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                                                                   Exhibit 99a

HOUSTON INDUSTRIES EXPECTS FIRST QUARTER CHARGE FROM BRAZILIAN DEVALUATION

HOUSTON, Jan. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Houston Industries Incorporated (HI) said
today that it expects to record a charge to first quarter 1999 earnings as a
result of the recent currency devaluation in Brazil. The charge will reflect
the impact of changes in the currency exchange value of the Brazilian real on
the foreign currency denominated debt (primarily U.S. dollars) of Brazilian
corporations in which HI has an ownership interest. The amount of the charge
will not be known until the end of the quarter.

HI's international subsidiary, Houston Industries Energy, Inc., owns an 11.69
percent interest in Light -- Servicos de Eletricidade S.A. (Light) and an 8.75
percent indirect interest in Metropolitana Eletricidade de Sao Paulo S.A.
(Metropolitana). At December 31, 1998, Light and Metropolitana had total
borrowings of approximately $3.2 billion denominated in foreign currencies.

At December 31, 1998, one U. S. dollar could be exchanged for 1.21 Brazilian
reais. If the January 25, 1999, exchange rate of 1.79 Brazilian reais were to
prevail until the end of the first quarter, HI estimates that its proportionate
share of the after-tax charge would be approximately $85 million. This estimate
does not reflect the possibility of additional fluctuations in the exchange
rate prior to the end of the first quarter and does not include other
non-debt-related impacts of devaluation on Light's and Metropolitana's future
earnings. Light and Metropolitana currently are evaluating options to mitigate
these impacts.

For additional information:  Randy Burkhalter,  (Investors) (713) 207-3115,
Sandy Fruhman  (Media) (713) 207-3123.

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Certain statements in this press release constitute "forward looking
statements" under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
Assumptions, expectations or beliefs about future events may vary materially
from actual results. Some of the factors that could cause actual results to
differ include (i) future currency exchange rate fluctuations, (ii) actions by
the foreign government and courts in connection with the enforcement of
concession agreements, (iii) the impact of local economic and financing
conditions on Light's and Metropolitana's future earnings and (iv) future
levels of indebtedness incurred by Light and Metropolitana. For a discussion of
other factors and qualifications relevant to forward-looking statements,
reference is made to Item 5 of the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarterly period
ended September 30, 1998.