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Intangible assets gross carrying amount	[1]	5		5		5
Intangible assets accumulated amortization	[1]	(4)		(4)		(4)
Net intangible assets	[1]	1		1		1
Operation and maintenance agreements [Member]
Finite-Live Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Intangible assets gross carrying amount	[1]	12		12		12
Intangible assets accumulated amortization	[1]	(1)		(1)		0
Net intangible assets	[1]	11		11		12
Other [Member]
Finite-Live Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Intangible assets gross carrying amount		2		2		2
Intangible assets accumulated amortization		(1)		(1)		(1)
Net intangible assets		1		1		1
CERC Corp [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill		757		757		757
CERC Corp [Member] | Natural Gas Distribution [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill		746		746		746
CERC Corp [Member] | Corporate and Other [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill		11		11		$ 11
Depreciation and amortization expense [Member]
Finite-Live Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Amortization of Intangible Assets	[2]	2	1	3	1
Non-utility cost of revenues [Member]
Finite-Live Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Amortization of Intangible Assets	[2],[3]	$ 0	(4)	1	$ 3
Vectren [Member] | Operation and maintenance agreements and construction backlog [Member]
Finite-Live Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Benefit related to cumulative catch-up for remeasurement of purchase price allocation			$ 4
Continuing Operations [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Impairment Loss				$ 185
[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.
[2]	Assets held for sale are not amortized. The table reflects amortization on continuing operations. For further information on discontinued operations, see Note 3 .
[3]	Includes a $4 million benefit related to a cumulative catch-up for remeasurement of the purchase price allocation for the three months ended June 30, 2019 related to the operation and maintenance agreements and construction backlog intangibles acquired in the Merger.

Indexed Debt Securities (ZENS_3

Indexed Debt Securities (ZENS) and Securities Related to ZENS (CenterPoint Energy) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Target Annual Yield On Reference Shares	2.309%
Subordinated Debt ZENS [Member]
Principal amount of debt issued	$ 1,000
Outstanding debt balance	$ 828
Subordinated note cash exchangeable percentage of fair value	95.00%
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	2.00%
Contingent principal amount outstanding	$ 66
AT&T Common [Member]
Balance of investment owned (in shares)	10,212,945	10,212,945
AT&T Common [Member] | Subordinated Debt ZENS [Member]
Number of shares referenced in exchangeable subordinated note	0.7185	0.7185
Charter Common [Member]
Balance of investment owned (in shares)	872,503	872,503
Charter Common [Member] | Subordinated Debt ZENS [Member]
Number of shares referenced in exchangeable subordinated note	0.061382	0.061382

Short-Term Borrowings and Lon_3

Short-Term Borrowings and Long-term Debt (Details) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2020USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2020USD ($)day	Jun. 02, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Size of credit facility		$ 5,100	$ 5,100
Number of days until commercial paper maturity | day			60
VCC [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Size of credit facility	[1]	200	$ 200
Credit facility swing line sublimit		40	40
Letters of credit swing line sublimit		80	80
Parent Company [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Size of credit facility		3,300	3,300
VUHI [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Size of credit facility	[2]	400	400
Credit facility swing line sublimit		10	10
Letters of credit swing line sublimit		20	20
Houston Electric [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
General mortgage bonds used as collateral		68	68		$ 68
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Size of credit facility		300	300
CERC Corp [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Size of credit facility		900	900
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Long-term line of credit		0	0		0
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | VCC [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Long-term line of credit	[3]	0	0		0
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Parent Company [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Long-term line of credit	[4]	0	0		0
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | VUHI [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Long-term line of credit	[5]	0	0		0
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Houston Electric [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Long-term line of credit		0	0		0
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | CERC Corp [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Long-term line of credit		$ 0	$ 0		0
Line of Credit [Member] | VCC [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Percentage on limitation of debt to total capitalization under covenant	[1]		65.00%
Ratio of indebtedness to net capital	[1],[6]	0.568	0.568
Line of Credit [Member] | VCC [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Basis spread on LIBOR	[1],[7]		1.25%
Line of Credit [Member] | Parent Company [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Percentage on limitation of debt to total capitalization under covenant	[8]		65.00%
Ratio of indebtedness to net capital	[6]	0.524	0.524
Percentage on limitation of debt to total capitalization under covenant amended (in hundredths)			70.00%
System restoration costs threshold for increase in permitted debt to EBITDA covenant ratio			$ 100
Consecutive period for system restoration costs to exceed $100 million (in months)			12
Line of Credit [Member] | Parent Company [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Basis spread on LIBOR	[7]		1.50%
Line of Credit [Member] | VUHI [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Percentage on limitation of debt to total capitalization under covenant	[2]		65.00%
Ratio of indebtedness to net capital	[2],[6]	0.513	0.513
Line of Credit [Member] | VUHI [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Basis spread on LIBOR	[2],[7]		1.125%
Line of Credit [Member] | Houston Electric [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Percentage on limitation of debt to total capitalization under covenant	[8]		65.00%
Ratio of indebtedness to net capital	[6]	0.539	0.539
Line of Credit [Member] | Houston Electric [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Basis spread on LIBOR	[7]		1.25%
Line of Credit [Member] | CERC Corp [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Percentage on limitation of debt to total capitalization under covenant			65.00%
Ratio of indebtedness to net capital	[6]	0.507	0.507
Line of Credit [Member] | CERC Corp [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Basis spread on LIBOR	[7]		1.125%
Letter of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Long-term line of credit		$ 9	$ 9		7
Letter of Credit [Member] | VCC [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Long-term line of credit	[3]	0	0		0
Letter of Credit [Member] | Parent Company [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Long-term line of credit	[4]	8	8		6
Letter of Credit [Member] | VUHI [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Long-term line of credit	[5]	0	0		0
Letter of Credit [Member] | SIGECO [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Long-term line of credit		7	7
Letter of Credit [Member] | Houston Electric [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Long-term line of credit		0	0		0
Letter of Credit [Member] | CERC Corp [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Long-term line of credit		1	1		1
Commercial Paper [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Long-term line of credit		780	780		2,278
Commercial Paper [Member] | VCC [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Long-term line of credit	[3]	$ 0	$ 0		$ 0
Weighted average interest rate of debt	[3]	0.00%	0.00%		0.00%
Commercial Paper [Member] | Parent Company [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Long-term line of credit	[4]	$ 316	$ 316		$ 1,633
Weighted average interest rate of debt	[4]	0.38%	0.38%		1.95%
Commercial Paper [Member] | VUHI [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Long-term line of credit	[5]	$ 232	$ 232		$ 268
Weighted average interest rate of debt	[5]	0.28%	0.28%		2.08%
Commercial Paper [Member] | Houston Electric [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Long-term line of credit		$ 0	$ 0		$ 0
Weighted average interest rate of debt		0.00%	0.00%		0.00%
Commercial Paper [Member] | CERC Corp [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Long-term line of credit		$ 232	$ 232		$ 377
Weighted average interest rate of debt		0.26%	0.26%		1.94%
General Mortgage Bonds Due 2050 [Member] | Houston Electric [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount of debt issued				$ 300
Interest rate of debt				2.90%
Long-term Debt				$ 296
Variable rate term loan [Member] | CenterPoint Energy [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount of debt issued		$ 1,000	$ 1,000
Repayments of Debt		300
Variable rate term loan [Member] | VUHI [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Debt		300
Variable rate term loan [Member] | VCC [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Debt		200
Senior Notes [Member] | VUHI [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate of debt				6.28%
Repayments of Debt		100
Maximum [Member] | Letter of Credit [Member] | Vectren [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Long-term line of credit		$ 50	$ 50
[1]	This credit facility was issued by VCC, is guaranteed by Vectren and includes a $40 million swing line sublimit and an $80 million letter of credit sublimit.
[2]	This credit facility was issued by VUHI, is guaranteed by SIGECO, Indiana Gas and VEDO and includes a $10 million swing line sublimit and a $20 million letter of credit sublimit. This credit facility backstops VUHI’s commercial paper program.
[3]	This credit facility was issued by VCC and is guaranteed by Vectren.
[4]	CenterPoint Energy’s outstanding commercial paper generally has maturities of 60 days or less.
[5]	This credit facility was issued by VUHI and is guaranteed by SIGECO, Indiana Gas and VEDO.
[6]	As defined in the revolving credit facility agreements, excluding Securitization Bonds.
[7]	Based on current credit ratings.
[8]	For CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric, the financial covenant limit will temporarily increase from 65% 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.

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Net uncertain tax liability		$ 7		$ 7
Unrecognized Tax Benefits Decrease		$ (1)
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations				$ 5
Houston Electric [Member]
Effective income tax rate	[1]	16.00%	19.00%	15.00%	19.00%
Continuing Operations [Member]
Effective income tax rate	[2],[3]	18.00%	9.00%	26.00%	9.00%
Continuing Operations [Member] | CERC Corp [Member]
Effective income tax rate	[4],[5]	(31.00%)	167.00%	17.00%	10.00%
Discontinued Operations [Member]
Effective income tax rate	[6],[7]	475.00%	24.00%	(14.00%)	24.00%
Discontinued Operations [Member] | CERC Corp [Member]
Effective income tax rate	[8],[9]	200.00%	16.00%	4.00%	19.00%
Coronavirus Aid Relief And Economic Security Act [Member]
Recognized tax benefit from changes in tax laws, CARES act				$ 19
[1]	Houston Electric’s lower effective tax rate for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 compared to the same periods for 2019 was primarily due to an increase in the amount of amortization of the net regulatory EDIT liability.
[2]	CenterPoint Energy’s higher effective tax rate on the loss from continuing operations for the six months ended June 30, 2020 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2019 was primarily due to lower earnings from the impairment of CenterPoint Energy’s investment in Enable. Other effective tax rate drivers included the non-deductible goodwill impairment at the Indiana Electric Integrated reporting unit, an increase in the amount of amortization of the net regulatory EDIT liability, and an increase in the amount of remeasurement of state tax liabilities for changes in apportionment, the effect of which was compounded by the book loss in the six months ended June 30, 2020.
[3]	CenterPoint Energy’s higher effective tax rate on income from continuing operations for the three months ended June 30, 2020 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2019 was primarily driven by state tax impacts. In 2019, CenterPoint Energy recorded state deferred tax benefits as a result of the impact of state tax law changes and the release of a valuation allowance on certain state net operating losses.
[4]	CERC’s higher effective tax rate on income from continuing operations for the six months ended June 30, 2020 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2019 was primarily driven by the absence of state deferred tax benefits as result of state tax law changes and the release of a valuation allowance on certain state net operating losses in 2019.
[5]	CERC’s lower effective tax rate on income from continuing operations for the three months ended June 30, 2020 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2019 was driven by state tax impacts. In 2019, CERC recorded state deferred tax benefits as a result of the impact of state tax law changes, and the release of a valuation allowance on certain state net operating losses, the effect of which was compounded by the book loss in the three months ending June 30, 2019.
[6]	CenterPoint Energy’s higher effective tax rate on income from discontinued operations for the three months ended June 30, 2020 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2019 was primarily due to the 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, the effect of which was compounded by lower book earnings in the three months ended June 30, 2020. See Note 3 for further information.
[7]	CenterPoint Energy’s lower effective tax rate on the loss from discontinued operations for the six months ended June 30, 2020 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2019 was primarily due to the 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, the effect of which was compounded by lower book earnings in the six months ended June 30, 2020. See Note 3 for further information.
[8]	CERC’s higher effective tax rate on income from discontinued operations for the three months ended June 30, 2020 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2019 was primarily due to the tax impacts from the sale of the Energy Services Disposal Group on June 1, 2020, the effect of which was compounded by lower book earnings in the three months ended June 30, 2020. See Note 3 for further information.
[9]	CERC’s lower effective tax rate on the loss from discontinued operations for the six months ended June 30, 2020 was primarily due to the tax impacts from the sale of the Energy Services Disposal Group on June 1, 2020, the effect of which was compounded by lower book earnings in the six months ended June 30, 2020. See Note 3 for further information.

Commitments and Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies (Details)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020USD ($)site	Jun. 30, 2020USD ($)site
Purchase Obligations
Remaining six months of 2020	$ 356,000,000	$ 356,000,000
2021	669,000,000	669,000,000
2022	499,000,000	499,000,000
2023	390,000,000	390,000,000
2024	321,000,000	321,000,000
2025	266,000,000	266,000,000
2026 and beyond	$ 1,812,000,000	$ 1,812,000,000
Performance Guarantees & Product Warranties [Abstract]
Number of surety bond obligations outstanding	66	66
Performance guarantee obligations outstanding face amount	$ 564,000,000	$ 564,000,000
Percentage of work yet to be completed on projects with open surety bonds		26.00%
Guarantor obligations, maximum exposure, undiscounted	528,000,000	$ 528,000,000
Minnesota and Indiana Gas Service Territories [Member]
Legal, Environmental and Other Matters
Liability recorded for environmental loss contingencies	$ 11,000,000	11,000,000
Minnesota and Indiana Gas Service Territories [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Legal, Environmental and Other Matters
Estimated remediation costs for the Minnesota sites		$ 7,000,000
Years to resolve contingency		5 years
Minnesota and Indiana Gas Service Territories [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Legal, Environmental and Other Matters
Estimated remediation costs for the Minnesota sites		$ 53,000,000
Years to resolve contingency		50 years
Indiana Gas Service Territory [Member]
Legal, Environmental and Other Matters
Environmental remediation number of sites with potential remedial responsibility | site	26	26
CERC Corp [Member]
Purchase Obligations
Remaining six months of 2020	$ 246,000,000	$ 246,000,000
2021	484,000,000	484,000,000
2022	321,000,000	321,000,000
2023	236,000,000	236,000,000
2024	224,000,000	224,000,000
2025	219,000,000	219,000,000
2026 and beyond	1,495,000,000	1,495,000,000
CERC Corp [Member] | Minnesota and Indiana Gas Service Territories [Member]
Legal, Environmental and Other Matters
Liability recorded for environmental loss contingencies	7,000,000	7,000,000
CERC Corp [Member] | Minnesota and Indiana Gas Service Territories [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Legal, Environmental and Other Matters
Estimated remediation costs for the Minnesota sites		$ 5,000,000
Years to resolve contingency		30 years
CERC Corp [Member] | Minnesota and Indiana Gas Service Territories [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Legal, Environmental and Other Matters
Estimated remediation costs for the Minnesota sites		$ 32,000,000
Years to resolve contingency		50 years
Indiana Electric Integrated [Member]
Legal, Environmental and Other Matters
Asset retirement obligation	72,000,000	$ 72,000,000
Indiana Electric Integrated [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Legal, Environmental and Other Matters
Estimated capital expenditure to clean ash ponds	60,000,000	60,000,000
Indiana Electric Integrated [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Legal, Environmental and Other Matters
Estimated capital expenditure to clean ash ponds	80,000,000	80,000,000
Minnehaha Academy Gas Explosion [Member]
Legal, Environmental and Other Matters
Contested amount of fines imposed	200,000	200,000
Minnehaha Academy Gas Explosion [Member] | CERC Corp [Member]
Legal, Environmental and Other Matters
Contested amount of fines imposed	$ 200,000	$ 200,000
CES natural gas related transactions [Member] | CERC Corp [Member]
Performance Guarantees & Product Warranties [Abstract]
Quarterly increase of fee received for retained CES guarantee exposure	3.00%
Quarterly increase of fee received for retained CES guarantee exposure	1.00%
Estimated Remaining Exposure	$ 103,000,000

Earnings Per Share (CenterPoi_3

Earnings Per Share (CenterPoint Energy) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Beneficial Conversion Feature				$ 32
Amortization of Beneficial Conversion Feature		$ 9	$ 0	9	$ 0
Continuing Operations Numerator:
Income (loss) from continuing operations		135	151	(918)	294
Preferred stock dividend requirement		37	30	66	59
Amortization of Beneficial Conversion Feature		9	0	9	0
Undistributed earnings allocated to preferred shareholders (1)	[1]	0	0	0	0
Income (loss) available to common shareholders from continuing operations - basic		59	165	(1,169)	305
Net income (loss) from Discontinued Operations		$ (30)	$ 44	$ (176)	$ 70
Denominator:
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic		528,066,000	502,200,000	515,227,000	501,862,000
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted		530,837,000	504,831,000	515,227,000	504,493,000
Earnings (loss) per common share:
Basic earnings (loss) per common share - continuing operations		$ 0.17	$ 0.24	$ (1.93)	$ 0.47
Basic earnings (loss) per common share - discontinued operations		(0.06)	0.09	(0.34)	0.14
Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share		0.11	0.33	(2.27)	0.61
Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share - continuing operations		0.17	0.24	(1.93)	0.47
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share - discontinued operations		(0.06)	0.09	(0.34)	0.14
Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share		$ 0.11	$ 0.33	$ (2.27)	$ 0.61
Restricted Stock [Member]
Denominator:
Restricted stock (4)	[2]	2,771,000	2,631,000	0	2,631,000
Common Stock [Member]
Amount of antidilutive shares excluded from computation of earnings per share				2,771,000
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Amount of antidilutive shares excluded from computation of earnings per share		35,940,000	32,121,000	35,923,000	32,121,000
Continuing Operations Numerator:
Preferred stock dividend requirement		$ 17	$ 17	$ 34	$ 34
Add back: Preferred stock dividend requirement	[3]	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Denominator:
Preferred Stock	[3]	0	0	0	0
Series C Preferred Stock [Member]
Amortization of Beneficial Conversion Feature		$ 9		$ 9
Amount of antidilutive shares excluded from computation of earnings per share		29,465,000		14,571,000
Continuing Operations Numerator:
Preferred stock dividend requirement		$ 7		$ 7
Amortization of Beneficial Conversion Feature		9		9
Add back: Preferred stock dividend requirement	[4]	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Denominator:
Preferred Stock	[4]	0	0	0	0
Continuing Operations [Member]
Continuing Operations Numerator:
Income (loss) available to common shareholders from continuing operations - basic		$ 89	$ 121	$ (993)	$ 235
Income (Loss) available to common shareholders from continuing operations - diluted		$ 89	$ 121	$ (993)	$ 235
[1]	There were no undistributed earnings to be allocated to participating securities for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020.
[2]	2,771,000 incremental common shares from assumed conversions of restricted stock have not been included in the computation of diluted earnings (loss) per share for the six months ended June 30, 2020 , respectively, as their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.
[3]	The computation of diluted earnings per common share outstanding for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 includes the reduction for Series B Preferred Stock dividends of $17 million and $34 million , respectively, within the numerator and excludes 35,940,000 and 35,923,000 potentially dilutive shares from the denominator, respectively, because the shares would be anti-dilutive. The computation of diluted earnings per common share outstanding for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 includes the reduction for Series B Preferred Stock dividends of $17 million and $34 million , within the numerator, respectively, and excludes 32,121,000 and 32,121,000 potentially dilutive shares from the denominator, respectively, because the shares would be anti-dilutive.
[4]	The computation of diluted earnings per common share outstanding for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 includes the reduction for Series C Preferred Stock dividends of $7 million and $7 million , respectively, including deemed dividends on the Series C Preferred Stock from the beneficial conversion feature of $9 million and $9 million , respectively, within the numerator and excludes 29,465,000 and 14,571,000 potentially dilutive shares, respectively, of Series C Preferred Stock from the denominator because the shares would be anti-dilutive.

Reportable Segments (Details)

Reportable Segments (Details) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2020USD ($)state	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2020USD ($)state		Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		$ 1,575	$ 1,658	$ 3,742		$ 3,887
Equity in earnings from investment in Enable		43	74	(1,432)		136
Depreciation and amortization		297	322	579		622
Interest Income		1	1	1		13
Interest Expense		(128)	(134)	(267)		(255)
Income tax expense (benefit)		29	15	(318)		29
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest		135	151	(918)		294
Net income (loss) from Discontinued Operations		(30)	44	(176)		70
Net income (loss)		105	195	(1,094)		364
Interest income from Securitization Bonds		0	1	1		3
Interest on Transition and System Restoration Bonds		7	10	15		22
Assets		32,148		32,148			$ 35,529
Total Assets Classified as Held For Use, Current and Noncurrent		32,148		32,148			33,565
Total Assets Classified as Held For Sale, Current and Noncurrent		0		0			1,964
Houston Electric T&D [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	[1]	720	765	1,358		1,454
Depreciation and amortization		140	176	269		351
Interest Income	[2]	0	6	1		10
Interest Expense	[3]	(43)	(42)	(84)		(82)
Income tax expense (benefit)		16	23	21		29
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest		87	100	124		130
Interest income from Securitization Bonds		0	1	1		3
Interest on Transition and System Restoration Bonds		7	10	15		22
Houston Electric T&D [Member] | Affiliates of NRG Energy, Inc. [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		174	165	330		316
Houston Electric T&D [Member] | Affiliates of Vistra Energy Corp. [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		92	59	173		113
Indiana Electric Integrated [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		128	140	257		223
Depreciation and amortization		26	25	51		41
Interest Income		0	0	0		0
Interest Expense		(5)	(7)	(11)		(10)
Income tax expense (benefit)		5	3	8		1
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest		$ 19	16	$ (152)		7
Natural Gas Distribution [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of States in which the Entity Performs Gas Delivery Services | state		48		48
Revenues		$ 641	673	$ 1,959		2,088
Depreciation and amortization		113	107	224		202
Interest Income		2	0	3		1
Interest Expense		(29)	(24)	(61)		(47)
Income tax expense (benefit)		3	1	59		27
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest		33	23	237		143
Midstream Investments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues				0
Equity in earnings from investment in Enable		43	74	(1,432)	[4]	136
Interest Income		1	3	1		5
Interest Expense		(13)	(14)	(27)		(26)
Income tax expense (benefit)		7	13	(354)		41
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest		24	50	(1,103)		74
Corporate and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		86	80	168		122
Depreciation and amortization		18	14	35		28
Interest Income		27	39	75		85
Interest Expense		(67)	(94)	(163)		(178)
Income tax expense (benefit)		(2)	(25)	(52)		(69)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest		(28)	(38)	(24)		(60)
Operating Segments [Member] | Houston Electric T&D [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets		11,097		11,097			11,264
Operating Segments [Member] | Indiana Electric Integrated [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets		3,083		3,083			3,168
Operating Segments [Member] | Natural Gas Distribution [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets		14,055		14,055			14,105
Operating Segments [Member] | Midstream Investments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets		917		917			2,473
Operating Segments [Member] | Corporate and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets		2,996		2,996			2,555
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Interest Income		(29)	(47)	(79)		(88)
Interest Expense		(29)	(47)	(79)		(88)
Houston Electric [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		720	765	1,354		1,451
Depreciation and amortization		140	176	269		351
Interest Income		0	6	1		10
Income tax expense (benefit)		16	23	21		29
Net income (loss)		87	100	120		127
Interest income from Securitization Bonds		0	1	1		3
Interest on Transition and System Restoration Bonds		7	10	15		22
Assets		11,097		11,097			11,262
Houston Electric [Member] | Affiliates of NRG Energy, Inc. [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		174	165	330		316
Houston Electric [Member] | Affiliates of Vistra Energy Corp. [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		92	59	173		113
CERC Corp [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		483	526	1,494		1,738
Depreciation and amortization		74	73	148		146
Interest Income		0	3	0		3
Interest Expense		(29)	(30)	(59)		(59)
Income tax expense (benefit)		(4)	(5)	31		13
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest		17	2	148		112
Net income (loss) from Discontinued Operations		(4)	26	(68)		54
Net income (loss)		13	28	80		166
Assets		7,595		7,595			8,512
Total Assets Classified as Held For Use, Current and Noncurrent		7,595		7,595			7,608
Total Assets Classified as Held For Sale, Current and Noncurrent		$ 0		$ 0			904
CERC Corp [Member] | Natural Gas Distribution [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of States in which the Entity Performs Gas Delivery Services | state		48		48
Revenues		$ 480	526	$ 1,488		1,737
Depreciation and amortization		74	73	148		146
Interest Income		2	2	3		3
Interest Expense		(20)	(19)	(41)		(38)
Income tax expense (benefit)		1	0	45		26
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest		20	10	154		129
CERC Corp [Member] | Corporate and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		3	0	6		1
Depreciation and amortization			0			0
Interest Income		25	29	46		49
Interest Expense		(36)	(39)	(67)		(70)
Income tax expense (benefit)		(5)	(5)	(14)		(13)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest		(3)	(8)	(6)		(17)
CERC Corp [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Natural Gas Distribution [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets		7,609		7,609			7,698
CERC Corp [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Corporate and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets		(14)		(14)			$ (90)
CERC Corp [Member] | Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Interest Income		(27)	(28)	(49)		(49)
Interest Expense		$ (27)	$ (28)	$ (49)		$ (49)
[1]	CenterPoint Energy’s Houston Electric T&D’s revenues from major external customers are as follows: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 (in millions) Affiliates of NRG $ 174 $ 165 $ 330 $ 316 Affiliates of Vistra Energy Corp. 92 59 173 113
[2]	Excludes interest income from Securitization Bonds of $-0- and $1 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, respectively, and $1 million and $3 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, respectively.
[3]	Excludes interest expense on Securitization Bonds of $7 million and $15 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, respectively, and $10 million and $22 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, respectively.
[4]	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.

Supplemental Disclosure of Ca_3

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019		Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Interest, net of capitalized interest			$ 196	$ 231
Income tax refunds, net			4	142
Accounts payable related to capital expenditures			195	173
ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities (1)			14	42	[1]
Beneficial conversion feature			32
Amortization of Beneficial Conversion Feature	$ (9)	$ 0	(9)	0
Cash and cash equivalents	168		168			$ 241
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in Condensed Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows	194	332	194	332		271	$ 4,278
Prepaid expenses and other current assets [Member]
Restricted cash	26		26			30
Houston Electric [Member]
Interest, net of capitalized interest			93	113
Income tax refunds, net			0	73
Accounts payable related to capital expenditures			76	86
ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities (1)			0	1	[1]
Cash and cash equivalents	151		151			216
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in Condensed Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows	170	293	170	293		235	370
Houston Electric [Member] | Prepaid expenses and other current assets [Member]
Restricted cash	19		19			19
CERC Corp [Member]
Interest, net of capitalized interest			55	55
Income tax refunds, net			0	3
Accounts payable related to capital expenditures			87	72
ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities (1)			5	28	[1]
Cash and cash equivalents	1		1			2
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in Condensed Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows	1	$ 5	1	$ 5		2	$ 25
CERC Corp [Member] | Prepaid expenses and other current assets [Member]
Restricted cash	$ 0		$ 0			$ 0
[1]	2019 includes the transition impact of adoption of ASU 2016-02 Leases.

Related Party Transactions (H_3

Related Party Transactions (Houston Electric and CERC) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Houston Electric [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Interest income (expense) (1)	[1]	$ (1)	$ 6	$ 0	$ 9
Cash dividends paid to parent		20	16	405	40
Cash contribution from parent		0	0	0	590
Houston Electric [Member] | Operation and maintenance expense [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Net affiliate service charges (billings)		(4)	(2)	(10)	(4)
Houston Electric [Member] | CenterPoint Energy [Member] | Operation and maintenance expense [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Corporate service charges		45	42	94	94
CERC Corp [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Interest income (expense) (1)	[1]	0	1	0	2
Cash dividends paid to parent		40	83	72	103
Cash contribution from parent		0	0	0	0
Capital Distribution to Parent		286	0	286	0
CERC Corp [Member] | Operation and maintenance expense [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Net affiliate service charges (billings)		4	2	10	4
CERC Corp [Member] | CenterPoint Energy [Member] | Operation and maintenance expense [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Corporate service charges		$ 49	$ 32	$ 104	$ 75
Investments [Member] | Houston Electric [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate		0.38%		0.38%		1.98%
Investments [Member] | CERC Corp [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate		0.38%		0.38%		1.98%
Accounts and notes receivable (payable) - affiliate companies [Member] | Houston Electric [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Money pool investments (borrowings) (1)	[2]	$ 33		$ 33		$ 481
Accounts and notes receivable (payable) - affiliate companies [Member] | CERC Corp [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Money pool investments (borrowings) (1)	[2]	$ 0		$ 0		$ 0
[1]	Interest income is included in Other income (expense), net and interest expense is included in Interest and other finance charges on Houston Electric’s and CERC’s respective Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income.
[2]	Included in Accounts and notes receivable (payable)–affiliated companies on Houston Electric’s and CERC’s respective Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Equity (Details)

Equity (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions		May 06, 2020	Apr. 01, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020		Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 01, 2020
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance											58,051,121
Dividends declared per share				$ 0.1500		$ 0.2875		$ 0.4400		$ 0.2875
Preferred Stock Dividends and Other Adjustments [Abstract]
Preferred stock dividend requirement				$ 37		$ 30		$ 66		$ 59
Amortization of Beneficial Conversion Feature				9		0		9		0
Total income allocated to preferred shareholders				46		30		75		59
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance			$ (100)	(100)	$ (98)	(107)	$ (108)	(98)		(108)
Other comprehensive loss from unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax				0		0		(3)		0
Prior service cost (2)	[1]			1		1		1		1
Actuarial losses (2)	[1]			1		2		3		4
Reclassification of deferred loss from cash flow hedges realized in net income								0		1
Reclassification of net deferred loss from cash flow hedges (3)				19				19	[2]
Tax expense				(5)		(1)		(6)		(2)
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)				16		2		14		3
Ending Balance				$ (84)	(100)	(105)	(107)	(84)		(105)
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock								$ 673		$ 0
Common Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Dividends paid per share								$ 0.4400		$ 0.5750
Total dividends paid								$ 227		$ 288
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues		41,977,612		42,000,000				42,000,000
Shares Issued, Price Per Share		$ 16.08
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock		$ 673
Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock dividends declared				$ 0				$ 30.6250
Dividends paid per share								$ 30.6250		$ 32.1563
Total dividends paid								$ 25		$ 26
Preferred Stock Dividends and Other Adjustments [Abstract]
Preferred stock dividend requirement				$ 13		$ 13		$ 25		$ 25
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock dividends declared				$ 17.5000		$ 17.5000		$ 35		$ 17.5000
Dividends paid per share								$ 35		$ 35
Total dividends paid								$ 34		$ 34
Preferred Stock Dividends and Other Adjustments [Abstract]
Preferred stock dividend requirement				$ 17		$ 17		$ 34		34
Series C Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued		725,000
Convertible Preferred Stock, Shares Issued upon Conversion		47,354,670
Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference Per Share		$ 1,000
Preferred stock dividends declared				$ 0.1500				$ 0.1500
Dividends paid per share								$ 0.1500
Total dividends paid								$ 7
Preferred Stock Dividends and Other Adjustments [Abstract]
Preferred stock dividend requirement				$ 7				7
Amortization of Beneficial Conversion Feature				9				9
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Proceeds from Issuance of Convertible Preferred Stock		$ 724
Preferred Stock, Convertible, Conversion Price		$ 15.31
Preferred Stock, Convertible, Conversion Limit		4.90%
Preferred Stock, Convertible, Percent Outstanding Shares To Amend		66 2/3%
Houston Electric [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance			(15)	(15)	(15)	(15)	(14)	(15)		(14)
Other comprehensive loss from unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax								0		0
Prior service cost (2)	[1]			0		0		0		0
Actuarial losses (2)	[1]			0		0		0		0
Reclassification of deferred loss from cash flow hedges realized in net income								0		0
Reclassification of net deferred loss from cash flow hedges (3)				19				19	[2]
Tax expense				(4)		0		(4)		0
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)				15		0		15		(1)
Ending Balance				0	(15)	(15)	(15)	0		(15)
CERC Corp [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance			$ 10	10	10	5	5	10		5
Other comprehensive loss from unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax								0		0
Prior service cost (2)	[1]			0		0		0		0
Actuarial losses (2)	[1]			0		0		0		0
Reclassification of deferred loss from cash flow hedges realized in net income								0		0
Tax expense				0		0		0		0
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)								0		0
Ending Balance				$ 10	$ 10	$ 5	$ 5	10		5
Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Deferred gain (loss) from interest rate derivatives (1)	[3]							0		(1)
Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Houston Electric [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Deferred gain (loss) from interest rate derivatives (1)	[3]							0		(1)
Interest Rate Contract [Member] | CERC Corp [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Deferred gain (loss) from interest rate derivatives (1)	[3]							$ 0		$ 0
First Quarter 2020 [Member] | Common Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Declaration Date					Feb. 3, 2020
Record Date					Feb. 20, 2020
Payment Date					Mar. 12, 2020
Dividends paid per share					$ 0.2900
Total dividends paid					$ 145
First Quarter 2020 [Member] | Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Declaration Date					Feb. 3, 2020
Record Date					Feb. 14, 2020
Payment Date					Mar. 2, 2020
Dividends paid per share					$ 30.6250
Total dividends paid					$ 25
First Quarter 2020 [Member] | Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Declaration Date					Feb. 3, 2020
Record Date					Feb. 14, 2020
Payment Date					Mar. 2, 2020
Dividends paid per share					$ 17.5000
Total dividends paid					$ 17
Second Quarter 2020 [Member] | Common Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Declaration Date				Apr. 24, 2020
Record Date				May 21, 2020
Payment Date				Jun. 11, 2020
Dividends paid per share				$ 0.1500
Total dividends paid				$ 82
Second Quarter 2020 [Member] | Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Declaration Date				Apr. 24, 2020
Record Date				May 15, 2020
Payment Date				Jun. 1, 2020
Dividends paid per share				$ 17.5000
Total dividends paid				$ 17
Second Quarter 2020 [Member] | Series C Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Declaration Date	[4]			Apr. 24, 2020
Record Date				May 21, 2020
Payment Date				Jun. 11, 2020
Dividends paid per share				$ 0.1500
Total dividends paid				$ 7
First Quarter 2019 [Member] | Common Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Declaration Date						Dec. 12, 2018
Record Date						Feb. 21, 2019
Payment Date						Mar. 14, 2019
Dividends paid per share						$ 0.2875
Total dividends paid						$ 144
First Quarter 2019 [Member] | Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Declaration Date							Dec. 12, 2018
Record Date							Feb. 15, 2019
Payment Date							Mar. 1, 2019
Dividends paid per share							$ 32.1563
Total dividends paid							$ 26
First Quarter 2019 [Member] | Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Declaration Date							Dec. 12, 2018
Record Date							Feb. 15, 2019
Payment Date							Mar. 1, 2019
Dividends paid per share							$ 17.5000
Total dividends paid							$ 17
Second Quarter 2019 [Member] | Common Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Declaration Date						Apr. 25, 2019
Record Date						May 16, 2019
Payment Date						Jun. 13, 2019
Dividends paid per share						$ 0.2875
Total dividends paid						$ 144
Second Quarter 2019 [Member] | Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Declaration Date						Apr. 25, 2019
Record Date						May 15, 2019
Payment Date						Jun. 3, 2019
Dividends paid per share						$ 17.5000
Total dividends paid						$ 17
Previous Dividend or Distribution [Member] | Common Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Dividends declared per share			$ 0.2900
Revised Dividend or Distribution [Member] | Common Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Dividends declared per share			$ 0.1500
[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.
[2]	The cost of debt approved by the PUCT as part of Houston Electric’s Stipulation and Settlement Agreement included unrealized gains and losses on interest rate hedges. Accordingly, deferred gains and losses on interest rate hedges were reclassified to regulatory assets or liabilities, as appropriate.
[3]	Gains and losses are reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income into income when the hedged transactions affect earnings. The reclassification amounts are included in Interest and other finance charges in each of the Registrants’ respective Statements of Consolidated Income. Over the next twelve months estimated amortization from Accumulated Comprehensive Income into income is expected to be immaterial.
[4]	Declaration date for dividends on Common Stock. The Series C Preferred Stock is 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.

Subsequent Events (CenterPoin_3

Subsequent Events (CenterPoint Energy) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	Aug. 04, 2020	Jul. 29, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Dividends declared per share			$ 0.1500	$ 0.2875	$ 0.4400	$ 0.2875
Expected cash distribution from equity method investment					$ 109	$ 149
Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Preferred stock dividends declared			0		$ 30.6250
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Preferred stock dividends declared			17.5000	$ 17.5000	35	$ 17.5000
Series C Preferred Stock [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Preferred stock dividends declared			$ 0.1500		$ 0.1500
Subsequent Event [Member] | Common Stock [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Dividends payable, date declared		Jul. 29, 2020
Dividends payable, date of record		Aug. 20, 2020
Dividends payable, date to be paid		Sep. 10, 2020
Dividends declared per share		$ 0.1500
Subsequent Event [Member] | Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Dividends payable, date declared		Jul. 29, 2020
Dividends payable, date of record		Aug. 14, 2020
Dividends payable, date to be paid		Sep. 1, 2020
Preferred stock dividends declared		$ 30.6250
Subsequent Event [Member] | Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Dividends payable, date declared		Jul. 29, 2020
Dividends payable, date of record		Aug. 14, 2020
Dividends payable, date to be paid		Sep. 1, 2020
Preferred stock dividends declared		$ 17.5000
Subsequent Event [Member] | Series C Preferred Stock [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Dividends payable, date declared		Jul. 29, 2020
Dividends payable, date of record		Aug. 20, 2020
Dividends payable, date to be paid		Sep. 10, 2020
Preferred stock dividends declared		$ 0.1500
Common Units [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member] | Enable Midstream Partners [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Quarterly cash distribution, declaration date	Aug. 4, 2020
Quarterly cash distribution, date of record	Aug. 18, 2020
Quarterly cash distribution, distribution date	Aug. 25, 2020
Quarterly cash distribution declared per share	$ 0.16525
Expected cash distribution from equity method investment	$ 39
Series A Preferred Units [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member] | Enable Midstream Partners [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Quarterly cash distribution, declaration date	Aug. 4, 2020
Quarterly cash distribution, date of record	Aug. 4, 2020
Quarterly cash distribution, distribution date	Aug. 14, 2020
Quarterly cash distribution declared per share	$ 0.62500
Expected cash distribution from cost method investment	$ 9