Exhibit 12

            CENTERPOINT ENERGY HOUSTON ELECTRIC, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
        (AN INDIRECT WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC.)

               COMPUTATION OF RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
                              (MILLIONS OF DOLLARS)

<Table>
<Caption>
                                                                               NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                                 SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                           --------------------------
                                                                              2005          2006
                                                                           ------------  ------------

                                                                                   
Net Income .............................................................   $       208   $       233
Income taxes  ..........................................................            90           114
Capitalized interest ...................................................            (2)           (3)
                                                                           -----------   -----------
                                                                                   296           344
                                                                           -----------   -----------


Fixed charges, as defined:

   Interest ............................................................           257           181
   Capitalized interest ................................................             2             3
   Interest component of rentals charged to operating income ...........             1             1
                                                                           -----------   -----------
   Total fixed charges .................................................           260           185
                                                                           -----------   -----------

Earnings, as defined ...................................................   $       556   $       529
                                                                           ===========   ===========

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges .....................................          2.14          2.85
                                                                           ===========   ===========
</Table>