CenterPoint Energy (CNP) 424B2 Prospectus for primary offering

Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2)

Registration No. 333-238617

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

Title of Each Class of Securities To Be Offered	Maximum Aggregate Offering Price	Amount of Registration Fee(1)
Floating Rate Senior Notes of CenterPoint Energy, Inc. due 2024	$700,000,000	$76,370
1.45% Senior Notes of CenterPoint Energy, Inc. due 2026	$500,000,000	$54,550
2.65% Senior Notes of CenterPoint Energy, Inc. due 2031	$500,000,000	$54,550

(1) Pursuant to Rule 457(r) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

(To Prospectus Dated May 22, 2020)

$1,700,000,000

CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

$700,000,000 Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2024

$500,000,000 1.45% Senior Notes due 2026

$500,000,000 2.65% Senior Notes due 2031

This is an offering of $700,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2024 (the “floating rate notes”), $500,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 1.45% Senior Notes due 2026 (the “2026 notes”) and $500,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 2.65% Senior Notes due 2031 (the “2031 notes” and, together with the 2026 notes, the “fixed rate notes”; and the fixed rate notes together with the floating rate notes, the “notes”). The floating rate notes will mature on May 13, 2024, the 2026 notes will mature on June 1, 2026 and the 2031 notes will mature on June 1, 2031.

The floating rate notes will bear interest at a floating rate equal to Compounded SOFR (as defined herein), plus 65 basis points, payable quarterly in arrears on February 13, May 13, August 13 and November 13 of each year, beginning on August 13, 2021, as further described and subject to the provisions set forth under the caption “Description of the Notes—Principal, Maturity and Interest—Floating Rate Notes.” The floating rate notes are subject to optional redemption at any time on or after May 13, 2022 at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the floating rate notes being redeemed, plus any accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date as described under the caption “Description of the Notes—Optional Redemption—Floating Rate Notes.”

The 2026 notes will bear interest at a rate of 1.45% per year from, and including, the date of issuance. The 2031 notes will bear interest at a rate of 2.65% per year from, and including, the date of issuance. We will pay interest on the fixed rate notes on June 1 and December 1 of each year, beginning on December 1, 2021. The fixed rate notes are subject to optional redemption prior to maturity at the applicable redemption prices described under the caption “Description of the Notes—Optional Redemption—Fixed Rate Notes.”

The notes will be issued in minimum denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof. The notes will be unsecured and will rank equally with our other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness. The notes will be structurally subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness and other liabilities of our subsidiaries.

Investing in the notes involves risks. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-7 of this prospectus supplement and on page 4 of the accompanying prospectus.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

	Per Floating Rate Note			Total		Per 2026 Note			Total		Per 2031 Note			Total
Public Offering Price (1)		100.000	%	$	700,000,000		99.767	%	$	498,835,000		99.806	%	$	499,030,000
Underwriting Discount		0.250	%	$	1,750,000		0.600	%	$	3,000,000		0.650	%	$	3,250,000
Proceeds, before expenses, to CenterPoint Energy, Inc.		99.750	%	$	698,250,000		99.167	%	$	495,835,000		99.156	%	$	495,780,000

(1) Plus accrued interest from May 13, 2021, if settlement occurs after that date.

The underwriters expect to deliver the notes in book-entry form only through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company and for the accounts of its participants, including, Clearstream Banking, société anonyme and Euroclear S.A./N.V., as operator of the Euroclear System, against payment in New York, New York on or about May 13, 2021.

Joint Book-Running Managers

BofA Securities	Mizuho Securities	MUFG
PNC Capital Markets LLC		US Bancorp

Scotiabank

Co-Manager

R. Seelaus & Co., LLC

Prospectus Supplement dated May 11, 2021

This document consists of two parts, which should be read together. The first part is this prospectus supplement, which describes the specific terms of the notes, the specific terms of this offering and supplements and updates information contained in the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. The second part, the accompanying prospectus, provides more general information about the notes and other securities that may be offered from time to time using such prospectus, some of which general information does not apply to this offering. Generally, when we refer to the prospectus, we are referring to both parts of this document combined. You should read this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus together with any written communication prepared by us or on our behalf in connection with this offering together with the additional information described in this prospectus supplement under the headings “Where You Can Find More Information” and “Incorporation By Reference.”

We have not, and the underwriters have not, authorized anyone to provide any information or to make any representations other than those contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and any written communication prepared by us or on our behalf. We and the underwriters take no responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you. We are not, and the underwriters are not, making an offer to sell the notes and are not soliciting an offer to buy the notes in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. The information we have included in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus is accurate only as of the date of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus, as the case may be, and any information we have incorporated by reference is accurate only as of the date of the document incorporated by reference. Our businesses, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since these respective dates.

Any information contained in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus or in a document incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus will be deemed to be modified or superseded to the extent that a statement contained in this prospectus supplement or in any other subsequently filed document that is also incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement modifies or supersedes that statement. Any statement so modified or superseded will not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus supplement. See “Incorporation By Reference” in this prospectus supplement.

The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, National Association, in each of its capacities referenced herein, including, but not limited to, trustee, security registrar and paying agent, has not participated in the preparation of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus and assumes no responsibility for its content.

S-i

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Prospectus Supplement

	Page
Summary		S-1
Risk Factors		S-7
Use of Proceeds		S-13
Capitalization		S-14
Description of the Notes		S-15
Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations		S-31
Underwriting (Conflicts of Interest)		S-36
Legal Matters		S-42
Experts		S-42
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information		S-43
Where You Can Find More Information		S-46
Incorporation By Reference		S-46

Prospectus

	Page
About This Prospectus		1
Where You Can Find More Information		1
Incorporation By Reference		2
About CenterPoint Energy, Inc.		3
Risk Factors		4
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information		5
Use of Proceeds		9
Description of Our Debt Securities		10
Description of Our Capital Stock		20
Description of Stock Purchase Contracts and Equity Units		29
Description of Our Depositary Shares		29
Holding Company Structure		30
Plan of Distribution		30
Legal Matters		32
Experts		33

S-ii

SUMMARY

This summary highlights information from this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. It is not complete and may not contain all of the information that you should consider before investing in the notes. We encourage you to read this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein or therein in their entirety before making an investment decision, including the information set forth under the heading “Risk Factors.” The terms “CenterPoint Energy,” “we,” “our,” and “us” refer to CenterPoint Energy, Inc. and its subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise.

CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC.

We are a public utility holding company and own interests in Enable Midstream Partners, LP (“Enable”), a publicly traded master limited partnership, as described below. As of the date of this prospectus supplement, our operating subsidiaries were as follows:

• CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC (“Houston Electric”), which provides electric transmission service to transmission service customers in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas region and distribution service to retail electricity providers (“REPs”) serving the Texas Gulf Coast area that includes the city of Houston;

• CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp. (“CERC”), which (i) owns and operates natural gas distribution facilities in six states, (ii) owns and operates permanent pipeline connections through interconnects with various interstate and intrastate pipeline companies through CenterPoint Energy Intrastate Pipelines, LLC; and (iii) provides temporary delivery of liquified natural gas and compressed natural gas throughout the contiguous 48 states through CenterPoint Energy Mobile Energy Solutions, Inc.; and

• Vectren Corporation (“Vectren”), which holds three public utilities through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Vectren Utility Holdings, Inc., a public utility holding company:

• Indiana Gas Company, Inc., which provides energy delivery services to natural gas customers located in central and southern Indiana;

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

• Vectren Energy Delivery of Ohio, Inc., which provides energy delivery services to natural gas customers located in and near Dayton in west-central Ohio.

• Vectren performs non-utility activities through Energy Systems Group, LLC (“ESG”), which provides energy performance contracting and sustainable infrastructure services, such as renewables, distributed generation and combined heat and power projects.

As of the date of this prospectus supplement, we, indirectly through CenterPoint Energy Midstream, Inc. (“CNP Midstream”), our direct wholly-owned subsidiary, owned approximately 53.7% of the common units representing limited partner interests in Enable, which owns, operates and develops natural gas and crude oil infrastructure assets. CNP Midstream also owned 50% of the management rights and 40% of the incentive distribution rights in Enable GP, LLC, Enable’s general partner (“Enable GP”). CenterPoint Energy also directly owned an aggregate of 14,520,000 10% Series A Fixed-to-Floating Non-Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Units, representing limited partner interests in Enable (“Enable Series A Preferred Units”).

S-1

Our principal executive offices are located at 1111 Louisiana, Houston, Texas 77002 (telephone number: 713-207-1111).

Recent Developments

Enable Merger

On February 16, 2021, Enable entered into an agreement and plan of merger (the “Enable Merger Agreement”) by and among Enable, Enable GP, Energy Transfer LP (“Energy Transfer”), certain wholly-owned subsidiaries of Energy Transfer and, for the limited purposes set forth therein, CenterPoint Energy. At the closing of the transactions contemplated by the Enable Merger Agreement (the “Enable Merger”), if and when it occurs, Energy Transfer will acquire all of Enable’s outstanding equity interests, resulting in the exchange of Enable common units owned by CenterPoint Energy at the transaction exchange ratio of 0.8595x Energy Transfer common units for each Enable common unit. CenterPoint Energy will also receive $5 million in cash in exchange for its interest in Enable GP and Energy Transfer 7.125% Series G Fixed-Rate Reset Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Units with an aggregate liquidation preference of approximately $385 million in exchange for all of its Enable Series A Preferred Units. Pursuant to previously disclosed support agreements, CenterPoint Energy and OGE Energy Corp. (“OGE”), who collectively own approximately 79.2% of Enable’s common units, delivered written consents approving the Enable Merger Agreement and, on a non-binding, advisory basis, the compensation that will or may become payable to Enable’s named executive officers in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Enable Merger Agreement. The transactions contemplated by the Enable Merger Agreement are expected to be completed in the second half of 2021, subject to customary closing conditions, including Hart-Scott-Rodino antitrust clearance. Upon the consummation of the transaction, the agreements relating to Enable between CenterPoint Energy, OGE and Enable and certain of their affiliates will terminate, and CenterPoint Energy will pay $30 million to OGE.

There can be no assurance that the Enable Merger will be consummated on the terms currently contemplated or at all.

Sale of Arkansas and Oklahoma Natural Gas Businesses

On April 29, 2021, CenterPoint Energy, through its subsidiary CERC, entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement (the “Asset Purchase Agreement”) by and between CERC and Southern Col Midco, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and an affiliate of Summit Utilities, Inc., to sell CERC’s Arkansas and Oklahoma natural gas businesses for $2.15 billion in cash, including recovery of approximately $425 million of storm-related incremental natural gas costs incurred in the extreme and unprecedented winter weather event in February 2021, subject to certain adjustments set forth in the Asset Purchase Agreement. The assets include approximately 17,000 miles of main pipeline in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and certain portions of Bowie County, Texas serving more than half a million customers. The transaction is anticipated to close by the end of 2021, subject to customary closing conditions, including Hart-Scott-Rodino antitrust clearance and state regulatory approvals.

There can be no assurance that the sale of CERC’s Arkansas and Oklahoma natural gas businesses will be consummated on the terms currently contemplated or at all.

S-2

The Offering

Issuer CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

Notes Offered $700,000,000 aggregate principal amount of floating rate senior notes due 2024

$500,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 1.45% senior notes due 2026

$500,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 2.65% senior notes due 2031

Maturity Date May 13, 2024 for the floating rate notes

June 1, 2026 for the 2026 notes

June 1, 2031 for the 2031 notes

Interest Rate The floating rate notes will bear interest at an annual rate equal to Compounded SOFR (as defined herein) plus 65 basis points. The level of Compounded SOFR and, therefore, the amount of interest payable with respect to each interest period will be determined on each corresponding interest payment determination date for such interest period. Please see “Description of the Notes—Principal, Maturity and Interest—Floating Rate Notes.”

The 2026 notes will bear interest at the rate of 1.45% per year.

The 2031 notes will bear interest at the rate of 2.65% per year.

Interest Payment Dates Interest on the floating rate notes is payable quarterly in arrears on February 13, May 13, August 13 and November 13, commencing on August 13, 2021.

Interest on the 2026 notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on June 1 and December 1, commencing on December 1, 2021.

Interest on the 2031 notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on June 1 and December 1, commencing on December 1, 2021.

Minimum Denominations The notes will be issued in minimum denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.

Ranking The notes will:

• be our general unsecured obligations;

• rank equally in right of payment with our other existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness; and

• be structurally subordinated to the liabilities of our subsidiaries.

S-3

As of March 31, 2021, we, on a consolidated basis, and excluding subsidiaries issuing transition and system restoration bonds, had approximately $16.0 billion aggregate principal amount of indebtedness outstanding. Excluding subsidiaries issuing transition and system restoration bonds, as of March 31, 2021, our subsidiaries had approximately $10.7 billion aggregate principal amount of third-party indebtedness outstanding, of which approximately $5.6 billion was secured, as well as other liabilities.

Optional Redemption At any time on or after May 13, 2022 (the “Floating Rate Par Call Date”), we may redeem, in whole or in part, at our option, the floating rate notes by paying 100% of the principal amount to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date. We do not have the right to redeem the floating rate notes prior to the Floating Rate Par Call Date. For additional information, please see “Description of the Notes—Optional Redemption—Floating Rate Notes.”

At any time and from time to time, we may redeem at our option in whole or in part (a) the 2026 notes on any date prior to May 1, 2026 (the “2026 Par Call Date”) and (b) the 2031 notes on any date prior to March 1, 2031 (the “2031 Par Call Date”), by paying the greater of (i) 100% of the principal amount to be redeemed and (ii) the applicable “make-whole” amount based on U.S. treasury rates as specified in this prospectus supplement under “Description of the Notes—Optional Redemption—Fixed Rate Notes” plus, in each case, accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date. At any time on or after the 2026 Par Call Date or the 2031 Par Call Date, as applicable, we may redeem at our option, in whole or in part, the 2026 notes or the 2031 notes, respectively, by paying 100% of the principal amount to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date.

For additional information, please see “Description of the Notes—Optional Redemption—Fixed Rate Notes” beginning on page S-22 of this prospectus supplement.

Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets The indenture restricts our ability to merge, consolidate or transfer substantially all of our assets. See “Description of Our Debt Securities—Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets” on page 13 of the accompanying prospectus.

Lack of Public Market for the Notes There is no existing market for any series of the notes. We cannot provide any assurance about:

• the liquidity of any markets that may develop for any series of the notes;

• your ability to sell the notes; or

• the prices at which you will be able to sell the notes.

S-4

Future trading prices of the notes will depend on many factors, including:

• prevailing interest rates;

• our operating results;

• the ratings of the notes; and

• the market for similar securities.

We do not intend to apply for listing of any series of the notes on any securities exchange or for quotation of the notes on any dealer quotation system.

Risk Factors You should consider carefully all the information set forth and incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and, in particular, you should evaluate the specific factors set forth under “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-7 of this prospectus supplement before deciding whether to invest in the notes.

Governing Law The indenture and the notes are governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.

Use of Proceeds The net proceeds from this offering, after deducting the underwriting discount and estimated expenses of the offering payable by us, are expected to be approximately $1,687.1 million. We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering for general corporate purposes, including the repayment of (i) the remaining $700 million of borrowings under our term loan agreement which matures on June 14, 2021 (“Term Loan”), (ii) all or a portion of our outstanding $500 million of 3.60% senior notes due 2021 (“2021 Senior Notes”) and (iii) a portion of our outstanding commercial paper. Pending application of the net proceeds of this offering for the foregoing purposes, we expect to use the net proceeds to repay additional amounts of our commercial paper or invest such net proceeds in the CenterPoint Energy money pool or various instruments that may include, but would not be limited to, short-term, interest bearing obligations, including bank deposits and certificates of deposit with financial institutions having investment-grade ratings, U.S. government obligations or money market funds primarily invested in securities issued by the U.S. government or its agencies. See “Use of Proceeds.”

Trustee The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, National Association (as successor to JPMorgan Chase Bank).

Conflicts of Interest One or more of the underwriters or their affiliates are lenders under our Team Loan, are holders of our 2021 Senior Notes or may own some of our commercial paper, and as a result could receive greater than 5% of the net proceeds from this offering in connection with any such repayment, and could therefore be deemed to have a conflict of

S-5

interest under Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) Rule 5121. Consequently, this offering of the notes may have to be conducted in compliance with the provisions of FINRA Rule 5121 and any such underwriter or its affiliates would not be permitted to sell notes in this offering to accounts over which it exercises discretionary authority without the prior specific written approval of the account holders. See “Underwriting (Conflicts of Interest)—Conflicts of Interest.”

S-6

RISK FACTORS

You should consider carefully the risk factors identified in Part I, Item IA “Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 (“2020 Form 10-K”), the following information about risks, as well as risks arising from any legal proceedings identified or referenced in Part II, Item 1 “Legal Proceedings” of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2021 (“1st Quarter 2021 Form 10-Q”) and in “Legal Proceedings” in Part 1, Item 3 of our 2020 Form 10-K, as they may be amended, supplemented or superseded from time to time by other reports that we subsequently file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), together with the other information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, before making an investment in the notes.

Risks Related to the Notes

We cannot assure you that an active trading market will develop for the notes.

The floating rate notes, the 2026 notes and the 2031 notes will each be a new issue of securities for which currently there is no established trading market. We do not intend to apply for the listing of any series of the notes on any securities exchange or for quotation of any series of the notes on any dealer quotation system. We cannot assure you that a trading market will develop for any series of the notes. Even if a market for a series of notes does develop, we cannot assure you that there will be liquidity in that market or that such notes might not trade for less than their original value or face amount. The liquidity of any market for a series of notes will depend on the number of holders of such notes, the interest of securities dealers in making a market in such notes and other factors. If a liquid market for a series of notes does not develop, you may be unable to resell such series of notes for a long period of time, if at all. This means you may not be able to readily convert your notes into cash, and such notes may not be accepted as collateral for a loan.

Even if a market for a series of notes develops, trading prices could be higher or lower than the initial offering price. The price of such notes will depend on many factors, including prevailing interest rates, our operating results and the market for similar securities. Declines in the market prices for debt securities generally may also materially and adversely affect the liquidity of the notes, independent of our financial performance.

Our existing indebtedness, and any future indebtedness, may adversely affect our future financial and operating flexibility and our ability to service the notes.

As of March 31, 2021, we, on an unconsolidated basis, had approximately $4.5 billion aggregate principal amount of unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness outstanding, and $828 million of our 2.0% Zero-Premium Exchangeable Subordinated Notes due 2029 (“ZENS”). Excluding subsidiaries issuing transition and system restoration bonds, as of March 31, 2021, our subsidiaries had approximately $10.7 billion aggregate principal amount of third-party indebtedness outstanding, of which approximately $5.6 billion was secured, as well as other liabilities. In addition, as of March 31, 2021, we had the ability to borrow an additional $2.4 billion under our credit facilities and commercial paper program, collectively, subject to certain limitations. Our existing indebtedness and the additional debt we may incur in the future for, among other things, working capital (including natural gas purchase costs), capital expenditures, acquisitions or operating activities may adversely affect our liquidity and, therefore, our ability to make principal and interest payments on the notes.

The indenture governing the notes will permit us to incur additional debt, which would be equal in right of payment to the notes. If we incur any additional indebtedness, including trade payables, that ranks equally with the notes, the holders of that debt would be entitled to share ratably with you in any proceeds distributed in connection with any insolvency, liquidation, reorganization, dissolution or other winding up of us. This may have the effect of reducing the amount of proceeds paid to you. If new debt is added to our current debt levels, the related risks that we now face could intensify.

S-7

The notes will be structurally subordinated to existing and future indebtedness and other liabilities of our subsidiaries.

Other than the Enable Series A Preferred Units that we hold directly, we derive all our operating income from, and hold all our assets, including our other interests in Enable, through our subsidiaries. As a result, we will depend on distributions from our subsidiaries and Enable to meet our payment obligations under any debt securities, including the notes and our other obligations. In general, these subsidiaries are separate and distinct legal entities and have no obligation to pay any amounts due on our debt securities or to provide us with funds for our payment obligations, whether by dividends, distributions, loans or otherwise. In addition, provisions of applicable law, such as those limiting the legal sources of dividends, limit our subsidiaries’ ability to make payments or other distributions to us, and our subsidiaries could agree to contractual restrictions on their ability to make distributions.

Our right to receive any assets of any subsidiary, and therefore the right of our creditors to participate in those assets, will be structurally subordinated to the claims of that subsidiary’s creditors, including trade creditors. In addition, even if we were a creditor of any subsidiary, our rights as a creditor would be effectively subordinated to any security interest in the assets of that subsidiary and any indebtedness of the subsidiary senior to that held by us. Please see “—Our existing indebtedness, and any future indebtedness, may adversely affect our future financial and operating flexibility and our ability to service the notes” for additional detail on our and our subsidiaries’ outstanding indebtedness.

The provisions of the notes will not necessarily protect you in the event of a highly leveraged transaction.

The terms of the notes will not necessarily afford you protection in the event of a highly leveraged transaction that may adversely affect you, including a reorganization, recapitalization, restructuring, merger or other similar transactions involving us or our subsidiaries, whether or not in connection with a change of control. The indenture does not limit the amount of debt we or our subsidiaries may issue. As a result, we could enter into any such transaction even though the transaction could adversely affect our capital structure or credit ratings or otherwise adversely affect the holders of the notes. If we incur secured debt, the notes will be effectively junior to such debt to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such debt. The indenture does not contain provisions that permit the holders of the notes to require us to redeem or repurchase the notes in the event of a takeover, recapitalization or similar transaction.

Ratings of the notes may change and affect the market prices and marketability of the notes.

Our debt securities are subject to periodic review by one or more independent credit rating agencies and may be subject to rating and periodic review by additional independent credit rating agencies in the future. Any such ratings are limited in scope and do not address all material risks relating to an investment in the notes, but rather reflect only the view of the rating agency at the time the rating is issued. An explanation of the significance of such rating may be obtained from such rating agency. We cannot assure you that such credit rating will remain in effect for any given period of time or that any such rating will not be lowered, suspended or withdrawn entirely by the rating agency if, in such rating agency’s judgment, circumstances so warrant. It is also possible that any such rating may be lowered in connection with future events. Holders of notes will have no recourse against us or any other parties in the event of a change in or suspension or withdrawal of any such rating. Any lowering, suspension or withdrawal of such ratings may have an adverse effect on the market prices or marketability of the notes.

The indenture limits the ability of security holders to bring suit, waive defaults and amend the indenture.

The indenture provides that the consent of holders of certain minimum percentages of the aggregate principal amount of a series of the applicable notes outstanding under the indenture is required to waive certain defaults, bring suit and, with exceptions, amend the indenture. Your consent to such actions will not be effective

S-8

unless consents are received from the holders of the required minimum amount of such notes. Further, even if you do not consent to such actions, those actions may still be taken if consented to by the holders of the required minimum amount of such notes.

Subject to certain limited exceptions, the indenture provides that the trustee or the holders of 33% or more in aggregate principal amount of the applicable series of notes outstanding under the indenture may declare the principal amount of such notes to be due and immediately payable if an event of default shall occur and is continuing.

We may, under certain limited circumstances, redeem the notes before they mature.

We may redeem the notes in the circumstances described under “Description of the Notes—Optional Redemption.” These redemption rights may, depending on prevailing market conditions at the time, create reinvestment risk for the holders of the notes in that they may be unable to find a suitable replacement investment with a comparable return to the notes.

Risks Related to the Floating Rate Notes

The Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) is a relatively new reference rate and its composition and characteristics are not the same as the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”).

On June 22, 2017, the Alternative Reference Rates Committee (“ARRC”) convened by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York identified the SOFR as the rate that, in the consensus view of the ARRC, represented best practice for use in certain new U.S. dollar derivatives and other financial contracts. SOFR is a broad measure of the cost of borrowing cash overnight collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities, and has been published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York since April 2018. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York has also begun publishing historical indicative Secured Overnight Financing Rates from 2014. Investors should not rely on any historical changes or trends in SOFR as an indicator of future changes in SOFR.

The composition and characteristics of SOFR are not the same as those of LIBOR, and SOFR is fundamentally different from LIBOR for two key reasons. First, SOFR is a secured rate, while LIBOR is an unsecured rate. Second, SOFR is an overnight rate, while LIBOR is a forward-looking rate that represents interbank funding over different maturities (e.g., three months). As a result, there can be no assurance that SOFR (including Compounded SOFR) will perform in the same way as LIBOR would have at any time, including, without limitation, as a result of changes in interest and yield rates in the market, market volatility or global or regional economic, financial, political, regulatory, judicial or other events.

SOFR has a very limited history, and the future performance of SOFR cannot be predicted based on historical performance.

The publication of SOFR began in April 2018, and, therefore, it has a very limited history. The future performance of SOFR cannot be predicted based on the limited historical performance. Levels of SOFR going forward may bear little or no relation to the historical actual or historical indicative data. Prior observed patterns, if any, in the behavior of market variables and their relation to SOFR, such as correlations, may change in the future. While some pre-publication historical data have been released by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, such analysis inherently involves assumptions, estimates and approximations. Because the future performance of SOFR cannot be predicted, no future performance of SOFR may be inferred from any of the historical actual or historical indicative data. Hypothetical or historical performance data are not indicative of, and have no bearing on, the potential performance of SOFR. There can be no assurance that SOFR will be positive.

S-9

SOFR may be more volatile than other benchmark or market rates.

Since the initial publication of SOFR, daily changes in SOFR have, on occasion, been more volatile than daily changes in other benchmark or market rates, such as U.S. dollar LIBOR. Although changes in Compounded SOFR generally are not expected to be as volatile as changes in daily levels of SOFR, the return on and value of the floating rate notes may fluctuate more than floating rate debt securities that are linked to less volatile rates. In addition, the volatility of SOFR has reflected the underlying volatility of the overnight U.S. Treasury repo market. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York has at times conducted operations in the overnight U.S. Treasury repo market in order to help maintain the federal funds rate within a target range. There can be no assurance that the Federal Reserve Bank of New York will continue to conduct such operations in the future, and the duration and extent of any such operations is inherently uncertain. The effect of any such operations, or of the cessation of such operations to the extent they are commenced, is uncertain and could be materially adverse to investors in the floating rate notes.

Any failure of SOFR to gain market acceptance could adversely affect the floating rate notes.

According to the ARRC, SOFR was developed for use in certain U.S. dollar derivatives and other financial contracts as an alternative to U.S. dollar LIBOR in part because it is considered a good representation of general funding conditions in the overnight U.S. Treasury repurchase agreement market. However, as a rate based on transactions secured by U.S. Treasury securities, it does not measure bank-specific credit risk and, as a result, is less likely to correlate with the unsecured short-term funding costs of banks. This may mean that market participants would not consider SOFR a suitable replacement or successor for all of the purposes for which U.S. dollar LIBOR historically has been used (including, without limitation, as a representation of the unsecured short-term funding costs of banks), which may, in turn, lessen market acceptance of SOFR. Any failure of SOFR to gain market acceptance could adversely affect the return on and value of the floating rate notes and the price at which investors can sell the floating rate notes in the secondary market.

In addition, if SOFR does not prove to be widely used as a benchmark in securities that are similar or comparable to the floating rate notes, the trading price of the floating rate notes may be lower than those of securities that are linked to rates that are more widely used. Similarly, market terms for floating-rate debt securities linked to SOFR, such as the spread over the base rate reflected in interest rate provisions or the manner of compounding the base rate, may evolve over time, and trading prices of the floating rate notes may be lower than those of later-issued SOFR-based debt securities as a result. Investors in the floating rate notes may not be able to sell the floating rate notes at all or may not be able to sell the floating rate notes at prices that will provide them with a yield comparable to similar investments that have a developed secondary market, and may consequently suffer from increased pricing volatility and market risk.

The interest rate on the floating rate notes is based on a Compounded SOFR rate and the SOFR Index, both of which are relatively new in the marketplace.

For each interest period (as defined below), the interest rate on the floating rate notes is based on Compounded SOFR, which is calculated using the SOFR Index (as defined below) published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York according to the specific formula described under “Description of the Notes— Principal, Maturity and Interest—Floating Rate Notes—Compounded SOFR,” not the SOFR rate published on or in respect of a particular date during such interest period or an arithmetic average of SOFR rates during such period. For this and other reasons, the interest rate on the floating rate notes during any interest period will not necessarily be the same as the interest rate on other SOFR-linked investments that use an alternative basis to determine the applicable interest rate. Further, if the SOFR rate in respect of a particular date during an interest period is negative, its contribution to the SOFR Index will be less than one, resulting in a reduction to Compounded SOFR used to calculate the interest payable on the floating rate notes on the Floating Rate Interest Payment Date (as defined below) for such interest period.

Very limited market precedent exists for securities that use SOFR as the interest rate and the method for calculating an interest rate based upon SOFR in those precedents varies. In addition, the Federal Reserve Bank of

S-10

New York only began publishing the SOFR Index on March 2, 2020. Accordingly, the use of the SOFR Index or the specific formula for the Compounded SOFR rate used in the floating rate notes may not be widely adopted by other market participants, if at all. If the market adopts a different calculation method, that would likely adversely affect the liquidity and market value of the floating rate notes.

Compounded SOFR with respect to a particular interest period will only be capable of being determined near the end of the relevant interest period.

The level of Compounded SOFR applicable to a particular interest period and, therefore, the amount of interest payable with respect to such interest period will be determined on the Interest Payment Determination Date (as defined below) for such interest period. Because each such date is near the end of such interest period, you will not know the amount of interest payable with respect to a particular interest period until shortly prior to the related Floating Rate Interest Payment Date and it may be difficult for you to reliably estimate the amount of interest that will be payable on each such Floating Rate Interest Payment Date. In addition, some investors may be unwilling or unable to trade the floating rate notes without changes to their information technology systems. An inability to reliably estimate accrued and unpaid interest as well as potential need for some investors to change their information technology systems could both adversely impact the liquidity and trading price of the floating rate notes.

The SOFR Index may be modified or discontinued and the floating rate notes may bear interest by reference to a rate other than Compounded SOFR, which could adversely affect the value of the floating rate notes.

The SOFR Index is published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York based on data received by it from sources other than us, and we have no control over its methods of calculation, publication schedule, rate revision practices or availability of the SOFR Index at any time. There can be no guarantee, particularly given its relatively recent introduction, that the SOFR Index will not be discontinued or fundamentally altered in a manner that is materially adverse to the interests of investors in the floating rate notes. If the manner in which the SOFR Index is calculated, including the manner in which SOFR is calculated, is changed, that change may result in a reduction in the amount of interest payable on the floating rate notes and the trading prices of the floating rate notes. In addition, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York may withdraw, modify or amend the published SOFR Index or SOFR data in its sole discretion and without notice. The interest rate for any interest period will not be adjusted for any modifications or amendments to the SOFR Index or SOFR data that the Federal Reserve Bank of New York may publish after the interest rate for that interest period has been determined.

If we (or our designee (which may be an independent financial advisor or any other designee of ours (any of such entities, a “Designee”)) determines that a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date (each as defined below) have occurred in respect of the SOFR Index, then the interest rate on the floating rate notes will no longer be determined by reference to the SOFR Index, but instead will be determined by reference to a different rate, plus a spread adjustment, which is referred to as a “Benchmark Replacement”, as further described under the caption “Description of the Notes—Principal, Maturity and Interest—Floating Rate Notes.”

If a particular Benchmark Replacement (as defined below) or Benchmark Replacement Adjustment (as defined below) cannot be determined, then the next-available Benchmark Replacement or Benchmark Replacement Adjustment will apply. These replacement rates and adjustments may be selected, recommended or formulated by (i) the Relevant Governmental Body (as defined below) (such as the ARRC), (ii) the International Swaps and Derivatives Association (“ISDA”) or (iii) in certain circumstances, we (or our Designee). In addition, the terms of the floating rate notes expressly authorize us (or our Designee) to make Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes (as defined below) with respect to, among other things, changes to the definition of “interest period”, the timing and frequency of determining rates and making payments of interest, rounding of amounts or tenors, and other administrative matters. The determination of a Benchmark Replacement, the

S-11

calculation of the interest rate on the floating rate notes by reference to a Benchmark Replacement (including the application of a Benchmark Replacement Adjustment), any implementation of Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes and any other determinations, decisions or elections that may be made under the terms of the floating rate notes in connection with a Benchmark Transition Event, could adversely affect the value of the floating rate notes, the return on the floating rate notes and the price at which you can sell such floating rate notes.

In addition, (i) the composition and characteristics of the Benchmark Replacement will not be the same as those of Compounded SOFR, the Benchmark Replacement may not be the economic equivalent of Compounded SOFR, there can be no assurance that the Benchmark Replacement will perform in the same way as Compounded SOFR would have at any time and there is no guarantee that the Benchmark Replacement will be a comparable substitute for Compounded SOFR (each of which means that a Benchmark Transition Event could adversely affect the value of the floating rate notes, the return on the floating rate notes and the price at which you can sell the floating rate notes), (ii) any failure of the Benchmark Replacement to gain market acceptance could adversely affect the floating rate notes, (iii) the Benchmark Replacement may have a very limited history and the future performance of the Benchmark Replacement may not be predicted based on historical performance, (iv) the secondary trading market for floating rate notes linked to the Benchmark Replacement may be limited and (v) the administrator of the Benchmark Replacement may make changes that could change the value of the Benchmark Replacement or discontinue the Benchmark Replacement and has no obligation to consider your interests in doing so.

We (or our Designee) will make certain determinations with respect to the floating rate notes, which determinations may adversely affect the floating rate notes.

We (or our Designee) will make certain determinations with respect to the floating rate notes as further described under “Description of the Notes—Principal, Maturity and Interest—Floating Rate Notes.” For example, if a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred, we (or our Designee) will make certain determinations with respect to the floating rate notes in our (or our Designee’s) sole discretion as further described under the caption “Description of the Notes—Principal, Maturity and Interest—Floating Rate Notes.” Any determination, decision or election pursuant to the benchmark replacement provisions not made by our Designee will be made by us. Any of these determinations may adversely affect the value of the floating rate notes, the return on the floating rate notes and the price at which you can sell such floating rate notes. Moreover, certain determinations may require the exercise of discretion and the making of subjective judgments, such as with respect to Compounded SOFR or the occurrence or non-occurrence of a Benchmark Transition Event and any Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes. These potentially subjective determinations may adversely affect the value of the floating rate notes, the return on the floating rate notes and the price at which you can sell such floating rate notes. For further information regarding these types of determinations, see “Description of the Notes—Principal, Maturity and Interest—Floating Rate Notes—Compounded SOFR.”

S-12

USE OF PROCEEDS

We estimate that the aggregate net proceeds to us from this offering, after deducting issuance costs and discounts payable by us for this offering, will be approximately $1,687.1 million. We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering for general corporate purposes, including the repayment of (i) the remaining $700 million of borrowings under our term loan agreement which matures on June 14, 2021 (“Term Loan”), (ii) all or a portion of our outstanding $500 million of 3.60% senior notes due 2021 (“2021 Senior Notes”) and (iii) a portion of our outstanding commercial paper. On March 31, 2021, our Term Loan had a weighted average interest rate of 0.7603%, and we, on an unconsolidated basis, had approximately $772 million of commercial paper borrowings, which had a weighted-average maturity of 13 days and a weighted-average interest rate of 0.21%. Certain of the underwriters and/or their affiliates are lenders under our Term Loan, are holders of our 2021 Senior Notes or may own some of our commercial paper and will therefore each receive a portion of the net proceeds upon such repayment. See “Underwriting (Conflicts of Interest)—Conflicts of Interest.”

Pending application of the net proceeds of this offering for the foregoing purposes, we expect to use the net proceeds to repay additional amounts of our commercial paper or invest such net proceeds in the CenterPoint Energy money pool or various instruments that may include, but would not be limited to, short-term, interest bearing obligations, including bank deposits and certificates of deposit with financial institutions having investment-grade ratings, U.S. government obligations or money market funds primarily invested in securities issued by the U.S. government or its agencies.

We expect that the sales of the floating rate notes, the 2026 notes and the 2031 notes will take place concurrently. However, the sales of the floating rate notes, the 2026 notes and the 2031 notes are not conditioned upon each other, and we may consummate the sale of one series and not the others, or consummate the sales at different times.

S-13

CAPITALIZATION

The following table sets forth our consolidated short-term debt and capitalization as of March 31, 2021. No adjustments have been made for:

• the issuance of the notes in this offering or the use of proceeds therefrom, as discussed in “Use of Proceeds” above; or

• any changes in short-term debt after March 31, 2021.

This table should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in the 2020 Form 10-K and the 1st Quarter 2021 Form 10-Q.

	March 31, 2021
	Actual			%
	(In millions)
Short-Term Debt:
Current portion of VIE Securitization Bonds long-term debt	$	212			1%
Indexed debt, net		13			0%	(1)
Current portion of other long-term debt		1,563			6%
Total Short-Term Debt		1,788			7%
Long-Term Debt:
VIE Securitization Bonds, net		499			2%
Other, net		13,549			55%
Total Long-Term Debt, net		14,048			57%
Total Debt		15,836			64%
Shareholders’ Equity
Cumulative preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized, 800,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock outstanding, 977,400 shares of Series B Preferred Stock outstanding and 625,000 shares of Series C Preferred Stock		2,363			10%
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 1,000,000,000 shares authorized; 551,355,861 shares outstanding		6			0%
Additional paid-in capital		6,916			28%
Accumulated deficit		(482	)		(2)%
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(87	)		0%
Total Shareholders’ Equity		8,716			36%
Total Capitalization and Short-Term Debt		24,552			100%

(1) As of March 31, 2021, the outstanding principal amount of our ZENS was approximately $828 million and the contingent principal amount was approximately $52 million. Interest is paid quarterly on the principal amount at 2% per year plus a “pass-through” of any dividend on the reference shares of AT&T Inc. and Charter Communications, Inc. common stock. At maturity or upon redemption, holders of ZENS will receive cash equal to the higher of the contingent principal amount or the value of the reference shares.

S-14

DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTES

The following description of the particular terms of the notes (referred to in the accompanying prospectus as the debt securities) supplements, and to the extent inconsistent therewith replaces, the description of the general terms and provisions of the debt securities set forth in the accompanying prospectus, to which we refer you.

We will issue the notes under an indenture, dated as of May 19, 2003, as amended and supplemented from time to time, and as to be further supplemented in connection with establishing the terms of each series of notes (the “indenture”), between us and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, National Association (successor to JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association), as trustee. The following description is a summary of the material provisions of each series of notes and the indenture. This summary is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the indenture and the notes. For a complete description of the notes, you should refer to the indenture, including the forms of supplemental indentures establishing the terms of each series of notes, copies of which are available from us. In addition, we have filed the current indenture and will file the supplemental indentures with the SEC. Please read “Where You Can Find More Information.” For purposes of this summary, the terms “we,” “our,” “ours” and “us” refer to CenterPoint Energy, Inc. and not any of our subsidiaries.

We may issue additional series of debt securities from time to time under the indenture. There is no limitation on the amount of debt securities we may issue under the indenture. As of March 31, 2021, approximately $3.0 billion aggregate principal amount of debt securities were outstanding under the indenture.

Ranking of the Notes

The notes will:

• be our general unsecured obligations;

• rank equally in right of payment with all of our other existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness; and

• be structurally subordinated to all of the liabilities of our subsidiaries.

As of March 31, 2021, we, on an unconsolidated basis, had approximately $4.5 billion aggregate principal amount of unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness outstanding, and $828 million aggregate principal amount of our ZENS. Excluding subsidiaries issuing transition and system restoration bonds, as of March 31, 2021, our subsidiaries had approximately $10.7 billion aggregate principal amount of third-party indebtedness outstanding, of which approximately $5.6 billion was secured, as well as other liabilities. In addition, as of March 31, 2021, we had the ability to borrow an additional $2.4 billion under our credit facilities and commercial paper program, collectively, subject to certain limitations.

Subject to exceptions, and subject to compliance with the applicable requirements, set forth in the indenture, we may discharge our obligations under the indenture with respect to each series of notes as described below under “—Defeasance.”

Structural Subordination

We are a holding company that conducts substantially all of our operations through our subsidiaries. Our only significant assets are the capital stock of our subsidiaries and the Enable Series A Preferred Units that we own. Our subsidiaries and our direct and indirect interest in Enable generate substantially all of our operating income and cash flow. As a result, dividends or advances from our subsidiaries and distributions from Enable are the principal source of funds necessary to meet our debt service obligations. Contractual provisions or laws, as well as our subsidiaries’ financial condition and operating requirements, may limit our ability to obtain cash from our subsidiaries that we may require to pay our debt service obligations, including payments on the notes. As a

S-15

result, the notes will be structurally subordinated to all of the liabilities of our subsidiaries with regard to the assets and earnings of our subsidiaries.

Principal, Maturity and Interest

Floating Rate Notes

The floating rate notes will mature on May 13, 2024. The floating rate notes are initially limited to $700,000,000 in aggregate principal amount. However, we may issue additional floating rate notes of the same series from time to time, without the consent of the holders the floating rate notes.

The floating rate notes will bear interest from May 13, 2021 at a floating rate determined in the manner described below, payable quarterly in arrears on February 13, May 13, August 13 and November 13 of each year (each, a “Floating Rate Interest Payment Date”), commencing on August 13, 2021. The floating rate notes will bear interest at an annual rate equal to Compounded SOFR, determined as described below, plus 65 basis points (the “Margin”).

The record date for interest payable on any Floating Rate Interest Payment Date shall be the close of business on (1) the business day immediately preceding such Floating Rate Interest Payment Date so long as all of the floating rate notes remain in book-entry only form, or (2) the 15th calendar day immediately preceding such Floating Rate Interest Payment Date if any of the floating rate notes do not remain in book-entry only form. See “—Book-Entry Delivery and Settlement.” Interest on the floating rate notes will accrue from and including the date of original issuance to but excluding the first Floating Rate Interest Payment Date. Starting on the first Floating Rate Interest Payment Date, interest on the floating rate notes will accrue from and including the last Floating Rate Interest Payment Date to which we have paid, or duly provided for the payment of, interest on the floating rate notes to but excluding the next succeeding Floating Rate Interest Payment Date. No interest will accrue on the floating rate notes for the day that the floating rate notes matures. The amount of interest payable for any period will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year and the actual number of days in the Observation Period (as defined below).

If any Floating Rate Interest Payment Date falls on a day that is not a business day, as defined below, we will make the interest payment on the next succeeding business day unless that business day is in the next succeeding calendar month, in which case (other than in the case of the maturity date or the redemption date) we will make the interest payment on the immediately preceding business day. If an interest payment is made on the next succeeding business day, no interest will accrue as a result of the delay in payment. If the maturity date or the redemption date of the floating rate notes falls on a day that is not a business day, the payment due on such date will be postponed to the next succeeding business day, and no further interest will accrue in respect of such postponement.

As further described herein, on each Interest Payment Determination Date relating to the applicable Floating Rate Interest Payment Date, the calculation agent (as defined below) will calculate the amount of accrued interest payable on the floating rate notes by multiplying (i) the outstanding principal amount of the floating rate notes by (ii) the product of (a) the interest rate for the relevant interest period multiplied by (b) the quotient of the actual number of calendar days in such Observation Period divided by 360. In no event will the interest on the floating rate notes be less than zero.

The term “interest period”, with respect to the floating rate notes, means the period commencing on any Floating Rate Interest Payment Date (or, with respect to the initial interest period only, commencing on the date of original issuance) to, but excluding, the next succeeding Floating Rate Interest Payment Date, and, in the case of the last such period, from and including the Floating Rate Interest Payment Date immediately preceding the maturity date or, in connection with a redemption of the floating rate notes (as described under “—Optional Redemption—Floating Rate Notes), the redemption date to but excluding the maturity date or redemption date (if applicable).

S-16

Secured Overnight Financing Rate and the SOFR Index

The Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) is published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and is intended to be a broad measure of the cost of borrowing cash overnight collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities.

The SOFR Index is published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and measures the cumulative impact of compounding SOFR on a unit of investment over time, with the initial value set to 1.00000000 on April 2, 2018, the first value date of SOFR. The SOFR Index value reflects the effect of compounding SOFR each business day and allows the calculation of compounded SOFR averages over custom time periods.

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York notes on its publication page for the SOFR Index that use of the SOFR Index is subject to important limitations, indemnification obligations and disclaimers, including that the Federal Reserve Bank of New York may alter the methods of calculation, publication schedule, rate revision practices or availability of the SOFR Index at any time without notice. The interest rate for any interest period will not be adjusted for any modifications or amendments to the SOFR Index or SOFR data that the Federal Reserve Bank of New York may publish after the interest rate for that interest period has been determined.

Compounded SOFR. “Compounded SOFR” will be determined by the calculation agent in accordance with the following formula (and the resulting percentage will be rounded, if necessary, to the nearest one hundred-thousandth of a percentage point):

(	SOFR IndexEnd	–	1	)	X	360
	SOFR IndexStart					dc

where:

“SOFR Index_Start” = For periods other than the initial interest period, the SOFR Index value on the preceding Interest Payment Determination Date, and, for the initial interest period, the SOFR Index value two U.S. Government Securities Business Days before the date of original issuance;

“SOFR Index_End” = The SOFR Index value on the Interest Payment Determination Date relating to the applicable Floating Rate Interest Payment Date (or, in the final interest period, relating to the applicable maturity date or redemption date); and

“d_c” is the number of calendar days in the relevant Observation Period.

For purposes of determining Compounded SOFR:

“Interest Payment Determination Date” means the date two U.S. Government Securities Business Days before each Floating Rate Interest Payment Date.

“Observation Period” means (i), in respect of each interest period, the period from, and including, the date that is two U.S. Government Securities Business Days preceding the first date in such interest period to, but excluding, the date that is two U.S. Government Securities Business Days preceding the Floating Rate Interest Payment Date for such interest period (or in the final interest period, preceding the applicable maturity date) and (ii), in respect of the payment of any interest in connection with a redemption of the floating rate notes (as described under “—Optional Redemption—Floating Rate Notes), the period from, and including, the date that is two U.S. Government Securities Business Days preceding the first date in the interest period in which such redemption occurs to, but excluding, the date that is two U.S. Government Securities Business Days before such redemption.

S-17

“SOFR Index” means, with respect to any U.S. Government Securities Business Day:

(1) the SOFR Index value as published by the SOFR Administrator (as defined below) as such index appears on the SOFR Administrator’s Website at 3:00 p.m. (New York time) on such U.S. Government Securities Business Day (the “SOFR Index Determination Time”); provided that:

(2) if a SOFR Index value does not so appear as specified in (1) above at the SOFR Index Determination Time, then: (i) if a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have not occurred with respect to SOFR, then Compounded SOFR shall be the rate determined pursuant to the “SOFR Index Unavailable Provisions” described below; or (ii) if a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred with respect to SOFR, then Compounded SOFR shall be the rate determined pursuant to the “Effect of Benchmark Transition Event” provisions described below.

“SOFR” means the daily secured overnight financing rate as provided by the SOFR Administrator on the SOFR Administrator’s Website.

“SOFR Administrator” means the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (or a successor administrator of SOFR).

“SOFR Administrator’s Website” means the website of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, currently at http://www.newyorkfed.org, or any successor source.

“U.S. Government Securities Business Day” means any day except for a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association recommends that the fixed income departments of its members be closed for the entire day for purposes of trading in U.S. government securities.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the documentation relating to the floating rate notes, if we (or our Designee) determines on or prior to the relevant Reference Time (as defined below) that a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred with respect to determining Compounded SOFR, then the benchmark replacement provisions set forth below under “Effect of Benchmark Transition Event” will thereafter apply to all determinations of the rate of interest payable on the floating rate notes.

For the avoidance of doubt, in accordance with the benchmark replacement provisions, after a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred, the interest rate for each interest period on the floating rate notes will be an annual rate equal to the sum of the Benchmark Replacement and the Margin.

SOFR Index Unavailable Provisions. If a SOFR Index_Start or SOFR Index_End is not published on the associated Interest Payment Determination Date and a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have not occurred with respect to SOFR, “Compounded SOFR” means, for the applicable interest period for which such index is not available, the rate of return on a daily compounded interest investment calculated in accordance with the formula for SOFR Averages, and definitions required for such formula, published on the SOFR Administrator’s Website at https://www.newyorkfed.org/markets/treasury-repo-reference-rates-information. For the purposes of this provision, references in the SOFR Averages compounding formula and related definitions to “calculation period” shall be replaced with “Observation Period” and the words “that is, 30-, 90-, or 180- calendar days” shall be removed. If SOFR does not so appear for any day, “i” in the Observation Period, SOFRi for such day “i” shall be SOFR published in respect of the first preceding U.S. Government Securities Business Day for which SOFR was published on the SOFR Administrator’s Website.

S-18

Effect of Benchmark Transition Event

Benchmark Replacement

If we (or our Designee) determine that a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred prior to the Reference Time in respect of any determination of the Benchmark on any date, the Benchmark Replacement will replace the then-current Benchmark for all purposes relating to the floating rate notes in respect of such determination on such date and all determinations on all subsequent dates.

Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes

In connection with the implementation of a Benchmark Replacement, we (or our Designee) will have the right to make Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes from time to time.

Decisions and Determinations

Any determination, decision or election that may be made by us (or our Designee) pursuant this subsection “Effect of Benchmark Transition Event,” including any determination with respect to tenor, rate or adjustment or of the occurrence or non-occurrence of an event, circumstance or date and any decision to take or refrain from taking any action or any selection, will be conclusive and binding absent manifest error, will be made in our (or our Designee’s) sole discretion, and, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any documentation relating to the floating rate notes, shall become effective without consent from the holders of the floating rate notes or any other party.

Certain Defined Terms

As used in this subsection “Effect of Benchmark Transition Event,” the following terms have the following meanings:

“Benchmark” means, initially, Compounded SOFR, as such term is defined above; provided that if a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred with respect to Compounded SOFR (or the published SOFR Index used in the calculation thereof) or the then-current Benchmark, then “Benchmark” means the applicable Benchmark Replacement.

“Benchmark Replacement” means the first alternative set forth in the order below that can be determined by us (or our Designee) as of the Benchmark Replacement Date:

(1) the sum of: (a) the alternate rate of interest that has been selected or recommended by the Relevant Governmental Body as the replacement for the then-current Benchmark and (b) the Benchmark Replacement Adjustment;

(2) the sum of: (a) the ISDA Fallback Rate and (b) the Benchmark Replacement Adjustment; and

(3) the sum of: (a) the alternate rate of interest that has been selected by us (or our Designee) as the replacement for the then-current Benchmark giving due consideration to any industry-accepted rate of interest as a replacement for the then-current Benchmark for U.S. dollar denominated floating rate notes at such time and (b) the Benchmark Replacement Adjustment.

“Benchmark Replacement Adjustment” means the first alternative set forth in the order below that can be determined by us (or our Designee) as of the Benchmark Replacement Date:

(1) the spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, (which may be positive or negative value or zero) that has been selected or recommended by the Relevant Governmental Body for the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement;

(2) if the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement is equivalent to the ISDA Fallback Rate, then the ISDA Fallback Adjustment; and

S-19

(3) the spread adjustment (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) that has been selected by us (or our Designee) giving due consideration to any industry-accepted spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, for the replacement of the then-current Benchmark with the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement for U.S. dollar denominated floating rate notes at such time.

The Benchmark Replacement Adjustment shall not include the Margin specified in this prospectus supplement and such Margin shall be applied to the Benchmark Replacement to determine the interest payable on the floating rate notes.

“Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes” means, with respect to any Benchmark Replacement, any technical, administrative or operational changes (including changes to the definition or interpretation of “interest period”, timing and frequency of determining rates and making payments of interest, rounding of amounts or tenor, and other administrative matters), or any other changes to any other terms or provisions of the floating rate notes, in each case that we (or our Designee) decide may be appropriate to reflect the adoption of such Benchmark Replacement in a manner substantially consistent with market practice (or, if we (or our Designee) decide that adoption of any portion of such market practice is not administratively feasible or if we (or our Designee) determine that no market practice for use of the Benchmark Replacement exists, in such other manner as we (or our Designee) determine is reasonably necessary or practicable).

“Benchmark Replacement Date” means the earliest to occur of the following events with respect to the then-current Benchmark:

(1) in the case of clause (1) or (2) of the definition of “Benchmark Transition Event,” the later of (a) the date of the public statement or publication of information referenced therein and (b) the date on which the administrator of the Benchmark permanently or indefinitely ceases to provide the Benchmark; or

(2) in the case of clause (3) of the definition of “Benchmark Transition Event,” the date of the public statement or publication of information referenced therein.

For the avoidance of doubt, if the event giving rise to the Benchmark Replacement Date occurs on the same day as, but earlier than, the Reference Time in respect of any determination, the Benchmark Replacement Date will be deemed to have occurred prior to the Reference Time for such determination.

“Benchmark Transition Event” means the occurrence of one or more of the following events with respect to the then-current Benchmark (including the daily published component used in the calculation thereof):

(1) a public statement or publication of information by or on behalf of the administrator of the Benchmark (or such component) announcing that such administrator has ceased or will cease to provide the Benchmark (or such component), permanently or indefinitely, provided that, at the time of such statement or publication, there is no successor administrator that will continue to provide the Benchmark (or such component);

(2) a public statement or publication of information by the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of the Benchmark (or such component), the central bank for the currency of the Benchmark (or such component), an insolvency official with jurisdiction over the administrator for the Benchmark (or such component), a resolution authority with jurisdiction over the administrator for the Benchmark (or such component) or a court or an entity with similar insolvency or resolution authority over the administrator for the Benchmark (or such component), which states that the administrator of the Benchmark (or such component) has ceased or will cease to provide the Benchmark (or such component) permanently or indefinitely, provided that, at the time of such statement or publication, there is no successor administrator that will continue to provide the Benchmark (or such component); or

(3) a public statement or publication of information by the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of the Benchmark announcing that the Benchmark is no longer representative.

S-20

“ISDA Definitions” means the 2006 ISDA Definitions published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. or any successor thereto, as amended or supplemented from time to time, or any successor definitional booklet for interest rate derivatives published from time to time.

“ISDA Fallback Adjustment” means the spread adjustment (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) that would apply for derivatives transactions referencing the ISDA Definitions to be determined upon the occurrence of an index cessation event with respect to the Benchmark.

“ISDA Fallback Rate” means the rate that would apply for derivatives transactions referencing the ISDA Definitions to be effective upon the occurrence of an index cessation date with respect to the Benchmark for the applicable tenor excluding the applicable ISDA Fallback Adjustment.

“Reference Time” with respect to any determination of the Benchmark means (1) if the Benchmark is Compounded SOFR, the SOFR Index Determination Time, as such time is defined above, and (2) if the Benchmark is not Compounded SOFR, the time determined by us (or our Designee) in accordance with the Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes.

“Relevant Governmental Body” means the Federal Reserve Board and/or the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or a committee officially endorsed or convened by the Federal Reserve Board and/or the Federal Reserve Bank of New York or any successor thereto.

“Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement” means the Benchmark Replacement excluding the Benchmark Replacement Adjustment.

Calculation of the Floating Interest Rate

The “calculation agent” means a banking institution or trust company appointed by us to act as calculation agent, initially The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A.

Absent willful misconduct, bad faith or manifest error, the calculation of the applicable interest rate for each interest period by the calculation agent, or in certain circumstances described above, by us (or our Designee) will be final and binding on us, the indenture trustee, and the holders of the floating rate notes.

None of the indenture trustee, paying agent, registrar or calculation agent shall be under any obligation (i) to monitor, determine or verify the unavailability or cessation of SOFR or the SOFR Index, or whether or when there has occurred, or to give notice to any other transaction party of the occurrence of, any Benchmark Transition Event or related Benchmark Replacement Date, (ii) to select, determine or designate any Benchmark Replacement, or other successor or replacement benchmark index, or whether any conditions to the designation of such a rate or index have been satisfied, (iii) to select, determine or designate any Benchmark Replacement Adjustment, or other modifier to any replacement or successor index, or (iv) to determine whether or what Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes are necessary or advisable, if any, in connection with any of the foregoing.

None of the indenture trustee, paying agent, registrar or calculation agent shall be liable for any inability, failure or delay on its part to perform any of its duties described in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus as a result of the unavailability of SOFR, the SOFR Index or other applicable Benchmark Replacement, including as a result of any failure, inability, delay, error or inaccuracy on the part of any other transaction party in providing any direction, instruction, notice or information contemplated by this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and reasonably required for the performance of such duties.

S-21

Fixed Rate Notes

The 2026 notes will mature on June 1, 2026, and the 2031 notes will mature on June 1, 2031. The 2026 notes are initially limited to $500,000,000 in aggregate principal amount, and the 2031 notes are initially limited to $500,000,000 in aggregate principal amount. However, we may issue additional notes of each series from time to time, without the consent of the holders of such series of notes.

Interest on the 2026 notes and the 2031 notes will:

• accrue at the rate of 1.45% and 2.65% per year, respectively;

• be payable semi-annually in arrears on each June 1 and December 1, with the initial interest payment date being December 1, 2021;

• be payable to the person in whose name the fixed rate notes are registered at the close of business on the May 15 and November 15 immediately preceding the applicable interest payment date, which we refer to with respect to the fixed rate notes as “regular record dates”;

• be computed on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months; and

• be payable on overdue interest to the extent permitted by law at the same rate as interest is payable on principal.

If any interest payment date, the maturity date or any redemption date falls on a day that is not a business day, the required payment will be made on the next business day with the same force and effect as if made on the relevant interest payment date, maturity date or redemption date and no additional amounts will accrue on that payment for the period from and after the interest payment date, maturity date or redemption date, as the case may be, to the date of that payment on the next succeeding business day. Unless we default on a payment, no interest will accrue for the period from and after the applicable maturity date or redemption date.

Optional Redemption

Floating Rate Notes

At any time on or after May 13, 2022 (the “Floating Rate Par Call Date”), we may redeem the floating rate notes, in whole or in part, at our option, by paying 100% of the principal amount of the floating rate notes to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date. We do not have the right to redeem the floating rate notes prior to the Floating Rate Par Call Date.

Fixed Rate Notes

At any time and from time to time, we may redeem at our option in whole or in part (a) the 2026 notes on any date prior to May 1, 2026 (the “2026 Par Call Date”) and (b) the 2031 notes on any date prior to March 1, 2031 (the “2031 Par Call Date”; each of the 2026 Par Call Date and the 2031 Par Call Date, a “Par Call Date”) at a redemption price equal to the greater of:

• 100% of the principal amount of the fixed rate notes to be redeemed; or

• the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on the fixed rate notes to be redeemed that would be due if such notes matured in the case of the 2026 notes and the 2031 notes, on the applicable Par Call Date, in each case, but for the redemption (not including any portion of such payments of interest accrued to the date of redemption) discounted to the date of redemption on a semiannual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the applicable treasury rate plus 10 basis points in the case of the 2026 notes and 15 basis points in the case of the 2031 notes;

plus, accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date.

S-22

At any time on or after the 2026 Par Call Date or the 2031 Par Call Date, as applicable, we may redeem the 2026 notes or the 2031 notes, respectively, in whole or in part, at our option, by paying 100% of the principal amount of the fixed rate notes to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date.

“treasury rate” means, with respect to any redemption date:

• the yield calculated on the third business day preceding the redemption date, as follows: for the latest day that appears in the most recent statistical release published by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System designated as “Selected Interest Rates (Daily)—H.15” (or any successor publication) (“H.15”) under the caption “Treasury Constant Maturities—Nominal”, the independent investment banker shall select two yields—one for the maturity immediately before and one for the maturity immediately after the remaining maturity of the fixed rate notes to be redeemed (assuming such fixed rate notes matured on the applicable Par Call Date)—and shall interpolate on a straight-line basis using such yields; if there is no such maturity either before or after, the independent investment banker shall select the maturity closest to the applicable Par Call Date that appears on the release; or

• if such release (or any successor release) is not published during the week preceding the calculation date or does not contain such yields, the rate per annum equal to the semiannual equivalent yield to maturity of the applicable comparable treasury issue, calculated by the independent investment banker using a price for the comparable treasury issue (expressed as a percentage of its principal amount) equal to the comparable treasury price for such redemption date.

The treasury rate will be calculated by the independent investment banker on the third business day preceding the date fixed for redemption.

“comparable treasury issue” means the U.S. Treasury security selected by an independent investment banker as having an actual or interpolated maturity comparable to the remaining term (remaining life) of the fixed rate notes to be redeemed (assuming for this purpose that such fixed rate notes matured on the applicable Par Call Date) that would be utilized, at the time of selection and in accordance with customary financial practice, in pricing new issues of corporate debt securities of comparable maturity to the remaining term of such notes.

“comparable treasury price” means (a) the average of five reference treasury dealer quotations for such redemption date, after excluding the highest and lowest reference treasury dealer quotations, or (b) if the independent investment banker obtains fewer than five such reference treasury dealer quotations, the average of all such quotations.

“independent investment banker” means one of the reference treasury dealers appointed by us, or, if these firms are unwilling or unable to select the comparable treasury issue, an independent investment banking institution of national standing appointed by us.

“reference treasury dealer” means each of (a) BofA Securities, Inc., Mizuho Securities USA LLC and a primary U.S. government securities dealer in the United States of America (a “primary treasury dealer”) designated by each of MUFG Securities Americas Inc., PNC Capital Markets LLC and U.S. Bancorp Investments, Inc. and each of their respective affiliates or successors, provided, however, that if any of the foregoing shall cease to be a primary treasury dealer, we will substitute therefor another primary treasury dealer and (b) any other primary treasury dealer selected by us after consultation with the independent investment banker.

“reference treasury dealer quotations” means, with respect to each reference treasury dealer and any redemption date, the average, as determined by the independent investment banker, of the bid and asked prices for the applicable comparable treasury issue (expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount) quoted in writing to the independent investment banker at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the third business day preceding such redemption date.

S-23

General

The trustee, at our written direction, will send a notice of redemption to each holder of notes to be redeemed by first-class mail (or in accordance with the procedures of The Depository Trust Company with respect to notes registered in the name of Cede & Co.) at least 15 days and not more than 60 days prior to the date fixed for redemption. Unless we default on payment of the redemption price, interest will cease to accrue on the notes or portions thereof called for redemption on the date fixed for redemption. If fewer than all of the notes of a series are to be redeemed, not more than 60 days prior to the redemption date, the particular notes or portions thereof for redemption will be selected from the outstanding notes of such series not previously called by such method as the trustee deems fair and appropriate. In the case of a partial redemption of notes of a series registered in the name of Cede & Co., the notes to be redeemed will be determined in accordance with the procedures of The Depository Trust Company.

Notice of any redemption of the notes in connection with a corporate transaction that is pending (including an equity offering, an incurrence of indebtedness or a change of control) may, at our discretion, be given subject to one or more conditions precedent, including, but not limited to, completion of the transaction. If such redemption is so subject to satisfaction of one or more conditions precedent, such notice shall describe each such condition, and such notice may be rescinded in the event that any or all such conditions shall not have been satisfied or otherwise waived by the redemption date. We shall notify holders of any such rescission as soon as practicable after we determine that we will not be able satisfy or otherwise waive such conditions precedent. Once notice of redemption is mailed or sent, subject to the satisfaction of any conditions precedent provided in the notice of redemption, the notes called for redemption will become due and payable on the redemption date and at the applicable redemption price, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date.

We shall notify holders of notes called for redemption of any such rescission as soon as practicable after we determine that such conditions precedent will not be able to be satisfied or we are not able or willing to waive such conditions precedent.

Sinking Fund

We are not obligated to make mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments with respect to any series of the notes.

No Financial Covenants

The indenture does not contain financial covenants and does not restrict us from paying dividends, incurring additional indebtedness or issuing or repurchasing any of our other securities. The indenture also does not protect holders in the event of a highly leveraged transaction, except to the extent described in the accompanying prospectus under the heading “Description of Our Debt Securities—Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets.”

Certain Definitions

An “affiliate” of, or a person “affiliated” with, a specific person is a person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, the person specified.

The term “control” (including the terms “controlled by” and “under common control with”) means the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a person, whether through the ownership of voting shares, by contract, or otherwise.

The term “Indebtedness,” as applied to any person, means bonds, debentures, notes and other instruments or arrangements representing obligations created or assumed by such person, in respect of:

• obligations for money borrowed, other than unamortized debt discount or premium;

S-24

• obligations evidenced by a note or similar instrument given in connection with the acquisition of any business, properties or assets of any kind;

• obligations as lessee under a finance lease; and

• any amendments, renewals, extensions, modifications and refundings of any such indebtedness or obligations listed in the three immediately preceding bullet points.

All indebtedness of such type secured by a lien upon property owned by such person, although such person has not assumed or become liable for the payment of such indebtedness, is also deemed to be indebtedness of such person. All indebtedness for borrowed money incurred by any other persons which is directly guaranteed as to payment of principal by such person will for all purposes of the indenture be deemed to be indebtedness of such person, but no other contingent obligation of such person in respect of indebtedness incurred by any other persons shall be deemed indebtedness of such person.

Events of Default

Each of the following is an event of default under the indenture with respect to each series of notes:

• our failure to pay the principal of or premium, if any, on the notes of such series when due, including at maturity or upon redemption;

• our failure to pay any interest on the notes of such series for 30 days after the interest becomes due;

• our failure to perform, or our breach in any material respect of, any other covenant or warranty in the indenture, other than a covenant or warranty included in the indenture solely for the benefit of another series of our debt securities issued under the indenture, for 90 days after either the trustee or holders of at least 33% in principal amount of the outstanding notes of a series have given us written notice of the breach in the manner required by the indenture;

• the default by us in a scheduled payment at maturity, upon redemption or otherwise in the aggregate principal amount of $125 million or more, after the expiration of any applicable grace period, of any Indebtedness, or the acceleration of any Indebtedness of us in such aggregate principal amount so that it becomes due and payable prior to the date on which it would otherwise have become due and payable and such payment default is not cured or such acceleration default is not rescinded within 30 days after notice to us in accordance with the terms of the Indebtedness; and

• specified events involving bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of us, CERC or Houston Electric; provided that any specified event involving CERC or Houston Electric will not be an event of default if, at the time such event occurs, CERC or Houston Electric, as the case may be, is not affiliated with us.

provided, however, that no event described in the third bullet point above will be an event of default until an officer of the trustee, assigned to and working in the trustee’s corporate trust department, has actual knowledge of the event or until the trustee receives written notice of the event.

If an event of default occurs and is continuing with respect to a series of notes, either the trustee or the holders of at least 33% in principal amount of the outstanding notes of such series may declare the principal amount of the notes of such series due and immediately payable. To declare the principal amount of the notes of such series due and immediately payable, the trustee or the holders must deliver a notice that satisfies the requirements of the indenture. Upon a declaration by the trustee or the holders, we will be obligated to pay the principal amount of the notes of such series plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any.

This right does not apply if an event of default described in the fifth bullet point above occurs, or an event of default described in the fourth bullet point above that applies to all notes outstanding under the indenture occurs. If one of the events of default described in the fifth bullet point above occurs and is continuing, the notes then

S-25

outstanding under the indenture will be due and payable immediately. In addition, if the event of default described in the fourth bullet point occurs and is continuing and is common to all notes outstanding under the indenture, either the trustee or holders of at least 33% in principal amount of all of the notes then outstanding under the indenture, treated as one class, may declare the principal amount of all of the notes then outstanding under the indenture due and payable immediately.

At any time after any declaration of acceleration of a series of notes, but before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by the trustee, the event of default giving rise to the declaration of acceleration will, without further act, be deemed to have been waived, and such declaration and its consequences will, without further act, be deemed to have been rescinded and annulled if:

• we have paid or deposited with the trustee a sum sufficient to pay:

• all overdue installments of interest on such series of notes,

• the principal of (and premium, if any, on) the series of notes that have become due otherwise than by such declaration of acceleration and any interest thereon at the rate or rates prescribed therefor,

• to the extent lawfully permitted, interest upon overdue interest, and

• all sums paid or advanced by, and certain sums owed to, the trustee under the indenture; and

• all events of default, other than the non-payment of the principal amount of the series of notes that became due solely by such declaration of acceleration, have been cured or waived as provided in the indenture.

If an event of default occurs and is continuing, the trustee will generally have no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the indenture at the request or direction of any of the holders, unless the holders offer reasonable indemnity to the trustee. The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding notes of such series will generally have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the trustee for such series of notes, provided that:

• the direction is not in conflict with any law or the indenture;

• the trustee may take any other action it deems proper which is not inconsistent with the direction; and

• the trustee will generally have the right to decline to follow the direction if an officer of the trustee determines, in good faith, that the proceeding would involve the trustee in personal liability or would otherwise be contrary to applicable law.

A holder of a note may only pursue a remedy under the indenture if:

• the holder has previously given the trustee written notice of a continuing event of default for the notes of such series;

• holders of at least 33% in principal amount of the outstanding notes of such series have made a written request to the trustee to pursue that remedy;

• the holders have offered reasonable indemnity to the trustee;

• the trustee fails to pursue that remedy within 60 days after receipt of the request; and

• during that 60-day period, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding notes of such series do not give the trustee a direction inconsistent with the request.

However, these limitations do not apply to a suit by a holder of any note demanding payment of the principal, premium, if any, or interest on any note on or after the date the payment is due.

S-26

We will be required to furnish to the trustee annually a statement by some of our officers regarding our performance or observance of any of the terms of the indenture and specifying all of our known defaults, if any.

Satisfaction and Discharge

We may discharge our obligations under the indenture while notes remain outstanding if (1) all outstanding debt securities issued under the indenture have become due and payable, (2) all outstanding debt securities issued under the indenture have or will become due and payable at their scheduled maturity within one year, or (3) all outstanding debt securities issued under the indenture are scheduled for redemption in one year, and in each case, we have deposited with the trustee an amount sufficient to pay and discharge all outstanding debt securities issued under the indenture on the date of their scheduled maturity or the scheduled date of redemption.

Defeasance

If we deposit with the trustee funds or government securities sufficient to make payments on the notes of any series on the dates those payments are due and payable, then, at our option, either of the following will occur:

• we will be discharged from our obligations with respect to the notes of such series (“legal defeasance”); or

• with respect to such series of notes, we will no longer have any obligation to comply with the events of default in the third bullet point under “—Events of Default” above and the events of default described in the fourth bullet point under “—Events of Default” and the restrictions described under “Description of Our Debt Securities—Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets” in the accompanying prospectus will no longer apply to us, but some of our other obligations under the indenture and the notes of such series, including our obligation to make payments on those notes, will survive.

If we defease a series of notes, the holders of the notes of such series will not be entitled to the benefits of the indenture, except for our obligations to:

• register the transfer or exchange of the notes;

• replace mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen notes; and

• maintain paying agencies and hold moneys for payment in trust.

We will be required to deliver to the trustee an opinion of counsel that the deposit and related defeasance would not cause the holders of the notes of such series to recognize gain or loss for federal income tax purposes and that the holders would be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if the deposit and related defeasance had not occurred. If we elect legal defeasance, that opinion of counsel must be based upon a ruling from the United States Internal Revenue Service or a change in law to that effect.

Paying Agent and Registrar

We have designated the trustee as the sole paying agent and registrar for the notes.

Exchange and Transfer of the Notes

We will issue the notes in registered form, without coupons. We will issue the notes in minimum denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.

Holders may present notes for exchange or for registration of transfer at the office of the security registrar or at the office of any transfer agent we designate for that purpose. The security registrar or designated transfer

S-27

agent will exchange or transfer the notes if it is satisfied with the documents of title and identity of the person making the request. We will not charge a service charge for any exchange or registration of transfer of notes. However, we may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable for the exchange or registration of transfer. The trustee will serve as the security registrar.

At any time we may:

• designate additional transfer agents;

• rescind the designation of any transfer agent; or

• approve a change in the office of any transfer agent.

However, we are required to maintain a transfer agent in each place of payment for the notes at all times.

In the event we elect to redeem any notes of a series, neither we nor the trustee will be required to register the transfer or exchange of the notes of such series:

• during the period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before the day we mail the notice of redemption for the notes selected for redemption and ending at the close of business on the day the notice is mailed; or

• if we have selected the notes of such series for redemption, in whole or in part, except for the unredeemed portion of such notes.

Regarding the Trustee

The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, National Association, successor to JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, is the trustee, security registrar and paying agent under the indenture for the notes. As of March 31, 2021, the trustee served as trustee for approximately $3.8 billion aggregate principal amount of our debt securities. In addition, the trustee serves as trustee for debt securities issued by or on behalf of our subsidiaries, aggregating approximately $9.1 billion as of March 31, 2021. We maintain brokerage relationships with the trustee and its affiliates, each of whom may maintain other relationships with us or our affiliates in the ordinary course of business.

Book-Entry Delivery and Settlement

We will issue the notes of each series in the form of one or more global notes in definitive, fully registered form. The global notes will be registered in the name of Cede & Co., as nominee of The Depository Trust Company, and will remain in the custody of the trustee.

Beneficial interests in the global notes will be represented through book-entry accounts of financial institutions acting on behalf of beneficial owners as direct and indirect participants in DTC. Investors may hold interests in the global notes through DTC either directly if they are participants in DTC or indirectly through organizations that are participants in DTC. DTC has advised us as follows:

• DTC is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the New York Banking Law, a “banking organization” within the meaning of the New York Banking Law, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a “clearing corporation” within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code and a “clearing agency” registered under Section 17A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).

• DTC holds securities that its participants deposit with DTC and facilitates the settlement among participants of securities transactions, such as transfers and pledges, in deposited securities through electronic computerized book-entry changes in participants’ accounts, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities certificates.

S-28

• Direct participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and other organizations.

• DTC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (“DTCC”). DTCC is owned by the users of its regulated subsidiaries.

• Access to the DTC system is also available to others such as securities brokers and dealers, banks and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a direct participant, either directly or indirectly.

The rules applicable to DTC and its direct and indirect participants are on file with the SEC.

We have provided the description of the operations and procedures of DTC in this prospectus supplement solely as a matter of convenience. These operations and procedures are solely within the control of DTC and are subject to change by it from time to time. Neither we nor the underwriters or the trustee takes any responsibility for these operations or procedures, and you are urged to contact DTC or its participants directly to discuss these matters.

We expect that under procedures established by DTC:

• upon deposit of the global notes with DTC or its custodian, DTC will credit on its internal system the accounts of direct participants designated by the underwriters with portions of the principal amounts of the global notes; and

• ownership of the notes will be shown on, and the transfer of ownership thereof will be effected only through, records maintained by DTC or its nominee, with respect to interests of direct participants, and the records of direct and indirect participants, with respect to interests of persons other than participants.

The laws of some jurisdictions may require that purchasers of securities take physical delivery of those securities in definitive form. Accordingly, the ability to transfer interests in the notes represented by a global note to those persons may be limited. In addition, because DTC can act only on behalf of its participants, who in turn act on behalf of persons who hold interests through participants, the ability of a person having an interest in notes represented by a global note to pledge or transfer those interests to persons or entities that do not participate in DTC’s system, or otherwise to take actions in respect of such interest, may be affected by the lack of a physical definitive security in respect of such interest.

So long as DTC or its nominee is the registered owner of a global note, DTC or that nominee will be considered the sole owner or holder of the notes represented by that global note for all purposes under the indenture and under the notes. Except as provided below, owners of beneficial interests in a global note will not be entitled to have notes represented by that global note registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of certificated notes and will not be considered the owners or holders thereof under the indenture or under the notes for any purpose, including with respect to the giving of any direction, instruction or approval to the trustee. Accordingly, each holder owning a beneficial interest in a global note must rely on the procedures of DTC and, if that holder is not a direct or indirect participant, on the procedures of the participant through which that holder owns its interest, to exercise any rights of a holder of notes under the indenture or the global note.

Neither we nor the trustee will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of notes by DTC, or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records of DTC relating to the notes.

Payments on the notes represented by the global notes will be made to DTC or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered owner thereof. We expect that DTC or its nominee, upon receipt of any payment on the notes

S-29

represented by a global note, will credit participants’ accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in the global note as shown in the records of DTC or its nominee. We also expect that payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in the global note held through such participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary practice as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers registered in the names of nominees for such customers. The participants will be responsible for those payments.

Initial settlement for the notes will be made in immediately available funds. Secondary market trading between DTC participants will occur in the ordinary way in accordance with DTC rules and will be settled in immediately available funds. Although DTC has agreed to the foregoing procedures to facilitate transfers of the notes among its participants, it is under no obligation to perform or continue to perform such procedures and such procedures may be changed or discontinued at any time.

Secondary market trading between Clearstream Banking, société anonyme (“Clearstream”) participants and/or Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V., as operator of the Euroclear System (“Euroclear”) participants will occur in the ordinary way in accordance with the applicable rules and operating procedures of Clearstream and Euroclear, as applicable.

Cross-market transfers between participants in DTC, on the one hand, and participants in Euroclear or Clearstream, on the other hand, will be effected through DTC in accordance with the DTC’s rules on behalf of Euroclear or Clearstream, as the case may be, by their respective U.S. depositaries; however, such cross-market transactions will require delivery of instructions to Euroclear or Clearstream, as the case may be, by the counterparty in such system in accordance with the rules and procedures and within the established deadlines (European time) of such system. Euroclear or Clearstream, as the case may be, will, if the transaction meets its settlement requirements, deliver instructions to its U.S. depositary to take action to effect final settlement on its behalf by delivering or receiving interests in the global securities through DTC, and making or receiving payment in accordance with normal procedures for same-day fund settlement. Participants in Euroclear or Clearstream may not deliver instructions directly to their respective U.S. depositaries.

Due to time zone differences, the securities accounts of a participant in Euroclear or Clearstream purchasing an interest in a global security from a direct participant in DTC will be credited, and any such crediting will be reported to the relevant participant in Euroclear or Clearstream, during the securities settlement processing day (which must be a business day for Euroclear or Clearstream) immediately following the settlement date of DTC. Cash received in Euroclear or Clearstream as a result of sales of interests in a global security by or through a participant in Euroclear or Clearstream to a direct participant in DTC will be received with value on the settlement date of DTC but will be available in the relevant Euroclear or Clearstream cash account only as of the business day for Euroclear or Clearstream following DTC’s settlement date.

Certificated Notes

Certificated notes will be issued to each person that DTC identifies as the beneficial owner of the notes represented by the global notes, upon surrender by DTC of the global notes, if (i) DTC or any successor depositary (the “depositary”) notifies us that it is no longer willing or able to act as a depositary for the global notes or DTC ceases to be registered as a clearing agency under the Exchange Act, and a successor depositary is not appointed within 90 days of such notice or cessation, (ii) we, at our option and subject to DTC procedures, notify the trustee in writing that we elect to cause the issuance of notes in definitive form under the indenture or (iii) upon the occurrence of certain other events as provided pursuant to the indenture.

S-30

MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

General

The following summary describes the material United States federal income tax consequences relevant to the purchase, ownership and disposition of the notes. Except where indicated, this summary deals only with holders who purchase notes in the initial offering at their original offering price (i.e., the first price at which a substantial amount of a series of fixed rate notes or the floating rate notes, as applicable, is sold for cash other than to bond houses, brokers or similar persons or organizations acting in the capacity of underwriters, placement agents or wholesalers) and hold the notes as capital assets (generally, property held for investment purposes). The following discussion is based on the provisions of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and related United States Treasury regulations, administrative rulings and judicial decisions, all as in effect on the date of this prospectus, changes to which subsequent to the date hereof may affect the tax consequences described herein, possibly with retroactive effect. We have not sought a ruling from the IRS or an opinion of counsel with respect to the statements made and the conclusions reached in the following discussion, and there can be no assurance that the IRS will agree with such statements and conclusions.

This discussion does not describe all the tax consequences that may be relevant to holders of notes in light of their particular circumstances or to holders subject to special rules under United States federal income tax law, such as brokers or dealers in securities or currencies, traders in securities that have elected the mark-to-market method of accounting for their securities, banks and other financial institutions, partnerships, S corporations and other pass-through entities or arrangements and holders of interests therein, tax-exempt organizations or pension plans, insurance companies, regulated investment companies, real estate investment trusts, persons holding notes as a hedge or as part of a straddle, constructive sale, conversion transaction or other integrated transaction, persons subject to special tax accounting rules under Section 451(b) of the Code, United States holders (as defined below) whose “functional currency” is not the United States dollar, persons subject to United States anti-inversion rules, controlled foreign corporations or passive foreign investment companies, certain former citizens or residents of the United States and persons deemed to sell the notes under the constructive sale provisions of the Code. Furthermore, this discussion does not address alternative minimum taxes, and any tax consequences resulting from the Medicare tax on net investment income, other United States federal tax laws (such as United States federal estate and gift tax laws) or any state, local or non-United States tax laws.

The United States federal income tax consequences to a holder of a note that is a partnership (or other entity or arrangement taxable as a partnership for United States federal income tax purposes) generally will depend on the status of its partners and the activities of the partnership. Partners in partnerships holding the notes should consult their tax advisors with regard to the application to them of the United States federal income tax laws.

INVESTORS CONSIDERING THE PURCHASE OF NOTES ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS REGARDING THE APPLICATION OF THE UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX LAWS TO THEIR PARTICULAR SITUATIONS AS WELL AS ANY TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE ACQUISITION, OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF THE NOTES UNDER OTHER UNITED STATES FEDERAL TAX LAWS OR UNDER THE LAWS OF ANY STATE, LOCAL OR FOREIGN JURISDICTION OR UNDER ANY APPLICABLE TAX TREATY.

As used in this section of the offering memorandum, a “United States holder” means a beneficial owner of a note who or that is, for United States federal income tax purposes:

1. an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States;

2. a corporation, or other entity taxable as a corporation, created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia;

3. an estate, the income of which is subject to United States federal income taxation regardless of its source; or

S-31

4. a trust (i) if a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and one or more United States persons as defined in Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust, or (ii) that has a valid election in effect under applicable United States Treasury regulations to be treated as a United States person.

A “non-United States holder” means a beneficial owner of a note other than a partnership (or any entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for United States federal income tax purposes) that is not a United States holder.

Tax Characterization of the Fixed Rate Notes

In certain circumstances, we may be obligated to pay amounts in excess of the stated interest or principal on the fixed rate notes as described under “Description of the Notes—Optional Redemption.” We intend to take the position that the likelihood that we will be required to make such payments is remote as of the issue date of the fixed rate notes and therefore that these provisions do not cause the fixed rate notes to be treated as “contingent payment debt instruments” within the meaning of the applicable Treasury Regulations. However, additional income will be recognized to a holder of fixed rate notes if any such additional payment is made. Our position that the contingencies described above are remote is binding on a holder, unless the holder discloses in the proper manner to the IRS that it is taking a different position. If the IRS successfully challenged our position, then the fixed rate notes could be treated as contingent payment debt instruments, in which case holders could be required to accrue interest income at a rate higher than the stated interest rate on the fixed rate notes and to treat as ordinary income, rather than capital gain, any gain recognized on a sale, exchange, retirement or redemption of a fixed rate note. The remainder of this discussion assumes that the fixed rate notes will not be treated as contingent payment debt instruments. You should consult your own tax advisor regarding the possible application of the contingent payment debt instrument rules to the fixed rate notes.

Tax Characterization of the Floating Rate Notes

Based on the interest rate characteristics of the floating rate notes, the floating rate notes should be treated as “variable rate debt instruments” (“VRDIs”) for United States federal income tax purposes, and we intend to treat them as such. However, our determination is not binding on the IRS. If the IRS takes the position that the floating rate notes are instead treated as “contingent payment debt instruments” for United States federal income tax purposes, and if such position is sustained, the tax consequences of purchasing, owning and disposing of the floating rate notes may differ materially from those described below. In such circumstances, holders may be required to accrue ordinary interest income at a higher rate than the stated interest rate on the floating rate notes and to treat as ordinary income rather than capital gain any gain realized on the taxable disposition of the floating rate notes. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the potential application to the floating rate notes of the rules regarding contingent payment debt instruments and the consequences thereof. The remainder of this discussion assumes that the floating rate notes are treated as VRDIs and not as contingent payment debt instruments for United States federal income tax purposes.

United States Holder

Payments of Stated Interest

It is expected, and this discussion assumes, that the notes will be issued with no more than a de minimis amount of original issue discount for United States federal income tax purposes. If this is the case, stated interest on the notes will constitute “qualified stated interest” under the Treasury Regulations (including, in the case of the floating rate notes, those applicable to VRDIs) and generally will be taxable to any United States holder as ordinary income at the time it is received or accrued in accordance with the United States holder’s regular method of accounting for United States federal income tax purposes.

S-32

Sale, Redemption, Retirement or Other Taxable Disposition of Notes

Upon the sale, redemption, retirement or other taxable disposition of a note, a United States holder generally will recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized (less any accrued but unpaid stated interest, which will be taxable as such to the extent not already included in income) and the United States holder’s adjusted tax basis in the note. A United States holder’s adjusted tax basis in a note generally will equal the price paid for the note. In general, such gain or loss will be capital gain or loss and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the note has been held for more than one year. Under current law, long-term capital gains of noncorporate taxpayers (including individuals) are generally taxed at lower rates than items of ordinary income. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.

Backup Withholding and Information Reporting

In general, information reporting will apply to payments of interest on the notes and to the proceeds from the sale (including a redemption or retirement) of a note paid to United States holders other than exempt recipients. Additionally, backup withholding (currently at a rate of 24%) will apply to such payments if the United States holder fails to provide a correct taxpayer identification number and comply with certification procedures or otherwise establish exempt status.

Backup withholding is not an additional tax. If backup withholding applies to a United States holder, the United States holder may use the amounts withheld as a credit against the United States holder’s United States federal income tax liability, and may be entitled to a refund, as long as the United States holder timely provides the required information or appropriate claim form to the IRS.

Non-United States Holder

Payments of Interest

Subject to the discussion below concerning backup withholding and FATCA (defined below), payments of interest on the notes to any non-United States holder generally will not be subject to United States federal income or withholding tax, provided that:

1. the interest is not effectively connected with the conduct by the non-United States holder of a trade or business in the United States (and if required by an applicable income tax treaty, the interest is not attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the non-United States holder in the United States);

2. the non-United States holder does not own, actually or constructively, 10% or more of the combined voting power of all classes of our equity entitled to vote;

3. the non-United States holder is not a controlled foreign corporation (within the meaning of the Code) that is related to us (actually or constructively); and

4. either the non-United States holder (i) provides its name and address on a properly executed IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E (or other applicable form), and certifies under penalties of perjury that it is not a “United States person” within the meaning of the Code in compliance with applicable requirements or (ii) satisfies certain other documentary evidence requirements for establishing that the holder is a non-United States person (this certification may be provided by (x) a securities clearing organization, (y) a bank or other financial institution that holds customers’ securities in the ordinary course of its trade or business or (z) a “qualified intermediary” that has entered into a withholding agreement with the IRS and other conditions are met).

If a non-United States holder cannot satisfy all of the requirements described above, payments of interest to such holder will be subject to a 30% United States federal withholding tax unless such holder provides us or our paying agent, as the case may be, with a properly executed (a) IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E (or other

S-33

applicable form) claiming an exemption from or reduction in withholding under an applicable income tax treaty or (b) IRS Form W-8ECI (or other applicable form) stating that interest paid on the note is not subject to withholding tax because it is effectively connected with such holder’s conduct of a trade or business in the United States (as discussed below).

Interest on the notes will be taxed at regular United States federal income tax rates generally in the same manner as for a United States holder if: (a) the interest constitutes income that is effectively connected with the conduct by a non-United States holder of a United States trade or business and (b) if an income tax treaty applies, the interest is attributable to a United States permanent establishment of the non-United States holder under the terms of such treaty. In addition, if the non-United States holder is a foreign corporation, such income may also be subject to a “branch profits tax” at a rate of 30% (or lower applicable treaty rate). Interest that is effectively connected with a United States trade or business (whether or not an applicable income tax treaty applies) will not be subject to United States withholding tax as long as an IRS form W-8ECI (or successor form) is provided.

Sale, Redemption, Retirement or Other Disposition of Notes

Subject to the discussion below concerning backup withholding, a non-United States holder generally will not be subject to United States federal income or withholding tax on any gain or income realized from the sale, redemption, retirement at maturity or other disposition of the notes, unless:

• in the case of gain, the non-United States holder is an individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year of the sale or other disposition of the notes, and specific other conditions are met;

• in the case of an amount attributable to accrued but unpaid interest, the non-United States holder does not meet the conditions for exemption from United States income or withholding tax on payments of interest on the notes as described above; or

• the gain is effectively connected with the non-United States holder’s conduct of a United States trade or business and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, the gain is attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the non-United States holder in the United States.

If a non-United States holder is an individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year of the sale, redemption or other disposition of a note, and certain other requirements are met, such non-United States holder will generally be subject to United States federal income tax at a flat rate of 30% (unless a lower applicable income tax treaty rate applies) on any such realized gain.

If a non-United States holder is engaged in a trade or business in the United States, and gain with respect to the notes is effectively connected with the conduct of that trade or business, such non-United States holder generally will be subject to United States income tax on a net basis on the gain in the same manner as if it were a United States holder, subject to any modification provided under an applicable income tax treaty. In addition, if a non-United States holder is a foreign corporation, it may be subject to a branch profits tax at a rate of 30% (or lower applicable treaty rate) on its effectively connected earnings and profits for the taxable year, as adjusted for certain items. For this purpose, gain on the disposition of a note that is effectively connected with such foreign corporation’s conduct of a United States trade or business will generally be included in the earnings and profits of such foreign corporation.

Backup Withholding and Information Reporting

Information returns may be filed with the IRS in connection with the payments on the notes and the proceeds from the sale or other disposition of the notes. In addition, copies of these information returns may also be made available under the provisions of a specific treaty or other agreement to tax authorities of the country in which a non-United States holder resides.

S-34

A non-United States holder generally will be exempt from backup withholding (currently at a rate of 24%), provided that such non-United States holder certifies as to its foreign status (and the payor does not have actual knowledge or reason to know that such non-United States holder is a United States person) or otherwise establishes an exemption.

Backup withholding is not an additional tax. If backup withholding applies to a non-United States holder, the holder may use the amounts withheld as a refund against the holder’s United States federal income tax liability, and may be entitled to a refund, as long as the non-United States holder timely provides certain information to the IRS.

The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act

Pursuant to Sections 1471 to 1474 of the Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder (the provisions commonly known as “FATCA”), interest paid on the notes to a foreign financial institution will be subject to a 30% United States federal withholding tax (“FATCA withholding”) unless (x) the institution enters into, and complies with, an agreement with the United States government to withhold on certain payments and to collect and provide to the United States tax authorities substantial information regarding United States account holders of the institution (which includes certain equity and debt holders of the institution, as well as certain account holders that are foreign entities with United States owners) or (y) the foreign financial institution provides the withholding agent with a certification that it is eligible to receive payment free of FATCA withholding. The legislation also generally imposes a 30% United States federal withholding tax on interest paid to a non-financial foreign entity unless the entity provides the withholding agent with a certification (i) that the entity does not have any “substantial United States owners” or (ii) provides certain identifying information regarding the entity’s “substantial United States owners,” which will in turn be provided to the United States Department of Treasury. A foreign financial institution or non-financial foreign entity can meet the certification requirements by providing a properly executed IRS Form W-8BEN, IRS Form W-8BEN-E or IRS Form W-8ECI, as applicable. Foreign financial institutions located in jurisdictions that have an intergovernmental agreement with the United States governing FATCA may be subject to different rules. Under certain circumstances, a United States holder or non-United States holder might be eligible for refunds or credits of the FATCA withholding from the IRS. While FATCA withholding would have originally been required on certain payments of gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of a note, proposed Treasury Regulations provide that withholding is not required on such payments of gross proceeds (other than amounts treated as interest). Taxpayers may rely generally on these proposed U.S. Treasury Regulations until they are revoked or final U.S. Treasury Regulations are issued. The rules under FATCA are complex. Holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the possible implications of FATCA on their investment in the notes.

THE PRECEDING DISCUSSION OF MATERIAL UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY AND IS NOT TAX ADVICE. PERSONS CONSIDERING THE PURCHASE OF THE NOTES SHOULD CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS WITH RESPECT TO THE UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF NOTES IN LIGHT OF THEIR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES, AS WELL AS THE EFFECT OF ANY OTHER UNITED STATES FEDERAL TAX LAWS AND ANY STATE, LOCAL OR NON-UNITED STATES TAX LAWS OR ANY APPLICABLE TAX TREATY AND THE EFFECT OF ANY PROPOSED CHANGE IN APPLICABLE LAWS.

S-35

UNDERWRITING (CONFLICTS OF INTEREST)

Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in an underwriting agreement between us and the underwriters named below for the notes, for whom BofA Securities, Inc., Mizuho Securities USA LLC, MUFG Securities Americas Inc., PNC Capital Markets LLC and U.S. Bancorp Investments, Inc. are acting as representatives, we have agreed to sell to each of the underwriters, and each of the underwriters has severally agreed to purchase from us, the principal amount of notes set forth opposite its name below.

Underwriter	Principal Amount of Floating Rate Notes		Principal Amount of 2026 Notes		Principal Amount of 2031 Notes
BofA Securities, Inc.	$	126,000,000	$	90,000,000	$	90,000,000
Mizuho Securities USA LLC		126,000,000		90,000,000		90,000,000
MUFG Securities Americas Inc.		126,000,000		90,000,000		90,000,000
PNC Capital Markets LLC		126,000,000		90,000,000		90,000,000
U.S. Bancorp Investments, Inc.		126,000,000		90,000,000		90,000,000
Scotia Capital (USA) Inc.		56,000,000		40,000,000		40,000,000
R. Seelaus & Co., LLC		14,000,000		10,000,000		10,000,000
Total	$	700,000,000	$	500,000,000	$	500,000,000

The underwriters are offering the notes, subject to prior sale, when, as and if issued to and accepted by them, subject to approval of legal matters by counsel, including the validity of the notes, and other conditions contained in the underwriting agreement, such as the receipt by the underwriters of officer’s certificates and legal opinions. The underwriters reserve the right to withdraw, cancel or modify offers to the public and to reject orders in whole or in part.

The underwriters have advised us that they propose to initially offer the notes to the public at the offering prices appearing on the cover page of this prospectus supplement and may also offer the notes to dealers at a price that represents a concession not in excess of 0.15%, 0.35% and 0.40% of the principal amount of the floating rate notes, the 2026 notes and the 2031 notes, respectively. Any underwriter may allow, and any of these dealers may re-allow, a concession not in excess of 0.10%, 0.25% and 0.25% of the principal amount of the floating rate notes, the 2026 notes and the 2031 notes, respectively. After the initial offering of the notes, the underwriters may from time to time vary the offering pricing and other selling terms.

The obligations of the underwriters, including their agreement to purchase the notes of each series from us, are several and not joint. The underwriting agreement provides that the obligations of the underwriters are subject to certain conditions. The underwriters must purchase all of the 2026 notes if they purchase any of the 2026 notes, all of the 2031 notes if they purchase any of the 2031 notes, and all of the floating rate notes if they purchase any of the floating rate notes. However, the sales of the 2026 notes, the 2031 notes and the floating rate notes are not conditioned upon each other, and we may consummate the sale of one series and not the others, or consummate the sales at different times. The underwriting agreement also provides that if an underwriter defaults, the purchase commitments of the non-defaulting underwriters under the agreement may be increased or the offering of the notes may be terminated.

Each series of the notes will be a new issue of securities for which currently there is no established trading market. We do not intend to apply for listing of any series of the notes on any securities exchange or for quotation of the notes on any dealer quotation system. The underwriters have advised us that they intend to make a market in each series of the notes after the offering, although they are under no obligation to do so. The underwriters may discontinue any market-making activities at any time without any notice. We can give no

S-36

assurance as to the liquidity of the trading market for the notes or that a public trading market for any series of the notes will develop.

In connection with the offering of the notes, the underwriters may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the notes. Specifically, the underwriters may overallot in connection with the offering of the notes, creating a syndicate short position. In addition, the underwriters may bid for, and purchase, the notes in the open market to cover short positions or to stabilize the price of the notes. Finally, the underwriters may reclaim selling concessions allowed for distributing the notes in the offering, if the underwriters repurchase previously distributed notes in transactions to cover short positions, in stabilization transactions or otherwise. Any of these activities may stabilize or maintain the market prices of the notes above independent market levels. The underwriters are not required to engage in any of these activities, and may end any of them at any time without notice.

The underwriters may also impose a penalty bid. This occurs when a particular underwriter repays to the underwriters a portion of the underwriting discount recovered by it because the representatives have repurchased notes sold by or for the account of such underwriter in stabilizing or short covering transactions.

We estimate that our share of the total expenses of the offering, excluding the underwriting discount, will be approximately $2.8 million.

We have agreed to indemnify the several underwriters against, or contribute to payments that the underwriters may be required to make in respect of, certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

The underwriters and their affiliates are full service financial institutions engaged in various activities, which may include securities trading, commercial and investment banking, financial advisory, investment management, investment research, principal investment, hedging, financing and brokerage activities. In the ordinary course of their respective businesses, certain of the underwriters and/or their affiliates have engaged, and may in the future engage, in commercial banking, investment banking, trust or investment management transactions with us and our affiliates for which they have received, and will in the future receive, customary compensation.

In addition, in the ordinary course of their various business activities, the underwriters and their respective affiliates may make or hold a broad array of investments and actively trade debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities) and financial instruments (including bank loans) for their own account and for the accounts of their customers, and such investment and securities activities may involve securities and instruments of ours or our affiliates. If any of the underwriters and their affiliates has a lending relationship with us, certain of these underwriters or their affiliates routinely hedge and certain of these underwriters or their affiliates may hedge their credit exposure to us consistent with their customary risk management policies. Typically, such underwriters and their affiliates would hedge such exposure by entering into transactions which consist of either the purchase of credit default swaps or the creation of short positions in our securities, including potentially the notes offered hereby. Any credit default swaps or short positions could adversely affect future trading prices of the notes offered hereby. The underwriters and their respective affiliates may also make investment recommendations or publish or express independent research views in respect of such securities or financial instruments and may at any time hold, or recommend to clients that they acquire, long or short positions in such securities and instruments.

Conflicts of Interest

Certain of the underwriters and/or their affiliates are lenders under our Term Loan, are holders of our 2021 Senior Notes or may own some of our commercial paper that we intend to repay using a portion of the net proceeds of this offering. In such event, it is possible that one or more of the underwriters or their affiliates could

S-37

receive more than 5% of the net proceeds of the offering, and in that case, such underwriter would be deemed to have a conflict of interest under FINRA Rule 5121 (Public Offering of Securities with Conflicts of Interest). In the event of any such conflict of interest, such underwriter would be required to conduct the distribution of the notes in accordance with FINRA Rule 5121. If the distribution is conducted in accordance with FINRA Rule 5121, such underwriter would not be permitted to confirm a sale to an account over which it exercises discretionary authority without first receiving specific written approval from the account holder.

Notice to Prospective Investors in the European Economic Area

The notes are not intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to and should not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to any retail investor in the European Economic Area (“EEA”). For these purposes, a retail investor means a person who is one (or more) of: (i) a retail client as defined in point (11) of Article 4(1) of Directive 2014/65/EU (as amended, “MiFID II”); or (ii) a customer within the meaning of Directive (EU) 2016/97, as amended, where that customer would not qualify as a professional client as defined in point (10) of Article 4(1) of MiFID II; or (iii) not a qualified investor as defined in Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 (as amended, the “Prospectus Regulation”). Consequently no key information document required by Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 (as amended, the “PRIIPs Regulation”) for offering or selling the notes or otherwise making them available to retail investors in the EEA has been prepared and therefore offering or selling the notes or otherwise making them available to any retail investor in the EEA may be unlawful under the PRIIPs Regulation. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus have been prepared on the basis that any offer of the notes in any Member State of the EEA will be made pursuant to an exemption under the Prospectus Regulation from the requirement to publish a prospectus for offers of the notes. Neither this prospectus supplement nor the accompanying prospectus are prospectuses for purposes of the Prospectus Regulation.

Notice to Prospective Investors in the United Kingdom

The notes are not intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to and should not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to any retail investor in the United Kingdom (“UK”). For these purposes, a retail investor means a person who is one (or more) of: (i) a retail client, as defined in point (8) of Article 2 of Regulation (EU) No 2017/565 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (“EUWA”); (ii) a customer within the meaning of the provisions of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (as amended, the “FSMA”) and any rules or regulations made under the FSMA to implement Directive (EU) 2016/97, where that customer would not qualify as a professional client, as defined in point (8) of Article 2(1) of Regulation (EU) No 600/2014 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the EUWA; or (iii) not a qualified investor as defined in Article 2 of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the EUWA (the “UK Prospectus Directive”). Consequently no key information document required by Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the EUWA (the “UK PRIIPs Regulation”) for offering or selling the notes or otherwise making them available to retail investors in the UK has been prepared and therefore offering or selling the notes or otherwise making them available to any retail investor in the UK may be unlawful under the UK PRIIPs Regulation. This prospectus supplement has been prepared on the basis that any offer of notes in the UK will be made pursuant to an exemption under the UK Prospectus Regulation. Neither this prospectus supplement nor the accompanying prospectus is a prospectus for the purposes of the UK Prospectus Regulation.

Notice to Prospective Investors in Australia

This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus:

• do not constitute a product disclosure document or a prospectus under Chapter 6D.2 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (the “Corporations Act”);

• have not been, and will not be, lodged with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (“ASIC”), as a disclosure document for the purposes of the Corporations Act and do not purport to include the information required of a disclosure document under Chapter 6D.2 of the Corporations Act;

S-38

• do not constitute or involve a recommendation to acquire, an offer or invitation for issue or sale, an offer or invitation to arrange the issue or sale, or an issue or sale, of interests to a “retail client” (as defined in section 761G of the Corporations Act and applicable regulations) in Australia; and

• may only be provided in Australia to select investors who are able to demonstrate that they fall within one or more of the categories of investors, or “Exempt Investors,” available under section 708 of the Corporations Act.

The notes may not be directly or indirectly offered for subscription or purchased or sold, and no invitations to subscribe for or buy the notes may be issued, and no draft or definitive offering memorandum, advertisement or other offering material relating to any notes may be distributed in Australia, except where disclosure to investors is not required under Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act or is otherwise in compliance with all applicable Australian laws and regulations. By submitting an application for the notes, you represent and warrant to us that you are an Exempt Investor.

As any offer of notes under this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus will be made without disclosure in Australia under Chapter 6D.2 of the Corporations Act, the offer of those securities for resale in Australia within 12 months may, under section 707 of the Corporations Act, require disclosure to investors under Chapter 6D.2 if none of the exemptions in section 708 applies to that resale. By applying for the notes you undertake to us that you will not, for a period of 12 months from the date of issue of the notes, offer, transfer, assign or otherwise alienate those securities to investors in Australia except in circumstances where disclosure to investors is not required under Chapter 6D.2 of the Corporations Act or where a compliant disclosure document is prepared and lodged with ASIC.

Notice to Prospective Investors in Canada

The notes may be sold only to purchasers purchasing, or deemed to be purchasing, as principal that are accredited investors, as defined in National Instrument 45-106 Prospectus Exemptions or subsection 73.3(1) of the Securities Act (Ontario), and are permitted clients, as defined in National Instrument 31-103 Registration Requirements, Exemptions and Ongoing Registrant Obligations. Any resale of the notes must be made in accordance with an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the prospectus requirements of applicable securities laws.

Securities legislation in certain provinces or territories of Canada may provide a purchaser with remedies for rescission or damages if this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus (including any amendment thereto) contains a misrepresentation, provided that the remedies for rescission or damages are exercised by the purchaser within the time limit prescribed by the securities legislation of the purchaser’s province or territory. The purchaser should refer to any applicable provisions of the securities legislation of the purchaser’s province or territory for particulars of these rights or consult with a legal advisor.

Pursuant to section 3A.3 of National Instrument 33-105 Underwriting Conflicts (NI 33-105), the underwriters are not required to comply with the disclosure requirements of NI 33-105 regarding underwriter conflicts of interest in connection with this offering.

Notice to Prospective Investors in Hong Kong

The contents of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus have not been reviewed or approved by any regulatory authority in Hong Kong. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus do not constitute an offer or invitation to the public in Hong Kong to acquire the notes. Accordingly, no person may issue or have in its possession for the purpose of issue, this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus or any advertisement, invitation or document relating to the notes which is directed at, or the contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the public in Hong Kong, except (i) where the notes are only intended to be offered to “professional investors” (as such term is defined in the Securities and Futures

S-39

Ordinance (Cap. 571 of the Laws of Hong Kong) (“SFO”) and the subsidiary legislation made thereunder), (ii) in circumstances which do not result in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus being a “prospectus” as defined in the Companies (Winding Up and Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance of Hong Kong (Cap. 32 of the Laws of Hong Kong) (“CO”), or (iii) in circumstances which do not constitute an offer or an invitation to the public for the purposes of the SFO or the CO. The offer of the notes is personal to the person to whom this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus have been delivered, and a subscription for the notes will only be accepted from such person. No person to whom a copy of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus is issued may copy, issue or distribute this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus to any other person. You are advised to exercise caution in relation to the offer. If you are in any doubt about the contents of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus, you should obtain independent professional advice.

Notice to Prospective Investors in Japan

The notes offered hereby have not been and will not be registered under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law of Japan. The notes have not been offered or sold and will not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to, or for the account or benefit of, any resident of Japan (which term as used herein means any person resident in Japan, including any corporation or other entity organized under the laws of Japan), or to others for re-offering or resale, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to or for the account or benefit of a resident of Japan, except (i) pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of, and otherwise in compliance with, the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law and (ii) in compliance with any other applicable laws, regulations and ministerial guidelines of Japan.

Notice to Prospective Investors in Singapore

This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus have not been registered as a prospectus under the Securities and Futures Act, Chapter 289 of Singapore (“SFA”) by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, and the offer of the notes in Singapore is made primarily pursuant to the exemptions under Sections 274 and 275 of the SFA. Accordingly, this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus or any other document or material in connection with the offer or sale, or invitation for subscription or purchase, of the notes may not be circulated or distributed, nor may the notes be offered or sold, or be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase, whether directly or indirectly, to any person in Singapore other than (i) to an institutional investor as defined in Section 4A of the SFA (an “Institutional Investor”) pursuant to Section 274 of the SFA, (ii) to an accredited investor as defined in Section 4A of the SFA (an “Accredited Investor”) or other relevant person as defined in Section 275(2) of the SFA (a “Relevant Person”) and pursuant to Section 275(1) of the SFA, or to any person pursuant to an offer referred to in Section 275(1A) of the SFA, and in accordance with the conditions specified in Section 275 of the SFA; or (iii) otherwise pursuant to, and in accordance with, the conditions of any other applicable exemption or provision of the SFA.

It is a condition of the offer that where the notes are subscribed for or acquired pursuant to an offer made in reliance on Section 275 of the SFA by a Relevant Person which is:

(a) a corporation (which is not an Accredited Investor), the sole business of which is to hold investments and the entire share capital of which is owned by one or more individuals, each of whom is an Accredited Investor; or

(b) a trust (where the trustee is not an Accredited Investor), the sole purpose of which is to hold investments and each beneficiary of the trust is an individual who is an Accredited Investor, the shares, debentures and units of shares and debentures of that corporation, and the beneficiaries’ rights and interest (howsoever described) in that trust, shall not be transferred within six months after that corporation or that trust has subscribed for or acquired the notes except:

(1) to an Institutional Investor, or an Accredited Investor or other Relevant Person, or to any person arising from an offer referred to in Section 275(1A) of the SFA (in the case of that corporation) or Section 276(4)(i)(B) of the SFA (in the case of that trust);

S-40

(2) where no consideration is or will be given for the transfer; or

(3) where the transfer occurs by operation of law.

Singapore Securities and Futures Act Product Classification—Solely for the purposes of its obligations pursuant to sections 309B(1)(a) and 309B(1)(c) of the SFA, we have determined, and hereby notify all relevant persons (as defined in Section 309A of the SFA) that the notes are “prescribed capital markets products” (as defined in the Securities and Futures (Capital Markets Products) Regulations 2018) and Excluded Investment Products (as defined in MAS Notice SFA 04-N12: Notice on the Sale of Investment Products and MAS Notice FAA-N16: Notice on Recommendations on Investment Products).

Notice to Prospective Investors in Taiwan

The notes have not been and will not be registered or filed with, or approved by, the Financial Supervisory Commission of Taiwan and/or any other regulatory authority of Taiwan pursuant to relevant securities laws and regulations and may not be sold, issued or offered within Taiwan through a public offering or in circumstances which could constitute an offer within the meaning of the Securities and Exchange Act of Taiwan or relevant laws and regulations that requires a registration, filing or approval of the Financial Supervisory Commission of Taiwan and/or other regulatory authority of Taiwan. No person or entity in Taiwan has been authorized to offer or sell the notes in Taiwan.

Notice to Prospective Investors in the Republic of Korea

The notes may not be offered, sold and delivered directly or indirectly, or offered or sold to any person for reoffering or resale, directly or indirectly, in Korea or to any resident of Korea except pursuant to the applicable laws and regulations of Korea, including the Korea Securities and Exchange Act and the Foreign Exchange Transaction Law and the decrees and regulations thereunder. The notes have not been and will not be registered with the Financial Services Commission of Korea for public offering in Korea. Furthermore, the notes may not be resold to Korean residents unless the purchaser of the notes complies with all applicable regulatory requirements (including but not limited to government approval requirements under the Foreign Exchange Transaction Law and its subordinate decrees and regulations) in connection with the purchase of the notes.

S-41

LEGAL MATTERS

Baker Botts L.L.P., Houston, Texas will pass on the validity of the notes offered in this prospectus supplement. Monica Karuturi, Esq., our Senior Vice President and General Counsel, may pass on other legal matters for us. Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP, New York, New York will pass on certain legal matters for the underwriters.

EXPERTS

The consolidated financial statements incorporated in this document by reference from CenterPoint Energy, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, and the effectiveness of CenterPoint Energy, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting, have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their reports, which are incorporated herein by reference. Such consolidated financial statements have been so incorporated in reliance upon the reports of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

S-42

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

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

We have based our forward-looking statements on our management’s beliefs and assumptions based on information reasonably available to our management at the time the statements are made. We caution you that assumptions, beliefs, expectations, intentions and projections about future events may and often do vary materially from actual results. Therefore, we cannot assure you that actual results will not differ materially from those expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements.

The following are some of the factors that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• changes in tax status; and

• access to debt and equity capital;

• the integration of the businesses acquired in the acquisition of Vectren (the “Vectren Merger”), including the integration of technology systems; the outcome of shareholder litigation filed against Vectren that could reduce the benefits of the Vectren Merger; the ability to realize additional benefits

S-43

and commercial opportunities from the Vectren Merger, including the development of new opportunities and the performance of projects undertaken by ESG, which are subject to, among other factors, the level of success in bidding contracts and cancellation and/or reductions in the scope of projects by customers, and obligations related to warranties, guarantees and other contractual and legal obligations;

• the recording of impairment charges;

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

• timely and appropriate rate actions that allow recovery of costs and a reasonable return on investment, including the timing and recovery of natural gas purchase costs associated with the severe winter event in February 2021 (the “February 2021 Winter Storm Event”);

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

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

• our or Enable’s business strategies and strategic initiatives, restructurings, joint ventures and acquisitions or dispositions of assets or businesses, including the announced sale of our natural gas businesses in Arkansas and Oklahoma, which we cannot assure will be completed or will have the anticipated benefits to us, and the Enable Merger, which we cannot assure will be completed or will have the anticipated benefits to us or Enable;

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

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

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

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

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

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

• tax legislation, including the effects of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act and tax reform legislation informally called the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (which includes but is not limited to any potential changes to tax rates, tax credits and/or interest deductibility), as well as any changes in tax laws under the Biden administration, and uncertainties involving state commissions’ and local municipalities’ regulatory requirements and determinations regarding the treatment of excess deferred income taxes and our rates;

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

S-44

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

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

• local, state and federal legislative and regulatory actions or developments relating to the environment, including, among others, those related to global climate change, air emissions, carbon, waste water discharges and the handling and disposal of coal combustion residuals that could impact the continued operation, cost recovery of generation plant costs and related assets, and our carbon emissions reduction targets;

• the impact of unplanned facility outages or other closures;

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

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

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

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

• the investment performance of our pension and postretirement benefit plans;

• changes in interest rates and their impact on costs of borrowing and the valuation of our pension benefit obligation

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

• changes in rates of inflation;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• the effective tax rates;

S-45

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

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

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

• other factors discussed in “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-7 of this prospectus supplement.

You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of the particular statement, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. The SEC maintains a Web site that contains information we file electronically with the SEC, which you can access at http://www.sec.gov. You can obtain information about us at the offices of The New York Stock Exchange, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.

Our Web site is located at http://investors.centerpointenergy.com. Our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and other filings with the SEC are available, free of charge, through our Web site, as soon as reasonably practicable after those reports or filings are electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. Information on our Web site or any other website is not incorporated by reference in this prospectus and does not constitute a part of this prospectus.

This prospectus supplement, which includes information incorporated by reference (see “Incorporation By Reference” below), is part of a registration statement we have filed with the SEC relating to the securities we may offer. As permitted by SEC rules, this prospectus supplement does not contain all of the information we have included in the registration statement and the accompanying exhibits and schedules we file with the SEC. You may refer to the registration statement, the exhibits and the schedules for more information about us and our securities. The registration statement, exhibits and schedules are available through the SEC’s Web site.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

We are “incorporating by reference” into this prospectus supplement certain information we file with the SEC. This means we are disclosing important information to you by referring you to the documents containing the information. The information we incorporate by reference is considered to be part of this prospectus supplement. Information that we file later with the SEC that is deemed incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement (but not information deemed to be furnished to and not filed with the SEC) will automatically update and supersede information previously included.

We are incorporating by reference into this prospectus supplement the documents listed below and any subsequent filings we make with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, as amended (excluding information deemed to be furnished and not filed with the SEC), until all the notes offered hereby are sold:

• our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, including the portions of our definitive proxy statement filed with the SEC on Schedule 14A on March 12, 2021 that are incorporated by reference therein;

• our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2021; and

S-46

• our Current Reports on Form 8-K, filed February 4, 2021, February 17, 2021 (other than the information furnished pursuant to Item 7.01, Exhibit 99.1 and Exhibit 99.2 thereto), February 19, 2021 (other than the information furnished pursuant to Exhibit 99.1 thereto), April 26, 2021,  April  26, 2021 and April 29, 2021.

You may also obtain a copy of our filings with the SEC at no cost by writing to or telephoning us at the following address:

CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

Attn: Investor Relations

P.O. Box 4567

Houston, Texas 77210-4567

(713) 207-6500

S-47

PROSPECTUS

CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

1111 Louisiana

Houston, Texas 77002

(713) 207-1111

CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC.

SENIOR DEBT SECURITIES

JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES

COMMON STOCK

PREFERRED STOCK

STOCK PURCHASE CONTRACTS

EQUITY UNITS

DEPOSITARY SHARES

We will provide additional terms of our securities in one or more supplements to this prospectus. You should read this prospectus and the related prospectus supplement carefully before you invest in our securities. No person may use this prospectus to offer and sell our securities unless a prospectus supplement accompanies this prospectus.

The Offering

We may offer from time to time:

• senior debt securities;

• junior subordinated debt securities;

• common stock;

• preferred stock;

• stock purchase contracts;

• equity units; and

• depositary shares.

Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Chicago Stock Exchange under the symbol “CNP.”

Investing in our securities involves risks. See “Risk Factors” on page 4 of this prospectus.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The date of this prospectus is May 22, 2020.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

About This Prospectus	1
Where You Can Find More Information	1
Incorporation By Reference	2
About CenterPoint Energy, Inc	3
Risk Factors	4
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information	5
Use of Proceeds	9
Description of Our Debt Securities	10
Description of Our Capital Stock	20
Description of Stock Purchase Contracts and Equity Units	29
Description of Depositary Shares	29
Holding Company Structure	30
Plan of Distribution	30
Legal Matters	32
Experts	33

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

This prospectus is part of a registration statement we have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) using a “shelf” registration process. Using this process, we may offer any combination of the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we use this prospectus to offer securities, we will file a supplement to this prospectus with the SEC that will describe the specific terms of the offering. The prospectus supplement may also add to, update or change the information contained in this prospectus. Before you invest, you should carefully read this prospectus, the applicable prospectus supplement and the information contained in the documents we refer to under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information.”

We have not authorized anyone to provide any information or make any representations other than those contained in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement and any communication from us or any underwriter specifying the final terms of a particular offering. We take no responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you. We are not making an offer of these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer is not permitted. You should not assume that the information contained in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement or any communication from us or any underwriter specifying the final terms of a particular offering is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of that document. Any information we have incorporated by reference is accurate only as of the date of the document incorporated by reference.

References in this prospectus to the terms “we,” “us,” “our” or other similar terms mean CenterPoint Energy, Inc. and its subsidiaries, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, National Association, in each of its capacities referenced herein, including, but not limited to, trustee, purchase contract agent, collateral agent, custodial agent, securities intermediary and paying agent, has not participated in the preparation of this prospectus and assumes no responsibility for its content.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. The SEC maintains a Web site that contains information we file electronically with the SEC, which you can access at http://www.sec.gov. You can obtain information about us at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, 11 Wall Street, New York, New York 10005.

Our Web site is located at http://investors.centerpointenergy.com. Our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and other filings with the SEC are available, free of charge, through our Web site, as soon as reasonably practicable after those reports or filings are electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. Information on our Web site or any other website is not incorporated by reference in this prospectus and does not constitute a part of this prospectus.

This prospectus, which includes information incorporated by reference (see “Incorporation by Reference” below), is part of a registration statement we have filed with the SEC relating to the securities we may offer. As permitted by SEC rules, this prospectus does not contain all of the information we have included in the registration statement and the accompanying exhibits and schedules we file with the SEC. You may refer to the registration statement, the exhibits and the schedules for more information about us and our securities. The registration statement, exhibits and schedules are available through the SEC’s Web site.

1

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

We are “incorporating by reference” into this prospectus certain information we file with the SEC. This means we are disclosing important information to you by referring you to the documents containing the information. The information we incorporate by reference is considered to be part of this prospectus. Information that we file later with the SEC that is deemed incorporated by reference into this prospectus (which does not include information deemed pursuant to the SEC’s rules to be furnished to and not filed with the SEC) will automatically update and supersede information previously included.

We are incorporating by reference into this prospectus the documents listed below and any subsequent filings we make with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (excluding information deemed pursuant to the SEC’s rules to be furnished and not filed with the SEC) until all the securities are sold:

• our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December  31, 2019 (except for Items 6, 7, 7A and 8, which have been superseded by Items included in the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 19, 2020), including the portions of our definitive proxy statement filed on Schedule 14A on March 13, 2020 that are specifically incorporated by reference therein;

• our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2020;

• our Current Reports on Form 8-K and Form 8-K/A, as applicable, filed with the SEC on February 3, 2020 (other than the information furnished pursuant to Item 7.01 and Exhibit 99.1 thereto), February  19, 2020, February 24, 2020 (other than the information furnished pursuant to Item 7.01 and Exhibit 99.1 thereto), March 6, 2020, March 9, 2020, April 2, 2020 (other than the information furnished pursuant to Item 7.01 and Exhibits 99.1 and 99.2 thereto), April 2, 2020, April 7, 2020, April 9, 2020 (other than the information furnished pursuant to Item 7.01 and Exhibit 99.2), April  27, 2020, May 7, 2020 (other than information furnished pursuant to Items 2.02 and 7.01 and Exhibits 99.1 and 99.2 thereto) and May 19, 2020;

• the description of our common stock contained in our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 5, 2013, as amended by our Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July  30, 2014, December 11, 2015 and February 24, 2017 and Item 9B of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, and we may further update that description from time to time;

• the description of our Series A Preferred Stock (as defined below) contained in our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 23, 2018;

• the description of our Series B Preferred Stock (as defined below) contained in our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 1, 2018; and

• the description of our Series C Preferred Stock (as defined below) contained in our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 7, 2020.

You may also obtain a copy of our filings with the SEC at no cost by writing to or telephoning us at the following address:

CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

Attn: Investor Relations

P.O. Box 4567

Houston, Texas 77210-4567

(713) 207-6500

2

ABOUT CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC.

We are a public utility holding company and own interests in Enable Midstream Partners, LP (“Enable”) as described below. As of the date of this prospectus, our operating subsidiaries were as follows:

• CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC (“Houston Electric”) owns and operates electric transmission and distribution facilities in the Texas Gulf Coast area that includes the city of Houston.

• CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp. (“CERC Corp.”) (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 CenterPoint Energy Intrastate Pipelines, LLC (“CEIP”); and (iii) provides temporary delivery of liquefied natural gas and compressed natural gas throughout the contiguous 48 states through CenterPoint Energy Mobile Energy Solutions, Inc.

• Vectren Corporation (“Vectren”) holds three public utilities through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Vectren Utility Holdings, Inc., a public utility holding company:

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

• Southern Indiana Gas and Electric Company (“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

• Vectren Energy Delivery of Ohio, Inc. provides energy delivery services to natural gas customers located near Dayton in west-central Ohio.

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

As of the date of this prospectus, we, indirectly through CenterPoint Energy Midstream, Inc., our direct, wholly-owned subsidiary, owned approximately 53.7% of the common units representing limited partner interests in Enable, and 50% of the management interest and 40% of the incentive distribution rights in Enable GP, LLC, Enable’s general partner. CenterPoint Energy also directly owned an aggregate of 14,520,000 10% Series A Fixed-to-Floating Non-Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Units, representing limited partner interests in Enable (“Enable Series A Preferred Units”). Enable owns, operates and develops natural gas and crude oil infrastructure assets.

On February 24, 2020, CERC Corp. entered into an agreement to sell CenterPoint Energy Services, Inc., which obtains and offers 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 and represents substantially all of the businesses within our Energy Services reportable segment (the “Energy Services Disposal Group”). This transaction does not include our subsidiary CEIP and its assets. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2020.

Our principal executive offices are located at 1111 Louisiana, Houston, Texas 77002 (telephone number: (713) 207-1111).

3

RISK FACTORS

Our businesses are influenced by many factors that are difficult to predict and that involve uncertainties that may materially affect actual operating results, cash flows and financial condition. These risk factors include those described as such in the documents that are incorporated by reference in this prospectus (which risk factors are incorporated herein by reference), and could include additional uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently do not consider material. Before making an investment decision, you should carefully consider these risks as well as any other information we include or incorporate by reference in this prospectus or include in any applicable prospectus supplement.

4

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

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

We have based our forward-looking statements on our management’s beliefs and assumptions based on information reasonably available to our management at the time the statements are made. We caution you that assumptions, beliefs, expectations, intentions and projections about future events may and often do vary materially from actual results. Therefore, we cannot assure you that actual results will not differ materially from those expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements.

The following are some of the factors that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements:

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

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

• the timing and extent of changes in the supply of natural gas and associated commodity prices, particularly prices of natural gas and natural gas liquids (“NGLs”), the competitive effects of the available pipeline capacity in the regions served by Enable, and the effects of geographic and seasonal commodity price differentials, including the effects of these circumstances on re-contracting available capacity on Enable’s interstate pipelines;

• economic effects of the recent actions of Saudi Arabia, Russia and other oil-producing countries, which have resulted in a substantial decrease in oil and natural gas prices, and the combined impact of these events and COVID-19 on commodity prices;

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

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

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

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

• changes in tax status; and

• access to debt and equity capital;

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

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

5

• the expected benefits of our merger with Vectren and integration, including the outcome of shareholder litigation filed against Vectren that could reduce anticipated benefits of our merger with Vectren as well as the ability to successfully integrate the Vectren businesses and to realize anticipated benefits and commercial opportunities;

• the recording of impairment charges, including any impairment or loss associated with the sale of our Infrastructure Services and Energy Services Disposal Groups;

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

• timely and appropriate rate actions that allow recovery of costs and a reasonable return on investment;

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

• weather variations and other natural phenomena, including the impact of severe weather events on operations and capital;

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

• tax legislation, including the effects of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act and of the tax reform legislation informally called the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (which includes any potential changes to interest deductibility) and uncertainties involving state commissions’ and local municipalities’ regulatory requirements and determinations regarding the treatment of excess deferred income taxes and our rates;

• our and CERC Corp.’s ability to mitigate weather impacts through normalization or rate mechanisms, and the effectiveness of such mechanisms;

• the timing and extent of changes in commodity prices, particularly natural gas and coal, and the effects of geographic and seasonal commodity price differentials on CERC Corp. and Enable;

• the ability of our and CERC Corp.’s non-utility business operating in the Energy Services Disposal Group to effectively optimize opportunities related to natural gas price volatility and storage activities, including weather-related impacts;

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

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

• the availability and prices of raw materials and services and changes in labor for current and future construction projects;

• local, state and federal legislative and regulatory actions or developments relating to the environment, including, among others, those related to global climate change, air emissions, carbon, waste water discharges and the handling and disposal of coal combustion residuals that could impact the continued operation, and/or cost recovery of generation plant costs and related assets;

• the impact of unplanned facility outages or other closures;

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

6

• our ability to invest planned capital and the timely recovery of our investments, including those related to SIGECO’s anticipated Integrated Resource Plan;

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

• our ability to control operation and maintenance costs;

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

• the investment performance of our pension and postretirement benefit plans;

• changes in interest rates and their impact on costs of borrowing and the valuation of our pension benefit obligation;

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

• changes in rates of inflation;

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

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

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

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

• the ability of retail electric providers (“REPs”), including REP affiliates of NRG Energy, Inc. and Vistra Energy Corp., formerly known as TCEH Corp., to satisfy their obligations to us and Houston Electric;

• our or Enable’s potential business strategies and strategic initiatives, including restructurings, joint ventures and acquisitions or dispositions of assets or businesses, including the proposed sale of the Energy Services Disposal Group, which we and Enable cannot assure will be completed or will have the anticipated benefits to us or Enable;

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

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

• the outcome of litigation;

• the development of new opportunities and the performance of projects undertaken by ESG, including, among other factors, the level of success in bidding contracts and cancellation and/or reductions in the scope of projects by customers and obligations related to warranties and guarantees;

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

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

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

• the effective tax rates;

7

• the transition to a replacement for the London Interbank Offered Rate benchmark interest rate;

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

• other factors we discuss in “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 and in Item 1A of Part II of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2020, which are incorporated herein by reference, and in other reports we file from time to time with the SEC that are incorporated by reference.

You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of the particular statement, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements.

8

USE OF PROCEEDS

Unless we inform you otherwise in the prospectus supplement, we anticipate using any net proceeds from the sale of our securities offered by this prospectus for general corporate purposes. These purposes may include, but are not limited to:

• working capital,

• capital expenditures,

• acquisitions,

• the repayment or refinancing of debt, and

• loans or advances to subsidiaries.

Pending any specific application, we may initially invest funds, loan funds to affiliates or apply them to the reduction of short-term indebtedness, commercial paper or debt under our revolving credit facility.

9

DESCRIPTION OF OUR DEBT SECURITIES

The debt securities offered by this prospectus will be CenterPoint Energy’s general unsecured obligations. CenterPoint Energy will issue senior debt securities (“senior debt securities”) under an indenture, dated as of May 19, 2003, between CenterPoint Energy and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, National Association (successor in trust to JPMorgan Chase Bank), as trustee (as supplemented from time to time, the “senior indenture”) and junior subordinated debt securities (“junior subordinated debt securities”) under a separate indenture to be entered into between us and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, National Association, as trustee (as supplemented from time to time, the “junior subordinated indenture”). We will refer to the senior indenture and the junior subordinated indenture together as the “indentures,” and each as an “indenture.” The indentures will be substantially identical, except for provisions relating to subordination and covenants. We have filed, through incorporation by reference, the senior indenture and a form of the junior subordinated indenture as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. We have summarized selected provisions of the indentures and the debt securities below. This summary is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the indentures. References to section numbers in this description of our debt securities, unless otherwise indicated, are references to section numbers of the indentures.

You should carefully read the summary below, the applicable prospectus supplement and the provisions of the applicable indenture that may be important to you before investing in our senior debt securities or junior subordinated debt securities.

Provisions Applicable to Each Indenture

General. We may issue debt securities from time to time in one or more series under the applicable indenture. There is no limitation on the amount of debt securities we may issue under either indenture. We will describe the particular terms of each series of debt securities we offer in a supplement to this prospectus. The terms of our debt securities will include those set forth in the applicable indenture and those made a part of such indenture by the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (Trust Indenture Act).

Subject to the exceptions, and subject to compliance with the applicable requirements set forth in the applicable indenture, we may discharge our obligations under the indentures with respect to our debt securities as described below under “— Defeasance.”

Terms. We will describe the specific terms of the series of debt securities being offered in a supplement to this prospectus. These terms will include some or all of the following:

• the title of the debt securities,

• whether the debt securities are senior debt securities or junior subordinated debt securities,

• any limit on the total principal amount of the debt securities,

• the date or dates on which the principal of the debt securities will be payable or the method used to determine or extend those dates,

• any interest rate on the debt securities, any date from which interest will accrue, any interest payment dates and regular record dates for interest payments, or the method used to determine any of the foregoing, the basis for calculating interest if other than a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months and any right to extend or defer interest payments and the duration of such extension or deferral,

• the place or places where payments on the debt securities will be payable, the debt securities may be presented for registration of transfer or exchange, and notices and demands to or upon us relating to the debt securities may be made,

10

• any provisions that would allow or obligate us to redeem or purchase the debt securities prior to their maturity,

• the denominations in which we will issue the debt securities, if other than denominations of an integral multiple of $1,000,

• any provisions that would determine payments on the debt securities by reference to an index or a formula,

• any foreign currency, currencies or currency units in which payments on the debt securities will be payable and the manner for determining the equivalent amount in U.S. dollars ($),

• any provisions for payments on the debt securities in one or more currencies or currency units other than those in which the debt securities are stated to be payable,

• the percentage of the principal amount at which the debt securities will be issued and the portion of the principal amount of the debt securities that will be payable if the maturity of the debt securities is accelerated, if other than the entire principal amount,

• if the principal amount to be paid at the stated maturity of the debt securities is not determinable as of one or more dates prior to the stated maturity, the amount that will be deemed to be the principal amount as of any such date for any purpose,

• any variation of the defeasance and covenant defeasance sections of the applicable indenture and the manner in which our election to defease the debt securities will be evidenced, if other than by a board resolution,

• whether we will issue the debt securities in the form of temporary or permanent global securities, the depositories for the global securities, and provisions for exchanging or transferring the global securities,

• whether the interest rate of the debt securities may be reset,

• whether the stated maturity of the debt securities may be extended,

• any addition to or change in the events of default for the debt securities and any change in the right of the trustee or the holders of the debt securities to declare the principal amount of the debt securities due and payable,

• any addition to or change in the covenants in the applicable indenture,

• any additions or changes to the applicable indenture necessary to issue the debt securities in bearer form, registrable or not registrable as to principal, and with or without interest coupons,

• the appointment of any paying agents for the debt securities, if other than the trustee,

• the terms of any right to convert or exchange the debt securities into any other securities or property,

• the terms and conditions, if any, pursuant to which the debt securities are secured,

• any restriction or condition on the transferability of the debt securities,

• with respect to the junior subordinated indenture, any changes to the subordination provisions for the junior subordinated debt securities, and

• any other terms of the debt securities consistent with the applicable indenture. (Section 301)

Any limit on the maximum total principal amount for any series of the debt securities may be increased by resolution of our board of directors. We may sell the debt securities, including original issue discount securities, at a substantial discount below their stated principal amount. If there are any special United States federal income tax considerations applicable to debt securities we sell at an original issue discount, we will describe them in the

11

prospectus supplement. In addition, we will describe in the prospectus supplement any special United States federal income tax considerations and any other special considerations for any debt securities we sell which are denominated in a currency or currency unit other than U.S. dollars.

Form, Exchange and Transfer. We will issue the debt securities in registered form, without coupons. Unless we inform you otherwise in the prospectus supplement, we will only issue debt securities in denominations of integral multiples of $1,000. (Section 302)

Holders generally will be able to exchange debt securities for other debt securities of the same series with the same total principal amount and the same terms but in different authorized denominations. (Section 305)

Holders may present debt securities for exchange or for registration of transfer at the office of the security registrar or at the office of any transfer agent we designate for that purpose. The security registrar or designated transfer agent will exchange or transfer the debt securities if it is satisfied with the documents of title and identity of the person making the request. We will not charge a service charge for any exchange or registration of transfer of debt securities. However, we may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable for the registration of transfer or exchange. Unless we inform you otherwise in the prospectus supplement, we will appoint the trustee as security registrar. We will identify any transfer agent in addition to the security registrar in the prospectus supplement. (Section 305) At any time we may:

• designate additional transfer agents,

• rescind the designation of any transfer agent, or

• approve a change in the office of any transfer agent.

However, we are required to maintain a transfer agent in each place of payment for the debt securities at all times. (Sections 305 and 1002)

If we elect to redeem a series of debt securities, neither we nor the trustee will be required:

• to issue, register the transfer of or exchange any debt securities of that series during the period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before the day we mail the notice of redemption for the series and ending at the close of business on the day the notice is mailed, or

• to register the transfer or exchange of any debt security of that series if we have selected the series for redemption, in whole or in part, except for the unredeemed portion of the series. (Section 305)

Book-entry. We may issue the debt securities of a series in the form of one or more global debt securities that would be deposited with a depositary or its nominee identified in the prospectus supplement. We may issue global debt securities in either temporary or permanent form. We will describe in the prospectus supplement the terms of any depositary arrangement and the rights and limitations of owners of beneficial interests in any global debt security.

Payment and Paying Agents. Under both indentures, we will pay interest on the debt securities to the persons in whose names the debt securities are registered at the close of business on the regular record date for each interest payment. However, unless we inform you otherwise in the prospectus supplement, we will pay the interest payable on the debt securities at their stated maturity to the persons to whom we pay the principal amount of the debt securities. The initial payment of interest on any series of debt securities issued between a regular record date and the related interest payment date will be payable in the manner provided by the terms of the series, which we will describe in the prospectus supplement. (Section 307)

12

Unless we inform you otherwise in the prospectus supplement, we will pay principal, premium, if any, and interest on the debt securities at the offices of the paying agents we designate. However, except in the case of a global security, we may pay interest by:

• check mailed to the address of the person entitled to the payment as it appears in the security register, or

• by wire transfer in immediately available funds to the place and account designated in writing by the person entitled to the payment as specified in the security register.

We will designate the trustee as the sole paying agent for the debt securities unless we inform you otherwise in the prospectus supplement. If we initially designate any other paying agents for a series of debt securities, we will identify them in the prospectus supplement. At any time, we may designate additional paying agents or rescind the designation of any paying agents. However, we are required to maintain a paying agent in each place of payment for the debt securities at all times. (Sections 307 and 1002)

Any money deposited with the trustee or any paying agent for the payment of principal, premium, if any, and interest on the debt securities that remains unclaimed for two years after the date the payments became due, may be repaid to us upon our request. After we have been repaid, holders entitled to those payments may only look to us for payment as our unsecured general creditors. The trustee and any paying agents will not be liable for those payments after we have been repaid. (Section 1003)

Restrictive Covenants. We will describe any restrictive covenants for any series of debt securities in the prospectus supplement.

Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets. Under both indentures, we may not consolidate with or merge into, or convey, transfer or lease our properties and assets substantially as an entirety to, any person, referred to as a “successor person” unless:

• the successor person is a corporation, partnership, trust or other entity organized and validly existing under the laws of the United States of America or any state thereof or the District of Columbia,

• the successor person expressly assumes our obligations with respect to the debt securities and the applicable indenture,

• immediately after giving effect to the transaction, no event of default, and no event which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would become an event of default, would occur and be continuing, and

• we have delivered to the trustee the certificates and opinions required under the applicable indenture. (Section 801)

As used in the indenture, the term “corporation” means a corporation, association, company, limited liability company, joint-stock company or business trust.

Events of Default. Unless we inform you otherwise in the prospectus supplement, each of the following will be an event of default under each indenture for a series of debt securities:

• our failure to pay principal or premium, if any, on that series when due, including at maturity or upon redemption or acceleration,

• our failure to pay any interest on that series for 30 days after the interest becomes due,

• our failure to deposit any sinking fund payment, when due, relating to that series,

• our failure to perform, or our breach in any material respect of, any other covenant or warranty in the applicable indenture, other than a covenant or warranty included in such indenture solely for the benefit of another series of debt securities, for 90 days after either the trustee or holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series have given us written notice of the breach in the manner required by the applicable indenture,

13

• specified events involving our bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization, and

• any other event of default we may provide for that series,

provided, however, that no event described in the fourth bullet point above will be an event of default until an officer of the trustee, assigned to and working in the trustee’s corporate trust department, has actual knowledge of the event or until the trustee receives written notice of the event at its corporate trust office. (Section 501)

If an event of default for a series of debt securities occurs and is continuing, either the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series may declare the principal amount of all the debt securities of that series due and immediately payable. To declare the principal amount of that series of debt securities due and immediately payable, the trustee or the holders must deliver a notice that satisfies the requirements of the applicable indenture. Upon a declaration by the trustee or the holders, we will be obligated to pay the principal amount of the series of debt securities.

The right described in the preceding paragraph does not apply if an event of default described in the fifth bullet point above occurs, or an event of default described in the sixth bullet point above that applies to all outstanding debt securities under the applicable indenture occurs. If one of the events of default described in the fifth bullet point above occurs with respect to the debt securities of any series, the debt securities of that series then outstanding under the applicable indenture will be due and payable immediately. If any of the events of default described in the sixth bullet point above that apply to all outstanding debt securities under an indenture occurs and is continuing, either the trustee or holders of at least 25% in principal amount of all of the debt securities then outstanding under the applicable indenture, treated as one class, may declare the principal amount of all of the debt securities then outstanding under such indenture to be due and payable immediately. To declare the principal amount of the debt securities due and immediately payable, the trustee or the holders must deliver a notice that satisfies the requirements of the applicable indenture. Upon a declaration by the trustee or the holders, we will be obligated to pay the principal amount of the debt securities.

However, after any declaration of acceleration of a series of debt securities, but before a judgment or decree for payment has been obtained, the event of default giving rise to the declaration of acceleration will, without further act, be deemed to have been waived, and such declaration and its consequences will, without further act, be deemed to have been rescinded and annulled if:

• we have paid or deposited with the trustee a sum sufficient to pay:

• all overdue interest,

• the principal and premium, if any, due otherwise than by the declaration of acceleration and any interest on such amounts,

• any interest on overdue interest, to the extent legally permitted, and

• all amounts due to the trustee under the applicable indenture, and

• all events of default with respect to that series of debt securities, other than the nonpayment of the principal which became due solely by virtue of the declaration of acceleration, have been cured or waived. (Section 502)

If an event of default occurs and is continuing, the trustee will generally have no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the applicable indenture at the request or direction of any of the holders, unless the holders offer reasonable indemnity to the trustee. (Section 603) The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series will generally have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the trustee for the debt securities of that series, provided that:

• the direction is not in conflict with any law or the applicable indenture,

14

• the trustee may take any other action it deems proper which is not inconsistent with the direction, and

• the trustee will have the right to decline to follow the direction if an officer of the trustee determines, in good faith, that the proceeding would involve the trustee in personal liability or would otherwise be contrary to applicable law. (Section 512)

A holder of a debt security of any series may only pursue a remedy under the applicable indenture if:

• the holder gives the trustee written notice of a continuing event of default for that series,

• holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series make a written request to the trustee to institute proceedings with respect to the event of default,

• the holders offer reasonable indemnity to the trustee,

• the trustee fails to pursue that remedy within 60 days after receipt of the notice, request and offer of indemnity, and

• during that 60-day period, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the debt securities of that series do not give the trustee a direction inconsistent with the request. (Section 507)

However, these limitations do not apply to a suit by a holder of a debt security demanding payment of the principal, premium, if any, or interest on a debt security on or after the date the payment is due. (Section 508)

We will be required to furnish to the trustee annually a statement by some of our officers regarding our performance or observance of any of the terms of the applicable indenture and specifying all of our known defaults, if any. (Section 1004)

Modification and Waiver. We may enter into one or more supplemental indentures to either indenture with the trustee without the consent of the holders of the debt securities to:

• evidence the succession of another corporation to us, or successive successions and the assumption of our covenants, agreements and obligations by a successor,

• add to our covenants for the benefit of the holders of any series of debt securities or to surrender any of our rights or powers,

• add events of default for any series of debt securities,

• add to or change any provision of the applicable indenture to the extent necessary to issue debt securities in bearer form,

• add to, change or eliminate any provision of the applicable indenture applying to one or more series of debt securities, including, for the junior subordinated indenture, the subordination provisions, provided that if such action adversely affects the interests of any holder of any series of debt securities issued thereunder, the addition, change or elimination will become effective with respect to that series only when no security of that series remains outstanding,

• convey, transfer, assign, mortgage or pledge any property to or with the trustee or to surrender any right or power conferred upon us by the applicable indenture,

• establish the form or terms of any series of debt securities,

• provide for uncertificated securities in addition to certificated securities,

• evidence and provide for successor trustees or to add to or change any provisions to the extent necessary to appoint a separate trustee or trustees for a specific series of debt securities,

• correct any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency under the applicable indenture, provided that such action does not adversely affect the interests of the holders of any series of debt securities issued thereunder,

15

• supplement any provisions of the applicable indenture necessary to defease and discharge any series of debt securities, provided that such action does not adversely affect the interests of the holders of any series of debt securities issued thereunder,

• comply with the rules or regulations of any securities exchange or automated quotation system on which any debt securities are listed or traded, or

• add, change or eliminate any provisions of the applicable indenture in accordance with any amendments to the Trust Indenture Act, provided that the action does not adversely affect the rights or interests of any holder of debt securities issued thereunder. (Section 901)

We may enter into one or more supplemental indentures to either indenture with the trustee to add to, change or eliminate provisions of such indenture or to modify the rights of the holders of one or more series of debt securities if we obtain the consent of the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of each series affected by the supplemental indenture, treated as one class. However, without the consent of the holders of each outstanding debt security affected by the supplemental indenture, we may not enter into a supplemental indenture that:

• changes the stated maturity of the principal of, or any installment of principal of or interest on, any debt security, except to the extent permitted by the applicable indenture,

• reduces the principal amount of, or any premium or interest on, any debt security,

• reduces the amount of principal of an original issue discount security or any other debt security payable upon acceleration of the maturity thereof,

• changes the place or currency of payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest,

• impairs the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on any debt security,

• reduces the percentage in principal amount of outstanding debt securities of any series, the consent of whose holders is required for modification of the applicable indenture, for waiver of compliance with certain provisions of such indenture or for waiver of certain defaults,

• makes certain modifications to the provisions for modification of the applicable indenture and for certain waivers, except to increase the principal amount of debt securities necessary to consent to any such charge,

• in the case of the junior subordinated indenture, modifies the subordination provisions in a manner adverse to the holders of the junior subordinated debt securities,

• makes any change that adversely affects the right to convert or exchange any debt security or decreases the conversion or exchange rate or increases the conversion price of any convertible or exchangeable debt security, or

• changes the terms and conditions pursuant to which any series of debt securities is secured in a manner adverse to the holders of the debt securities. (Section 902)

In addition, we may not modify the subordination provisions of any outstanding junior subordinated debt securities without the consent of each holder of our senior indebtedness that would be adversely affected thereby. The term “senior indebtedness” is defined below under “— Provisions Applicable Solely to Junior Subordinated Debt Securities — Subordination.”

Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may waive past defaults or noncompliance with restrictive provisions of the applicable indenture with respect to such series. However, the consent of holders of each outstanding debt security of a series is required to:

• waive any default in the payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest, or

16

• waive any covenants and provisions of the applicable indenture that may not be amended without the consent of the holder of each outstanding debt security of the series affected. (Sections 513 and 1006)

To determine whether the holders of the requisite principal amount of the outstanding debt securities have taken an action under the applicable indenture as of a specified date:

• the principal amount of an “original issue discount security” that will be deemed to be outstanding will be the amount of the principal that would be due and payable as of that date upon acceleration of the maturity to that date,

• if, as of that date, the principal amount payable at the stated maturity of a debt security is not determinable, for example, because it is based on an index, the principal amount of the debt security deemed to be outstanding as of that date will be an amount determined in the manner prescribed for the debt security,

• the principal amount of a debt security denominated in one or more foreign currencies or currency units that will be deemed to be outstanding will be the U.S. dollar equivalent, determined as of that date in the manner prescribed for the debt security, of the principal amount of the debt security or, in the case of a debt security described in the two preceding bullet points, of the amount described above, and

• debt securities owned by us or any other obligor upon the debt securities or any of our or their affiliates will be disregarded and deemed not to be outstanding.

An “original issue discount security” means a debt security issued under either indenture which provides for an amount less than the principal amount thereof to be due and payable upon a declaration of acceleration of maturity. Some debt securities, including those for the payment or redemption of which money has been deposited or set aside in trust for the holders and those that have been fully defeased pursuant to Section 1402 of both indentures, will not be deemed to be outstanding. (Section 101)

We will generally be entitled to set any day as a record date for determining the holders of outstanding debt securities of any series entitled to give or take any direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action under the applicable indenture. In limited circumstances, the trustee will be entitled to set a record date for action by holders of outstanding debt securities. If a record date is set for any action to be taken by holders of a particular series, the action may be taken only by persons who are holders of outstanding debt securities of that series on the record date. To be effective, the action must be taken by holders of the requisite principal amount of debt securities within a specified period following the record date. For any particular record date, this period will be 180 days or such shorter period as we may specify, or the trustee may specify, if it set the record date. (Section 104)

Satisfaction and Discharge. We may discharge our obligations under either indenture while debt securities remain outstanding if (1) all outstanding debt securities issued under the applicable indenture have become due and payable, (2) all outstanding debt securities issued under the applicable indenture will become due and payable at their scheduled maturity within one year, or (3) all outstanding debt securities issued under the applicable indenture are scheduled for redemption in one year, and in each case, we have deposited with the trustee an amount sufficient to pay and discharge all outstanding debt securities issued under the applicable indenture on the date of their scheduled maturity or the scheduled date of redemption and we have paid all other sums payable under the applicable indenture.

Defeasance. When we use the term defeasance, we mean discharge from some or all of our obligations under either indenture. Unless we inform you otherwise in the prospectus supplement, if we deposit with the trustee funds or government securities sufficient to make payments on the debt securities of a series on the dates those payments are due and payable, then, at our option, either of the following will occur:

• we will be discharged from our obligations with respect to the debt securities of that series (“legal defeasance”), or

17

• we will no longer have any obligation to comply with the restrictive covenants under the applicable indenture, and the related events of default will no longer apply to us, but some of our other obligations under the indenture and the debt securities of that series, including our obligation to make payments on those debt securities, will survive.

If we effect legal defeasance of a series of debt securities, the holders of the debt securities of the series affected will not be entitled to the benefits of the applicable indenture, except for our obligations to:

• register the transfer or exchange of debt securities,

• replace mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen debt securities, and

• maintain paying agencies and hold moneys for payment in trust.

Unless we inform you otherwise in the prospectus supplement, we will be required to deliver to the trustee an opinion of counsel that the deposit and related defeasance would not cause the holders of the debt securities to recognize gain or loss for federal income tax purposes and that the holders would be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if the deposit and related defeasance had not occurred. If we elect legal defeasance, that opinion of counsel must be based upon a ruling from the United States Internal Revenue Service or a change in law to that effect. (Sections 1401, 1402, 1403 and 1404)

Notices. Holders will receive notices by mail at their addresses as they appear in the security register or as otherwise specified in the applicable indenture. (Section 106)

Title. We may treat the person in whose name a debt security is registered on the applicable record date as the owner of the debt security for all purposes, whether or not it is overdue. (Section 309)

Governing Law. New York law will govern both indentures and the debt securities. (Section 112)

Regarding the Trustee. As of March 31, 2020, the trustee served as trustee for $3.2 billion aggregate principal amount of our debt securities and $68 million aggregate principal amount of pollution control bonds issued on our behalf. In addition, the trustee serves as trustee for debt securities of some of our subsidiaries. We and our affiliates maintain brokerage and other relationships with the trustee and its affiliates in the normal course of business.

If an event of default occurs under either indenture and is continuing, the trustee will be required to use the degree of care and skill of a prudent person in the conduct of that person’s own affairs. The trustee will become obligated to exercise any of its powers under the applicable indenture at the request of any of the holders of any debt securities issued under such indenture only after those holders have offered the trustee indemnity satisfactory to it.

If the trustee becomes one of our creditors, its rights to obtain payment of claims in specified circumstances, or to realize for its own account on certain property received in respect of any such claim as security or otherwise will be limited under the terms of the applicable indenture. (Section 613) The trustee may engage in certain other transactions; however, if the trustee acquires any conflicting interest (within the meaning specified under the Trust Indenture Act), it will be required to eliminate the conflict or resign. (Section 608)

Provisions Applicable Solely to Senior Debt Securities

Ranking. Our senior debt securities will rank equally in right of payment with all of our other existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness.

18

Provisions Applicable Solely to Junior Subordinated Debt Securities

Subordination. The junior subordinated debt securities are subordinate and junior in right of payment, to the extent and in the manner stated in the junior subordinated indenture, to all of our senior indebtedness, as defined in the junior subordinated indenture.

Unless we inform you otherwise in a prospectus supplement, “senior indebtedness” means:

• all indebtedness and obligations of, or guaranteed or assumed by, us for borrowed money or evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments, whether existing on the date of the junior subordinated indenture or subsequently created, incurred or assumed, and

• all amendments, renewals, extensions, modifications and refundings of any indebtedness or obligations of that kind.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, “senior indebtedness” excludes (i) our indebtedness to our subsidiaries, (ii) trade accounts payable and accrued liabilities arising in the ordinary course of business and (iii) the junior subordinated debt securities and any other indebtedness or obligations that would otherwise constitute indebtedness if it is specifically designated as being subordinate, or not superior, in right of payment to the junior subordinated debt securities. “Senior indebtedness” includes, as of March 31, 2020, $828 million of our 2.0% Zero-Premium Exchangeable Subordinated Notes due 2029.

We will describe additional provisions of our junior subordinated debt securities in a prospectus supplement applicable to the particular series of junior subordinated debt securities.

Defeasance. Upon the effectiveness of any defeasance or covenant defeasance permitted with respect to our junior subordinated securities, the junior subordinated debt securities then outstanding shall cease to be subordinated. See “— Provisions Applicable to Each Indenture — Defeasance.”

19

DESCRIPTION OF OUR CAPITAL STOCK

The following descriptions are summaries of material terms of our common stock, preferred stock, articles of incorporation and bylaws. This summary is qualified by reference to our restated articles of incorporation and third amended and restated bylaws, each as amended to date, copies of which we have filed or incorporated by reference as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, and by the provisions of applicable law. As of May 19, 2020, our authorized capital stock consisted of:

• 1,000,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of which 544,692,086 shares were outstanding, excluding 166 shares held as treasury stock, and

• 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, of which 800,000 shares of our Series A Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock (“Series A Preferred Stock”), with a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share (the “Series A Preferred Stock Stated Amount”), 977,500 shares of our 7.00% Series B Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock (“Series B Preferred Stock”), with a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share, and 725,000 shares of our Series C Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock (“Series C Preferred Stock”), with a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share, were outstanding.

Common Stock

Voting Rights. Holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote for each share on all matters submitted to a vote of shareholders, including the election of directors. There are no cumulative voting rights. Subject to the voting rights expressly conferred to the holders of our preferred stock, the holders of our common stock possess exclusive full voting power for the election of directors and for all other purposes. Our bylaws provide that director nominees are elected by the vote of a majority of the votes cast with respect to the director by shareholders entitled to vote at the meeting in an uncontested election. An election is contested if, at a specified time before we file our definitive proxy statement with the SEC, the number of nominees exceeds the number of directors to be elected, in which case directors will be elected by the vote of a plurality of the votes cast by shareholders entitled to vote at the meeting.

Dividends. Subject to preferences that may be applicable to any of our outstanding preferred stock, the holders of our common stock are entitled to dividends when, as and if declared by the board of directors out of funds legally available for that purpose.

Liquidation Rights. If we are liquidated, terminated or wound up, the holders of our common stock will be entitled to a pro rata share in any distribution to shareholders, but only after satisfaction of all of our liabilities and of the prior rights of any outstanding class of our preferred stock, which may include the right to participate further with the holders of our common stock in the distribution of any of our remaining assets.

Preemptive Rights. Holders of our common stock are not entitled to any preemptive or conversion rights or other subscription rights.

Transfer Agent and Registrar. Broadridge Corporate Issuer Solutions, Inc. serves as transfer agent and registrar for our common stock.

Other Provisions. There are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to our common stock. No personal liability will attach to holders of such shares under the laws of the State of Texas. Subject to the provisions of our articles of incorporation and bylaws imposing certain supermajority voting provisions, the rights of the holders of shares of our common stock may not be modified except by a vote of at least a majority of the shares outstanding, voting together as a single class.

20

Preferred Stock

Our board of directors may cause us to issue preferred stock from time to time in one or more series and may fix the number of shares and the terms of each series without the approval of our shareholders. Our board of directors may determine the terms of each series, including:

• the designation of the series,

• dividend rates and payment dates,

• whether dividends will be cumulative, non-cumulative or partially cumulative, and related terms,

• redemption rights,

• liquidation rights,

• sinking fund provisions,

• conversion rights,

• voting rights, and

• any other terms.

The prospectus supplement relating to any series of preferred stock will include specific terms relating to the offering. We will file the form of the preferred stock with the SEC before we issue any of it. The prospectus supplement for any offering of preferred stock will include some or all of the following terms:

• the title of the preferred stock,

• the maximum number of shares of the series,

• the dividend rate or the method of calculating the dividend, the date from which dividends will accrue and whether dividends will be cumulative,

• any liquidation preference,

• any optional redemption provisions,

• any sinking fund or other provisions that would obligate us to redeem or purchase the preferred stock,

• any terms for the conversion or exchange of the preferred stock for other securities of us or any other entity,

• any voting rights, and

• any other preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights or any qualifications, limitations or restrictions on the rights of the shares.

The issuance of preferred stock, while providing desired flexibility in connection with possible acquisitions and other corporate purposes, could adversely affect the voting power of holders of our common stock. It could also affect the likelihood that holders of our common stock will receive dividend payments and payments upon liquidation. The issuance of shares of preferred stock, or the issuance of rights to purchase shares of preferred stock, could be used to discourage an attempt to obtain control of us. For example, if, in the exercise of its fiduciary obligations, our board were to determine that a takeover proposal was not in our best interest, the board could authorize the issuance of a series of preferred stock containing class voting rights that would enable the holder or holders of the series to prevent or make the change of control transaction more difficult. Alternatively, a change of control transaction deemed by the board to be in our best interest could be facilitated by issuing a series of preferred stock having sufficient voting rights to provide a required percentage vote of the shareholders.

Existing Preferred Stock

Series A Preferred Stock

On August 21, 2018, we filed a statement of resolution (the “Series A Preferred Stock Statement of Resolution”) with the Secretary of State of the State of Texas to establish the designation, powers, preferences,

21

rights, qualifications, limitations and restrictions of the Series A Preferred Stock. The Series A Preferred Stock Statement of Resolution became effective on August 22, 2018.

Holders of Series A Preferred Stock are entitled to receive out of any funds legally available, when, if and as declared by our board of directors (or a duly authorized committee of the board), cumulative cash dividends (1) for each dividend period during the period commencing on the original issue date and continuing to, but excluding, September 1, 2023, at an annual rate of 6.125% of the Series A Preferred Stock Stated Amount per share payable semi-annually in arrears on the 1st day of each March and September, respectively, in each year, beginning on March 1, 2019; and (2) for each dividend period during the period commencing on September 1, 2023 and continuing to, but excluding, the first date, if any, as of which all shares of Series A Preferred Stock have been redeemed, at an annual rate equal to three month LIBOR (as defined in the Series A Preferred Stock Statement of Resolution) for such dividend period plus a spread of 3.270% applied to the Series A Preferred Stock Stated Amount per share payable quarterly in arrears on the 1st day of each March, June, September and December, respectively, in each year, beginning on December 1, 2023.

The shares of Series A Preferred Stock are perpetual and have no maturity date. The Series A Preferred Stock may be redeemed by us at our option (i) on or after September 1, 2023, from time to time and in whole or in part, at a redemption price in cash per share equal to $1,000, or (ii) following the occurrence of a ratings event (as defined in the Series A Preferred Stock Statement of Resolution), in whole, but not in part, at a redemption price in cash per share equal to $1,020, in each case out of funds legally available for such redemption and plus an amount equal to all accumulated and unpaid dividends thereon to, but excluding, the redemption date, whether or not declared.

The Series A Preferred Stock will, with respect to anticipated dividends and distributions upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs, rank: senior to our common stock and to each other class or series of our capital stock established after the original issue date of the Series A Preferred Stock that is expressly made subordinated to the Series A Preferred Stock as to the payment of dividends or amounts payable on a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs; on a parity with any class or series of our capital stock established after the original issue date of the Series A Preferred Stock that is not expressly made senior or subordinated to the Series A Preferred Stock as to the payment of dividends and amounts payable on a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs; and junior to any class or series of our capital stock established after the original issue date of the Series A Preferred Stock that is expressly made senior to the Series A Preferred Stock as to the payment of dividends or amounts payable on a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs.

Except as required by the Texas Business Organizations Code (“TBOC”) or as described herein or in the Series A Preferred Stock Statement of Resolution, the Series A Preferred Stock generally does not have voting rights. Whenever dividends on shares of Series A Preferred Stock have not been declared and paid for the equivalent of three or more semi-annual or six or more quarterly dividend periods, whether or not consecutive, the holders of such shares of Series A Preferred Stock, voting together as a single class with holders of any and all other series of voting preferred stock (as defined in the Series A Preferred Stock Statement of Resolution) then outstanding, will be entitled at our next annual or special meeting of shareholders to vote for the election of a total of two additional members of our board of directors, subject to certain limitations.

Unless we have received the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock, voting as a single class, we may not amend our restated articles of incorporation or the Series A Preferred Stock Statement of Resolution in a way that would have an adverse effect on the existing powers, preferences, rights, qualifications, limitations and restrictions of the Series A Preferred Stock.

In addition, unless we have received the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock, voting together as a single class with holders of any and all

22

other series of voting preferred stock then outstanding, we may not create or issue any series of our capital stock established after the original issue date of the Series A Preferred Stock that is expressly made senior to the Series A Preferred Stock as to the payment of dividends or amounts payable on liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs.

Subject to certain exceptions, unless full cumulative dividends have been or contemporaneously are being paid on all outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock and any parity stock through the most recently completed respective dividend periods, we (1) will not declare, or pay, or set aside for payment, dividends on any junior stock (which includes our common stock) and (2) may not redeem, repurchase or otherwise acquire shares of our common stock or any other junior stock. To the extent a dividend period applicable to a class of junior stock or parity stock is shorter than the dividend period applicable to the Series A Preferred Stock (e.g., quarterly rather than semi-annual), we may declare and pay regular dividends with respect to such junior stock or parity stock so long as, at the time of declaration of such dividend, it expects to have sufficient funds to pay the full dividend in respect of the Series A Preferred Stock on the next successive dividend payment date.

Whenever dividends on shares of Series A Preferred Stock have not been declared and paid for the equivalent of three or more semi-annual or six or more quarterly dividend periods, whether or not consecutive, the holders of such shares of Series A Preferred Stock, voting together as a single class with holders of any and all other series of our voting preferred stock then outstanding, will be entitled to elect a total of two additional members of our board of directors, subject to certain limitations. This right shall terminate when all accumulated dividends have been paid in full and the authorized number of directors shall automatically decrease by two, subject to the revesting of that right in the event of each subsequent nonpayment.

In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs, whether voluntary or involuntary, the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock will be entitled to receive out of our assets available for distribution to shareholders, after satisfaction of liabilities to creditors, if any, and subject to the rights of holders of our senior stock and parity stock in respect of distributions upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, and before any distribution of assets is made to holders of our junior stock, a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share, plus accumulated and unpaid dividends. If, upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs, whether voluntary or involuntary, the amounts payable with respect to the liquidation preference or an amount equal to accumulated and unpaid dividends of the Series A Preferred Stock and all parity stock, as the case may be, are not paid in full, the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock and any parity stock will share equally and ratably in any distribution of our assets in proportion to the respective liquidation preferences or amounts equal to accumulated and unpaid dividends, as applicable, to which they are entitled.

The foregoing description of the terms of the Series A Preferred Stock is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Series A Preferred Stock Statement of Resolution, a copy of which is filed, through incorporation by reference, as Exhibit 4.5 to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.

Series B Preferred Stock

On September 26, 2018, we filed a statement of resolution (the “Series B Preferred Stock Statement of Resolution”) with the Secretary of State of the State of Texas to establish the designation, powers, preferences, rights, qualifications, limitations and restrictions of the Series B Preferred Stock. The Series B Preferred Stock Statement of Resolution became effective on October 1, 2018.

Dividends on the Series B Preferred Stock are payable on a cumulative basis when, as and if declared by our board of directors, or an authorized committee thereof, at an annual rate of 7.00% on the liquidation preference of $1,000 per share. We may pay declared dividends in cash or, subject to certain limitations, in shares of common stock, or in any combination of cash and shares of common stock on March 1, June 1, September 1 and December 1 of each year, commencing on December 1, 2018 and ending on, and including, September 1, 2021.

23

Unless previously converted or redeemed, each share of Series B Preferred Stock will convert automatically on the mandatory conversion date, which is expected to be September 1, 2021, into between 30.5820 and 36.6980 shares of our common stock (as of the effective date of the Series B Preferred Stock Statement of Resolution), subject to certain anti-dilution adjustments. The number of shares of our common stock issuable upon conversion will be determined based on the average volume weighted average price per share of our common stock over the 20 trading day period beginning on, and including, the 21st scheduled trading day prior to September 1, 2021. The Series B Preferred Stock may be converted into shares of our common stock prior to the mandatory conversion date at the option of the holders thereof.

The Series B Preferred Stock will, with respect to anticipated dividends and distributions upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs, rank: senior to our common stock and to each other class or series of our capital stock established after the original issue date of the Series B Preferred Stock that is expressly made subordinated to the Series B Preferred Stock as to the payment of dividends or amounts payable on a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs; on a parity with the Series A Preferred Stock and any other class or series of our capital stock established after the original issue date of the Series B Preferred Stock that is not expressly made senior or subordinated to the Series B Preferred Stock as to the payment of dividends and amounts payable on a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs; and junior to any class or series of our capital stock established after the original issue date of the Series B Preferred Stock that is expressly made senior to the Series B Preferred Stock as to the payment of dividends or amounts payable on a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs.

Except as required by the TBOC or as described herein or in the Series B Preferred Stock Statement of Resolution, the Series B Preferred Stock generally does not have voting rights. Whenever dividends on shares of our Series B Preferred Stock have not been declared and paid for six or more dividend periods, whether or not consecutive, the holders of such shares of Series B Preferred Stock, voting together as a single class with holders of any and all other series of voting preferred stock (as defined in the Series B Preferred Stock Statement of Resolution) then outstanding, will be entitled at our next annual or special meeting of shareholders to vote for the election of a total of two additional members of our board of directors, subject to certain limitations.

Unless we have received the affirmative vote or consent of holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of our Series B Preferred Stock, voting as a single class, we may not amend our restated articles of incorporation or the Series B Preferred Stock Statement of Resolution in a way that would have an adverse effect on the existing powers, preferences, rights, qualifications, limitations and restrictions of our Series B Preferred Stock.

In addition, unless we have received the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of our Series B Preferred Stock, voting together as a single class with holders of any and all other series of voting preferred stock then outstanding, we may not create or issue any series of our capital stock established after the initial issue date that is expressly made senior to our Series B Preferred Stock as to the payment of dividends or amounts payable on a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs.

Subject to certain exceptions, unless full cumulative dividends have been or contemporaneously are being paid on all outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock and any parity stock through the most recently completed respective dividend periods, we (1) will not declare, or pay, or set aside for payment, dividends on any junior stock (which includes our common stock) and (2) may not redeem, repurchase or otherwise acquire shares of our common stock or any other junior stock.

Whenever dividends on shares of Series B Preferred Stock have not been declared and paid for six or more quarterly dividend periods, whether or not consecutive, the holders of such shares of Series B Preferred Stock, voting together as a single class with holders of any and all other series of our voting preferred stock then outstanding, will be entitled to elect a total of two additional members of our board of directors, subject to certain limitations. This right shall terminate when all accumulated dividends have been paid in full and the authorized number of directors shall automatically decrease by two, subject to the revesting of that right in the event of each subsequent nonpayment.

24

In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs, whether voluntary or involuntary, the holders of the Series B Preferred Stock will be entitled to receive out of our assets available for distribution to shareholders, after satisfaction of liabilities to creditors, if any, and subject to the rights of holders of our senior stock and parity stock in respect of distributions upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, and before any distribution of assets is made to holders of our junior stock, a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share, plus accumulated and unpaid dividends. If, upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs, whether voluntary or involuntary, the amounts payable with respect to the liquidation preference or an amount equal to accumulated and unpaid dividends of the Series B Preferred Stock and all parity stock, as the case may be, are not paid in full, the holders of the Series B Preferred Stock and any parity stock will share equally and ratably in any distribution of our assets in proportion to the respective liquidation preferences or amounts equal to accumulated and unpaid dividends, as applicable, to which they are entitled.

The foregoing description of the terms of the Series B Preferred Stock is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Series B Preferred Stock Statement of Resolution, a copy of which is filed, through incorporation by reference, as Exhibit 4.7 to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.

Series C Preferred Stock

On May 7, 2020, we filed a statement of resolution (the “Series C Preferred Stock Statement of Resolution”) with the Secretary of State of the State of Texas to establish the designation, powers, preferences, rights, qualifications, limitations and restrictions of the Series C Preferred Stock. The Series C Preferred Stock Statement of Resolution became effective upon filing.

The Series C Preferred Stock is entitled to participate in any dividend or distribution (excluding those payable in shares of our common stock) with our common stock on a pari passu, pro rata, as-converted basis. In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs, the Series C Preferred Stock will rank pari passu to our Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock and senior to our common stock, but will participate in any such liquidation, dissolution or winding up only on an as-converted basis with our common stock.

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 May 6, 2020, (ii) a bankruptcy event, and (iii) a fundamental change in us, 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 shares of our common stock equal to the quotient of $1,000 divided by the prevailing conversion price (as adjusted, the “Conversion Price”), which was initially $15.31. In a conversion at the 12-month anniversary date, in lieu of issuing shares of our common stock, we may, at our election, make a cash payment equal to the product of (i) the market price of our common stock multiplied by (ii) the number of shares of our common stock that such holder would have been entitled to receive in a conversion. Following the six-month anniversary date of May 6, 2020, holders of Series C Preferred Stock also have an optional right to convert their holdings to shares of our common stock at any time, subject to a limit on conversion of more than 4.9% of our outstanding common stock. The Conversion Price is subject to adjustment for subdivisions and combinations, dividends or distributions payable in shares of our common stock. If all of the 725,000 shares of Series C Preferred Stock converted at the initial Conversion Price, we would issue an incremental 47,354,670 shares of our common stock.

We may not issue more than 58,051,121 shares of our common stock in the aggregate (the “Share Cap”) upon conversion of the Series C Preferred Stock. Once the Share Cap 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 our common stock multiplied by (ii) the number of shares of our common stock that such holder would have been entitled to receive in a conversion.

Holders of Series C Preferred Stock have no voting rights, except that the affirmative vote of a majority of outstanding Series C Preferred Stock is required for us to (i) create any class or series of equity securities that is

25

senior to the Series C Preferred Stock, (ii) reclassify any of our authorized equity securities if reclassification would render the relevant security on a parity with or senior to the Series C Preferred Stock, or (iii) 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.

The foregoing description of the terms of the Series C Preferred Stock is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Series C Preferred Stock Statement of Resolution, a copy of which is filed, through incorporation by reference, as Exhibit 4.11 to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.

Anti-Takeover Effects of Texas Laws and Our Charter and Bylaw Provisions

Some provisions of Texas law and our articles of incorporation and bylaws could make the following actions more difficult:

• acquisition of us by means of a tender offer,

• acquisition of control of us by means of a proxy contest or otherwise, or

• removal of our incumbent officers and directors.

These provisions are designed to discourage coercive takeover practices and inadequate takeover bids. These provisions are also designed to encourage persons seeking to acquire control of us to first negotiate with our board of directors. We believe that the benefits of this increased protection gives us the potential ability to negotiate with the proponent of an unfriendly or unsolicited proposal to acquire or restructure us, and that the benefits of this increased protection outweigh the disadvantages of discouraging those proposals, because negotiation of those proposals could result in an improvement of their terms.

Charter and Bylaw Provisions

Election and Removal of Directors. The number of members of our board of directors will be fixed from time to time by resolution of the board of directors. Except for voting rights as may be provided to holders of preferred stock, at each annual meeting of shareholders, all directors are elected to hold office for a term expiring at the next succeeding annual meeting of shareholders and until their successors have been elected and qualified.

No director may be removed except for cause, and, subject to the voting rights expressly conferred to the holders of our preferred stock, directors may be removed for cause only by the holders of at least a majority of the shares of capital stock entitled to vote at an election of directors. Subject to the voting rights expressly conferred to the holders of our preferred stock, any vacancy occurring on the board of directors and any newly created directorship may be filled by a majority of the remaining directors in office or by election by the shareholders.

Shareholder Meetings. Our articles of incorporation and bylaws provide that special meetings of holders of common stock may be called only by the chairman of our board of directors, our chief executive officer, the president, the secretary, a majority of our board of directors or the holders of at least 50% of the shares of our capital stock outstanding and entitled to vote.

Modification of Articles of Incorporation. In general, amendments to our articles of incorporation that are recommended by the board of directors require the affirmative vote of holders of at least a majority of the voting power of all outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote in the election of directors. The provisions described above under “— Election and Removal of Directors” and “— Shareholder Meetings” may be amended only by the affirmative vote of holders of at least 66 2/3% of the voting power of all outstanding shares of capital

26

stock entitled to vote in the election of directors. The provisions described below under “— Modification of Bylaws” may be amended only by the affirmative vote of holders of at least 80% of the voting power of all outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote in the election of directors.

Modification of Bylaws. Our board of directors has the power to alter, amend or repeal the bylaws or adopt new bylaws by the affirmative vote of at least 80% of all directors then in office at any regular or special meeting of the board of directors called for that purpose. The shareholders also have the power to alter, amend or repeal the bylaws or adopt new bylaws by the affirmative vote of holders of at least 80% of the voting power of all outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote in the election of directors, voting together as a single class.

Other Limitations on Shareholder Actions. Our bylaws also impose some procedural requirements on shareholders who wish to:

• make nominations in the election of directors,

• propose that a director be removed,

• propose any repeal or change in the bylaws, or

• propose any other business to be brought before an annual or special meeting of shareholders.

Under these procedural requirements, a shareholder must deliver timely notice in proper written form to our secretary of the nomination or proposal along with evidence of:

• the shareholder’s status as a shareholder,

• the number of shares beneficially owned by the shareholder,

• a list of the persons with whom the shareholder is acting in concert, and

• the number of shares such persons beneficially own.

To be timely, a shareholder must deliver the notice:

• in connection with an annual meeting of shareholders, not less than 90 days nor more than 180 days prior to the first anniversary of the date on which the immediately preceding year’s annual meeting of shareholders was held; provided that if the date of the annual meeting is advanced by more than 30 days prior to or delayed by more than 60 days after the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting of shareholders, not earlier than 180 days prior to the annual meeting and not later than the last to occur of (i) the 90th day prior to the annual meeting or (ii) the 10th day following the day on which we first make public announcement of the date of the annual meeting, or

• in connection with the nomination of director candidates at a special meeting of shareholders, generally not less than 40 days nor more than 60 days prior to the date of the special meeting.

To submit a nomination for the board of directors, a shareholder must also submit information with respect to the nominee that we would be required to include in a proxy statement, as well as some other information. If a shareholder fails to follow the required procedures, the shareholder’s nominee or proposal will be ineligible and will not be voted on by our shareholders.

In addition to the director nomination provisions described above, our bylaws contain a “proxy access” provision that provides that any shareholder or group of up to twenty shareholders who have owned 3% or more of our outstanding common stock continuously for at least three years to nominate and include in our proxy materials for an annual meeting of shareholders, director candidates constituting up to 20% (or, if such amount is not a whole number, the closest whole number below 20%) of our board of directors or two directors, whichever is greater, provided that the shareholder (or group) and each nominee satisfy the eligibility requirements specified in our bylaws. An eligible shareholder (or group) proposing to nominate a person for election to our board of directors through the proxy access provision must provide us with a notice requesting the inclusion of the

27

director nominee in our proxy materials and other required information not less than 120 days nor more than 150 days prior to the first anniversary of the date on which the immediately preceding year’s annual meeting of shareholders was held. In addition an eligible shareholder (or group) may include a written statement of not more than 500 words supporting the candidacy of such shareholder nominee. The complete proxy access provision for director nominations is set forth in our bylaws.

In connection with a special meeting of shareholders, the only business that will be conducted is that stated in the notice of special meeting, or otherwise properly brought and made in proper written form before the meeting by or at the direction of the Chairman of the Meeting or the board of directors. Shareholders requesting a special meeting are permitted to make proposals for matters to be brought before the meeting in their request.

Limitation on Liability of Directors. Our articles of incorporation provide that no director will be personally liable to us or our shareholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except as required by law as in effect from time to time. Currently, Texas law requires that liability be imposed for the following actions:

• any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to us or our shareholders,

• any act or omission not in good faith that constitutes a breach of duty of the director to the corporation or that involves intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law,

• a transaction from which the director received an improper benefit, regardless of whether or not the benefit resulted from an action taken within the scope of a director’s duties, and

• an act or omission for which the liability of a director is expressly provided for by statute.

Our bylaws provide that we will indemnify our officers and directors and advance expenses to them in connection with proceedings and claims, to the fullest extent permitted by the TBOC. The bylaws authorize our board of directors to indemnify and advance expenses to people other than our officers and directors in certain circumstances.

Texas Anti-Takeover Law

We are subject to Section 21.606 of the TBOC. That section prohibits Texas public corporations from engaging in a wide range of specified transactions with any affiliated shareholder during the three-year period immediately following the affiliated shareholder’s acquisition of shares in the absence of certain board of director or shareholder approvals. An affiliated shareholder of a corporation is any person, other than the corporation and any of its wholly owned subsidiaries, that is or was within the preceding three-year period the beneficial owner of 20% or more of the outstanding shares of stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors. Section 21.606 may deter any potential unfriendly offers or other efforts to obtain control of us that are not approved by our board of directors. This may deprive our shareholders of opportunities to sell shares of our common stock at a premium to the prevailing market price.

28

DESCRIPTION OF STOCK PURCHASE CONTRACTS AND EQUITY UNITS

We may issue stock purchase contracts, including contracts obligating holders to purchase from us, and obligating us to sell to the holders, a specified number of shares of common stock, preferred stock or other securities at a future date or dates. We may fix the price and number of securities subject to the stock purchase contracts at the time we issue the stock purchase contracts, or we may provide that the price and number of securities will be determined pursuant to a formula set forth in the stock purchase contracts. The stock purchase contracts may be issued separately or as part of units consisting of a stock purchase contract and our debt securities or debt obligations of third parties, including U.S. treasury securities, securing the obligations of the holders of the units to purchase the securities under the stock purchase contracts. We refer to these units as equity units. The stock purchase contracts may require holders to secure their obligations under the stock purchase contracts in a specified manner. The stock purchase contracts also may require us to make periodic payments to the holders of the equity units or vice versa, and those payments may be unsecured on some basis.

The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of the stock purchase contracts or equity units offered by such prospectus supplement. The description in the prospectus supplement will not necessarily be complete, and reference will be made to the stock purchase contracts or equity units, and, if applicable, collateral or depositary arrangements, relating to the stock purchase contracts or equity units, which will be filed with the SEC or otherwise incorporated by reference in our previous filings each time we issue stock purchase contracts or equity units. Certain material United States federal income tax considerations applicable to the equity units and the stock purchase contracts will also be discussed in the prospectus supplement.

DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES

We may issue fractional shares of preferred stock, rather than full shares of preferred stock. If we do so, we may issue receipts for depositary shares that each represent a fraction of a share of a particular series of preferred stock. A related prospectus supplement will indicate that fraction. The shares of preferred stock represented by depositary shares will be deposited under a depositary agreement between us and a bank, trust company or other institution that is selected by us, which we refer to as the “depositary.” Each owner of a depository share will be entitled to all the designations, powers, preferences, rights, qualifications, limitations and restrictions of the preferred stock represented by the depositary share. The depositary share will be evidenced by depositary receipts issued pursuant to the depositary agreement. Depositary receipts will be distributed to those persons purchasing the fractional shares of preferred stock in accordance with the terms of the offering.

The forms of the depositary agreement and the depository receipts relating to any particular issue of depositary shares will be filed with the SEC each time we issue depositary shares, and any prospectus supplement relating to any particular depositary shares will describe, among other things, the following:

• the material terms of the depositary shares and of the underlying preferred stock,

• the identity of the depositary and the material terms of the depositary agreement,

• any material provisions relating to the issuance, payment, settlement, transfer or exchange of the depositary shares, and

• any applicable material United States federal income tax considerations.

As of March 31, 2020, we had outstanding 19,550,000 depositary shares each representing a 1/20^th fractional interest in a share of our Series B Preferred Stock (the “Series B Depositary Shares”). For further information regarding the Series B Preferred Stock, see “Description of Our Capital Stock — Existing Preferred Stock — Series B Preferred Stock.”

29

HOLDING COMPANY STRUCTURE

We are a holding company that conducts substantially all of our operations through our subsidiaries and Enable. Our only significant assets are the capital stock of our subsidiaries and our interests in Enable, and our subsidiaries and Enable generate substantially all of our operating income and cash flow. As a result, dividends, distributions or advances from our subsidiaries and Enable are the principal source of funds necessary to meet our debt service obligations. Contractual provisions or laws, as well as our subsidiaries’ or Enable’s financial condition and operating requirements, may limit our ability to obtain cash from our subsidiaries or Enable that we may require to pay our debt service obligations, including payments on the debt securities. In addition, the debt securities will be effectively subordinated to all of the liabilities of our subsidiaries with regard to the assets and earnings of our subsidiaries.

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

We may sell the offered securities in and outside the United States:

• through underwriters or dealers,

• directly to purchasers, including our affiliates,

• through agents, or

• through a combination of any of these methods.

The prospectus supplement will include the following information:

• the terms of the offering,

• the names of any underwriters or agents,

• the name or names of any managing underwriter or underwriters,

• the purchase price of the securities,

• the net proceeds to us from the sale of the securities,

• any delayed delivery arrangements,

• any underwriting discounts, commissions and other items constituting underwriters’ compensation,

• any initial public offering price,

• any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers, and

• any commissions paid to agents.

Sale Through Underwriters or Dealers

If we use underwriters in the sale, the underwriters will acquire the securities for their own account. The underwriters may resell the securities from time to time in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at a fixed public offering price or at varying prices determined at the time of sale. Underwriters may offer securities to the public either through underwriting syndicates represented by one or more managing underwriters or directly by one or more firms acting as underwriters. Unless we inform you otherwise in the prospectus supplement, the obligations of the underwriters to purchase the securities will be subject to certain conditions, and the underwriters will be obligated to purchase all the offered securities if they purchase any of them. The underwriters may change from time to time any initial public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers.

Underwriters may sell shares of our common stock under this prospectus by any method permitted by law deemed to be an “at the market” offering as defined in Rule 415 under the Securities Act, which includes sales made directly on the New York Stock Exchange, the Chicago Stock Exchange, on any other existing trading

30

market for our common stock or to or through a market maker, or in privately negotiated transactions, including block trades. Unless we inform you otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, the sales agent with respect to any such at-the-market offering will make all sales using commercially reasonable efforts consistent with its normal trading and sales practices, on mutually agreeable terms between the sales agent and us. We will include in the applicable prospectus supplement the amount of any compensation to be received by the sales agent.

During and after an offering through underwriters, the underwriters may purchase and sell the securities in the open market. These transactions may include overallotment and stabilizing transactions and purchases to cover syndicate short positions created in connection with the offering. The underwriters also may impose a penalty bid, which means that selling concessions allowed to syndicate members or other broker-dealers for the offered securities sold for their account may be reclaimed by the syndicate if the offered securities are repurchased by the syndicate in stabilizing or covering transactions. These activities may stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the market price of the offered securities, which may be higher than the price that might otherwise prevail in the open market. If commenced, the underwriters may discontinue these activities at any time.

If we use dealers in the sale of securities, we may sell the securities to them as principals. They may then resell those securities to the public at varying prices determined by the dealers at the time of resale. The dealers participating in any sale of the securities may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 with respect to any sale of these securities. We will include in the prospectus supplement the names of the dealers and the terms of the transaction.

To the extent that we make sales through one or more underwriters or agents in at-the-market offerings, we will do so pursuant to the terms of a sales agency agreement or other at-the-market offering arrangement between us and the underwriters or agents. If we engage in at-the-market sales pursuant to any such agreement, we will issue and sell common stock through one or more underwriters or agents, which may act on an agency basis or on a principal basis. During the term of any such agreement, we may sell common stock on a daily basis in exchange transactions or otherwise as we agree with the underwriters or agents. The agreement will provide that any common stock sold will be sold at prices related to the then prevailing market prices for such securities. Therefore, exact figures regarding proceeds that will be raised or commissions to be paid cannot be determined at this time. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, we also may agree to sell, and the relevant underwriters or agents may agree to solicit offers to purchase, blocks of common stock. The terms of each such agreement will be set forth in more detail in the applicable prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus. In the event that any underwriter or agent acts as principal, or any broker-dealer acts as underwriter, it may engage in certain transactions that stabilize, maintain, or otherwise affect the price of common stock. We will describe any such activities in the prospectus supplement or any related free writing prospectus relating to the transaction.

Direct Sales and Sales Through Agents

We may sell the securities directly. In that event, no underwriters or agents would be involved. We may also sell the securities through agents we designate from time to time. In the prospectus supplement, we will name any agent involved in the offer or sale of the offered securities, and we will describe any commissions payable by us to the agent. Unless we inform you otherwise in the prospectus supplement, any agent will agree to use its reasonable best efforts to solicit purchases for the period of its appointment.

We may sell the securities directly to institutional investors or others who may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 with respect to any sale of those securities. We will describe the terms of any such sales in the prospectus supplement.

Delayed Delivery Contracts

If we so indicate in the prospectus supplement, we may authorize agents, underwriters or dealers to solicit offers from certain types of institutions to purchase securities from us at the public offering price under delayed

31

delivery contracts. These contracts would provide for payment and delivery on a specified date in the future. The contracts would be subject only to those conditions described in the prospectus supplement. The prospectus supplement will describe the commission payable for solicitation of those contracts.

Remarketing

We may offer and sell any of the offered securities in connection with a remarketing upon their purchase, in accordance with a redemption or repayment by their terms or otherwise by one or more remarketing firms acting as principals for their own accounts or as our agents. We will identify any remarketing firm, the terms of any remarketing agreement and the compensation to be paid to the remarketing firm in the prospectus supplement. Remarketing firms may be deemed underwriters under the Securities Act of 1933.

Derivative Transactions

We may enter into derivative transactions with third parties, or sell securities not covered by this prospectus to third parties in privately negotiated transactions. If the applicable prospectus supplement indicates, in connection with those derivatives, the third parties may sell securities covered by this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, including in short sale transactions. If so, the third parties may use securities pledged by us or borrowed from us or others to settle those sales or to close out any related open borrowings of securities, and may use securities received from us in settlement of those derivatives to close out any related open borrowings of securities. The third parties in these sale transactions will be underwriters and, if not identified in this prospectus, will be identified in the applicable prospectus supplement or in a post-effective amendment to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.

General Information

We may have agreements with the remarketing firms, agents, dealers and underwriters to indemnify them against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, or to contribute with respect to payments that the agents, dealers or underwriters may be required to make. Such firms, agents, dealers and underwriters may be customers of, engage in transactions with or perform services for us in the ordinary course of their businesses.

To the extent required, this prospectus may be amended or supplemented from time to time to describe a particular plan of distribution. The place and time of delivery for the securities in respect of which this prospectus is delivered will be set forth in the accompanying prospectus supplement.

Each series of offered securities will be a new issue, and other than the common stock, which is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Chicago Stock Exchange and the Series B Depositary Shares, which are listed on the New York Stock Exchange, will have no established trading market. We may elect to list any series of offered securities on an exchange, but we are not obligated to do so. It is possible that one or more underwriters may make a market in a series of offered securities. However, they will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue market making at any time without notice. We cannot assure you that a liquid trading market for any of our offered securities will develop.

LEGAL MATTERS

The validity of the securities described in this prospectus will be passed upon for us by Baker Botts L.L.P., Houston, Texas. Jason M. Ryan, Esq., our Senior Vice President and General Counsel, or Monica Karuturi, Esq., our Vice President and Deputy General Counsel, may pass upon other legal matters for us. Each of Mr. Ryan and Ms. Karuturi is the beneficial owner of less than 1% of our common stock. Any underwriters will be advised regarding issues relating to any offering by Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP, New York, New York.

32

EXPERTS

The financial statements incorporated in this prospectus by reference from CenterPoint Energy, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 19, 2020 and the effectiveness of CenterPoint Energy, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting, have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their reports, which are incorporated herein by reference. Such financial statements have been so incorporated in reliance upon the reports of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

33

$1,700,000,000

CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC.

$700,000,000 Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2024

$500,000,000 1.45% Senior Notes due 2026

$500,000,000 2.65% Senior Notes due 2031

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

Joint Book-Running Managers

BofA Securities

Mizuho Securities

MUFG

PNC Capital Markets LLC

US Bancorp

Scotiabank

Co-Manager

R. Seelaus & Co., LLC

May 11, 2021